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Contributed by Sarah Grace on Workplace in 2023
No map? Then how now??!🧭🗞
Good morning everyone, as shared on EOC last Friday, I will be sharing my thoughts and experience during the 5 days with the help of some visuals and how we can make the best out of every situation.
My first course of 2023 was definitely something I will always remember. I mean, how did my watch survive the expedition without a map?
“The decline of memory and imagination due to the confused restlessness of modern life”
Kurt Hahn was not wrong about this! As we left ECC walking towards Bedok camp my students asked me how long will we take to reach our campsite. Like most instructors, I facilitated them in using the newly taught skills to find out the distance and duration. I was just as surprised as they are that the map was not brought out.
I told them that this is a problem as we needed a map to navigate our way using the appropriate route. After some process debriefing and facilitating the situation, they took some time to come up with a solution and thought of 2.
One, to send 2 representatives back to quickly get the maps from the store(which I was obviously against as it will split the group).
Second, to draw out the map knowing that we will be walking on the park connector(PCN) and there was one nearby. So they spent about 20 minutes drawing the map on their OBS Journals(resourceful! I didn’t even have to tell) to Bedok Reservoir, which was our first campsite.
Half the group initiated the drawing of the map while the others rested. Before setting off, I took this chance to process debrief the situation which was the first of their many learnings throughout the program. They eventually made it to the first campsite, Passion Wave Bedok Reservoir. That evening, before our night circle I tasked them to use the resources around them so that they are able to get through the whole journey. With the learnings from the afternoon, the students divide the task amongst themselves. They borrowed maps from other groups to include important streets/landmarks needed for the rest of the expedition so as to be as detailed as possible. Some were drawing maps, and some took notes on which landmark to turn or cross. Through this task, they had to communicate with each other making sure that they were heading in the right direction.
On Day 3, after dinner at The Red Cross Campsite, I was checking in on them and to my surprise, they were planning the route back to base and even came up with different routes for my approval. They also calculated the distance and time it will take them to get back to ECC. Day 4 went smoothly, I guess because they were more aware of the surroundings and the map they drew. We eventually made it back to ECC with stories to share & the tale of how they survived without the A0 Map on hand😅 Wow, what an expedition indeed!
Sharing some learnings:
As an instructor, it is easy to get frustrated when things don’t go the way you wanted or planned for. Give them a chance, it’s their first time and they are learning. Allow them to mend their mistakes by allowing them to come out with a solution. This is where they learn and as educators, be patient and guide them in the process.
Being on mainland program is not easy to get lost. It can get mundane doing it again and again as an instructor, this is where we should also challenge ourselves in doing things differently(and safely), just like what we tell them on page 11 of their journal about Comfort Zone theory. Strongly encourage trying out different framings/stories approaches. Make it exciting for yourself🤩
Lastly, seeing things from a different perspective, every problem has a solution. This situation allowed them to think out of the box, use whatever resources they can find around them, and apply them in the real world(Problem-based learning). In our circles, a few shared how this situation helped bond the team more and made them be involved in the process.
And that is all! Thank you for reading my lengthy post✌️✌️✌️
Using PCN Maps as reference
D2 Bedok Reservoir
Drawing map for the expedition to Red Cross Campsite the next day
Day 2 initial map, with added legend & toilet location!
D3 enroute to RCC. They took a wrong turn and turn back to go to the Bedok Reservoir Mrt to refer to the map
The goal was to walk through play corridor
Counting the number of overpass they have to look for before crossing
Cross checking to ensure they are on the right path
Playcorridor have a unique colour code, attention to details and looking out for such signs
Day 3, after dinner where they were planning the route back to base. self-initated (Y)
The upgraded map
The list of routes
Final circle, closure, where they drew both the highest & lowest moments the last 4 days..
King (16-20January 2023)
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