16 The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) invited Dr. Cecilia Francisco-Tan to organize a comprehensive course on Effective Communication to teach twelve SVD students at Dorish Maru College in Box Hill. The course was designed to go beyond basic communication skills and focused on actively engaging with others. Dr. Cecilia emphasized the importance of listening attentively, thinking critically, reading thoroughly, speaking passionately, and writing reflectively. This approach was particularly valuable for the students, as English is our second language, and improving our proficiency in the language is a significant benefit of the course. We were able to develop both our communication abilities and improve our English proficiency. The course challenged us to think critically, expand our vocabulary, and gave us the confidence to engage in meaningful conversations within our community. The course was thoughtfully designed using a variety of engaging activities. One of the primary methods used to achieve this was the integration of debates and case studies. These activities provided a dynamic platform for students to not only practice their communication skills but also engage deeply with complex and sometimes challenging topics. The debates, in particular, encouraged students to question long-held beliefs and assumptions, sparking thoughtful discussions among the group. For instance, one debate focused on the significance of referring to Mary as the ‘Mother of God’. This theological concept, deeply rooted in Christian tradition, prompted the students to explore the historical and doctrinal implications of the title. Many students had grown up with this belief but had never critically examined its meaning. Through the debate, we were able to articulate our thoughts, challenge one another, and arrive at a deeper understanding of why this title is used and what it means for our faith. Another debate centered on a more contemporary issue: whether fast food should be sold in schools. This topic required the students to think critically about health, education, and social responsibility. While it may seem unrelated to theology at first glance, this discussion was a valuable exercise in applying critical thinking skills to everyday issues. The students had to research both sides of the argument, construct persuasive arguments, and engage in a respectful exchange of ideas. This pushed us to consider broader ethical implications and understand how our values and beliefs could be applied to real-world scenarios. Effective Communication Classes Bhumbodin (Christopher) Hiranrattanajinda SVD
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