VOLUME 4 At the end of our two-


• Thinking Maps – understanding and applying a set of eight cognitive visual tools • Higher order thinking and questioning skills • A leadership module (for headteachers)


Some of the training sessions were greatly enhanced by input from representatives of the pilot schools who recounted their i-THINK journey. These people are the eloquent ambassadors and flag flyers of the programme, living proof that i-THINK can and does work in Malaysian schools. The training sessions were not all plain sailing, as it can never be in a busy, active, productive classroom. These places are challenging environments which demand much from those who are being taught, who sometimes ask searching and demanding questions. But good trainers delivered, enthused their audiences and knew their stuff.


week visit, the Kestrel team assembled again at the hotel, prior to departure to the airport, and exchanged experiences and stories, reflecting on the training, among which were. • A real sense of vision and anticipation by many for those involved in the


i-THINK project and the potential to make a difference in the lives of young people in Malaysia now and in the future. • The enthusiasm, dedication and commitment from many of the trainers to make a difference and the positive way in which they responded to the challenge of their roles.


• The willingness of most of the teachers to try something new and quickly embrace the new understandings. • Delegates’ willingness to take part with enthusiasm in all the activities. • How similar teachers are concerned at enabling their pupils to achieve and also share concerns such as classroom management, balancing the many demands within given time constraints and limited resources.


• Everybody was welcoming, generous and gracious with a willingness to share with each other and us. • Their capacity for laughter and good humour.


But there were other reflections as well. Some of them from the UK spoke about the diversity in culture, people and food, the warmth of the people, the trip to Central Market, the Petronas Twin Towers, a night safari (in pouring rain) at the Taiping Zoo, learning how to barter at a night market, close encounter with a monitor lizard and the Christmas decoration with “snow” at KLCC – where the outside temperature was 30°C.


Disembarking from the plane back in the UK and finding that the temperature to be minus 1.5°C, we felt we were better off in KLCC.


JANUARY 2013


13


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