Post Trip

Publish: Refer to Pre-Trip Reflection. On a scale of 1-10, to what extent have you achieved your learning goal? Why?

• Scores:
• Mostly 8, two 9s, one 5.
• Topics introduced were so vast, it was difficult to cover such a wide array of the topic in such a little time; that’s why a score of 5 was given by one student, otherwise most felt they have achieved their pre-trip learning goals to a large extent.
• Many have achieved a higher interest in the sciences and inspired to pursue content knowledge in Astronomy and Science.
• Many have learnt new topics/ concepts over the past 3 days.

Process: What was different this time compared to the previous experience(s)? What do you think of it?

• Last GCP was much more service oriented, but this GCP was more focused on the sciences; scientific-based learning.  
• More freedom; unregimented schedule; relaxed
• However, students were still required to reflect or work on certain topics they learnt during their hands-on experience; so the learning experience was still present and very satisfactory according to most students.

Generalise: What is required for a meaningful learning experience to take place?

• Personal Learning Habits:
• Curiosity
• Self-enforced discipline
• Keeping an open mind
• Engaged and participative
• Cooperative and move forward together
• Take initiative to clarify doubts / learn more

• Passion;
• To be a keen-learner
• Type of learning should instil passion
• Learning;
• Not forced; but encouraged
• No pressure to learn
• Not restricted to certain topics; freedom to research and relate
• Qualified, experienced and good teacher
• Applied experience
• Should be hands-on, applicable to real life
• Social Factor; support and encouragement from friends

Apply: How should we prepare for future learning activities?

• Personal Learning Habits:
• Keep an open mind
• Be prepared to learn / find answers
• Stay curious
• Enthusiasm / willingness to learn
• Prepared to step out of comfort zone
• Learn to learn
• Be courageous / fearless
• Stay resilient
• Have an intrinsic-like thirst for knowledge

• Have pre-read background knowledge on the topic
• Rethink specific concepts in new contexts
• Reflect throughout your learning experience **
• Learn how to apply concepts
• Preferably maintain a record of learnt experiences

Process requirements: (passion, action, reflection)

• Passion
• At the various observatories, we noticed Dr Chong extremely passionate about his profession; he is willing to show us all his astronomical equipment and to equip us with the skills to try out astronomy on our own; his outreach is incredible. This is why learning attitude is very important.
• Action
• Application of learning; Must learn how to apply concepts in real life. Dr Chong demonstrates this: He did so much work on Astrophysics despite very little resources; goes to show his attitude towards the subject.
• Reflection
• Reflect throughout the session to observe and analyse what you have learnt, what you did good, and what you could have done better; this is the only way to learn effectively.