Time flies. 13 weeks have passed since the first lesson of this module. I can remember the first lesson; everyone being uncomfortable about voicing out their opinions whenever questions were asked, looking down instead of looking at Dr Radhika for fear of being arrowed to answer questions. The lesson at the end of week 13 was a gauge of how everyone has changed in the past 13 weeks.
At the beginning of the semester, I was shocked at how much workload there is for this module. And the trick to this? It was to take things easy. Change your mindset and things will change. I was starting to enjoy the interesting articles which I doubt I will ever read if not for this module.
During the course, I learnt to write my job resume and application letter, as well as proposals and personal statements. These are very relevant skills which I will be needing in the near future. Stuff about Emotional EQ and non-verbals are information which I will not look up into if not for this module. I will never think that non-verbals can carry more weight and meaning in context of our high content culture.
Throughout this course, I learnt to be more confident about voicing my opinions. In a group setting, there is a unspoken rule of lettting people to finish what they have before cutting in. I do think this might be a problem I need to take note of as I tend to interrupt people sometimes.
We also had our group project of our proposal as well as peer teaching. Being in the same group for both, we will meet up more often. Meetings is an important aspect for any project. Through meeting up face to face regularly to update each other and ironing out pressing issues, it ensure that the project is smooth sailing without major hiccups. It is also cater for easier discussions and prompt decision on important issues. Though work can be handled individually, but effort is needed to "patch" the many different parts of the proposal together to give a proposal that is coherent.
We were also expected to use the wiki as a platform for the proposal. However, I feel that the wiki is a waste of time. Most of us will be busy with our schoolwork to visit the wiki regularly. Moreover, the complexity and unavailability of the website makes it less desirable as a medium. Hence, meeting up will be a more efficient compared to wiki for discussions while emails/cloud computing software(Google Docs) will serve as a better medium for exchange of digital information.
Lastly, I like the way classes were conducted. Instead of the usual sender and receiver type of class like all my other science lectures, this is one of the few modules I had enjoyed during my years in Uni. By discussing, we learn a lot of soft skills like thought processing, sustaining your argument and communicating in a group dynamics. This will be beneficial throughout of life.
Hey Terence!
ReplyDeleteIt's been nice to have known you even through this course. Just want to thank you for all the effort you have put in even for our projects. (Helping us with the wikis and photoshop) and, especially, all the long trips you had to make just to meet Rox and I in the east. Thanks for being so accommodating towards us ladies!
All the best for the coming final exams and in all that you do in future :)
It was fun working with you girls too. Will miss those sessions. Haha. I WANT TO GRADUATE!
ReplyDeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteNow that you mention it, I must agree that this module exposed me to things I would otherwise not have known. One random example: Someone (was it Jeremy?) mentioned during the session on intercultural communication that Asians scoop inwards when drinking soup while Westerners scoop outwards due a difference in thinking. I noticed later that this was indeed the case!
The class was more lively with you around! Thanks and all the best for exams!
Terence! I agree! Unlike the monotonous lectures we usually attend, this module consists of dynamic interactions between the students and the lecturer every lesson! Listening and seeing comprise only about 20% of our learning process, but the interactive sessions help us to learn and to remember better! I thoroughly enjoyed this class as well. All the best for your exams and your future endeavours!
ReplyDeleteYong Qiang
You're a natural Terence. Keep improving yourself and you'll do just fine:))
ReplyDelete