Cadence • Issue 8 • Winter • 2002
Becoming better
officers Continuous self-improvement By Lt(N) Paul Fraser n each issue of Cadence, a page is dedicated to “becoming better officers”.
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What does “becoming better officers” really mean to officers who are taking time from their own busy schedules to be leaders at local cadet units? Does it mean completing courses required for promotion or specialty courses required for supporting the mandatory program? Or is it a personal
“ Tell me and I will forget; show me and I will remember; involve me and I will understand.” – Association of Experiential Learning adaptation of a quote by Confucius.
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goal to improve both as officers and Canadian citizens? In past issues of Cadence, we have discussed professional development as it relates to educational opportunities available through Royal Military College. The directorate of cadets has also taken on the responsibility of providing officers at the local headquarters with tools for personal improvement.
Capt Dave Nielsen spends time with Cadet Noreen Pettypiece at Whitehorse CSTC. To help leaders expand their understanding of youth, the re-designed national CIC web site will carry information on a number of subjects, including youth development. (Photo by 2Lt Elisabeth Mills, Whitehorse CSTC public affairs)
One way of accomplishing this is through the national CIC web site, which has been redesigned to inform you of resources available to you that pertain to training of youth, as well as personal development. Some of the subject areas that you can explore through the “training” section of the web site are:
The cadet program is a ‘youthcentred’ program within a changing society that encourages the continuous self-improvement of its leaders. An understanding, by the adult leadership, of youth development and effective educational ideologies creates an environment where senior cadets are better able to develop transferable skills.
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With this in mind you are encouraged to visit the national CIC web site (www.vcds.forces.ca/cic) to explore the many opportunities to expand your understanding of the youth that you lead each week. b
experiential learning; brain-based learning; leadership and ethics; personal change management; and • youth development There will be a brief synopsis on each subject with links to web sites and/or suggested reading for more detailed information.
– Lt(N) Fraser is the staff officer responsible for CIC national programs at directorate of cadets.
Four myths of learning: • School is the best place to learn. • Intelligence is fixed. • Teaching produces learning. • We all learn the same way. – Jeannette Vos. Principles explored in the Learning Revolution International Workshops