Final Reflection on Learning

This module was really something different. After taking all sorts of electives in NUS for the past 3 years, Es2007S was one which stood out from the rest. It is different because we are assessed based on how much soft skills we have developed within these 13 weeks. We can see ourselves growing and improving, and it is creepily exciting (at the same time meaningful) to witness that.

I remembered myself turning jelly whenever I had to speak up in front of the class during the first few lessons of this class. Being a Science student, there were no fixed classes and there was never a need to speak up in front of the class to introduce myself. I was really not used to it at the beginning of es2007s. It was quite nerve-wrecking for me even though the class size was so small. I think it was the fear of making a first impression, and  I was worried I would make the wrong one. But as classes carried on throughout the semester, I realized I was less self-conscious, and expressing my thoughts got more effortless and spontaneous. At least, I didn't have that gut-wrenching knot in my stomach anymore. I realized that speaking up in class is not about claiming credit for a clever thought, not about stealing others' thunder, and neither is it about scoring participation points. It is to contribute and spur discussions, creating meaningful conclusions and learning together as a class. Even better if a debate results. It is only when we decide to voice our thoughts, that ideas can be exchanged, isn't it? This is really a skill I would like to continue to develop on as it would definitely be useful for me in workplace, or in group interviews et cetera to facilitate active discussion. Right now, I believe I am only capable of voicing 1-sentence-max thoughts comfortably before I start pausing awkwardly. Need to improve on that.

Besides being more confident in my speech, one other thing I enjoyed from this module was getting feedback from my peers. I don't think this ever happens in other modules in NUS. In the past, whenever I was presenting in class, I would look into those hollow eyes of my audience and wonder what on Earth are the things that are going through their minds right now. Am I effective enough? Do they understand what I am saying? At the end of the presentation, I never once received feedback. I really appreciate the feedback from my peers in es2007s, as well as the feedback from Dr Radhika. This is how we can then improve right! Although I know my classmates may have refrained themselves from saying anything negative to protect my feelings, I do wish to hear them. It is the only way I can stop myself from repeating these mistakes in future. I appreciate Dr Radhika for letting me know about my intonations issue, and to sound more lively when presenting. I would definitely practice on that!

There are many more memorable things I learned from this module, such as having the right body language, having good email etiquette, proposal writing, working in a team and so on. But I am going to stop here, before this post gets too long. Thank you Dr Radhika, for imparting your experience and knowledge with us. Thank you fellow classmates, I really enjoyed everyone's company throughout these 13 weeks of school. =) Take care you guys!