An Australian education expert and her 200-day journey with lecturers from universities in the Northwest region

Ms. Tami Harriot, Educational expert and participants from Thai Nguyen University in group work

Education &Times Newspaper – Ms. Tami Harriot, Manager, Global Project Development, University of Sunshine Coast (Australia) has built an ever closer relationship with 37 trainees who are leaders, lecturers from Thai Nguyen University, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, and Tay Bac University since November 2017 through two Aus4Skills courses on Leadership, Governance and Strategic Planning.

Throughout a 200 day journey of knowledge sharing, mentoring and support in applying the course contents in a Vietnamese university context, the Australian education expert was impressed by these special participants.

* As a person who has facilitated two advanced courses on Aus4Skills Leadership, Governance and Strategic Planning, how would you evaluate the understanding and application of knowledge provided at the courses by leaders and lecturers from universities in the northern mountainous region?

– Prior to the courses, participants had a certain understanding of leadership, governance, and planning in a university environment. At the courses, they were equipped with new knowledge and information. Based on existing mechanisms in Vietnam, we discussed and found ways how to apply the knowledge and skills in practical situations.

Currently, participants are at initial stages of applying the knowledge and skills in practice. During the application, I have witnessed their improvement in knowledge and capacity, and gradual changes in their awareness, concepts of value, responsibility, and accountability in implementing leadership activities in the universities. Importantly, the participants have used the knowledge and skills to involve their colleagues in innovation and change process in the workplace.

In our shared journey since November 2017, I have observed significant progress of each trainee in applying knowledge and skills in their current tasks and position. They have become more confident in providing directions, conducting daily tasks, then guiding their fellow workers in the innovation process.

During the next steps, additional support is necessary for these trainees to create the most favourable environment for realizing the knowledge and skills in practice. These steps takes time and I fully believe that the participants will achieve their objectives in the near future – improving the organizational structure by changing themselves and leading their co-workers in the same direction.

Ms. Tami Harriot, Manager, Global Project Development, University of Sunshine Coast (Australia)

* During your interaction with the trainees since November 2017, what makes you most impressed about these university leaders and lecturers?

– To me, every single moment sharing with them and supporting them is memorable! I have seen positive changes in all participants, they express their expectations confidently, they are more open minded in discussing and approaching new things. Our approach and methodology is promoting the trainees to lay the bricks, then the road will be gradually established.

I am particularly impressed by Mr. Vu Trong Luong, Head of Science, Technology, and International Cooperation Division, Tay Bac University. On the first day we met, after experts explained the course contents, he said: “These changes are not feasible in Vietnam at this stage!”. However, by now, he has asserted that: “I am sure it is possible to make these changes!”

I also saw his changes¬¬¬ in a positive direction: he is more confident and willing to consider new ideas. The power of change is not only for an individual but also in their fellow workers’ hands. For those who participated in the course, this is a precious gift!

* After the courses, if the participants need additional mentoring for applying in practice the knowledge obtained , will you and other experts continue to support them and their universities?

– Absolutely, this is our commitment. The International Cooperation Department, the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) signed a cooperation agreement with each university which sent officers, lecturers to the courses. This agreement also ensures mutual support and cooperation between USC and these universities. In addition, we will connect other Australian education institutions with Vietnamese universities to promote cooperation and support in the innovation process.

We have finalized a framework on a theme called: “What makes an effective university?”. I think this topic is essential for consideration by all universities in order to ensure their quality.

* Thank you for spending time with the interview!

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The Aus4Skills program organizes courses for improving quality and quantity of education and research, as well as capacity of Thai Nguyen University, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry – a subsidiary university of Thai Nguyen University, and Tay Bac University, contributing to sustainable development of the Northwest mountainous region, and establishing cooperation programs with Australian universities.

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Source: Translation of an article on Education and Times Newspaper