If you are not willing to step out of your comfort zone, you should not do ES2007S. I have been presenting and writing all my life since primary school, and have picked up many bad habits along the way. Some bad habits have been mistaken as good style, ie overcrowding slides provided our audience with plenty of information, fluff in writing equates better English etc. Ms Lim, my tutor, refuted these assumptions and I was made to learn everything all over again.
If you are impatient and unwilling to change, you should not do ES2007S. An old Chinese proverb goes: “Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.” What had made ES2007S such a tough module were the numerous practice sessions, and how we were supposed to be involved in evaluating other people based on the concepts we learn. Impatient as I was, it was tedious and time consuming to make myself sit through my classmates’ proposals and ideas.
Learning things all over again made me reflect about myself. Sitting through others’ proposals and ideas strengthened my understanding and allowed me to learn through their mistakes. I am glad I found the humility to listen and the patience to go on the learning journey.
I came into this module envisioning myself giving a keynote address Steve-Jobs-style, with a standing ovation at the end. I ended this module humbled, more patient, and a little wiser on how we should present ourselves to others.
But then again, if you are not up to the challenge, you should not do ES2007S.
Hi Calvin,
ReplyDeleteHopefully, I can comment this time. One of the gifts I got from ES2007S is your awesome creativity. You are the most creative person (or Idea King) I have seen. Aimed with such an amazing tool, you have the potential to achieve whatever you want to. It is really my fortunate to have an experience working with you. Thank you so much and all the best for your coming finals.
Wang Chen is right; you are someone with a great deal of creativity, which is an advantage to you in many different aspects.
ReplyDeleteI actually saw some of the points that you wrote down in your laptop during the last lesson when Ms Lim was showing us the different blog posts by others. Of which I see you have used in your post, like the use of pictures and sayings etc. I see a lot of talent and potential in you, yet you are still so willing to learn from others.
I agree that its a pity that we did not get the chance to work together, but I am still glad nonetheless to have had the chance to know you as a friend.
Hi Wang Chen,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your complements. I sometimes feel that my ideas are really nonsensical, and I am really glad to have you in my group because all the nonsensical ideas have been filtered off! :)
It has been a pleasure working with you, because I have learnt from a master (YOU!) on how we should listen to others. I am working on my listening skills so that I can better learn from others in the future instead of blabbering off when I do not know much.
See you soon! :)
Hi Jun Xiong,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experiences with me through your stories written on your blog. I have enjoyed reading them as much as I enjoyed commenting on them!
I guess it's time for us to halt our blogging momentum and to continue to pursue our other passions: books and lecture notes. ;)
All the way!
Dear Calvin,
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to have you in my class this semester. You are one determined young man who's thirsty for knowledge; your active participation and relentless questionings in class had spurred many interesting discussions, making classes ever so enjoyable. Great efforts there I must say!
Keep in touch, and all the best!