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.

Evaluating Intercultural Behaviour

With globalisation, intercultural interaction becomes inevitable. Work made across the globe require people to learn and understand the culture of their clients and colleagues. In my opinion, making an attempt to understand and accept the difference in culture shows a speaker's sincerity and the respect they have for the other party.

I take an example of a German girl, Kathrin, interacting with a colleague, Zhang, from China.

Despite working in the same laboratory, Zhang and Kathrin hardly interacts. Kathrin enters her workplace daily and greets all her colleagues with a cheerful 'Good morning!". To her disappointment however, she gets only a mumble from Zhang, without eye contact.
After some time, she casts an opinion of Zhang being rude and unfriendly.

An experience in Germany has allowed me to learn that most Germans greet their fellow colleagues in the morning and eye contact between people during communication is important. In this case, perhaps Zhang is shy and dare not look at people in the eye when he speaks. This can be quite common for people who have little self confidence or are simply uncomfortable with eye contact. It could also be the case that this is how people interact in his hometown and he is used to it.

In this situation, as both parties do not require direct contact at work, the both of them left the situation the way it is. To Kathrin, she was only going to be working with him for 2 months and to him, she was just a temporary colleague. The relationship could possibly have been improved and the awkwardness reduced if both parties give and take and are open to each other about their opinions.

Hence, when dealing with intercultural communication, a basic knowledge of the other party is important and can be obtained from books or through speaking to people. Coming from ourselves, we should also speak up and inform other people when we find that they are behaving in a way that we and our culture is not comfortable with.