| |
|
| |
|
|
....................................................
|
|
|
|
| |
Creepy crawlies, frogs, flowers and a little post-it pad. What could teachers possibly learn from these items? This was what the teachers of Nanyang Junior College (NYJC) set out to discover when they went on a learning journey last December.
Instead of the usual year-end planning seminar held within the confines of the school, teachers and EAS staff of NYJC explored the Kranji Countryside, the Singapore Zoo, and the corporate quarters of Kinokuniya and 3M. It was a search for knowledge as they set out to learn more about these organisations known for their spirit of innovation and outstanding customer service.
|
Nanyang Junior College teachers having a ‘slimy’ good time at the Jurong Frog Farm.
|
|
Farming for Answers
The term ‘countryside’ may sound like an anomaly in a fast-paced modern city, but it was certainly a welcome change for the teachers to discover the rustic side of Singapore as they toured the Jurong Frog Farm, Aero-green Technology (Singapore) and Gardenasia. Amidst the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ from watching mating frogs cultivate ‘feelings’ for each other, and tasting locally-produced lettuce juice, there was the constant question “So what can I learn from all these?”
|
Mr Kenny Eng, CEO of Gardenasia, used the analogy of tree roots to encourage teachers to solve problems one at a time.
|
|
Mr Kenny Eng, CEO of Gardenasia, shared with us the challenges faced by Gardenasia and other farms in Kranji Countryside. He described how the “farmpreneurs” collaborated and diversified into agri-tainment to solve the problems of location, manpower, perception and resources.
He reminded the teachers that similar challenges faced by the college could be overcome if they synergised their efforts and possessed PHD —Passion, Hunger and Drive. Using the analogy of tree roots, Mr Eng encouraged teachers to solve problems one at a time, because the solution to one problem may bring about solutions to other problems.
Having a Zoo of a Time
Relaxed. Fun. Meaningful. These three words summed up the experience of the teachers who visited the Singapore Zoological Gardens. Whether it was getting up close and personal with snakes and creepy crawlies or going on a tour of the
animal hospital, experiential learning was the way to go in ensuring that the teachers had fun.
It was also a meaningful way of learning how the zoo had re-invented itself by
adding new attractions and programmes to ensure that visitors left with a great experience. Just as the zoo had transformed itself into a “Learning Zoo” to ensure that children had a more interactive experience, teachers also need to focus on students’ needs and make the classroom a “living classroom”. It was an inspiration for them to constantly try new methods of engaging the students so that their students enjoy learning.
|
Teachers got up close and personal with creepy crawlies at the Singapore Zoological Gardens.
|
|
Furthermore, because of the zoo’s ability to tap on the natural rainforest habitat and the climate, they were able to become a successful rainforest zoo. Similarly, the teachers were reminded that both the college and the students would thrive if they capitalised on their strengths and abilities instead of focusing on their weaknesses.
The teachers also concurred that in the same way that strong leadership boosted the staff’s morale and upheld the vision of the zoo, strong leadership at the college would also propel it to greater success.
Corporate Learning
Kinokuniya’s distinctive corporate philosophy served to highlight the teachers’ roles, and the commitment that they should have towards their duties and their audience, the students. In addition, many teachers agreed that the spirit of kaizen (the relentless quest for a better way) emphasised at Kinokuniya is essential in ensuring that they constantly improve their teaching methods.
Over at 3M, the teachers learnt that many of the innovative products at 3M were the result of the ‘dare to fail’ attitude encouraged by the company. Similarly, students need to be given the chance to explore, experiment and make mistakes, because many of these mistakes can be improved upon and turned into successes. Innovation can certainly be fostered among both teachers and students if the college believes in their abilities and embraces 3M’s commandment—‘Thou shall not kill any idea’.
PHD, maximising strengths, the spirit of kaizen…these lessons and many more provided much food for thought for teachers of NYJC as they concluded 2006 and planned for the next year.
|
|
|
