Final reflection

Looking back at the past 13 weeks, I believe that I had made the right choice to take up this module despite the heavy commitment. Afterall, “no pain, no gain”.

Unlike other modules which require us to memorise concepts and regurgitate them during examinations, this module teaches me life skills which can benefit me throughout my whole life if I am able to practice them well in daily interactions.

No man is an island. It is therefore important that we learn to communicate effectively to avoid miscommunication which could sour relationship. In addition, we ought to practise active listening so that we do not decode the message from the speaker incorrectly.

I remember vividly the blog entry on resolving interpersonal conflicts where we were supposed to propose solutions on Ms Happy Goh’s blog. I realize that a message may not be explicitly conveyed and hence, it becomes exceptionally important for the receiver to decode the encoded message carefully. In this way, interpersonal conflicts which could be sparked off by miscommunication could be averted.

Subsequently, it is also vital for us to use the 3 approaches: know yourself, choose yourself and give yourself to improve our EQ so as to maintain or salvage relationship.

This course has helped me to improve on my writing skills. I have not only learnt the essence of incorporating the 7Cs in my writing but also to be mindful of the tone I adopt so as to ensure that my message is accurately put across. Additionally, I believe that the 2 presentations in this module are good learning experiences for me to hone on my presentation skills and to better prepare myself for future presentations.

Finally, I am glad that the constant classroom interactions have not only allowed me to practise my communication skills with my classmates but also enabled me to develop a better understanding of them in the course of it. Hence, it is not surprising that this class is closely knitted which is in contrast with the tutorial classes I have attended for other elective modules.

Reflection on oral presentation

Prior to the actual presentation, I believed that I was sufficiently prepared given that I had rehearsed with my own script for many times. However, during the actual presentation, I was rather nervous as this is my first formal presentation in my course of study in NUS. Additionally, with the unexpectedly tensed atmosphere, video recording and with the audience looking intently at my group mates and I, this gave me jitters. As such, there were some pauses in the delivery of my presentation. This is in contrast to the previous presentation for peer teaching which is more informal.

In spite of this, it is worthy to note that I was not reliant on my script as I had done adequate preparation and hence, more familiar with the content.

As a team, I believe we had exhibit good rapport as we tried to back up each other during the question and answer session. In addition, all our team members were capable of answering the questions posed confidently which goes to show our familiarity with the content.

However, in view of the limited presentation time and the amount of content we would like to present, we were unable to include visual aids like video which is effective in attracting the audience’s attention.

Through this presentation, I have learnt the importance of maintaining a calm composure in spite of unexpected elements that arise during presentation and the importance of good teamwork to ensure an effective and smooth presentation. Additionally, I have also picked up good presentation skills from my peers. Overall, I must say that this is a good learning experience for me.

Intercultural communcation

My close friends in junior college class were, like myself, from secondary schools made up of Chinese student population. As such, we were oblivious to ethnic culture differences.

During a lunch break, we were sitting at our class bench, complaining about the long time table on Friday with a 4 hours break in between lessons. All of us felt that it is a waste of time to have such a long break and would rather shorten the break so that we could be dismissed earlier. At this point in time, I noticed that Haikal, our Malay classmate who was also sitting at the class bench was staring at us, looking displeased.

On another occasion, my clique was making our way to the canteen for lunch and we met Haikal. Out of goodwill and courtesy, I asked Haikal if he would like to join us for lunch. He turned down my invitation coldly and walked away.

We could not understand why he was so aloof then until James, our class chairperson who overheard our conversation, reminded me that it was the fasting month so it is impolite to ask Haikal for lunch. He also explained that Haikal needs to go to the mosque for his prayers on Friday which is why we have a long break between lessons.

James’ words made me realize how ignorant and insensitive I had been towards other ethnic cultures. Through this incident, I learnt to appreciate the importance of recognizing and showing respect for cultural differences which is essential for anyone living in multiracial society like Singapore.

Biodata

My name is Xin Wei. I am a honours year student studying in National University of Singapore (NUS) majoring in Chemistry. I have chosen to work on the final year project entitled “Synthesis of novel Molybdenum complexes for catalysis” as I am marveled by the wide applications of transition metal compounds. My questioning mind sets me to explore on this area of inorganic Chemistry.

Since young, I have been very interested to teach. In my secondary school years, I took part in the peer tutoring Scheme by the Mathematics department. I took time after class to tutor my peers who were academically weaker in Mathematics and derived satisfaction when my peers’ results improved under my tutoring. My fervent desire to teach made me take up the job as a private tutor and relief teacher during my holidays.

I also have the passion for dance which was my co-curricular activities (CCA) in secondary school. While I did not have any dance background prior to this, I worked harder than my peers who had dance background. My determination and endurance enabled me to master the dance techniques eventually and earn myself a chance to participate in Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Dance competition through the school audition. Through my CCA, I recognised the importance of teamwork which leads my school to secure Gold medal in the SYF dance competition.

I believe that life is full of uncertainties and hence, it is important to live to the fullest.

Job Application Letter

Chan Xin Wei
Blk 124 Bukit Batok West Ave 1
#10-227, Singapore 650124
Mobile: 8222 1535
E-mail: xinwei@hotmail.com

6 September 2009

The Human Resource Manager
Science Hub
Blk 233 Bukit Batok East Ave 5 #01-43
Singapore 650233

Dear Sir / Madam

Re: Application for a Science Teacher position

I am writing in response to your advertisement dated 3 September 2009 in www.jobscentral.com.sg for the position of a Science Teacher. I am very interested in filling the position as I can meet the requirements and spectrum of the job based on my university education and my past experience in relief teaching and tutoring.

I will graduate in July 2010 and will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Chemistry by the National University of Singapore (NUS). While at NUS, I also read courses offered by the departments of Mathematics and Pharmacy to broaden my knowledge on Science.

You asked for a Science graduate who is approachable and able to interact with children and teenagers effectively and comfortably, and I am one. My relief teaching experience in junior college has enabled me to develop strong interpersonal and communication skills through interaction with my students and colleagues. You also mentioned that a positive attitude is necessary. I believe that I possess this positive attitude which explains why I was asked to do relief teaching again by the same school.

You also stated that the candidate you are looking for must be proficient with secondary science syllabus which I am familiar with since I was giving tuition to both secondary school and junior college students. Hence, I am not only confident of teaching secondary school Chemistry but I am also capable of facilitating the transition from secondary school to junior college Chemistry. In addition, I have performed many hands-on experiments independently and performed analysis after the laboratory sessions. Hence, I am also capable to teaching the students the theory behind laboratory work. In addition, I am also a dedicated worker who is willing to commit to work on weekends.

I am conscientious and self motivated worker with an enthusiasm to motivate and create the passion in science in the children and teenagers which is a valuable trait that is desired in a Science teacher. I would like to put my experience, academic achievements and communication skills to work in a tuition centre like yours.

I would welcome an opportunity to discuss with you some strategies I have planned out to stretch student’s potential in science to the maximum. I can be reached at the phone number and email address indicated in the enclosed resume. I look forward to receiving your favorable reply.

Thank you very much for your kind attention.

Yours Sincerely,



Chan Xin Wei (Miss)

Encl: Resume



Job Advertisement
(taken from: http://jobscentral.com.sg/viewSimpleProfile.php?eid=35539&jid=180354)

Resolving interpersonal conflicts

Veron was your good friend since your junior college years. Both of you could share everything under the sun. When Veron and you were admitted into different local universities, both of you had less time for each other as both of you were trying to adapt to a new social setting. However, Veron and you tried to meet up regularly during holidays.

During the second year in university, Veron found a boyfriend and you felt happy for her. However, when you tried to initiate a few meet up with Veron during holidays, she was unable to make it. The reasons she gave were that either she had a date with her boyfriend or had a gathering with her university course mates. You felt depressed and neglected but you tried to convince yourself that Veron and her boyfriend had just gotten together and need their private space. You decided to passively wait for Veron to take the initiative to ask you out in the future instead. Gradually, Veron and you began having less contact and you felt that both of you were drifting apart. Yet, neither of you made any moves to salvage the friendship.

During the third year of university, Veron broke up with her boyfriend. She initiated a few meet up with you but you were busy with attachments and school work and thus were unable to make it. Veron was very upset that you did not have time for her when she needed a good friend by her side as she tried to recover from an emotional breakup with her boyfriend. She started to give you cold shoulder since then.

What could be done to salvage your friendship with Veron?

The importance of effective communication skills

Effective communication skills are important because of the positive impact it has on the interpersonal relationship and character development of a person.

Communication is part and parcel of our daily life as we get to meet people from all walks of life. However, should communication breakdown, this could lead to misunderstandings. If no appropriate actions had been taken to clear up these misunderstandings, interpersonal relationship would be jeopardised. Since these unnecessary misunderstandings are rooted from poor communication skills, the importance of effective communication skills becomes more apparent.

In addition, how well a person can communicate is likely to influence his character development. People who are able to communicate effectively are usually more confident and are able to interact with others at ease. As such, they are usually able to create a good and deep impression on the others and are also capable of fostering stronger ties as compared to those who are unable to communicate effectively. It is important to have good interpersonal relationship so as to ensure a harmonious work environment and to enhance work efficiency. Furthermore, without effective communication skills, great ideas cannot be brought across and shared with others.

All in all, I hope that I have shed some light on this issue regarding the importance of effective communication skills and I believe that everyone should put in more practice and make a conscientious effort to master this skill.