Teaching and Learning Colloquium - Part 3

After the first and second round of the "Teaching and Learning Colloquium", the 3rd one came about, heading to the topic of "Flipping classrooms" and 'From hotel room to classroom". The 3rd series of the colloquium took place at KDU University College, Damansara Jaya Campus on 26th August 2011.

The colloquium gives a platform to teachers, facilitators and even students to learn and share on new and exciting ideas of teaching and learning as well as to discuss about new ways and methods to make learning more effective.

Mr.Alwyn Lau with all smiles, who is also spearheading the event. He is also the Manager of Teaching and Learning Centre.

3 speakers of the day, from left: Ms. Fong Wai Ling (Tutor, Language Dept), Ms.Chi Shian (Lecturer, I.T.) , and Mr. Leong Kuan Yew (Tutor, I.T.) taking on the topic of "Flipping Classrooms".

What do these 3 have in common?

They are former team members of SLATT 2011

Fresh ideas:

They have come together to share their research on using video to reinvent education. This idea was inspired by Salman Khan of "The Khan Academy". He made learning through videos and the method slowly became popular. This team has also conducted mini research using videos within their own classrooms too see for themselves if it has the potential to change the way they teach, traditionally.

The Salman Khan way:

Why does loading videos on youtube works?

- It is short, does not takes up a long period of time

- It is free

- Learning at their own pace, so that students would not be left behind.

- Reduce time in lecturing

- More time to cater to students individually

- Allowing students to replay parts they need repetition on

- Allowing students to freeze video frame

- Freedom to learn anytime, anywhere

Next speaker: Mr.Gurcharan Singh (Lecturer, School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts)

What more about Mr. Gurcharan?

First and foremost, he is a very witty person! He has more than two decades of experience in the hotel industry, having served in popular hotels such as "Parkroyal, Berjaya Timesquare, and Impiana KLCC".

His topic:

He took on the topic of "From Hotel Room to Classroom" where fresh ideas for education comes alive from a Hotel Manager. It is more on implementing an experience from a hotelier to the education industry.

Some of the things he shared on handling complaints and more about complaints.

-Listen with concern and empathy

- Go by priority

-Isolate the guest (Complaints are notoriously contagious)

- Show a personal interest in the problem (Using the guest name frequently)

- Give the guest your undivided attention (Avoid blaming any party)

- Take notes (This reassures the guest that you are taking initiative)

- Tell the guest what can be done and not promising the impossible

- Set an approximate time for your action (Be specific)

- Monitor progress

- Follow up

The colloquium is a great place and event where fresh new ideas on learning and teaching can be discussed among participants. From there, lecturers and facilitators can pick up a few points and implement them in their everyday teaching. Nothing beats improvising a good idea to a better one.