Critical incidents

1. Poor planning – There was less time put in the planning as to what each facilitator will do and for how long. This resulted to participants being overloaded as time to spend on each activity was not clearly indicated. Set outcomes were too much for one day considering and we overlooked at that as facilitators.

2. Impact of external factors – I realised that it is not that academics are not willing to transform in their pedagogical practices however there are many other factors beyond their control that hinder their transition to adopt innovative teaching practices.

3. Focusing on the outcomes - During the discussion, academics raised a lot of issues of which some were not related to the topics being discussed and beyond our control as facilitators.

I learned about the importance of opening the floor and let participants be free to talk about their problems. It was also interesting how my colleague handled the issues raised from what they seem as minor up to issues that we as teacher trainers do not have control over them. I learned the importance of continuous affirmation that "as a teacher trainer you are here to do the walk with them" inspired and kept the participants at ease.

Design Thinking infused with the Solution fluency approach was used to lead discussions, interactions and provide solutions to the participants during tutoring practice. What stood out for me was the level of engagement among participants, willingness to learn new things and hunger for technological strategies that will respond to the challenges they have in the classroom. Participants came with different views about the institutional learning management system, their students, and institutional processes. However, it was interesting to see participants helping one another with strategies to solve those problems.

The reality is academics go through a lot and as Teacher Trainer should be willing to listen with heart and use your mind to provide solutions where you can! Planning remained as the key in everything as discussions may take other directions. A skill to drawback participants to the main agenda of the day is crucial and it is what as a Teacher Trainer.