Embarking on the journey into university education marks a significant transition, filled with both challenges and opportunities. Through the MO course, I have gained a variety of useful things that have not only helped me have a clear-sighted vision of my study program as well as my faculty but also prepared me with several necessary skills and tips such as how to write and send email professionally. Additionally, as I reflect on what I intend to prepare for such a new learning environment, some key themes about my weaknesses that I need to improve emerge: critical thinking, communication skills, and effective time management and I have to make plans to overcome these weaknesses.
At first, I just knew a little bit about my faculty and university studies. However, through the MO course, I have gained more insights about EF and my 4-year study program. Besides that, Ms. Mai Tram taught me how to be professional in writing and sending emails to others. This skill could be helpful for my future career and further study. Furthermore, I also learned a few approaches to taking in knowledge smartly and effectively. For example, in terms of taking notes skill, I should just write down the main points and use some techniques such as bullet points, highlights, and mindmaps to take notes more effectively. One thing about taking notes skill that I vividly remember is that ” You must use your own words when you take notes, you will remember your lesson longer “.
Thanks to the MO course, I know more about my strengths and weaknesses that I need to improve. Firstly, about my strengths, I consider myself as a self-study person. When I was a high school student, except for school time, I spent almost all my time studying alone at home and doing some exercises related to Vietnam’s high school graduation exam. Therefore, I hope I can bring this skill into play in higher education. However, I have a habit of procastination so I cannot manage my time in a scientific way. One more thing about my weakness is that I feel shy and my heart beats wildly when I talk to someone unfamiliar. I need to improve that skill because, through the course, I know the value of participating in study groups, attending workshops, and connecting with faculty. These interactions have enriched my learning experience and created a network of support that I intend to expand upon in a higher education environment. Additionally, thanks to the MO course, I recognize that one of the most important skills is critical thinking skills and I am still not good at this one.
So, I need to overcome and improve my weaknesses if I want to perform well in higher study. Regarding to effective time management, throughout the MO course, I have experienced the importance of balancing multiple responsibilities, from coursework to extracurricular activities. This balance requires a structured schedule that allocates time for studying, assignments, and personal commitments so I think I should adopt techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique and digital planners to enhance my productivity for my university life. In terms of communication skills, I will practice day by day because “practice makes habit”. Besides practicing, I also ask people to repeat back their vision of what I just said so I can also ask them to reach out to you with helpful ways that you can improve your delivery in presentations and other forms of communication. Last but not least, to improve and enhance my critical skills – a fundamental skill, I will continue to practice parallel with communication skills by engaging with diverse viewpoints and challenging my own biases, fostering an intellectual curiosity that drives meaningful inquiry.
In conclusion, the insights I have gained from my MO coursework have provided a solid foundation for my journey into higher education. By refining my time management skills, enhancing my critical thinking abilities, and confidently communicating with other people, I am better equipped to thrive in this new academic environment. As I move forward, I will carry these lessons with me, continuously seeking to learn, grow, and adapt in a world that is constantly evolving. With determination and a proactive approach, I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.