Last week, we had our first values workshop. We got separated into four groups and we had to sit around 4 separate tables with a large brown envelope; each envelope with a different number from one to four. Each envelope contained different things such as sheets of paper, paper clips, elastic bands, envelopes, etc. We were then given a task to work as a group to create something that would be useful to a new student at the university. We had 10 minutes to think of an idea before we had to present this idea and were then given a further 10 minutes to create our idea before presenting to the group again.

I was a part of group 1 and in our envelope we had a lot of stationary that would help us with the project, however, looking around at the other groups, you could see that each group had different materials; our group having the most materials and group 4 having the least.

Our group decided to create a “Survival Backpack” for a new student at the university. This backpack would contain a paper timetable, a map of Dalhousie, a diary, a notebook, vouchers and a pencil case. When it was time to present our idea to the group, Derek was very complimentary to our idea and said it was very innovative. However when the other groups were presenting, we could see that they had less resources for the project compared to us and Derek wasn’t as positive with feedback for them, especially for group 4. Although we were very happy about our feedback from Derek for our project, we were confused at the bad feedback that group 4 had got for their idea as they had thought of a good idea for what little resources they had.

After we had created our idea using our resources, we had to present it to the group again and this time Derek would be giving us a mark out of 10 also. As we were group 1 we had to present first. After presenting our idea, Derek gave us a 9/10; which we were extremely happy about. As the other groups continued to present, the marks began to decrease. Group 2 had a similar idea to us as they had similar resources, however, Derek gave them 7/10. Group 3 had less resources again and still created a good project but only received 4/10 and group 4 with the least resources, only received 2/10; even though they created a good idea with the little resources they had. Although my group was extremely happy with our mark, we couldn’t help but feel bad and sympathetic for the other groups for receiving lower marks with just as good projects.

It was soon discovered that Derek had done this on purpose to teach us a lesson that everyone should be treated equally, even if they have less resources as they can still produce something just as good as having a lot of resources. Personally, I think this workshop has taught us all a very valuable lesson that we should try to treat everyone equally, even if some people are less fortunate or disadvantaged than other people. This lesson is something that I shall carry with me throughout my teaching experience and one lesson that I shall not forget.