This is my self-reflective learning journal of my first week in the program. The main work of the first week is concentrated on the fundamental knowledge preparation for the following content.
I have learnt some of the basic knowledge before, but it is kind of frustrating that I forget most things, and they really seem like new things to me. At first, I am quite confused and uncertain about everything like where to start, what to learn, but then I find this experience quite interesting and refreshing. My past experiences of academic study mostly come from the exam-oriented course where professors give lectures and assignments to help students learn and the overall performance is assessed by exams and assignments, and the project-oriented courses that focuses mostly on how to solve different problems with your knowledge and ideas. However, in the program, the study experience is quite different, and refreshing specially to me. Through I am just doing the basic research on the new knowledge and I have much to learn, I think this kind of learning experience quite intriguing. Just as professor Lee states that there is no direct and “correct” answer to every questions and I need to find out the answer myself. This makes it looks like hunting and exploring. The best part is that it is very common and easy to go to another different area of study when I am reading materials in one area. I enjoy this kind of study experiences because it not only grants me great freedom to learn, but also shows me how everything is connected and combined. I always find new questions when looking for answers to the old questions, and finally step by step and question by question I find I learn many new things in different areas.
The second thing that gives me larger vision is that I could learn things in a totally different area. Most of my study in university is on basic knowledge like physics and mathematics, semiconductor, software and hardware. I find it satisfying that I finally covers the knowledge in electric machinery and vehicle and it fill one blank part of my knowledge system. In the study of the first week, I find that I am interested in this area and I am now reconsidering my future academic career and it would be a good choice if I pursue a master or doctor degree in related areas.
