Denton Tng
Co-Leader
Samuel Leong
Leader
Hello! Ever wondered who are the people behind this project? Well, not only do we tell you, we share with you our experiences and reflections throughout the course of the project!
Reflections
When I first started this project, I was inspired by the thought of how significant having a good memory is to our daily lives. I knew that in this age of computers, people started to disregard the importance of their physical memory, instead looking to computers to help them remember. However, we cannot constantly rely on computers to store everything we need to remember for us. This is especially so for our main target group – students, who obviously cannot bring their computers and storage devices into an exam hall! They can only count on their memory and logic to perform.
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Thus I decided to start this project to help people improve their memory. I have learnt several invaluable lessons from both leading and contributing towards this project.
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First, I learnt how to better manage disagreements. At the start of our project, the group had some differences in opinion. I have realised at times I may be a little too stubborn, that I cannot always have my way even though it is for the greater good. Teamwork and cooperation had to come first. I have learnt to embrace different ideas and use them to brainstorm and improve on our project. As a leader, there are occasions when I have to reason and soft sell my ideas to the group.
Second, I have researched and benefited from the memory techniques and trained myself to apply these techniques on myself. It is said that the best way to learn is to teach. The person who said this is absolutely correct!
Third, I learnt how to manage my time properly. As always, we had to juggle project work with schoolwork and CCA commitments. I had to create the resource package, website as well as the self-created games (which was time consuming as I personally coded them) It required a good deal of self-discipline, but it has taught me to organize my time and the tasks to meet tight deadlines.
Finally, I learnt how to grab hold of opportunities when they come by. I grasped the opportunity during a visit to the Science Centre to talk to the librarian about the possibility of setting up an activity station in an open timeslot to showcase our memory techniques to visitors. It was positively received and we had a successful demonstration that day. I felt extremely glad that the participants were able to benefit from the techniques that we taught them and I hope they will keep these techniques for life. So now I tell myself: Grasp the opportunity. Seize the day.
Throughout the course of this project, we faced many challenges and learning to adapt and overcome them were the takeaways from this journey. It required serious planning and at times our plans turned out to be unfeasible.
To tackle these setbacks, we had to rigorously question the ways in which we would run certain programmes or events, at the same time, the logistics, methodologies and outcomes involved. This enabled us to come out with plans and programmes that were achievable and beneficial to our target audience. In this process, we worked closely as a team and thus, overcame many obstacles. Enjoying our work was important too. Our strong team spirit made working together both fun and productive. Everything would seem meaningless if we did not enjoy the process.
I thought that embarking on this Category 4 project was an interesting decision because it is very relevant to our work in school like subjects that involve memorising definitions, points or figures to quote. It is also a largely unexplored project in Hwa Chong and it was an experiment for us, to try something new. It is an enriching experience for me and I also learnt some of the techniques that I use during my preparation for tests. Research was enlightening because I learnt things about how amazing the brain is and how I can use its potential more by applying various memory techniques. The project has also thought me to juggle my time more effectively because I have to balance time for project meetings, revision time and CCA involvement. Although we are amazed by what memory masters can achieve by using the techniques, most of us do not realise that we all have the same amount of potential as they do.
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We hope to share interesting memory techniques with other and to help them to use their brain efficiently. After all, the brain is our greatest tool and is what separates us from any other animal in the animal kingdom.
Throughout the year, I have met many difficulties along the way, especially getting very sick in the days before the semi-finals. I had to practice alone at home, and getting the presentation smooth was the most important part, with the transitions in between the speakers having to be perfect. Things managed to go smoothly on the day itself, even though I only practiced with the group only a few times. I have learnt how to cooperate efficiently with other people, and how to speak in a more confident manner. I feel that our project group is very productive, and we have to keep it up for the Finals.
Ryan Lau
Member
Ryan Ong
Member