Estudyante Blues

The feeling of being back in school is like riding a bicycle. No matter how long you haven’t rode on one, for as long as you did it before, you can do it again.  It maybe a bit wobbly at first, but the balance will eventually come back to you.

The classroom setting for the not-so-young  people is like the coliseum in Rome. The seats are elevated in 4 rows and the podium where the teacher gives his lecture is at the pit of the coliseum for everyone to see.

In military terms, the teacher is at a disadvantageous position for two reasons. First, the audience has the high-ground so we have the vantage point of  landscape and terrain.  Secondly,  we  can all see the professor but he can’t see all of us. That  gives us the advantage of making a sneaky text, phone call or tapping in our laptop keyboards.

The classroom setting had also changed. In my row alone, 6 out of 10 either have laptops, mini-notebooks, or blackberry communication devices. We can make a fast query using the internet for resource materials that 25years ago would have demanded that you go check out a book in the library.

Unlike an MBA course which cuts and dissects subjects on a per unit basis, Strategic Planning Class combines, innovates, and tailor fits information and resources to the exact needs of an organization.  It’s very similar to the principles embodied in the classic book : “Art of War”. It’s taking a look at yourself, your surrounding, and even your enemies so you can plan and execute  your plan properly.

Another transformation that you will see in advanced classes is the level of participation.  Going back 25 years ago, when a teacher throws a question to the class, the students will look either at the floor or ceiling and will nervously wait to be called.  In advanced classes, strangely enough, participants can’t seem to wait and give an answer. They are all gunning to get the attention of the professor and get affirmation. Talk about being gung-ho!  Perhaps as people get older, they tend to challenge convention and ask teachers rather than get asked by teachers.

If you are asked to go back to school, training or seminar – GO FOR IT.  It will enrich your mind and experience.

If you can go to back to school, training or seminar ON YOUR OWN ACCORD , I salute you! You are empowering yourself to become a better student of life.   

There are other pluses of adult classes. The chicks are hotter andMILFIER