As this is my last semester, I was thinking of which electives to take. Aim: 0 final examination. My friend recommended me ES2007 which has no final examination but warned me that it is of very heavy workload. Despite the warning, I went on to take this module anyway. OH MY GOD! It turns out that this is the only module that I have to touch on a weekly basis, if not, daily. In terms of workload, this is by far the heaviest among all my other modules and what a way to end off my last semester in NUS!
However, I never regretted taking up this module as I have learned things that I would have never learned from all my other modules. I used to consider myself to have high EQ, but this module just expose the problems that I might have when it comes to handling interpersonal relationship. Also,I was thankful that I picked up many valuable and essential skills I am lacking. Job Interview, Resume Writing, Effective Communication, just to mention a few. These skills comes in handy right now even when I am just chatting with my friends.
I believe each and everyone in the class make this possible, including our tutor, Ms Lim. I guess we were quite united and that makes learning even easier. Working together on peer teaching, project proposals etc with different groups of people, I thought it was a good move by Ms Lim to bond the class together and practise what we have learned in the first 2 lessons: Effective Communications. Not only are we just people in the same tutorial slot, we were also friends. Having lunch after class for those who were free, gossiping about ***** and ****** saying how compatible they were etc. was just pure fun.
Also, I would like to thank Ms Lim for being such a wonderful tutor. Exuding positive energy throughout the whole class and very engaging to the students, it is of little wonder that no one falls asleep during class. Not only that, this is the 1st time that I know of a tutor that goes all the way out, calling students to give feedbacks, making sure they are on the right track. It makes me feels like a primary school kid and I deeply appreciate these efforts.
As I do not have blog previously and neither do I keep a diary, I am not quite sure how a blog should be written. Anyhow, I believe that writing a blog would be a good idea to help me formulate and organise my thoughts and allow me to learn how to write with respect to the 7Cs.
All in all, although ES2007s is a VERY intensive module, I have never regretted taking up this module. I will recommend it to anyone who would want to learn skills that can be applied to your daily lives(trust me, you will forget others that you learned during your entire school life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO8x8eoU3L4)
All the best to everyone!!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Oral Presentation Reflection
Finally, ORAL PRESENTATION IS OVER!! Before I reflect on my oral presentation, I would like to thank Vee Nee, Zabir and Tommy for being such wonderful team mates. Always being there to offer help to one another and always taking the initiatives instead of waiting for things to happen.
Team Plastic Bag FOR THE WIN!!
Preparation
For our preparation, we only discussed about what is to be put inside our individual part inside the slides. Afterwich, we did our own slides and sent it to Tommy who compiled and uploaded it to wiki (Thanks Tommy). After reading the comments on wiki, we met up to discuss about what is to be changed only on the day before the actual ORAL PRESENTATION. So to be frank, we did not really prepare much together as a team. While at home, I rehearsed my own part quite a few times late at night. On the morning of the actual Oral Presentation, we met up and rehearsed about 2 times. I feel that we only need to polish our own parts and be well versed in the proposal so as to handle Q&A well.
Delivery
In comparison to Peer Teaching, standing in front of the class and presenting etc, I believe that I have improved. I felt more confident in presenting my slides to the class. Also, gathering the feed backs I got from Ms Lim and fellow peers for my Peer Teachings, I tried to maintain eye contacts with the class and spoke more enthusiastically. I am not too sure whether there is any variation in my tone and volume to the class, but as far as I know, I tried not to sound too monotonous.
I felt that I did not do a very good job in my opening as I was quite nervous at the start. My voice was a bit 'shaky' at the start. However, as I continued into my presentation, I became more and more confident so I think that helped in my presentation.
I also tried using the 'Rheoterical Question' technique to catch audience's attention and I felt that helped me focus their attention on me.
During the Q&A session, I believe I have been a bit rude to cut Vee Nee while she was trying to answer Amanda's question. As time was running short, I told the class that we only have time for the 1 question as soon as Vee Nee answered Amanda's question, not allowing any time for Amanda to reply. I felt that reflected bad on me.
Use of Slides
I felt that the content in my slides were easy to follow and quite straight forward. I put statistics, sounds and analogy in my slides to make audience focus their attention on me, understand my point and the ineffectiveness of BYOBD better. However, I felt that Tommy clicking my slides and me giving the presentation could be coordinated better. I believe it would be better if I put in more effort in preparation with Tommy.
Team Plastic Bag FOR THE WIN!!
Preparation
For our preparation, we only discussed about what is to be put inside our individual part inside the slides. Afterwich, we did our own slides and sent it to Tommy who compiled and uploaded it to wiki (Thanks Tommy). After reading the comments on wiki, we met up to discuss about what is to be changed only on the day before the actual ORAL PRESENTATION. So to be frank, we did not really prepare much together as a team. While at home, I rehearsed my own part quite a few times late at night. On the morning of the actual Oral Presentation, we met up and rehearsed about 2 times. I feel that we only need to polish our own parts and be well versed in the proposal so as to handle Q&A well.
Delivery
In comparison to Peer Teaching, standing in front of the class and presenting etc, I believe that I have improved. I felt more confident in presenting my slides to the class. Also, gathering the feed backs I got from Ms Lim and fellow peers for my Peer Teachings, I tried to maintain eye contacts with the class and spoke more enthusiastically. I am not too sure whether there is any variation in my tone and volume to the class, but as far as I know, I tried not to sound too monotonous.
I felt that I did not do a very good job in my opening as I was quite nervous at the start. My voice was a bit 'shaky' at the start. However, as I continued into my presentation, I became more and more confident so I think that helped in my presentation.
I also tried using the 'Rheoterical Question' technique to catch audience's attention and I felt that helped me focus their attention on me.
During the Q&A session, I believe I have been a bit rude to cut Vee Nee while she was trying to answer Amanda's question. As time was running short, I told the class that we only have time for the 1 question as soon as Vee Nee answered Amanda's question, not allowing any time for Amanda to reply. I felt that reflected bad on me.
Use of Slides
I felt that the content in my slides were easy to follow and quite straight forward. I put statistics, sounds and analogy in my slides to make audience focus their attention on me, understand my point and the ineffectiveness of BYOBD better. However, I felt that Tommy clicking my slides and me giving the presentation could be coordinated better. I believe it would be better if I put in more effort in preparation with Tommy.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Evaluating Intercultural Behaviour
Culture refers to the customs, practices, languages, values and world views that define social groups such as those based on nationality, ethnicity, region or common interests. Cultural identity is important for people’s sense of self and how they relate to others. However, it could cause some problems if people of the same cultural group have their behaviour misinterpreted.
There was one time when I was standing in a train. When the train reached the next stop, two Bangladeshis boarded the train and stood beside me. I noticed that they were holding hands, I felt quite embarrassed then. Soon, they began to hug each other. It was then when I really could not stand it and I alighted the next stop. At that point of time, I thought they were homosexuals and being a conservative Singaporean, I am not that open minded. As I was the only youth on that train, I believed people of the older generation on that train would have the same feeling as I had. I guess the two Bangladeshis have no idea how the others view them. It was only when I spoke to my friends about this that I know it is a norm for Banglasdeshis men to hug each other with no homosexual connotations to it.
In conclusion, relationship between culture and communication is an intimate but complex one. Without communication such as human interaction and communication media, it would be impossible to pass along cultural characteristics from one person to another. As such, culture is transmitted and learnt through communication.
There was one time when I was standing in a train. When the train reached the next stop, two Bangladeshis boarded the train and stood beside me. I noticed that they were holding hands, I felt quite embarrassed then. Soon, they began to hug each other. It was then when I really could not stand it and I alighted the next stop. At that point of time, I thought they were homosexuals and being a conservative Singaporean, I am not that open minded. As I was the only youth on that train, I believed people of the older generation on that train would have the same feeling as I had. I guess the two Bangladeshis have no idea how the others view them. It was only when I spoke to my friends about this that I know it is a norm for Banglasdeshis men to hug each other with no homosexual connotations to it.
In conclusion, relationship between culture and communication is an intimate but complex one. Without communication such as human interaction and communication media, it would be impossible to pass along cultural characteristics from one person to another. As such, culture is transmitted and learnt through communication.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
CONFLICTS CONFLICTS CONFLICTS!
Can one ever be conflict-free in their entire life? How should one handle conflict? In this harsh reality, there is nothing like conflict-less. However, it is only through conflicts where one can learn about life, mature in one's thinking and develop good interpersonal skills. I will tell a story about what happen to my friends.
Characters: Mary and Rose
Story: Mary and Rose are two good friends who always plan modules together. There was this semester where they planned to take a language module together. They had planned to take the same tutorial class. However, as Mary suddenly took up a tuition assignment which clashes with the tutorial class's timing, she was forced to change her tutorial timing. Rose only knew of this during her first tutorial. Afterwich, she badmouthed Mary behind her back of her actions, even though Mary was not obliged to tell her.
Things between them became awkward. They rarely contacted each other unlike in the past as Mary was very irritated with Rose's actions. A few weeks later, Rose approached Mary to be her oral partner for the upcoming oral examination. However, Mary was reluctant and refused to partner with her despite Rose's persuasion. It was obvious that Rose desperately wanted to partner with Mary because she felt Mary and her have rapport and would be able to score in the oral examinations. Since then, they have stopped talking totally.
It is very obvious this conflict is all due to miscommunication and some immaturity on Rose's part. As such, friendship between two very good friends shattered at an instance. How would you have handled this conflict if you were Mary?
Characters: Mary and Rose
Story: Mary and Rose are two good friends who always plan modules together. There was this semester where they planned to take a language module together. They had planned to take the same tutorial class. However, as Mary suddenly took up a tuition assignment which clashes with the tutorial class's timing, she was forced to change her tutorial timing. Rose only knew of this during her first tutorial. Afterwich, she badmouthed Mary behind her back of her actions, even though Mary was not obliged to tell her.
Things between them became awkward. They rarely contacted each other unlike in the past as Mary was very irritated with Rose's actions. A few weeks later, Rose approached Mary to be her oral partner for the upcoming oral examination. However, Mary was reluctant and refused to partner with her despite Rose's persuasion. It was obvious that Rose desperately wanted to partner with Mary because she felt Mary and her have rapport and would be able to score in the oral examinations. Since then, they have stopped talking totally.
It is very obvious this conflict is all due to miscommunication and some immaturity on Rose's part. As such, friendship between two very good friends shattered at an instance. How would you have handled this conflict if you were Mary?
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Application Letter
Block A
Orchard Road
#48-116
S080808
13th February, 2011
Mr David Tan
Human Resource Manager
Singapore Airlines
47 Changi Road
#01-111
S112211
Dear Mr Tan,
This letter is in response to the Cadet Pilot position that was listed through National University of Singapore's Career Fair. I have enclosed my resume for this position. I am enthusiastic about becoming a pilot for Singapore Airlines. It has always been a long-standing dream of mine to fly a plane. My Brother-in-Law, pilot in Singapore Airlines, is very happy with his employment and suggested that I contact you.
I am currently an undergraduate in National University of Singapore, majoring in Statistics. My course program requires me to be meticulous, logical and have an eye for details. Given the heavy workload of my course, I have to be able to work well under stress and deal with the competitiveness from fellow course mates. I passed the computerised test while applying for the Singapore's Air force's Fighter Pilot and am able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Besides, I have been involved in many Sports activities since Secondary school and I understand the importance of teamwork. I believe I have met and exceeded the minimum expectations as a pilot.
In addition, I was the Director in several Committees in separate years. I have been involved in many group projects and work well under the pressure of deadlines. My experiences as director have taught me how to lead a team effectively and develop good interpersonal and communication skills. Also, I have been involved in many Science Orientation camps as one of the Orientation Group Leaders. As such, I offer strong leadership and effective communication skills. I believe these skills will allow me to be a good pilot in the future
I would like to meet you and discuss my skills, background and how they can contribute to Singapore Airline's needs. I am confident that these will make me a qualified candidate for your new-hire cadet pilot. I can be reached at 81265231. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Gan Cai Jie
Enclosure
Orchard Road
#48-116
S080808
13th February, 2011
Mr David Tan
Human Resource Manager
Singapore Airlines
47 Changi Road
#01-111
S112211
Dear Mr Tan,
This letter is in response to the Cadet Pilot position that was listed through National University of Singapore's Career Fair. I have enclosed my resume for this position. I am enthusiastic about becoming a pilot for Singapore Airlines. It has always been a long-standing dream of mine to fly a plane. My Brother-in-Law, pilot in Singapore Airlines, is very happy with his employment and suggested that I contact you.
I am currently an undergraduate in National University of Singapore, majoring in Statistics. My course program requires me to be meticulous, logical and have an eye for details. Given the heavy workload of my course, I have to be able to work well under stress and deal with the competitiveness from fellow course mates. I passed the computerised test while applying for the Singapore's Air force's Fighter Pilot and am able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Besides, I have been involved in many Sports activities since Secondary school and I understand the importance of teamwork. I believe I have met and exceeded the minimum expectations as a pilot.
In addition, I was the Director in several Committees in separate years. I have been involved in many group projects and work well under the pressure of deadlines. My experiences as director have taught me how to lead a team effectively and develop good interpersonal and communication skills. Also, I have been involved in many Science Orientation camps as one of the Orientation Group Leaders. As such, I offer strong leadership and effective communication skills. I believe these skills will allow me to be a good pilot in the future
I would like to meet you and discuss my skills, background and how they can contribute to Singapore Airline's needs. I am confident that these will make me a qualified candidate for your new-hire cadet pilot. I can be reached at 81265231. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Gan Cai Jie
Enclosure
Dream Job Advert!!
CADET PILOT
This entry-level position is based in Singapore, and is for candidates who display a strong interest in aviation.
REQUIREMENTS
Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident or Malaysian Citizen
GCE ‘A’ level, Polytechnic Diploma or Degree. In addition, you must have obtained a minimum of 5 Credits in the GCE ‘O’ level or its equivalent. These must include English, Mathematics and a Science subject, preferably Physics, taken at one sitting
At least 1.65 m in height
Myopia of not more than 500 degrees and astigmatism of not more than 125 degrees, fully correctable with optical aids. Visual acuity of at least 6/60, correctable to 6/6. For candidates who have undergone corrective eye surgery (e.g. Lasik), the pre-surgical visual acuity should also meet the above requirements
Medically fit
TRAINING
Successful candidates will spend 15 to 17 months on training to acquire an Airline Transport Pilot’s License (ATPL) with Instrument Rating (IR) at Pilot Training Schools in Singapore and overseas. Full board and lodging will be provided. Upon obtaining the flying license, you will undergo further training for 1 to 2 years to become a First Officer.
REMUNERATIONS AND SERVICE BENEFITS
A monthly allowance will be provided during training. On appointment as a First Officer, you will be paid a basic salary and various allowances. Benefits include medical and dental treatment, and discounted travel.
BOND
Successful candidates will be required to serve the employer company for the duration of the training and for a period of 7 years from the date of appointment as First Officer.
EMPLOYMENT
Successful candidates will be offered employment with one of the companies in the SIA Group:
Singapore Airlines
SilkAir
APPLICATION
Please click here to submit an online application under the “Cadet Pilots (Singapore)” position.
We thank all applicants for their applications and regret that only short-listed candidates will be notified.
This is a summary of some of the qualities my prospective employer will be looking for in candidtaes.
-Calm under pressure
-Good communicator
-Able to multi-task
-Confident
-Leadership Ability
-Good decision making skills
This entry-level position is based in Singapore, and is for candidates who display a strong interest in aviation.
REQUIREMENTS
Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident or Malaysian Citizen
GCE ‘A’ level, Polytechnic Diploma or Degree. In addition, you must have obtained a minimum of 5 Credits in the GCE ‘O’ level or its equivalent. These must include English, Mathematics and a Science subject, preferably Physics, taken at one sitting
At least 1.65 m in height
Myopia of not more than 500 degrees and astigmatism of not more than 125 degrees, fully correctable with optical aids. Visual acuity of at least 6/60, correctable to 6/6. For candidates who have undergone corrective eye surgery (e.g. Lasik), the pre-surgical visual acuity should also meet the above requirements
Medically fit
TRAINING
Successful candidates will spend 15 to 17 months on training to acquire an Airline Transport Pilot’s License (ATPL) with Instrument Rating (IR) at Pilot Training Schools in Singapore and overseas. Full board and lodging will be provided. Upon obtaining the flying license, you will undergo further training for 1 to 2 years to become a First Officer.
REMUNERATIONS AND SERVICE BENEFITS
A monthly allowance will be provided during training. On appointment as a First Officer, you will be paid a basic salary and various allowances. Benefits include medical and dental treatment, and discounted travel.
BOND
Successful candidates will be required to serve the employer company for the duration of the training and for a period of 7 years from the date of appointment as First Officer.
EMPLOYMENT
Successful candidates will be offered employment with one of the companies in the SIA Group:
Singapore Airlines
SilkAir
APPLICATION
Please click here to submit an online application under the “Cadet Pilots (Singapore)” position.
We thank all applicants for their applications and regret that only short-listed candidates will be notified.
This is a summary of some of the qualities my prospective employer will be looking for in candidtaes.
-Calm under pressure
-Good communicator
-Able to multi-task
-Confident
-Leadership Ability
-Good decision making skills
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Why is Effective Communication important?
Communication is a very important aspect of life as it connects each and every human being with one another, be it individual or groups.
In social settings, people communicate to share their thoughts, emotions and experiences. In work settings, information has to be disseminated efficiently and effectively. No doubt, communication plays a very important role in the process of development in all fields.
In reality, lacking of such important skill puts you in a lot of disadvantages. For example, if you are not being able to express yourself well or articulate properly, people might think that you are not intelligent or not well educated.
Personally, I think that I am just an average communicator.Therefore, there will be times where I feel left out in a group conversation. Of course, this feeling does not feel good. Also, effective communication skills are also crucial during job interviews where the 1 hour of 'interrogation' by the interviewers could be the determining factor for your future. Therefore, I am looking forward to the week that teaches skills to handle job interviews. Besides, effective communication skills are also the key to building a better relationship with your family and friends because it can mitigate interpersonal conflicts and this will make the relationship even stronger.
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