Since young, I was exposed to music and sports. Through learning the piano and being involved in competitive sailing, I find myself pushing my limits to achieve my maximum potential in the things I do. Able to work both independently and in a group, I place emphasis on the importance of time and efficiency. Besides music and sports, I am intrigued by the different cultures present in the world and find passion in discovery of and exposure to them. Hoping to travel as much as I can, I yearn to learn more about the way people live and to find out what are their values in life. In return, I hope to be able to share the Singaporean’s way of life.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Reflecting on the Research Project Experience
Majoring in Mathematics meant that I was spared of projects and group work. Our assessments are based on tutorials and tests, which are individual work. During the past semesters, I did not take any modules that required me to do a research project. Hence, the past one and a half month has indeed been a period filled with immense learning experience.
From brainstorming of the research topic to submitting the project report, I learned the importance of being a team player in a group. Nicole, Hui Ming and I worked on our own most of the time and met only during classes to consolidate our information and to comment on each others' work. This was possible because each of us was able to trust that our group mates were responsible and all the work assigned were completed on time. As a result, the project was done rather efficiently.
With clear communication, we were also able to discuss our points and decide on issues effectively. In times of a heated discussion among two members, the last member would become the mediator and help to settle the issue amicably. In such discussions, we had to learn how to listen and accept other people's opinions and to be willing to give in to better suggestions. It also taught me that indeed, 'more heads are better than one' as we often ended up with a combination of ideas which were for the better. It certainly took effort, but I believe it built our interpersonal relationships. Personally, I felt that I now have a better understanding of my group members.
As mentioned above, this is the first time I am engaged in a research project. Thankfully, Hui Ming has experience in research and report writing as it is required of her in her course. From her, I learnt how to make use of the NUS Library's E-Resources, how to go about searching for relevant documents and data. I am now intrigued by the vast amount of information available online that I am motivated to do more research projects on a level of personal interest.
I believe that the oral presentation will require us to work more closely together. Definitely, we will have to bear in mind the 7Cs while communicating in order to do so effectively. Specifically, I will emphasise on clearing our doubts in times of uncertainty so as to maximise efficiency. It requires communication to be clear and concise but surely, patience and understanding from the group members will facilitate such situations as well.
From brainstorming of the research topic to submitting the project report, I learned the importance of being a team player in a group. Nicole, Hui Ming and I worked on our own most of the time and met only during classes to consolidate our information and to comment on each others' work. This was possible because each of us was able to trust that our group mates were responsible and all the work assigned were completed on time. As a result, the project was done rather efficiently.
With clear communication, we were also able to discuss our points and decide on issues effectively. In times of a heated discussion among two members, the last member would become the mediator and help to settle the issue amicably. In such discussions, we had to learn how to listen and accept other people's opinions and to be willing to give in to better suggestions. It also taught me that indeed, 'more heads are better than one' as we often ended up with a combination of ideas which were for the better. It certainly took effort, but I believe it built our interpersonal relationships. Personally, I felt that I now have a better understanding of my group members.
As mentioned above, this is the first time I am engaged in a research project. Thankfully, Hui Ming has experience in research and report writing as it is required of her in her course. From her, I learnt how to make use of the NUS Library's E-Resources, how to go about searching for relevant documents and data. I am now intrigued by the vast amount of information available online that I am motivated to do more research projects on a level of personal interest.
I believe that the oral presentation will require us to work more closely together. Definitely, we will have to bear in mind the 7Cs while communicating in order to do so effectively. Specifically, I will emphasise on clearing our doubts in times of uncertainty so as to maximise efficiency. It requires communication to be clear and concise but surely, patience and understanding from the group members will facilitate such situations as well.
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