A Reflective Diary/Blog

John blogs ...

Emily sent through an attachment on writing reflective diaries/blogs which we'll chat through when we next get together. Thanks Emily :-) I've picked out the main elements below:

• being able to reflect upon your own learning and achievement.
• to learn how to become more effective
• to be in control of what you learn and how you learn
• the ability to reflect is an important skill
• based on your thoughts and reflections
• you need to make time to write
• it's a way of enhancing your learning experiences

It enables you to:
• Record/Review an experience;
                (What happened? How did you feel? What did you do?)
• Formulate some conclusions;
                (Why it happened. Why did you feel or react in that way?)
• Make a decision about what action to take.
                (What have I learned from this experience and what am I going to do about it?)

 

Keeping the log will allow you to:

• Record your development over time in relation to your experiences;
• Recognise and trace how your academic development and personal growth interact and support each other;
• Develop your ability to engage in reflective practice and think critically about your development;
• Develop your self-awareness and empower you to change behavior to improve your performance as an individual and as a group member.

The records you maintain in the form of the diary/blog can be used to refresh your memory in the future. You only need to write bullet points or brief notes – just enough to record what happened and refresh your memory later on. Experiences that proved positive or were difficult can provide valuable insights.

 

Did something go well?
• Then what did you learn from it?
• How can you build upon it?
Did something not go as you expected?
• Then exactly what happened?
• How can you overcome the difficulties and improve upon it?

 

The reflective diary/blog could be structured like this:
Date:               Time:
What learning experience did you receive today?
What went well?
What didn’t go so well?
What action did you/will you take?

 

Nice To Make Your Acquintance

John blogs ...

Received contact from Nadira Adamaly who is assisting Dr Suresh with this exchange, who sent this email with answers to our earlier questions:

Nice to make your acquaintance ... In addition to what Dr Suresh has advised you, you would need suntan/sunscreen lotion and mosquito repellant. The sun and mosquitoes here love the white unventured skin!

Since the places to visit are many and quite scattered, we need to confirm with hosting clubs about stay and program of activities, which will be finalised only by second - third week of December. We would then be able to mail same to you. Internet access is very easy within Colombo but may not be very possible in some areas like Sigiriya and Pollanaruwa depending on how interior you are located. Also, Multimedia projectors can be arranged at every meeting for your presentations and if you confirm you need that for every presentation, we will ensure that each hosting club arranges one when you visit their meetings to make presentations. Please note that your Conference presentation will vary slightly from your general one as the host clubs who have met you before the Conference would have already seen your presentation. You would need to include some of your experiences in Sri Lanka up to the Conference. Just so you are prepared for this ... We advise you not to travel too heavy as there is plenty of shopping to do here and lots of tokens you would be carrying back. Anything else you need to know, just ask.

Claire's First Blog

When I was asked by my editor if I would consider applying to take part in the Rotary Club's GSE programme in Sri Lanka I jumped at the chance - even before I was able to find out more details about it because it just seemed like an opportunity that could not be missed.
So, following on from a successful interview with Worcester Rotary Club I then went onto another interview in Gloucestershire where I then had to give my first ever (and now seemingly first of many) power point presentations to the interview panel, finding myself where I am today - preparing to go on a trip of a lifetime.

How our group was picked I will never know as everyone at the initial interview just seemed so driven and focused, so I think the whole team feel very honoured to be where we are and also very greatful to be given such an incredible opporunity.

Initial thoughts on the trip are that we have a lot to organise, a lot of jabs, a lot of getting to know each other but above all an experience that we all know is unique and we will never forget.

For my personal experience, I have a few goals that I want to achieve, both with my work and personal life. For work, I want to be able to document the trip using stories that I will try my best to send back to the newspaper that I work at as frequently as possible. This will range from how we are getting on, the offices and places I visit and also on the Rotary clubs in the country. This way everyone will be able to keep track of our progress and adventure. We also will do this through Facebook, Twitter and blogs. But I also want to document it using my photography and videography skills, which is a very exciting prospect for me.

I would like to try and visit some newspaper and media outlets in the county, visit areas that were affected by the Tsunami and also schools and find out more about the education system in Sri Lanka. I think this will not only be very interesting but also help me get perpective on my work and life in the UK, and also hopefully make some great friends and links along the way.

Personally there are a few other things I want to achieve. I have travelled in the past, but mainly on my own or partners. So to do this with a group will be a new experience but one I am sure I will cherish and enjoy. I am sure too that by us preparing and presenting ourselves to each of the Rotary Groups will at first be a challenge, as I am not that used to public speaking - more however of listening and taking notes - so this will be another mini goal to achieve.

So much to think about and organise but the prospect of what lies ahead for myself and the group - who already I think we are all bonding very well together - is so exciting.

So.... that was my first blog. I hope you enjoyed reading it. Please follow us Twitter and Facebook and keep logging into this blog to find out what we are all doing.

Update and Questions For Suresh

John blogs ...

I've just emailed Suresh at D3220 with our news and some questions.

I reported that our team had a very good first meeting together, full of ideas and enthusiasm for the exchange, and that they are busy getting their profiles uploaded on the website with photos-a-plenty. I'm finding it fascinating, the range of things that young people engage with these days.

Some of the team are keen to develop the design of the website over the next couple of weeks, so it may go through various iterations before we settle on a final form.

I also shared the news about Becky's withdrawal from the team.

As we would like to feel comfortably dressed to undertake both cultural and family activities and our Rotary meetings and presentations, I asked Suresh to provide detail of what the temperatures/climate will be like during our visit, and therefore appropriate dress codes for both formal and informal occasions with which we will be engaging. I want to scope what we'll need for team uniform.

I reminded him our team's vocational interests in Primary Education, Journalism/Media, Packaging, Occupational Therapy, and Conservation, and that we like to theme of 'Regeneration' which was shared with us in an earlier email. The team have purchased a variety of guide books and thus starting to become fascinated by the cultural heritage on Sri Lanka. They have expressed an enthusiasm for visiting the well-known sights of Sigiriya, Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Tea Country as well as less familiar temples and natural sights/National Parks. Part of our team-building activity will be to research various aspects of Sri Lanka - economy, politics, religion, tourism, family life etc - so we have a sound footing of which to build our understanding when we get to stay with our Rotarian host families. Hopefully Suresh is able to share some of District 3220's plans with us at an early stage to help our researches become even more focused.

Here in Britain, we are well plugged into the internet and social networking sites. Some think this is a good thing, whilst others are less enthusiastic. I'm having an interesting conversation with those in the team who vary widely in their use of these forms of communication. This led me to ask Suresh about how easy it will be to access the internet in Sri Lanka and also whether we will have access to data-projectors when delivering our presentations at Rotary Clubs. We're more than happy to improvise but it would be helpful to know what we can typically expect to be working with.

I finished my email with an invite to Suresh to contact me through Skype - something my wife and I used on a daily basis when we were in Australia.

... and Su has posted her first comment.

Becky Bows Out

John blogs ...

I've just returned from meeting with Becky to chat through her decision to withdraw from our GSE team. :(
After sleepless nights, she has decided that work pressures and commitments alongside the uncertainty of being 'team reserve' makes it impossible for her to continue. The team are saddened by this news but also understanding of the need to balance work and personal goals in today's challenging climate.

We wish Becky well, and hope that this engagement with Rotary - albeit brief - won't be her last.

I'm gonna cheer myself up by watching The Matrix DVD with the volume turned up very loud!

Team Meeting 1 Actions

I must say that it is quite difficult knowing how and what to write on this blog ... something I hope will become a lot easier as time goes by!

Firstly, I would like to say how nice it was to meet everyone in a non-formal way on Monday evening, I had a really good time getting to know everyone a little bit better. John and Su made us all feel very welcome in their lovely home and there were quite a few laughs during the two and a half hours.

I was the scribe for the meeting and I hope I was able to capture all the discussions we had as there was a lot to talk about! I have e-mailed the minutes to the team and will also add them onto this blog too for others to see what we discussed.

I'm looking forward to the next meeting so that we can talk more about plans and what the future will bring!! :)

Emily

Minutes from the team meeting (first one!) 18/10/10

1. Introductions – we all introduced ourselves and were very happy to be together to discuss what is ahead of us!!
2. Discussion around rules - which we agreed we would add along the way. We decided that the main rules would be to communicate with each other, help each other and to be respectful and honest – especially if having an ‘off’ day.
3. Discussion around the selection process. Becky and Clare stated that they had interviews in Worcester before hand and thought it would have been helpful to have a little bit more information on 1) What it is all about 2) How many spaces were available 3) The process.
4. John said that he thought it was a good idea to meet up with other sponsoring clubs if we hadn’t already done so. Clare said that she had done this today J
5. Picking the team – John talked about the selection process and said how difficult It was to choose the members, however said he thought the panel had chosen well and is happy to have us all on board.
6. Feedback – Members were hoping to receive feedback from the interview and John stated that it was good to feedback and reflect on ourselves and how we felt about how we did.
7. There was a discussion around Blogs and John asked everybody to write a Blog in order to get used to it and get our site up and running. All members agreed they would give this a go!
8. Discussion around getting insurance and medical certificates for the end of November – John stating that we all need to start the ball rolling on these.
9. John introduced the Storming, Norming, Forming, and Performing model which has been based on and established through teamwork. The Storming will be how are going to work together and get through to the Norming. The Norming will involve understanding and respecting each other - which will be the Forming of the group. The Norming will then hopefully lead to Performing. Performing is key – and we don’t have much time!!
10. We then had a discussion around Facebook, Twitter and other networking sights. Jenny said she thought it would be good to set up a Facebook page together and Clare thinks Twitter would be a good site – there was limited knowledge around Twitter so we need to explore this option. Emily and Jenny said that the D1100 page may be in need of some TLC to make it more attractive to viewers, therefore Emily and Becky said they would try and persuade their other halves to help out!!
11. Presentations. We all did our interview presentations in front of each other ... all were great and very different!
12. After the presentations we had run out of time. Therefore a few action points were agreed.
1. For all to Blog and share.
2. Visit local Rotary clubs
3. To all write up personal statements and share on our page – no more than 150 words.
4. Emily to write up the minutes within 4 days.
5. Emily and Becky to think about updating the website
6. Clare to think about how we can publicise our trip and the Rotary.

Technology comes stalking upon the (near) youth of today ...

Despite being the youngest of the team-members (only just and without giving any ages of any team members away ...), the modern social network trends have passed me by. In fact that is wrong, they haven't passed me by - instead I have steadfastly refused to join the world of Facebook and associated mediums. Somehow it has been something that I haven't wanted to join for reasons I never have been able cleary explain, possibly it could be that I work on and with computers on a daily basis (I know everbody does nowadays, but I need some sort of defence!). However, what is evident so far is that this trip will be planned and recorded via the internet - so through the help of/utter dependance on my teamates I am going to have become far more techno-literate.

So by visiting a country where only 3.7% of the populous are regular web users compared to 66% of the UK populous (according to the CIA at least) I may become a great online presence, time will tell.

That is my blogging door opened, a fraction at least, next up Facebook, then Twitter, then message boards, then who knows?

Rich.

Our first team meeting

Jenny blogs ...

Just a quick update to follow John's meeting blog - it was great to get together with everyone last night and learn a little bit more about each other, it is all becoming very real now and I'm looking forward to our next meeting on 1st November, and getting our social media up and running! Fingers crossed the photos that Claire took all come out well, and a big thank-you to Emily who kindly drove me all across Bristol after the meeting!

Jenny's First Blog

Jenny writes ...

My first blog on this amazing adventure, I can’t quite believe it is happening; well done to everyone who got a place! I first found out about the project through a friend of my mum who is a Rotarian in Dorset. He thought of me for the project as he knew I had very much enjoyed studying Geography at university, and love travelling and languages. The first thing I thought when I heard about the exchange was ‘This is an incredible opportunity, and has come at such a great time for me’. I work for English Heritage and have my heart set on building a career with the organisation, and this could be the big break that I have been waiting for to show my dedication, enthusiasm and gain much that coveted first real ‘practical experience’ in my chosen field; conservation and land management.

The selection process was well thought out, there were forms to fill in and a short essay to write, although I did not feel like this was too much to expect from us as potential team members. The all day interview was a great idea, as it gave us all a chance to meet the people involved from Rotary, and prospective team members. As Emily said the atmosphere was rather tense as we waited for our individual interviews, but this was just a sign of how much we all wanted a place! I think my interview went well, although giving the presentation was nerve-wracking as I did not really know what John, Jill, Garth and Martin were looking for, but I had been practising all week and gave it my best shot and tried to enjoy it through the nerves.
I was completely shocked to get a call from John on Sunday evening to say I had made the team; the competition was so fierce; everyone at interview was fantastic, and as I sat on the train making my way home at the end of the day I couldn’t let myself believe I might actually be in with a chance. John left me a voicemail to say that I had been invited to join the team, and I called him back straight away, I just had to check it was true; I was so overjoyed I was in disbelief! The rest of my evening was lost as I spent it on the phone to my family, telling them all about the day and what was to come. I have never travelled outside Europe, apart from a trip to Florida when I was 16, so this will be a totally new challenge, and I can’t wait!

Getting To Know You

John blogs ...

A promising first meeting of the team which bodes well for the future. Thanks to everyone for their positive contributions last evening. Emily agreed to scribe and email notes by Friday, there was much excitement around revising/adding to this website which is all about continuous improvement - great! The group shared their interview presentation as an introduction to each other.

We've agreed that the programme of 5x2 hour plus 1x1 hour wrap up series of team Building sessions will work but we'll have to review as we go along. Of course, its success depends on each member pulling their weight, achieving their individual goals, and contributing to team outcomes.

I've sent a group email with some immediate actions on my part following on from last night ...
1) Revised the blog so that we each have an individual page for our biog and photos,
and asked that they complete their page, keeping the description to less than 150 words, making it engaging for the reader/host Rotary families.
2) Sent contact database for updating our details
3) I attached a revised GSE Team Sessions programme to guide us and asked for the team to reflect on whether it meets our needs
4) I attached the latest F&CO advice for travelling in Sri Lanka
5) Recommended vaccinations list for visiting Sri Lanka
6) Observe how the Forming/Storming/Norming/Performing model operates in real life
7) Confirming our next meeting in November 1st at 7.00pm at my home

I'm looking forward to seeing progress with revisions/additions to our website and to exploring the possibilities of Facebook/Twitter. I really do want to know what value they add - if these youngsters can't convince me then there's no hope - I'll be lost forever.

Bec's first post

Well, here goes! Despite being a journalist for nearly seven years and now working in a communications role, I'm ashamed to say I've never written a blog before!
So, John wants us to reflect on the selection process and immediate reactions to being chosen to be part of the GSE team heading out to Sri Lanka next year...
Like any interview process, the selection process evoked a mix of feelings and emotions - I was unsure about what needed to be included in the initial essay of intent, I was nervous about attending the first interview with the Worcester Rotary members, I was proud at getting through the first hurdle, and I was downright terrified when I discovered I'd have to do a presentation at the final selection day! Most of all though, the overwhelming emotion has been excitement about the final 'prize' - a month in Sri Lanka learning about a new culture.
I've been chosen as team reserve, so that in itself has prompted a whole new range of emotions. On the one hand, I want to give the team building process my all and get to know all of the other team members who have been chosen. I managed to speak to John, Rich, Jenny and Emily on the day and first impressions were really good! Everyone seems lovely! I've known Claire for a few years as we used to work together on the Worcester News so I'm especially chuffed that she's made the team! 
On the other hand, I'm almost scared to get too involved for fear of disappointment on January 29 when the plane takes off without me! Maybe I'll sneak into someone's luggage?!
Whatever happens, the next few weeks in themselves are an opportunity to learn, make new friends, get braver (and better) at making presentations (!) and be part of something really exciting.
Looking forward to seeing you all on Monday! 

Emily's first blog! :)

Emily blog.........

Well, here I am, using the 2011 Sri Lanka GSE blog! I can't explain how happy I am to be part of this team.
John has asked us to do a brief reflective blog entry about the selection process and my immediate reaction to being notified that I was successful ... so here goes ...
Selection process - Well I must be honest and say that I don't usually get as nervous as I did on Sunday. I was shaking. I am sure people could see my heart coming out of my chest and I was so excited about the prospect of becoming a member that I was worried I was 'waffling' all the time :)
When John was doing his presentation about his interests of travel, people, music etc, all I kept thinking was "me too".  I was just praying that I wouldn't mess up my presentation and that I would make a good impression on John, Martin, Jill and Garth ...
I can't think of anything that needed improving on the day, as it seemed nicely relaxed (even if I wasn't), not too slow paced (or fast) and I thought we were made to feel very welcome ... the food was really good too.
Immediate reaction to being told I was successful - Well, during the Sunday evening, I couldn't relax because I knew the e-mail was going to my work e-mail address that I can't access at home ... It was so frustrating knowing that the answer could be in my Inbox!! Little did I know that John had rang my home phone and left me a message ... I didn't get home until after this call and I didn't check my answering machine as I wasn't expecting a call and I don't usually have messages ... silly me.
So after a sleepless night, I rushed to work to find out the answer ... when I read that I had been selected, I think I may have shouted (or screamed) to my senior and my colleague, who came rushing over to give me a cuddle and say congratulations!! We jumped around a few times, chatted about it for a while and I didn't stop smiling all day!!! :)

Well, I think that is enough reading for you all, sorry if I waffled yet again :)

Looking forward to seeing you all again next week.

Emily

He's Got A Little List

John blogs ...

A little list for us to think about to enhance some of the presentations which we will be sharing with each other when we next meet.
1) A confident start and finish with big smile and plenty of eye-contact. Try and pull everyone in the audience into your world. Practice in front of a mirror or a supportive friend.
2) A picture is worth a thousand words ...
3) The presentation is both a prompt for the presenter, and an additional point of interest for the viewer
4) Keep to common fonts sizes and keep animation effects to a minimum unless requiring high impact
5) Don't read from a script - add reminder phrases onto your slide, or have bullet-pointed cue cards.
6) I've found that a font size of 20 is about the smallest that can be read.
7) People love a laugh (and so warm to the presenter) - so an amusing anecdote, photo, cartoon to illustrate a point can be strategically placed in the presentation.
8) Don't read verbatim from the slide.

Enjoy :-)

Welcome, The Team

John blogs ...

Congratulations to all our applicants for making our decisions so difficult! An excellent group of young people from which to choose. Many thanks to the selection panel for their insight and experience which was brought to bear in getting our team to first base.

Our full team comprises:

• John Mills (Team Leader) Educational Leadership and Learning Consultant 
• Becky Bourne (Reserve) Head of Communications
• Richard Foley Sales and Packaging Representative
• Claire Fry Senior Newspaper Reporter
• Emily Palmer Occupational Therapist
• Jenny Simmonds Administrator with English Heritage

I sent the team a rather lengthy email with the GSE Team Member Handbook attached and asked that they study it carefully, pointing out that several forms need completing sooner than later. I've set a deadline of the end of November for completion of these.

I've offered dates for evening meetings and asked for speedy replies and asked that team members bring their usual form(s) of capturing information/reflections, be it on paper or electronically, (mobiles, laptops, notebooks) as there'll be much to discuss and make notes on as we build the team and research different aspects of Sri Lanka. Also to bring their interview presentation about why they'd make an excellent team member etc, and be prepared to share this with the group.

I've also asked that between now and our first meeting that they:

• explore this blog http://d1100gse2011.blogspot.com - and bring any notes/ideas on how it can be streamlined/improved.
• write a brief reflective blog entry on two aspects a) the selection process they went through and what went well/what might be improved, and b) their immediate reactions to being notified they'd been successful.
• prepare a brief piece/biography about themselves along the lines that I've already created under the Team Page of the blog and bring along some suitable (low resolution) photos in electronic form of themselves at work and play, which will go well with the biography - or upload them to the blog.

So, let's get down to business! A smily face for everyone :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-) :-) and an extra one :-) for Becky who, as reserve, will have an 'interesting' place in the team.

Team Member Interview Questions

I hope this doesn't bring back too many bad memories for our candidates, but for the record, here are our team member interview questions and criteria/what we were looking for. Variations on the questions were encouraged as long as remaining in the same territory, as was the opportunity to ask secondary questions if more information was needed from the candidate.


How did you feel your presentation went? Is there anything you’d do differently next time?
• Engagement with audience
• Clear structure
• Vocal clarity/variation
• Effective use of resources

What do you understand of the time and financial commitments that GSE requires? (Clarification should be provided). On the basis of what you know, can we take it that you, your employers and your family understand the demands of GSE, and are prepared to accept these if you are selected?
• Done their research?
• Aware and reflective of GSE demands

What do you think you will gain personally, for your employer, and the community at large?

• Reflective of possible impact of GSE experience
• Preparedness to share experience/learning upon their return

What is your knowledge of Rotary in your sponsor Club, District 1100 and World-wide?
• Have they engaged with their local club already?
• Any plans to engage?
• Awareness of what Rotary is and does

What would you expect to be doing each day during the GSE visit?
• This is not a holiday
• Representing District and DG
• Possible long hours, plenty of travelling
• Have they done their research?

How would you cope with accommodation or travel arrangements which may be of a lower standard than you might be expecting?
• Resilience
• Flexibility
• Dealing with the unexpected

What experience do you have of working as part of a team and with other people from different professions?
• Understanding of effective teamwork/leadership
• Working together to the greater benefit of the team
• Moving in and out of leadership, creating space for others to achieve
• Approaches to conflict resolution, if appropriate

Is there anything else you wish to say or any questions you have for us?

(n.b. I'm pleased to note that many candidates said that the morning session had answered many of their questions)

Exceeding Expectations

John blogs ...

A great day - for the panel, and hopefully for all the applicants, even those who will be disappointed at not being selected. A short blog entry as I'm very tired and in need of a glass of red. So, in brief, we've five wonderful, engaging, thoughtful and energetic people (including our reserve) who will become the GSE team to Sri Lanka.

I'm very proud to be leading them in their adventures, and reminded, yet again, of the responsibility of meeting the high expectations of this exchange. Fabulous outcome today - now the real work begins.

What Will Tomorrow Bring?

John blogs ...

So, how do you choose from such a strong field of applicants?
I'm feeling a mix of apprehension ...
Have we got the best 'shortlist possible?';
Have we done all we can to enable candidates to shine?
Will there be enough food?
Will my presentation hit the mark?

... and excitement at being able to look at the whites of their eyes and begin building the team and the project.

All will be revealed in a few hours time :-) Looking forward to the day

Final Prep for Team Member Interviews

John blogs ...

Shortlisted to 9 applicants - Garth and I agree it's a strong field which is very pleasing.
Jill (District 1100 Foundation Chair) and Martin (District Governor Elect) have been in email contact with suggestions and say they're looking forward to busy day. Too true - it's going to be pretty full-on for the selection panel!
Venue and refreshments organised, questions sorted and allocated to panel who also have a criteria and recording sheet.
Programme starts at 11.00 with welcome and refreshments
11.15 Introduction to the GSE programme with D1100 and D3220
11.30 Introduction to RI and Foundation
11.45 Input from previous GSE team member - what life was like on a GSE exchange
12.00 Introduction to myself as team leader, Sri Lanka, team building expectations
12.15 Taking questions from the floor
12.30 Light lunch
1.20 Formal interviews lasting 20 minutes each to include 5 minute presentation entitled 'Why I would make an excellent team member for GSE to Sri Lanka'.

We're hoping that the morning's presentations will help set the context of the GSE and allow questions to be answered in a more informal environment than in the afternoon's formal interview situation. We'll see.

Regeneration - Variations on a Theme

Suresh (Garth's equivalent) in Sri Lanka emailed with useful info about the GSE. The overall theme is likely to be around 'Regeneration' as there has been much needed in Sri Lanka following the tsunami of 2004. This theme will help provide focus for the team when researching their vocational area and also to help guide local Rotary Clubs that will be hosting us. This promises to offer many valuable opportunities to observe and share growth and 'fresh start' activities.