Epiphany

FLIP FLOP “a decision to reverse an earlier decision”

I have come to point within my vocation where quite recently I have had an epiphany.... I know how clichéd! However, Right up to recently I have very rarely reflected much on work related issues? I have flown under the radar, have not ruffled feathers and have done just enough to do the job adequately and go home without a second thought. I’ve always been of the mindsets that “If it’s not broken than why fix it? “

I work in the education sector as a Trades (Carpentry/Furniture & Joinery) trainer. This requires me to constantly implement industry driven changes, improvement and development in course related materials, activities and assessment. The mindsets that “If it’s not broken than why fix it? “Simply is not acceptable in this environment where training and fostering individuals to a high standard is necessity. Eventually when individuals move on from our tertiary training organization, the ideal is that they leave with an experience and qualification that is relevant to the industry they wish to enter.

I have been content to deliver practical projects that somewhat may be considered outdated. For example students are required to make a CD rack. Although some students do have extensive collections of CD’s others do not have CD’s, with the introduction of mp3 players. The latter should not be hamstrung with having to build a CD rack when they have no use for them. I have observed in class that because the latter have no use for the CD rack, enthusiasm and the standard of workmanship takes a dive. This results in poor marks, lack of enthusiasm in which could possibly lead to poor retention and attrition issues etc.

With the above issues in mind, I drew on advice, expertise, experience and ideas from colleagues in my faculty, to come up with new assessments. Together we came up with a range of practical projects that are relevant to the learners and have the ability to spike the interest of all students.

So to elaborate on the “EPIHANY” while brainstorming and developing the new projects which are in their prototype stages, the process has made me “FLIP FLOP” in the way I have been approaching my job. It unexpectedly has lit a fuse of enthusiasm in me and I’m excited about developing these new initiatives and implementing them into the course I deliver.

FLIP FLOP “backless sandal held to the foot by a thong between the big toe and the second toe”

Chuck on your FLIP FLOPS and journey through this process with me. This blog is a reflective journal that will detail Development, Planning Implementation and Evaluation on the 2 new projects.

1. Letter box
2. Coffee table