This week, we embarked on our first group assignment - the design probe for NUS lectures theatres.
If you asked me, I think we should have more seminar classes – one of the reasons why I enjoy modules like NM4210 and all my other business modules a lot. The class is much smaller, and somehow, people are much friendlier. Sure, lecture theatres are efficient in teaching large numbers of students within the same period of time, but teaching and the consequent learning are two different ball games. I find myself learning much more in seminar classes. The atmosphere is much more stimulating and interactive but of course, all the above have to be nicely wrapped up with a great lecturer that teaches, not preaches (which is often the case for lecture theatres).
Ok, enough of ranting. I’ve brought out several factors in creating a positive learning environment:
- Place
- Students
- Lecturer
- Content
And there are two more noteworthy points that we uncovered in the design probe process:
- Time
- Technology
I shan’t bore you with the details. In fact, what you should really do is to go download the .mov file that we uploaded. I promise you, it will be like a zillion times more interesting than textual ’cause we shifted from the norm by presenting our research results in the form of a radio talk show (affectionately named Get Red-dy).
It was hard work – nightmare is an understatement – especially for Alvin who had to piece up the audio recording and the powerpoint slides together. But Alvin, Boon and I for sure had a hilarious time doing recording. A pity we couldn’t insert the NGs into the submitted file ’cause the file size was like 34mb already.
This is what we proposed eventually – a 3 degrees cyclic model, which underlines lecturer’s initiative, student’s empowerment and technology.
We started with the design probe of the lecture theatres but realised in the end, quite honestly, the physical environment only serves as an enhancement/bonus in creating an ultimate learning experience. Rather, there should be on-going involvement of lecturer-student Interaction by introducing appropriate contents (activities) to build interest; the level of interactivity (low/medium/high) should be adapted to match the content.
One more thing I take away, I certainly do NOT have the flair of radio DJ.
Tags: design probe, emotional framework, LT experience, norman
