In class we were given this table as a reference to see how we approached the learning outcomes through our CAS experiences. I wanted to post it because I believe it helped me understand and organise my thoughts about how my involvement in activities has impacted me.
| Learning Outcome | Example |
| Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth. |
I always loved EDM and I stood in awe of the DJs who are able to mix different kinds of music together. I was always curious to see how it worked and when I learnt how to do it, I felt excited about it too. I never thought I’d be interested in music like this but it turns out that I was so good that I was appointed leader. I knew that I enjoyed being a leader and helping people out, but when I taught people about one of my favourite hobbies (both DJ as well as HIIT) I realised that I am much more committed to the role. |
| Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process. |
I learnt about getting over certain barriers in order to achieve goals through service. In Green Umbrella, when we went for Project Week, I had to overcome a language barrier in order to communicate with the people there. However, with the help of a translator we were able to pass this barrier and achieve our goals for the trip and even help the community out. Similarly I had to overcome a language barrier in Music Therapy which was coupled with the the uneasiness of a old age home. There was an unsettling feeling when we entered the old age home but we were able to adjust ourselves and adapt to the surroundings in order to help the dementia patients. As cheesy as this sounds, I feel like the language of music can be understood by all. Just the cheerful tune or the upbeat rhythm can be interpreted and can make anyone listening smile, even if they’re going through dementia. |
| Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience. |
I planned the project week trip along with my friends and we had to figure out a lot of things: where to stay, our service requirements and even safety issues. It was an independent experience where I learnt a lot about the effort that goes into planning a trip, and even if it is just for enjoyment, there are many things that need to be considered. I also had to come up with HIIT routines and lead them throughout. I had to set everything up, which required a lot of communication between departments, and then I had to lead and create routines that would be helpful to all those who participated. |
| Show commitment to, and perseverance in, CAS experiences. |
I took part in MUN for the past 3 years, along with numerous conferences where I was able to learn a lot. I also remained committed to the goals of our GC when we went to Green Umbrella for project week. I helped develop and initiate solutions that we were working on in the GC for the past year. I then chose to implement these solutions when I went for project week. |
| Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively. |
When working collaboratively communication is key. Without effective communication we wouldn’t have been able to coordinate an entire trip to another country for project week. Without communication we won’t be able to tell other delegates in our committee what our views of the issue are. I wouldn’t be able to address issues in the school in student voice without being confident either. There is a certain level of confidence required as well to speak up. Only by being collaborative can we achieve a holistic solution. |
| Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance. |
When we went for project week we had to work with two main issues of global importance: education and wastage management. In the community that we worked with there was help needed for both these aspects and we initiated some steps that will help the community develop and we can work towards solving their problems. In MUN the crux of our debate was always an issue of global significance where we had to reach a conclusion with the best possible solution for the issue at hand. We had to understand the nature of the issue, the countries affected by it and how the proposed solutions would affect |
| Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions. |
We have to be considerate and aware of other people whenever we make decisions because our actions can affect others’ lives. In MUN that is what we have to consider, the consequences and in student voice that is what we observe. Without being respectful towards the elderly at Music Therapy with Apex, the elderly wouldn’t be comfortable around us, which might not be helpful for their dementia. So through my CAS experience I learnt about being respectful of others and that I should consider how my actions affect others and not only me before I choose to do those actions. |