Public Management Practice 3

A whole new year

2012-01-12T12:46:00.002+01:00

Good day all and welcome to 2012

As the song lyrics state "a whole new world", it is my hope that you will experience a whole new dimension to your studies. The purpose of this module is to provide you with an opportunity to practically experience the National Diploma in Public Management. In this module, via the learning outcomes, you will be assessed on what you have learnt during your years of study. The module comprises of various elements that was in all of your previous modules-from your first, second and third years of study.

It is important for you to work through all of the learning outcomes and objectives. The rubric will be used to grade your portfolio. I cannot state enough the importance of working through the Tutorial letter 101 as well as the guide as it contains essential information.

All students will in the end on the date communicated in the Tutorial letter 101 submit a logbook and the portfolio. In the logbook you will record the activities (not your supervisor) and in the portfolio you will provide the evidence of the activities stated in the logbook.

You will be guided through this process via myUnisa, this blog as well as satellite broadcasting. Details regarding the satellite sessions will be communicated in due course.

Wishing you a wonderful experience!

2011 Exam

2011-10-17T09:02:00.000+02:00

Dear all
It is the start of the October/November 2011 examination. For many it will be their final exam. I would like to wish you a fruitful exam. Remember that hard work will be richly rewarded. Keep your eyes on the final reward and look forward to your graduation!
Blessings to all.

The last stretch

2011-10-05T11:11:00.002+02:00

Dear students

We are hoping that you are enjoying the last stretch and almost ready to submit your portfolios and logbooks. The due date of 28 October 2011 is just around the corner. Remember that logbook will contain your activities (with the signature of your supervisor(s)) and the portfolio will contain the PROOF/EVIDENCE. We will assess you according to the learning outcomes and the rubric provided in your Tutorial letter101. Do not forget to reflect on the learning experience.

This is your portfolio and your opportunity to showcase your abilities. So SHINE!

We are looking forward to receiving your work.

Spring day

2011-09-01T09:46:00.003+02:00

Happy spring day! May this be a season of renewal and joy.

Remember to attend our satellite broadcast on 15 September 2011.

Will you be a Unisa graduate?

2011-08-12T10:15:00.002+02:00

UNISA GRADUATENESS STATEMENT
Unisa’s graduates should have distinctive graduate qualities, with a clear appreciation of our location on the African continent, notwithstanding the increasing internationalisation of higher education. Unisa graduates have, as a result of their successful completion of their studies in an ODL context, unique qualities. These qualities are included in the following statement on graduateness:

Unisa graduates:
(i) Are independent, resilient, responsible and caring citizens who are able to fulfil and serve in multiple roles in their immediate and future local, national and global communities.
(ii) Have a critical understanding of their location on the African continent with its histories, challenges and potential in relation to globally diverse contexts.
(iii) Are able to critically analyse and evaluate the credibility and usefulness of information and data from multiple sources in a globalised world with its ever increasing information and data flows and competing worldviews.
(iv) Know how to apply their discipline-specific knowledges competently, ethically and creatively to solve real-life problems.
(v) Are critically aware of their own learning and developmental needs and future potential.
(Unisa Curriculum Policy, pp. 13,14)

Where to start

2011-08-12T10:11:00.001+02:00

We are now in the last three months before submission. Can you believe that eight months have passed? One of the students posted a question on where to start with the introduction. We have given you guidelines on this, but let's explore the introduction.
What is the purpose of an introduction? It is to ease the reader into the portfolio. Tell us what the portfolio is all about, reflect a bit on your learning experience. Tell us something about you. Structure it logically. Think about what is contained in the introduction when you read an academic book, an accredited journal article and make it more personal. Remember that this is YOUR portfolio and YOUR learning experience!

... on RPWE

2011-04-11T11:35:00.000+02:00

I have just received an application for RPWE. In a very short paragraph the student requested approval due to his/her extensive experience. Now, that poses a problem. Myself and Mr Nkgabe read the whole application to determine if you are receiving appropriate exposure. You might think that you have all the exposure, but remember that we need to determine if your exposure is according to the learning outcomes-this module is a subject after all! So, PLEASE write proper application letters. Also note that you are 469 students, so it might take us some time to go through all the applications.

A new year

2011-02-04T14:37:00.000+01:00

Dear 2011 students

Welcome to the module PMP301P. It is required that those of you who are permanently employed send the RPWE letter to either myself of Mr Nkgabe. We use the letter to determine if you are receiving proper exposure to the identified learning outcomes. Those of you that do not receive proper exposure will have to rotate in the department and also submit the logbook (and the portfolio).

Students who do not qualify for RPWE, must submit the logbook as well as the portfolio.

On 03/03/11 we will host a satellite broadcast and we will share with you exactly what we require from the portfolio. In fact, we even show you previous portfolios done by students. It is a good idea to reply to this entry with questions you would like answered during the session.

Looking forward to working with you in 2011.

Reading and submissions

2010-10-05T08:04:00.000+02:00

I often think people do not read. I have seen with the submissions of the portfolios that people are running around, not knowing where to submit. We have repeatedly (on my Unisa, the Tut210, the satellite broadcast and in telephone conversations) stated that the documentation must be submitted via the assignment sections. If you submit it directly to the department, we (you and us) do not have record of the submission and you do not have a mark cover sheet! Please also note that portfolios cannot be submitted after 15 October 2010.

To those who must still submit the declaration and questionnaire, you can use the fax-to-mail number that was provided in your Tut101.

I would like to wish you the best of luck in the coming exams! The end is near.

One month to go

2010-09-01T08:23:00.000+02:00

Dear students

it is only one month to the submission date for the portfolios and we are hoping that you are collecting your evidence. Remember that as we are not with you in the workplace, the only way we can assess you is through the PoE. So, put in the effort and showcase your abilities! Also remember that we discussed the compilation of the PoE in the satellite session. You can always ask the regional centre to order it for you for free viewing or alternatively you can buy it from Unisa Press.

Looking forward to see what you have done!

Broadcast on 7 July 2010

2010-07-05T13:33:00.000+02:00

Greetings to all

Myself and Mr Nkgabe will be hosting a satellite broadcast on 7 July 2010, 10:00-11:30. Please visit your nearest Unisa regional office. The venue for the Sunnyside campus is Building 15.

Please remember that your due date for the portfolio is 1 October 2010.

The whole process...

2010-04-19T08:33:00.000+02:00

So, we have a rubric, learning outcomes, logbook and a portfolio-how does it all fit together? All the learning outcomes relate to subjects that you have done over the past 2 and a half years. As this is the practical component of your studies, we must test your previous knowledge. Your previous knowledge is contained in the identified learning outcomes. Now, as we do not work with you, you need to show us that you can "do the work"-thus the learning outcomes. How can you illustrate your competencies? By completing the logbook (you complete it and your mentor/supervisor signs it as confirmation) and providing us with the Portfolio of EVIDENCE. In the POE you actually add evidence of what you are doing. Just adding a form that you downloaded from a site without completing it does not show us that you can do the work. We will use the rubric that you can find in your Tutorial Letter 101 as the exam memorandum.

RPWE candidates

2010-02-02T14:33:00.000+01:00

As a RPWE candidate, we basically assess if you will receive proper exposure in your current place of employment. A person might for example be a security guard at the NPA but might never receive exposure to most of the learning objectives and outcomes.
ALL students must submit the portfolio and logbook AND supporting evidence as this is the only way in which we can assess if you receive the needed exposure and can "do the work". So, use the assessment criteria to guide you in compiling your portfolio.
The competency certificate is basically proof from your employer. Only current information in your current place of employment is needed.

Hope it helps!

Supps for PMP301P

2009-12-15T10:39:00.000+01:00

Dear students

Congratulations to all those that passed! We received some incredible work and you can be proud of yourselves!

Please note that if you did not pass it is probably because you did not provide adequate proof of what you actually do. You also need to reflect on your activities. Just downloading forms that you did not complete is not proof that you can do the task.

Those of you between 40-49 can resubmit via the assignment section, but please remember that as this is a supp your year mark will not count. Please ensure that you add the additional information to your original portfolio and mark it clearly for easy reference.

Enjoy the period of rest and best of luck with your futures!

The end of 2009

2009-12-11T06:23:00.000+01:00

As the end of 2009 is around the corner, it is time to reflect on the year and specifically PMP301P. Most students provided us with wonderful portfolios that truly showcased their experience. They provided us with evidence of what they are actively involved in within their departments and even within their communities. One should always keep in mind that portfolios can only be assessed on what is provided by students and according to the rubric that is available in the tutorial letters. Forms that have not been completed or documents that were just dowloaded from the internet can never be adequate proof!

I hope that all went well in the exams and that you will be graduating in 2010. May you have a blessed December-rest, regroup and may 2010 be an amazing year!

2009-09-01T12:54:00.000+02:00

Happy Spring day everybody!

Hope you are ready for the final month before it is time for exams. Hang in there!

Submission date

2009-08-21T17:11:00.000+02:00

Okay, we are making progress. Lecturers are not allowed to provide students with dates, but if you go to myUnisa now, you will find the correct date if you have a look at assignments.

2009-08-05T11:45:00.000+02:00

Dear Unisa PMP301P students

Please note that I am trying to find the correct submission date. You can mail the portfolio to the address provided in your Tutorial letter 101, submit it at one of the Unisa assignment boxes or at the regional offices.

I will post a message as soon as I can confirm the submission date!

Kind regards,
Dr Holtzhausen

PS: Remember that the discussion classes will be held at various regions on 17 and 18 September 2009

Round 2

2009-07-06T14:52:00.000+02:00

So, we have a "new intake". Just some thoughts:

Remember to apply for RPWE
Submit the compulsory assignment
Work on your portfolios (it is the exam for this subject)
Let's work together
The period of training is 3 months

See you on myUnisa!

2009-05-22T13:32:00.000+02:00

Dear students

Please remember that the due date for the Portfolios are 22 May, which is today! You can mail it, drop it at a Unisa assignment box or even submit it a Unisa, Samuel Pauw building, Seminar room 2.

Hope you enjoyed the experience and good luck with your other subjects!

Enjoy the break!

2009-04-08T13:45:00.003+02:00

www.countryclipart.com Dear Students

Enjoy the Easter break!

Still looking for a placement?

2009-04-01T15:10:00.002+02:00

Dear students

Please remember that on myUNISA you will find the form that must be submitted to the
Directorate: Tutorial Support, Discussion Classes & Work-integrated Learning (TSDL) to help you find a placement.

You also need to remember that your Portfolio is in fact the examination part of PMP301P. Remember the due date for the compulsory assignment is 1 may 2009, so only one month to go!

Happy April Fools!

2009-02-25T08:26:00.000+01:00

Dear students
I have uploaded the logbook under "additional resources" on myUNISA. It is important that you use the learning objectives to guide you in terms of what should be included in your portfolio.
Good luck!

I hope you are not waiting till May!

2009-02-23T09:26:00.002+01:00

I often wonder why students wait till the last minute to compile their portfolios. By waiting so long, you will not be able to truly reflect what you have learned and gained. I hope you have already started!

MyUNISA and compulsory assignment

2009-02-11T13:29:00.002+01:00

Dear PMP301P students

Just to remind you that there is a Discussion forum on myUNISA for your perusal! Please visit myUNISA (remember to register) so that we can start our discussions. Remember to start building your Portfolio timely and that the submission date for the compulsory assignment is 1 May 2009. Without submitting this assignment you will not be partaking in the exam process for this module, thus your Portfolio will not be graded.

Have a lovely day!

How do I know if I will receive adequate exposure?

2009-01-28T11:14:00.001+01:00

I would suggest that you investigate the learning outcomes in the logbook to determine if you will be able to provide proof that you got exposure to those. You will be assessed on the basis of these outcomes. Often, you will be able to receive adequate exposure in the section where you are working.

There is a student working at the Department of Health involved in the "2010" Directorate. Looking at the learning outcomes, I am sure that her section will have policies, be able to identify problems that can be solved for better service delivery. The directorate will have to purchase items, follow procedures, gather information etc. It is important that you check the learning outcomes to determine your exposure!

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional enquiries. Remember that you Portfolio must provide proof of what you have been doing. Please also visit myUNISA and visit the discussion forum.
Happy Portfolio building!

Welcome 2009

2009-01-05T11:52:00.003+01:00

Dear students

Welcome to the New Year!!! I hope you are looking forward to all the challenges that 2009 will bring. Just a few comments on the 2008 portfolios:

-Congratulations to those of you that passed-especially those with the distinctions.
- Those of you who need to re-register:better luck this time!

I bet you are wondering why those that passed manged to do so (in fact, we had 2 90% candidates!). Well, the answer is easy. Remember that you are sending us a Portfolio of EVIDENCE-that is the key. You need to provide proof of what you have been doing. just sending us a job description, CV and copies of the course certificates you have done is NOT adequate. That will not earn you more than 20%.

It is so important for you to check the learning outcomes/objectives and monitor that you are achieving them AND to include proof of these outcomes in your Portfolio. I think of a Portfolio as a "brag" book-where you showcase what you have achieved by providing proof.

Please also have a look at previous postings and listen to the podcast of Dr Groenewald.

I will chat to you here and remember that we will also meet on myUNISA-remember to register.

Have a wonderful January!

The end is near

2008-11-24T07:13:00.001+01:00

Dear students

We have marked your portfolios and the results should be available soon. I will post some thoughts on the portfolios during this week, so "watch this space"!

Submission day

2008-10-17T09:49:00.005+02:00

Dear students

Remember that you have to submit your Portfolios, logbooks and reports today! In case you cannot remember the address, it is:

UNISA
Private Bag X6
PRETORIA
0001

You can also submit your documentation to the regional centres.

Good luck with the rest of your studies!

Dr Groenewald on Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

2008-10-14T07:25:00.005+02:00

Good morning!

Listen to what Dr Thomas Groenewald has to say on WIL. He is the Process Manager of WIL at UNISA.

Some additional thoughts on Reflection

2008-10-13T12:49:00.003+02:00

As you will be required to reflect on your learning and there are various models available. For this module, the ORID model will be followed (Bender, Daniels, Lazarus, Naude and Sattar (2006:70). The following will be required:

Objective: Activities will relate to the concrete experience.
Questions to be reflected on would be:
Ø “What did you as a student observe, hear, read and do while you were at the place of work?”
Ø “What transpired as a result of you being at the place of work?”
Ø “Did you gather evidence of your time spent at the place of work?”

Reflective: Activities will relate to the affective experience.
Questions to be reflected on would be:
Ø ‘How did you experience work integrated learning?”
Ø “Are you feeling more confident now?”
Ø “Are you feeling more successful and knowledgeable?”

Interpretive: Activities will relate to the cognitive experience.
Questions to be reflected on would be:
Ø “What did the experience make you think of?”
Ø “How did the experience influence your thinking on the public/private/non-profit sector?”
Ø “What did you learn from your experience?”

Decisional: Activities will relate to students incorporating their experiences into a new paradigm. It is hoped that students will have a better understanding of the world of work and how they perceive things.
Questions to be reflected on would be:
Ø “How did the experience influence your thinking on your future or current career prospects?”
Ø “What will you do differently if you had another opportunity?”
Ø “What are your current opinions on the place of work?”
Ø “How would you utilise what you have learned in your current/future career?”
Ø “Have any of your past experiences influenced the ways in which you made decisions?”

You can utilise the above questions to guide you when you are preparing the portfolio. You are also most welcome to use these questions for our myUNISA discussions.

Remember that your Portfolios are due 17 October 2008! Enjoy compiling them and listen to what Dr Groenewald has to say on Work Integrated Learning (WIL)!

Greetings from Sydney

2008-10-01T08:06:00.005+02:00

Hallo all

Just to let you know that I am currently attending the ACEN-WACE conference in Sydney, Australia on Work Integrated Learning. It is an amazing experience and people from all over the world share their thoughts on WIL. A current theme is the one on the importance of relevant exposure and reflection. So, ensure that you reflect on your experiences! At a later stage I will post a message from one of the Australian students sharing her thought on the biggest "draw card"/advantage of WIL.

Why reflection?

2008-09-21T09:48:00.002+02:00

Just a quick note on why you should reflect. By reflecting on your experiences in the workplace, you will acquire a better understanding of the link between theory and practice. You will also be able to come to better conclusions and recommendations. Reflection helps you to also create new ideas and paradigms.

So what should be in a portfolio?

2008-09-18T13:59:00.002+02:00

A process chronological thematic portfolio is a complete, illustrated report an all activities and the entire learning experience during the Public Management Practice period. It is chronological record on a specific theme which in this case is your Work Integrated Learning experience. The emphasis is on keeping evidence of the work done. The importance of the Portfolio lies in the fact that all learning should be assessed and the Portfolio is the most important document for assessment purposes. It must be a complete and formal report on the entire learning experience. No specific length or format is prescribed, but in view of the fact that you report on 3 months’ of Public Management Practice, it should at least consist of 20 pages.

Some guidelines:

Cover page

Full name and student number
ND: Public Management
PUQ301T/R
Portfolio of Evidence on Public Management Practice done at……(name of organization)
May 2009

-Index page –topics and page numbers (section dividers might be useful)
-Introduction-short paragraph on your career choice, expectations from Public Management Practice, the experience itself.
-A declaration that it is your own work.
-Introducing yourself-CV-goals in life and career objectives instead of references
-A detailed description of the company/firm/department/organization”
-The history, vision, mission, core business, objectives, strategies, organigram (where you fitted in)
-A detailed report on all your key performance area/responsibilities/activities-clearly indicating the knowledge, skills and competencies you have acquired. This can be based on the nature of the work or per department chronologically or per learning area. You should almost do it as if you are telling someone in great detail what you have been doing, but in a more structured and formal way than a casual chat.
-Evidence/examples of work you have done as attachments. Also show proof of linkages that you have made to resources that are not part of your studies.
-All items that you include in your portfolio must demonstrate how it contributed to your learning and how it demonstrates your intellectual growth and development.
-Conclusion. This may include constructive criticism of the organization/management, but highlighting learning experiences. Conclude on a positive note!
-It must be properly bound
-It must be neatly typed:
¨ 1,5 spacing
¨ No underlining
¨ Captions bold
¨ Formal language
¨ Proper sentences, grammar and correct spelling
¨ No forum for personal grievances

-It should be well demonstrated
-It must be complete
-The focus is on learning areas/outcomes of the course
-It is a personal document for creativity

You will be required to reflect on your learning and there are various models available. For this module, the ORID model will be followed (Bender, Daniels, Lazarus, Naude and Sattar (2006:70). The following will be required:

-Objective: Activities will relate to the concrete experience.
Questions to be reflected on would be:
Ø “What did you as a student observe, hear, read and do while you were at the place of work?”
Ø “What transpired as a result of you being at the place of work?”
Ø “Did you gather evidence of your time spent at the place of work?”

-Reflective: Activities will relate to the affective experience.
Questions to be reflected on would be:
Ø ‘How did you experience work integrated learning?”
Ø “Are you feeling more confident now?”
Ø “Are you feeling more successful and knowledgeable?”

-Interpretive: Activities will relate to the cognitive experience.
Questions to be reflected on would be:
Ø “What did the experience make you think of?”
Ø “How did the experience influence your thinking on the public/private/non-profit sector?”
Ø “What did you learn from your experience?”

-Decisional: Activities will relate to students incorporating their experiences into a new paradigm. It is hoped that students will have a better understanding of the world of work and how they perceive things.
Questions to be reflected on would be:
Ø “How did the experience influence your thinking on your future or current career prospects?”
Ø “What will you do differently if you had another opportunity?”
Ø “What are your current opinions on the place of work?”
Ø “How would you utilise what you have learned in your current/future career?”
Ø “Have any of your past experiences influenced the ways in which you made decisions?”

You can utilise the above questions to guide you when you are preparing the portfolio. You are also most welcome to use these questions for our myUNISA discussions.

Department's Responsibilities

2008-09-10T12:22:00.001+02:00

· Curriculum design and development take place in consultation with the relevant industry role-players. The experiential learning curriculum, is a component of the overall curriculum.
· Direct responsibility is retained while decentralising certain aspects, at discretion of the academic staff concerned. This includes placements, accreditation of experiential learning sites, on-site monitoring and evaluation.
· Developing, in conjunction with the staff of regional centres, operational procedures for students, and providing guidelines and training for workplace mentors.
· Developing placement guidelines for experiential learning and making them available to regional centres in order to be able to identify suitable work placements or community service placements.
· Providing for the orientation of learners in respect of experiential learning.
· Conducting on-site monitor visits with regard to experiential learning progress and quality when possible. The final responsibility, however, remains with the academic staff.
· Maintaining experiential learning administration and database in collaboration with the central unit and regional offices.
· Dealing with the grievances of learners regarding experiential learning aspects according to the University policies and procedures. Learners will have recourse to the central unit to intervene on their behalf.

It is important for all of us to discuss these matters so that we can create the best possible system!

Learner's responsiblities

2008-09-08T10:10:00.003+02:00

As a learner, you, your lecturer(s) and the University have responsibilities in the WIL process. During this week, I will share some of these with you. So, let's look at some of your responsibilities:

· You must register for the module Public Management Practice III which is a third year module. When you receive your tutorial letter, you will know that you are registered!
· You must identify a suitable employer and ensure that the employer’s policy for experiential learning is acceptable to the University. Approach your regional office for assistance in this regard.
· Inform your regional office of the exact dates of your experiential learning period.
· You must show respect for and understanding of the goals, rules and code of conduct of the employer and the University.
· You must notify the University of any change of address where experiential learning is undertaken.
· You must meet the requirements of both the experiential learning and the academic education before your application for a diploma will be considered.
· You must ensure that you keep your logbook up to date and that it is signed by the employer at the place where you will be doing your experiential learning.
· You must also ensure that the experiential learning received is up to standard and complies with University guidelines. Inform your Regional Office if you feel that there is insufficient learning taking place.

REMEMBER that you need to PLAN!

It is Spring!

2008-09-01T08:30:00.002+02:00

Dear all

Just to wish all of you a wonderful spring day. I know that it is still cold, but this is now the ideal time for renewal and reflection. In terms of our module, now is the time to reflect on what you are learning-can you link the theory to the practice? Are you able to understand the importance of what you are doing? And, are you excited about your future career in government?

So where do you start?

2008-09-01T08:22:00.004+02:00

Learners will be required to serve a three month period in government at any of the three spheres of government, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) or at a Community Based Organisation (CBO).

Learners who are currently employed in government will have the following options:

a) Serve the 3 months period in his/her current section or move to another section with the permission of the employer. These learners must, however, still submit the compulsory assignment, a logbook as well as a portfolio.

OR

b) Apply for Recognition of Previous Work Experience (RPWE). This means that these learners that have worked in government for 3 years and more and feel that they are competent in functioning effectively in government may be excluded from serving the required three months period. However, such learners must provide a portfolio of evidence proving their competence.

If you are of the opinion that you fall in the above category, you must fax, post or e-mail me a letter applying for “Recognition of Previous Work Experience”.

In the letter please ensure that you have the following details:

· Your postal address and telephone number/s
· Your correct name i.e. Mr/Miss/Mrs/Ms GN Ntutela and your learner number
· Date of application
· Registration period that you fall under e.g. First registration - 2009
· Date that you commenced employment in the public service
· The different sections/departments that you have worked in
· Your current department/section
· The duties that you performed previously and presently.

Background to the UNISA_WIL policy

2008-08-28T14:56:00.003+02:00

The UNISA Work Integrated Learning policy (2005b) defines work integrated learning programmes as:
“ 2.1 focuses on the application of theory in authentic, work-based contexts;

2.2 addresses specific competencies identified for the acquisition of a qualification;

2.3 enables the developmental skills that will make the student employable and provides a real context in which the theoretical, practical, interpersonal and reflexive competencies of UNISA’s students are developed in an integrated way;

2.4 is an umbrella term, used at UNISA, to include experiential education/teaching strategies such as clinical training/practice, internship, professional practice, experiential training/leaning, supervised learning/practice and work-based learning.”

The focus of the policy is to create a framework for effective work integrated learning practices within UNISA, such as work preparedness and life skills where work integrated learning forms part of the curriculum as is the case in the National Diploma in Public Management. The Work Integrated Learning policy also makes provision for implementation procedures such as placement opportunities, liability insurance, mentoring and learning contracting, monitoring and assessment of work integrated learning as well as record keeping. A section in the policy focus on the rationale and costing implications. On average, in my department 280 students need to undergo the Public Management Practice module each semester. Three out of ten students are unemployed and the department assists them in finding suitable placements.

2008-08-25T10:14:00.002+02:00

Dr Thomas Groenewald posted "Learning swings like a subjective-door in its work-frame" on his blog (Learning in vivo) reflecting on the work of Billet. When I reflect on learning and what I think learning entials, I think of learning as the "Road to El dorado". A place where we all would like to be (and want to reach) and the road towards El dorado personifies that you would like to go for the gold, but stay on the road for the adventure. That is why there will be turbulations on the road! Learning is thus an adventure.