Today concludes my last day at the UBC Learning Exchange! The three weeks have gone by super fast… It is very sad to leave the LE after just 3 weeks here. I have met lots of wonderful staff, many whom I will keep in touch in the future!

Working at the UBC Learning Exchange has definitely changed my perspective in teaching and education in general. From facilitating the ESL workshops and assisting computer sessions, to participating in various clubs (i.e. drama club, volunteer club, Artastic!, etc.) and assisting our patrons at the drop-in,  I have been widening my scope in terms of how education works. Learning Exchange has taught me that learning occurs in both ways, and that we are constantly using our existing skills and knowledge to help others and building on what we already know. It is through the process of exchanging and sharing knowledge that I finally understood the true meaning of UBC Learning Exchange.

UBC Learning Exchange has also given me the opportunity to use my assets in teaching (education), my academic and technical knowledge in mathematics, computer science, English, and my previous experiences in the work that we do collectively as a team. For example, I was able to use my academic knowledge in English and computer science to facilitate an ESL level 3 class on reading and analyzing a technical article that explores the history of the internet and explains how websites work, “behind the scene” – a quite technical article in 4 to 5 paragraphs! From that session, through my many drawings and demonstrations on the whiteboard, I used my previous knowledge of computer knowledge to explain to learners how the Internet/computer works. Everyone seemed fairly engaged as I was sharing my knowledge with them, while also learning English.

Overall, UBC Learning Exchange has taught me a lot! Among many important things that I have learned and understood through working with others, one main lesson is that in any situation, I have to be flexible and adaptable to the changing environment – this applies to the general teaching profession too. Being flexible to the changing conditions and the work environment means to be able to accept changes as we progress and to accept any “hiccups” that we may experience along the way. Not everything is perfect in its own ways, but as long as we learn from them and reflect on them, we can hope to improve and do better in the future! 😀

For more reflection on week 3 and the UBC Learning Exchange overall, please see my Week 3 Reflection Journal.