First Day Of Lesson

I was late for the first lesson on 14 Jan 08, Monday. It was pretty rush for me as I was caught by a patient at the door when I was about to leave. I had a quick dinner at the food court. I thought I could reach my class by 7pm. I overlooked the time. I reached at 7.15pm and realised that lesson on Mondays start at 6.50pm. Settled myself. Joined the class for a round of self-introduction. I was sitting with a young lady, Kelly. I noticed my ex-course mates, Jeanie and Susan. Since I was late, I did not get to sit with Cecila whom I met on the orientation day last week. She also happens to be my colleague, Paul's wife. Our lecturer, Agnes is friendly with a good sense of humor. At least, I know the class would not be too boring. A few of my classmates are also outspoken. I think most of us are, maybe except me. I know I am not the type who speaks out very much. Anyway, Agnes will be teaching us Interpersonal Skills. And this journal got started all because it is part of our assignments. I agree with her that it is good to keep a journal to help us through the whole journey in our course. It can help us to understand better in all the modules in order for us to prepare for the examinations.

The journal will come in two sections. Section A will be details of the specific, practical tasks which have been set in the Unit Materials. Section B will be details of our personal reflections on our learning at the end of each week.

Section A : Focus on our Unit Materials. For Interpersonal Skill, there are altogether five modules.

1) Conceptualising Interpersonal Skills:
- The meaning and value of relationships.
- Understanding and valuing yourself and others.

2) Communication Skills
- Effective interpersonal communication
- Non-verbal communication
- Attending and rewarding listening
- Helpful responding

3) Assertion Skills
- Power issues in relationships
- Effective expression and assertion
- Assertiveness in practice

4) Conflcit Resolution
- Understanding conflict
- Understanding and managing anger
- Conflict resolution skills

5) Building relationships
- Choosing and deepening relationships

Section B : A reflection of what we have learnt by the end of every week. The lessons that we went through and those group works that we have done. Perhaps the most difficult but also an important part. We have to do a self-analysis with honesty self-disclosure.

During the first lesson, we have discussed about our two assignments. The first assignment will be due on 11 Feb 08, a Monday. It is on the 4th day of Chinese New Year and after a long weekend of holidays. My family are planning to go away to Malaysia but I guess I am not going anywhere. Furthermore I need to do my Saturday duty on the 9th Feb 08. Right, back to my assignment, the first topic is to write an essay - " What is understood by self-awareness and other-awareness? In what ways are there concepts relevant to the building of relationships? " The second assignment will be entries of our journal from two modules, selecting from Modules 2, 3, or 4 only. To show how we would apply our interpersonal skills in our workplace or personal life.

I was pretty overwhelmed by all the work that I need to do. And I just finished my lessons on Humena Development from the past 3 days. More and more work surfacing. I just have to get strated one way or another. Procrastinating is one of my major weaknesses and could be at the worst! Hope I can do it! I want to feel proud about myself studying again!