Participating in the Psychology Challenge held at HELP in August 2009 was very positive and gave me an overall invaluable experience.
I walked into the challenge that day with a very limited knowledge of the content of a psychology course but by the end of the exercise I left with a clear idea of what psychology is and how vast it can be.
 As a student who has just recently left high school it gave me the opportunity to experience a university lecture which could be conducted in a classroom for students in their 1st or 2nd year so I was fortunate enough to experience a university lecture even before I became an undergraduate student. Dr Goh Chee Leong delivered a well-structured and well-presented lecture which had everyone fully focused from beginning to end, not just because we would be tested at the end of the lecture, but because it was interesting as well as informative.
The event was well-organized and was carried out with precision. The actual format of the challenge was not threatening and was conducted in such a way that at the conclusion of the different stages of the competition we came away knowing that it was fair and that the winner was indeed the winner!
I have never sat for an 'open book' test so this was another first for me. This exercise taught me the value of listening carefully, taking notes in an orderly fashion and most importantly understanding what I have been taught. I remember Dr Goh telling us 'it is not about memory but about understanding'. This is something that I will take with me and put into practice always.
In addition to the knowledge I gained in psychology, I was able to familiarise myself with the surroundings and to see at first hand, the interaction between students and lecturers, as well as students with students. Being the only international participant on the day, I was a bit apprehensive, and wondered how I would feel and perhaps how I would be received, but those feelings soon disappeared because from the moment I walked into HELP I felt like I was at home in my own country because the staff in the international marketing department went out of their way to be friendly and warm.
I was even given a 'buddy' to take me around and spend time with me. This was very special because I could speak with a student of my age and ask questions which perhaps I would otherwise be hesitant to ask. At the challenge I was made to feel special, being the only international student participating. (During the welcome I got special mention and a strong round of applause from the students!!!)
Although I was not the overall winner, I am very happy that I was given the opportunity to participate because this was indeed very positive and I gained in so many ways.
For More information, please contact Help University local representatives M/s Millennium Concepts, 225-3/2, Galle Road, Colombo 4. (Adjoining VISAKA Road, Bambalapitiya). Tel 2552765 or 0773 405060. Alternatively email to info@mclearninghub.net or browse www.studymalaysia.lk |
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