NCC volume4---April

North Central College
Volume 4 --- April

１　Spring Class
This term I am taking 4 classes: Speech Communication, English as a Second Language, Group Process, and Oriental Brush Painting. I want to tell you about what I am learning in Speech Communication and Group Process.
First, is Speech communication. I am studying about public speaking skills that include research, preparation, and evaluation of speeches. According to the syllabus, this course will:
・ Help students become more effective oral communicators;
・ Increase the student’s understanding of speech communication as a means of influencing human behavior;
・ Aid the student in reacting logically and spontaneously to different types of communication behavior;
・ Enhance the student’s listening skills through study and application of critical listening theories;
・ Help the student understand and practice theories of selecting, analyzing, evaluating, organizing, developing and communicating information, evidence and points of view;
・ Prepare the student to be an ethical communicator.
We have 2 exams, and 5 presentations (Impromptu, Narrative, Informative, Persuasive, and Special Occasion). We also need to turn in the outlines of presentations, a critique, and a listening assignment. Last week I gave a Narrative speech for 7 minutes and I spoke about the cultural differences I experienced on my first day in the United States. I think I used my time well and developed my characters and the plot of the story. Also the speech had strong entertainment value. But my reflection is that there was no building of tension, because all examples were of equal weight. Next week I have an Informative speech, and I am thinking to talk about Japanese food. I want to select materials carefully and use them correctly.
Next is Group Process. This class introduces me to the formal study of group process, taking communication as the central variable. According to the syllabus, as a result of this course:
・ You should be able to identify the most important communication exchanges in a group.
・ You should be able to define the concepts and terms that help explain these exchanges.
・ You should be able to move beyond the textbook analysis to make informed, appropriate and responsible decisions about participating in group.
We have ample opportunity to develop group discussion and decision making skills through interactive exercises and projects like group exam, group paper, group service project and a “fishbowl” activity. Today I had a group exam, which consisted of multiple choice and true or false questions. We met many times to prepare for this exam so it was not so bad. As a group service project, we are going to join World Relief which is the organization to assist refugees, who have fled war, torture, and persecution. Every Monday we will work as after school homework club tutors and help children from K-3 study English and other subjects. Also we are thinking to gather old, unwanted picture books and sell them for donation.
I am enjoying my classes a lot because I am really interested in the classes. In winter term it was hard for me to read textbooks and follow the classes but I am used to studying hard and my English improved so it is not a torment any more. I hope I can do well on my Informative Speech next week.


２ International Club
In April we have three international club events: Pancakes around the World, Six Flags and a Canoe Trip.
We had Pancakes around the World on April 9 at a Methodist church. The pancakes ranged from Europe (Russia, Sweden), Asia (Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, India) and America (USA, Colombia, Mexico). All pancakes were served with special jams, syrups, and fruit salad for only 5 dollars. All proceeds benefit the international scholarships at North Central College. We made Okonomi-yaki without seafood or meat for vegetarian. Okonomi-yaki was totally different from other country’s pancakes so it was very popular. Of course, we used Okahuku-souce and mayonnaise.
Six flags is a theme park which is located in the north-west part of Illinois State. We are looking forward to going to Six Flags and the Canoe Trip.