Reflection 07

It was my first time to write a proper academic qualitative research paper under the guidance of my supervisor. It would be one of the unforgettable experience throughout my four-years university life. I personally enjoyed the whole process of completing the honours projects because it is praiseworthy learning chance to enhance my skills and knowledge.

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Throughout the whole research, I have faced several difficulties. Before the start of the project, I hope to conduct a meaningful research on Schools for Social Development as I was touched by their school vision and mission which was about teaching students in accordance with pupils’ aptitude. I would like to draw the public’s attention to the valuable services provided by SSDs, the situation of students with special needs and the negative labelling or misinterpretation on the students with EBD so more public resources would be diverted to help them.

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However, I was struggling and I had doubts whether I could successfully invite a school to willingly participate in this research because of the limited number of SSDs and the lack of social network with the staff in both SSDs and RHs. In spite of little optimism about my future research prospects, my supervisor insisted on encouraging me to conduct a topic in which I am interested. I really want to thank him for his continuous support and encouragement throughout the research process. Fortunately, there were 4 Schools for Social Development and 4 Residential Homes agreeing to participate in the interview and let me observe the actual situation, the support on students’ academic and non-academic development, as well as the associated outcomes in pupils of SSD. It was my first time conducting a formal interview with those experienced principals, superintendents, teachers and social worker so it was not an easy task for me to even prepare for it. Looking back at the interview experience, my communication skills, interpersonal skills, multi-tasking skills, higher-order thinking skills as well as organisational skills are improved. This definitely leads to an advantage for my future career. I would like to express my deepest thanks to them as the project will not be completed without their selfless assistance.

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More significantly, the whole process of conducting the Honours Project has further strengthened my determination of serving in the Schools for Social Development to pursue my dream after studying my postgraduate diploma in education. Nowadays, being a ‘good student’ basically means being obedient, disciplined, respecting the teacher and obeying the rules in common. In the elite education system, all students are nurtured as ‘good students’. Those who are different from the mainstream students are often negatively labelled as ‘naughty students’ and are unable to receive adequate support from the schools. Schools are supposed to nurture a well-rounded student, but now with the examination-oriented education, schools are forced to focus only on students’ academic results. I hope to raise the awareness of providing an opportunity for those underserved students who are facing learning, emotional and behavioural development difficulties and offering intensive care for those from broken families so that the society will value students’ internal virtues and social skills apart from their academic performance. I believe that there shall be no partiality with any pupil and no child should be left behind. Therefore, differentiated teaching techniques in accordance with students’ aptitude are necessary.

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Needless to say, completing a piece of independent research was tough and there is no other secret to success but persistence which may appears as a glimmer of hope. For me, there is still a lot of room for improvement on my Honours Project but I have already tried my very best to complete it. It always seems easier to give up, but you will get nothing at the end.