Continuous Improvement
I have been teaching quality management to students for many years. Honestly, it is my favourite subject to teach as well as to learn (of course). This particular course has changed my perspective in life in order to be a better teacher and better yet a human being. Again, it is never ending process. In addition to the feedback that I gather to further improve my skills and student experience in class, I try to make sure the class is always current. This is done through the assignments/projects given to the students. I am expecting student to be independent in searching the current knowledge to bring to the classroom. The knowledge will be shared through video presentation (due to COVID 19) or live presentation in the classroom (in normal face to face classroom).
Additionally, to stay current, I don’t depend 100% on the textbook to teach. We know textbook may be a little bit outdated sometimes because of the long publishing processes. Hence, search engines especially google will be a good teacher too. I take the opportunity to invite google in my class. I have embedded in-class activities by using google for the student to seek relevant information. This is really interesting to me and the student too. By doing this method, the knowledge is much richer and fun.
Oh, I forgot to mention the fun side of the class. I am not a funny person, but I try to be funny sometimes because I believe this creates interest to the class. Simple, when the students are happy, they will learn MORE. The in-class activities are done to create the funny side in the classroom. An example would be my assignment on producing and selling a recycled product in the class. This is to teach the production and selling parts of the Operations Management, Quality Management and Supply Chain Management concepts. It took 3 separated classes to make it happen. The first class is on the production planning, the second class is on the production itself, and the third class is on the reflection or continuous improvement. The 2nd class would be the most chaotic one. The learning process happen in this experiential learning among students in the enjoyable environment. So, this is my style of teaching. I practice in all of my classes to create memorable experience to me, and more importantly to my beloved students.
My last words of wisdom, as a teacher, we make the learning process happen in our own way. But, we customize our way to fit the student’s needs and wants. Both should work together to achieve one common goal that is Learning.