Blog 3: The GIVE programme workshop

On February 26^th, we SM3 students who have been selected to take part in the GIVE programme were arranged to attend a workshop in a park. In the workshop, I learned a lot, including the importance to give clear instructions, keep patient and have team spirit.

I didn’t realize how important it is to give clear instructions and how difficult it can be. In the first game in the workshop, our group were divided into two teams. One team use balls and sticks to build something and tell the other team to build the same thing using the same material. During the game, we cannot see them and neither can them. It was really difficult to just use words to instruct and we even didn’t know what they were doing was right or not. Finally we made it but it took us a huge amount of time. It can also happen in the class if unclear instructions are given to students. Hence, good instructions can help prevent problems.

In addition, we learned how vital it is to keep patient from another game, in which we needed to use mathematics knowledge to solve a chess problem. It’s so complicated that we nearly began to argue even though there was no limit of time. We tried several times before we succeed at last. Discussions shouldn’t become arguments. I cannot imagine what the consequence could be if we had argued.

What’s more, team spirit is also of significance. In the third game, we were given a special machine that could move only if every member on it raises their left legs together and then their right legs together. That was a great lesson telling us that every member in the team is equally important and that only by working together can a team finally achieve their goals.

Thanks to this workshop, I believe I can do better in the GIVE programme knowing I should give clear instructions, keep patient and be cooperative.