U of T Scarborough Faculty and Librarians, are you trying to find time to work on an article, a book, a grant, a syllabus, or any another writing project that needs your attention? We hope to facilitate your writing endeavors at this monthly writing group for UTSC faculty and librarians. During these meet-ups, participants will be provided with a quiet, comfortable space, as well as focused time in which to write. We hope this will offer an opportunity to build a supportive writing group. Sessions are facilitated by Prof. Élyse Caron-Beaudoin, and questions can be directed to Eileen Egan-Lee, Faculty Development Administrator, at DeanHR@utsc.utoronto.ca.
REGISTER for one or more of the following dates: October 5 2023, November 2 2023, December 7 2023, January 11 2024, February 1 2024, March 7 2024, April 4 2024, and May 2nd 2024 from 2:00 to 5:00pm in the Ralph Campbell Lounge (BV380, beside the UTSC Bookstore)
What to bring to a writing meet-up?
For a successful writing meet-up, we suggest you bring with you: a laptop with charger, books and reference materials you may need, articles (printed, in PDF on your computer or USB key), pens and notebooks, music and headphones (if you want) and a reusable water bottle. Snacks and beverages will be provided on site.
The Pomodoro technique
Pomodoro means “tomato” in Italian. It is a time management technique designed by Francesco Cirillo at the end of the 1980s. It refers to the kitchen timer (in the shape of a tomato) originally used by Cirillo to delimit their periods of work and break. The Pomodoro technique is based on the idea that the more a task is important and complex, the more risks there are to sink into the maze of procrastination. This is why it is helpful to break this task down into concrete and time-bound steps.
Before each block of Pomodoros, we suggest you first identify realistic objectives to achieve (see SMART objectives below). Second, the writing group host will set the timer for 50 minutes. During this time, you will work on your objective until the timer rings. We suggest you refrain to work on tasks unrelated to your objective (e.g., answering emails and text messages). After the 50 minutes period, you will record what you accomplished and take a 10 minutes break to stretch, move away from your screen, grab a snack or something to drink.
SMART objectives
SMART objectives (Doran, 1981) is an approach meant to help set positive and achievable goals. It refers to: Specific (objectives should be straightforward and emphasize what you want to happen); Measurable (objectives usually have several short-term and on-going measurements so that you can see how you are doing in your aim to achieve them); Attainable (think about what is achievable); Realistic (Doing what’s ‘do-able.’); Timely (What is your time frame to achieve this specific objective?).
When and where?
Please register for the next meetings, which will be held 2-5 pm in the Ralph Campbell Lounge (BV380, beside the Bookstore):
- Thursday, December 7, 2023
- Thursday, January 11, 2024
- Thursday, February 1, 2024
- Thursday, March 7, 2024
- Thursday, April 4, 2024
- Thursday, May 2, 2024
We suggest you arrive a few minutes before 2 PM as the first pomodoro will start on the hour.