{"id":230,"date":"2023-01-31T13:04:17","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T18:04:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/tlcguide\/?post_type=chapter&p=230"},"modified":"2023-08-12T03:33:52","modified_gmt":"2023-08-12T07:33:52","slug":"chapter-4-managing-and-growing-a-tlc","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/tlcguide\/chapter\/chapter-4-managing-and-growing-a-tlc\/","title":{"raw":"Managing and Sustaining a TLC","rendered":"Managing and Sustaining a TLC"},"content":{"raw":"
\"Electrical<\/header>By Caroline Masara, TLC Administrator, Kisii National Polytechnic\r\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nOnce you have committed support for a TLC from your management, there are number of steps you can take to begin to develop and ultimately manage your TLC.\r\n

1. Secure and organize the TLC room<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
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Figure 4.1: Photograph by Kenya TLC team<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\nHaving a designated spot on campus that is a central location for a TLC is the first step in creating a legitimate TLC presence on your campus. Although space is often scarce, TLC champions should lobby for a user-friendly space in a central location if possible.\u00a0 Initially, the space does not have to be that large (you can expand later) but you will need a space big enough for consultations and resources.\u00a0 \u00a0The other TLC officers should also have their designated space at the TLC so that they can be available to support the center. Ensure that each person has a comfortable chair and table to use, and provide cabinets with locks to keep files and sensitive documents secure. It's important to maintain a record of each activity conducted at the TLC for accountability purposes. Prioritize the privacy of trainers. If possible, consider partitioning the room to accommodate each person's requirements, although an open room may also be suitable in some cases. The person in charge of running the center should have a counter with shelves to keep the TLC books, as it makes it easier to track which trainers have taken a book to read or used within the center. Decorate the TLC room with pamphlets containing information on different messages, services offered at the TLC, workshops, and their invitees, as well as the school service charter and other relevant pamphlets. Make sure to display daily schedules at an accessible point where trainers can easily read them. If roles have been assigned among the staff, clearly display each person's responsibilities to make it easier for those seeking services to identify the right person for consultations. Including photos of the staff members can also be helpful.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

2. Training program<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nA well-designed training program is crucial for the successful implementation of activities in a TLC. The program should clearly outline the activities, the time frame, the venue, and the timing of each activity to avoid conflicts with other departments. A training program is like a schedule, and can be done for an entire term.\r\n\r\nA good program should also include the deliverables that will be achieved within a specified period of time. This ensures that everyone involved understands what is expected of them and helps to keep the program on track.\r\n\r\nThe person in charge of the TLC should prepare the program and share it with any champions who are supporting the TLC. The champions should then review the program and make any necessary changes before submitting it to management for approval. Once the program has been approved, it should be shared with the Heads of Departments, who can then plan for its implementation.\r\n\r\nIt's also important for the person in charge of the TLC to have a daily work plan that outlines the schedule of activities. This ensures that the activities flow smoothly throughout the day and that trainers seeking TLC services, including consultations and other activities, know when to seek certain services.\r\n\r\n\u00a0A SAMPLE OF [pb_glossary id=\"349\"]KNP[\/pb_glossary] <\/strong>managing daily activities<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
8:00 am-10:00 am<\/strong><\/td>\r\n1:1 consultations<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
10:00 am-12:00 am<\/strong><\/td>\r\nDevelopment of Teaching and Learning resources and sharing with relevant trainers<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
1:00 pm<\/strong><\/td>\r\nUpdating the trainers and relevant stakeholders on TLC progress, prepare and submit reports, requisitioning of required materials for use<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
2:00 pm-3:00 pm<\/strong><\/td>\r\nWork-time (designing and developing sessions; answering emails)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
4:00 pm<\/strong><\/td>\r\nWorkshops, online sessions<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
5:00 pm<\/strong><\/td>\r\nCollaborative planning session with TLC staff<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

3. Communication<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nEffective communication is essential for the success of the TLC, both within the center and between its members. Good communication practices can lead to higher-quality results. Timely information and feedback can significantly improve the outcomes of the TLC's activities. However, too many communication channels can lead to distorted information and feedback that is not aligned with the goals of the group.\r\n\r\nTo ensure effective communication, one designated person should be responsible for disseminating information on behalf of the group. Before reporting, the champion must gather information from other members, compile it, and ensure that it is harmonized.\r\n
\"Caroline
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\nCommunication can be achieved through various channels, such as email, SMS, WhatsApp, or phone. However, all formal communication should be conducted through the designated formal channels. Having a designated website can also support communication goals.\r\n\r\nTimely communication is crucial in ensuring that all members are updated on the latest developments and can respond accordingly. By implementing good communication practices, the TLC can achieve its goals and objectives effectively.\r\n\r\nCommunication within the champions<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe person in charge of the TLC should update the champions of all the ongoing activities in the TLC. S\/he should share the program and work plan of activities in the TLC. The champions should be updated on what the TLC is doing and intends to do with achievements and failures. Periodic meetings with champions should also be implemented to ensure that champions have an opportunity to connect with one another, share ideas and issues, and shape the direction of the centre based on their experiences. It is also important to TLC administrators to listen to champions and incorporate their feedback into the centre's operations.\r\n\r\nCommunication with management and [pb_glossary id=\"343\"]HoDs[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIt is important to find ways to maintain clear, open communication with HoDs.\u00a0 HoDs are in essence champions of TLCs, and a strategic ally in the successful running of any TLC.\u00a0 TLC managers will have to find ways to build key relationships with HODs in order to liaise with them and keep abreast of teaching and learning needs within various areas.\u00a0 Furthermore, HoDs can act as messengers and allies to promote TLC initiatives.\u00a0 Innovative and intentional partnerships between HoDs and TLCs can lead to program-specific supports that can target specific needs and gaps of particular areas.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

4. Marketing<\/b>\u00a0the TLC\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHere all academic [pb_glossary id=\"343\"]HoDs[\/pb_glossary] are invited, trainers trainees and the management to attend an unveiling of sorts.\u00a0 This opportunity is a chance to, market the TLC to key institutional stakeholders, and to announce the presence of the TLC as a legitimate institutional centre, unpacking its mystery and hoping key stakeholder would carry the message forward.\r\n
\"Kenyan
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\nThe introduction of the centre and giving an overview of its history, and how it came to be is done.\u00a0 Then give an overview of [pb_glossary id=\"308\"]CBET[\/pb_glossary] and its role in the project and give an overview of the programs that will take in the TLC.\u00a0 Outline and describe the deliverables that and the timeline for achieving those action items.\u00a0 Give an overview of the materials and resources available at the TLC if possible take them round to see them.\u00a0 Discussed what role the each would have in the TLC and ask for their support in a variety of ways.\u00a0 Finally facilitate a Q and A, from all participants wrapped up nicely.\r\n\r\nVIDEO:<\/strong> The following video captures the responses from various TLC users about how the services of a TLC has impacted their practice.\r\n\r\n[h5p id=\"22\"]\r\n\r\n
Transcript of the Video<\/strong><\/summary>\r\n
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\r\n\r\nSince the establishment of the Teaching Learning Center, it has been very instrumental in providing resources that are key to imparting knowledge, skills, and activities to our trainees.I am Samuel, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Kisii National Polytechnic.\r\n\r\nHello, my name is Eugene Otolo. I am the Head of the ICT Department here at Bondo Technical Training Institute.\r\n\r\nThank you for this opportunity. My name is Daniel Nyagwoka. I'm a trainer at Kisii National Polytechnic in our health department. Let me take this opportunity to appreciate Kisii National Polytechnic and our partner for establishing the Teaching Learning Center in our institution.\r\n\r\nWith the help of the TLC, our trainers have been able to improve lesson planning and engage trainees in the learning process.\r\n\r\nSo far, our department has had interactions with the Teaching and Learning Resource Center. The TLC has been supportive in mentoring our trainers to deliver training using online tools. It also has a repository that provides teaching and learning tools such as course curriculum, course syllabus, and other guides for our trainers to reference.\r\n\r\nSince the establishment of the Teaching Learning Center, it has been instrumental in providing key resources for the knowledge, skills, and activities of our trainees. In addition, BOPPPS lesson planning has been crucial, especially in my department, as our trainees pursuing advanced programs require a broader understanding of both institutional and market happenings.\r\n\r\nThe TLC serves as a one-stop resource center where all trainers, both new and experienced, can seek assistance related to their teaching profession.\r\n\r\nIn the health sector, we are developing highly competent individuals. That's why we use a variety of strategies starting from the classrooms to provide a comprehensive understanding and acquire skills and competencies that are crucial for nation-building. I sincerely appreciate our partners and Kisii National Polytechnic for taking a step forward in establishing the Teaching Learning Center.\r\n\r\nInitially, we faced challenges with practicals' planning, but through the TLC, our trainers are now able to effectively plan practical sessions. This has made previously difficult areas easier for the trainees to understand, as they can now visualize and engage fully in the learning process. Therefore, I recommend further improvements to the TLC and encourage new trainers to join us.\r\n\r\nAs a recommendation, the TLC should expand its repository to include as many tools as possible.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, I call upon all teaching institutions to establish a teaching learning center because it serves as a one-stop shop. It's a model where trainees can access a range of services crucial for training. I fully support institutions that are planning to establish learning centers and encourage others to follow suit as it is the way to go.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/details>\r\n

5. Website Development Content (Co-Determined by the team )<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nInvolve the [pb_glossary id=\"328\"]ICT[\/pb_glossary] experts to design a website for you, if you\u2019re your institution have one to create a space for you. TLC champions can\u00a0 choose to create a website committee\u00a0 to \u00a0collect the following materials and connect with the institution's website coordinator to develop a page on the greater institutional page.\r\n