Context
Within my work as a Service Design educator, I coach and interact with many students. But I'm only the official supervisor of 4-5 people. When comes the time for final presentations I should be there only for the presentations of the people I supervise. But I always come for all learners, even if this means being there for three full days with most of it unpaid.
Why presence is a gift
Time and my full attention are my most precious resources. So offering them signals in my culture:
- respect
- care
- commitment
I feel presence is especially a great tool in education because not every learner has a strong fit with their educators. I had teachers I didn't like, and I know that it's the same for some of my learners. Yet, even if we saw each other once, dis agreed, etc, I'll still show respect, care and commitment by being present even if I don't have to.
This article was written and illustrated by hand on a refurbished Remarkable II tablet. The handwritten text was converted to typed text with the Connect Service by Remarkable. If you are curious you can download the original note below.
