Critical Reflection on “The role of peer and tutor feedback in learning”

In Effective Communication module, there are allocated sessions for peer and tutor feedback in presentations and writing reports. Initially, I was not optimistic towards this feedback system as it was the first time being introduced to me as part of a module. However, after going through several sessions, I felt that the receiving feedback helps to foster learning autonomy. Being able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of my performance from others allow self-improvement and determine whether my writing is clear, accurate and effective. It offers a guidance in addressing and correcting my mistakes so that I will not commit the same mistake again.

More importantly, I came to realise that providing feedback is more beneficial to learning process as it helps me to develop writing skills and improve on content understanding. By reviewing my peers’ work, I have learnt to read and analyse their mistakes which in turn act as a form of reminder that I should not make those mistakes as well and subsequently, formulate and provide constructive feedback on strategies to tackle the weak points. 

Coupled with the language and organization skills learnt in this module, I believe that they are essential for future assignments, especially when it comes to writing reports or essays. English still plays an important role in providing readers a clear understanding of the contents in reports. Apart from the skills learnt in this module, I believe that peer and tutor feedback helps to further improve writing skills and create opportunities for self-improvement. However, it is unsure whether there will be such feedback sessions in subsequent modules. Perhaps, I can be proactive and initiate a mini feedback session with my peers. Only then, I will be able to constantly improve in writing. 

Reflection on my Oral Presentation

I was tasked to conduct an oral presentation with my project team on our technical proposal to the entire Effective Communication tutorial class. Having to present the proposed solution, I was nervous and afraid that I might not be able to deliver an effective presentation as I had received several negative feedback from a peer teaching session previously. On the day of presentation, despite knowing the areas to improve and trying to stay calm, I was still on tenterhooks. 

Unexpectedly, what I felt good during the presentation was that I did not stutter and managed to deliver it smoothly, considering the repeated rehearsals I carried out before the presentation. However, I failed to portray myself as an enthusiastic speaker. My anxiety affected my tone and facial expression, as well as failing to capture and hold the audience’s attention. Additionally, I spoke too fast as the time limit given gotten me worried.

The Effective Communication module has taught me on how to improve my presentation skills. Coupled with the oral presentation required, it has provided me a platform to present and to receive feedback from my peers. One valuable takeaway from the presentation is that I should cultivate the habit of expressing enthusiasm by smiling more, emphasizing key words and using appropriate tone to my speech. I will then be able to present myself more calmly and confidently. The speed of my delivery should also be correctly paced. Upon completing Effective Communication, I foresee that there will be more opportunities for me to present for school projects which will constantly help to improve my presentation skills through self-reflection and receiving feedback from the audience. 

In conclusion, I believe that the only way to improve my oral presentation skills is by having more presentations to build up my confidence and communication skills. 

Reader Response (Draft 2)

In the online news release “Trains On The North-South And East-West Lines Safe For Service” (2016) from the Land Transport Authority(LTA) website, LTA would like to assure the public that the 26 North-South and East-West Line trains are safe for operation.

LTA stated that all new trains have to undergo stringent inspections before they were put into service. The inspections highlighted several issues found within some of the trains, such as faulty battery and cracks of the draught screen. Subsequently, these issues were immediately rectified by the manufacturer. The discovery of hairline cracks on the exterior of the car-body bolster were made known during a regular inspection. This prompt LTA to conduct further investigation which concluded that there were no other cracks found on other parts of the train. Apart from checks by internal staffs, independent experts were engaged to access the hairline cracks whom deem operation safe. Meanwhile, defective trains were sent back to the factory for repair. Proactive inspections will be carried out by both the LTA and the contractor to ensure trains are safe for operation.

Despite LTA's effort to immediately rectify any faults found during the testing and inspections phase, I believe that LTA could increase the transparency regarding the defects faced.

With reference to the online article by FactWire, an investigative news agency, it was revealed that the details of the defective trains were not made known to the public earlier.  For example, the hairline cracks on the bolster of the China-made C151A trains were already noticed in 2013 but it was not brought out until recently in July 2016. In addition to the cracks, there were also past issues on explosion of China uninterruptible power supply batteries and the shattering of glass panels due to poor workmanship.

Moving on, FactWire also reported that the faulty trains were secretly bought back to CSR Sifang for repairs. The news agency saw two faulty trains that was covered in green canvas being sent out from Bishan depot. According to Channel NewsAsia, there was even a video uploaded by FactWire showing the faulty trains being conveyed to Jurong port and ready to be shipped out to China. To further support their claim, reporters made a trip to the factory of CSR Sifang in China and noticed the trains were covered in green canvas similar to the ones from Singapore.

Lastly, from TheOnlineCitizen in response to FactWire’s report, there have been past incidents on SMRT that was not explained clearly. For example, since the incident of the shattering glass in one of carriages on 5^th June 2015, there have been no further updates by SMRT or LTA.

Transport Minister, Mr Khaw Boon Wan highlighted the importance of being transparent to the public at all times. He mentioned that by sharing first-hand information to the public, public communication could have been better.  In my opinion, I agree with him as I feel that as a public transport operator, it is irresponsible to put commuters at risk by not providing them with any information of the problems during the testing phase. With the lack of transparency exposed, I believe that public confidence has already been affected because of the integrity of LTA despite their claims made to assure public that the 26 trains were safe for service. 

In conclusion, LTA should work closely with SMRT and the respective organisations to report future incidents timely and accurately to the public.

References

TRAINS ON THE NORTH-SOUTH AND EAST WEST LINES SAFE FOR SERVICE (2016, July 6). Retrieved from

 https://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=0f8b1220-0289-4bef-99c9-b2455f17a66c#_ftn1

Staff Reporters, FactWire. (2016, July 5). China manufacturer for MTR secretly recalls 35 SMRT subway trains after cracks found. Retrieved from https://www.factwire.news/en/MTR-securetly-recall.html

Xu,Terry. (2016, July 5). Did SMRT and LTA hide defects of China manufactured trains? Retrieved from http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2016/07/05/did-smrt-and-lta-hide-defects-of-china-manufactured-trains/

 

Lim, Adrian. (2016, July 13). Why hairline cracks not made public. Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/why-hairline-cracks-not-made-public

Spykerman, Kimberly. (2016, August 17). Lessons to be learnt from defective SMRT trains incident: Khaw. Retrieved from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/parliament/news/lessons-to-be-learnt-from/3048928.html

 

 

Cheng, Kenneth (2016, July 6). 26 Trains SMRT ordered from China sent back for repairs. Retrieved from http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/smrt-found-cracks-26-trains-delivered-chinese-manufacturer

 

 

 

Reader Response (Draft 1)

In the online news release “Trains On The North-South And East-West Lines Safe For Service” (2016) by the Land Transport Authority(LTA) website, LTA would like to assure the public that the 26 North-South and East-West Line trains are safe for operation.

LTA states that all new trains have to undergo stringent inspections before they are put into service. The inspections highlighted several issues found within some of the trains, such as faulty battery and cracks of the draught screen. Subsequently, these issues were immediately rectified by the manufacturer. The discovery of hairline cracks on the exterior of the car-body bolster were made known during a regular inspection. This prompt LTA to conduct further investigation which concluded that there were no other cracks found on other parts of the train. Apart from checks by internal staffs, independent experts were engaged to access the hairline cracks whom deem operation safe. Meanwhile, defective trains were sent back to the factory for repair. Proactive inspections will be carried out by both the LTA and the contractor to ensure trains are safe for operation.

Despite LTA's effort to immediately rectify any faults found during the testing and inspections phase, I believe that LTA could increase the transparency regarding the defects faced.

With reference to the online article by FactWire, an investigative news agency, it was revealed that the details of the defective trains were not made known to the public earlier.  For example, the hairline cracks on the bolster of the China-made C151A trains were already noticed in 2013 but it was not brought out until recently in July 2016. In addition to the cracks, there were also past issues on explosion of China uninterruptible power supply batteries and the shattering of glass panels due to poor workmanship.

Moving on, FactWire also reported that faulty trains were secretly bought back to CSR Sifang for repairs. Factwire saw two faulty trains that was covered in green canvas being sent out from Bishan depot. According to Channel NewsAsia, there was even a video uploaded by the news company showing the faulty trains being conveyed to Jurong port ready to be shipped out to China. To further support their claim, reporters made a trip to the factory of CSR Sifang in China and noticed that trains were covered in green canvas similar to the ones from Singapore.

Lastly, from TheOnlineCitizen in response to FactWire’s report, there have been past incidents on SMRT that was not explained clearly. For example, since the incident of the shattering glass in one of carriages on 5^th June 2015, there have been no further updates by SMRT or LTA.

Transport Minister, Mr Khaw Boon Wan highlighted the importance of being transparent to the public at all times. He mentioned that by sharing first-hand information to the public, public communication could have been better.  In my opinion, I agree with him as I feel that as a public transport operator, it is irresponsible to put commuters at risk by not providing them with any information of the problems during the testing phase. With the lack of transparency exposed, I believe that public confidence has already been affected because of the integrity of LTA despite their claims made to assure public that the 26 trains are safe for service. 

In conclusion, LTA should work closely with SMRT and the respective organisations to report future incidents timely and accurately to the public.

References

TRAINS ON THE NORTH-SOUTH AND EAST WEST LINES SAFE FOR SERVICE (2016, July 6). Retrieved from https://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=0f8b1220-0289-4bef-99c9-b2455f17a66c#_ftn1

Staff Reporters, FactWire. (2016, July 5). China manufacturer for MTR secretly recalls 35 SMRT subway trains after cracks found. Retrieved from https://www.factwire.news/en/MTR-securetly-recall.html

Xu,Terry. (2016, July 5). Did SMRT and LTA hide defects of China manufactured trains Retrieved from http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2016/07/05/did-smrt-and-lta-hide-defects-of-china-manufactured-trains/

 

Lim, Adrian. (2016, July 13). Why hairline cracks not made public. Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/why-hairline-cracks-not-made-public

Spykerman, Kimberly. (2016, August 17). Lessons to be learnt from defective SMRT trains incident: Khaw. Retrievedfrom http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/parliament/news/lessons-to-be-learnt-from/3048928.html

Cheng, Kenneth (2016, July 6). 26 Trains SMRT ordered from China sent back for repairs. Retrieved from http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/smrt-found-cracks-26-trains-delivered-chinese-manufacturer

 

 

Summary for Reader Response (Article on LTA)

According to the online news release “Trains On The North-South And East-West Lines Safe For Service” (2016) by the Land Transport Authority, LTA would like to assure the public  that the 26 North-South and East-West Line trains are safe for operation.

LTA states that all new trains have to undergo stringent inspections before they are put into service. The inspections highlighted several issues found within some of the trains, such as faulty battery and cracks of the draughtscreen. Subsequently, these issues were immediately rectified by the manufacturer. The discovery of hairline cracks on the exterior of the car-body bolster were made known during a regular inspection. This prompt LTA to conduct further investigation which concluded that there were no other cracks found on other parts of the train. Apart from checks by internal staffs, independent experts were engaged to access the hairline cracks whom deem operation safe. Meanwhile,defective trains were sent back to the factory for repair. Proactive inspections will be carried out by both the LTA and the contractor to ensure trains are safe for operation. (“Trains On The North-South And East-West Lines Safe For Service,” 2016).

 

The importance of English to me

In my opinion, English is essential as it is a universal language used in today’s world. Being a student not only allows me to practice written and verbal communication skills, it can also build up my proficiency in English which will in turn, be beneficial for future job interviews and future workplace.

Based on my past experience as an interviewee for an event coordinator job position, I did not do well for the interview as I had difficulty expressing myself considering my poor English foundation. This reflects a poor self-image. On top of that, my interviewer was a Caucasian who used some profound words, which left me speechless at times as I could not understand him. This had led me to disappointment and regret for not building strong English foundation. As a result, I was not offered the job. However, one valuable takeaway was that I realized English plays a key role in our everyday lives. For instance, if I had a strong base in English, there will be a higher chance of acing the interview.

As a college student now, I am happy to be able to attend a module called Effective Communication which covers presentation skills, writing of formal letters and technical report writing. This will be useful for my other school assignments and projects as well. A consistent practice in English skills will provide me a good head start towards my future career, be it job interviews, presentations or writing reports. Besides what is taught in school, I can nurture the habit of doing more self-reading on various articles such as newspapers or books, which will improve my English written and communication skills. There goes a saying; “There is never an end to learning.” Nothing is impossible as long as we put our heart into it.