Brad, I know you'll be reading this. I'm not sure if you remember but last semester there was a student who emailed you, asking if she could join ES2007S when she was a freshman. That was me! I wanted to bid for this module and thought I qualified because it was stated on the CORS website that 'New' students are eligible to attend the classes. After calling CORS helpdesk several times, it turned out that CORS was refering to the year 1 students from polytechnics! Disappointed, I was. I was adamant to get into the class this time. Never have I regretted my decision these months. I won't dare say that I have picked up many skills. Nevertheless, I'm definitely more aware of the importance of these skills. I think it is good enough if I can consistently practise one or two of them.
The main focus of this course is to enable one to communicate more effectively, in term of listening, speaking and writing. Without being critical in one's thoughts and actions, one cannot communicate effectively without causing unnecessary misunderstanding, which could mount to some serious conflicts. I have learnt a lot and practised critical thinking from writing blog posts. Mainly because it has given me a chance to reflect on my actions in the past and analyse them impartially. I did reflect upon some of the communication breakdown I had. They are mostly caused by the assumptions I made on my part and not listening actively. I've always had the bad habit of passing judgements in my head every time someone makes a statement, thus not giving full attention and being biased right from the start. I'm now more aware of the possible consequences of my speech, actions and thoughts. I would make a conscious effort to deliver my messages unambiguously, listen actively before judging and not to give misleading non-verbal cues, now that I realise how influential they are (I'm sure we all know after doing oral presentations). Hopefully, I'll remember these for a long long time.
This blog will stay put as a reminder to myself of what I once learned in ES2007S with my fellow comrades :)
Thank you for a more than pleasant semester.
Hello fellow comrade Ning! :)
ReplyDeleteI am sure it warms Brad heart to know you wanted to take this module from the start, and have gained from it too! Haha.
Anyway, I am also glad that you have learnt a very useful skill in terms of critical thinking as well as active learning. I think I did too!
Being aware is a good first step, and as you have mentioned, it helps us to then make a good conscious effort to take relevant action.
Have a great break after the exams! (Knowing how busy you are, haha)
Hey Ning,
ReplyDeleteGreat to know you gained a lot from this module! As you mentioned,in this module, we learned how to make effective communications, how to solve personal conflicts, how to prepare for presentations etc.It prepares us to work better in the future!
Good luck in the final exams! And thank you!:D
Hi Ning!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your constructive feedback for the mock interview. It really helped a lot and made me more confident (hopefully I get the job). I always enjoyed you speaking because your voice is pleasant to hear and you articulate really clearly, given your debater background.
I wish you all the best in everything you do:)
Dear Ning,
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you have become a more effective communicator. Stop being so busy with everything and enjoy your time in school! I can tell you from experience that 3-4 years goes by in a flash. It's really been a pleasure getting to know you.
See you around campus (though i am now very hesitant to go over to science for lunch, would rather give my seat up to some poor science student who has to compete with the staff from Science Park),and don't be a stranger!
Hey Ning,
ReplyDeleteDidn’t know that you pass judgment that easily because from what I experience, I don’t feel so.
It’s good to hear that you are more aware of your words and actions now and how it will help you.
Ah Pow asked me if I will still be contacting you after this module. I hope we do :D
Thanks, Ning, for this final post and for the interest in the course (and for the "confession" --- I receive lots of enquiries about ES2007S, so though had written, it would be hard for me to remember). As Noelle writes, it does warm my heart.
ReplyDeleteThanks, too, for elaborating on the way our study, in specific the blog writing, enhanced your critical thinking. (It seems you're referring mainly to the reflective posts, and to the interpersonal conflict post. Right?) What you say about the value of our becoming aware of the assumptions we make certainly seems true. You also mention the value of active listening, a skill that would seem obvious but which is often overlooked.
Speaking of overlooking, here is one language item from your post: "Mainly because it has given me a chance to reflect on my actions in the past and analyse them impartially." Do you see the problem with this clause? Hint: Is it a complete sentence? Why not?
In any case, I really appreciate your many contributions to the course and class this term, the questions you posed and the positive attitude you brought to all your interactions. Best wishes for your future!
Dear Klara, Zoey, Noelle, Eric and Chris, thanks for the lovely comments. I'm not sure if I've ever told anyone in class that I actually look forward to your comments after completing a blog post!
ReplyDeleteDear Brad, I really appreciate the fact that it's not just communicating skills that I've learned in this class. ES2007S may be the only module in NUS that allows me to learn and apply many life skills. To answer your question, it's not a complete sentence because there isn't any subject in the sentence. I wrote it in a very conversational manner. Maybe I should have put a comma before mainly?
Hey Ning,
ReplyDeleteIf you ask me, I think you have the talent to be a good speaker and that this course has helped you focus your thoughts and expressions, which is probably what you were looking for.
Also I agree with Eric :P I have seen students drown themselves in activities and then suddenly want to have a break. I am sure you can strike a balance.
Its been a pleasure getting to know you, Ning. See you around at the Science canteen. I just love the food there :)