Sunday, April 12, 2009

It's a Wrap!

In a blink of an eye, this semester has come close to an end and so has this module. I must say, that when I first decided to take this course, I did not expect the workload to be so heavy. Throughout the weeks, I found that this course demanded quite a fair bit of hard work, effort and time. Also, in some way, it challenged me to put in more effort when my other classmates seemed to be going all out for this module. One of the things I liked best in this module was the fact that the work we were required to do, actually made it such that we had to practice what we had learnt about effective communication. Be it working in a group, speaking aloud in class or even effective writing over the internet, it was definitely good exposure and an insightful experience for me personally.

Taking this module with very little expectation initially made this module an even bigger eye opener. Why you may ask? This is because it was not just communication skills which I was able to slowly grasp, but also the essential life skills picked up when it came to working with others. Take the project for example, it was not easy to come up with all the ideas during such a short span of time, especially where results of discussions were expected to be seen every week. Working with new people was also a big challenge as it thrust me out of my comfort zone, and taught me how different people have different working styles. Thus, I would like to thank my blogging buddy Sze! For always taking time to remind me of deadlines, and also helping me keep up with the workload. (:

I believe that a good many of us in class, felt that this was a brilliant opportunity to learn and make mistakes. Something I took away from the class which I found most valuable, was how to write job application letters and Resumes. I want to thank Brad for offering so much advice on how to improve and make it better! Thank you for being encouraging all the time. I am especially thankful to Grace, Priya and Jingyang for reading through my Resume, to help me perfect it. Here’s a shout out to Grace! You’ve given me a lot of motivation to improve my resume in the best way possible with her clear and to-the-point advice.  Thank you for being so excited when I asked you to read through my final piece before submission too!

One thing I really hoped for from this module was to actually have more critical writing, such that most of this writings would be “perfect”. But up till now, I wouldn't say that I can write fantastic or much better. But I've learnt to be more conscious about my sentence structure and the way I phrase my sentences.  I’m not sure if I make sense, but I enjoyed receiving comments from Brad such that I could constantly identify more of my problem areas. It became a challenge to hand in every piece of assignment perfect and I've found that I want to know more, and find out more about how to improve myself better. After taking this module, I just get more excited each time I get back a new piece of work.

However, have I learnt just about everything of the 7Cs? I wouldn’t say that I’ve learnt everything that I could from this module, ES2007S. Afterall, learning is a never ending process. In the same way, communication is likewise too. There is no hard and fast method in learning to communicate effectively just by head knowledge. It's got to be applied, to know where mistakes need to be corrected. One example would be like the oral presentation, which helped me learn the weak areas I need to overcome.  I needed to be more confident, speak slower and also control my emotions. The latter is something I have always had difficulty with, especially when there's a lot of pressure. I know that the oral presentation has left a deep impression on me, to be more conscious about the way my emotions are displayed, and how I am to handle them. As always, learning to identify one's problem areas is a step closer to improving one's self.

In fact, I will continue to try to put it into practice and learn as much as I can before I graduate. In short, perhaps this module was a little too short to “correct” all our mistakes, or help us overcome all our problems.  But I’m glad that I still had a chance to identify the little problems that with my writing and communication. Which brings me to my first entry, I’m sure I have learnt more skills to help me work better not only in the future, but everyday life.

This brings me back to the title of my blog. Is communication an art? After taking this module, I've realised that communication isn't an art. I've actually discovered and learnt so much more about myself and the people around me just by meeting the same classmate twice each week and hearing them share their opinions while I do the same. Communication is actually part of you, of your every day life. It's like the guide, to just about surviving in today's world. It can be practiced, but mastering it, will be an ongoing process; it can never be complete, but it can at least be close to perfect. 

To my classmates and Brad! Thank you for making all the lessons so much more enjoyable. It's been quite a journey, learning together. (:

11 comments:

  1. Dear Jane,

    Thank you for this incredibly comprehensive reflection. You really bare your "soul" in this post, detailing your view (and review) of the course and many of the individual activities. I'm flattered that you found much of what we did in the course useful, the heavy workload notwithstanding. I'm especially happy, too, that you have received my various critiques in the spirit that I offered them, as constructive advice and not just "criticism." That certainly makes the learning (and teaching) process a lot smoother.

    You've worked very hard for this course and you have achieved a lot. I applaud you for that. Now that we're at the end, and we're looking back, I wonder if there is any way that you and your research group partners can...well, how to say it...make amends? I have sensed some friction, and this was confirmed by the distance that I saw between you and Sze Hui and Michelle during the last lesson. You guys worked very hard on so many projects that I really don't like to see things end on a sour note. Is a win-win solution possible? I think it is, and I would like to see you ladies at least -- as John Lennon was apt to sing -- "give peace a chance." This is a communications course, after all.

    Regardless of that situation (and it really is sort of a real-life interpersonal conflict thing, isn't it?), I have to say I really enjoyed
    the way communication between you and I evolved this term. It's been my pleasure to work with you.

    All the best, Jane, in your future endeavors! Let's stay in touch.

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  2. Hi Jane,

    Just like you’ve said, time really flies and it seemed like yesterday since the first ES2007s module. I liked the way you wrapped up your blog by answering the title that you’ve posted at the start. You immediately strike off to me as an outspoken person and I thought that you made a good speaker from the time when I first got to know you. You were not afraid of expressing your views about the things that you felt strongly about and having said that, it was good that you shared your opinions most of the time. This form of communication was one of those that I felt you excelled most at. I agree with you that working in a group had its own challenges as you were exposed to different working styles. I have to say that from this, we learnt an important communication aspect that was to listen attentively to what others were trying to say. But the real deal would be to learn to negotiate and accommodate to your team mates’ opinions. Adding on to what you’ve mentioned, indeed there is no hard and fast way to master communication. By learning from our mistakes, we unconsciously strive to become a better student, colleague, family member and friend.

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  3. Hi Brad,

    I really have taken away quite abit from this module, and I really just wanted to chronicle exactly how I felt all this while, through each and every assessment. Am truly grateful for all your help throughout this period though.

    True enough, group dynamics was something that was difficult to deal with, but it also is after all a personal choice. Also, things are not quite as what they might seem to be all the time. Though I do agree that one should always look towards a win-win situation which is always ideal, but situations and circumstances make it difficult at times unless both parties willingly put effort in isn't it? Over weeks we've also learnt that it takes two to communicate, and it can't only be one way.

    Fret not, things will look up! (:

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  4. Hey Nadiah!

    ): Sometimes, being overly outspoken can be a double edged sword. But I'm glad that you found my views constructive and you see that I am one with such strong character. But it's not true. I really do feel nervous when I try to get my point across or speak up, Because on the other hand, I'm always afraid of how others my receive it. However, I have learnt that it is important like you say such the message is conveyed and accepted by the one's listening.

    You are right, communicating isn't just about getting your point across, but also negotiating and communicating, which I believe we've all experienced during these bouts of endless projects.

    Thank you for always listening Nadiah. You are truly, a great listener, dear O'l Kambing. And I know I can always get a listening ear and a softer opinion from you.

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  5. Hello Jane,

    Thanks for the wonderful wrap. Thank you also for going through our research report and thank you for being so bubbly in class. I believe all of us can see your effort in blogging and that sometimes acts as motivation for me to put in more effort.

    All the best for your future endeavours! Cheers!

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  6. hi dear Jane,

    Hope you get to see my comment before you go to sleep :D I just want to thank you for being such an encouraging friend who was never hesitant to share your insights with us and at the same time encourage me with your kind words on my blog! I like to read yours too cuz you always write in this very direct but honest way haha and some of your posts were really funny!I think you are a really positive person who does not hold back on giving others constructive feedbacks too :D

    I think communication is really an art that is harder to practise than learn. Haha though am not so sure what's happening but hope everything will work out fine over time!

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  7. Hi Roy!

    On the contrary, I find that alot of our classmates put much more into their blogging. Alot of their ideas seem to flow so naturally, ESPECIALLY yours! (: Always glad to read your comments here and there!

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  8. Hey Jingyang!

    Yes, I am reading this before I sleep. Sigh, I'm going to miss seeing your name on my comment list! You have beein a really big encouragement to me as well! And I just want to thank you for that!

    Haha, I agree that it's not easy to master communication skills, but I think that it's even better that everyday's a new chance to practice and sharpen those skills. Take care alright.

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  9. Hi fellow Ben & Jerry scoopy!

    Firstly of all, don’t be too shocked that I am up so late! Haha I am a night owl, often doing my stuff at night! I think I better change my obviously disrupted bio clock when I start working.

    Back to the topic, I think you have a very good command of English which is apparent in your speech and blog spots. You are also very vocal, often able to express your thoughts and experiences aptly. This is a strong strength of yours as it makes you an effective communicator!

    Yes, I agree with you that this class provided me with many opportunities to make mistakes and learn how to correct them through valuable inputs from Brad and everyone, which definitely includes you! I think one important thing was that no matter how you fare, everyone is always very supportive and encouraging and their feedback is always constructive.

    Hearing from the discussion after the mock job interviews was conducted, how I wish I could be interviewed by you to see the scary side of you! Hmm maybe not.. just in case it really was as terrifying as it was described hahaha By the way, I actually found out you were working in Ben Jerry when you were having your interview. I was having mine with Priya and Hui Xia but I managed to catch that part and I was like ‘Hey! High five!’

    I am sure you have gained much from these weeks of valuable and memorable experiences and would apply it to aid you in your life, be it within friends, family or future colleagues. It was great befriending you and good luck for your upcoming examinations!

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  10. Hi Jane,

    I really hope that our suggestions did help you improve your resume! I like you being realistic and truthful. As much as we all love to learn everything there is an extent that we are capable. However, your optimism shows it is possible to learn maybe not at present but definitely along the way!

    Finally, you have shown another angle of communication. That is it is part of our lives! In a way we seem to think at the same wavelength as I think my very first post agrees with your point.

    Thank you very much for this blog post and all the help you have done, from helping me develop my resume to our friendly hi-byes.

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  11. Hi Jane,

    I feel the same as you! I thought workload for this module wasn't going to be that heavy, but I was wrong I guess. But it has been an enjoyable process for me and hope it has for you too.

    Glad you have learned alot from the course like I did. Do stay in contact!

    Cheers!

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