Reflections on MLS125
Posted on: August 24, 2012
The end of the teaching semester comes early for me.
While most of my colleagues are just starting theirs, I facilitated the last MLS125 class for the year [open Edmodo feed]. Hey, I started while my colleagues were on vacation, so it is only fair that I end while they have to teach!
But that does not free up the semester for me as I have a heavier speaking schedule than normal. Oh, and there is that being a head of CeL thing.
The end of every teaching semester brings me joy and sadness.
I am not happy that any course is over because I love what I do. I am happy if I know I have made a difference. I was particularly touched by the end of course reflections, the email thank-yous, and the encouraging words outside our classroom.
This semester was unusual in that I had a larger class than normal for MLS125. That made it harder to connect with more individuals.
But there was a dynamism about this particular group that was qualitatively different from my other batches. They were more ready, responsive, and reflective. They were more tech-savvy (as each batch of HOD ICT seems to progressively be.) They were also younger. Despite this, they had the wisdom more battled veterans.
As with each iteration of the course, I tried something a bit different while keeping the core the same.
I stuck to game-based learning as a shared experience for uncovering the principles of change management. I used flipped presentations as a means to get them to experience change from a learner’s and practitioner’s point of view. This time round I provided less scaffolding and updated a few resources.
What would I change about MLS125? I would make it even more experiential than it already is.
If there is one regret, it is that I am likely to lose the venue, the MxL, because it will be repurposed by the end of the year. While I could conduct the class elsewhere, the place embodies change with its flexible space and relaxing ambiance. The course is not likely to be the same if I have to move it elsewhere.
But this obstacle might be an opportunity. There are changes that you instigate; there are those that are thrust upon you. I will just have to rise to the occasion and take the opportunity to walk my own talk.
