Sunday, November 9, 2008

Looking Back...

ES2007S is coming to an end. Looking back then, I took this module mainly because it was non-examinable! (Hahaha! Let's face it. :p) However, it has been such an enriching experience for me, picking up many useful communication skills along the way, as well as making 16 new friends! It has been really stressful in the laboratory this semester, but whenever I go for the ES2007S class, it sort of take my mind off labwork, which is pretty relaxing.

For the first half of the semester, I got the chance to interact with different members of the class, discussing answers to the questions in the skill builder worksheets. I feel that this is a good way of building and practising effective interpersonal communication skills. It also provided the chance to build relationships as compared to not knowing anyone else from the class, the latter being a typical scenario for many of the modules. Next came the project, which allowed me to clearly understand the importance of coordination and team effort. Though the timeframe given to complete the report was short, I am really glad we pulled through it. Then came the resume and cover letter writing. I must say the skills that I have learnt in the process are truly valuable and definitely applicable in the near future when I will be job-hunting. Lastly, blog writing for this module has been an interesting experience because of the chance to read other blogs by my classmates. It also plays a role in helping me gather their opinions on certain issues and some of them really give very insightful thoughts on their blogs.

My understanding of the value of effective communications skills has not changed from the very first post and I still believe mutual respect is essential. To me, mutual respect encompasses the different aspects of effective communication skills such as active listening, mannerisms, etc. Taking this module has reaffirmed my belief. I am very satisfied with what I have taken away from the course and I know that the skills I have learnt will stick with me for life.

I would like to thank Brad for being a great teacher, for sharing his interesting life experience with the class during lessons and for the guidance and help given. Thanks to all the classmates who contributed in making the lessons enjoyable!! We should go for a class lunch on the last day of school after the quiz! (^.^)

27 comments:

Angeline said...

Yo Joyce!

Yeps I agree! Let's go for a class lunch after the "fun-games-quiz" on Friday! Hahaa. The interaction of the class made the lessons even more thought-evoking, and of course this is more interesting than lab-ing and talking to chemicals :p Thank you girl, for being such a wonderful project mate! :)

Tiffany said...

Hey Joyce!

Yes! Agree with angeline and you. let's go for lunch after last ES lesson! best if we can drag Brad along. haha! Everyone seems to think that this module is the best and most interactive module they have taken so Brad must be all-smiles! But seriously, if everyone thinks so, its time the Dean of Science look into how other Science modules are being conducted. Do they really have no choice but make Science modules so.. boring?

Eileen said...

Hey Joyce!

Still remember how we got to know each other during the first lesson? Haha, it's rare to still have such fun class in uni rite? Can't believe that was like 12 weeks ago. It's sad to end this module so soon, but I hope we will still keep in contact rite? Look forward to class lunch on fri!

Hee, and good luck for your quiz!!!

Unknown said...

Dear Joyceeee!! =)

I know that your lab have been very taxing so it is really great that this module helps to take your mind off your lab for a while. =)

I also believe that mutual respect is essential in effective communication. Well, we have to establish a comfortable level with someone first so as to communicate with them and this require mutual respect. Hence, its seems that mutual respect is vital in effective communication.

All in all, it was great knowing you and I will miss the crazy times we have in class laughing all the way!! =) All the best in job hunting!

Anonymous said...

Dear Joyce,

I think I will always remember you as the demure lady. Always so poise and ladylike, unlike us. Ok maybe not us, just me. HAHAHAHA.

Actually I really like your group's slides on Tuesday. I was pretty impressed with the slides, partly because I know Angeline and you are soooo busy with lab work.

Jiayou Joyce for your final year!!

Lyon said...

Hi Joyce,

I feel like cutting and pasting the same thing I wrote for Angeline here! We did not interact enough for me to clearly differentiate you from Angeline (I don't mean the looks la). But one thing i know is you were always the subject of Brad's teases! And your giggles were infectious! Never fails to brighten up the class!

I seriously wonder why are we paying 6.5 k a year for the kind of lectures we are getting at Sci Fac. The unqualified lecturers should pay 6.5k a year to attend Brad's classes!

joyce said...

Dear Tiffany,

Yes yes! We should ask Brad along! :)

Anyway, I think it's the way the lecturers teach science modules. Some of them can be REALLY boring. Droning on and on until we just yawn and float to la-la-land. It doesn't help that science deals with only facts, and not something that can have much variation or any grey area. For instance, there are general rules you can follow for effective communication, things everyone knows, but there are also different views from different people about what they think is effective for communication. I think it is made more interesting in this sense.

joyce said...

Dear Eileen,

Yes, I do remember the ice-breaker thingy, where we actually just wrote everybody's name over and over again for different questions. Hahaha.. We should keep in contact! Good luck for your quiz too! :)

joyce said...

Dear Xiuwen,

(>.<) I shall miss the crazy times laughing about weird things in class too! That's what makes my gloomy lab days better. Thanks for making me laugh together with you!

Lyon said...

Dear Joyce,

I see u are up and still muggin most prob haha... I guess my reply is coming right away!

Your Group's Saviour

joyce said...

Dear Xinyi,

Me?! DEMURE?! Hahaha! Please don't make Angeline roll on the floor. I'm pretty sure she won't agree with you. LOL. But thanks for the compliment. Haha.. Yay! Somebody has proven that I am demure. Or can be.....

Oooh, I am happy you like the slides!! :)

joyce said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
joyce said...

HAHAHA Lyon,

Bull's eye! I had just completed my targeted mugging hours. I was checking my reply to Xinyi, when I saw your second comment that started with, 'Dear Joyce', and I thought I replied myself. (-.-)Anyway, why can't you differentiate Angeline and I? Haha.. And am I always the subject of Brad's teases?! Gosh. Is it because he knows I don't know when I'm being teased? LOL.

Anyway, I agree with you and Tiffany. Most lecturers in Science are really..... ZZZZZzzzzz...

Lyon said...

Hahaha Joyce!

Because the 2 of you always come in a pair! Sticking together like Siamese Twins. Gosh super late liao! But I am mugging too... School sux, can I major in Professional Communication???

joyce said...

To Lyon:

Is this our MSN area? LOL. I wish I can major in professional communication too. Hmmm.. I think there are 2 pairs of Siamese twins in class then. Me and Angel, Junrong and Junyen! And I think they are really 默契十一足!Can even wear the same colour tees. Scandalous.. Hahaha! Anyway, good luck for your exams too! :)

Angeline said...

Can la joyce.. you can be demure la.. erh-hmms.. hahaa. Opps, Singlish coming into action when words just get too comfortable. :p I think the only thing that Lyon can differentiate us is my childhood incident! It's been like 10 years! And it's still etched in his mind! Gosh. I can't even remember what happened! :p

Lyon said...

Good Morning Joyce!

Haha aiya just add each other on MSN la on Friday haha... I really dread the upcoming final exams! Work hard for yours! I am off to school to mug!

Tiffany said...

Hey Joyce,

I like what you said about floating into la-la-land! I do that all the time! But surprisingly, not for this module. Part of it is because everyone in class is always so energized, it gives me no reason to snooze. Another reason could be because we're all under Brad's eagle eye.

Yes, it is always very interesting to hear opinions from people. What makes it more interesting is that we've got classmates from various countries like Myanmar, Taiwan, and a handful from Malaysia! This is definitely something that makes our class more unique!

Sammy said...

Hi Joyce,
Thanks for the comment. I have learn many things from you as well.Your face is always full of joy, that is how you got your name, right, haha.

I found the module content very useful also, it is very practical.

joyce said...

Dear Tiffany,

Yes, Brad does keep us on our toes. You'll never know when he'll call your name and ask you questions! Haha.. No time for la-la-land.

joyce said...

Dear Sammy,

My aunt is the one who named me Joyce. I think she wants me to be a happy baby!

Hui Xuan said...

Hey Joyce,

I agree with Sammy, you are always smiling. And I like your smile too!

I think after this module end, I will not have so many chances to happen to sit beside you and Angeline during lunch time anymore.

All the best for your exams and your FYP! (:

Yu Ming said...

Hi Joyce,

You lost me there with the Chinese idioms. Though I plowed through 6 years in primary school in mandarin, I was pretty much guessing my way till the end. Love your comments and post throughout the semester. Was always a reliable source of inspiration before I start to pen my own thoughts. Thank you very much:)

Brad Blackstone said...

Dear Joyce,

The truth comes out. Non-examinable, eh? Easy course, eh?

Little did you know that I was going to be such a "slave driver"!

Anyway, you proved up to all the tasks I could throw at you, and I've come away impressed, by your will power, your hard work, your ingenuity and your charm! Thank you also for making such a fine contribution to the blogging and to the class discussions in general (I'll never forget your intonation example!!!!). I think I can say we have all really appreciated your presence in the class!

All the best for your exam weeks, the rest of your study and for your future!

joyce said...

Dear Huixuan,

Thanks for your wishes! All the best to your exams too!! (^.^)

joyce said...

Hey Yu Ming,

So I was your muse! Haha.. Such an honour! :) All the best for your exams!

joyce said...

Dear Brad,

I knew it was not going to be easy after the outline you had given in the first lesson. :) However, I am really glad that I had taken the course!

Thank you for your well wishes!