Nurshahidah Bte Roslie - ITE Graduate, Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal 2007

Being the first Malay student to be awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal, NURSHAHIDAH ROSLIE, who was the top ITE graduate with a grade point average of 3.9 in her sports management course, chose Republic Polytechnic as her first choice. Benjamin Chow finds out more from this friendly girl on her experience as a first year Diploma in Sports and Exercise Sciences student.

Ben (B): Hi Nurshahidah, how are you?
Nurshahidah (N): I'm fine. How are you?

B: Congratulations for such an outstanding achievement. Getting the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal is certainly a milestone for you. How did you do it?
N:I did not much do much actually. I set goals for my entire course in ITE and tried my best to achieve them. Sports is always on my list of activities besides studying. This actually helps as I feel refreshed and more prepared for the next activity in the day.

B: Why was RP your choice institution to further your education?
N: It was very clear. I wanted to pursue a course related to sports and science. Diploma in Sports and Exercise Sciences is only available in Republic Polytechnic. Compared to Diploma in Sport and Wellness Management in Nanyang Polytechnic, RP’s diploma is more scientific and practical. I like it very much. Moreover, RP has One-Day, One-Problem^TM PBL approach to learning adds diversity to Singapore’s education.

B: How did you find this approach to learning?
N: It is a totally new learning experience. I have tried the conventional way of learning in ITE, secondary and primary, now I want to try something new. Not only that, I think within these three months in RP, this new approach to learning has helped me understand myself better. I also prefer to research and work in teams, rather than waiting for teachers to spoon-feed me with information. I think RP is doing a very good job in allowing students to develop their own ideas and there is much freedom for creativity.

B: I understand that learning Mathematics is a challenge to you. How did you overcome it in RP?
N: I don’t really like Mathematics, as I didn’t perform well in the past. Hence, to learn Mathematics at a polytechnic level is a hurdle for me. Moreover, it is compulsory to take Mathematics in the first year. Fortunately, learning mathematics in RP allows me to see the practical side of it – computing and mathematical methods. Previously, I did not understand why certain equation needs to be used but now I do. The friendly facilitators help us see problems in a different way and we research more on it to present to the class at the end of the day. I think this makes the subject more interactive. Through this method of learning, I get a firmer understanding of these concepts.

B: Do you get interact more with your facilitators?
N: In ITE, I have more interactions with the lecturers. It is more difficult in RP because we only get to interact with them during the three meetings during the day. However, I do give due credit RP’s facilitators as they make the meetings lively and they are friendly to the students; some of them are our advisors to interest groups and continue to guide us after class.

B: What is your typical day like in RP?
N: Everyday we work on one problem given to us in the morning. During the first meeting, we will focus on the problem and define what we know and what we do not. Then, we will get a breakout session where we will research on things that we do not know and find out what will be useful to solve this problem. In the second meeting, the facilitator will find out on our progress and we will sound out our proposal. Usually, we will take this opportunity to find out what others have done and strengthen our proposal. We will prepare our presentation on our next breakout. We can present our solution in terms of a skit and/or PowerPoint presentation. After which, we will have our final meeting – the 6Ps (Six Presentations). 6Ps involves 5 presentations done by students in groups of 5, and the last presentation will be presented by the facilitator. During these presentations, we will share our views and ask questions on other teams’ proposals. We then take a short quiz to review what the key concepts we have learnt in the day are. Lastly, we will do peer and self evaluation, and write a reflection journal entry. I feel that this experience has added value to my knowledge and application skills.

B: Besides studying, did you join any interest group (IG)?
N: I am in Soccer IG and I train on every Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I also learn Mixed Martial Arts outside RP.

B: That is interesting. Why did you choose Soccer IG?
N: I played soccer in ITE. I like the feeling of getting myself prepared for every match, with boots and shields. Initially, I did not want to take part in Soccer IG because it has training every Tuesdays and clashes with my martial arts training. Recently, the IG took part in Diva La Futbol 2007 (http://www.rp.sg/happenings/archive/2007/20070712002.asp) and my team won the competition. They think I can play for the team, so I just gave it a try.

B: Last of all, do you have tips to share with other students?
N: Balance is the key to success. Please do not study 24/7. Do go out and have fun, be it sports or hanging out with friends. It really helps you perform better.

B: Thank you, Nurshahidah.
N: You are most welcome.

Reported by BC (02/08/2007)