As a year 2 science student, I do not have much experience in doing research report. My only knowledge of projects came from the project work in Junior College. So, when I know that we have to do a research paper for the module, all that I could think was “How did I manage to do my project work in JC?”

However, after almost 1 month of researching and writing drafts for the research report, I finally came to know the tips and the professional way of writing a research report. During the research project, I have a positive learning experience as I have managed to acquire skills on communications, interpersonal relationships, as well as writing reports.

During the first week of the “official start” of the research project, we were supposed to think of the potential topics for the research. It was during this phase of the project that I have learnt to always think from the others’ point of view. In the past, when we could choose our own team mates for the project, I was often the one insisting on doing the topic I suggested. I was stubborn and did not listen to the others for their opinions. However, this time round, I am grouped with Xin Yi and Jun Yen whom I am not familiar with. I cannot possibly be so stubborn as I do not really know Jun Yen well. Through this, I can finally understand the importance of listening to others as there are many areas which I did not consider that Xin Yi and Jun Yen brought up.

In addition, I have learnt to be more patient and understanding. During the project, the three of us had many assignments and tests going on at the same time. There were times when the other 2 members were busy with their work and I was the only one free. I have learnt to understand their situations and helped them with their parts for the project because I knew that they would also help out if I were the one who was busy.

I acquired the most skills for the project when we were writing the drafts for the report. Before studying this module, I do not know/forget the exact format of a formal letter, the ways to design surveys and the wonders Microsoft Word and Excel can do. As I am not technology savvy, I had a hard time initially, trying to use Microsoft Excel to draw the graphs for the survey findings. Fortunately, Xin Yi and Jun Yen gave me tips to the many functions in Word and Excel. They constantly “WOW” me with the things Excel can do. I came to realize that Excel is the smartest software ever. I have also learnt from Brad some aspects of the report which are not found in the course book. For example, he taught us that it is important to extend the axis of the graphs to 100% so as not to confuse the readers and the proper ways to write the interpretations for the survey findings. The things he taught us came from his own experience and are definitely priceless.

Overall, I have gained tremendous knowledge on writing research report as well as various ways of professional communication. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Xin Yi and Jun Yen for making my project experience a wonderful one.