Now What?: Learning and Learners in the 21st Century



       

 

Dr. Peggy Patterson was one of the keynote speakers for SFU's Summer Institute for 2012, and posed some interesting questions:  What? So What? Now What?  These are questions every educator should be asking themselves.  She brings learning back to our own practices, and what the implications are for our own learning and our leadership of the learning of others.  She spoke of the 3-dimensional framework of the learner, and about how the learner, learning and leaders all enhance the learning experience. 

When she spoke of the qualities admired in a leader (honesty, forward looking, competent, and inspiring), I reflected on the teachers/educators and co-workers that have been very inspirational in my educational and career pathway.  I feel that the leadership qualities she listed existed in each and every one of them.

While I was listening to Dr. Patterson, and thinking about my work within the health authority, I thought about how leaders build excellence. Excellence is “being all you can be” within the bounds of doing what is right for the organization, and to reach excellence, we must first be a leader of good character (honesty, forward looking, competent, and inspiring).  Excellence starts with leaders of good and strong character who engage in the entire process of leadership.  Once we are leaders, and start practicing the five practices of effective leaders (model the way; inspire a shared vision; challenge the process; enable others to act; encourage the heart), we are in a role to influence and educate others. 

Using Dr. Patterson’s words…How do leaders connect learners with learning?  In my leadership role, I will ensure I focus on the learner, and ensure I am part of the process that will connect the learning to the learner. 

 Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. - John F. Kennedy

Sunny skies of Goa...

Thirty-one degrees temperature and the ocean waves along the coastal beaches are undescribable.  Goa is known for its white sand, and I must say, the marine life along the beaches is something to see and experience.  Crabs walk along the beach, and starfish float elegantly in the waves.  Spending a week in Goa, midway through our 4-week vacation was perfect.  It gave us all a break from the very busy city life and quiet village living, and gave us an opportunity to relax. 

Goa’s tourism season is from October to early April.  The local merchants rely entirely on tourism for income and support, and there really is no other means to support themselves, such as harvesting or farming of crops due to the extreme hot weather conditions.  Although we stayed primarily on the resort, we did venture off the resort once to see the local shops.  As we caught the tail end of their season…the shopping was fun…but I must confess, bartering is a lot harder than it looks…and I am sure even when I think I have gotten a good deal...I am sure I am still paying way too much…lol…

India...

We departed on Sunday Feb. 26^th…to a 13 ½ hour flight to Hong Kong, 8 hour flight to Delhi, and then after a 10 hour drive…we finally arrived to our destination of Punjab, in northern India….and it was Tuesday Feb. 28^th. 

Initially, my boys were very overwhelmed with the differences between Canada and India…driving on the left side of the road, lack of adherence to the basic rules of driving, sharing of the road with everything from vehicles to horses, water buffalos, donkeys, and even camels and elephants.  They then noticed the inequalities of resources between different levels of societal hierarchical groups.  They could not believe that landowners lived in 3 story bungalows, and just outside of their front gates, the straw hut belonged to the “help”.  Social marginalization is very evident here, and is indicative of social status.

We initially stayed in the village with my mother-in-law’s relative's family.  With no internet, Playstation, or IPods to keep them entertained, the boys have spent time interacting with children from the village…and even their language deficiencies were easily overcome over a game of “football” (as that is what they call soccer).

After 5 days in the village, we headed to Delhi, and visited the Taj Mahal, and then headed to the sunny skies of the resort town of Goa.

 

Many times since arriving in India, I have tried to find information posted about “health education”, and I must say, have not found anything.  I have seen numerous business sponsorship billboards, but nothing related to health promotion or health education. 

On the other hand, active living is a way of survival in India.  Most people either bike or walk, and I have seen very few overweight individuals.  

One of my husband’s aunts is a registered nurse, and she explained there are numerous health promotion initiatives in place, but they are not openly advertised.  There are programs in place to support individuals with AIDS, as well as family planning programs.  When questioned about other programs, she stated programs like smoking cessation are just not priority enough for the government when issues like AIDS and population control are much bigger issues that need to be addressed.   When asked about the “beggars”, and whether support programs are in place for them, she stated that the government is fairly corrupt, and although many make promises to help the poor, nothing ever gets developed. 

This has been an excellent experience for our children, as books and pictures cannot do justice to what they have seen and heard since arriving in India. 

Kiran Bir Sethi teaches kids to take charge

Our family is heading to India in less than 2 weeks…and I find myself seeking resources about the education system in a third world country.  I am amazed how one woman can be so inspirational and change the life of one child at a time, in a country with a population of over 1.21 billion people (2011 Census).

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/kiran_bir_sethi_teaches_kids_to_take_charge.html

Kiran Bir Sethi shows how her groundbreaking Riverside School in India teaches kids life's most valuable lesson: "I can." Watch her students take local issues into their own hands, lead other young people, even educate their parents.

The founder of the Riverside School in Ahmedabad, Kiran Sethi has launched an initiative to make our cities more child-friendly

My Struggles...while working full time, completing a MEd program, and being a mother

Since starting school in September 2011, some of my biggest challenges have been around time management and prioritization as my personal demands and commitments all compete with each other. 
 

My week consists of 45+ work hours (9-10 hour weekdays) and then 10+ hours weekly on the soccer field with my boys…and that does not include time for homework (my boys, as well as my own), grocery shopping, meal prep, laundry, housekeeping…and the list goes on… and most importantly…family time.  I struggle, as a working mother, to balance children, marriage, household, career, education, and selfishly…some personal time for myself.  At times…I feel like I am drowning…and barely able to keep my ahead above water.

My husband and I have had to find a balance with including our children in everything we do…as time together is very precious to us.  I am very appreciative and thankful for the help of my in-laws, as without them…my life would have been even more complicated as I would have had to figure out car-pooling.

Some days, I struggle to get things done, but at the end of the day, I reflect about my family and am very appreciative of the little things we do with each other…and are creating memories.  When the boys will be older, I know they will remember me attending school…but I want them to remember the quality time we have spent together and supported each other.

I know I will never feel perfectly caught up on all things that I expect of myself.  Balance isn’t something I will necessarily find in my multiple roles, but it is something I am always moving towards.  Some weeks will be productive for school work, and other weeks may require more “parenting” depending on what the boys may be going through.  In the long run, I may be able to figure out how to balance everything that is important to me.

Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids

“Child prodigy Adora Svitak says the world needs "childish" thinking: bold ideas, wild creativity and especially optimism. Kids' big dreams deserve high expectations, she says, starting with grownups' willingness to learn from children as much as to teach.

“A prolific short story writer and blogger since age seven, Adora Svitak (now 12) speaks around the United States to adults and children as an advocate for literacy.”

http://www.ted.com/talks/adora_svitak.html

Olympic Development Training Program…

Our boys have played soccer since they were both 4 years old.  They play in the winter with the Abbotsford Soccer Association, and then play the summer league with Abbotsford United Soccer Club.  Our younger son plays on the U11 rep team, and our older son plays elite level soccer and was selected for the U15 2011-2012 BC Premier League team for the Fraser Valley.  Competition at his age group is very intense and physical fitness is of the utmost importance. 

In December, we were elated when we found out that Daimon was invited to the 2012 Olympic Development Training Camp being held in Tampa, Florida from Feb. 22^nd – 26^th.  In order to be selected to attend this camp, he has been identified as being among the top 2% players in his age group in all of North America.  The ODP nomination is a tremendous achievement, and Daimon will be placed in an intense training and competitive environment, and being given an opportunity to display his soccer talent and work ethic to collegiate and national team scouts.   

He will be reporting to the IMG Academy, home of the US U17 Men’s National Team.  The Olympic Development Program used the following components in identifying players for the camp:

·         Technique - A player’s individual technique on the ball and how it is applied to the demands of the game is the focus, i.e., passing on the ground or passing in the air.
·         Tactics - Each player is evaluated on how they carry out their individual and team tactics during the course of the game. More specifically how they adapt when defending, attacking, time, score and adjustments made throughout the game.
·         Fitness - Each player is evaluated by their speed/agility, strength/power, recovery and overall game fitness.
·         Psychology - Each player is observed on their positive attitude on and off the field.
 

I am encouraging Daimon to enjoy the exciting experience of attending the ODP training camp…and want for him to be just as proud of his accomplishments as we are.  We are very aware that our younger son is following his lead, and want to be able to support both their dreams and aspirations. 

Living Beyond Limits...

Very inspirational...

http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_purdy_living_beyond_limits.html

Think Different

“Everyone thinks of changing the world,

but no one thinks of changing himself.”

~LeoTolstoy

Be curious, be supportive, be accepting, be focused, be committed…

is a great start to shifting a mindset.

  Think different…be different.

Click here for a moment of inspiration…

   http://youtu.be/OPGZRfit71M

The Mane Event

I had very mixed emotions and thoughts about attending the Mane Event at Heritage Park on Saturday, October 22^nd, 2011.  I have been raised in a very traditional Indo-Canadian home, and horses certainly were not a part of that.  I have had very minimal exposure and interaction with them, and am embarrassed to confess...I have never even sat on or rode a horse.   I was also not sure on the connection between horses and curriculum and pedagogy, and thought many times…how is this day going to be productive being away from the class, when we only have 5 weeks left until the end of this course?

To prepare myself for the event, I needed to get a better understanding of what our “field trip” entailed.   I previewed the event at http://www.maneeventexpo.com/, and began looking forward to The Trainer’s Challenge, and appreciate the various teaching styles the trainers would be using.  I began looking forward to the day, and became very open to what I would be experiencing and seeing.  I was trying to relate what I would be seeing, and its application to my profession.  In my role in leadership, sometimes the creation and establishment of an authentic trusting relationship is not able to be established, as there never seems to be enough time.

In the Trainer’s Challenge, three Trainers will have 4 – one hour segments (spread over 3 days), and be judged on the following:  10% on the horse, 60% on the trainer’s ability to train the horse, and 30% on the trainer’s ability to educate the attendees, and at the end of the third day, the horse and trainer will have to complete a course.  We had the opportunity to witness the morning training session held on the second day.  The progression of the trust between the horse and trainer was unbelievable, considering they had only one hour of training the evening before. 

Steve Rother  (www.horseteacher.com)  is a true performer.  His presentation and performance certainly display his many years of experience and knowledge.  Initially, I found his training method (hitting the horse) difficult to watch, as my only experience with training an animal has been with dogs, and definitely saw some parallels between training a dog and a horse.  Because Steve was being evaluated on his ability to educate the attendees, I appreciated the information he was sharing with the audience.  I was amazed at how he progressed with his horse, and how much the horse trusted him.

Kade Mills (http:/kademillshorsemanship.jimdo.com) practices his father’s “training thru trust” program.   This program is built around clear communication with the horse.  I was fascinated at Kade’s “quiet” approach with the horse, and appreciated how the horse sensed his trainer’s style and mannerism, and reciprocated the same way.  As I observed Kade’s technique, I was amazed at how the horse was responding to Kade’s quiet approach, as well as how energy between the two worked.  It was remarkable to watch Kade simply read his horse’s behaviour...stamping of the foot, shaking of the head, dancing sideways, turning of the ears…and decide on how much to proceed with the training.

On reflection, I think it would have been amazing to have had the opportunity to watch all four training sessions that Steve Rother and Kade Mills were going to complete, as a part of the Training Challenge.  I am very appreciative of the opportunity of getting to watch the 2 - one hour sessions, as it certainly provided an opportunity that I would not have ever had a chance to experience.

Jonathan Field’s (http://www.jonathanfield.net) teaching is based on thinking the way a horse thinks, which keeps the horse interested in the trainer, and allowing the trainer to gain the ultimate relationship with a horse.

Jonathan wrote about the Mane Event on his Facebook that morning, “What a day yesterday here at the Mane Event. The theme that came through in my clinics was to develop a connection and gain the leadership without losing our horses desire to be with us so we can achieve what we want.”   He so simply states what is just unbelievable to watch…developing a connection, gaining the leadership, and achieving what we want.  On his website, Jonathan speaks about teaching to think the way a horse thinks, and how to keep the horse interested in the trainer, allowing the trainer to gain access to something very special - the ultimate relationship with a horse. 

The Mane Event has been a phenomenal, truly enlightening learning experience for me.  As I sat and watched the horses’ gallop, trot, and run with such grace, I am still amazed at what energetic, spirited, powerful, playful, beautiful animals they are.   I am very appreciative and thankful of the insight I have gained about myself and how I interact.  I am now aware that time has so little to do with the trusting relationship that is being developed, and I am now going to be very aware of the energy I am emitting, even if the interactions are very short. 

Why run?

Purpose:      

Running, either with a running club or on one’s own, is an excellent activity that can be self-paced or as competitive as someone makes it to be.  A running club provides structure, support, and guidance.  The purpose to run for me is to de-stress and relax after an 8 hour day of sitting at the desk.   The run provides time for me to reflect, and provide an outlet for me to release my frustrations and anxiety that I usually take home after a long day at work.  For me, running provided positive health benefits, improved fitness, and relieved stress.   I originally decided to run because it made me feel better, my stamina increased, and I started to lose weight.

 Applications to other practices and pursuits:

Running provides more rewards than people give it credit for.  Initially, it may be for the physical benefits, but one will quickly discover the less tangible rewards of running.  The solitude running provides allows for self-reflection and discovery of the inner self.  Some even achieve a meditative state while running. 

As you push your own limits, and exceed your own expectations, running provides a discipline of one’s own boundaries.  Testing and surpassing one’s own parameters provides the confidence and capability to overcome any challenge being faced.  Running provides exceptional vitality, a keen sense of purpose and tremendous energy for daily living.

Enabling conditions:

·         Running is free for everyone, and run clubs even offer no-cost drop in sessions at set times

·         Anyone can run

·         Runs can be done at any time of the day

·         Someone can choose to run in the privacy of their own home - using a treadmill, run at the track/stadium, or even choose to run locally on the roads/streets.

Limiting factors - social determinants and life course factors

·         An individual with limited financial support may not have the financial means to support this activity.  Financial support may be needed to obtain the equipment needed (runners), as well as provide for child care.

·         Lack of education about running would prevent someone from trying this sport.  Joining a running clinic costs anywhere between $50 - $75 per 12-16 week clinic.

·         Lack of understanding the basic running principles would inhibit someone from running with others.  A culture of understanding and respect amongst runners gets easily established, and would prevent someone from joining.

·         Individuals with health conditions may not have the resources to support this activity. 

People run for many reasons…some want to lose weight, and others want to improve their health.  Overall, running provides many physical, mental and emotional benefits. 
With regards to my commitment to this, I am constantly encouraging not only my friends and family, but also my co-workers to engage in this activity.  Maintaining a healthy work-health-life balance promotes effective working relationships, and thus, leads to success in all three aspects of daily living.

BMO Vancouver International Marathon 2008

Me and My Thoughts...

Health education and active living are important virtues that I am constantly striving to achieve and balance with my personal and professional life.  Health education is educating others about health, and empowering them to restore, maintain, or promote their health status and quality of life.  Active living is incorporating physical activity into daily routine.  As a health care provider, it is my role and responsibility to ensure I encompass both health education and active living, as maintaining health is on ongoing process.   

About Me

To sum it up…I am a proud mother of 2 boys – 10 and 14 years old.  I am also a wife, daughter (and daughter-in-law), sister (and sister-in-law), aunty, cousin and friend. Each of these roles have defined and shaped who I am. 

Work Experience

I have always wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember, and felt nursing was a profession that was meant for me. 

I have been employed with Fraser Health Authority for over 15 years, and have worked the areas of medical/surgical, palliative, labor and delivery, operating room, and community care. 

I have been in the community for the past 8 years, and have transitioned through the roles of Nursing Supervisor to Clinical Resource Nurse (educator) to Team Leader.  As a Team Leader, I provide leadership and clinical/administrative support to an interdisciplinary team, and am also involved with practice standards and quality improvement.  In my role, I lead a team of Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses that oversee 250 community health workers (equivalent of residential care aides) in the community.

I love being a nurse, and am doing exactly what I have always known that I am supposed to be doing.   

Career Expectations

I have been asked by co-workers why am I entering a Masters of Education program when I am already in a leadership role?  To be completely honest, completing this post-graduate degree is purely for personal growth.  The experience gained through my leadership role, along with a graduate degree, will only open more opportunistic doors if needed in the future.  At this time, I am enjoying the development and growth in my leadership role, and not sure whether I would take on the challenges of a managerial role.  Perhaps with the newly gained knowledge, I may feel different in the future, and will have to cross that bridge when I get to it.

HEAL MEd Expectations

I selected SFU’s cohort program based on its structure and curriculum.  Health education and active living have always been very important to me. 

With a Master of Education in Health Education and Active Living, I will gain scholarly knowledge, and be able to utilize it to address many of our issues at our worksite.  I want to learn how to implement health promotion, and utilize active living techniques to support our staff.

On an informal note…I am very excited about this program, and looking forward to the connections that have already begun. 

Active Living and Health Interests

Sense of Active Living

I grew up hating sports.  My parents’ focus was on academic curriculum only, and sports were non-existent in our home.  I developed my passion for running only about 8 years ago.  I joined a Learn-to-Run clinic, and realized that I enjoyed the solitude and peacefulness that running provided.  From there, I completed the 5K clinic, 10K clinic, half-marathon clinic, and the full marathon clinic.  I have completed 5 half-marathons, and 2 marathons.  The best feeling in the world is crossing the finish line of a marathon, and appreciating the challenges your body overcomes when challenged to run 26.1 miles (42.2 km). 

We are an active family.  Both my boys play soccer 3-4 times per week, and then we also work on their fitness as well.  My husband has been following the Body for Life regime, and exercises 5-6 times per week.  In the summer, we tried to do as many family activities that our schedules allowed…biking, hiking, swimming, and roller-blading, to name a few.

One of my challenges and biggest struggles is related to balancing my work and personal life, and being able to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.  I am also aware that exercising/physical activity has so many benefits – providing energy and strength, increasing endurance, increasing metabolism, and as an active person, being less likely to develop illnesses.  I am always striving to set a good example of healthy living to my boys, and at the same time, we look forward to the time spent together.

Health Interests, Concerns and Questions

I have battled weight my whole life, and have successfully kept off 90 pounds for the past 6 years.  I have lived the life of an overweight person, and understand the health concerns and risks faced by others in the same situation.  I was motivated enough to change my life.  I woke up one morning, about 7 years ago, and realized that I want to be an active part of my children’s life, and started my journey to lose weight. 

Being a nurse, I constantly see the many health challenges related to leading an unhealthy lifestyle.  As a society, why are we not being more proactive, and providing support to promotion and prevention of disease?  Our health care system is already so overburdened and unsustainable, and as health care providers, we still have to provide care for individuals that have made poor and unhealthy lifestyle choices. 

There are so many factors that influence those struggling with a health challenge, such as socio-economic, cultural, and educational factors.  As a health care provider, am I doing enough to address these concerns?  Are we empowering the individual to change, or are we just applying a “band-aid” solution, and hoping they can manage on their own? 

I have many concerns about our health care system, but realize we need to all support each other in this industry to make it sustainable.