Hello, my name is Andrew Kwon and I’m a recent Master
graduate from the University of Sydney and course facilitator for Hale and Fun
since July 2012. Despite the fact I haven’t been with Hale & Fun for very
long, I ‘hit the ground running’ (so to speak) by overseeing the creation of 2
distinct courses and its facilitation to 3 separate cohorts over periods
between 8 to 12 weeks (one course was extended by 4 weeks). Now at the end of
all the courses and having learnt a great deal, I feel it’s only right to share
some of the things I’ve learnt with anyone who decides that the opportunities
at Hale and Fun are for them.
1.
Be prepared:
The most important lesson I learnt from my time as a facilitator is the
value of preparation. The level of preparation for class will be definitely
reflected on the quality of the class. As I found over-preparation is not a bad
thing as esoteric questions on rather obscure sub-topics will not be unheard of
throughout class. Another aspect of preparation should be towards class administration.
Insuring that equipment and class notes are on hand as well as the stability of
PowerPoint presentations can make or break your classes. Although teaching well
is the definite priority, organisation should be a close second.
2.
Be flexible:
Be flexible and adaptable to changing conditions. Your coordinator is a
safety net but he/she will not always be on hand to help you should you face
unforeseen circumstances. A good example is the failure of equipment necessary
to the presentation of a class. Often there will be no backup equipment and a
coordinator may be unable to assist you. As the saying goes “keep calm and
carry on”. These situations are often great opportunities for to develop
improvisation, a extremely crucial professional skill.
3.
Be open-minded but firm:
As a facilitator for Hale and Fun you will encounter some of the most
intriguing people imaginable, each with their own opinions and ideas. It will
not be uncommon to encounter beliefs and even arguments that are not agreeable
to your own. In cases like this keep an open-mind but have faith in the work
you have prepared. If you feel ideas are being pressed on you that are
contradictory to the research you have conducted, be prepared to state your
case and stand firmly behind it. Providing intellectual discourse as a
facilitator is as much a part of your job description as simply researching and
presenting a course. Hale and fun Facilitators are there to stimulate the minds
of their classes.
4.
Listen and learn:
Finally
I come to my last point which segues well from the one before, to listen and
learn. Always be ready to listen and learn from the experience. Hale & Fun
provides a unique opportunity of practical experience for aspiring academics.
This is not restricted to simply learning from your students but also listening
to understand what is good, bad and wonderful about your classes are conducted.
As such be prepared to use the opportunity to learn not only at an academic
level but also a professional one.
Ultimately each individual facilitators will learn their own
lessons, however I hope that my own will help prepare any aspirant towards a
great experience with the company and their careers.
Andrew Kwon is
a 2012 graduate with a Masters in International Security from the Centre for
International Security Studies at the University of Sydney. He is currently an
Intern at the Australian Institute for International Affairs (NSW Branch) and
Course Facilitator at Hale & Fun, the views expressed are exclusively his. He may be contacted via Hale & Fun.
