It has indeed been a memorable and a positive learning experience during the 3 weeks i spent with Pei Yu and Nicole conducting the survey and writing the report for ES2007S.
During this time, I witnessed and learnt the importance of communication as we had to split up of the report that each of us had to complete for the final submission. Clear and detailed instructions had to be communicated between the 3 of us to ensure that the final report was consistent, from the writing style (third party point of view) to the fonting and paragraphing, to enable easy collation of the various parts. Interpersonal relationships played a very important role as friendships were forged during this time and any insensitive word spoken rashly during periods of stress was going to subtly undermine this relationship. Thus, we adopted the ‘group mentality’ when we were working on this project, where we would rally around each other to offer help to others even when that part was not our portion of the report to complete. This helped to ease tension during stressful periods where we had other assessments and reports to submit concurrently. Being a life science student, I was more versed with research and finding research papers. Thus I was able to teach Pei Yu the various methods to find the relevant research papers we needed to substantiate our survey results. Also when she was unable to find the source for the research paper, I went on to assist her to find the sources. This is because I remember how frustrating it was when I was still learning the technique of looking for research papers and sources. During the report writing, I was very encouraged by the enthusiasm Pei Yu and Nicole showed, we were not only able to complete the report but were also able to proof read each others parts.
For future presentations, I would definitely want to keep up the ‘group spirit’ we have but would like to improve on communications especially when stress level is high by asking other group members if they have difficulty in their parts before they come to ask for help. I believe this would help to create a happier team environment.
Reflection on Learning
16 years ago
10 comments:
Dear Hui Ming,
I do have the same sentiments with you regarding the point about clear communication being needed as the report have to be consistent even though we split up the workload.
The point about having the same "group mentality" was also well elaborated and I do agree with it.
Furthermore, stress is inevitable during this period of time whereby all of us are rushing reports and assignments from the different modules that we are taking. I am glad that your group managed to pull through despite all the things that you have at hand.
All the best for your oral presentation! =)
Binglin
Hi Hui Ming!
I agree very strongly that interpersonal relationship is important in group projects, as group projects are about group members working together towards a common goal. The notion of 'team spirit' also means having good interpersonal relationship with team mates which would make the team strong and the working process enjoyable and also efficient.
It has been a stressful period while keeping to the deadlines of our project and also handling other modules. When we are stressed, we tend to have poorer control of our emotions and we can become temperamental and easily trigger conflicts and thus weakening our working relationship. Group members' empathy for one another is thus very important.
By the way, your group's research topic is very interesting and I look forward to your presentation!
Hello Hui Ming,
YES! It has been a pleasure working with you guys...
Although we had some "heated arguments" now and then, it was a time when ideas were put across. It was lucky that one grup member will always be there to be a mediator. It was wonderful especially since I learnt how to use Microsoft Excel to plot the bar graphs. I find that through this project, we have been able to build some valuable friendships.
Dear Hui Ming,
It was indeed an enriching experience working with you. I thank you for your patience in guiding me through research.
I do agree with you that the 'group mentality' we adopted was very beneficial and it did help to make things work. The other point about clear communication also did help with compiling the entire report.
Let us work hard for the oral presentation!
Peiyu
Hey Hui Ming,
First of all, I think you guys did a great report presentation. The topic your group chose is really interesting. I can understand what you mean when you mentioned about 'adopting group mentality helping you all cope with the stress of completing the report'. Group mates help to lighten the load just by being there.
Sebastian
Hello Bing Lin,
I agree with you that the group mentality is what keeps the group members on the right track when writing reports. In addition it is effective and constant communication that keeps and builds this groups mentality and team spirit.
Hui Ming
Hello Jia Yi,
I agree with you that 'team spirit' is what keeps the group together and after going through stressful and hard times together, it only serves to build this spirit and strengthen our bonds. Persoanlly, this unity also makes me look forward to meetings and participate actively in it.
Understanding and self control also play a part in maintaining this bond. As words can hurt someone very deeply, we should always be conscientiously reviewing our speech and tone toward others to prevent ourselves from saying too harsh and blunt words that we may regret thereafter.
Hui Ming
Hello Nichole,
I have enjoyed the time working with you too and am glad that you have picked up a very useful skill - Microsoft Excel.
As I reflect, I feel that it is the open communication style that our team adopted from the start that made us understand each other very well. Also, during arguments we actually got to know each others working style better and this served to improve our communication and understanding within the team.
After the presentation, I personally feel that it has really been a presentation that I have both enjoyed preparing and sharing with the class.
Hui Ming
Hello Pei Yu,
I believe that each of us has benefited form this team work in one way or the other. We have also been able to make very good friendships that will go beyond this semester and current group work.
I am glad that we were able to adopt the open communication and non confrontational method during group meetings as it reduced a lot of misunderstandings and increased our working efficiency and created a positive and enjoyable environment to work in.
Hui Ming
Hello Sabastian,
Thank you for your appraisal! I enjoyed your presentation tremendously too.
I agree with you that group members do lighten the load as there were times when I had many reports to cope with and Pei Yu or Nicole would offer to complete part of my assigned task so I had more time to attend to my other assignments.
Hui Ming
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