Learning without borders

Practice of  Workplace Learning II
Reflection (Group Process)
4 October 2006
Taken by :  Arlyn Bael
 

Before the start of the business meeting, I noticed that everyone was eager to hear each other’s anecdote or activities done during the school holidays. Personally, I find this is important to set the mood of a friendly atmosphere and the group members to feel at ease with each other.  This is also a way to improve camaraderie of the group. The group was also happy to embrace back Gary as part of the team.
 

Everyone seemed so comfortable with the group as shown in their willingness to take role and  responsibility during the meeting. This was  evident as Bianca volunteered to be the minute taker and Arlyn as the process reflector.  Cecilia just turned out to be the initiator of the discussions as she kept on asking leading questions to generate ideas and participation from the group. It just happened automatically without being told to.
 

Basically, the group has becoming aggressive during the discussions on how to go about the actual conduct of the workshop. More attention was put on planning and the details of the workshop. Seemingly, there was a clearer vision of the “Big Picture” and better understanding of the workshop plan.  I also noticed that Gary seemed silent from the start of the discussion being away from several meetings but later started to ask some clarifications on the contingency plan. He was also asking about the  topic of the workshop and how it is to be done. Beth and Laraine were more than willing to answer the questions raised and explained to Gary as to the development  and  updates with regards to the speaker and other matters related to the workshop.  I find the exchange of ideas and views as an indication of a healthy team relationship.
 

I also noticed that throughout the meeting, Laraine kept on challenging the group as to the role of each member on how to actively take part during the workshop and to explore more for learning to take place. It must be action learning!
 

Over all observation, we did well during the session and everyone actively took part in the discussions.  The learning dynamics of the team was present and each member’s views and opinions were accepted and treated with respect.