1.1 Pre-sessional Course Experiences
On the first and second day of pre-sessional course, the school arranges
for international students on campus. That can help us to understand Middlesex
University. When I came here，I just know there is something we can learn from the
western countries. They focus on human rights and obeying the laws. So, from the
outset, the students are informed of the rights and norms to be followed. In addition,
library of school is open everyday so the students can use all of the resources. On the
third day, the language courses started. The language courses are divided into
classes and afternoon classes. Students have to complete portfolios and projects, but
there are scoring papers, research reports, oral presentations, listening, writing,
and written tests. The most important is the portfolio.
It is to teach the students how
write the essay. In fact, I cannot learn this skill from my university in Taiwan.
here have to learn academic writing skills, because if the students would like to
graduate, they will have to complete a six- thousand-word dissertation in the future.
I was distributed to the morning course, my classmates and I are very lucky to be
in the same class. Therefore, we can help each other to finish the assignments.
Michael taught us Portfolio course. He is a kind, patient and good-tempered teacher.
He taught us from the process. I discovered that he is full of enthusiasm for the job,
and he was never late for the class. Beyond that, he has high EQ, unless the student's
learning attitude is not good, he will be mild and patient when talking to students.
Another teacher is Steve, who teaches us how to write a project report. He is a
humorous and wise person, and he and Michael have very different teaching styles.
He is good with pictures to express the course content; this is a creative way to attract
students. The students pay attention to listening what he was saying. Through these
two teachers I have observed several characteristics of the British: punctuality,
regularity, courtesy, high emotional intelligence. Such characteristics have opened my
eyes and I admire them from the heart, and finally know why they have haughty
temperament. It makes me deeply appreciate the importance of education and the
environment.
After two-months pre-sessional courses, I feel that my English has rapidly
progressed. There are many students from around the world. All of us use English.
That is, everybody has to speak English to communicate each other. The students will
progress is an English circumstance. We not only chat in English, but also have a lot
of reading and chances to understand the local culture. When I recall what I was doing
to prepare for the five subjects, I never thought I can write one-thousand- word report
in English. At night, I researched and read articles for my writing essays in the library.
Besides, I never thought that one day I would have to present my report in English on
the stage with fifty foreigners as my audience. It is all such a miracle.
In the future, I will face many new challenges; I may fail a lot times. But if I
never try to break through the difficult situation, I will lose a learning opportunity.
Perhaps the process is hard work, but I shall still enjoy the numerous hardships. After
all, these experiences are the processes making me become stronger. That is also
helping myself to find out the direction. On every day, I am looking forward to the
next surprises that happen on the course.