I must confess, getting through this module was by no means an easy feat for me, which was contrary to what I initially thought this module was: easy. The research report, survey, resume write up and presentation that we had to churn out week after week, coupled with the ongoing FYP from hell, nearly got me on the brink of insanity.
But I would like to thank Brad for making this journey so much more bearable with his amazing openness to communicate with students like us without barriers, which is quite a rare sight in school systems in Singapore since many lecturers seem aloof and do not appear to have time to speak to students.
During the past 13 weeks, I have learnt so much more about the art of effective communication from Brad rather than from theories in the textbook. His friendly non verbal communication cues have encouraged members of the class to voice out and share their thoughts on various subject matters, instead of practising restraint due to the lack of self-confidence. He also demonstrated the importance of active listening in effective communication by hearing out our views and not dismissing them as trivial or stupid and also any socio-cultural barriers that may exist between us(if any), do not seem very apparent. Also, through his wealth of experience in Japan, Russia, other parts of Asia, I became more aware of the different social customs in different social contexts, which is important in fostering intercultural communication.
I also had the opportunity to learn to communicate effectively as a group in our research project assignment. I learnt that no man is an island and that it is important to work as a group rather than as an individual in order to succeed, even though how highly or capable you think yourself to be. Being able to communicate effectively as a group is paramount as misunderstandings and miscommunication that entail not only act as a barrier to the progression of the project, but also it may affect interpersonal relationships with group-mates.
There are much more about communication which I have learnt, but I guess I still have a long way to go before I can say for myself that I have mastered the fine art of effective communication. The art of communication is definitely a skill that needs to be honed even after we leave the classroom.
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Thank YOU, Tammy. I really appreciate your effort in this post and the whole term, even at this the 11th hour. I know your FYP was a bear, so I can empathize with your situation.
I appreciate the accolades, too, but it was all of you who did the hard work. Thank YOU! My only regret is that we couldn’t develop more of a bond within our class between ALL members. I know that within your various work groups real bonds were developed, but I do think some of these groups were operating like islands unto themselves.
In any case, this was THE experience, and now as we reflect, it’s better to look at it in the same way that we would at any laboratory effort—with a scientific eye. “How could it have been different.”..maybe the question at this point is not so relevant. How was it? What worked? What didn’t? Those seem better put.
Much did work out. I AM thankful for all the work you all did, and for the many discoveries that were made.
All the best to you, Tammy as you continue on your life path. I wish you happiness!