Letter of Experience with AIU

Prakash C Ghimire

AIU provided me with a personalized learning opportunity
that aligned with the idea that education systems must move away from
‘one-size-fits-all’ model to ‘tailor-made model’ for specific case. There was a
complete reversing of the logic of education systems as it was built around me,
the learner, rather than me being required to fit with the system. The learning
system at AIU embraced diversity and forged new partnerships – all fueled by
disciplined innovation and new technologies. I am happy that the learning
system focused on my potential and the importance of effective teaching in
realizing that potential. It would have been difficult for me to learn effectively
as a spectators, as passive recipient of pre-packaged, bite-sized pieces of
knowledge delivered to me by experts. The approach of learning at AIU called
for my active engagement in the whole process and the more I learnt, the more I
was capable of learning. It helped me to understand my own potential and
capabilities and become confident, competent and independent thinker and
learner. As the system was built on the skills, attitudes and values, knowledge
and understanding that I have acquired and developed, it provided me the
learning opportunities and experiences which reflected my increased
independence and physical and social awareness; andsupported to work
towards reaching my full potential in all aspects of my education and make the
most of my abilities. I am grateful that the learning approach was adapted to
my previous education and experiences, while ensuring that I acquire the
knowledge and ability necessary to work with all kinds of methodologies.

I have been educated for diversity – in both the
people sense and the knowledge/ideas sense. I will now be able to work in the changing
global environment that requires me to engage – and be able to work – with
people from different cultural, religious and/or linguistic backgrounds or
world views that are very different from my own. Learning at AIU has helped me
in the development of skills, the promotion of positive attitudes and values,
and the acquisition of knowledge and understanding. The acquired qualifications
will definitely support me to increase my skills and knowledge to improve my
personal and social development and emotional health and wellbeing. I feel that
I have now become a confident individual who can effectively and successfully
live in a fast changing society and fulfil my ambitions. I am now able to
understand, through a structured program, the issues and problems that I and
the society in general might face and make considered choices when faced with
problems and dilemmas, thus developing my self-confidence and enabling me to
grow into responsible citizen.

I am happy that the learning process facilitated my
personal development which involved the active construction of new knowledge.
This has resulted positively in my thinking and making choices, finding out
different routes of producing a change in scientific ideas and planning investigations
independently. From my experience, practical lessons were always fun and
exciting as it enabled me to understand science in full independent perspective
and explore new ideas. Practical experiences and discussions during the course
of learning were creative approaches and encouraged me to think scientifically;
therefore I was able to use ideas from across the curriculum to help me express
my thought processes and understanding.

The learning has helped me in the development of
non-cognitive skills that will certainly play an important role in my career
success. The linkages of academic core curriculum with the world of work will help
me to promote my university-to-career transitions. It will help me develop
skills, habits, and attitudes conducive to career success and personal growth
and assist me in career exploration and forging rewarding relationships with
employers, partners, clients and stakeholder. It will also provide me a career
guidance and help to ascertain my interest and aptitude for specific careers
through opportunities to observe and sample a variety of conditions of work.

I am glad to be a part of AIU family. I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart, my course
Advisor Dr Jack Rosenzweig, for his unfailing expert advices, timely feedback
on my assignments and continued support throughout the course period. I used to
believe that there is disconnect between a student and a course
advisor/professor. However, he has done a fantastic job of being an amazing,
effective, yet different course advisor. He has been a defining character in my
intellectual development. My sincere thanks are also due to my Tutor, Irina
Ivashuk; Admission Counselor, Sandra Garcia; and all other in AIU who directly
or indirectly supported my learning at AIU. I am grateful to AIU for the
opportunity that I received to fulfil my childhood dream of pursuing a doctoral
degree.