Marjolein Bakker – Team Academy

Does the current educational system fit everyone?

Marjolein Bakker — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 10:28:44 +0000

Does the current educational system fit everyone

I recently wrote a blog about my insight about the fact that I felt myself a square peg in the round whole system, and still often do.

Which got me thinking about our current educational system.

Is there a place for everyone?

Is there anything wrong with the regular educational system? Of course, we can say a lot about this, but I do believe that in general, the system suffices. We can complain about it, we can say a lot of things about it, but the fact is that ‘the system’ is working hard the regulate itself and to stay relevant.

As most people join a regular university, the system works. A lot of people can find their way into this system and get a degree. My daughters are an example of this.

However, we do not all fit in the regular system.

You can compare this with the following Gauss Kromme, meaning that almost 70% fits in the regular system.

However, what happens with the remaining 30%, and what is so different in what they are looking for?

As you may already understand or read in my blog, the regular system did not fit me either. When I graduated high school, I should have proceeded to a university of research. However, this theory-driven way of learning was not what I wanted nor fitted me.

I was looking for a connection, small groups, a place where I felt at home, somewhere where there was not just theory but also a lot of practice (I did not know that applying theory into practice was a thing back then). I found this in a smaller university of applied science. Yes, back then, they still existed. However, after so many mergers and cost reductions, they are (almost) all gone.

Even though it was so many years ago, it made me think. What are our students (yes the other 30%) looking for:

They are looking for a community where they feel safe
They are looking for a place where they meet like-minded people
They like to develop themselves socially and personally
They like to have a perspective on a job or career in the future
They like to apply theory to practice

When I look at what I was looking for and what students are looking for now, to be honest, I do not see that much difference.

What is different?

Technology:

There is way more technology available, including AI which is taking a huge leap.

Different personalities:

The students now are way more outspoken, and direct and know what they want, as I was back then.

Attention span:

There is a very short attention span

Learning from the past, combining it with the now, and looking into the future of education, I come to the following topics which I see as very important for all educational systems out there:

Community
Safe space with like-minded people
Train social and leadership skills
Practical and active learning; learning by doing to keep the attention span
Combine learning and technology

We at Team Academy do our utmost best to deliver all these and we are making a difference here for the students. And wonder though, is this only important for the 30% of students on the outskirts of the Gauss Kromme, or also for all the other students.

To conclude:

Not everyone fits into the regular system. And I also believe that this does not need to be the case. But let’s stay aware of what the student in your education/ university needs and is looking for, and make sure there is a place for all.

Would you like to know more about what and how we are working? Please contact me for a chat!

square peg in een round hole

Marjolein Bakker — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 10:24:32 +0000

Square peg in a round hole

Do you know the feeling when things suddenly fall in place, and you have that ‘ahaa’ moment?

This is what happened to me in the last weeks.

In the marketing department, we are checking on a regular basis if we are sending out the right message to reach the future students. One of the things that all students at Team Academy have in common, is the reason why they signed up at Team Academy; they had the feeling that they did not fully fit in the system of School or work. They felt like a square peg in a round hole.

A couple of years ago I bought this painting:

The reason why I bought this painting a couple of years ago was because it spoke to me and meant so much to me! This is how I often felt. The odd one in the group, the maverick, the misfit, the round peg in a square hole.

And even though it might be very clear to you all, it only struck me today:

I am here at Team Academy at the right place, as a director creating a safe place for all the square pegs out there. As I do believe we need non-conformists in this world, we need people who think differently to discuss the status quo and to create a better world for all.

I am happy and proud to be a square peg, in an environment where other square pegs feel invited, welcome, and safe!

I am happy to be back!

Finding your guiding principle.

Marjolein Bakker — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 13:35:54 +0000

Navigating Success: Unveiling the Guiding Principles of Our Company

For parents and potential students embarking on the journey of selecting the right educational institution, the guiding principles of a company play a pivotal role. These principles are the compass that directs the company’s vision, mission, and values, ultimately shaping the educational experience for students. In this blog, we delve into the guiding principles that define our institution, aiming to provide transparency and clarity for parents and aspiring scholars.

As with every company, we at Team Academy, have our mission and vision stated on our website, and our values are printed largely in our library. However, from a systemic perspective, something is missing when we talk about mission and vision. There is an extra layer, a layer that is above the mission and vision.

The one that when you state it, it is so obvious, so clear, that everyone says: ‘Yes sure, I knew this already’. However, it was nowhere stated or communicated. Everyone agrees when known, yet somewhere not discussed.

So, what is that extra layer I am talking about?

The guiding principle:

The guiding principle answers the question: ‘What are we in our core? Why are we here?’

(Jan Jacob Stam, on wings of change, Chapter 1.4.4).

So, what is Team Academy in the core?

We bring another way of learning to become an entrepreneur, for all of you who do not like the standard system.

And when we bring this to you in a short sentence:

“The other way of learning”.

So what brings a guiding principle extra?

It made it for us, and hopefully for you all, so much clearer. This was the sentence that everyone said: ‘Yes absolutely. We knew this’.

What we offer at Team Academy is another way of learning. We believe that learning by doing is even the best way of learning. This is who we are and what we do. This is how we want to become, even more, known in the world. What we can shout from the roof and what we believe in.

All of you out there, working in your company, I dare you to take some time to find this.

If you do not have the time to do so, we love to help you in one of our 24H challenges to find this one with you. As yes, finding this, makes the goal of your company even more clear.

All of you out there, who do not feel the standard way of learning works for you, please do come over to have a look at how we work!

Marjolein Bakker

Managing partner/ head coach Team Academy

Own It Campaign

Marjolein Bakker — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 13:57:03 +0000

Own It - The Campaign Every Entrepreneur Should Go Through

A few years ago, we ran a campaign on the topic ‘Own it’. The campaign has been indicated by the team of alumni students who started their own marketing agency. They came up with the strategy for this campaign, as they found this the most fitting way to explain what is happening with you as a student while studying at the university. Students here learn to ‘own’ problems and solve them. Tackle any situation they come across. Take the responsibility, and accountability to take the lead and resolve the issue at hand.

As an example, a short (mobile) movie is running on this theme, about students of Team Academy who are getting confronted with a series of issues. When they solve the problem at hand, they can press the big red button in front of them, as they ‘own’ the topic. On this pressing of the button; confetti is released.

During that time, I followed a leadership program with my partner on systemic constellations and reconstructive work in Belgium. A lot of fascinating topics have passed during the several weekends we were there, yesterday was about personal leadership. And what triggered me most was: ‘Do I actually own it?’

Nine years ago, we took over the Team Academy. And from that moment, a lot of work needed to be done. Shoulders straight, head high, working our asses off to get the university back on track again.

After 4 years, we looked back at all we did, I really strongly believe we did a good job and believe strongly in what we do. And the question is; did I show this? Was I shouting this from the rooftops? Was I promoting our university as it should be done? Did I own standing there and shouting out that I am being proud of what we are doing??? As you might guess, I was not.

Why is this question?
As I tell the students there are 3 main fears, of which all fears you face are part of:

The fear of being abandoned
The fear of failure
The fear of change

And with that come 3 basic strategies of dealing with fear:

Fight
Flight
Hide

Oh yes, I knew it all too well, in theory, and can explain this to everyone around me.
Forgetting that ‘owning it’ also applies to me.
Oh yes, I was afraid of all of the 3 mentioned above, AND I was hiding, while working my ass off.

Working hard with the team to make it all better.
Working hard and yes still hiding, as hiding within the theory and doing the legwork is comfortable for me.

But in the comfort zone is no growth to be found.
The magic of growth is to be found outside of your and yes, my comfort zone

So everyone, here it is:
I am really very proud of what we are doing. I think this is the best education any student can get for their future, where you learn to own any topic at hand, and learn a lot about communication, leadership, and yourself while putting theory learned into practice as you grow as an entrepreneur.

And I also believe that other Universities should follow this example!
And I will be shouting this from all stages available to me and for people who would like to hear it. There is a story to tell, and I would love to share this!!
Let the confetti come!!!

We are on a mission to share this story with the world and we are very proud of this!!

Thanks for reading,
Marjolein Bakker