The final lesson of ES2007S was conducted on 15 April 2014. 12 weeks have just gone past in the blink of an eye. Although there were many tight deadlines to be met, it was definitely an enriching and enjoyable module. The knowledge and experience gained from the module were very useful and will definitely go a long way in helping me when I enter into the workplace.
Through the various assignments submitted, I felt that I have become a more confident and competent speaker. Before I started on this module, I was very afraid of making presentations and would tend to just read off the slides on the screen. However, through this module, I learnt about the various presentation styles and things to take note in order to make an effective presentation. In addition, I also came to understand that in order to deliver a good presentation, one has to make the effort to practice and practice. Previously, I always thought a presentation was easy as I had the slides to rely on. Nevertheless, a good presentation will only arise when one makes the effort to practice, engage the audience and value-adds to the existing content that is already presented on the slides. Therefore, in the two presentation assignments that I had, I made the effort to draft out a speech and rehearsed it many times before the actual presentation. I was glad that on the day of the presentations, I was not nervous at all and I managed to deliver the presentation in a manner that I did not even believe that I was capable of doing so. I was relieved that my efforts paid off and such presentations are definitely good practices.
The resume and application letter writing was also a good practice for me. I was clueless on how to write a proper resume and application letter before this module. However, through this module, I learnt about the style, format and things to note while writing my resume and application letter. This is definitely useful as the resume and application letter are items that will pave the way for the first job interview. In addition, it is through the resume and application letter that we are able to market our unique selling points to potential employers. Therefore, by knowing how to write a good resume and application letter, I can better differentiate myself from the other job applicants.
Last but not least, I will like to thank all of my classmates and my tutor, Madam Fazilah for the wonderful time spent during the lesson. The discussions, teachings and interactions were useful and will go a long way in developing myself as a better and learned person.
Thank you all !
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Reflection on Team-based Research Project Proposal
The team-based research project was a good way to consolidate what I have learnt over the past months from ES2007S. After our group was formed, our group met up to decide on potential topics that we could use for our research project. All of us in the group did not know one another beforehand and thus I was glad that we did break the ice fast and quickly started the discussion that we were supposed to have. We short-listed some of the topics that we could use and finally decided on doing on the topic of "Electronic-Waste".
After deciding on this topic, we were supposed to conduct some preliminary research on the topic before the next meeting.
The use of technology has allowed group members to stay in contact despite the fact that we come from different faculties and had different timetables. The use of technology included Whatsapp, Wrike and Google Drive. I feel that the use of such online communicating tools is definitely important and useful as it allows group members to stay connected and express their ideas any time and anywhere. Such applications are also useful in the workplace where there might be inter-department collaborations in projects and it is difficult to find a common time to meet.
After the preliminary research has been conducted, our group proceeded with a more depth discussion of the current situation and solutions that we can adopt to improve the current situation. During the discussion, there were many ideas/proposals that were surfaced. Each of us evaluated each idea critically and tried to built up on existing ones. Although there were some disagreements at times, everyone was able to come to a consensus and compromise on certain issues. This definitely made the discussion a more fruitful one and new ideas were able to be surfaced as a result of such critical and detailed discussion that we have.
Lastly, the meeting agenda and minutes were important tools that aided in our research project. For the many projects that I have done in the past, I did not bother to take minutes or items that were discussed. This resulted in a lack of structure and focus for my previous projects. However, as we were required to take minutes of the discussion our group had for this research project, I realised that the project became more focused and had a clear direction. Items that were discussed or to be done were clearly indicated and this allowed everyone to had a clear picture of the outstanding items. I also felt that this project was done in a more efficient manner and everyone had an enjoyable time doing the project.
In conclusion, this research project proposal assignment was indeed an enriching and fruitful one. The discussions that we had were very meaningful and engaging. This definitely helps me prepare for a team project in the workplace and I would be confident in facilitating and working on a team-based project in the workplace.
After deciding on this topic, we were supposed to conduct some preliminary research on the topic before the next meeting.
The use of technology has allowed group members to stay in contact despite the fact that we come from different faculties and had different timetables. The use of technology included Whatsapp, Wrike and Google Drive. I feel that the use of such online communicating tools is definitely important and useful as it allows group members to stay connected and express their ideas any time and anywhere. Such applications are also useful in the workplace where there might be inter-department collaborations in projects and it is difficult to find a common time to meet.
After the preliminary research has been conducted, our group proceeded with a more depth discussion of the current situation and solutions that we can adopt to improve the current situation. During the discussion, there were many ideas/proposals that were surfaced. Each of us evaluated each idea critically and tried to built up on existing ones. Although there were some disagreements at times, everyone was able to come to a consensus and compromise on certain issues. This definitely made the discussion a more fruitful one and new ideas were able to be surfaced as a result of such critical and detailed discussion that we have.
Lastly, the meeting agenda and minutes were important tools that aided in our research project. For the many projects that I have done in the past, I did not bother to take minutes or items that were discussed. This resulted in a lack of structure and focus for my previous projects. However, as we were required to take minutes of the discussion our group had for this research project, I realised that the project became more focused and had a clear direction. Items that were discussed or to be done were clearly indicated and this allowed everyone to had a clear picture of the outstanding items. I also felt that this project was done in a more efficient manner and everyone had an enjoyable time doing the project.
In conclusion, this research project proposal assignment was indeed an enriching and fruitful one. The discussions that we had were very meaningful and engaging. This definitely helps me prepare for a team project in the workplace and I would be confident in facilitating and working on a team-based project in the workplace.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Evaluating Intercultural Behavior
In today's highly globalised and mobile world, many of us would have had a chance to interact with someone from a different culture. It can be communicating through the internet or having a face-to-face chat. All of these present good opportunities for one to learn more about the culture and their norms.
During the last winter holidays, I had the chance to visit Europe. It was an eye-opener for me as I finally had the chance to experience the European culture. Prior to the trip, I was told by friends and family members that it was better if I knew some French as the people in France would not want to communicate in a language other than French. However, I was thinking that in today's context, where every country is trying to promote their tourism industry, the popular tourists area would have someone who could speak an international language, English.
However, I was proven wrong upon reaching France. I had bought a train ticket and needed to clarify some issues regarding the usage of the train ticket. Therefore, I went up to the counter. The staff upon seeing me, slid open the panel on the counter. I asked my question in English. However, the staff (probably seeing that I am a foreigner and speaking English), ignored me and continued talking to her colleague. I repeated my questions (a few more times) in English but the staff continued to ignore me. After which, she replied, "No.. Dont know English" and slid back the panel.
At that very moment, I was really fuming. Even if the staff did not understand English, she should have shown some basic respect by giving me the due attention while I was asking my question, instead of just ignoring me. In addition, she could have politely told me that she does not understand English and I could check with someone else.
On the other hand, I also had the chance to visit Japan on an exchange programme. Unfortunately, I fell ill and was sent to the school's sick bay. The staff were not proficient in English and they tried their very best to communicate and understand my condition. It was with great relief that there was an English-Japanese dictionary and the staff made the effort to flip through the pages of the dictionary to show me with the words they wanted to say to me. This greatly enhances the communication between the staff and I and I really appreciated their efforts in doing so.
From these two cases, we can observe that the Japanese makes the effort to communicate with someone of a different culture despite the language barrier. However, the French displayed an indifferent attitude when communicating with someone who does not speak French. I believe that in intercultural communication, both parties should make a concerted effort even though there is a language barrier. It is with great regret that I did not have a good impression of the French culture after the incident. However, I really appreciate the efforts by the Japanese in ensuring an effective communication between us.
Perhaps, this is what defines the culture itself -- the norms, actions and behaviours.
During the last winter holidays, I had the chance to visit Europe. It was an eye-opener for me as I finally had the chance to experience the European culture. Prior to the trip, I was told by friends and family members that it was better if I knew some French as the people in France would not want to communicate in a language other than French. However, I was thinking that in today's context, where every country is trying to promote their tourism industry, the popular tourists area would have someone who could speak an international language, English.
However, I was proven wrong upon reaching France. I had bought a train ticket and needed to clarify some issues regarding the usage of the train ticket. Therefore, I went up to the counter. The staff upon seeing me, slid open the panel on the counter. I asked my question in English. However, the staff (probably seeing that I am a foreigner and speaking English), ignored me and continued talking to her colleague. I repeated my questions (a few more times) in English but the staff continued to ignore me. After which, she replied, "No.. Dont know English" and slid back the panel.
At that very moment, I was really fuming. Even if the staff did not understand English, she should have shown some basic respect by giving me the due attention while I was asking my question, instead of just ignoring me. In addition, she could have politely told me that she does not understand English and I could check with someone else.
On the other hand, I also had the chance to visit Japan on an exchange programme. Unfortunately, I fell ill and was sent to the school's sick bay. The staff were not proficient in English and they tried their very best to communicate and understand my condition. It was with great relief that there was an English-Japanese dictionary and the staff made the effort to flip through the pages of the dictionary to show me with the words they wanted to say to me. This greatly enhances the communication between the staff and I and I really appreciated their efforts in doing so.
From these two cases, we can observe that the Japanese makes the effort to communicate with someone of a different culture despite the language barrier. However, the French displayed an indifferent attitude when communicating with someone who does not speak French. I believe that in intercultural communication, both parties should make a concerted effort even though there is a language barrier. It is with great regret that I did not have a good impression of the French culture after the incident. However, I really appreciate the efforts by the Japanese in ensuring an effective communication between us.
Perhaps, this is what defines the culture itself -- the norms, actions and behaviours.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Resolving Interpersonal Conflict
Interpersonal conflicts can happen anywhere and anytime as long as there are interactions between two or more parties. More often than not, interpersonal conflicts occur as a result of different interests, beliefs and personalities of various parties.
I had the opportunity to work at my alma mater as a Teaching Assistant (TA) while I was waiting for University to start. It was a good opportunity to gain an insight to the teaching career and at the same time, contribute back to the school.
Basically, my job scope would entail relieving classes for teachers who were absent on that day, preparation of teaching materials and handling of some administrative work with regards to the school curriculum. However, at times, I may be tasked to accompany exchange students on excursions or to do some preparation work for the activities for the exchange students.
There came a period where there were many inbound exchange programmes. The coordinator for the exchange programmes then tasked me with accompanying quite a few groups of students in a day till my schedule was almost fully packed. At this point in time, I felt the need to tell the coordinator that I am not able to accompany the groups as I had to stand-in for lessons (assigned at the last minute) and continue the tasks assigned by my supervisor. (just some information for a better understanding of the situation: accompanying exchange students was not a main part of my job scope and my supervisor only instructed me to help out if I had the time).
There were many thoughts that were running through my mind at that point in time. Firstly, I really wanted to help as I wanted to showcase and promote my school to the exchange students as I felt really proud to be part of the school. Secondly, I had to reject the coordinator, but how was I suppose to do that when I had already agreed to help but could not do so at the last minute. At last, I went up to the coordinator and explained to her my situation. She was rather displeased at first but just told me to keep to my promises in the future.
Upon hearing that, I had mixed feelings - happy that I finally managed to resolve the issue but sad that she did not take into consideration my difficulties while I rejected her.
I believe that the above case is a good example of a typical conflict in a workplace -- being sandwiched in between two parties. On one hand, I did not want to reject the coordinator, however, on the other hand, I had obligations by my supervisor to be fulfilled. It will not be pleasant if I had brought the matter up to my supervisor which would result in a deeper and uncalled misunderstanding between them and affecting work relations in the future.
I believe that I was partly at fault to commit to helping out with the exchange in the first place. However, I was also hoping that the coordinator was able to consider my difficulties for not being able to help her. But that being said, I do understand her reasons for feeling displeased as she was tight on manpower and there were a lot of exchange groups to be hosted. On hindsight, an alternative way of handling the situation would be to seek permission from my supervisor to help host the exchange students. In this way, there will be a common consensus between all parties and it will reduce the chances of a conflict.
To sum it up, interpersonal conflicts are inevitable and they can occur as a result of a small issue. Interpersonal conflicts in workplace and life are part and parcel of growing up. Through the process of resolving conflicts, both parties will be able to grow and gain a better understanding of each other.
Do you have any instances when you were sandwiched in between two parties? How did you manage them?
I had the opportunity to work at my alma mater as a Teaching Assistant (TA) while I was waiting for University to start. It was a good opportunity to gain an insight to the teaching career and at the same time, contribute back to the school.
Basically, my job scope would entail relieving classes for teachers who were absent on that day, preparation of teaching materials and handling of some administrative work with regards to the school curriculum. However, at times, I may be tasked to accompany exchange students on excursions or to do some preparation work for the activities for the exchange students.
There came a period where there were many inbound exchange programmes. The coordinator for the exchange programmes then tasked me with accompanying quite a few groups of students in a day till my schedule was almost fully packed. At this point in time, I felt the need to tell the coordinator that I am not able to accompany the groups as I had to stand-in for lessons (assigned at the last minute) and continue the tasks assigned by my supervisor. (just some information for a better understanding of the situation: accompanying exchange students was not a main part of my job scope and my supervisor only instructed me to help out if I had the time).
There were many thoughts that were running through my mind at that point in time. Firstly, I really wanted to help as I wanted to showcase and promote my school to the exchange students as I felt really proud to be part of the school. Secondly, I had to reject the coordinator, but how was I suppose to do that when I had already agreed to help but could not do so at the last minute. At last, I went up to the coordinator and explained to her my situation. She was rather displeased at first but just told me to keep to my promises in the future.
Upon hearing that, I had mixed feelings - happy that I finally managed to resolve the issue but sad that she did not take into consideration my difficulties while I rejected her.
I believe that the above case is a good example of a typical conflict in a workplace -- being sandwiched in between two parties. On one hand, I did not want to reject the coordinator, however, on the other hand, I had obligations by my supervisor to be fulfilled. It will not be pleasant if I had brought the matter up to my supervisor which would result in a deeper and uncalled misunderstanding between them and affecting work relations in the future.
I believe that I was partly at fault to commit to helping out with the exchange in the first place. However, I was also hoping that the coordinator was able to consider my difficulties for not being able to help her. But that being said, I do understand her reasons for feeling displeased as she was tight on manpower and there were a lot of exchange groups to be hosted. On hindsight, an alternative way of handling the situation would be to seek permission from my supervisor to help host the exchange students. In this way, there will be a common consensus between all parties and it will reduce the chances of a conflict.
To sum it up, interpersonal conflicts are inevitable and they can occur as a result of a small issue. Interpersonal conflicts in workplace and life are part and parcel of growing up. Through the process of resolving conflicts, both parties will be able to grow and gain a better understanding of each other.
Do you have any instances when you were sandwiched in between two parties? How did you manage them?
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