Challenges, Triumphs, Learning Points, Possible improvements
Challenges
The challenge that I face is coming up with proposed solutions as well as arranging for interview with my lecturer who is a foreign expat. While I was searching for current policies to the problem that we have for integrating foreigners into Singapore, I realised that there are in fact many measures that have been implemented already. As a result, we were required to look beyond Singapore to other countries as case-studies to refer to so that we can get some ideas of possible solutions. It took some time to sieve through all the policies and choose 4 that we think is feasible. For the interview with my professor, it did not result in the way I had hoped when I emailed him requesting for an interview. Apparently, he did not feel comfortable disclosing personal information and felt that this topic was quite sensitive. I approached him directly after lecture but again he politely declined. I felt that this could have been a good opportunity to get some valuable input from a foreigner which can help us to have a more deeper understanding of the problem from a different perspective.
Triumphs
Once we have our proposed solutions, we delegated task on who should do what for the written proposal. I was in charge of explaining how the Buddy Family Program works. Therefore, extensive reading up is necessary and it was quite an accomplishment for me. In terms of my group, I felt that we all did our part and my members are able to make up for what I lack in. For example, I was unsure of APA formatting so I was glad to have my more experienced team mates who have done proposals before to volunteer to do this portion.
Learning Points
This project is unlike most I have encountered since there are many discussions that we have to hold. I learn the importance of meeting up so that we can express our viewpoints and exchange opinions and feedback directly. Our group is able to achieve this part well as we had a few meetings to go through interview and survey questions and solutions. For the written part, after this experience, I am even more certain that proof reading and understanding each other's parts is very important because they are all interconnected and like a flow chart, each links to the next which finally leads up to the conclusion.
Possible Improvements
If possible, I hoped that we could have more candidates for the interview so that if one reject or did not reply, we are able to still carry out. Otherwise, we would have to wait or come up with another person to interview which could delay our schedule and whole project from finalizing.
Hi Jie min!
ReplyDeleteAlthough we were in different groups for the proposal, I must admit that some of the issues highlighted resonate with me as well! My group intended to contact the Chinese clan associations initially and that did not work out, so we changed the direction of our project which proved more beneficial in the end. Like you mentioned, an alternative was found for the interview and it contributed to our stand and new direction. The challenge to make the entire proposal so coherent that it flew as if it was written by a single voice, was definitely a daunting one and hence an equally great learning point.
Nevertheless, based on our previous teamwork during the peer teaching components, as well as your proposal presentation, it is obvious that your diligence has paid off. I can also see that you are meticulous and systematic. Good job! :)