One of the basic goals for the masterâs degree students is the continued and permanent self-improvement in both personal and professional aspects (McClellan & Stringer, 2009, p. 189). If only the latter point is considered, the best way to achieve it, i. e. develop the knowledge and skills, is to participate in the events that facilitate the experience sharing and communication processes between the professionals from various areas of knowledge. Thus, professional associationsâ conferences and meetings are the best ways to enhance oneâs professional development. Eastern Michigan University has recently held one of such conferences titled Regional Reacting to the Past Conference (October 16th â 18th, 2009).
The participation in this conference was a great opportunity for the continued self-development and professional improvement in the aspects of the knowledge in history, understanding the causes of certain historic events, and reacting to the activities of the prominent historic personalities. Track B of the conference, for example, was dedicated to one of the most controversial moments in the history of mankind, i. e. the time when India was about to obtain its independence from Great Britain and start independent development. The fact that the conference is structured in the form of a set of games involving the conference visitors to participate and feel the atmosphere of the past adds greatly to the educational value of the conference (MacKinnon & Associates, 2004, p. 127).
Moreover, the great emphasis on the role of personality in the mentioned moment in Indian history is also one of the points of the conference that allow speaking about its value as the events facilitating the professional development of its every single participant. The already mentioned Track B of the conference put special emphasis on the personality of Gandhi for the process of Indiaâs gaining its independence and settling its numerous racial, political, and religious conflicts. Apart from purely historical meaning, this fact adds to the personal development potential of the conference visitor once again stressing the role of self-improvement and the role of personality in any historic process thus encouraging students to improve.
Needless to say, the conference dedicated to such a difficult topic as reacting to the past displayed come negative features, especially in respect to the points discussed. In more detail, Track B, apart from the mentioned historic aspects of Indian independence, discussed the tragic moments of the period associated mainly with the lack of religious and racial tolerance and the bloody outcomes of the associated conflicts. However, the negative aspects of the conference cannot outweigh the educational and developmental potential that this meeting of professionals bears for its every participant and thus fulfills the function of any associationsâ conference or meeting.
Thus, the importance of the associationsâ conferences and meetings is obvious as these gatherings of professionals allow students and young people interested in any particular area of knowledge to improve and develop their personal and professional qualities and skills. A bright example of such a useful conference is the Regional Reacting to the Past Conference held by Eastern Michigan University between the 16th and the 18th of October 2009. This conferenceâs structure and game-oriented approach to promoting knowledge and participation allowed every visitor to better and deeper understand the history and obtain some additional experience of participating in a scholarly event held by a reputable educational establishment.
References
McClellan, G.S. & Stringer, J. (2009) The Handbook of Student Affairs Administration (3rd ed.) San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
MacKinnon, F.J.D., & Associates (2004). Rentzâs Student affairs practice in higher education (3rd ed.) Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publishers.
Publication manual of the American psychological association (6th ed.). (2009). Washington DC: American Psychological Association.