【佳作】郭惠萍   資訊工程系

1. Course Introduction

          When I first heard about the "Leadership and Communication" course, my introverted self immediately wanted to put it at the very bottom of my course selection list. The thought of a class dedicated entirely to speaking, group discussions, and leading strangers terrified me. I was always worried it would be awkward and terrified of being judged by my peers. However, I needed an EMI General Education course, so I took a leap of faith. It became the most transformative decision of my university life.

          What sets this course apart is its core philosophy: learning through a continuous cycle of "Doing, Reflecting, and Improving." The syllabus covers essential real-world topics week by week, from "Approaching People" and "Problem Solving" to "Speaking as a Leader". Instead of just memorizing textbook theories, the class pushes us to learn by actually taking action.

          On the very first day, our teacher, Ms. Jye Lee, didn't just lecture us in a traditional classroom setup. Instead, she instructed us to gather in the basement of the IB building. We stood in an awkward silence until one classmate bravely initiated a conversation, asking us to form a big circle and introduce ourselves. By the time we walked upstairs to the classroom, we were already friends. This unconventional introduction proved that our primary "textbook" for the semester would be our own real-time interactions, peer observations, and personal courage.

2. Course Features

          The most outstanding feature of this course is its dynamic teaching method and strict commitment to diversity. Because it is an EMI course, the classroom is a vibrant melting pot of international students from Indonesia, South Africa, Russia, and local Taiwanese students. Ms. Lee actively prevents us from staying in our cultural comfort zones. During every group activity, she purposefully separates us, ensuring international students mix seamlessly with local students.

          Furthermore, the course utilizes a brilliant "Role Rotation" system. Every week, we are placed into new groups with a different designated leader, ensuring everyone experiences the responsibility of guiding a team. Sometimes she lets us volunteer; other times, she turns her back, asks the group members to number themselves, and randomly calls a number to be the group's leader. This ensures everyone has an equal chance to be a leader, whether they are a confident senior or a shy freshman, teaching us how to navigate different personalities effectively.

          The hands-on activities perfectly match the weekly syllabus topics. For example, during our "Communication Skills" weeks, we played a game where we had to memorize and reproduce a complex picture filled with animals. Initially, my partner and I failed because we both tried to memorize the whole image. Ms. Lee then introduced the concept of task division. Once we split the picture, one focusing on the left, the other

on the right, we succeeded easily. We also had a guest speaker who shared vital insights on workplace communication, helping us bridge the gap between casual school environments and the professional industry.

          Another striking feature is the grading system. There are no stressful midterms, massive group presentations, or overly academic essays. Instead, 24% of the grade is based on proactive participation, and a massive 40% relies on a "Personal Learning Log." Submitting these four detailed logs throughout the semester provides a safe space to deeply reflect on our shifting mindsets, what we have learned from the classes every week, our personal experiences, and our overall leadership journey.

3. Learning Takeaways and Reasons for Recommendations

          Before this class, I was a timid student terrified of initiating conversations, constantly fearing I would be judged. The first-day activity, along with the constant group rotations, completely shattered that mindset. I realized that everyone else is just as nervous as I am. Initiating a conversation is not about trying to be cool, it is an act of kindness that makes others feel safe. Now, I have the courage to say "Hello" to strangers, and I proudly know 95% of the people in this class. We have transformed from awkward strangers of different departments into genuine friends who chat comfortably on campus.

          Another major takeaway was learning how to communicate more thoughtfully. I used to view differing opinions as conflicts. Ms. Lee taught us how to disagree respectfully using "Cushion Language". Instead of shutting someone down and ruining their spirit, I learned to say, "I see your point, but let’s consider...". I also learned that human brains process information differently. In one visual exercise, some classmates saw six faces in a picture where I only saw four. It taught me to always verify if my teammates are on the exact same page, rather than assuming my perspective is the absolute truth. I realized that when people feel truly heard and respected, they will genuinely work harder, forming a strong bond within the team.

          The individual presentation weeks were equally transformative. This wasn't a graded test, it was a practical training ground linking our personal topics to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through Ms. Lee’s incredibly detailed feedback, we learned how to truly engage an audience. I learned to ditch standard, boring introductions and instead hook the audience with interactive small quizzes using tech tools or rhetorical questions like "Have you ever...?". Ms. Lee emphasized crucial mechanics, such as ensuring our font sizes are large enough for everyone and making our main goals concise.

          A great presentation is not just about showing data, it is about transferring our belief and vision into the audience's minds. I learned that a presenter's voice should be loud, clear, and convincing to build trust and show competence. Furthermore, at the end of the slides, instead of just saying "Thank you" we were taught to alternate by putting encouraging quotes to motivate the audience to take action.

          Ms. Lee’s dedication to her students’ growth is unmatched. During presentations, she gave detailed, constructive feedback to every single student, from the very first presenter to the last. Once, when a student went to the restroom during his feedback session, she didn't just skip him. She explained her valuable advice to the class, and the moment he returned, she took the time to personally re-explain it to him to ensure he received the input. This showed how much she genuinely cares about our individual improvement.

          I wholeheartedly recommend the "Leadership and Communication" course to any student, especially those who feel their social skills are a weakness. It will force you out of your shell in the most supportive way possible. You will not only learn the theoretical frameworks of becoming an empathetic leader, but you will actively practice them. You will improve your public speaking, learn how to respectfully navigate disagreements, and gain a room full of friends. This course proves that leadership is not a title you are born with, it is a daily choice to step forward, care for your team, and listen deeply. It is truly worth its weight in gold.