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Description:

Attending the 14-week 'Scientific Communication in Environment' course under Dr. Zufarzaana and Dr. Heikal provided me with various experiences and involvement in scientific settings related to environmental issues. Throughout the course, we engaged in several in-class role-playing activities, including focus group discussions (FGD), public hearings or dialogues on environmental issues, environmental seminars, and environmental courts. The topics for each group activity were as follows:

Focus Group Discussion (FGD): Waste Management Issues in UPM Campus

Public Hearing or Public Dialogue in Environmental Issues: River at Stake!

Environmental Seminar: World Environment Day and World Ocean Day (WEDWOD) Celebration

Environmental Court: Cat Killing Birds!

Analysis:

Reflecting on the focus group discussion (FGD) role-play, I gained an understanding of the different perspectives each role contributed to the waste management issue, including those of the college, faculty, UPM staff, cafe owners, students, and waste management concessionaires.

In the public hearing or dialogue on environmental issues, we focused on how dam development affects local communities. Each participant was assigned a different stakeholder role, and we worked to address the concerns of each stakeholder and reach an agreement. This exercise helped me realize the importance of the viewpoints and decisions of various stakeholders when facing environmental problems.

By co-organizing the WEDWOD celebrations, which included environmental seminars, I had the opportunity to work alongside other students and lecturers. This experience provided valuable insights into advanced technologies used to address environmental issues, as presented by field experts, such as those from OTEC.

Participating in the environmental court role-play allowed me to experience the entire process of a court trial. I learned how cases unfold and observed the potential actions that could be taken to address environmental disputes.

Evaluation:

While participating in the focus group discussion as a representative from the waste management concessionaire, I initially struggled to express my viewpoints and respond to the concerns of other roles. I appreciated the guided questions provided by others, which helped me articulate my responses more clearly and firmly stand by my perspective.

During the public hearing or dialogue, I found it challenging to advocate for the power supply company's support of the dam development while balancing the conflicting interests of different stakeholders. My groupmates stepped in to help cover some of the points I found difficult to articulate, allowing us to present a more cohesive argument and effectively engage with other stakeholders.

Co-organizing the World Environment Day and World Ocean Day (WEDWOD) celebrations was a valuable experience, though we faced coordination difficulties at times. However, with the support and guidance of our lecturers, we managed to overcome these challenges and successfully complete the event.

In the environmental court role-play, as a juror, I initially found it difficult to grasp all the information provided by both the plaintiff and defendant due to the lack of a standardized storyline. However, after meeting with the other jurors, I was able to understand the case thoroughly and make an informed decision.

Conclusion:

Throughout the 14 weeks of in-class role-playing activities, these experiences emphasized the importance of various scientific settings in addressing and tackling different environmental issues. Effective communication is crucial in all settings, as it facilitates the dissemination of diverse perspectives and viewpoints on each environmental issue and topic.

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1. Focus Group Discussion (FDG) on Waste Management

Representative from concessionaires: ALAM FLORA

The ALAM FLORA representatives highlighted several key challenges, such as the high cost of waste collection, the difficulty in changing public behavior regarding waste segregation, and the need for more efficient recycling technologies.

The group actively engaged in the discussion, asking questions and sharing diverse perspectives on waste management. The group did participate in critical thinking discussions , for example, several participants questioned the effectiveness of current recycling programs and proposed alternative solutions.

I found the FGD to be an eye-opening experience and I had contributed by effectively participating by asking questions and answering questions form other participants. I had shared my thoughts on the importance of public education campaigns and the need for greater community involvement in waste management initiatives around the campus.

As a conclusion, this activity has taught me the importance of collaboration, effective and continuous efforts by responsible parties and public awareness and education. This FDG  highlighted the need for innovative solutions, effective policy implementation, and active community engagement to achieve sustainable waste management practices.

2. Public hearing

River at stake role play: power supply company

Public hearing role-play activity called "River at Stake," where my group represented a power supply company. The scenario was a proposed project by our company that could impact a nearby river when a dam is built. Foresters, Environmentalists, local communities, farmers, fishermen and government officials had also participated in the role play to voice their concerns and support.

Representing a power supply company, our team had to present the benefits of a hydroelectric project, such as increased energy production and economic growth. Some had supported our project,  however, we also faced tough questions and opposition from others concerned about environmental degradation.

We worked well together, dividing roles and ensuring everyone had a chance to contribute. Based on the feedback given, I realized that we could have done better in addressing environmental concerns and given more arguments in order to make the dam building idea attractive enough for others to support our side. Nevertheless, it was a great effort as a team.

In conclusion, this activity has taught us the importance of considering environmental impacts in decision making processes, clear communication and arguments during decision making, and being well prepared to respond effectively to questions and concerns.

3. Environmental court

Role play: plaintiff witness

environmental court role-play activity where I served as a plaintiff witness. The role play highlighted  emotional, ethical, and legal considerations that all play significant roles.

The group consists of the plaintiff, prosecutors and plaintiff side witnesses.

Our group worked collaboratively to prepare for the role play. We discussed the case details extensively, ensuring that everyone understood their roles and the key points to be made.

Each member contributed to this activity by giving ideas and strategies to strengthen our case and creating cross examination questions. The prosecutors had done an excellent job in presenting factual information and effective arguments.

In conclusion, throughout this activity in class I have had the opportunity to learn about factual arguments and legal proceedings, the importance of teamwork and justice.

4. WEDWOD2024

Gimmick and Booth committee

As a gimmick member, I was part of the team responsible for making the opening ceremony engaging and memorable.

The impact of the event was significant in raising awareness about environmental and ocean issues. As a group, we worked collaboratively and efficiently for the officiating ceremony. We brainstormed creative ideas and every team member had contributed.

The event was a learning experience. As a gimmick member, I learned the importance of attention to detail and the impact of visual and interactive elements in engaging an audience. By joining the events throughout the week of WEDWOD2024  I have gained valuable knowledge on several environmental topics and valuable insights about the environment and the efforts being made  and could be made to protect it.

In conclusion, this event has highlighted the importance of creativity in communication, organizational skills, teamwork and collaboration, community involvement and most importantly the responsibility of protecting the environment and creating awareness.

5. Environmental campaign on Green Nudging

Environmental awareness campaign focused on using green nudging. This campaign was conducted through social media(instagram) as templates.

The groups involved collaborated effectively in planning and executing the campaign by creating unique, fun and informative templates about the environment. The Instagram handling team worked effectively by ensuring consistent posting and interaction with participants.

I actively participated on all the activities organized thought this campaign and encouraged people around me to take part as well.

Overall, this campaign was a valuable learning experience. It highlighted the power of teamwork and social media in driving environmental awareness to the public

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1. Focus Group Discussion (FDG) on Waste Management

- Representative from concessionaires: ALAM FLORA

I recently participated in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on waste management, including a representative from ALAM FLORA, a major waste management concessionaire. The discussion explored various aspects of waste management, including the challenges concessionaires face, innovative solutions being implemented, and the importance of community engagement. The ALAM FLORA representative provided detailed insights into their operations, such as waste collection, recycling initiatives, and the logistical challenges of managing urban waste.

The group was highly engaged, asking pertinent questions and sharing a range of perspectives on waste management. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of the participants enriched the discussion, bringing multiple viewpoints to light.

The group excelled in critical thinking and was eager to challenge assumptions. For example, several participants questioned the effectiveness of current recycling programs and suggested alternative models based on international best practices. However, at times, the discussion wandered into tangential topics, which detracted from the main objectives.

Reflecting on the experience, I realized I could have prepared better by researching specific case studies of successful waste management from around the world. This would have allowed me to contribute more concrete examples to the discussion. Additionally, I recognized the need to improve my ability to keep conversations focused on the main topic when they start to stray.

2. Public hearing

- River at stake role play: power supply company

I recently participated in a public hearing role play titled "River at Stake," where I represented a power supply company. The role play simulated a public hearing concerning the environmental and social impacts of a proposed hydroelectric project on a local river. Stakeholders included environmental groups, local residents, government officials, and our company, each presenting their perspectives and concerns.

During the hearing, our company emphasized the benefits of the hydroelectric project, such as sustainable energy production, job creation, and economic growth. We also addressed environmental concerns, presenting our mitigation strategies to minimize the project's impact on the river's ecosystem. Our goal was to demonstrate our commitment to balancing economic development with environmental responsibility.

The group as a whole showed a strong understanding of the complexities involved in balancing development and environmental preservation. Each stakeholder group provided well-researched arguments, contributing to a robust and dynamic discussion. The environmental groups were particularly effective in highlighting potential ecological risks, while local residents shared personal anecdotes that underscored the social implications of the project.

Reflecting on my performance as a representative of the power supply company, I think I effectively communicated the benefits of the hydroelectric project and our commitment to environmental responsibility. I used data and case studies to support our position and addressed concerns raised by other stakeholders.

However, I realized I could improve in a few areas. I could have connected better with the audience on an emotional level, especially when addressing local residents' concerns. Using more empathetic communication might have strengthened our position.

3. Environmental court

Role play: plaintiff

In our recent environmental court role play, we tackled a case involving a cat that was killing birds and a defendant who shot the cat, which belonged to the plaintiff. The role play was designed to simulate a real court proceeding, with various participants assuming the roles of the plaintiff, defendant, judge, lawyers, and witnesses. The primary issue was whether the defendant was justified in shooting the cat to protect the local bird population, considering that the cat had an owner.

The group demonstrated strong collaboration and a clear understanding of the roles they were assigned. The plaintiff presented a compelling case, emphasizing the emotional and financial value of the cat as a pet and a member of their family. The defendant argued their case from an environmental protection perspective, highlighting the detrimental impact of free-roaming cats on local wildlife, particularly birds.

The lawyers on both sides effectively questioned witnesses and presented evidence, which helped in clarifying the key points of the case. The judge facilitated the discussion well, ensuring that both parties had the opportunity to present their arguments and that the court maintained order.

In my role as the plaintiff's lawyer, I felt I performed well in presenting the emotional and legal aspects of the case. I was able to effectively articulate the plaintiff’s attachment to their pet and the distress caused by its loss. However, I realized that I could have strengthened my argument by providing more concrete legal precedents and environmental regulations regarding pet ownership and wildlife protection.

In conclusion, the role play was a valuable learning experience that highlighted the complexities of balancing environmental concerns with individual rights. It underscored the importance of thorough preparation, effective communication, and the ability to think critically under pressure.

4. Environmental awareness campaign

- Green nudging creates a template using social media

Our environmental awareness campaign focused on using green nudging through Instagram to encourage sustainable behaviors. The campaign aimed to leverage the platform's wide reach and engagement capabilities to motivate individuals to participate in eco-friendly activities and share their actions with their networks.

The group collaborated effectively in planning and executing the campaign. Each member brought valuable insights and skills to the table, contributing to the campaign's overall success. The creative team designed engaging visuals and compelling captions that resonated with our target audience. The social media team ensured consistent posting and interaction with participants, fostering a sense of community and engagement.

Reflecting on my role, I believe I was instrumental in coordinating our efforts and ensuring that we stayed focused on our objectives. I actively participated in brainstorming sessions, contributed creative ideas, and helped manage our social media presence.

However, I recognize that my time management could have been better. Balancing the campaign with other responsibilities was challenging, and I occasionally found myself rushing to meet deadlines. In future projects, I will prioritize better planning and time allocation to ensure a smoother workflow.

Overall, this campaign was a valuable learning experience. It demonstrated the power of social media in driving environmental awareness and highlighted the importance of teamwork and adaptability in executing successful campaigns.

5. WEDWOD2024

Gimmick committee

As a member of the gimmick team, I played a key role in ensuring the opening ceremony was engaging and memorable, with a particular focus on editing the event video.

The event had a substantial impact in raising awareness about environmental and ocean issues. Our group collaborated efficiently for the officiating ceremony, brainstorming creative ideas with every team member contributing effectively.

This event was a valuable learning experience. As a gimmick team member, I discovered the importance of attention to detail and how visual and interactive elements can captivate an audience. Participating in the events throughout WEDWOD2024 provided me with extensive knowledge on various environmental topics and insights into ongoing and potential efforts to protect the environment.

In conclusion, this event underscored the importance of creativity in communication, organizational skills, teamwork, community involvement, and the responsibility of raising environmental awareness and protection.

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Throughout this course i have learned many valuable lessons from participating in various environmental related activities such as  focus group discussion on waste management, engaging in a public hearing role-play on river conservation, learning and brainstorming about  green nudging project, to serving as a gimmick member and exhibition committee member for World Environment Day and World Ocean Day 2024. I have learned and gained valuable knowledge about environmental sustainability and advocacy. The experiences I have gained throughout this course has taught me the importance of engaging in environmental protection, effective communication, and the value of team collaboration for achieving effective outcomes. Overall, these activities have strengthened my commitment to environmental sustainability and advocacy  and with these valuable skills I can contribute to future efforts in conservation and sustainability.

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The participation in various class activities, I've gained invaluable insights and skills that spanned different facets of environmental advocacy and sustainability. Engaging in the Focus Group Discussion on waste management and participating in the Public Hearing role play taught me the critical importance of effective stakeholder engagement and clear communication. These experiences highlighted the complexities of balancing environmental concerns with economic interests and community needs, fostering my ability to articulate nuanced arguments and advocate for sustainable practices convincingly.

The Environmental Court role play further sharpened my critical thinking skills by immersing me in legal and ethical dilemmas related to environmental issues. I learned to analyze complex scenarios, weigh competing interests, and propose balanced solutions that consider both ecological preservation and individual rights. This role play underscored the significance of thorough preparation and the ability to navigate contentious debates constructively.

Collaborating in the Environmental Awareness Campaign and the WEDWOD2024 Gimmick Committee taught me the importance of teamwork and leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve common environmental goals. These experiences fostered adaptability and resilience in navigating challenges and finding creative solutions.

Overall, these class activities have not only enriched my knowledge of environmental sustainability and advocacy but also instilled a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. They have equipped me with practical skills in research, presentation, and teamwork, preparing me to contribute meaningfully to environmental and sustainability efforts in the future.

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Description:

Attending the 14-week 'Scientific Communication in Environment' course under Dr. Zufarzaana and Dr. Heikal has exposed me to various methods of disseminating scientific information, findings, and research related to environmental issues and topics. Besides in-class role-playing activities, I have learned how social media connects with the environment, how to create environmental awareness campaigns (green nudging for pro-environmental behavior), and how to write communicative pieces such as scientific writing, popular writing, and reflective writing through the lectures.

Analysis:

Reflecting on the lecture on ‘Social Media and the Environment,’ I realized the importance of social media in conveying messages and raising environmental awareness globally if used correctly. To apply this lesson, I shot a video with my groupmate titled ‘SDG14: Life below Water’ and posted it on YouTube. Additionally, I shared Instagram stories using the templates provided by the WEDWOD celebration, thereby disseminating information to our family and friends through small actions on social media.

Looking back at the green nudging for pro-environmental behavior, we developed an interesting social media campaign to be conducted during WEDWOD by applying the concept of green nudging. I realized the importance of green nudging in making environmental actions attractive and engaging.

Through communicative writing exercises, I practiced writing popular and reflective pieces using different writing skills. I learned that communicative writings vary in formality, objectives, presentation methods, and target audiences. This helped me understand their importance in effective communication within the field of environmental science.

Evaluation:

While working on the video project, I found it challenging to plot out a storyline and scenario that would effectively deliver the message and engage the audience. After drafting the scenes and scenarios, my groupmates provided valuable suggestions to smooth out the video. Our collective effort paid off as our video was selected as one of the Top 3 Best Videos.

In developing the green nudging campaign, our group initially struggled to design a creative and appealing campaign that could capture people's attention due to limited ideas. By exploring various nudging strategies used in other fields and adapting them to our environmental context, we were able to create a compelling campaign. Although our campaign was not chosen, it was an enriching experience to learn how nudging can gradually and indirectly attract people's attention.

While working on popular writing with my groupmates, we initially found it difficult to get started since none of us had prior experience. However, after reading several articles, we managed to write a few sentences and eventually complete the piece. This process significantly improved our writing skills. Similarly, when working on reflective writing, I struggled to articulate my experiences and learning from the 14 weeks. Revisiting the slides and materials shared by the lecturers helped me recall my memories and complete my reflective writing effectively.

Conclusion:

Throughout the 14 weeks, I learned valuable lessons that enhanced my understanding and made me a more effective communicator. Developing self-awareness and improving my scientific communication skills were key outcomes. The course's combination of on-paper and in-class role-playing activities provided diverse experiences in scientific communication.

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From this course, we engaged in several in-class role-playing activities. The topics for each group activity were as follows:

Focus Group Discussion (FGD): Waste Management Issues in UPM Campus

Public Hearing or Public Dialogue in Environmental Issues: River at Stake

Environmental Seminar: World Environment Day and World Ocean Day (WEDWOD) Celebration

Environmental Court: Cat Killing Birds!

Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Waste Management

Descriptive

I participated in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on waste management, including a representative from ALAM FLORA, a major waste management concessionaire. The discussion explored various aspects of waste management, including the challenges concessionaires face, innovative solutions being implemented, and the importance of community engagement.

Analysis

Reflecting on the FGD role-play, I gained an understanding of the different perspectives each role contributed to the waste management issue, including those of the college, faculty, UPM staff, cafe owners, students, and waste management concessionaires. The ALAM FLORA representative provided detailed insights into their operations, such as waste collection, recycling initiatives, and the logistical challenges of managing urban waste.

Evaluation

While participating in the focus group discussion as a representative from the waste management concessionaire, I initially struggled to express my viewpoints and respond to the concerns of other roles. I appreciated the guided questions provided by others, which helped me articulate my responses more clearly and firmly stand by my perspective. Reflecting on the experience, I realized I could have prepared better by researching specific case studies of successful waste management from around the world. This would have allowed me to contribute more concrete examples to the discussion. Additionally, I recognized the need to improve my ability to keep conversations focused on the main topic when they start to stray.

Conclusion

As a conclusion, this activity has taught me the importance of collaboration, effective and continuous efforts by responsible parties, and public awareness and education. This FGD highlighted the need for innovative solutions, effective policy implementation, and active community engagement to achieve sustainable waste management practices.

Public Hearing: River at Stake

Descriptive

I participated in a public hearing role play titled "River at Stake," where I represented a power supply company. The role play simulated a public hearing concerning the environmental and social impacts of a proposed hydroelectric project on a local river. Stakeholders included environmental groups, local residents, government officials, and our company, each presenting their perspectives and concerns.

Analysis

Our company emphasized the benefits of the hydroelectric project, such as sustainable energy production, job creation, and economic growth. The primary objective of our interest group was to build a hydroelectric dam, manage it, and supply energy to all stakeholders of the river. Hydropower was highlighted as a low-cost, durable energy source that offers additional benefits like flood control, irrigation support, and clean drinking water. Each stakeholder group provided well-researched arguments, leading to a robust and dynamic discussion. Environmental groups effectively highlighted potential ecological risks, while local residents shared personal anecdotes underscoring the project's social implications.

Evaluation

Advocating for the hydroelectric project presented significant challenges as we navigated conflicting interests and vigorous opposition from stakeholders. Reflecting on this experience, I recognized the importance of highlighting the project's benefits more persuasively and addressing concerns more comprehensively. For instance, explaining the dam's water flow regulation mechanisms could have alleviated flooding concerns, while emphasizing fish passage solutions in dam designs would have addressed worries about wildlife disruption. Proposing the reservoir's use as a recreational area with added features like fountains for oxygenation could have mitigated fears of environmental impact. Despite using data and case studies, I could have better prepared for objections and connected more empathetically with stakeholders, particularly in addressing local residents' concerns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this activity has taught us the importance of considering environmental impacts in decision-making processes, clear communication and arguments during decision-making, and being well-prepared to respond effectively to questions and concerns.

Environmental Seminar: WEDWOD

Descriptive

As a member of the registration team in the officiating ceremony and the technical team in the symposium, I played key roles in ensuring the smooth execution of these events during the World Environment Day and World Ocean Day (WEDWOD) celebrations. The event had a substantial impact in raising awareness about environmental and ocean issues.

Analysis

Our group collaborated efficiently for the officiating ceremony, brainstorming creative ideas with every team member contributing effectively. As a member of the registration team, I responsible in managing participant registrations. As part of the technical team in the Symposium, I gained insights into the technical aspects of event management, including setting up presenters’ slides, projector equipment and ensuring smooth presentations by the speakers. Participating in the events throughout WEDWOD2024 provided me with extensive knowledge on various environmental topics and insights into ongoing and potential efforts to protect the environment.

Evaluation

Co-organizing the World Environment Day and World Ocean Day (WEDWOD) celebrations was a valuable experience, though we faced coordination difficulties at times. However, with the support and guidance of our lecturers, we managed to overcome these challenges and successfully complete the event. This experience provided valuable insights into advanced technologies used to address environmental issues, as presented by field experts. The event broadened my knowledge and insights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this event underscored the importance of creativity in communication, organizational skills, teamwork, community involvement, and the responsibility of raising environmental awareness and protection.

Environmental Court: Cat Killing Birds

Descriptive

In our recent environmental court role play, we tackled a case involving a cat that was killing birds and a defendant who shot the cat, which belonged to the plaintiff. The role play was designed to simulate a real court proceeding, with various participants assuming the roles of the plaintiff, defendant, judge, lawyers, and witnesses. The primary issue was whether the defendant was justified in shooting the cat to protect the local bird population, considering that the cat had an owner. From this case, I represent the head of jury which had the final say on the verdict from the voting.

Analysis

The group demonstrated strong collaboration and a clear understanding of the roles they were assigned. The plaintiff presented a compelling case, emphasizing the emotional and financial value of the cat as a pet and a member of their family. The defendant argued their case from an environmental protection perspective, highlighting the detrimental impact of free-roaming cats on local wildlife as well as the endangered birds. The lawyers on both sides effectively questioned witnesses and presented evidence, which helped in clarifying the key points of the case. The judge facilitated the discussion well, ensuring that both parties had the opportunity to present their arguments and that the court maintained order.

Evaluation

As the head jury, I initially found it difficult to grasp all the information provided by both the plaintiff and defendant due to the lack of a standardized storyline. However, after meeting with the other jurors, I was able to understand the case thoroughly and make an informed decision. In my role as the head jury, I felt I performed well in leading the jury to a fair and balanced verdict. I encouraged open discussion among the jurors, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to express their views and concerns. Additionally, the case lacked critical information, such as whether the area is a bird habitat, the type of birds involved, and their current population. Ensuring a balanced and fair discussion among jurors was essential in reaching a unanimous verdict.

Conclusion

In conclusion, throughout this activity, I have had the opportunity to learn about factual arguments and legal proceedings, the importance of teamwork and justice, and the complexities of balancing environmental concerns with individual rights. Furthermore, leading the jury to a fair and balanced verdict required open discussion and consideration of diverse perspectives, clear communication and thorough understanding of the case.

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Participating in this course provided me with significant opportunities for personal and professional growth. One key area of development was my time management skills. Balancing multiple responsibilities, such as coordinating the officiating ceremony and symposium during WEDWOD week, taught me the importance of planning and prioritization. This experience has equipped me with better strategies for managing my time efficiently, ensuring I meet deadlines without compromising the quality of my work.

Throughout the course, my communication skills improved considerably. Engaging with diverse stakeholders in various role-playing activities enhanced my ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively. I also learned the value of using more scientific terms and critical thinking to strengthen my arguments. Trying to apply the lessons from my previous course to engage with the audience. This not only made my communication more effective but also helped me connect better with my audience, whether they were community members, experts, or fellow students.

Additionally, the course helped me develop my leadership and multitasking abilities. Leading the jury in the environmental court scenario and coordinating different aspects of the WEDWOD celebrations allowed me to practice and refine my leadership skills. I became more adept at guiding teams, making decisions, and handling multiple tasks simultaneously. These experiences highlighted my strengths and identified areas for improvement, such as enhancing empathetic communication and preparing more thoroughly for potential objections. Overall, the course significantly enhanced my understanding of environmental issues and equipped me with valuable skills for my future career.

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Description:

Attending the 'Scientific Communication in Environment' course under Dr. Heikal and Dr. Zufarzana has provided me with a transformative experience that enhanced my group's ability to effectively communicate scientific information to various audiences. The course covered various topics, including writing scientific and popular papers, nudging, and reflective writing. It also emphasized the importance of tailoring messages to different stakeholders, such as the communities and fellow environmentalists. The course was interactive, featuring focus group discussions (FGD), public hearings on environmental issues, and environmental courts as well as the committee of the 'World Environmental Day' and 'World Ocean Day' celebrations (environmental seminar).

Analysis:

Throughout the course, we engaged in various activities designed to improve our communication skills. Reflecting on the focus group discussion (FGD), as a representative from KDEB, I was able to capture the diverse perspectives and ideas discussed during the session in order to identify the root causes of waste management issues in UPM.

During the public hearing, my group address the advantages of dam development which highlighted the economic growth and increased energy production and efficiency in the local communities. However, we did face opposition from several stakeholders as they stated their concerns about the environmental issues that might happen after dam development.

Co-organizing the World Environment Day and World Ocean Day (WEDWOD) celebrations was a memorable experience for my group as we were able to collaborate and work effectively in planning and executing the event. As a leader of the food committee, I was responsible for managing the food and beverages of the VIPs and students under the supervision of Mrs. Lela. From this seminar, I was able to gain insights into event and time management.

Attending environmental court role-play as a reporter exposed me to experience the procedure of a court trial. By understanding each role assigned to the group members, I believe that we were able to demonstrate a fruitful discussion and argument in a well-manner court order.

Evaluation:

The focus group discussion was highly beneficial in several ways as it provided a platform for open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving for all stakeholders to understand the waste management challenges and solutions. However, during the discussion, I was quite struggling to propose some solutions to solve the problem because of a lack of information without a detailed exploration of their feasibility or potential impacts on the environmental goals.

During the public hearing, it was difficult for my group to introduce and persuade all the stakeholders about dam development as the power supply company because of the conflict of interest among the stakeholders. However, I believed that my groupmates had presented a very cohesive argument and viewpoints about the benefits of building the dam which allowed us to engage effectively with other stakeholders.

Co-organizing the World Environment Day and World Ocean Day (WEDWOD) celebrations was a notable experience for my group as we were able to work collaboratively in handling the event even though we did encounter coordination difficulties and miscommunication at times. Fortunately, we were able to overcome the problems and contribute to the event's success.

As a reporter during the environmental court role-play, I gained new knowledge about how the reporters worked to deliver truthful information in a short and detailed news publication for the public.

Conclusion

Overall, attending the scientific communication course in the environment was a highly beneficial experience for our group. We gained valuable skills in writing, presenting, and visualizing scientific information, which will be crucial in our future careers. The course underscored the importance of effective communication in environmental science, not just for academic success but also for influencing policy and public understanding. By continually refining our communication skills, we can contribute more effectively to the field and make a greater impact in addressing environmental challenges.

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Attending the scientific communication in environment course was a transformative experience that broadened my understanding and skills in conveying complex scientific information effectively. By engaging in various role-plays such as focus group discussions (FGD) on waste management in UPM, public hearings about dam development, environmental courts, and environmental seminars (WEDWOD celebration), I gained more experiences and fostered my ability to be involved in arguments regarding environmental issues.

Through these role-plays, I learned to sharpen my critical thinking quickly to come out with new ideas and solutions in a short time to solve each problem. Each role-play had its benefits which highlighted and enhanced my skills to be more confident in public speaking practices. Additionally, from the WEDWOD event, I was able to obtain real-world insights into the challenges from the symposiums by the guest lecturers which were very full of new information for me.

As an introvert, I found it difficult for me to express my viewpoints and participate in a big occasion as I tend to get tired and overwhelmed very quickly. However, through this course, I was surprised that I was able to be involved in every discussion and tried to address my argument actively. Thus, this improvement was a big jumping stone for me to vocal out my opinion in public not just in class settings but also after entering a work setting as well.

Overall, the scientific communication course was an invaluable addition to my education in environmental science. It equipped me with essential skills to effectively communicate my research, whether through writing, presentations, or public engagement. The knowledge and experience gained will undoubtedly enhance my ability to contribute to the scientific community and raise awareness about critical environmental issues. The course underscored the importance of clear and effective communication in science. As I move forward in my career, I am committed to applying these skills to ensure that my research reaches and resonates with a broad audience, ultimately contributing to informed decision-making and positive environmental outcomes.

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Focus Group Discussion (FGD): Waste Management Issues in UPM Campus

As representatives of the waste management concessionaire, ALAM FLORA, our group participated in this focus group discussion. This discussion helped us explore waste management at UPM in depth, emphasizing the importance of involving many stakeholders to achieve effective waste management. We learned about the responsibilities of each stakeholder and identified areas for improvement to enhance waste management practices.

During the discussion, I found myself unsure of what to ask as a waste management concessionaire. However, other stakeholders assisted by asking questions directed at me, which helped me stay active in the discussion.

Public Hearing or Public Dialogue in Environmental Issues: River at Stake

For this activity, we participated in a public hearing role-play, representing a power supply company planning to build a dam. This role-play provided insight into how a real public hearing unfolds. The simulation opened my eyes to the dynamics of such activities.

During the public hearing, I was responsible for documenting information from all stakeholders, summarizing our role, and responding based on the points we had. This required critical thinking and quick responses. My main challenge was listening comprehension, as my English skills are not very strong, which made it difficult to accurately record points and respond promptly.

Environmental Seminar: World Environment Day and World Ocean Day (WEDWOD) Celebration

During the WEDWOD celebration, we organized the opening ceremony and symposium and created a video for the competition. As an environment faculty, this celebration was crucial. I participated as a performer and photographer.

The WEDWOD celebration aims to appreciate the environment and ocean while raising public and student awareness. As a performer, we modified song lyrics, rewrote the script, and sang "Love Song to the Earth." Through this performance, I hoped to convey the preciousness of Earth and the importance of protecting our only planet.

Reflecting on the program, I see that the preparation for the performance could have been better. As a committee member, I believe we should attend all programs we organize, even if we have no specific tasks, to support the event as an audience.

Environmental Court: Cat Killing Birds!

The environmental court activity allowed us to explore environmental cases in a real-life court setting. The case involved a defendant accused of killing a stray cat cared for by the plaintiff. Our task was to determine the defendant's guilt.

Initially, I was to play the role of a jury member but was absent. As a reporter, I needed to understand everything that happened in court to write an accurate report. A good reporter must interview people in court and write a truthful report without embellishment.

Through this activity, I learned that writing a report without firsthand observation is challenging. People's recounting of events can vary, so it's essential to be present and listen directly to ensure accuracy.

Conclusion

Overall, these diverse activities—from participating in a focus group discussion on waste management at UPM, engaging in a public hearing role-play on environmental issues, celebrating World Environment Day and World Ocean Day, to simulating an environmental court—have significantly broadened our understanding of environmental management and communication.

They highlighted the importance of stakeholder involvement, effective communication, thorough preparation, and the necessity of firsthand experience in accurately reporting events. Each activity underscored the interconnectedness of environmental issues and the multifaceted approaches required to address them effectively.

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Description:

After participating in the 'Scientific Communication in Environment' course led by Dr. Zufarzaana and Dr. Heikal, I gained a deeper understanding of scientific information, research, and techniques for sharing environmental topics with the public.

Through role-playing activities, I realized the critical importance of the responsibility of all stakeholders. Every small action by each stakeholder can collectively impact the environment. We also explored the relationship between social media and environmental issues through campaigns and various forms of communicative writing such as popular writing and green nudging.

Analysis & evaluation:

The lecture on 'Social Media and the Environment' highlighted how people worldwide use social media to communicate. I learned the importance of publishing environmental awareness and issues on social media since it is a free medium for global communication and information sharing. For example, in our green nudging campaign, we created templates for challenges and activities. By sharing these templates and encouraging participation, we raised public awareness about environmental issues and demonstrated our commitment to helping the environment.

Communicative writing exercises, including popular writing, were valuable in engaging the public. This method helped us convey information effectively through written words. By focusing on interesting topics, appropriate formality, and presentation, we learned how to make our writing more appealing and accessible to a broader audience.

While working on the video project, the most challenging part was coordinating with all group members for filming. We had to retake many scenes to meet our desired standards. Editing was also tough, especially when technical issues like laptop lagging slowed down the process. Despite these challenges, our efforts paid off when our video was selected as one of the Top 3 Best Videos. This recognition made me grateful for my groupmates' cooperation and hard work.

Conclusion:

Throughout the semester, I realized the need to work harder to overcome difficulties in scientific communication. Sharing more about environmental issues can help us reach a wider audience.

The course significantly improved my communication skills and my understanding of the importance of stakeholder involvement and public awareness in addressing environmental challenges. I am now better equipped to convey scientific information and advocate for environmental awareness effectively.