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Critical Reflections

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  At the start of this Effective Communication module, the goal I had set for myself was to  be a more effective communicator by improving on my interaction skills. Throughout this module, I got to interact with most of my classmates when Professor Brad had split the class into different small groups to work on the in class activities. I got to learn how each person does their work and learnt to be a better team player where we helped each complete the tasks. I was able to foster good relationships with my classmates. Therefore I believe I had achieved my objective.  Another goal I had also set for myself was to improve on my presentation skills. Since studying in polytechnics, I had a fear of presenting to large crowds as I would become nervous and stutter a lot. I was hoping that going into university, this flaw of mine would change. However, perhaps I was in a new environment and due to the expectations of the different professors, I could not perform to the best of my ability and e
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Annotated Summary

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  Smith, B. (2019). Why aluminium composite cladding is flammable and how buildings can be made safe. ABC Science. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2019-03-12/aluminium-composite-cladding-polyethene-flammable-grenfell/10882316#:~:text=So%20a%20fire%20starting%20in,sideways%2C%20as%20aluminium%20spreads%20heat In this article, Smith (2019) focuses on the reason why aluminium composite cladding is flammable. An aluminium composite cladding consists of “a layer of plastic sandwiched between two aluminium sheets”. The plastic layer is made of polyethylene which contributes to cladding fires. Polyethylene is versatile due to its long molecular structure, comprising of “carbon with hydrogen atoms”. The structure is tightly packed together and makes the material of the polyethylene stiff. However, when the molecular structure catches fire, the chains break apart and plastic melts and “turns to liquid”. As cladding is installed in a vertical position, as the plastic melts, it
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(FINAL DRAFT) Assignment 2 Article Summary: What We Do and Don’t Know about the Links between Air Pollution and Coronavirus

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In the article “What We Do and Don’t Know about the Links between Air Pollution and Coronavirus”, Lewis reported in The Conversation (13 May 2020) about the link between air pollution and the virus. Air pollution has led to aggravation of existing health conditions such as “strokes, heart disease, respiratory illness and more”, which has also led to the increase of COVID-19 deaths. Lewis also mentioned that air pollution in rich countries is “usually a population-centred problem” and that the virus has spread quickly from Wuhan to major cities around the world. Examples of cities like New York and London have “extensive global travel connections and their population densities” creates higher risk of “person-to-person contagion rates”. In addition, people living in urban areas are susceptible to the virus as well. Factors such as usage of mass transit systems and higher numbers of racial minorities also increase the occurrence of chronic health problems. During these difficult times as
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(DRAFT 2) Assignment 2 Article Summary: What We Do and Don’t Know about the Links between Air Pollution and Coronavirus

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  In the article "What We Do and Don’t Know about the Links between Air Pollution and Coronavirus",  Lewis, reported in The Conversion (13 May 2020) that connecting air pollution and coronavirus is superficial. He states that correlating the two “have often failed to take other geographically-connected factors into account”. He says that air pollution in rich countries is “usually a population-centred problem”, this close link between cities and air pollution makes it hard to identify how pollution affects the mortality of COVID-19. He then focuses on urban areas, stating that they face similar situations through the regular use of the mass transit system. Air pollution data is one of the only legitimate data that is easily accessible, leading to one having the misconception that air pollution has a proportionate effect on COVID-19 while referring to the data. The writer believes that more datasets will appear in the future to allow one to study the connections between air po
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(DRAFT 1) Assignment 2 Article Summary: What We Do and Don’t Know about the Links between Air Pollution and Coronavirus

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In the article "What We Do and Don’t Know about the Links between Air Pollution and Coronavirus",  Lewis, reported in The Conversion (13 May 2020) that connecting air pollution and coronavirus is superficial. He states that correlating the two “have often failed to take other geographically-connected factors into account”. He says that air pollution in rich countries is “usually a population-centred problem”, this close link between cities and air pollution makes it hard to identify how pollution affects the mortality of COVID-19. He then focuses on urban areas, stating that they face similar situations through the regular use of the mass transit system. Air pollution data is one of the only legitimate data that is easily accessible, leading to one having the misconception that air pollution has a proportionate effect on COVID-19 while referring to the data. The writer believes that more datasets will appear in the future to allow one to study the connections between air poll
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Assignment 1: Formal Letter (Descriptive Reflection)

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  Dear Professor Blackstone My name is King Si Ting, and my purpose for writing this letter is to introduce myself to you as a student in your effective communication class. Prior to entering Singapore Institute of Technology, I graduated with a Diploma in Green Building and Sustainability from Temasek Polytechnic. Before entering Temasek Polytechnic, I was more interested in business compared to engineering due to taking accounting for my O Level examinations. It all changed when I entered Temasek Polytechnic where I was taught different modules such as Building Information Modelling and Fire Safety Management. This sparked my interest and I decided to further my studies by pursuing a degree in Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Building Services) where I can expand my knowledge. A strength that I possess is that I am a good team player. During group projects, when everyone is contributing ideas, I listen attentively and give constructive feedback. I am open to criticisms and I t
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Task 3: The Importance of communication skills for engineers

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 "Communication skills are an essential component in the education of engineering students to facilitate not just students' education but also to prepare them for their future careers."  Marc Riemer, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University(2007) Communication is one of the most important skills each person should possess. Engineering students should be effective communicators as they need to share their ideas and plans during school projects or future projects in their career. This is to work effectively in teams.  In school, communicating helps us to listen and understand what the teacher is teaching. If we are unsure with their teaching, we should clarify our doubts, and at the same time gain more knowledge. Having presentations in class also boost one's confidence to speak to an audience, and this helps when having to interact with others at work. At work, communication is important when having to speak with their colleagues, bosses as well as clients. Miscommuni
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