This semester, I learned a lot by participating in the project. Our group researched SDG 12.5, which focuses on waste reduction. We also communicated with students from Arima High School in Japan through online meetings and discussed environmental issues with students from different countries on Padlet. These activities helped me understand global environmental problems better.
During the research process, the guiding worksheet provided by the teacher helped me organize my ideas and turn them into a clear script. We also visited Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel, where I learned how environmental protection is practiced in real workplaces.
While creating our website and video project, I realized that teamwork is very important. Every class had new tasks, so we had to cooperate to finish them on time. I also learned that a good project needs not only good content but also attention to details and visual design. Finally, revising the video many times taught me patience and helped us improve our final work.
I took away a lot from our project this semester. Our team dove into SDG 12.5, looking closely at how to reduce waste. It was really eye-opening to chat with students from Arima High School in Japan over video calls and share ideas about the environment with people worldwide on Padlet. When we were doing our research, the worksheets our teacher gave us really helped me sort out my thoughts and write a clear script.
Going to the Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel was another highlight, as I got to see firsthand how businesses put eco-friendly practices into action. Working on the website and video made me realize just how crucial teamwork is. Since we had new things to do every class, we really had to pull together to get everything done on time. It also taught me that while good content is key, the little details and the visual design matter just as much. In the end, going back and tweaking our video multiple times taught me a lot of patience and definitely made our final project much better.
We created and installed traffic signs, cones, and speed bumps in key areas. These changes helped guide cars and pedestrians to use different paths and made drivers reduce their speed. As a result, the risk of accidents was lowered, and students’ safety was improved. Students can enjoy a safer walking environment. With clear separation between cars and pedestrians, they face fewer dangers and feel more secure on campus and near by roads.
I think this presentation, or rather, website creation, was really cool for me. I'd never done it before, and I wouldn't have even considered trying it if it weren't for the whole class discussing and suggesting it. I enjoy trying different things, even if they're difficult or challenging. Completing something I've never done before gives me a great sense of accomplishment. This learning experience has been very meaningful for me.
by LIN YI-CHING
Participating in the exchange program with Ise High School provided deep insights into academic and cultural collaboration. Regarding project content, my team investigated the environmental pollution of Niaosong Wetland. Our research method involved analyzing historical data and environmental shifts to propose viable solutions, which we shared during the presentation session.
In terms of teamwork, we collaborated closely to organize complex information into a structured digital presentation. This process significantly improved our communication and data synthesis skills. Furthermore, the interaction with my Japanese partner was a highlight; despite differences in English proficiency and accents, we successfully conveyed ideas through body language and persistent effort.
The visit to National Sun Yat-sen University to learn about marine microbes and ship structures further expanded my academic interests. These activities made me realize the importance of English as a tool for international connection. This project was not just about research; it was a journey of self-improvement, motivating me to refine my language skills to navigate a globalized world more confidently in the future.
This semester’s Global Issues course has been a transformative journey. Through the "Our Community Our Responsibility" project, I realized that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not just abstract theories in textbooks but practical targets we can achieve through local action. For instance, addressing campus waste problems directly links to SDG 12.5 (responsible consumption) and SDG 11 (sustainable communities).
A highlight was visiting the Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel, where I observed how ESG principles are integrated into corporate operations, such as reducing single-use toiletries. Furthermore, collaborating with peers from the U.S., Japan, and India via Padlet and video calls helped me overcome my fear of speaking English. I learned that effective communication requires not only clarity but also positive feedback and visual aids to build meaningful connections.
Most importantly, these interactions taught me that global issues have no single "standard answer". By integrating diverse cultural perspectives, we can develop more comprehensive and "best" solutions. I now understand that even as a student, I possess the power to impact my community and contribute to a better planet by 2030.
In terms of project content, I learned to identify problems in daily life through the SDGs program, such as researching traffic around the school gate and visiting the Marriott Hotel to see how businesses implement environmental sustainability by reducing disposable supplies.
In teamwork, our three-person group significantly improved efficiency through clear and evenly distributed tasks, allowing us to even share our daily lives in depth with students from the US, Japan, and India via Padlet.
Regarding web and digital applications, I learned to use Google NotebookLM to organize logic and beautify reports, and practiced writing copy and recording self-introduction videos.
Finally, through video exchanges with Japanese universities, I realized how globalization shortens national borders and significantly improved my confidence in English communication, allowing me to go from relying on translations to completing assignments independently.
by HUANG WEI-XIU
During this semester, I have gained a great deal of valuable learning experience. Not only have I improved in terms of knowledge, but I have also developed noticeable changes in my way of thinking and learning attitude. Through each class session, I gradually came to understand that learning is not just about passively receiving information, but a process that requires active participation, thinking, and reflection.First of all, regarding the course content, the teacher’s explanations were very clear. Complex concepts were broken down into understandable key points and supported with real-life examples, which made it easier for me to connect theory with everyday situations. This teaching approach not only improved my comprehension but also increased my interest in the subject. Especially during discussions on certain topics, I learned to analyze issues from different perspectives instead of staying at a superficial level of understanding.Secondly, the interaction and discussions in class left a deep impression on me. The teacher often encouraged students to share their opinions, which motivated me, who used to be more passive, to gradually participate more actively. By listening to my classmates’ ideas, I realized that people can interpret the same issue in many different ways. This not only broadened my perspective but also taught me to respect others’ viewpoints. At the same time, expressing my own opinions helped me develop my logical thinking and speaking skills. During the learning process, I also became aware of some of my weaknesses. For example, sometimes I did not preview the material before class, which made it harder for me to understand the lessons quickly. In addition, I occasionally lacked confidence and hesitated to speak up during discussions. These are areas I need to improve in the future. Therefore, I plan to develop the habit of previewing and reviewing lessons, and to participate more actively in class so that I can truly engage in the learning process.Moreover, this course led me to rethink the meaning of learning. In the past, I often saw learning as a way to deal with exams. However, through this experience, I have come to understand that learning is about improving oneself and developing problem-solving abilities. When I can apply what I have learned to real life, learning becomes truly meaningful.In conclusion, this course has not only helped me grow in knowledge but also guided me to build a more positive and effective learning attitude. I believe that as long as I maintain this approach, I will be able to face future challenges with greater confidence. This learning experience is truly valuable and meaningful to me.
by HUANG GUAN-JIE
This experience really showed me that even small everyday problems can be fixed if we just pay attention and plan well. By looking at the limited food choices in our vending machines and taking real action, we didn't just solve a problem for students—we made campus life better. It taught me that the best solutions are often simple and practical, not complicated. Plus, connecting this to 'Zero Hunger' reminded me how vital nutrition is at school. When we can easily get good, diverse food, we feel better and learn better. This project reflects both creativity and a 'can-do' attitude, and it's inspired me to stay alert to problems around me and be brave enough to speak up with better ideas.
by WENG JIA-LONG
We are committed to solving the dangerous situation caused by the intersection of cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians at school gates. During implementation and reflection, we found that although teachers and students are often in a hurry to get home and may not follow instructions, and parents' parking habits are difficult to change, our solution is to clearly delineate pedestrian and vehicle flow using signs and traffic cones. This allows pedestrians to clearly see safe routes and reduces the risk of students crossing lanes. This practice is of great significance to us; it's not just about traffic guidance, but about using our resources to solve real-world problems.
by YIN ZHI-XIAN
This hands-on project helped me realize that many seemingly small problems in daily life can become opportunities to improve our quality of life, as long as we observe carefully and plan thoughtfully. We focused on the issue of “insufficient food variety in the vending machines” at Wenshan High School. Although hunger is rarely a problem on campus, from the perspective of “Zero Hunger,” providing diverse and sufficient food remains important.
At the beginning of the activity, we started with the “Situation” and found that students were dissatisfied with the limited choices in the vending machines. This not only affects eating habits but also influences learning and overall satisfaction with campus life. Therefore, we created a “Plan” to increase food options and implemented a “Solution” by adding a wider variety of snacks and drinks, gradually improving the situation.
What impressed me most was the “Final” outcome. Students were able to choose food they liked, which clearly increased their satisfaction. This made me realize that solving problems does not always require complex methods; simple and practical actions are often more effective, which also reflects the spirit of the SDGs.
In conclusion, this project taught me to pay attention to the needs around me and to take initiative in proposing solutions. In the future, I hope to apply this sense of action to more social issues.
by TIMOTHY SHIMON