Embrace Change, Embrace Pathways

Embrace Change, Embrace Pathways

Written By: Brenda Garay

 

On December 5, 2017, Pathways Learning Experience, which is Toastmasters International newly revised educational program, rolled out in District 5. Pathways is definitely a new learning experience. It is a definite example of 21st century learning and an example of experiential learning as the Pathways projects are a reflection of the process of learning through experience. In other words, we learn through engagement, collaboration, practice, and reflection. One of the best parts is that club members are able to meet their goals and receive recognition faster for their accomplishments. Not only that, but they are able to complete real-life projects and apply them to their Toastmasters program.

I started Pathways as soon as it rolled out in District 5. I initially took the assessment and once complete, I had to select one of the three recommendations per the assessment results. Like many club members, I joined Toastmasters to improve my public speaking and master my presentation skills; so, I opted for Presentation Mastery, which is the path with a greater focus on public speaking than on leadership. I had the option to select a second path. Today, I am enrolled and actively working on Presentation Mastery and Leadership Development. As of July 25, 2019, 70% of members, 58% new members, and 83% of club officers have adopted Pathways and/or selected a path. These are great numbers when compared to other districts and regions in Toastmasters International.

Now, you may be wondering, how can the Pathways learning experience help you? Compared to the Legacy manual, which may be defined as a "one size fits all," Pathways in an individualized and interactive program where members have the opportunity to build up to 300 competencies, engage in real-life projects, gain transferable skills, and is available in multiple languages (Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Arabic, and Portuguese). Despite that Pathways is fully online, members have the option of ordering their printed paths. Pathways is an inclusive model of learning for our experienced Toastmasters and new members.

For our experienced Toastmasters, there are a plethora of opportunities for you. All of the projects in the Competent Communicator and Advanced Communicator manuals are part of the Pathways program. It is not new invention rather an adapted program. Can you give 4 speeches and evaluate someone this year? There, you have completed Level 1. That's not enough for you and want to do more? Continue with 3 or 4 more projects in Level 2 and continue until you achieve path proficiency, which means complete 5 levels of a path. After the completion of a level, you earn a certificate of completion and once you complete the entire path, you earn a certificate of proficiency.

Don't hesitate, but embrace the new learning experiences! We are living in a changing world and new technologies are being developed every day. Can you open a web browser and search the internet? Are you on social media? Do you read e-documents or e-books? If you do all of that, then you can use the Pathways system. If you are not comfortable, then there are the printed paths. Don't get stuck and ask questions. Don't cease learning. Embrace change. Embrace Pathways. Other than District 5, multiple districts have created resources and informational materials on this new program. Approach and ask your club officers to help you. Keep on learning!

The best part? You can still earn your Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award in Pathways. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get on Pathways!