SES is different from the other academic subjects we have in the school. This is because there is no tests in this particular subject, which provides us with a different experience while learning as we do not face exam-stress. Another unique fact is that the grade at the end of each term or Semester is based on a whole array of assessments such as oral-participation, reflective journals and term presentation. SES is a subject, where we are assessed on a variety of skills, such as presenting, thinking, writing, and even the courage to voice out our own views. Being assessed on so many aspects, it is actually beneficial to us. If we did not perform as expected, we are still able to strive for higher marks in other assessments to pull up the grades. Conversely, if we only had one major test, the stakes are very high. If we did badly for it, then our grade may be affected for the entire year. Therefore, I feel contented that the grading system for SES provides a safety net for us.
One problem that I envisage is that we have to prepare for numerous tutorials and questions and discuss them during the lesson. Such learning style is ineffective, because after preparation, we only have a limited time to discuss the questions. Therefore we did not explore and probe the questions deeply. We merely discuss the questions on a superficial level, and many of us have a simplistic view of certain issues. In term one, from my observations, many classmates feel that the Western perception of self is just about rights, while China's perception of self is just sacrificing own interests for the community. I feel that such teaching style is ineffective because students may formulate simplistic and often false interpretation of certain topics if the topics are not discussed in great detail. I would rather spend all my efforts preparing for one or two questions, and probing deep into the issue, rather than doing so many questions, and only tapping into the "superficial level". This way, I believe that we would understand the tutorial and issues much better, instead of discussing a wide scope of issues and not fully understanding them. Even though our teacher cut down on the number of questions we have to prepare, I think we still do not have sufficient time to probe deep into the issues as after the class presentations, as there is only about 10 minutes left for class discussion led by the teacher and we cannot discuss in great detail. We are still "stuck" at the "superficial level". What I propose is that the teacher discuss one tutorial per week, use one lesson for class presentation, and use the next lesson for teacher-led discussion. This way we are provided with adequate time for discussions. Even though we may not be able to finish all the tutorials due to the lack of time, we are still able to have a full comprehension and grasp of the knowledge taught in class. In this way, effective learning can be carried out and we are able to garner the key concepts discussed as we are able to have fruitful discussions in class.
SES helps me to train crucial skills for my future. An example would be the term presentation, where we have to present our ideas to the class, and we also have to facilitate discussion. We are assessed on how we engage the audience, and the constructive feedback by our peers help us to understand our areas of inadequacy. This way, we can improve, and be more proficient speakers in the future, which may be beneficial for our career.
SES shaped me into a critical thinker. I discovered that I am not a very good thinker, since I realized that my perceptions of the world is largely influenced by what the American writers and politicians talk about. Before I had taken up the subject, I always had the notion that Western practices are modernized and perfect, while Asian and Eastern culture is defunct. However, SES shaped my perspective differently. After several tutorials, I discovered that there are many conspicuous flaws in the democratic political-platform, such as the uneven distribution of power due to influence and wealth. At the same time, I took a new look at the advantages the social hierarchy, that Confucianism promoted, brings to China. One advantage would be the efficiency to implement policies unhindered. We should not follow what others say, as we need to formulate our own perceptions, and listen to our true heart. In the course of SES, we are made to read about the management styles, history, politics, and economies of both worlds. We are also provided with opportunities to voice out our opinion through reflective journals and research papers, after understanding both cultures, and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of both spheres. I feel that this is an indispensable and crucial skill that a wise man should have. A wise and matured thinker, is able to weigh the "pros" and "cons" of a particular issue, and reach a verdict. He will not be easily influenced by what the majority thinks. SES helped me to take a step back, and observe and explore the complete picture of a particular issue, before making a decision. This skill will definitely help me to make decisions that are the best and most beneficial to me in the future.
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