Critical Reflection

In SIE2016, we received feedbacks from both our peers and tutor, Brad. Giving feedbacks to my peers was something that I have never done in my schooling life. The feedbacks that my peers gave allowed me to refine my work, thus making the essays I wrote more intelligible. In addition, the feedbacks given by Brad further hone my writing skills and at the same, make me understand the features a good piece of write up should have. The comments received from both the tutor and my classmates also enhanced my learning experience as it allows me to interact and discuss with them regarding the mistakes that they found in my writing. Besides that, when I gave feedbacks to my classmates, I learn from their mistakes and thus minimizing the occurrences of such errors in my future writing. In essence, the feedbacks that I received from various people gave me different perspectives on how to approach my writing. 

The skills that I learned in this module are applicable to the writing assignment in the Mass and Energy Balance module this trimester. In this module, we are taught how to do a write-up with a clear focus and direction. In addition, we were also taught that it is always good to have a few drafts before finalising a write-up.Lastly, having a good thesis statement would significantly impact the flow of the essay. For my Mass and Energy Balance assignment, I was required to do a summary write up on gas absorption.I managed to apply the planning and summary writing skills that I have been taught here.While I was drafting my write up for the Mass and Energy Balance assignment, I did not had to ponder if I was writing out of point. This is because of the good thesis statement that I've written. In addition,the thesis statement allowed me to organise the content in the write up thus making sure that's a flow in the summary..

In short, the peer and tutor feedback had benefitted me greatly as I am more aware of the mistakes that I should avoid while drafting for my future academic write ups! 

Edited on 2 December 2015

The State of Education in Singapore

 The following represents my personal view and is in no way intended to discredit any party or organisation. 

Singaporeans who have undergone the rigorous education system here should understand the 'unfair' emphasis that is placed on certain subjects over others. We have either been explicitly instructed by our teachers or discovered ourselves that it would be more profitable to invest our studies heavily in mathematics and the sciences, or what most would term 'EMS' (English, Maths, Science), rather than the arts, were we to desire to do well at our Cambridge examinations. 

From the start, students are already given an extremely limited pool of subjects to choose from to take at 'O' level. Yes, we are allowed to choose our 'subject combinations', but what choices do we have? They are mainly permutations of the following few: Additional mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and 1 Humanities subject to be taken in conjunction with Social Studies (even though they are to be calculated as a single examination subject). Students and even some teachers alike scoff at subjects such as music, humanities, visual art and physical education as a waste of time. "You're gonna fail your 'O' levels if you spend too much time on these!" "These subjects are not important!” 

The weight and emphasis on mathematics and sciences in local schools is 'unfair'. Apart from the fact that it is compulsory for students to take on arts/humanities subject together with several mathematics and science subjects, better grades are required for students who wish to study in the 'science stream'. Will this establish a label of prestige on science students at the expense of students who study in the 'arts stream'? I do not think this is healthy at all. Students stronger in the arts are not necessarily 'dumber' than science students.

One can't judge a mudskipper by its ability to glide into the air like a flying fish, neither can one judge a flying fish by its ability to climb trees in the mud. Nevertheless, we understand both to be very unique species of fish. Conversely, if we choose to use only one indicator at our own discretion to assess "uniqueness", we fail to fully comprehend the beauty of diversity.

Many Singaporeans,frequently complain that they do not know what to study at tertiary level or even what job/career to undertake in future. Isn't it sad that people do not know where their interests lie? There is thus a pressing need, for students starting from a young age to be exposed to a diverse range of subjects. Let the children learn about business, economics, foreign languages, fashion design or even marine science! (These are actual O-level subjects offered by Cambridge to UK students) Let them find out what they want to pursue in future and let's not penalise them for any inept in maths and science. So what if our young students (who are mainly extracted from a few 'elite' schools by the way) continue to be the top in the world for tests in maths and science? So many adults out there have long forgotten even the most basic fundementals of these subjects. I think it is certainly very peculiar that Singapore assesses students' intelligence and ability by a proficiency in maths/science. This emphasis on 'EMS' should be rethought.

As a nation which has its people as its sole resource, innovation and creativity is of utmost importance. Scientists, researchers and engineers are vital for our R&D-based economy. But what can allow a country to continue to thrive in the long run? We also need people who are able to think, to think independently, to think of solutions specific to a problem that have not been thought of before. We need people who can generate creative solutions to our problems, policies to further improve our competitive edge over our rivals. 

Creativity cannot be taught directly in schools, but it can be nurtured, and definitely not in the state that the education system is in now. 

Random Thoughts

When I was in primary school, I got bullied quite a lot. I was quiet, bookish, and did whatever I was told to by the teacher. I wasn't active in games during recess time, preferring to eat food I brought from home in a corner of the school canteen over a book. I'm not saying that I was a sane back then - have never been, and will never be one. That is not my point. However, combined with the fact that I had a rather unusual name,I was frequently targeted by my more boisterous and extroverted peers. 

Now that more than a decade has passed since primary school, I wonder how these 'former' bullies are getting on with their lives. In all honesty, it isn't that difficult to track them down with Facebook. From the information I have gathered, some have become officers in SAF and SPF, some on their way to prestigious universities and illustrious careers ahead; some doing just reasonably well or barely passable. But how about me? I'm not doing that bad either in my own opinion. I have improved my attitude and became more confident. I'm currently studying what I like in the university.

There used to be hate and a desire for revenge.However,I wasn't brought up this way. If I could use these experiences, they would certainly formulate into a vital lesson for me. The point is, that things may not always be easy at the start. With diligence, hard work and time, things will get better. I could use this as a reminder for myself each time too, when I feel down and stressed about the days ahead. 

Keep the faith. Some day later, life ahead will be better.

Reader's Response Draft 4

On the website, “Citizen Campaign for the Environment,” Iburch (2015) reports on the adverse impact that improper pharmaceutical waste disposal has on the environment. The author states that “low levels of drugs such as antibiotics, hormones, contraceptives and steroids are found in 80% of the rivers and streams in the United States of America(USA)”. Due to this situation, these water sources are unsafe for consumption.At the same time, it harms the marine and human life by leaving them vulnerable to such pharmaceutical waste residue, albeit at low concentrations. Some side effects on living organisms include irregular hormonal cycle and antibiotic resistance to drugs. Notably, male fish were found laying eggs due to prolonged exposure to such residue (Iburch,2015). Enacting legislation and raising public awareness on the proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste have been put in place to mitigate the problem. The same author explains the cause and impact of pharmaceutical waste disposal with myriad examples but some of the statements put forth in the article are incomplete and unsupported.

The first reason why Iburch’s argument is incomplete is because he overgeneralizes the idea of “unused or expired pharmaceuticals being flushed down the toilet”. According to a pharmaceutical waste disposal guideline that was released by the World Health Organization (1999),small amounts of uncontrolled liquid pharmaceuticals, which do not exhibit anti-infective or anti-neoplastic properties, can be flushed down into the sewers. This shows that under certain circumstances, it is fine for a small quantity of pharmaceuticals to be flushed down the sewers. Iburch also fails to elaborate on how human excretion can potentially contribute to pharmaceutical waste. Studies by the Harvard Medical School (2011) have concluded that human waste flushed into the sewage contains  unmetabolized  pharmaceuticals,and this could potentially contaminate potable water sources. In addition, the same author did not mention anything on the root of the issue: pharmaceuticals that are purchased in bulk are often left unconsumed. This results in these pharmaceuticals being flushed into the sewage.

Furthermore, the examples used to illustrate the detrimental effects that pharmaceutical waste have on living organisms are not convincing due to the lack of statistical data. For instance, the concentration of pharmaceutical waste present in the potable water sources is not mentioned. Iburch states the effects that the pharmaceutical effluents have on the genetic mutation of marine life, without factoring in some other environmental factors. Eisenstaedt (2005) argues that different chemical compositions of water, temperature and other variables can potentially explain the genetic mutation seen in marine life. The lack of concrete data and research makes it hard for readers to come to a more informed conclusion that the hormones present in the pharmaceutical effluents are responsible for the genetic mutation seen.  

In conclusion, the author carefully links the cause and effects of improper pharmaceutical waste disposal with myriad examples. It would be better though if the author addresses the issue in a broader perspective before moving into smaller details. This would give the reader a general overview of the issue. Lastly, the lack of concrete  statistical data and overgeneralisation of "flushing down unused or expired pharmaceuticals into the sewage" make the arguments put forth on the website inconclusive and unsupported

References :

Citizens Campaign for the Environment. (2015, March 4). Pharmaceutical Disposal.

Retrieved from http://www.citizenscampaign.org/campaigns/pharmaceutical-disposal.asp

Eisenstadt, L. (2005). Drugs in the water. Triple Point.

Retrieved from http://www.bu.edu/sjmag/scimag2005/features/drugsinwater.htm

Harvard Medical School. (2011,June 1). Drugs in the water.

Retrieved from http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/drugs-in-the-water

World Health Organization. (1999). Guidelines for Safe Disposal of Unwanted Pharmaceuticals in and after Emergencies.

Retrieved from http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/medicalwaste/unwantpharm. 

An Eventful Flight

I was flipping through my travel diary a few days back and I saw this story that I had penned down 5 years ago regarding one of my flights to Tokyo that had left a huge impact on me.

I can still remember this flight even till today.

"Attention Please! Passenger taking Singapore Airlines SQ634 from Singapore to Tokyo-Haneda, please kindly proceed to gate A7 for boarding.Thankyou!"

All the Tokyo bound passengers took their belongings with them,lined up at the counter while anxiously waiting for their board pass to be scanned before boarding the plane.

While I was waiting for my turn to get my boarding pass scanned, I saw this man who was probably in his early 40s with his parents. His father was shaking and couldn't walk without any assistance at all. So the ground crews stepped forward and offered to help him.

"It's alright!I can handle it" the son said with a smile as he held his father's arm and led him forward.

The man's mother was still rather 'strong' for an old lady. She was wearing a sarong kebaya. On the other hand, his father who wore a blue jacket and had a beanie over his head with a pair of sunglasses.Clearly,his father had Alzheimer's disease or commonly known as dementia. 

The three of them were seated at the bulkhead seat while I sat behind them.

What I saw during the flight really moved me.

After the flight attendant served his parents their meal tray, the man knelt in front of them and cut their food into bit-sized pieces. He sat on the floor in front of his parents and watched them as they ate. The son had to feed his father as the poor old man struggled to pierce the food with his fork.

The man only had his meal after his parents had finished their food

Throughout the flight,he was so patient with his parents. He did everything for them- getting drinks, bringing his parents to the toilet and making sure they have sufficient snacks in-between the flight.

All these went on for at least 3 times during the flight. Sometimes, his father would wake him up from his sleep for toilet trips and the man didn't grouch or get angry.

The man would talk to his mother when she took a break from her reading and joke with his father throughout the flight. I really enjoyed watching their interaction. It really brings a smile to my face.

It wasn't before long that we had arrived at Haneda Airport. Most of the passenger left the plane while this family of three were left behind to wait for the ground staff to get a wheelchair ready at the door for the elderly.

While waiting for their turn for disembarkation, his father started looking around
"Where are my sun glasses?", the old man exclaimed!

"Oh Dad!They're on your head!" The son smiled as he pulled down the sunglasses from his father's beanie and rested it upon his nose.

"Wow, You look so cool now Dad!"

He smiled at his father and stared with him with so much love.

When the cabin crews offered to bring the feeble old man out of the plane, the son told them,"Girls, better don't touch him! He is a cheeky old man! Let me do it!"

The cabin crews ushered them through the aisle, helping with their baggages and bid them goodbye.

I was really moved by the man's love for his parents. I have never seen someone who is so patient and loving to their parents.

He did everything a parent would do for their children- feeding them, taking them to the toilet and even entertaining them. There wasn't a tinge of annoyance on his face.He did everything out of love.

My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my parents. There may come a time where the roles will be reversed. When we were young, our parents did everything they could for us. They fed us, changed our diapers,bathed us,answered our repeated question with a lot of patience, rushed us to the doctor at the first sign of an ailment.Are we capable of showing the same amount of unconditional love for our parents as the man did for his parents? 

Reflection: Presentation

It was such a nerve wrecking experience to be presenting in front of the class yesterday.

Prior to the presentation, my teammates and I spent a couple of hours practising for the presentation. I thought to myself that the presentation wouldn't be that bad. However, I was wrong. When I went up to present, I saw 21 pairs of eyes fixated upon me. This made me extremely nervous. I felt the adrenaline rush through my veins. 

Some of the feedbacks given by my classmates were:

1) inadequate eye contact with the audience.

2) too much movements while presenting 

3) organization of slides can be further improved because the 'pie chart' was sticking out like an eye sore 

4) good voice projection. 

In my opinion, the greatest weakness that surfaced during my presentation was that there were too much movements during the presentation.This could potentially cause some distractions to the audience. The use of a pointer will suffice in mitigating this issue. I thought that insufficient eye contact with audiences can be resolved with more practices prior to the presentation.To solve the problem on organization of slides,I guess I will check on the slides and make sure that there is a 'flow' in the contents that I'm presenting.