Reader Response on Detroit House article Draft #1

In the article “This Detroit House is being turned into a living model of cost-saving sustainable design”, Peters (2016) illustrates how a group of three architecture graduates, through their project ‘“Motown Movement”’, aim to share the techniques of constructing a “sustainable” house. The locals had already implement some forms of eco-friendly practices but still lack in knowledge of modifying their houses in a more cost-efficient way. Therefore, the students constructed a house and converted it into a "training centre" to educate the public on energy efficient methods such as a "septic tank". A “do-it-yourself” approach is adopted and materials used are available at various local supply stores. They aim for the project to be applicable across different global climates and to increase awareness of this movement. In my opinion, the students should come up with a less aggressive approach when introducing drastic changes into the community of making Detroit environmentally friendly.

The first reason that makes the students approach too aggressive is because not many people would be open to such drastic changes. People in general would have a difficult time having to do something that they are not normally used to do. Yes, I do agree on the students’ eco-friendly techniques to make the houses in the community more energy efficient. However, they should focus more on how they can get the people of Detroit to ‘buy’ their idea. There are different forms of communication methods which can affect different groups of people. It is mentioned that having the proper means of communication empowers the speaker to convey uneasy subjects without any conflict in interests (Robinson, Segal & Smith, 2016). It is also important that one has to pay attention how the target audience process the information and whether the intended effect has been achieved (Moser, 2009). Subsequently, with a proper approach this may allow the locals to have less possibility of reluctance to change and a greater appreciation for the purpose of  “Motown Movement”.

When conducting such talks or hands-on workshops, the students can introduce and elaborate on the various ways to achieve an ecological environment. This can give locals a bigger picture on how sustainability is important and how it can benefit themselves in the long run. It is mentioned that there are many examples of renewable energy source such as solar energy in a solar cell generation or even wind power to turbines producing electricity (Marquit, 2009). This teaches the people of Detroit there are indeed other possible ways of achieving sustainability besides the techniques that the students aim to introduce. However, the methods to be displayed in the “training centre” are more applicable to the locals in achieving sustainability more cost-efficiently. On top of that, techniques that are displayed in the model house are achieved through the use of a “do-it-yourself” approach as the materials that the students used are readily available in the local supply stores. Again, this will emphasize on the purpose of “Motown Movement”.

Having better communication approach will make the people of Detroit more accepting and understanding the importance and benefits of achieving a sustainable house at a more cost-efficient way. The training facility will then be more welcoming for the community to visit and be better educated on other techniques that the students have to offer. In the long run, the students can keep updating more techniques that the community will be very interested to imitate such a relatable sustainable model. I believe by doing so, they will be able to achieve their aim of being able to put to application and educate other regions of the world in the long run.

Total word count: 601

References

Marquit, M. (2009, May 8). 5 Feasible renewable energy sources. Retrieved from http://phys.org/news/2009-05-feasible-renewable-energy-sources.html

Moser, C., S. (2009, December 22). Communicating climate change: history, challenges, process and future directions. Retrieved from http://www.susannemoser.com/documents/Moser_WIRE_2010.pdf

Peters, A. (2016, July 7). This Detroit House Is Being Turned Into A Living Model OF Cost-Saving Sustainable Design. Retrieved from https://www.fastcoexist.com/3061563/world-changing-ideas/this-detroit-house-is-being-turned-into-a-living-model-of-cost-saving-s

Robinson, L., Segal, J.,  Ph. D., and Smith, M. (2016, September). Effective Communication: Improving communication skills in your work and personal relationships. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships/effective-communication.htm#resources

last edited // 05:53pm, 28 September 2016

Areas to improve my English language

These are the 3 things that I have to work on to improve my English writing;
Grammar
Verbose
Sentence Structure

Summary on the "Motown Movement" & thesis

In the article “This Detroit House is being turned into a living model of cost-saving sustainable design”, Peters (2016) illustrates how a group of three architecture graduates, through their project ‘“Motown Movement”’, aim to share the techniques of constructing a “sustainable” house. The locals had already implement some forms of eco-friendly practices but still lack in knowledge of modifying their houses in a more cost-efficient way. As such, the students constructed a house and converted it into a training facility to educate the public on energy efficient methods. A “do-it-yourself” approach is adopted and materials used are available at various local supply stores. They aim for the project to be applicable across different global climates and to increase awareness of this movement.

In my opinion, the students should come up with a less aggressive approach when introducing drastic changes into the community of making Detroit environmentally friendly.

Adele Peters (2016, July 7). This Detroit House Is Being Turned Into A Living Model OF Cost-Saving Sustainable Design. Retrieved from https://www.fastcoexist.com/3061563/world-changing-ideas/this-detroit-house-is-being-turned-into-a-living-model-of-cost-saving-s

Dayn

1st edit // 12:24pm, 22 Sept 2016
last edited // 07:15pm, 24 Sept 2016

Formal Introduction

To: Brad Blackstone

From: Danish Khairen

Date: September 10, 2016

Subject: Self-introduction

Mr. Blackstone,

I am writing to you this email with regards to the task D of introducing myself. My name is Muhammad Danish Khairen. Prior to being enrolled here in Singapore Institute of Technology, I was a student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic for three years. I attained a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering with Minor in Business Management. When at leisure, my family and I love travelling around Singapore and discover new places of interest or cafes. Occasionally, I enjoy playing football with my friends over the weekend. My goal in this program is to do exceptionally well so as to broaden my knowledge and have a continuous education such as accomplishing Masters too. On top of that, I hope to be able to sign on in the Singapore Police Force and serve the nation as a Senior Police Officer, following the footsteps of my family members.

Regards

Danish Khairen

SIE 2016

Group 1

1st edit // 01:05pm, 19 Sept 2016
2nd edited // 08:51pm, 21 Sept 2016
last edited // 01:58pm, 3 Oct 2016
commented on Ali's formal introduction letter // 08:50pm, 21 Sept 2016
commented on Akmal's formal introduction letter // 09:09pm, 21 Sept 2016

The Importance of English for Me

Growing up in Singapore, I have been surrounded by neighbors of different races. From playing outside at the age of 5 to being in school as I grew up, I have been told and encouraged to speak in a common language- English. This has helped me communicate with others effectively in spite of being at a young age. Even if it was just basic English at one point of time, I realized that eventually the language itself is important in so many aspects.

Being in a family who loves travelling, it is essential that my family and I travel to countries with the knowledge of English because majority of the countries’ first or second language is English. I have come to learn that English is not only a universal language but it is also relevant especially when I am in foreign countries e.g. asking for directions. Even when the locals do not speak English, I find great pleasures in sharing with them the basics because it does make them happy. With the knowledge gained, they could either improve their skills or even communicate with other tourists easily.

Furthermore, it gives me an advantage of having unlimited access to information that is readily available in the internet, books, television etc. because most of them are in English. Speaking of which, understanding and writing English is also vital because without the integration between these three skills, everyone will be clueless. For example, a well written résumé will impress an employer, so does speaking well in an interview. Proper English portrays professionalism. Additionally, understanding the contract of employment is also important because it basically tells me what I should expect from the company.

Therefore, I believe there is no reason not to study English as it is the most spoken language in the world. While we are living in a modern world that relies on the internet most of the time, we should understand what we see, what we read and what we say all around the world in any situation.

338 words

last edited // 01:12pm, 19 Sept 2016
commented on Chris' importance of English // 14 Sept 2016
commented on Derrick's English learning journey // 9 Dec 2016

A New Beginning

Welcome to my blog! This blog is for me to post assignment writings relating to Effective Communication. Do leave me a feedback on each post! Much appreciated.


Dayn