Laidlaw LiA Reflection Week 4: Breakthrough

This week, things took a change of pace from the last 3 weeks. As things are getting closer to the end of the program, we have finally concluded all of our teaching sections for the module this week. We have moved on to the 2nd section of the module, which is also the end goal and requirement for our students to submit via this program which was prototype development and pitching the prototype by the end of week 6. 

This week was basically the beginning of the testament to what we have taught our students the past 3 weeks. The students are required to think critically and brainstorm a prototype design which is inspired from their own concerns in sustainable agriculture and apply their technology knowledge in their design. Reflecting upon our classroom activities this week, I would say that this week was much more hectic compared to our teaching weeks, as it required much more involvement from both the students and us scholars as instructors, as each student has a unique design which requires all of the instructors' expertise to guide and remaster said designs. 

For me, this week was definitely a breakthrough, as I was able to see some of the students really excel from the cohort. Those who put a lot of effort and time into their design really stand out compared to the rest of the cohort, while others who need to catch up can sometimes be dragging or inhibiting the flow of the class. 

As an instructor, this difference in pace between different students can sometimes be frustrating and pressuring at the same time. Realistically, by the end of this week, the students will only have around 6 more days to finish the prototype. Thus, I and my fellow instructors were exceptionally frustrated by some students who were often absent from the class and did not even have anything to start with prototype-wise during this week.

However, as the students were required to have a working prototype by the end of the program, this also became our responsibility. This forced us to partially work on these “problematic” students’ designs in order to make them catch up in time once they are back in class. 

After reflecting upon all this, it allowed me to have a greater appreciation for the students who are willing to work extra and put effort into their work. This also made me have a much higher appreciation toward teachers in general, as it reminded me of how hard being an actual and proper teacher who leads the class on the daily is. As a scholar, our challenges this week further challenged our scholar values, especially being determined, extraordinary, and fast. 

Lastly, I also realize that at the end of this week, we were slightly behind our target schedule, which means we will have a busy week ahead. I am excited to face the challenges ahead and grow more as a research and leadership scholar. 

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