Today’s guest blog was written by Cameron Wilson, the President of Surrey Entrepreneurs. He’s passionate about transforming the way undergraduates are encouraged to learn. Cameron is a remarkable young man – aged just 20, he has all the characteristics of a ‘change-the-world’ entrepreneur. We invited him to our 3-day Brain Friendly Learning Workshop – because we just know he’ll make a real difference with the insights, connections and possibilities… here’s his blog:
Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to Kaizen’s ”Brain Friendly Learning” three day course. The whole experience submerges you in the best ways of getting across knowledge in a form that not only informs participants but makes them believe and understand it. Something that even the very best education institutions have not mastered!
Kaizen live by a set of five principles (State is Everything!, Keep it Real, Honour Uniqueness, Rich & Multi-Sensory and Creation not just Consumption). All of which are focused upon throughout the course. However from my point of view “Creation not just Consumption” really jumped out at me. This principle is of extreme relevance to myself, especially as Universities and schools put huge significance on the student consumption rates, rather than their ability to create or understand.
We haven’t built the blocks of a strong and enhancing learning environment. Where we strive to improve each others’ quality of life and challenge the boundaries of current existence. We need to provide a ‘get up, take our own initiative and create great things’ mentality. In my opinion if we don’t, our coming generations won’t be able to tackle the challenges we will face. Education can get us there.
If I can relate the “Creation not just consumption” principle to how we teach and develop entrepreneurship. From experience at the Surrey Entrepreneurs I am able to see the different outcomes that result from the two modes of learning.
Consumption at Surrey Entrepreneurs:
In the past we have held workshops that have been very theory and information based, such as how to format and write a business plan. Students sit at desks and listen to the host who goes over the content. This approach certainly has its place and might be preferred by a number of students. However from the look of it the majority of students find it difficult to follow, or place context onto the workshop. Many participants are complete beginners, so being thrown information can scare the unsure students. I am very conscious that this approach can create a barrier for young students creating or trying their dreams.
Creation at Surrey Entrepreneurs:
On the other hand the creation style of teaching provides a lot more of an emerging experience for students. Giving them £100, a deadline, and the task of making £200 pushes students out of their box. They are able to create their own ways of working, selling and products. It’s never the same approach or formula that works every time. Rather it is an organic growth that the team develops around its individuals and experiences. When creation does happen you can see the life and excitement that beams out of the students, in some cases they begin to discover dreams and passions they never knew existed.
A quote that I saw at Kaizen is very fitting:
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but rather a fire to be ignited”.
I think this beautifully sums up the principle.
Kaizen have nailed it on the head when they focus on creative experiences. I feel this is the future of enterprise education, as well as universities and schools.
There were so many great take-aways from the “Brain Friendly Course”, and I can only see the Surrey Entrepreneurs using them in everything we do from now on! If you’re serious about getting a powerful message across, and making a really positive impact, I would highly recommend Kaizen’s training!
