Another Episode

Yesterday, I hung out with the boys, I mean, the Design Thesis studio masters, after a lengthy session that started at 10 am in the morning and only finished at 8 pmish.

We ate at Opus in Bangsar. It was nice. Kevin said he thought I deserved it so he paid for my meal. Eventually he paid for the three of us. That was really sweet of him.

He said that I "made a difference" to the studio's work. In terms of the quality produced. Anthony added, "It was the woman's touch you see..." Eh, I am one of the boys meh?

Anyway, I am sort of flattered, but I know its a team effort.

I told the 4th years who will be in the Design Thesis Studio (2009/10) starting this May 2009, that we (the studio masters) have to work as a team. Like a football team, not everyone can be the 'strikers', if not all will start rushing into the goal and no one's going to put it in, as they fight with each other! We have to combine our different talents, our different techniques and perspectives and the end of the day, the maturity and competencies of the students will be the main factor for success.

It's the same with the theory of "spoon-feeding". That does not happen to a mature bunch because this thing they call "spoon-feeding" is to me an insult, if anyone suggest that, and also an insult to the students. As a teacher, you have got to be subtle in your ways. You have to work hard and the timing for action has to come at the right time.

Its not easy when you have to deal with so many of them. When I look at it, I may have neglected some of the students, because they did not fulfill their potential or stayed at the same grade. But then, its up to the student whether he or she wants to "take off the blinkers". (Blinkers are "a protective covering that keeps things out or hinders sight")

Another way of saying this is putting up barriers in order not to progress. Yes, its a general term, but we do this to ourselves from time to time. We are besotted by prejudices and our habits so we might not want to learn new things. Not taking risks or being innovative enough are some of these barriers to progress.

Well, I think the studio did well in general, and I am happy I was a part of the team.