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Over the last couple weeks I have come to appreciate more the concept of the "learning Organisation". I have experienced at NSCC through its CCEDP the real value of peer sharing and peer assessment. Having taken the course on assessment and evaluation I am now armed with a number of CATS which will allow me to be a better teacher and definitely enhance the teaching/learning process.

Not only did I learn some mechanics of assessment and evaluation but the teaching methodology allow participants to interact with each other and share their knowledge etc. This allowed me to experience the warmth and hospitality of Nova Scotians and dispelled any doubts in my mind that this partnership will really be a great learning experience. From the food at the cafeteria, the drinks at the pub (voluntarily paid for by participants), the rich discussions at the table which was not always course related, all added to a tremendous experience so far.

I say kudos to those who were imbued with the wisdom to choose NSCC as a partner and long live the relationship between our two institutions. I hope that this good work that has started will have a fruitful completion.

Michael A Noel
Lecturer and Associate Dean,School of Arts And Sciences
TA Marryshow Community College (Grenada)

They say that there are more questions than answers and I had enough questions to fill an extra piece of luggage. What happened next, I did not anticipate.

I was introduced to the idea of Strengths based Leadership in previous conversations with Claudine and I had to take the test in preparation for the Leadership Training Forum. This was a frustrating exercise! I needed time to weigh the options before making an appropriate selection. But before I could do so, the allotted twenty seconds elapsed. I was convinced that I flunked the test. Then the results came, I am Deliberative.

Thus began the Journey – literally. A small group of strangers, telling stories, many times beginning with the words, “I never told this to anyone before…”. Was it the genius of Claudine, the intimacy of the red van, the warmth of our hosts, or the trinkets on the tables? I may never be able to tell. What I do know, each person got the opportunity to exhale. What’s more, we all took in a new, deep breath of fresh air. Inspiration!

I fully recognize and thank everyone for making the visit of the seven (7) member team from TAMCC a resounding success. In addition, I will use this blog to document the persons who participated in the Leadership Training Forum: Claudine Lowry, Katie Orr, Hermia Anthony, David Fleming, Janet Byrne, Bobbi Dunham, Craig Collins, Kevin Quinlan, Dave Freckelton, Greg Russell, Sheila Mac Crimmon, and Zoran Kondali.

So I leave, still with questions, a different set of questions, but I don’t need the extra piece anymore.

Irwin Abraham
HR Manager
TA Marryshow Community College (Grenada)

Leadership learning forum woo

Christopher Columbus by his miscalculation of the earth's diameter ended up in North America and the West Indies, yet he made claim, in absolute "disregard" for the native people. To say the least Halifax and Grenada have that much in common. For that reason I take liberty to assert to having come into practical contact with a phenomenon that would henceforth impact my modus operandi as a leader at TAMCC as well as in my personal life.

Far from the learnedly team of people at NSCC, with whom I have now developed such collegiality and fraternal relationships, further from the exciting and picturesque Province of Nova Scotia, I have experienced real power in the creative design of space for effective learning. If the learning environment which Claudine, ably supported by Bobbi, created, and in some instances had happen by sudden inner impulse, was influenced by how she perceived our expectations, then her logic is a replication of her sensitive understanding of the aesthetic value of the principles and activities that facilitate effective learning. The learning space in which we worked added a whole new dimension to made certain of learners success

The daily reallocation and reconfiguration of the space in which we were to work was in itself energizing and the inspiration I got to share and hear was something unfamiliar. The entire experience has taught me even more how to appreciate coming out from battle, battered and lethally wounded by the shrapnel of knowledge thrown out by the powerful explosion of leadership stories and innovative thoughts. This was the character of the active and collaborative sessions that permeated the unofficial-styled leadership learning forum.

This was great Claudine, Bobbi, Katie, Janet, Craig, Dave, Kevin, Greg, Sheila, Zoran, Hermia, Irwin, and with meek turtle-like compliance I plead guilt for the sin of pride in my input in such a rewarding exercise.

David Fleming
Dean, School of Continuing Education
T. A. Marryshow Community College (Grenada)

Hello everyone. I am Marlene Abraham-Finlay, and I am from Grenada – the Spice Island of the Caribbean. I am part of a seven (7) member delegation from the T. A. Marryshow Community College, and was privileged to participate in two of the CCEDP courses - “Facilitating the Adult Learner” and “Assessing and Evaluating Adult Learning”, at the Truro Campus.

The journey began as we engaged in our first group activity – identifying issues teachers face in the classroom. We quickly realized that it didn’t matter which Community College, campus or discipline we represented, the challenges were similar (maybe even identical). We could all relate; the platform was set.

I can vividly remember the micro-teaching sessions. They were so creative, informative and interactive. Who would have thought that so much could be taught in just 10 – 12 minutes? The feedback was meaningful and rewarding. Thank you Cathy McLean (our facilitator), Jill, Rick, Nikki and Dennis! You were a great team!

Our second course reinforced the need to ensure that our lessons are outcomes based; to create classroom environments where the teaching strategies, assessment and evaluation techniques are all aligned and geared towards ensuring that learning takes place. Emphasis was placed on the need for self-reflection and peer assessment (feedback). The seminars were remarkable.

As great as the classroom sessions were, the best part of this experience has been the interactions with the NSCC staff and faculty, as well as the people of Nova Scotia. From our first meal at Murphy’s (Truro), to our chats in the cafeteria, the time you took to share with us the culture and history of Nova Scotia, to Paul who was always willing to help with our IT needs, to our facilitators (Dave, Taralee and Maria), to a splendid lunch at Larry’s. You embraced us and made us feel welcome, part of your ‘family’. Thank you, NSCC! Thank you, Zoran – we couldn’t ask for a better host!

As a member of faculty and an administrator, I am leaving here enriched; and eager to share the techniques and strategies learnt with my staff and faculty.

Marlene Abraham-Finlay
Dean – School of Applied Arts and Technology
T. A. Marryshow Community College (Grenada)

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)