CDE course 2013

          Honestly, I had lots of expectations heading into this year's CDE module because after experiencing the CDE lessons last year, I hoped that it will be equally engaging and interactive. In the previous year, we learnt about the differences between the Eastern and Western cultures, such as their differing ideologies and their business management.
          To me, the most unique aspect about the CDE module is the way students are assessed. Instead of the conventional method of assessment format, where creativity of students may be stifled, CDE offers an alternative assessment in the form of research presentation. Students are given the opportunity to present their research to the class and the audience can then ask questions in response to the presentation and this will allow students to think out of the box, facilitating them to venture into uncharted water, and thus hone their communication and critical thinking skills in the process. Such skills are germane in today's world and are vital to one's success in the current world.
          Critical thinking is the ability of one to be able to reflect on, access and judge the assumptions underlying our own and others' ideas and actions. It can be regarded as the most important skill an employee could contribute in helping their companies to grow. It ranked higher than innovation or mastery of information technology. Globalisation, the increased flow and complexity of information and constant changes in business environment all demand that employees have excellent critical-thinking skills so they are able to adapt to new roles, understand issues quickly and solve problems gracefully. The CDE module can continue to develop such critical thinking skills in students by employing Socratic questioning:

1. Clarification (What do you mean by......? Can you give me an example?)
2. Probing assumptions (What are you assuming?)
3. Probing reasons and evidence (How do you know?)
4. Viewpoint and perspectives (What is an alternative?)
5. Probing implications and consequences (How can we find out?)
6. Questions about questions (Why do you think I asked this question?) 

          Communication skills are also an important facet of our life and are essential in all spheres of life. Be it an interview or dealing with the project leader or working out a solution with a team or writing a report, getting across the point effectively is what matters. A person who has applied for a job and attends the interview needs to impress with his eloquence. Poor communication skills, low confidence levels and improper body language will put the job applicant in a bad light. Professionally, a worker most certainly needs to have the ability to communicate will to do his job well. As one's career progresses, the importance of communication skills increases; the ability to speak, listen, question and write with clarity and conciseness are essential for most managers and leaders. The CDE module has achieved this by allowing students to give presentations and participate in class discussions actively.
          Therefore, I feel that CDE module really goes a long way into preparing us for the future through the frequent class discussions. Learning will not be so passive where students are on the receiving end of endless knowledge drilling (rote learning) and are instead provided the chance to voice their opinions, encouraging independent learning in the process.