NSCC International

Hi my name is Lisa Francis-Charles and I hail from the lovely Island of Spice, Grenada. I was selected to be part of a team to travel to Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) for a study tour. I can speak volumes on how much this tour has benefited me as a lecturer and by extension my students. However, I would like to speak about the friendships and relationships that I have developed in Nova Scotia.

Often times when one relates traveling experiences, you would hear about the ‘beautiful places’ and while Nova Scotia is known for its rich history and breathtaking sights, I was far more intrigued by ‘ the beautiful faces’. From the very first time I met my NSCC colleagues, I felt like I was part of a family. Whether it was a facilitator, IT specialist, librarian or just the custodial staff I was welcomed with warm greetings. My days were filled with giggles and chuckles during mealtimes, work times and fun times. I am inspired to create a classroom environment that survives upon these qualities like diversity, love, fun and most of all learning.

Speaking of learning, the phrase "community of learners" is something that I have experienced at NSCC and is something that will stick with me. Learning can only occur if we take the time to truly evaluate ourselves. The ability to give honest and open feedback certainly helps to build others. Accepting feedback without qualms or fears demonstrates maturity and lifelong learning.

Lisa Francis-Charles
Faculty
T.A. Marryshow Community College (Grenada)

Greetings from Grenada. My name is Andrea McLeod, and I am one of the team from the T.A.Marryshow Community College, St. George, Grenada here in Nova Scotia to complete two CCEDP modules. I arrived knowing that I would be taking modules in ‘Facilitating Adult Learning’ and ‘Evaluating and Assessing’. I knew that I’d be lodging in the dorms at the Truro Campus, and I knew that it would be hard work. What I did not know though was what a great group of people I would meet, and how easy it would be to make some great connections and firm friendships!

The journey to Halifax was long and tiring, so on Monday morning I had hoped for a gentle introduction to the first module – no chance! Dave Freckleton made sure that we started as we meant to go on, at full speed. This proved to be an intensive, but very rewarding course which really made me think about the structure of my lessons, my delivery and content. My group became a second family, we laughed (and nearly sometimes cried) together, and I cannot forget the pearls of wisdom I departed the ‘micro teach’ sessions with. I now know how to inspect a wet suit, wash my clothes without shrinking them (great props Lisa), make apple sauce, and pull off a very convincing card trick. More importantly though I was reminded of how important the communication in the classroom is, thanks Audrey.

Week one was followed by a great weekend break in Halifax. Lovely strolls on the waterfront, good food at the Economy Shoe Shop, and shopping at the mall. ‘Historical Halifax’ has it all, and really knows how to entertain. The people are very friendly and helpful, and always willing to impart a gem of information about the region. It really is like home away from home, just without the blazing sun, but the good weather did make an appearance for a few days at least.

Week two was a little easier, dorm life was good, and new groups and acquaintances were formed. Again, in my group we bonded quickly and taught each other so much. The support was great, and many laughs were had along the way. The highlight for me was the seminar day, where so many assessment and evaluation techniques were shared, and I was forced to look at my course through fresh eyes. These two weeks have really been refreshing, and I cannot wait to put some of these new strategies into practice when I return. However, with the festivities at the waterfront for this last weekend and a fabulous day at Larry’s home on Sunday I’m not sure that I want to leave! Thanks NSCC for a wonderful learning experience.

Andrea McLeod
Faculty
T.A. Marryshow Community College (Grenada)

As a staff of the T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC), Grenada, I was excited when I learnt I was to be part of a team of seven (7) employees visiting Nova Scotia, Canada. Although this was not my first trip to Canada, it was my first trip to Nova Scotia, so of course I wondered if Halifax and Truro will be similar to Scarborough which I visited back in 1996. I am not sure if it is because of my maturity or the company but I have concluded that I am drawn to the life style of the people of Nova Scotia because of their kindness and warmth far more so than I remembered of the people of Scarborough. Again, back in 1996 I was still a teenager, so who knows, maybe if I visit Scarborough today, I might find out that all the people of Canada are the same, extending warmth and kindness to all they meet!

To return to the essence of my blog, TAMCC and the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) are working together to develop a curriculum in Cultural Studies which will be beneficial to our two countries and so as part of the team, four members of TAMCC have been selected to be trained in Facilitating the Adult Learner and five members were training in Assessing and Evaluating Adult Learning. These two courses are part of NSCC's Community College Education Diploma Program (CCEDP). To complete the training five members of the TAMCC team stayed at NSCC Truro’s Campus from July 14 – 26, 2013.

The conclusion of these training left me with the knowledge of how best to incorporate the BOPPPS method into lesson planning. This course confirmed to me, that to totally engage a class room of learners; facilitators need to employ differentiated learning. I am also armed with the different classroom Assessments and Evaluation techniques and methods of incorporating them into my future lessons. Preparing and delivering micro teaching lessons to other faculties and receiving and giving feedback has allowed me to grow stronger in my profession. I believe these new techniques will enable me to understand the current level of my learners and the ability to transfer additional information to them in a most efficient manner.

While the training impacted powerful messages and gave us new insights into many useful classroom delivery styles, assessment and evaluation methods; what was profound to me was the sincerity of the fifty (50) or more Canadian faculty members that experience the training with us. Not once were our suggestions not taken seriously or any recommendations ignored. We were treated as equals in and out of the classroom. Thank you to NSCC and the wonderful people of Nova Scotia. Hats off to our facilitators, Dave, Maria and Taralee!

Lorin Alexander
Faculty
T.A. Marryshow Community College (Grenada)

My name is Diana Louard and I was afforded the opportunity to be part of a team of two who journeyed from the beautiful island of St. Kitts representing the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College( CFBC).

One of the best experiences of my life. Adventure and learning, what more can one say. This experience and opportunity that I was given to be a part of the CCEDP course blew away all my expectations. The two week course consisted of academic sessions such as seminars, teaching, presentations and workshops which were led by team of extremely knowledgeable persons who were so willing to impart their knowledge to us.

The first week especially the microteaching lesson I must admit I learnt so much. To be assessed and to get feedback from peers and faculty reinforced what I knew but also helped me to look at myself not only as a teacher but also helped me to see through the eyes of a student. At the end of this session, I actually fell more in love with teaching. I am so anxious and excited to implement and apply some of the techniques and applications that I know will make me a better teacher.

Second week, was more relaxed, but just as insightful. Written assignments, reflections...Did I say reflections on seminars, evaluations...! I learnt about various assessment and evaluation techniques and the important roles these techniques have on the learning outcomes on the student.
With all the interaction I was able to share my culture with persons who might have heard about the island and I in turn learnt so much about Truro and Halifax.. This in itself was an added bonus.

The staff of NSCC was so helpful, always willing to assist in every possible way. The facilitators who shared their knowledge, experiences, feedback all of this were invaluable. The warmest, friendliest people I have every come across were the people of Truro and Halifax . To the persons who made this experience possible again I say thanks.

Am I willing to share experiences and knowledge? In a heartbeat!

Diana Louard
Faculty
Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (St. Kitts)

Yesterday morning I woke up at 6:15 and began preparing for my last day at Hanze. After turning in my bike and lock I spent nearly 40 minutes with other students reviewing as much information as we could and spitting it back at each other. When the 2.5 hour exam on the 13 sections we had to cover was over, we waited to present two major presentations worth 60% of our grades. After we finished, we walked 30 minutes back to student housing and then prepared for the 30 minute walk to the restaurant where all of the summer school students would have our last meal and drinks together as a group with the program coordinators.

On the walk to the restaurant we talked about what our favorite parts of the trip were, and I couldn’t pinpoint any specific experience. I thought about it and realized that even though it has been difficult sometimes and the workload constant, I’ve enjoyed my time here in its entirety. I came here specifically to move outside my comfort zone, push those barriers and challenge myself, and grow as a person. I am taking all of this experience gratefully. The people who shared it with me are amazing and I don’t know if I could have come as far as I did without them.

Would I take this program again? In a heartbeat.
Would I recommend it to others? Without hesitation.

Emily Sharpe
Business Administration Student
NSCC, Pictou Campus