COVA and the Learning Process

One of my struggles that I was dealing with was when I heard of the COVA model, that it only pertained to teachers who taught in the classroom.  I began to read the articles and watch the weekly videos, and this model applies to all types of environments.  How could I apply COVA in my role in Financial Aid? Taking account of these elements of COVA has allowed me to begin shaping a learning experience that can hopefully give a learner (staff member) to make a connection with the technology I want to innovate in the workplace (Harapnuik, 2018).

When I think of choice, I began to reflect on the problems that I heard every day in our department.  Staff unhappy with the never-ending workload and not being able to meet deadlines resonated with me that I had a choice in thinking of ways I could help my fellow coworkers.  I didn’t want to be the guy who worked from 8-5 and just got a paycheck knowing I could do more. 

Having ownership of my learning taught me to think outside the box and find innovative ways to improve technology in the workplace.  The mentality I had before starting this degree was one in which if I did my job everything was fine and nothing more.  What made me change my mindset was when I began to watch the weekly videos and how adapting a growth mindset can help you grow as an individual.  How could I have ownership of the things in front of me to be able to master this type of understanding?

Having a voice is something I’ve always struggled with.  To think critically and being creative is something I’m beginning to grasp with as I continue to develop my portfolio and how I view learning in the workplace.  Researching and reaching out to different communities has provided me with a sense of confidence to voice out my concerns and to mold the way I learn.

As I investigate Authenticity, the learning process is just not about learning but how you take that knowledge and use it every day.  I can’t expect people to give me the answers to all my questions but how will I go about it and learn to fix a problem on my own.  This type of approach has been shown to me by my boss who has always had an approach of showing you once and then go off and find the answers if it doesn’t work.  Not everyone agrees to this type of method, but it has shaped my mindset in taking charge and looking deeper to help others.

As I dive deeper into this degree, COVA has shaped my learning to being more on an active approach.  I’m starting to actively research information for the betterment of my department and how I could make a difference even if it’s a small step in the right direction.  This type of model will guide me in how I approach professional development.  Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authenticity will create a meaningful growth journey as I continue in my career.

Harapnuik, D. (2018). COVA. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991

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