I was in Myanmar two weeks ago with SEAMEO RIHED and other experts to visit East Yangon University. The program was similar to other university visits with a chance to meet with students at its library in 'Human Rights Room'.
There, the chief librarian gave us a briefing about the library management with about 40 students in the audience. After that, the Rector told us that it was almost exam time so it'd be great for each of us, the visitors, to say a little something for the students to be motivated.
The Rector turned himself to be 'facilitator' to call on us, one by one. After one finished his/her little talk, he immediately changed his role to serve as 'translator' to summarize the key points to the students. A little more time was set aside for students to ask questions. We too asked students to reflect which was such a nice thing to do ka.
To us, it was much more meaningful than quite a number of sessions....
- as students listened to what would be readily connected with them..... not sure if they knew what to expect though.
- when visitors had impromptu speeches that sounded more genuine.
- because the Rector showed his 'personal action' to create a learning environment cross-culturally for his students.
- when the visit could maximize its benefits to a wider university community beyond a closed meeting room with visitors.
- since it gave a safe platform for students to practice English, to learn and ask questions. I think it could be like an excellent free-of-charge student advising session!
OHEC's director Lakhaka Dockiao said to me that, 'Pi Tip, this is really an IaH (Internationalization at Home) activity.' I couldn't agree more. We then discussed how impressive it was to see the Rector's leadership and his intention for students to be motivated and inspired by a simple short meeting ka.
Undoubtedly, with strong leadership, IaH and IZN will be made possible and highly beneficial for our university people, faculty, support teams, and students alike, to be real global citizens.
Undoubtedly, with strong leadership, IaH and IZN will be made possible and highly beneficial for our university people, faculty, support teams, and students alike, to be real global citizens.
Questions popped up in my mind:
- Have we ever thought of 'directing' our foreign guests to meet with our students with such a purpose? Why and why not?
- Do we dare to break the traditions to offer such a forum for our students to benefit? Why and why not?
- Would our university presidents take lead like this Rector? Why and why not?
With 'why and why not', I'm sure we may see it's time to break some traditions ka. Following what this Rector has done, a few more activities could also be considered as part of IaH. Then, some form of systems could be put in place for continuous improvements and favorable results for our students who are our VIPs to care for, right?
Happy Monday ka.
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