Fall 1999
Vol 8 Issue 1
IN THIS ISSUE...
Student Voices-Insights on Invaluable Learning Experiences
Taking Learning and Leadership Seriously
Redefining the Learning Environment
A Win-Win Situation for Everyone
Challenging Beliefs about Good Teaching
An Emphasis on Quality Learning
Involvement in the Teaching Process
Providing Support and Motivation
Learning at a Community College: An International Perspective
ASSIDERE
Getting Students Involved in Assessment
Students Sharing Their Learning
SEE ALSO...
The Labyrinth
Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction
Taking Learning and Leadership Seriously
by Becoming a True Faculty Learner
Naomi Story, MCC
Today is September 17, 1999, my last day as the District's Director for Learning, Instruction, and Assessment at the Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction (MCLI). John Nelson has asked me to write a final piece for the Labyrinth/Forum/Assidere. So, on this day of very mixed emotions, I thought I would try to "tick" this off of my task list as I reflect on my journey to Mesa Community College (MCC) with MCLI as my "trail head."
The Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction has been my "base camp" for years now. It has been a starting point for many faculty who have needed support. It is also a place for respite, a gathering of resources and ideas among colleagues who want to do majestic changes. The All-Faculty Convocation, Faculty Dialogue Days, the Labyrinth/Forum/Assidere, the MCLI web site, the monographs by faculty, experimental project opportunities, and other aspects of the MCLI have helped many, including me, to do those things that impress many colleagues outside of Maricopa.
The staff at the MCLI have always been attentive and willing to do the things that are cumbersome for those of us who dislike details, need our hands held, or want to explore with experts. From the inside, I have been privileged and fortunate to work with this creative and energetically warm staff. And on this final day, I am feeling like I did the first time I came to the "Mainland" from Hawaii. In fact, like my mother who packed me an "o-bento" of comfort foods from Hawaii for my first plane ride from Maui to Iowa, the MCLI staff gave me a basket of office comfort goodies for the journey to my new position as faculty director of the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) at MCC.
Here I am at Mesa Community College. I am learning much. For example, yesterday I learned from a brief meeting with some of the members of our Distance Learning Committee led by Steve Budge that it is not easy work to teach via Internet. The complexities and disconnectedness of the systems and tools can exacerbate the needs of dozens of students who expect instant individualized feedback.
I am also challenged by the creativity of faculty and their diverse content and instructional design needs. However, the joy is that the group learns and grows laughingly with their pains and tribulations as pioneers of change. In addition, as part of the CTL, I get to interact constantly with our Student Technical Assistants who are applying their skill and knowledge directly with faculty clients and real projects to develop and manage.
It's only been a month since I landed here at MCC. So, like the many student voices you will hear in this issue of the Labyrinth/Forum/Assidere, my senses of learning and leadership have heightened as a unique and active participant. My hopes are that more peoplefaculty, administrators, and staffsee themselves leading the Learning movement and not just defining learning as something that occurred in their past lives.
Perhaps, as I continue on my journey, I can share more with our Maricopa Learning Community.
