Assalamualaikum & hi everyone!

It’s the final week! Congratulations everyone, you all deserve a pat on the back for making your project possible!

Please write, upload lots of pictures & videos in this final Padlet =)

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

5. What can be improved in this project?

Now that I have completed 4 weeks of this project, I would say that most of the objectives that I aimed to achieve were fulfilled. These objectives were to demonstrate ability to use basic BIM and to learn the basic principles involved in the communication of sign language. Firstly, these objectives were achieved through the effective teaching by my BIM instructor, Ms Yoges. Throughout these 4 weeks of teaching, she taught sign language engagingly by being interactive with each and every one of the students in the class. She taught us how to perform any visual gesture or specific sign slowly, so that none of us would be left behind and also had patience with each and every one of us if mistakes were made. Moreover, she was also supportive and respectful to all of us. Thus, this built a positive environment for learning and reduced stress which allowed the information being learnt to be better acquired.

In addition, the reading materials given could be easily understood. The materials included clear pictures and explanations on how to perform specific signs or VGC. Especially with sign language, having clear and understandable pictures is paramount as the correct positioning of hands, fingers and facial expressions determines what is trying to be said.

However, the third objective which is to develop effective expressive and receptive skills in sign language has yet to be fully fulfilled. This is because I still lack the correct expressive and receptive skills required when communicating in this language. This is because 4 weeks of learning is not enough for me to comfortably say I have developed the effective said skills. I believe more time of learning and practice is required to fully fulfill this objective.   

2.     What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

The thing I enjoyed/liked most of this project is how interactive each class has been despite being held online. No student is left out as Ms Yoges would involve all the students in the teaching process. She also mixed the theory aspect of sign language with the application aspect so that the classes were not boring sessions. Furthermore, I liked that every student was supportive and kind to one another. There was no judgment among us despite being from different backgrounds of education or occupation.  

3.     What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

What I find most challenging about this project is having to remember certain signs and use them during communication practice. I would always have to refer to the reading materials or have my instructor perform the signs again in order to perform them correctly. In addition, I sometimes would mix the signs up which would cause miscommunication. For instance, the I would mix up the sign for letter ‘K’ and ‘V’ and signing numbers and alphabets together when crafting sentences. Thus, it would create confusion in class and also made me at times feel discouraged.

4.     What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

In my opinion, what has really worked for this project is the online mode of teaching. It’s no secret that many people prefer teaching sessions to be done physically since teaching can be more effective and interactive. Hence, a lot of people undermine online learning’s efficacy and use when it comes to teaching. However, with this project I realized that it is still possible to be as effective and interactive with online learning. It really depends on the skill of the teacher to maximize the online platform to teach and with Ms Yoges, she really did so. She still taught earnestly and patiently plus ensuring the sessions remain interactive.

5.     What can be improved in this project?

In my opinion, this project can be improved by having more regular classes each week. Every week, there is only one class which is at the end of the week, Friday. Thus, if the information from the previous sessions were not actively recalled during the week, there was high likelihood it would be forgotten. Perhaps having classes scheduled more regularly, that is twice a week as oppose to once might improve the active recall of information learnt and increase the applicability of the language.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

   The thing that I like the most about the project is when I need to record video of myself describing something by using sign language. This is because in the way of making the sign language video, I need to try my best to express the nature of sign language, about its gestures, show my correct facial expressions and body movements as all of these are contributed to conveying correct meaning. Through learning sign language and producing videos, I have gained a greater appreciation for visual communication and its uniqueness and beauty. It's fascinating to witness how people can come out with new signs or adapt with existing ones and make it as one of language and use it as a medium for communication which help to connect people with those who are deaf and mute. I also find it intriguing how visual communication can function as regular communication and foster strong connections between people.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

   The part of project that I found hard to do is to remember all the gestures for sign language and practice on it. Learning sign language online means I don't have anyone to physically practice communicating with, which makes it challenging. Practicing alone is tough because I'm unsure if my gestures are correct, so I have to watch demonstration videos multiple times before I start practicing as my supervisor and my friends only can help guide me through online platform. It can be boring to practice alone without anyone to join me, and I've noticed that I tend to get the gestures wrong when practicing alone. However, I've seen improvement over time, even though mastering the language takes time.

   
   

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

   I found that the part where I learned sign language using visual learning tools and visual aids  worked very well. For instance, I picked up sign language from instructional videos provided by the organizer. I believe that the videos were highly effective for learning because they were engaging and creative, often involving scenarios and conversations in sign language that we encounter in our daily lives. These videos were also easy to comprehend and not dull. Additionally, the absence of subtitles initially forced me to think and understand the content on my own, which helped me remember new vocabulary and comprehend subsequent videos more quickly. Furthermore, they provided additional videos with subtitles as a guide before testing our sign language knowledge. Seeing signs demonstrated in context somehow helped me understand both the signs and their proper usage, even though I didn't have someone physically demonstrating the gestures for me.

   
   

5. What can be improved in this project?

• Regular practice is essential: I should use sign language in real-life situations and communicate with native signers to enhance my skills. It's important to set aside dedicated time for both receptive and expressive skills practice.

• Engage in events and activities: Attending Deaf events, workshops, and social gatherings will provide valuable experience in using sign language for communication.

• Stay motivated: Acknowledge small achievements and progress as a way to stay motivated and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Seek feedback: Asking for feedback from peers and supervisors can provide valuable guidance and advice on areas needing improvement.

For the first objective, which is to establish effective communication with individuals who are deaf, I have not yet fulfilled this goal. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to meet and communicate with deaf individuals. However, I am eager to use the skills I have acquired to engage with them whenever I have the chance, especially in a hospital setting where I may attend to patients who are deaf. I believe that effective communication is essential in providing quality care, and I look forward to applying my knowledge in real-life situations.

Regarding the second objective, which is to learn new skills and knowledge related to sign language that can be applied as needed, I am pleased to say that I have achieved this goal. After four weeks of intensive learning covering all nine topics in the course, I have acquired a solid foundation in sign language. While I have not yet had the opportunity to apply these skills in practice, I am confident that I will be able to do so when I encounter deaf individuals or patients in the future. I recognise the importance of being prepared to communicate effectively, and I am committed to continuing my learning journey.

For the third and last objective, which is to develop a better understanding of people with special needs and ensure they feel heard, I also believe that I have fulfilled this purpose. I now have a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the deaf community. I am sure that they would appreciate it if more people took the initiative to learn sign language, as it allows us to communicate in their language and fosters mutual understanding. I am committed to ensuring that they feel heard and respected.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I enjoyed most about the project was the enriching experience of learning sign language and the sense of accomplishment that came with it. Each topic introduced me to new signs and concepts, allowing me to explore diverse aspects of communication and culture. I particularly appreciated the interaction between the students, which made learning engaging and fun. Watching videos and practicing with friends fostered a supportive environment where we could learn from one another. Additionally, the knowledge that I've gained with skills that can facilitate communication with deaf people filled me with purpose and motivation. This journey not only broadened my understanding of sign language but also deepened my empathy and appreciation for the deaf community, making the entire experience truly rewarding.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

One of the most challenging aspects of this project was mastering the nuances of sign language and retaining the vocabulary associated with each topic. While I enjoyed learning new signs, I often found it difficult to remember the correct movements and expressions, especially when the material became more complex. The quizzes added another layer of challenge, as they tested my ability to recall and apply what I had learned. Additionally, I sometimes struggled with the speed of communication in videos, which made it hard to keep up and fully understand the context. These challenges required me to be persistent and dedicated, pushing me to practice more and seek help when needed, ultimately enhancing my learning experience despite the difficulties.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

What has really worked well in this project was the structured approach to learning sign language through a combination of visual aids, activities, and practical exercises. The use of videos to demonstrate signs and real-life scenarios helped reinforce my understanding and made the material more relatable. Additionally, when we were required to watch and comment on other students' videos, it created a supportive learning environment that encouraged mutual feedback and improvement. This hands-on approach not only enhanced my memory of vocabulary but also boosted my confidence in using sign language. Furthermore, the clear progression through the topics allowed me to build on my skills incrementally, ensuring that I felt well-prepared as I advanced.

5. What can be improved in this project?

While the project was a success, there are several areas for improvement that could enhance the learning experience. First, incorporating more opportunities for real-time practice with deaf individuals would provide invaluable hands-on experience and foster authentic communication skills. Additionally, offering more varied assessment methods beyond quizzes, such as group discussions or role-playing scenarios, could better evaluate comprehension and practical application of sign language in different contexts. Lastly, increasing the use of technology such as interactive apps or online forums for peer support could also facilitate ongoing learning and engagement outside of class. These improvements could create an even more enriching and effective learning environment.

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1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

My pilates project is likely fulfilled its intended goals as I noticed improvement in my physical fitness, strength, and flexibility. Another objective would be the fundamental principles of Pilates, such as control, concentration, precision, and breathing. I learnt on how to control breathing properly before, during and after each routine of exercises. It does help a lot in efficiency of the exercises.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?                First of all, I like challenges and new things, so as someone who is adventurous, engaging in something new, like Pilates, probably challenged me in positive ways. I enjoyed mastering the exercises, learning how to properly use the reformer, and experiencing the satisfaction of seeing progress over time. And the most important part is, Ms. Nik C, a supportive instructor and a welcoming class environment, this might have been one of the most enjoyable aspects. Having guidance and encouragement from others can make the experience more rewarding and enjoyable.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do).             ▶️ Certain pilates exercises require significant control and precision especially on reformer machine, so as a  beginner, it might have been hard to maintain perfect form, balance, or coordination. 

   
   

   ▶️ Some sessions may have been physically demanding, pushing my limits in terms of endurance, flexibility, or core strength, which could have been tiring or frustrating at times. Not to mention, the soreness after the session, it was really bad.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

▶️ My engagement with the instructor and other participants, I felt so close to the instructor as she knows how my body works for each exercises.

▶️Variety of exercises can keep sessions interesting and addressing different muscle groups, enhancing overall engagement and effectiveness.

5. What can be improved in this project? Overall, everything is perfect, but I really hope the frequency and duration of each session is much more longer so the sessions would be more effective.

2. I thoroughly enjoyed learning a new dance form. I did ballet for 13 years and while I loved it, I always wished I had also learnt a traditional Indian dance form.

   
   

   Even though it was challenging, having a supportive and encouraging teacher was really a game changer. She made me feel at ease and allowed me to clarify whatever doubts I had without feeling embarrassed.

3. Kathak is very physically demanding. Even though I prepared myself by going to the gym 4-5 times a week before starting this elective, I still found myself struggling with muscle soreness.

   
   

   Additionally, my previous ballet training meant that I sometimes looked very stiff as I was not used to the more relaxed grace of Kathak.

4. I believe I was able to pick up on steps rather quickly despite the limited time. Additionally, I was able to perform the steps at first speed, second speed and third speed to the satisfaction of my teacher.

   
   

5. I feel very satisfied with my progress during this posting, I only wish that I could have had more time to polish the two items I had learnt before performing it.

   
   

2. I truly enjoyed getting back into dancing. I previously studied Bharatanatyam for nearly 12 years, but ever since starting medical school, it’s been difficult to find the time to fully immerse myself in dance again. Learning new steps and choreography is always fun to me, and dancing brings me so much joy.

3. The challenging part of learning this dance is building my stamina. I started exercising regularly about three to four months before the elective began. I also had to work on using facial expressions, as this entire dance form is centered around expressive storytelling.

4. In this month of learning Kathak, what has really worked for me is building a routine to stay active, which helped improve my stamina for the dance. Breaking down complex movements into smaller steps made learning much more manageable, and the support from my teacher, who is patient and encouraging, kept me motivated. Incorporating facial expressions and connecting them with the movements was a rewarding challenge, and overall, rediscovering the joy of dance and learning new choreography has been the most fulfilling aspect.

5. One area for improvement would be dedicating more time outside of class to practice and reinforce the steps, as repetition could help solidify the movements and improve my muscle memory. Additionally, i could improve my focus on rhythm and timing could enhance the overall flow of my performances.

The routines in my Pilates practice played a crucial role in achieving my EP objectives. For cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength, dynamic movements like leg circles, planks, and bridges were helpful. These exercises activated multiple muscle groups, boosting overall stamina and improving core stability.

Posture correction came from exercises such as the pelvic curl and shoulder bridge, which targeted the muscles surrounding my joints, particularly the lower back and pelvis, helping to align my body properly.

For increasing range of motion, routines like leg and arm extensions, hamstring stretches, and the saw exercise were pivotal. These helped to loosen tight muscles and improve joint mobility in a gradual, controlled manner, without risking injury.

Lastly, stress relief and relaxation were fostered through flowing sequences and stretches like the child’s pose and cat-cow movements. These slower-paced routines allowed me to focus on breathing and mindfulness, releasing physical tension while calming my mind. The combination of strength and relaxation within these routines made Pilates both physically and mentally rewarding.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I’ve enjoyed most during Pilates classes is the blend of challenge and relaxation that each session offers. I love how the routines push me to strengthen my body while also improving flexibility and coordination. There's something deeply satisfying about mastering a difficult movement after several attempts, especially when I notice improvements in my stamina and posture. The atmosphere in class, where I can immerse myself fully in the flow of movements, allows me to connect with my body in a way that's soothing. Each class leaves me feeling accomplished, balanced, and more in tune with myself.

I also really enjoy meeting new people during Pilates classes. It’s refreshing to connect with others who share a similar interest in fitness and well-being. Whether it's exchanging tips or simply sharing a laugh during challenging routines, the sense of community adds a fun and motivating element to the experience.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

My back pain has been a persistent challenge, especially during exercises that require prolonged engagement of my upper body. The pain can be distracting, causing me to lose focus or hesitate during certain exercises. I’ve been trying to push through, but there’s a fine line between discomfort from effort and the potential for injury. This challenge has made me realize the importance of refining my form and perhaps adjusting my posture with the help of my instructor.

Another significant challenge is the difficulty of getting to the Pilates classes itself. The studio is quite far from where I live, and dealing with traffic on the way there can be exhausting and stressful, which sometimes lowers my motivation to attend. The time spent commuting often feels draining, and by the time I arrive, it can be hard to shift my mindset back into the calm and focused state needed for the session. This logistical challenge makes consistency harder to maintain, even though I genuinely enjoy the class once I’m there.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

Practicing Pilates at home has been incredibly beneficial for my overall progress. It allows me to work on specific areas I find challenging at my own pace. Home practice also provides the flexibility to focus on techniques and routines without the time constraints or distractions of a group setting. This additional practice helps me to refine my movements and improve my form, making me feel more prepared and confident during my studio sessions.

Using online resources has also been particularly effective for memorizing exercises and preparing mentally for my Pilates classes. Instructional videos and online tutorials provide detailed demonstrations of movements and routines, which significantly enhances my ability to recall and execute them during the actual Pilates session. This mental rehearsal enabled me to focus more on form and alignment rather than struggling to remember the sequences.

5. What can be improved in this project?

One area that could definitely be improved is the price and duration of the Pilates classes. The current cost can be quite high, making it less accessible, and the duration of the classes sometimes feels too short to fully engage in the exercises and experience their benefits. Extending the length of each session could provide more time for thorough instruction, additional practice, and a more complete workout, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the classes. Adjusting the price to make it more affordable would also encourage more consistent attendance and participation.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

   My biggest pleasure was to find myself back in track with what i was longing for . This project does not feel like a burden for me at all as this is my passion since i was a kid. So to step back in this project is already a great opportunity for me and i loved every but of my dance journey and to be specific i liked when i can see my self doing better day by day catching back everything that i left behind a few years back.

3. What have you found

challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

Anytime anyday I would still mention about my stamina. It is not easy to dance without stamina and to gain back what I left for 5 years was not easy. It requires continous practice , patience and resillience. No matter how good and fine dancer you are, stamina is the foundation for everything to get a pefect balance, stability and posture. And to acheive that it took me a few weeks and I will continue to work on that even after my end of posting period.

4.What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

I feel that one of my main motive was to join the promotional video of JKKNK at the end of my 4th week. But my master really gave all the students a heads up that she will only choose those who are really cabaple and qualified in terms of a clean steps and a good coordination. Never have i thought that i would be selected in this short period that too for a big project like JKKNK. I was really proud that i was one of the main dancers in the first row. Looking back at it, all my hardwork and extra efforts that i put really helped me in acheiving more than what i wanted for my Elective Posting.

5. What can be improved in this project?

• I should have allocated more time for jogging and cardio focused exercise to improve my stamina.

• Should increase my practice time with my friend outside my dance class period in order to get more ideas and boost our creativity

• I should mingle more with my juniors as i was very reserved throughout my my dance class

Most of the objectives are fulfilled. At the end of the project , I am able to establish communication in Malaysian sign language with my friends. I didn’t get the opportunity to record the communication session with individual who has hearing problem but I got an experience communicate with them once by saying thank you in sign language when I just started my learning . The old lady’s smile towards my reply prove me that they actually really appreciate us , the community with hearing ability to understand their language. I mean it is hard at first but I enjoy having the opportunity to be part of their society. The least that I can do is understand them without using pen and paper so that they felt involved especially with my patient in the future . Second objectives , I able to learn new skills of sign language, improves my old one and gain more knowledge regarding sign language. For example , I learn to do a proper sign sign language through establish organization (MFD) , I able to clarify alphabets and number that I learn years ago because some of them I already forget and ackowkedge that sign language is not a universal language, it is specify to each country which mean Malaysian sign language is not the same as the America sign language. Lastly from sign language also I can understand their emotion and feeling through their conversation . As I mentioned before , verbal communication shows the emotion through intonation while sign language potrays emotion through facial expression in each of the vocabulary. Therefore, the people who understand also can relate their feeling with the content of the conversation .

What have I enjoyed or liked the most about the project? ✅

I do enjoy my project because I get to learn new things and apply them in daily life . At the same time, I able to share my interest with my online friends. Each task required myself to upload the recording of myself done the sign language task . Suprisingly , I don’t feel anxious eventhough the video is available for the all members . I get excited to complete each task and watch other peoples video as reference and revision for me . For example , there were task that required us to spell any words and people who watch required to take a guess in comment section . Eventhough it is an online course , each topic are interective and the task are never boring .

What have you found challenging about this project?

I found it challenging to follow my time table for elective posting because when you are at home , you mind kind of setting up to holiday mood. Fortunately, I able to indentify my encouragement which are thoughts of spending time with family in weekend . Going to the library to do my project helps me in order to focus better and avoid distractions at home .

What has really worked? ✅

The course involved teaching videos , individual task and quizzes. These combination of learning helps myself as a person who learn it for the first time to do well. Firstly , the will teachers demontrate to us vocabularies in each topics , then we get to practice hand movement and facial expression in the individual task where the video of ourselves will be uploaded and checked by our supervisor . After getting the approval , then we are qualified to answer the quizzes. With this learning , I able to complete my courses in given time and excel my quizzes . The knowledge able stays longer in my memories due to implimentation of active learning which not only by watching videos but also by demontrating it by myself together with assesment on my skills of sign language.

What can be improved in this project? ✅

👉🏻 Find more alternative to communicate with people who has hearing disability such as in hospital, volunteering in NGO activities , special needs home , deaf club or online video chat

👉🏻 Apply more sign language in group dicussion or public setting to improve confidence to initiate communication in daily life or with patient

👉🏻 Learn upgraded sign language by taking level 2 sign language course