GESL REFLECTIONS
(i) What tasks did I do during GESL?
During GESL meetings, I reflected on my team members’ contribution and provide constructive feedback where possible. Also, if my experiences allow, I would contribute ideas during our discussion. More specifically, I came up with some ideas for the games for day 2 which were well received. After various refinements and throwing about of suggestions in the leading meetups, the entire team agreed on a comprehensive two day programme for Marymount Convent.
Due to my passion for photography, I was responsible for the photo taking documentation of both days's programme for the event carried out at Marymount Centre as well at Woodlands Waterfront. Hence, I selected the camera and lens that were suitable for taking children’s photos and prepared the necessary equipment such as memory cards and extra batteries. As a result, I did not have as much interaction with the children as most other members in the gesl group but I felt this was necessary and okay. I also assisted other members who needed help during the day such as keeping control of the groups and coordinating their movements. Setting up of the various stations was also a joy for me.
After the actual event, I edited the photos that I took, making sure the colours and composition were of an acceptable standard for the organization and NIE.
(ii) What did I do well?
I guessed I did what I did best, which was taking photographs so it was pretty okay for me. Also, due to my experience in organizing events in the past, I was able to make myself useful when the need arised such as helping a child who had fallen and to carry various logistical items around the area.
(iii) What were some difficulties I faced? How did I overcome these?
Our group lacked some group dynamics at the start of the entire semester and being the shy person I am, it was hard for me to speak up when everyone else is very conservative and not vocal. Also, due to the fact that we were from different tutorial groups or even different course, there was not much opportunity for us to interact besides our weekly meetings. It did not help that GESL meeting was usually at the end of the day and most members were already quite drained. I decided to make some new friends slowly along the way and it helped that people eventually opened up to each other and this climaxed at the event and after event meetups where every one seemed to be like old friends.
For the actual event itself, day 1 was indoors and quite cooling. The minor problem was that some girls were quite camera shy and it was challenging for me to get good shots sometimes but I used a super zoom lens and secretly took their pictures. Of course, the centre would get a copy and decide whether to keep them and the shots were of their joyous faces having fun during the games. On the second day of the event, the weather was very cruel with sunlight shining upon us mercilessly. Our skins were baked to a golden brown like fried chicken and this was a challenge to phototaking as well as it became too bright to take a shot sometimes even when the aperture was adjusted to the minimum. To overcome this, I used a neutral density filter to shut out some sunlight. Also, as the area of activity was quite large, I had to run around to ensure that photos were taken of everyone involved.
(iv) How well did my group work?
I felt that though there were some disagreement to the direction and implementation of the project, these proved to be secondary to the more important task of learning from the entire experience. Differences were eventually set aside and everyone did that part for the group, and the unhappiness disappeared like the wind. Also, the team comprised of people of all ages and background, leading to some interesting synergies and insightful discussion cum outcome along the way.
(v) What have I gained from working on this GESL project?
I have gained some fun and joy in seeing the smiles of the marymount centre children. It has been a long time since I see happy faces on children which was the reason why I joined teaching in the first place. Also, I gained some first hand experience on working with teachers on extra curriculum projects. This is important as everyone has different working styles and being a teacher you need to manage the students, parents, other teachers, police, etc.
(vi) In working on this project, what prior knowledge had I made use of?
I have made use of prior knowledge of what children like as well as my photography skills.
(vii) What new skills and knowledge have I learnt from working on this project? How can I apply these in my work or personal life?
I have learnt the skills of not being surprise by others and knowledge that everyone is unique and has different talents. I will make use of my skills to survive shocks and maximize the efficiencies of the work force.
(viii) What do I see as my 2 most important contributions to the project?
The two most important contributions to the project is providing ideas during brainstorming sessions and taking and editing the photos for the event.
(ix) What would I do differently the next time I embark on such a project?
I would give some suggestions as before and maybe improve the communications network.
(x) The NE initiative was introduced by the MOE to schools to develop national cohesion, cultivate instincts for survival and instil confidence inSingapore’s future. The objectives of NE were crystallised into six NE messages
• Singapore is our homeland; this is where we belong.
• We must preserve racial and religious harmony.
• We must uphold meritocracy and incorruptibility.
• No one owes Singapore a living.
• We must ourselves defend Singapore.
• We have confidence in our future.
Bearing in mind the NE initiative in Singapore, please comment on how your GESL project experience was relevant to National Education.
We worked with people from other races and religions and through the interactions, we were reminded that we must be sensitive and mindful of our thoughts and behaviours at all times. Besides, our activities stimulated the children’s self-confidence and helped them to build it up, therefore they would have more confidence in their future and we would have more confidence in ours as well.
(xi) GESL was intended to develop social & emotional competencies & skills necessary for you to recognize and manage your emotions, develop care and concern for others, make responsible decisions, establish positive relationships, as well as to handle challenging situations effectively. To what extent did you develop the skills of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management, and responsible decision-making?
I have developed these skills to a certain extent as a result of the GESL project as I have prior experience similar to this. I did not gain much self-awareness in fact as I already knew myself quite well but it was always a pleasant surprise to hear people say I am easily bullied when in fact I know I am not easily bullied. In terms of self management, I have to say that the workload was still manageable so not much improvement to be made as well. For social awareness, I became aware of convents and first hand interaction allowed me to understand their procedures and sensitivities. It reminded me to be neutral when commenting about religions as it might offend people from another religion. Relationship management was okay too as everyone was very cordial until the last few days when they started to open up and became friends. As for responsible decision-making, I was a voter for certain key decisions in the group’s directions and I weighed the pros and cons very carefully before casting my votes. I had the well being of the group and the learning goals in mind when I voted.
THE MERANTI PROJECT REFLECTION
It was a struggle to get to NIE from my home during a Saturday as the journey was long, but I reminded myself to have a positive mindset so that I can actually benefit from the Meranti Project and not make it a waste of time, moreover negative emotions would also spread to others and I did not want to be the person to spoil other people’s day. With that, I reached NIE with moderate anticipation as I had to think about all the issues in my life for sharing. Though, I would say I am a confident person in teaching and my general capabilities, my journey in NIE has really humbled me and the Meranti project actually boosted my falling confidence as others shared similar experiences as me. During the share life story activity carried out during Meranti, I was able to understand how I came to be what I am today and to re establish the factors that aspire me to be a teacher and served as a reminder that I should not give up no matter how tough it becomes.
Meeting the boys with at-risk backgrounds confirmed what I thought I know of how students form opinions of their teachers from the very first day they entered the classroom and I kept a note in my journal to watch out of my outlook and behaviour for my incoming practicuum adventure.
On the second day, we also tackled issues that were usually taboo such as opinions of other races and religions. We were invited to pour out our thoughts on these issues freely without fear of the Internal Security Department finding out. To my shock, my people had quite radical opinions towards the other races and religions that I thought were myths and legends. Nonetheless, it showed me that we still have a long way to go in respecting each other regardless of race and religion. This means we have to be more mindful in school as even adults can fall victim to such unfair judgements, children being innocent will be even more easily swayed.
The Meranti Project had been a fulfilling two day event. I was able to learn more about others as well as myself. It has reaffirmed my decision to be a good primary school teacher.
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