NOVEL Module

Post written by Isabelle Kong (14S7J)

Date of event: 29 April - 20 May 2014

The NOVEL course was a GATE elective module on Literature, for which we had to choose a book to study for three weeks. The book our elective class selected to study by popular vote was “King and Maxwell” by David Baldacci. I later regretted this choice because it turned out to be a classic action- thriller best-seller book which I did not really enjoy reading. However, even though I did not like the book, I nevertheless quite enjoyed the NOVEL elective.

First and foremost, our instructor was patient with us and encouraged us all to share our opinions of the book. He was open-minded to the different views we expressed. As such, it was comfortable discussing our thoughts in class.

Secondly, there was an interesting variety of different games we played during the elective to get us to share our opinions. Besides the classic go-around-the-circle method, our instructor also introduced us to his self-invented “Uno-style” game, which was refreshing and innovative. Thus, we got to both make up rules for a fun game as we continued and voice our opinions at the same time. In particular, my favourite activity was the last lesson where we were given materials to craft our own big bookmarks in a creative way. I truly enjoyed colouring on the paper to create my very own bookmark!

The only improvement I felt could have been done is with regards to the first lesson of the NOVEL elective. This is because for the very first elective, we mainly spent the time just voting on what book we would discuss for the next 2 weeks and since we could only obtain the book selected after that, the first session was basically quite wasted. Instead, I feel it would be better if an online voting system could have been put in place for students in the NOVEL elective to vote on their preferred book beforehand. In this way, students would know the book selected before the elective has started and be ready to bring the book and start discussing it right from the first session.

#2014gateelective