KUCHING – A teambuilding workshop for teachers from SMK Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Gapor not only achieved its intended purpose but those who participated believed it has also taught them to be better teachers.
The workshop, organised by Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and held at the university recently, was attended by 130 teachers from the school.
It was conducted by Mohamad Ehwan, the university’s counsellor, and activities included an “ice breaker” as well as several others that required the teachers to work in teams, challenging their creativity and communication skills as well as one that focused on positive reinforcement.
Many found the workshop to be a refreshing break from their routine and apparently enjoyed the half-day event which started at 8:30am.
Nazmi Bin Aziz, the senior assistant for co-curricular activities of SMK DPHA Gapor, said that at the same time “the activities instilled team spirit and built better understanding among the teachers and brought them closer together”.
“The workshop has given them a clearer perception of their daily tasks as well as shaping them to be more efficient and agile,” he said.
“We will attend such workshops again in future as it empowers the teachers,” Nazmi said.
School counsellor Mariam Vong Binti Bustaman agreed and expressed hope that Swinburne Sarawak will continue to organise such events.
“It was an eye opener and we have learned a lot. The workshop has taught us to be more creative and to work as a team,” she said, adding that she will put into practice what she has learned.
“We are delighted to have been able to hold such an event and look forward to putting together similar workshops for other schools in the future,” said Alvin Chen, an assistant manager at Swinburne Sarawak’s Business Development and Communications unit.
Chen who presented certificates of participation on behalf of Professor Helmut Lueckenhausen, the university’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, to the teachers said the workshop was held as part of Swinburne Sarawak’s community projects.