Aep module completed.
Sunway University
We listened to the students of Sunway University, sharing on their meaningful volunteering experiences. The students also shared how their school believed in changing mindset and hence all students take an entrepreneurship module.
After the short sharing session, we gathered outside to do a bonding activity with the student representative of our group, Jocelyn. We played human knot and also played icebreakers.
When we were doing a tour of the school, there was this one Makerspace room that caught my attention. The room was similar to our TP's Makerspace so it was quite intriguing to me.
Before we left, we said goodbye to all the students there and gave Jocelyn some tokens of appreciation. The two picture above were the last few pictures taken.
Sustainability Project: Taman Tugu Nursery
The presenter was sharing about with us how they collected garbage or unused things like plastic bottles, styrofoam and also leaves to burn them to produce electricity. hi
This was a planting activity that we did. We first observed and learnt the steps before trying out as a group.
We then went hiking and spotted numerous trees like, Tembugu tree and Lembaga tree. We also found out that Taman Tugu was actually supposed to be a theme park but they wanted to preserve all the species so they stopped.
This is a picture taken at the main entrance of Taman Tugu Nursery. This was right after hiking and we were all exhausted.
KL Steiner School
This was a picture that I took before entering the school. I was amazed with how the school were mostly built with wood and natural resources.
Unfortunately when we arrived to the school, the students had already left so instead we had a tour around the school and a sharing session by the principal to learn more about the school.
The principal shared how the children do not learn to read and write until they are 7 years old. Instead, the school focuses on active play. Also, most of the resources and toys there are natural, which helps to develop the children's senses
These are wood frames and crochet toys that the children use when playing. The wood frames would encourage children to use their inventiveness to create structures like houses etc. The crochet toy helps with their senses.
Reflection
(Social capital) The trip to Sunway University was an enriching experience filled with excitement and learning. It began with students sharing their volunteering experiences, which left me amazed by their dedication and commitment to community service. Afterward, the student representative of my group, Jocelyn, welcomed us warmly and led us on a campus tour. During this tour, I observed the structure of their school, including the various types of classrooms and the ample open spaces available. I would say that some rooms reminded me of the rooms we have here in TP, for example, The Makerspace room. When we were taking a short break, I had a chance to interact with Jocelyn during a small group talk. The interaction was insightful as she shared with us the cultural norms and educational practices unique to her community. Jocelyn further shared her volunteering experience with an animal rescue organization. As a fellow animal lover, I empathized deeply with her stories and could easily relate to her experiences, imagining myself in her shoes
(Psychological capital) The trip to Taman Tugu Nursery was an environmental adventure. The first part of the adventure was learning how to plant a seed. It was a little confusing at first due to the numerous steps, but doing it with my friends made it simpler and more enjoyable. I eventually grasped the steps and ingredients needed to successfully plant a seed. After the planting session, the presenter briefly explained the concept of combustion. After a quick break, we started hiking up the nursery, we saw lots of plantations and heard animal sounds. The presenter who brought us up named and explained the different trees, the Lembaga tree, the Tembusu tree, and many more that we saw as we ventured. Unfortunately, the hike was tough for me due to the steep steps, and wearing a long skirt made it even harder. However, despite the challenges, I drew on my psychological capital and remained optimistic. The encouragement from my friends also boosted my confidence, and I did not give up. To conclude, this experience not only deepened my appreciation for nature but also showed me the power of a positive mindset in overcoming difficulties.
(Cognitive capital) - The trip to KL Steiner School was enlightening. I learned how a preschool in Malaysia can be conducted differently than a preschool in Singapore. Unfortunately, the students had gone home went we arrived so we didn't get to observe how teaching was conducted. The sharing session with the principal was the most meaningful apart from the tour. I gained new insights and knowledge. Interestingly, the children there do not learn to read and write before the age of seven. Instead, the school emphasizes active play. They use natural resources and toys, such as wood frames and crochet toys, which help to improve the children's senses. One key takeaway from the sharing session was that children are given the autonomy to make their own decisions, fostering better decision-making skills as they grow older.