Throughout the ADL program, we have experienced an authentic learning opportunity that gives us a choice over our projects and full ownership of learning while challenging us to find the voice to share our purpose for change (COVA). We have thus been called to be the change we want to see in our world.
To me, COVA is empowerment. It is personal empowerment. It is professional empowerment. COVA has challenged me to explore everything that I have a curiosity about. When I find myself wondering about anything, thanks to COVA, I begin researching and exploring it through literature, video, and conversation.
Before experiencing a significant learning environment (CSLE) like the constructivist one COVA facilitates, I never would have imagined that I could help influence change. I knew there were things that could be changed, but I never saw myself as the one to help make that change happen. I was good at my job, and I cared deeply about the people I worked with, but I did not see myself as “a catalyst for change” as the program calls us to be. COVA changed me. However, as I reflected upon my why, a growth mindset, and considered an innovation idea I could contribute to my organization – I was the one changing.
The combination of CSLE and COVA reignited a thirst for knowledge and information that I prioritized in my life. I began to consider how I could show the world how much I care and want to help people in my area of influence. I struggled to decide if my audience was administration, work colleagues, or the students. Honestly, this is still an area that I vacillate between seeing that at times change will come from each of these important targets. Learners/students are the ones with the most to gain from embracing a COVA approach to learning. Finally, learning isn’t just a “because I said you need to know and understand this” interaction. Through COVA, learners get to connect with their passion and purpose to engage with content that is meaningful and relevant to their lives, and allows the opportunity to truly learn instead of just retain information.
I am not saying that adjusting to COVA is easy. There is a lot of discomfort and confusion throughout the learning process. Nonetheless, just like learning to talk or to drive, mistakes, failure, and struggle are the experiences that we later do effortlessly without a second thought. Learning is not perfect or linear. It can be messy, overwhelming, and frustrating. How we equip ourselves and our learners to persevere through opportunities is really at the heart of the COVA approach to learning.
For example, the skills and information I have learned through a COVA approach to learning in the various content areas covered throughout the ADL program are now strategies that I take with me into personal and professional conversations and situations. I now know that I am capable of researching, collaborating, and leading change initiatives, all things I never would have dreamed of pursuing before the ADL program. Through personal reflection and empowerment, I have transitioned into a leadership role and now have the honor of helping others find their way, share their passion, and ignite their learners’ mindsets.
Harapnuik, D. (n.d.-a). COVA. It’s About Learning. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991
Harapnuik, D. (n.d.-b). CSLE. It’s About Learning. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=849
The Advisor That Cares 