The 3 day cycle
When we attended the Pre MBA, a session mentioned the 3-day cycle. Some of us did not understand then how important a 3-day cycle would be and how it would turn out to be more than just a tool. Now after over four weeks of the programme we can reflect back on that session that the past MBAs had given.
What is 3-day cycle?
It is a system that helps us organize our workload so that all the necessary lecture preparation gets done ahead of time. This system only covers preparation for lectures and does not cover class tests, WAC’s, etc. It helps facilitating the learning team process and is divided into 3 stages:
- personal preparation
- learning team discussion and preparation
- lecture
What does it deliver?
By going through each piece of work 3 times we gain a thorough understanding of what is being taught. It enables us to discuss the subject matter, both in our learning teams and in the lecture room. Thus, any questions that we may have should be answered by the end of the cycle. It also ensures that Fridays and weekends allow us to catch our breath, prepare reports, revise for class tests, do WAC’s and play sport. The 3-day cycle is tried and tested, and it works!
What it looks like?
Let us look at it backwards. Say, we have a class of Subject X on Wednesday. Simply put, it is every individual’s task to study the session of the subject on Monday (personal preparation) and discuss the topic in learning team meeting on Tuesday. This will prepare each of us for the lecture on Wednesday.
Reality check?
Inevitably, we may fall behind. This is not without reason. The 3-day cycle is a very critical tool for our learning and proves to be a very demanding step. Many students have partners and families with them on campus. It is not unfair to give them some time also. Hence, the entire schedule is quite exhausting (no wonder the Cranfield MBA is called “intensive”). So there are high chances of a student or a team falling behind on the cycle. The proverbial will hit the fan at some stage, but we will get through. All that is required is prioritising, focussing, seeking support of your team and being honest and open with them about falling behind. You will be, by no means, the only person to fall behind.
What is 3-day cycle?
It is a system that helps us organize our workload so that all the necessary lecture preparation gets done ahead of time. This system only covers preparation for lectures and does not cover class tests, WAC’s, etc. It helps facilitating the learning team process and is divided into 3 stages:
- personal preparation
- learning team discussion and preparation
- lecture
What does it deliver?
By going through each piece of work 3 times we gain a thorough understanding of what is being taught. It enables us to discuss the subject matter, both in our learning teams and in the lecture room. Thus, any questions that we may have should be answered by the end of the cycle. It also ensures that Fridays and weekends allow us to catch our breath, prepare reports, revise for class tests, do WAC’s and play sport. The 3-day cycle is tried and tested, and it works!
What it looks like?
Let us look at it backwards. Say, we have a class of Subject X on Wednesday. Simply put, it is every individual’s task to study the session of the subject on Monday (personal preparation) and discuss the topic in learning team meeting on Tuesday. This will prepare each of us for the lecture on Wednesday.
Reality check?
Inevitably, we may fall behind. This is not without reason. The 3-day cycle is a very critical tool for our learning and proves to be a very demanding step. Many students have partners and families with them on campus. It is not unfair to give them some time also. Hence, the entire schedule is quite exhausting (no wonder the Cranfield MBA is called “intensive”). So there are high chances of a student or a team falling behind on the cycle. The proverbial will hit the fan at some stage, but we will get through. All that is required is prioritising, focussing, seeking support of your team and being honest and open with them about falling behind. You will be, by no means, the only person to fall behind.
posted by Sandeep Gupta at
7:57 am
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