Reflections

Current visit of UMass Amerst is a memorable experience for me in many ways.  I met different people, ate different kind of foods, visited different places and learn about teaching pedagogy. Those people I used to think are my friends have shown their really faces to me.

Course work:

undoubtedly, the course work was intensive which allows me to gain knowledge in a limited period of time. Many subjects were offered during the course study such as, Capsim, Blogs, learn and teaching pedagogy protocols. I love the Blog sessions and learning/teaching sessions most. I do not remember a single day  when I met  Becky Mezouar and did not learn something new in terms of teaching, students interaction and active learning. I learn from Becky class most because she responded to my queries very well. She had fair enough knowledge about both Pakistani cities and culture, and provided an intensive feedback on my submitted case.

Blogs are quite innovation way of social interaction. I will use Blogs for my course in Pakistan; I am sure that my students will like it.

Group:

We achieved certain tasks while working in the groups. I was been in three different groups during the study period. I personally have no problem with group and tasks. while working in groups allowed me to learn many things from other people experiences, too. While working with Gul parna, Zia and Humaira are most interesting experience for me.

Challenges:

I got into some health issues. Many time,  I experienced allergic reactions which I usually do not.

NEW Friendships:

Networking was one of biggest opportunity I got in UMASS. I met people from different nationality such as Americans (trainers and mentors), Argentina (students) and African (professors). Our Mentors are our new friends. I met a Argentinean Girl Maria who is my new feminist friend.

Social Activities : 

Always, I used to participate actively in classes during the study course. However, I was quite passive in social activities.

I can not forget Becky Holland support for us (particularly for females) to participate in different social activities. She is a very strong woman with a leadership role. She inspired me in many ways;  she taught me the lesson of being myself. I never ever dance before in my life; first time I dance was in Monkey Bar.  Attan is traditional dance of Baluchistan, but i never did before. This traditional dance is usually performed female group and  male group separately.  In Monkey Bar without gender discrimination we performed the dance  together that was amazing.

Becky was the one who let me get out of my shell and participate in social activities. I embraced myself to the available opportunities in UMass. Thanks to her.

Impression of the United State of America:

During my stay in UMass I saw many cultural difference between USA and Pakistan. Being a female and a feminist (researcher) I believe that American society is quite open to diversity such as age, gender, race, culture, religious and sexual orientations. I really like this aspect of US culture that is not the same in Pakistan.

In America, I got better opportunities for socialization and mobility (travel). During my stay I was not excluded in different social events and interaction with others that is quite often missing in the context of Pakistan.

I like American universities that are rich and privilege in terms of finances and knowledge. Teaching through case studies and Active teaching styles were open new door of learning for me.

US Weather  was a bit challenging issue for me, particularly allergic reactions.

Missed about Baluchistan:

I missed nothing particular about Baluchistan just miss my old father who is living alone back at home.

 

 

 

 

Ken’s Blogging sessions with your students: Part 02

In thinking about what we have done in this course, what will work for the students’ course and what won’t work? 

Now a days, back in Pakistan, our many students are  quite good at using social media E-tools (technological tools). I have observed that students have Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter accounts. Most of the time students are  chatting with others while using What’sup. I can guess that students will enjoy the blogging sessions (as we are doing) because word-press is user friendly tool.

A few things can be challenging for them such as posting photos ( a bit technical stuff) and writing good piece of English text.

we do not much use Apple’s operating system back in Pakistan. Microsoft operating system is very popular among people in Pakistan. Students might not feel comfortable with use of apple.

 

Please share what you want the students to reflect about their experiences while they are here?

I would rather want my students to socialize as much possible, take photos wherever they go. Then write a story about their travel (journey) and share with other students in Pakistan. Particularly, they should look at the cultural similarities between differences between both USA and Pakistan.

 

How do you think students will react to blogging?

I am quite sure that students will love the blogging sessions as we did. Blogging Session might be new for them. We do not use blogs usually for educational/ or communication purpose in Pakistan, but it is not boring at all. Blogging session will soon grab the attention of students and they will perform well.

What advice will you give them about blogging?

I will advise my student to reading the questions asked by KEN carefully. Take their time and give a logical (honest) answer to the asked questions.  Do not use blogs for negative comments or get too much critical towards other opinions. If they face any language barriers (in writing or understanding questions)  or technical issues related to word-press straight ask KEN for the help.

What else should I know before I start the blogging Sessions?

Please make sure that each student accepted the word-press invitation. students have made their id’s and passwords.

Using Apple operating system can be a potential challenge for the students.

 

 

 

Assignment 02: Syllabus for students

Describe what is be blog?

A blog (also called a weblog or web log) is a website consisting of entries (also called posts) appearing in reverse chronological order with the most recent entry appearing first (similar in format to a daily journal). Blogs typically include features such as comments and links to increase user interactivity. User of Blog can include some photos to express his/her views.

Explain how you will use it in your course?

After explaining and developing a blog page for student I will ask them to check their organizational Behavior course outline on the blog. Course outline and attendance sheet would be available on the blog, only. In this way they would be compel to check the posts and other updates related to the course on the blog.

 

What are the students expectations for contributing to the blog both post and comments?

our students are quite good at using the smart phone technology. Students are expected to submit their assignments through the blog. Students must post their views about the organizational behavior next coming topic, prior to the class on the blog. Tutor might raise an question related to their thoughts and they can read other people views on the topic too. Only constructive comments are going to be posted.

Barriers of students access to technology?

I do not particularly view that technology or access to technology is an issue for my students. In Real world, students might have issues related to unavailability of electricity which is observed throughout Pakistan and many universities including us. Sometime, backup system ” generator” is available in the department but not in every department. Students those are  living in university Hostel can suffer most than others. As university hostels do not offer consistent electricity supply and computer facilities that can effect the blog session effectiveness.

 

In general, most of the time I have seen that students have smart phones and quite aware about the technological stuff.

Lunching the Blog for my course can be a novel experiences for students. Students usually do not like paper based stuff and enjoy those material similar to text messages ( Blogs), Photos and prompt comments/responses of teacher that  are available to read from their own comfort zone.

Case study

case studies reading and writing is a novel experience for me. Going back towards creative writing along following the research academic norms are really unique experiences.

I was previously been in British academic context and met several good teachers around the world. However, Becky Mezour is one of the best teacher/trainer I ever met. she knows how to teach by using most effective teaching techniques. I am passionately waiting to attend Becky’s coming classes, too.

Hope by the help of Becky, I will able to complete a good piece of case study for my students.

Startup Exercise

Not easy at all.

Hassan is lovely guy and share different entrepreneurship experiences around the world with us. He engaged us to start up our own business and we talked to many people down to the town. We have finalized the idea and now working on next step that is approval of our business model from investors. we are Negotiating for funding and our business is in the process.

Entrepreneurship Education

Since I came to UMASS, I gone through different courses or training programs i never attended before. These are Blogging sessions, Effective learning Strategies, Capsim simulation training application (and implications)  while using the lenses of Entrepreneurship. First time, I learnt too many new educational stuff in such a limited time, that is proof of this program success.

I found , all teachers/ or course leaders are highly qualifies, quite open to accept the new ideas from different culture, and push our limit. Although, several times I was out of my comfort Zone but learn along and enjoyed more. NEW York trip was lovely.

Overall, environment of UMASS is learning conducive and welcoming toward new ideas. I love the food: and  accommodation facilities are good, too. My focus is to learn and using my learning out in coming classes back in Pakistan. I will definitely develop the course  outline related to case study and amend the Entrepreneurship existing course outline (offered by our department).

Blog for Management class

How can blogs be used to complement your in-class discussion?

• I would create a blog for my teaching course.  I would explain to students them how to enrolled into the course blog and how to use it.
• Students would be able to see and access last relevant articles, lecture slides, quizzes/ assignments marks through blogs. lecture will be delivered in the class but tutorial material can be access and answer back through the blog. In order to make the blogs interesting teacher will post video’s and other business related  New’s on the blogs.

what limitations would blogging have for your classes?

• unavailability of electricity in Baluchistan and students limited access to internet can be drawbacks to use the blogs.

What would be your expectations for students participates in blogging?

• Students like the modern ways of communication and they would like the idea of blogs. In order of make Blogs effective, it would be mandatory for students to enroll with course Blog.
• Lecture feedback and assignments will be only posted by the Blogs
• Blogs will be used as source of learning, learning through others experiences and share new ideas related to the course.  students are suppose to comments on other participants blogs too.
• Any question raised related to the lecture or class would be asked through blog.

How would grade your students on participation.

Ten marks will be fixed in course evaluation for the student who used the blog 5 times at least during the course

 

Assignment Part 02:

What are your learning that is the most new to your? What do think about it?

The courses offer to us in UMASS, are entirely new for me. These are Blogging sessions, Case study, and  Capsim are quite innovative too . one of the course , Capsim,  I never heard about it before coming to UMASS. Still it is a fun.

What things are you learning now that is the most challenging for you? why? what are you doing to make it less challenging?

• At this stage of the program non of the course is most challenging but are more fun now.
• Caspsim was challenging for me. It is entirely new software and decisions were mainly based on finance. After taking first class Capsim become less challenging due to intense group discussion and group work. Group based activities allow us to solve the challenging problems in collective way.
• I do not particularly view if there are some challenges. It is well designed/structured and equipped program.

Interview with Carol

 

Who is he/ she?

I taken an  interview with Carol. Carol is in her 60’s ;  full of life and very welcoming. As a foreign person,   she was quite open and accepted my invitation for interview swiftly, that was surprising.

What does Carol do for living?

Carol is working at

“Cooley Dickinson Hospital Imaging as histotechnologist . I have been working over 37 years“. 

Where do she lives?

Carol  lives in Amherst Pelham Massachusetts,  in a isolated but beautiful area. She lives alone after separation with her partner. sometimes her son Petter visits her.

Carol: ” I love Pelham. it is quiet place” 

she loves Pelham because there are lot of hiking sites available there. she is an active lady and keen to do hiking and walking most often. Due to some of her health issues she is not much involved in the hiking but whenever possible she engaged with hiking activity.

Carol : ” I do Hiking and a lot of Gardening , I grow vegetable that  i  just love all of them . I enjoy all close hiking trails nearby”

Ask other thing you want to know about USA?

I asked the question about social/ community based diversity in Pelham. Carol can see a lot diversity in her community. she think, there are lot Lesbians live in Pelham then anywhere else in USA.

Carol is engaged with community based meetings in Pelham.

Carol: ” you know we have town home meetings, i like the gathering and we grow vegetables too.There are many cultural places a here to see. I hope you might have a plan to visit those places. It is nice to visit Survival centre here”

Carol also like the Pakistani group from UMASS who currently visited her house for the Barbecue Party.

Carol: “ I think you are fun and lively. I love your singing, dancing and enjoying. Everyone of you are quite educated, you know”. 

Further, I asked Carol if she is get invitation to visit Pakistan, will she come?

Carol: “yes I do, I will come”.

Carol does not know much about Pakistan and what are the nice place to visit but if she get a chance will visit Pakistan.

Carol: “I do not know much about Pakistan. My son was been in Iraq and we heard too many things about Iraq but he love it”. 

Finally, I conclude the the interview with Carol Permission. She thought nothing is left to be asked in interview because I covered up most of the things.

 

 

 

 

 

Why I am teacher?

It is interesting and self-challenging question. I am a teacher; because some great teachers come in my life. What I guess is, teaching is a only way that allows me to learn more and share learning opportunities with others.

Where did you find the inspiration to pursue teaching as a profession?

Answer of this question is given earlier. I am fortunate enough to been in great universities and professors around the world. My PhD Supervisor Professor Mustafa Ozbilgin ( Brunel University, London) is one of the strong source of inspiration for me. Mustafa is a passionate teacher and researcher for those who do study organizational behavior.

What benefit do you receive by being a teacher?

There are many benefits by being teacher; although, defining “benefit” is hard. I believe benefit is  socially constructed and can be perceived differently by individuals. I would stick to the subjective conceptualization of benefit rather .As a teacher one of the benefit is stay young because each year many young people come in teacher’s  life; while interaction with them keep me young, too.  Furthermore, teaching profession gave me many travel opportunities ,  visit different cultures and understand their patterns of knowledge generation. I feel blessed by being a teacher .