As always, good things must come
to an end, and I feel that ES2007S was truly one of the ‘good things’ that I
was privileged to be a part of this semester. I think the impact this course
has made on my life is making the writing of this last blog post more difficult
than the rest, simply because there is way too much to say. However, having
passed through this course myself, I now know that ex-students really weren’t
exaggerating when they commented that ES2007S was one of the most useful
courses available in the NUS curriculum.
This course has been a vastly
different experience for me in terms of what I managed to learn, as well as the
interaction patterns within the class. Compared to my psychology modules, there
is no doubt that ES2007S has content that is so much more applicable to real
life and the working world that all of us will inevitably join in the near
future. I feel that this course has contributed to my academic and personal
growth tremendously! In addition, there is actual opportunity to make real
friends in this class, rather than just remain as project mates. I think this
was the real differentiating factor for me, and something that has enhanced
this experience greatly. It’s not that I don’t make friends in my psychology
modules. But there tends to be something missing from most relationships that
makes it more difficult to progress beyond small talk. However this ES2007S
class was very comfortable. To use an analogy, it made me feel like I was back
in junior college where I knew all 25 of my classmates personally, rather than
the impersonal lectures that are the norm in NUS. And of course, the teacher
made a difference (Thanks Brad!). I’m sure everyone will agree with me that
Brad’s teaching style made lessons interesting, and I actually looked forward
to coming to class.
I opened my first blog post with
an excerpt from a movie and it seems only fitting that I should close my last
official ES2007S related blog post with one as well. This one is from Memoirs
of a Geisha, and it came to my mind today when we talked in class about using
non verbals to our advantage. I couldn't find the exact clip on YouTube, but if you watch the trailer below, you'll know the scene i'm talking about :)
In this
excerpt, Mameha (Michelle Yeoh) trains Sayuri (Zhang Ziyi) to use only her eyes
to stop a guy in his tracks. The scene eventually plays out like this: both
women left Mameha’s apartment, and Sayuri began to walk, with her head lowered
and her eyes concentrated on the road. When a young man on a bicycle rode by,
she briefly lifted her eyes to look at him directly in the eyes, before quickly
lowering them again. And this subtle flirtatious glance completely distracted
the young man such that he lost control of his bicycle and went flying. Sayuri
didn’t say a word throughout the whole event and I feel this aptly displays the
power that non verbals hold.
In conclusion, I had a lot of fun
doing this module and I would definitely recommend other people to take it,
although I guess it won’t be the same with Brad gone to teach EAP. I wish everyone good luck in their future
endeavours, especially those who are already graduating! And for those who
still have another year left, hopefully we’ll see each other around NUS J!
Bye Sofie and Mikaela, I realise I didn’t get a chance to work with either of
you on a closer basis, but I hope you enjoyed your exchange here! And thanks
Brad, for everything that you taught us!
TAKE CARE EVERYONE and GOOD LUCK FOR FINALS! J
Hey Gail,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I have enjoyed being in the same tutorial group as you the last months. And yes, I understand which scene you mean in the movie; the use non-verbals really eliminate the need for a spoken message. I also agree that ES2007S enabled closer relations with classmates than all my other modules in Singapore. I really appropriate this since I feel that the lectures otherwise is really anonymous here, especially since I have different classes in all my modules. This is really different compared to my education in Sweden where I take the same lectures and tutorials with 30 other people for almost 4 years. Thanks again and good luck to you to for the finals as well!
Hey Mikaela!
DeleteI enjoyed being in the same tutorial group as you too! Even though we weren't able to work on any of the projects together I really valued your presence in class, especially because you and Sofie were able to teach us interesting things about the Swedish culture that we might never know! I still remember how you shared with us that everyone goes for lecture 15 minutes late! (:
I'm glad you share the same sentiments as me about getting to know our classmates better! I guess it's good that we mix with different groups of people all the time, but I also think it's only effective if we have the same kind of environment as ES2007S to get to know each other better, otherwise I think it just makes classes very impersonal.
I hope you enjoyed your exchange here and all the travels you did! Thanks for commenting on my previous blog posts as well. Good luck with everything and take care when you go back to Sweden! (:
Hi Gail
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you that ES2007S felt very different from the other modules that I have taken in the way that it was conducted and that interaction was much encouraged. And yes, I looked forward to coming to class too (and I think this was the only module in NUS that I actually look forward to).
I am glad you took this module and had fun out of it, and I wish you the best in your finals too! Hope to see you around NUS! :)
Regards
Hannah
Hi Hannah,
DeleteI think it's great that we share the same sentiments about this class! Actually I doubt anyone regrets taking this module haha. Thanks for being the 'class rep' to share interesting things on the facebook page. haha. It was great getting to know you through this module!
Good luck for finals!(:
Gail
Hi Gail,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you that this module is very different from other modules in NUS. It is definitely less theoretical, and more of active communication, boldly expressing our ideas and opinions. Also, it taught us many oral presentation skills and the many practical sessions of resume writing, cover letter was greatly beneficial. From this module, it helped me evaluate myself as an individual in terms of my own oral presentation. And I am sure you are now more aware of your own oral presentation, both strengths and weaknesses. I truly enjoyed all the oral presentations you gave and i feel that you are a really eloquent speaker. Do continue to perfect your oral presentation skills.
Thanks for also being such an awesome classmate and I will not forget the many occasions where we bumped into each other in the washroom just right before class. All the best for your finals
Sharlene :)
Hi Sharlene!
DeleteI commented on your blog before reading this and I also talked about bumping to you in the toilet. HAHA(: Actually I realised that is the only common thing we did together during the semester-- as in we didn't actually get a chance to work on any of the projects together.
Anyway I'm really happy this module helped all of us! I think you're a good presenter too! You looked very professional in your white jacket on presentation day! Haha.
Good luck with everything!
Thank you, Gail, for yet another fine post (and the accolades). What stands out in your reflection is the idea that you were actually able to communicate with classmates in ES2007S beyond the various professional-oriented tasks on a level where the interpersonal was essential. Of course, part of this is the fact that the mode of teaching is small group, in a workshop fashion. But part too is the nature of the various topics and the tasks. And what fun topics!
ReplyDeleteYour description of the scene from the film is a perfect illustration of the power of nonverbals, an area that has allowed us to bring the discussion focus onto ourselves and our own behaviors. When so much of a course is reflective, intrapersonal and interpersonal by nature, there is great potential for really meaningful interactions (and a ripple effect outward from students who have been in ES2007S).
In any case, you played a vital role this term in the learning process of our group, willingly offering your views and insights, inspiring others with your talents, sharing your creativity and positive attitude while impressing with the achievements. That's what I appreciate most, Gail: metaphorically speaking, a big Singabrella for a rainy day!
All the best as you continue your journey!
Hi Gail,
DeleteI'm glad we're friends and that you don't regard me as just an acquaintance. haha.
I can't help but agree that this course is unique in the sense that this allows stronger friendships to be made due to the nature of the work and the learning environment.
Thank you for sharing your insights to this course as they have been invaluable. Your posts are certainly not what one would normally see in Engineering and it has been an eye opener for me to learn from you.
I enjoyed reading your posts and I hope that you will do well in your exams. Good luck!
Kel Ley
Hi Kel Ley,
DeleteI think you taught me some pretty interesting things as well! I remember when I worked with you during the mock interviews, I thought you handled them very professionally and in the way an actual interviewer would. It was a good experience being on the same team as you for that part of the module!
I'm glad we got to know each other through this module, good luck with everything! (:
Hi Brad!
DeleteThank you for liking SingaBrella so much! It was great knowing that we were able to spark enthusiasm in our teacher with regards to this idea. Perhaps one day it might become a reality in Singapore! (:
Also, thank you for all your positive comments, I will definitely take them and try to improve even more! I think taking this module has helped me to become more aware of what I am good at, as well as what I can work on (e.g. being more daring and speaking up in class more often). This will definitely impact the way I do things in the future!
Good luck with EAP! (:
Hi Gail!
ReplyDeleteFirstly, thanks so much for all the hard work for the research project!!! :) i really enjoyed working with you.
I have to agree with you that this course is really good (I can't say this enough) and it is definitely highly applicable when i enter the workforce. of course, the presentation tips and feedback are invaluable as well.
I'm really glad to have the opportunity to work with you on this project that we both liked so much :)
all the best for the upcoming finals! :)
Bao Wen
Hey Baowen! (:
DeleteI commented on your blog post too! Anyway I think I've said it so many times but I enjoyed working with you too!
Thanks for being so friendly and funny throughout this course:D
Good luck with everything and keep in touch!
Hi Gail,
ReplyDeleteI must say I concur with you with regard to the point about ES2007 being among the more applicable modules in NUS. In my opinion, not having hard facts to memorise makes the module even more enjoyable. This is of course helped by the fact that the lesson is conducted seminar style. This is similar to another module that I took 3 years back, GEM1008, that is also conducted by a lecturer from CELC.
For the movie scene, I can see why you chose this example, given that it is pretty easy to see why non verbals were used effectively here (to the detriment of the poor chap).
Anyway, good luck for the finals, I'm sure you'll do well for it.
Cheers,
Chris