Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Friday, April 15, 2011
The end? Or the beginning, empowered with enhanced communication skills?
I'm sure all of us feel the nostalgia as this semester comes to an end. I'm still thankful, though, for not having to wake up at 5.30 in the morning to make it for class at 8am on a Monday! The very last activity we had was solemn and I must say, it was a good way to end the lesson. It set me thinking, we've been 'learning' professional communication to secure jobs, secure business deals etc, but have we stopped to think how we can use what we've learnt and apply it to matters we hold dear?
Reflecting, the most important life skill I've picked up is perseverance. Beginning with the end in mind is lip service easily paid. Beginning with the end in mind and enduring the process towards the end takes much effort and, most importantly perseverance. Indeed, perseverance is painful but at the end, you only reap what you sow. One thing for sure after you've endured till the end, you will stand to gain. That's what education or anything in life is all about isn't it?
How many of us still keep that piece of paper of first impressions? Do others' impression of you match what you think you are? I felt that the first classroom interaction we had was very meaningful. I do not think that there will be any other chance for you to get opinions on what peoples' first impression are of you. This is surely a good way to work on some things you thought you never had.
As the course progressed, we became more familiar with each other and probably felt less inhibited to speak up. Personally, before this course, I did not place much emphasis on non-verbal cues in a social situation. Now, I am more sensitive to the non-verbal cues on top of being clear and concise in such situations. In addition, I feel that because of the interactions in class, we have all moved on from being classmates to being friends. It is probably true that like-minded individuals with a common mindset are more able to click. From this course, I believe that birds of a feather flock together, rather than opposites attract. I cannot imagine two individuals with opposite mindsets - "I think the workload is ok" and "I think the workload is very heavy" will click.
The blogging component has led me to be more sensitive towards others, especially when giving comments. Also, I have learnt to put in more thought when communicating via a blog. Although a blog is a platform for you to air your views, it has to be done with sparing a thought for others. (Remember that in Singapore, lawsuits can be filed against you for "improper" blog posts).
Finally, this whole course has been enriching. The most essential skill (communication wise) I've learnt is to learn more about resolving conflicts. Of course, I think this course wouldn't work if we do not receive feedback and Ms Lim has done this well (I thought that she was a video recorder for our peer teaching). I guess people may end their blog by saying "Ok! 7Cs. I should end". For me, I'd end this final blog post by saying a big thank you to everyone - especially to Ms Lim, for making this journey of ES2007s a very enriching experience.
Reflecting, the most important life skill I've picked up is perseverance. Beginning with the end in mind is lip service easily paid. Beginning with the end in mind and enduring the process towards the end takes much effort and, most importantly perseverance. Indeed, perseverance is painful but at the end, you only reap what you sow. One thing for sure after you've endured till the end, you will stand to gain. That's what education or anything in life is all about isn't it?
How many of us still keep that piece of paper of first impressions? Do others' impression of you match what you think you are? I felt that the first classroom interaction we had was very meaningful. I do not think that there will be any other chance for you to get opinions on what peoples' first impression are of you. This is surely a good way to work on some things you thought you never had.
As the course progressed, we became more familiar with each other and probably felt less inhibited to speak up. Personally, before this course, I did not place much emphasis on non-verbal cues in a social situation. Now, I am more sensitive to the non-verbal cues on top of being clear and concise in such situations. In addition, I feel that because of the interactions in class, we have all moved on from being classmates to being friends. It is probably true that like-minded individuals with a common mindset are more able to click. From this course, I believe that birds of a feather flock together, rather than opposites attract. I cannot imagine two individuals with opposite mindsets - "I think the workload is ok" and "I think the workload is very heavy" will click.
The blogging component has led me to be more sensitive towards others, especially when giving comments. Also, I have learnt to put in more thought when communicating via a blog. Although a blog is a platform for you to air your views, it has to be done with sparing a thought for others. (Remember that in Singapore, lawsuits can be filed against you for "improper" blog posts).
Finally, this whole course has been enriching. The most essential skill (communication wise) I've learnt is to learn more about resolving conflicts. Of course, I think this course wouldn't work if we do not receive feedback and Ms Lim has done this well (I thought that she was a video recorder for our peer teaching). I guess people may end their blog by saying "Ok! 7Cs. I should end". For me, I'd end this final blog post by saying a big thank you to everyone - especially to Ms Lim, for making this journey of ES2007s a very enriching experience.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The 'Big' Day
The highlight (to me) of this course is finally over! What a relief! The preparation for the oral presentation certainly was blood, sweat and tears! Blood because you get high blood pressure dealing with a computer. Sweat because the weather leading up to the oral presentation was extremely humid and hot. Tears because the long hours in front of the computer caused the dry eyes thus resulting in (lots of) tears production. However, I felt that it was all worth it after watching our own recorded presentation. All of us have indeed put in much effort to make this presentation a success!
I am thankful for my two team mates - Lisu and Mark. Lisu certainly has great (artistic/creative) ideas while Mark lessens the pain when dealing with Powerpoint. In fact, I would say our communication between our team is excellent (which brings me back to the point made in my first blog post - Mutual Understanding). For the preparation of the slides, each of us had taken the initiative to complete whatever is left from the first person who started working on the slides. We understand that everyone is busy with regards to tests, assignments etc. Thus, we are able to have the initiative to 'cover up' for each other. Unfortunately, we still had to meet in school on a Sunday, the day just before the oral presentation. Although we had rehearsed a couple of times prior to Sunday, we still had to be in school from 10am - 5pm to perfect our presentation. Having a group member from the School of Computing (SoC) is definitely an added advantage. We were able to use a room that is similar to the size of our classroom with a projector to simulate the conditions in our classroom.
For the delivery of the presentation, I felt that all of us have improved tremendously. Personally, I had taken my very first bold step of giving a presentation without having to memorize/read a script. That was an accomplishment for me. For the past 2.5 years, I've had to give many presentations. For each of the presentations, I had wanted to present spontaneously (without memorizing/reading). But I did not have the courage to do it because they were for core modules and the usual thinking pops out - 'what if I forget? what if I don't know what to say? what if I don't know how to answer?' So, I am indeed thankful for this module to give me the chance of doing what I've always thought about doing.
I felt that I was more confident compared to the time during the Peer Teaching presentation. I find that I had also made less frequent pauses (maybe it's due to the fact that I didn't have to search my memory for what to say). Indeed, I find having a spontaneous presentation will help with the smooth flow of presentations. There is a downside though - countless practice, practice and practice. For the peer teaching, I had practiced in front of a mirror. However, I find that I am unable to look at myself in the mirror to give the presentation. For the oral presentation, it was different. Slowly, and eventually, I managed to overcome the self-consciousness and was able to look at myself in the mirror. It was definitely a confidence booster! This also helped me with regards to having eye contact with the audience. During the Peer Teaching feedback session, Ms Lim commented that I was staring into space. That I have to agree. It was different for the oral presentation. I found that I had not much difficulty having eye contact with the audience, and that helped me to relax after awhile.
That being said, being spontaneous may also result in forgetting to mention the main points! I had actually missed out a few points that I wanted to mention. I asked Lisu if she noticed that I had missed out a few points. Thankfully she didn't. Hopefully this would mean that the audience is able to see the flow of my presentation as well!
For the slides, I must say credit goes to Mark for designing the background of the slide (it was not a template), drawing the "partitioned rubbish chute. Overall, the slides were pleasing to the eye. Earlier on, we overlooked some parts like having more than 2 lines per point etc. We worked on the feedback given and spent 1.5 hours making sure that the 6*7 rule was followed, logos were not covered, better quality photos were used.
Thank you Mark and Lisu!
A pity that I was unable to make it for class on Thursday. I love to see all my classmates present. I can see that Team Energy has made improvements from the time we had Peer Teaching presentations though. Great job guys! I'm sure the rest of the class would have improved by working on Ms Lim's feedback as well.
I am thankful for my two team mates - Lisu and Mark. Lisu certainly has great (artistic/creative) ideas while Mark lessens the pain when dealing with Powerpoint. In fact, I would say our communication between our team is excellent (which brings me back to the point made in my first blog post - Mutual Understanding). For the preparation of the slides, each of us had taken the initiative to complete whatever is left from the first person who started working on the slides. We understand that everyone is busy with regards to tests, assignments etc. Thus, we are able to have the initiative to 'cover up' for each other. Unfortunately, we still had to meet in school on a Sunday, the day just before the oral presentation. Although we had rehearsed a couple of times prior to Sunday, we still had to be in school from 10am - 5pm to perfect our presentation. Having a group member from the School of Computing (SoC) is definitely an added advantage. We were able to use a room that is similar to the size of our classroom with a projector to simulate the conditions in our classroom.
For the delivery of the presentation, I felt that all of us have improved tremendously. Personally, I had taken my very first bold step of giving a presentation without having to memorize/read a script. That was an accomplishment for me. For the past 2.5 years, I've had to give many presentations. For each of the presentations, I had wanted to present spontaneously (without memorizing/reading). But I did not have the courage to do it because they were for core modules and the usual thinking pops out - 'what if I forget? what if I don't know what to say? what if I don't know how to answer?' So, I am indeed thankful for this module to give me the chance of doing what I've always thought about doing.
I felt that I was more confident compared to the time during the Peer Teaching presentation. I find that I had also made less frequent pauses (maybe it's due to the fact that I didn't have to search my memory for what to say). Indeed, I find having a spontaneous presentation will help with the smooth flow of presentations. There is a downside though - countless practice, practice and practice. For the peer teaching, I had practiced in front of a mirror. However, I find that I am unable to look at myself in the mirror to give the presentation. For the oral presentation, it was different. Slowly, and eventually, I managed to overcome the self-consciousness and was able to look at myself in the mirror. It was definitely a confidence booster! This also helped me with regards to having eye contact with the audience. During the Peer Teaching feedback session, Ms Lim commented that I was staring into space. That I have to agree. It was different for the oral presentation. I found that I had not much difficulty having eye contact with the audience, and that helped me to relax after awhile.
That being said, being spontaneous may also result in forgetting to mention the main points! I had actually missed out a few points that I wanted to mention. I asked Lisu if she noticed that I had missed out a few points. Thankfully she didn't. Hopefully this would mean that the audience is able to see the flow of my presentation as well!
For the slides, I must say credit goes to Mark for designing the background of the slide (it was not a template), drawing the "partitioned rubbish chute. Overall, the slides were pleasing to the eye. Earlier on, we overlooked some parts like having more than 2 lines per point etc. We worked on the feedback given and spent 1.5 hours making sure that the 6*7 rule was followed, logos were not covered, better quality photos were used.
Thank you Mark and Lisu!
A pity that I was unable to make it for class on Thursday. I love to see all my classmates present. I can see that Team Energy has made improvements from the time we had Peer Teaching presentations though. Great job guys! I'm sure the rest of the class would have improved by working on Ms Lim's feedback as well.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
That guy looks funny with that thing on his head!
Being in a multicultural society, it is important that one learns to respect another person's culture.
I recall an account in Secondary 4 when my friends and I were playing a game which poked fun at the culture of a Sikh to keep long hair and thus, wear a turban. At that time, this "game" was played when somebody spotted a Sikh wearing a turban. The person who spotted the Sikh wearing the turban would pinch somebody else's arm until the person mentioned the correct colour of the turban the Sikh was wearing.
One day, my friends and I were walking along a footpath that was adjacent to the road towards the bus stop after school. On the way to the bus stop, one of my friends John (fictitious name) pinched Sam (another fictitious name) on his arm and at the same time exclaiming, "Singh colour apa, singh colour apa?" (colour apa means what colour in malay).
To our horror, the Sikh who was riding a scooter (well, it was easy to spot because Sikhs do not wear helmets when riding motorcycles or scooters), parked his scooter by the road and marched angrily towards us. Needless to say, he scolded us and with expletives even. The Sikh shouted angrily, "You all are f**king disrespectful. So just because we Sikhs wear a turban and we're supposed to be made fun of? If I ever hear such things again, I'll report you all to the police!" He also threatened to make a complaint to our principal. Fortunately, we managed to appease him by apologising sincerely and he'd let the matter rest.
At that point of time, we were afraid. After all, he had threatened to make a police report and a complaint to the principal of our school. Looking back, I felt that we were too insensitive towards cultures of other racial groups. From what I saw, the Sikh was defending and protecting something that is considered sacred to them, which was why the Sikh got riled up. It is the Sikhs' culture to not cut their hair, and thus use a turban to wrap their hair up. To us, we may find that the "game" was played out of pure fun and laughter, but to the Sikhs, it was an insult them.
Indeed, after researching online, I found that hair is scared to the Sikhs because they believe that it is a gift from God. Hair is also one of the five articles of faith for the Sikhs. More importantly, a Sikh's hair is the symbol of love for God and the respect that God has given to him. Thus, when we poke fun of a Sikh's turban, we are actually poking fun of their symbol of love for their God.
From then on, after the harsh scolding we were subjected to, we stopped playing this "game" and also advised the rest of our friends to not do it as well.
I recall an account in Secondary 4 when my friends and I were playing a game which poked fun at the culture of a Sikh to keep long hair and thus, wear a turban. At that time, this "game" was played when somebody spotted a Sikh wearing a turban. The person who spotted the Sikh wearing the turban would pinch somebody else's arm until the person mentioned the correct colour of the turban the Sikh was wearing.
One day, my friends and I were walking along a footpath that was adjacent to the road towards the bus stop after school. On the way to the bus stop, one of my friends John (fictitious name) pinched Sam (another fictitious name) on his arm and at the same time exclaiming, "Singh colour apa, singh colour apa?" (colour apa means what colour in malay).
To our horror, the Sikh who was riding a scooter (well, it was easy to spot because Sikhs do not wear helmets when riding motorcycles or scooters), parked his scooter by the road and marched angrily towards us. Needless to say, he scolded us and with expletives even. The Sikh shouted angrily, "You all are f**king disrespectful. So just because we Sikhs wear a turban and we're supposed to be made fun of? If I ever hear such things again, I'll report you all to the police!" He also threatened to make a complaint to our principal. Fortunately, we managed to appease him by apologising sincerely and he'd let the matter rest.
At that point of time, we were afraid. After all, he had threatened to make a police report and a complaint to the principal of our school. Looking back, I felt that we were too insensitive towards cultures of other racial groups. From what I saw, the Sikh was defending and protecting something that is considered sacred to them, which was why the Sikh got riled up. It is the Sikhs' culture to not cut their hair, and thus use a turban to wrap their hair up. To us, we may find that the "game" was played out of pure fun and laughter, but to the Sikhs, it was an insult them.
Indeed, after researching online, I found that hair is scared to the Sikhs because they believe that it is a gift from God. Hair is also one of the five articles of faith for the Sikhs. More importantly, a Sikh's hair is the symbol of love for God and the respect that God has given to him. Thus, when we poke fun of a Sikh's turban, we are actually poking fun of their symbol of love for their God.
From then on, after the harsh scolding we were subjected to, we stopped playing this "game" and also advised the rest of our friends to not do it as well.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
I should have.....
Conflicts arise because of miscommunication and the lack of emotional intelligence. Some people manage their emotions well to prevent a conflict or resolve one quickly. These people are not angered easily in tense situations. There are others who get impatient and quickly lose their cool, making a situation tenser, resulting in a conflict.
I would like to recall an account in which I felt conflicted. This happened last semester. I started the semester two weeks late because of a summer programe I had attended in Canada. Thus, when I was back in NUS, I found it hard to cope with a particular module that I had bidded for. Having missed 4 lectures already, I decided to drop the module in the end.
I then found another module which was somewhat suitable (and having only missed 2 lectures, it’d be easier to catch up). However, there was a timetable clash. Thus, I seeked the permission of one of my tutors for an arrangement with regards to the timetable clash (with the module I was to sign up for) and she agreed. So, I sent an appeal to CORS. Hours later, I received a reply from CORS to say that my appeal has been rejected because “she did not agree to this request”.
Naturally, I wasn’t too pleased about it, angry even. I had specifically seeked her permission with regards to move the tutorial slot to another day and yet the reply I received from CORS was that “she did not agree to it". The main problem was like I've mentioned in the beginning of this post,
A few weeks later, my tutor asked me what was the final outcome. I mentioned that I had dropped the module. She also mentioned that a lady (probably at the deparment) rejected the appeal. Then, I felt guilty for blaming my tutor when she was not the one whom CORS spoke to.
From then, I realised that it is important to find out what is going on before starting to blame people. My displeasure could have been avoided if I had communicated with my tutor on why my appeal was rejected when she had agreed to my request. My friends had also adviced me to speak to my tutor on this matter. But, I rebutted saying that I specifically mentioned “my xxxx tutor” in my CORS appeal and it was definitely my tutor whom CORS spoke to.
Thus, the question I would like to pose is do you think emotions somewhat affect our judgement, only to think back and say “I should/shouldn't have……"
Monday, February 14, 2011
Job advertisement
| Company | Advocators Education Pte Ltd | |
| Job Title | Teaching Position: TOP Math Coach | |
| Location | Singapore | |
| Date Posted | Monday, February 07, 2011 | |
| Closing Date | Wednesday, March 09, 2011 | |
| Advocators Education Pte Ltd (AEPL) is one of the fastest growing companies in the education industry. We lead the innovation front of transforming academic results by imparting effective strategies and technologies to students. Do you have what it takes to be the next star coach in the education industry? • Desire to excel • Dream big and • Determination to make dreams happen! If you possess the 3-Ds, fast track your career with us! You will experience tremendous growth both personally and financially! | ||
| Responsibilities | ||
Beware!!! This is an extremely fast paced and highly demanding career and we are ONLY seeking the BEST to join us to create a world brand in education! Send your resume ONLY when you are ready for super growth in your career! "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined." - Henry David Thoreau | ||
| Requirements | ||
We only want to attract, recruit, and reward those who have the desire to add tremendous value to others and boldness to live their own dreams. If you want a career in a company whose actions reflect her values and whose people live their dreams, BE an AdvoCoachTM. Hiring: AdvoCoachTM (Math) Salary: Highly rewarding. We are looking for individuals who have strong desire for a career in the education industry. Someone who possess the following qualities: - Has the passion to influence and inspire youths - Able to interact and connect with students - Able to adapt to a highly dynamic working environment - Responsible, outgoing and proactive. - Keen learner with an open attitude - Enjoys communicating and sharing knowledge/experiences with others - Looking for high exposure to different aspects of the profession - Possess an excellent academic track record in the related academic subjects Candidate must possess at least a Diploma, Advanced/Higher/Graduate Diploma, Bachelor's Degree, Post Graduate Diploma or Professional Degree in any field. Fresh graduates/Entry level applicants are encouraged to apply. 1 Full-Time positions available. | ||
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Cover Letter
Tham Hsu Wei Shawn
123 ABC Street #01-11
Singapore 234564
February 1, 2010
Pey Kong
Principle Trainer
Advocators Education Pte Ltd
273 Thomson Road #02/03-02
Novena Gardens
Singapore 307644
Dear Ms Kong,
APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF AdvoCoachTM (Math)
I am writing in response to the advertisement for the post of an AdvoCoachTM (Math)
in the NUS eJob portal dated Monday, January 10 2011. Advocators Education emphasizes on actions to reflect her values for people to have the desire to excel, dream big and have the determination to make dreams happen. I would very much like to be part of a fast paced company to help people realize their dreams.
I graduated from Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) with a distinction for Additional Mathematics. The teaching methods at Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) have equipped me well to score for Additional Mathematics. I am confident to be able to impart my knowledge to students to realize their dreams of getting a distinction for Mathematics.
Furthermore, having worked part-time as an AdvoCoach previously, I am familiar with the company operations and people who were in my team. In addition, I have helped to develop one-page concept maps that are currently used by the company to teach students.
Lastly, Advocators Education has expanded to Malaysia and is looking to expand to Vietnam as well. I am currently attending Vietnamese 3 lessons in NUS and will definitely be able to aid the company in this aspect.
I am confident that my ability to work well with the other Coaches and students will qualify me to handle this extremely fast paced and highly demanding position. I can promise that meeting with me prove to be fruitful and I will make myself available at your convenience, during or outside of normal business hours.
Yours sincerely,
Tham Hsu Wei Shawn
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