My first experience teaching adult learners was very exciting and a bit challenging. I couldn’t ignore the fact that some mature adult learners behaved like young college students. Apart from focusing on teaching, I also dug for tips on what to do if a student is crushing on you.
There were many unforgettable stories and memories during my classroom teaching. Once, during an assignment submission period, an admin staff came into my classroom and informed me that someone wanted to meet me at the carpark. It turned out to be one of my students, standing beside a white Toyota van. He said sorry, he wouldn’t be able to submit his assignment on time. He asked me politely whether he could submit it a week later, as his father had passed away and he needed to arrange his funeral. The white van contained the body and my dear student let me take a look! He had just stopped by to let me know and request a deadline extension.
That experience changed me as a tutor. It was a poignant reminder of the challenges students face outside the classroom and the importance of empathy and understanding. I realised that students, like everyone else, have feelings and don’t want to feel cornered. They want to learn, but they also have other responsibilities to manage and they want some control over their lives. From that point on, I never made assumptions about my students. Each one is different and responds to things in their own way.
Fast forward to 2020, when COVID-19 redefined teaching methodologies and online teaching and learning was introduced at OUM. The transition was far from easy for me and to say I had a rough, bumpy start would be a gross understatement.
I was hit by temporary panic anxiety and a nervous breakdown, and my usual routine was heavily disrupted. I reached out to people for help at all hours, as I was clueless about online teaching – not the subjects themselves, just the delivery.
Guess what? Everyone was incredibly patient, kind, and respectful, and it paid off. It truly was a team effort. I can’t thank the OUM staff enough, especially the Centre for Teaching and Learning Management (a belated apology to them – I’m sure I drove some of them up the wall at the time!). The best part was that we worked together and made it through.
Looking back, I’m grateful for all the challenges that came with online teaching. After the initial struggles, I began to enjoy trying new teaching methods that I couldn’t have experienced in an ordinary teaching environment. This experience has been enriching me and has convinced me that flexibility in teaching and learning is the way of the future.
Over the years, I have attended nearly all the colloquiums for tutors held in Sabah, as well as a few in Kuala Lumpur. The most recent one took place in Putrajaya last month. I almost missed it, but in the end, I packed light and bought my flight tickets. I reconnected with old friends, met new ones, caught up on the latest updates and achievements, took part in fun team activities, and enjoyed the food, music, and dancing. It was a short but incredible getaway.
The September semester is finally here and I have begun my 23rd year with OUM. Thank you, OUM, for having me all these years. I’m grateful to be a part of your journey and achievements.
