Bidding for ES2007S bled me dry and I’ve declared my Program account
bankrupt. However, I’m more than glad that I chose to take this module (also,
since I’m graduating at the end of the semester, the idea of having zero points
in my P account doesn’t seem so daunting).
I strongly commend NUS for the efforts taken to hone students’ soft
skills. In Singapore, I feel that there’s a great deal of focus on technical
knowledge, and too little focus on communication and people skills. In this day
and age of faceless communication, the importance of these soft-skills seems to
have been swept further under the rug. I feel that NUS should encourage more
modules like ES2007S. Though it’s been a short 13 weeks, I think I’ve learnt a
great deal in this module. From our skill-builders in the classroom, to working
with our group-mates, and even trying our best to get rid of a particularly annoying
blog-commenter, I feel that I have picked up important skills that I would
otherwise not learn anywhere else. This module has not only been enriching and informative,
but I actually looked forward to class every Monday and Thursday!
ES2007S has taught me a great number of skills—all of which I cannot
possibly list here. Probably the most
important skill I’ve learned (or rather, fine-tuned) is that of oral presentation.
I’ve always thought of myself as being someone who is able to speak comfortably
in front of a crowd. I do feel butterflies in my tummy before speaking, but
once I get through “Good morning, my name is Tanisha,” I usually calm down
considerably and can get through the rest of the speech/presentation without a
hitch.
The last 12 weeks in ES2007S however, have made me realize that I
have a whole lot to improve on when it comes to my presentation skills. First
of all, I need to learn to relax, especially when it comes to ‘selling’ an idea
or a proposal. I’m always under the impression that I need to look extremely emotionless
and deadpan to bring across the notion that I’m a professional presenter.
However, this has shown to be an ineffective way to bring across my message. Instead,
I need to speak and behave naturally so as not to make my audience feel
uncomfortable.
Another important skill I’ve learnt in ES2007S is that of team-work.
Having been a member of quite a number of small groups in class (blog group,
peer teaching group, research group etcetera), I feel that I’ve been made to
work with people with different goals and ideals. This has made me realize and
understand that not everyone shares my principles and I should not expect them
too either. It is important to create an atmosphere of mutual trust, respect
and reliability. I’m also glad that Brad shuffled us into different groups
quite regularly. This is important as we not only get to meet and bond with
different classmates; we also get to work with different people. This, I feel, represents
a more realistic, workplace-like setting where we may get grouped with random
strangers and be expected to work effectively with them.
I would also like to make a quick note about our instructor, Brad. To
be perfectly honest, I was a little apprehensive when I found out my teacher
was going to be the module coordinator, Mr. Brad Blackstone. I had visions of a
stern and serious tutor. Wow, was I wrong! Brad turned out to be the coolest teacher
ever. (No, Brad, I’m not brown-nosing you!) What I like most about Brad is his
ability to create a non-threatening, non-intimidating atmosphere in class. He
takes each and every person’s comments seriously and I’ve never once heard him
put down anyone’s ideas or comments, no matter how outlandish they may be. Thank you, Brad, for being so patient and understanding
towards all of us! I’m sure none of us will ever forget what a great time we
had with you in class!
I would also like to say a big ‘Thank you” to my classmates. All of
you are really wonderful people and you’ve made this module very enjoyable
indeed!
I can’t believe this is the final blog post for ES2007S. Life just
seems to fly by so quickly!
