A Letter to Students

Dear all,

Welcome to the Research Project course! What is this course about? Hey, do not wait for my answer! No. You have to figure it out on your own.... Well, I believe you have already had your own guess. Good for you!

Now, to better your understanding, I need you to read over the brief introduction below and compare it with your prediction and you will know what Research Project is and what you have to do for this course.

Research Project is a course that offers you a chance to go beyond what you know and to think and incorporate ideas by others, and to submit your integrated papers. To get involved in this course, you will write a detailed study of a subject. Next, you will access the Internet, to check out books from the library, and perhaps to interview several people to discover information or reach a new understanding. Then, to present your integrated works, you will need to polish your writing ability and presentation skill. Lastly, your project will take place in groups. In other words, when you are evaluated, it is largely in relation to your contribution to the project work. Wait! Here is the most important thing: self-studying and asking questions are the major keys. If you don’t study and ask, you will never learn!

It sounds like an entirely new, tough course that you’ve never contacted before. But, don’t worry! Once you develop the following quality of characteristics, you will be a successful project researcher: (1) reading and writing, (2) working with others (usually 3-5 students in one group), (3) a regular schedule of meetings, (4) talk isn't cheap—giving yourself a talk. These are not what you are born with, but what you need to nurture. They require practice—practice every day.

Research Project can be made more enjoyable and productive through individual and cooperative effort. For you, research techniques are a product of experience rather than formal training because this course helps you experience methods of discovery, critical thinking, logical analyses, and problem-solving and even reach the demands of the community. Enjoy!

How to Use the Language Lab

1. Remove the security.
2. Unlock the door.
3. Turn on the fan and air-con. (No more three air-cons.)
4. Press on the switches of the black and white boxes on the desk.
5. Turn on megaphone and microphone (the first and third machines).
6. Pull down the big screen (the switch is next to the cabinet with megaphone).
7. Don’t forget to turn on the computer.
8. If I want everyone to listen to and watch the screen (either their computer screen or the big screen), I just press “all choices + change.”
9. When I want to give back their screen, I just press “all choices + clean.”
10. If I want to randomly watch over students’ computer, I press “all choices + monitor.”
11. If I want to specifically watch over someone, I press “the number + monitor.”