Saturday, November 13, 2010

My Final Reflections for ES2007S

It has been a long journey since the day I embarked on this module from the start of the semester till the very end of this module. As I was writing this post, a lot of thoughts went through my mind regarding what I had actually experienced for the past four months or so and the valuable lessons learnt…

It is an undeniable fact that through this module, one is able to learn many skills in communication and life skills. 

These skills include:

Problem Solving SkillsJ
In class, we were made to think critically and interact in class to address interpersonal and intercultural conflicts. I learnt the fact that one should always approach such problems with caution as mishandling it would definitely worsen the whole issue. There are various ways in handling a problem but the type of approach would definitely differ from each problem. Relating to my blog entry on the intercultural conflict, the party involved could actually have averted such a disaster in his encounter with his soon-to-be parents’ in law by actually doing a thorough research on his girlfriend’s family background. He should realize that not all everywhere in the world adopt the same cultural practice. Everyone has different perspectives towards certain issues and they too, bear a certain limit of tolerance. Hence, to overcome such problems, I adopted the art of being sensitive to the things that are happening around me.

Interactive Skills L
One would definitely benefit heavily from this course by gaining valuable knowledge and confidence in developing interactive skills. We were taught that besides the usual mode of speaking confidently, one has to take note of their non-verbal communication in order to send his intended message across. Nonetheless, I felt that I demonstrated little of the principles of effective communication in class due to my soft spoken nature and the fact that I was not able to critically reason as well as the rest. This was highly regretful on my part.

Written Skills J
Through blogging, we were given a chance to develop ideas and pen them down. In my opinion, I felt that my writing skills have definitely improved to a large extent through the many blog entries we were required to post. The blog entries were subjected under the scrutiny of the 7Cs and I am often quite worked up due to the need to conform within these parameters when churning up each blog assignment. It definitely does impose some form of pressure on the writer. However, I believed that such scrutiny is definitely necessary. It actually demonstrates a test of your writing skills given the constraints of writing the posts especially short and grammatically correct in which people normally pay less attention to these components.  

Teamwork J
In the course, I was exposed to collaborating with other classmates on several occasions to work on projects together which included the peer teaching assignment and the research project proposal. I realize that it is important to have motivated teammates for each project as it will definitely boost his or her morale during the execution of the project. It definitely makes the completion of project seem less stressful and easy. For that, I am thankful for the fact that I am blessed with excellent teammates who are highly efficient and highly motivated. :D

Overall learning J
In conclusion, it has been a great learning experience apart from the competitive nature of the module. That aside, I feel that I have definitely learnt much from this module as stated in the above skills. These skills are definitely important as it forms the basis to succeed and survive well in the working world.
Once again, thank you, Brad for all the invaluable skills that you have imparted to us and I would definitely recommend this module to my peers due to its relevance in the future working environment and the fun nature of the module.  :D




  

18 Comments:

Blogger yuen may said...

Hi Sylvester!

Thanks for a very insightful and heartfelt reflection on the course. (:

It's been great having you as a classmate throughout this semester. You certainly played no small role in contributing to class discussions and activities! One thing I've always admired about you is your ability to handle stressful situations. Quite honestly, I'm baffled by how you do it. Taking the mock interviews as an example, you were fantastically calm and cool throughout the whole session despite nasty interviewers, difficult questions, uninterested looks (and my walking out of the room at one point). I do believe you were the 'candidate' who got the worst deal that day. Haha! Wen Lue deserved an Oscar award for really getting into character and giving you hell during that 'interview'. Yet, in spite of everything you kept your nerve and delivered well thought-out answers in a most obliging manner. It was terrifically impressive.

Additionally, you've been very good blogging buddy who is responsible and efficient with blog comments. (: Your blog posts are highly interesting to read as well, often covering very real and pertinent issues.

Pity I didn't get the chance to work with you in a project-group setting, but judging from the verbal analysis of your research group's work-style which you shared on Thursday, and your reflections above, you truly are one committed team-player who constantly strives for excellence.

All the best in the upcoming final exams! Incredible how you manage to survive while taking core modules from both Chemistry and Life Science!

November 14, 2010 at 10:26 AM  
Blogger yanling said...

Hello Sylvester!

Commenting on your blogpost somehow gives me reason to procrastinate in writing my reflections. Too many thoughts to convey and thought organization is one of my weaknesses.

Firstly, thanks for the comfort and encouragement you've given about my oral presentation. I really appreciate all these comments, as it gives me the direction and strength to work on the flaws and improve upon myself.

It has certainly been interesting seeing things from your perspective as a blogging buddy. For one, your comment was particularly memorable during our discussion about Billet's interpersonal situation: to send the mentioned characters to church. :) I still smile at that sincere and earnest comment, for your rooted values really shine through in that.

Everyone has different means of communication and one thing I feel that matters more is the 'genuinity' and passion for the conversation subject and not so much about the frequency of comments made.

Similarly, I've learnt so much from this course too. I guess some interpersonal skills take some time to hone and assimilate into our natural behaviour, so here's all the best to being the person you want to be!

Cheers, Yanling

November 14, 2010 at 1:43 PM  
Blogger Sylvester Lee said...

Hi Yuen May,

Thanks for the compliment. It was really one memorable mock interview session battling with tough questions posed by Wen Lue and you. To tell you the truth, I thought I was quite oblivious during the interview about the fact that you actually stood up and walked away, trying to create the kind of uneasiness in me. Perhaps, being oblivious to some things does really works wonders. :p

I also agree that it was a pity not being able to work with you. :/ Juggling between Chemistry and Life Sciences modules is no easy feat but then again, I showed great interest in both so I probably have to suffer in silence then.. :/

Lastly, I hope that in time to come, we would be able to have a nice chat over a cup of coffee or tea if ever we bump into each other in the streets. All the best in your future endeavours..

Cheers,
Sylvester

November 14, 2010 at 4:19 PM  
Blogger Guo Chen said...

Hi Sylvester,

As your blog buddy and also your team member, I am more lucky than the above two:) Working with you is really enjoyable.

It is glad to see you have gained so much in this class. In fact, we all learn from each other though the interactive way of learning.I think your presentation skill really improves a lot from peer teaching to the oral presentation.

Although you think you are not so interactive because your soft spoken nature, I think it is OK. After all we all have our own ways of communicating. The 7C guidelines does not really mean you need to change your style.

All the best for your coming exams!

November 15, 2010 at 10:27 AM  
Blogger Sylvester Lee said...

Hi Yan Ling,

(Smiles* at the comment for sending the mentioned characters to church)

Thanks for the compliments. I am quite heartened by your comment and I agree with you that what matters "is the 'genuinity' and passion for the conversation subject and not so much about the frequency of comments made". It shows that one does really give serious thoughts about the issues and giving earnest and useful replies which in a way is beneficial to the writer, giving it more perspectives to think about.

Once again thanks for being a wonderful blogging buddy..

Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours.. :D

Cheers,
Sylvester

November 15, 2010 at 12:28 PM  
Blogger Sylvester Lee said...

Hi Guo Chen,

Thanks for the compliments. As mentioned, I really regard you as my role model in life to strive for continual excellence. I guess everyone is just different in nature in their way of expressing themselves. This is what makes people unique, just like you and me.. :D

All the best in your future endeavors.. :D :D

Cheers,
Sylvester

November 15, 2010 at 12:31 PM  
Blogger Xi Xi said...

Hi Sylvester,

No worries. If you think you have not demonstrated principles of communications in class, it is not the end.In other modules, during tutorials, labs and even lectures, all of you could continue to develop all the valuable communication skills. I don't think your soft spoken nature is a weakness. It is just one kind of personality. :)

All the best!

November 15, 2010 at 10:49 PM  
Blogger Sylvester Lee said...

Hi Xixi,

Thanks a lot for the comments. I am quite heartened to hear that.. It is just one kind of personality. If there is a LIKE button attached to this posts like in the facebook application, I would have liked it a zillion times... :D

I also will continue to express myself freely and get engaged in discussions in future if ever such opportunities arises. :D

Once again, thank you for everything. All the best in your future endeavors...

Cheers,
Sylvester

November 15, 2010 at 11:13 PM  
Blogger alvin then said...

Dear Sylvester,

It's weird to comment on your posts, especially when you have been a friend of mine for a year and a half!

I would say this post of yours is probably one of the best. Very detailedly written, and as you mentioned, your writting language has definitely improved. Keep up the good work!

I fully agree with your take on the challenges the 7Cs pose to us in terms of writting. It makes us dwell deeper, ensuring we do not beat around the bush, but at the same time, delivering the idea. Without the knowledge of the 7Cs, I am sure I would have written a two-page application/resume letter!

See you around school and study hard! Don't be overly-stressed out yeah?! :)

Cheers,
Mr Then

November 16, 2010 at 12:14 AM  
Blogger Sylvester Lee said...

HELLO (MR)THEN DING YAO..

One and a half year certainly sure came long and I am glad that our friendship is still as strong and firm...

Thanks for the compliments. I am truly appreciative of the fact that we are bounded by the 7Cs, at least. If not our writing would just go out of control and Brad would definitely be cursing and swearing when reading lengthy posts from each of us. Writing concise as I mention also demonstrates a test of your writing ability.. I view it as somewhat similar to doing an exam paper under a certain time constraint.. It sort of test our reflexes and understanding of the topics tested under that stressful time period..

Lastly, I really hope to end this two intensive week of studying.. Really getting on my nerves.. Oh well.. Let's strive hard for better results!!!!

Cheers,
Sylvester

November 16, 2010 at 12:52 AM  
Blogger Elgin said...

Hey! okies.. surely it's weird to comment when we talk more in person, just like Alvin said. But I guess this will be the last time we will be communicating like that. I'm sure you have learnt a lot from this course, whether or not you show it outwardly or not. Nevertheless, soft-spoken nature? hmmm... i think it's just the nature of the class, which may be a bit too serious at times, but definitely not soft-spoken when it comes to jokes. haha.. stay cool and study hard. (no more crazy deadlines and workloads!) pure mugging spree!

November 16, 2010 at 1:11 AM  
Blogger Brad Blackstone said...

This is a very fine reflective post, Sylvester! You organize your thoughts well along the lines of the skills we have worked on, and you've provided honest and critical self assessment. I appreciate your effort with this and with all the hard work you've done during the term!

As for your "soft spoken," laid back nature negatively affecting your interaction with others, I feel like I must have missed something since from what I saw you were very much part of the group. Still, you know better than me what you need to work on, and if you feel that there is an area where you to hone further skills, I wish you the best of luck with that!

Good luck in your future!

November 16, 2010 at 9:40 AM  
Blogger Nanhai said...

Wow, this is a rather detailed and organized reflection. From the points you have listed down, I am glad that you have improved so much in this course and we all do :)

The end is also the beginning and we shall keep the spirit on in our future endeavors. I wish you all the best!

November 16, 2010 at 10:43 AM  
Blogger Sylvester Lee said...

Hi Elgin,

I agree that this will probably be the last time we will be talking so formally as such. I also agree initially that it might be due to the competitive and serious nature of the class that might deter me from interacting freely. Nonetheless, as time progresses, I realise that the class is quite happening after all. True enough, I realise my flaws and areas to improve on like interacting more freely in class. I will definitely work on that if ever opportunities as such arises in the future. Thanks once again for the insightful comment.

All the best for your exams... :D

Cheers,
Sylvester

November 16, 2010 at 11:44 AM  
Blogger Sylvester Lee said...

Hi Brad,

Thanks for the compliment. I also agree that through blogging, my writing skills improve. It actually does provide an avenue to frely express my opinions. Regarding my soft spoken nature, I realise that it is an area that I need to work on. These are the skills that will potentially land us a job.

Once again, thanks for the wonderful comments that you have made with regards to my blog posts and I am thankful for that... :D Till we meet again.. :D

Cheers,
Sylvester

November 16, 2010 at 11:51 AM  
Blogger Sylvester Lee said...

Hi Nanhai,

Thanks for the fine comments you have made with regards to my post. This course does give me ample opportunities to improve be it, intellectually and interpersonally.. FANTASTIC course.. :D

Once again, wish you all the best in your future endeavors... :D

Cheers,
Sylvester

November 16, 2010 at 11:53 AM  
Blogger Billto said...

Hi Sylvester,

Wow! you have 16 comments before mine! That is an impressive number. :)

This is a really well-organized and reflective post which give an honest opinion in the course.

I think for me it has been really nice working with you in the peer teaching group and blogging group. From working with you, you are always a person whom I can trust on in work. You are always a accountable and responsible group mate. Thank you for that.

I definitely agree with you that the blog posts and comment really helped us a lot in our written communications. Through this course, we have learned so much in different areas that I am confident that we will do well in our career. All the best for your future. Hope to see you around.

Cheers,
Billet

November 16, 2010 at 4:12 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Some more skills like active listening, we can ask more questions and we will clarify and summarise our thoughts to anyone clearly and effectively.
Doctors Note Template

September 4, 2018 at 2:24 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home