Had so much of a culture shock since the day I attended my first UNISIM class.
No idea whether was it because I was detached from school for almost 2 years,
or was it because I wasn't ready enough.
I guess it is the latter.
UNISIM - MAY THE ODDS BE ALWAYS IN YOUR FAVOR
1. Get into your project group and start project discussion on first day of lesson.
Even before you get to know the names of your classmates, you are to get into your groups and discuss on your project. In fact, you NEVER ever need to know who your classmates are. Just those that are seated on your left, right, front and back. You will most likely be stuck with them for the rest of the term. So choose your seats wisely on the first day of lesson. You won't want to be stuck with someone who looks unreliable.
2. No theory lessons, just pure discussions
You are expected to have read through the entire study guide and textbooks, and understand your theories EVEN BEFORE you start your first day in class. The purpose of class is to do discussions, mostly discussions on our project (what we call GBA - group-based assignment).
3. Study Guide is just the tip of the ice berg
For most modules, we are issued the study guide. It is a very summarized version of the theories that we need to know. Works just as well for people who can't understand mindmaps. But don't think that the study guide is everything. You are required to digest your textbooks, read articles and make inferences ON YOUR OWN initiatives. You WILL FAIL if you live by your study guide alone. And remember, you need to digest everything before the first day to be able to engage in productive discussion in class.
4. Time is golden.
YOU HAVE NO TIME! You can take up to 4 core modules per semester. Each semesters has two terms. Each term is approximately 7 weeks. Some modules have alternate face-to-face sessions. Most of the times, you do e-learnings and discussion boards, WHICH ARE GRADED. Group projects have to be submitted in 4 - 5 weeks time. Week 7 will either be another individual project submissions or online tests. The impact on missing even one group meeting or one lesson is VERY HUGE.
5. Smart Plagiarism
All assignments have to be submitted online. When you do, it will be screened by the system for plagiarism. Anyhow, it makes you worry like hell. If the plagiarism percentage is high, it is what it is. Especially on the night of submission, you will see the figure sky high, because most likely, other groups would have the similar answer as you. If the percentage is low, you have everything to be worried about. Either your project is really that well done, or you totally went out of point. So cross your fingers and pray hard.
YOU HAVE NO TIME! You can take up to 4 core modules per semester. Each semesters has two terms. Each term is approximately 7 weeks. Some modules have alternate face-to-face sessions. Most of the times, you do e-learnings and discussion boards, WHICH ARE GRADED. Group projects have to be submitted in 4 - 5 weeks time. Week 7 will either be another individual project submissions or online tests. The impact on missing even one group meeting or one lesson is VERY HUGE.
5. Smart Plagiarism
All assignments have to be submitted online. When you do, it will be screened by the system for plagiarism. Anyhow, it makes you worry like hell. If the plagiarism percentage is high, it is what it is. Especially on the night of submission, you will see the figure sky high, because most likely, other groups would have the similar answer as you. If the percentage is low, you have everything to be worried about. Either your project is really that well done, or you totally went out of point. So cross your fingers and pray hard.
My first term is almost coming to an end.
It was a hell ride, but I guess from this experience,
I would learn how to manage my time better,
and make better judgement next time.
Please let me do well for this term!
Jiayou to myself!
I know I can do it!
