In my debut post on this blog, I talked about what communication means to me. Having undergone a course on ‘Professional Communication’, I realized that much of my prior understanding remains unchanged. The course has however highlighted to me that, for me, instead of having the tendency to be over-reliant on technology in communicating (as mentioned in my debut post), I seem to be neglecting communications through technology, especially through e-mails. It has come to my attention that I might have this filter to cause me to not respond to certain mail which I dismiss as ‘FYI/ does not require response’ too simply without consideration. Either that or I am just plain lazy. Whatever the reason, this is definitely one of the lessons that will be vivid to me from the course.
Having said that I retained most of my prior perceptions about communications even after the course, I must add that the course has definitely refined these prior concepts of mine. Through the mocked interviews; and the sharing and discussions of real-life communication habits and styles in regular classes, posts of my peers and the exchange of comments; and the relevant blog exercises, I am even more convinced of the importance of effective communication skills in the ways I thought in my debut post. In fact, I am also very pleased to have one of my interpersonal conflicts resolved through a blog post for the course. I saw actual proof in the importance of developing effective communication skills.
The course has also equipped me with better computer skills in the process of report writing and presentation preparation. Through editing of the report, the cover letter for job application and blog posts, I feel more confident with the type of format and organization; sentence structure and the choice of words that should be used for writing for different purposes. The ‘search for job’ element of this module has also served as a wake-up call for me. I feel more motivated and am glad to have found possible directions to pursue upon graduation, through the course. The course has definitely been enriching for me and it is definitely a course I would recommend to others. Of course, just as the concepts of Science must be revisited, the concepts of Communication must also be constantly revisited for new revelations to be made. One would be surprised to realize how many small happenings and things in life translate to or boil down to communication! Or at least, I was (:
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6 comments:
Very heartfelt and honest reflections of your personal feelings about this course. I agree with some of your points. Unfortunately I did not figure out a way to articulate these in my post.
In contrast, I think I rely too much on technology for communication (the good thing is that I have some practice in written communication!). I have to put more effort into meeting people and talking face-to-face (my verbal and non-verbal communication needs more improvement).
Self-awareness is important. If you are not aware, you cannot take actions to change.
Yes, communication is essential in our lives.
Hi Yilin,
What a wonderful reflection of the course from your point of view.
I do agree that communication skills must be polished and revisited from time to time.
Good luck in your ambition to be a physician-scientist. I believe that you will achieve your ambition in the near future.
Cheers,
Danny.
Thanks Sharon and Danny for your comments. I've read your posts too. I guess, all of us, in this class, has been enriched in one way or another through this course. To the class of ES2007S Group 3 and our amiable mentor Brad, thank you for making learning more effective.
Dear Yilin,
Thank you for this critical reflection on your own communication skill levels, what you have learned, and how you have benefitted. I'm glad that you feel that the module has served you well. I've seen the development even in the progression of these blog posts.
I know that you still have some questions about the resume and application to medical school. Do feel free to contact me for advice on that.
All the best in your future!
Hello Brad
Thanks for all your invaluable comments and encouragement! Yes, I will look into that right after exams. It was nice being in your class. All the best to you too!
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