Week 2

Task 5:

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write a SMART GOAL related to something in your lifestyle assessment or related to one of the pillars of well-being.

A:I need to become more physically fit and eat healthier. As university started, and the work load is quite high, my time at the gym has decreased significantly, and all the junk food I've eaten during my overseas holiday is being shown on my belly.

Specific: I want to drop down my weight by 5kg by the end of semester, and also drop down body fat by around 3%. Increase my level of physical activity to at least 1 hour per day; take walks instead of driving, always taking stairs instead of elevator. Cooking my own healthy food every day, avoid junk food and processed food at all times, cut down carbohydrate intake.

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Measurable: Weigh myself week, and see how the progress goes, and also use a body fat caliper to measure my body fat %. Make sure to cook at least 3 days’ worth of food in advance. So when I don’t have time to cook, I can just microwave the leftovers.

Attractive: change up my work out every 4 weeks so I won’t get bored of it; put some awesome music in my phone, and listen to it while working out. Music can also prevent any distractions that might be around you. Look for awesome, interesting and healthy recipes online, and try them out. Can also look for healthy dessert options on internet and try them out, so I don’t crave too much for sugar.

Realistic: Buying all the grocery for myself, and also trying to buy organic and raw foods, so when I cook them, I know what I put inside my food.

Timely: Time frame is by the end of semester, which is around June 25^th, about 4 months from now. 

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Task 6:

Present a 350-400 word summary on one of the following areas:

Include your results from your learning styles questionnaire. What have you learnt about yourself and your preferred learning style/s? How does this influence your approach to learning? How can you develop your learning style in your less dominant areas? Be specific and detailed with the strategies you will utilize. 

A:I’m primarily a theorist learner, with a total score of 15. The description of a theorist learner is very similar to how I learn. I like to find out the theories behind how things work, and I like to observe how things work. I like to solve problems logically and with a step by step approach, whenever I’m doing a science practical, I’d like to follow the instructions very carefully, and try to avoid any errors. This made me realise that I learn best when an instruction is given step by step, in a logical order and the objective is clear. I also like to analyse the underlying principle and theories of experiments. My new approach to learning will include avoiding situation involving emotions and feelings, avoiding unstructured activities, where ambiguity and uncertainty is high.

To become a better reflector learner, I need to learn to observe/listen more carefully. Try to review what has happened, and reflect upon it, and also produce thorough analysis and reports. 

Week 1

Task 1: 

Write a summary (250-350 words) of: Your key attributes and skills that you feel will support you in your learning  Identify 1-2 areas that you feel you will need to focus on/strengthen and how you will achieve this.

A: First of all, being autonomous is very important. University is different to high school, in high school there are always teachers to force, and push you to study, whereas in University, it’s all up to yourself to study. There are always teachers/tutors there to help, you got to seek help when needed, no one is going to come to you and ask you what’s wrong.

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Having good communication skills and team work is also a crucial part in learning. As many assignments are done in groups, communicating with group members efficiently is also very important. According to the assignments and study plans, there are also many presentations; presentation also requires good communication and presenting skills, which will also be very important later on in my career as well.

I really need to strengthen my presentation and communication skills. My presentation skills are not very good, I tend to be very nervous while I’m presenting and I tend to look down on my notes a lot. I think the only way to improve this is to practise, practise in front of a mirror before presenting, and check for eye contacts, and work on my hand gestures.

Image source: http://ecommerce.gen.monash.edu.au/img/clay01.jpg

I also need to manage my time properly, and make a good time schedule and properly stick to it. Avoid procrastination at all times. Work hard and play hard is my new motto, concentrate on whatever you are doing at the time. I should also make time for breaks, so I can keep my concentration level high. Also eliminating all distractions while working, turn of computer while not using it, close the door, and try working in a library, turning off your phone, all these can be done to avoid procrastination. 

Task 2:

Following the session on transition (L3) write a short summary (200-250 words) of the key issue/s you feel is/are relevant to you and some strategies you feel may assist you.

A: University schedule is very different to High School, the timetable is more flexible, and we get to do more of our own stuff in the spare time. I’m currently living by myself; I also have a part time job, and I’m also a dedicated member at my local gym, so I can get quite busy sometimes. Living by myself is very troublesome and takes up a lot of time, as I have to cook for myself, clean the house, do laundry, and shop for groceries and etc. to combat this, I’ll have to manage my time very wisely, preferably make a time schedule and try to stick to it. And since my job is a casual job, I might have to talk with my boss and decrease my shifts, and focus on University work more. It’s not worth it to over work, and fail a unit at University, as you’ll end up paying more than you earn.

Another transition problem is to get used to the Massive Monash Clayton campus. The Clayton campus is massive, and it’s very easy to get lost. I lost my way 3 times in the first week of University. The best way to deal with this problem is to keep walking around, and get used to it, and also download a Monash app on my phone, so I can use the map whenever I’m lost. It’s very hard to be punctual during the first week, as I get lost quite often, and may turn up to classes a little late. I should get to University earlier every time, so I have time to find my classes, instead of being late.

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The study style in university is also very different. In high school teachers always force you to study, they are always watching you, and pushing you behind your back. University is very different, there are still teachers to guide and help you, but no one pushes and forces you to study. Even lectures are not compulsory, so it’s all up to you, to study by yourself, and seek help when needed. Autonomous is very important in university, I have to get used to this style and keep myself disciplined and not slacking off.

Task 3:
Write a short description of your cultural identity. What is your ethnicity? What about your parents grandparents /friends? How does this influence what you regularly eat? 

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A: I came from a Chinese background, all of my parents, grandparents and relatives are Chinese. Most of my friends are also Chinese. Chinese identity is a big part of my life, even though we don’t live in China anymore; it’s still a part of me that can never be changed. I speak Chinese at home, and follow most of the Chinese way of living. At home, my parents would only cook Chinese food, as their only child, I have no other choice but eat what they cook, but I love Chinese food, it is what defines me. As a Chinese food is an important part of our identity, food isn't all about eating and getting the right nutrition, it’s also a way for people and families to get together and have a chat about life. Every week, we’d invite over our close family friends and have a dinner together, it’s hard to maintain you identity especially while you are in a foreign country. We are trying to maintain our identity through food, and cooking.  Chinese identity also includes many eating etiquette  such as letting the elders sit first, elders/owner of the house gets to eat the first bite, pouring tea for elders etc.

Most of my friends are also Chinese, this also influence the things I eat, while I’m eating out. My friends love Chinese food too, so whenever we go out, we are most likely to go to Chinese restaurants. On top of that Chinese food are also very cheap and affordable, so around $8-10 can get you a very decent and filling meal. 

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Task 4:

With reference to One Continuous Picnic &/or the GUSTO exhibition develop a timeline including at least 5 key / significant events / developments that have influenced Australia’s / Victoria’s food supply today.

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A: Gold rush period (1850s): The Chinese people came to Australia during the gold rush period after 1850; they also brought with them their cooking philosophy, and cooking methods. They also established China Town in Melbourne which is located on Bourke Street. The migration of many Chinese and Asian communities have changed the eating patterns of Australians, and many Asian fruits are also imported from Asian countries, to suit the taste of many different people. Many new fruits and vegetables have appeared in the markets, and new cooking techniques are also present now days.

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World War I (1914-1918): ANZAC biscuits were invented during World War I, it was sent to soldiers on the battlefield by their wives, because the biscuits were extremely dry, and therefore they do not spoil easily, and are kept well during transportation. Anzac biscuits have become extremely popular now days, due to its sweet flavor and crispy texture.

Post-World War I (1918 on-wards) : Vegemite was invented, because the import route of Marmite (similar to Vegemite, but made in Britain) was disrupted.

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The great depression (1930s): during the hard times of the great depression, rabbits became a popular food item for many farmers and people who cannot afford beef, pork or poultry. The skin could be made into garments and clothes, while the flesh can be eaten. Rabbits can be caught pretty easily, therefore making the availability even higher. After the great depression times, it has been reintroduced as a proper meat, and even fashionable gourmet food. Now days rabbit meat are known for its lean meat and health benefits, they can be found in most super markets, butchers and some restaurants.

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Post World War 2 (1945): Melbourne expanded rapidly, due to the boost of post war immigration to Australia, mainly from the Southern Europe and Mediterranean countries (Italian, French and Greeks). They also brought in their Mediterranean cuisine with them, including more fish and pasta, olive oil, coffee drinking culture, varieties of cheese, broad use of vegetables and wine drinking. They are a big part of today’s Australian cuisine.  Coffee drinking is now a daily ritual for many Australian people; it has overtaken tea as the most popular hot beverages ordered in restaurants and cafes. Pasta dishes another staple food of many European countries is now chosen by many Australians. 

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