Author: artiolacharm

Days before the dreaded Development Communication Examinations, students contemplate on how they’d survive against one of the fiercest battles of their academe life. The results of our exams could either be our greatest friend or our worst enemy– it can drag us up, or pull us down.

With this in mind, here’s some tips that can help students arm themselves before and during the examination.

Preparation of Tools and Self

Know Your Professors

Every professor has their own style of exam sets. We can be familiar with their styles through knowing the kind of quizzes which they give after lessons. Also, asking the senior students about how their former professors’ exams are structured is helpful as they can share their experiences and can even give some tips.

Gather Available Handouts

Gathering all hand- outs, powerpoint slides, PDFs, and modules is necessary most especially for students who write slowly. A wide range of information about the lessons is important for students to be able to study enough and answer all questions in the exam.

Allot Time for Reading Everyday

We highly encourage that you read past lessons for at least 30 minutes a day. Cramming our readings in just a night won’t be enough to cover all the past lessons.

Take it from us, we learned it the hard way. That 228 items in our DevCom 11 dealt a lethal blow to our spirits.

Integrate Mnemonics for Easy Familiarization

Students have their own ways of studying, one of these is using mnemonics as a way to easily remember a lot of information. It is effective for those students having a hard time memorizing such long sentences. This is preferably used for objective exams.

Walk Before the Examination

Study says that a 30- minute walk before the exam can relax the brain therefore making it wok actively. A DEVC student will feel refreshed when walking which in turn will prevent mental block and will avoid panic attack during the exam.

Survival Tips During the Battle

Read the Instructions

This is one of the most basic rules there is, but one that has deadly consequences if not followed. Some instructions are very specific, they’ll require certain numbers of paragraphs in essays or even asks for a specific format when writing.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask the Professor

If you have ANY questions or clarification, do not hesitate to ask the professor for help. When it comes to exams, it’s best if we don’t assume.

Answer First on What You Know

To be honest, there are examinations that has 200 items or more. You’re going to have to know which questions are going to be your priority and you will need to manage your time wisely.

Answer first on what you know, and don’t linger on what you don’t. You can always go back once you’ve answered all that you know.

Good luck and God bless ❤️

written by Scribere: Charm Artiola, Eirine Baldovino, and Ma. Angela Faye Rufino

I remember my first freshie day, I was late. I did not attend the orientation and the campus tour. Man, it feels like yesterday. Time flies so fast and before I know it, I already failed most of my quizzes. Only a month had pass and I learned a lot from the UPLB Community. Here are my lists of insights in elbi:

LIVE NOW, DO NOW.

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Procrastination is a silent dream killer. I have realized that college is far from high school. Procrastination will make your life in elbi a living hell. As a Devcom student, I think we should never put off till tomorrow what may be done today. This is also for us to have enough time for ourselves.

TO KEEP THE BODY IN GOOD HEALTH IS A DUTY.

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Being away from our family is a big challenge. It means we get to do our own laundry, to cook for ourselves, and to take care of ourselves. I live alone in my apartment so it’s hard to get sick when you don’t have someone to take care of you. One of the crucial thing to live a happy life in elbi is to prevent things that’ll make you sick so, we should: Bring an umbrella as protection from direct sunlight and heavy rains, eat healthy foods, and stay hydrated.  Also, a healthy student can study well and do better every day.

BE A ROLE MODEL FOR YOURSELF.

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We may think everyone is better than we are, but we just seem to see the image they portray to others. I guess one thing that instilled in my mind is to never compare yourself to others. We have our own strengths and weaknesses, and we have to focus on nurturing those strengths and trying to fix those weaknesses to be able to inspire others not to make them feel down. In UP, the competition is within ourselves not with other people because after all, it is our self that we will bring to success someday.

NEVER GIVE UP.

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In college, I have learned that giving up only makes you a coward. I think every student must have a thinking that whenever we encounter hardships, we never lose; we win and learn. Success comes with failures and lost battles, but that’s only the beginning in order to learn. Graduating in UP is a slow process and giving up won’t speed it up.

 SUPPORT SYSTEM IS A BASIC REQUIREMENT.

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No man is an island. In UP, you can’t achieve anything entirely by yourself. Good people as a support system will make UPLB a home away from home. Encouraging, lifting up and strengthen one another is a great way to have a good mental and emotional health. Sometimes, we have to rely on our support system to get inspiration and to get back in track.

These are some of the many lessons I have learned in my approximately 720 hours in UPLB. I know there will be more and I am beyond ready to take in every knowledge if that what it takes to be a deserving ISKOLAR NG BAYAN.

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In reality, it is our basic necessities that are keeping us to get through life. Same thing goes in the world of Development Communication. Listed below are the little things that’ll get me through the woods of Devcom.

MOBILE PHONE

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As inhabitant of the modernized world, we never forget to bring our phones in our pockets or in our bags. A phone is not only crucial for our daily communication but for our academic purposes as well. Don’t we all keep everything that we need in our phone? From PDFs and Apps to Videos and Selfies? Phones nowadays have enhanced features making it so helpful in almost everything. It is also very handy and easy access with internet connection anytime you need it.

LAPTOP [+EARPHONES]

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Sometimes, I call it a notebook since it is a personal computer that is small enough to fit in my lap. This is important for a devcom student for designing things using communication tools/ devices like Photoshop, In- design, ect. Also, with a laptop we can take notes in class, work with projetcs, and type up assignments. One more thing is that is a must have when editing an audio recordings and videos. This is where earphones take place, because we don’t want to disturb anyone while editing in a library or in a public place.

POWERBANK

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When you have a phone, a power bank must come with it. It’s not like everywhere there’s an electric plug or an electricity so, a devcom student has to be prepared for emergencies. We use our phones a lot resulting to battery draining and that is why power banks are really handy when it comes to field works or to data research.

PEN AND PAPER

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Though there are a lot of audio recorders in the market and our phones also have one, I must say that jotting down notes never goes out of style. A pen and a paper is enough to survive a DEVC lecture class that has a surprise quiz after. When a student is taking notes while listening, there’s a higher possibility that the lessons can be retained in his/ her memory after, making his/her remember the answers to the questions in the quiz.

WATER BOTTLE

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It is hard to think when you are dehydrated. Water can keep you moving throughout am exhausting day. As a devcom student, I always put my health first to be able to do other things right. A water bottle is an essential to be thrifty.

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Data gathering is a crucial part in writing a story. It is a must experience for a devcom- in- training student like me. There are three types to obtain data: Observation, Interview, and Retrieval. In our case, we have decided to use interview as our technique in order to get accurate information and to clarify some through follow- up questions.

It was a sunny day when we decided to gather data from the government institutions assigned to us mainly: Philippine National Police, Municipal Health Office, and Municipal Nutrition Office. Together with Eirine Baldovino and Angela Faye Rufino, we took the journey to those three institutions to be able to get the information we needed. Our experience has its good and bad coin sides. There are unexpected situations that tested our resourcefulness and our patience but in spite of it all, we still stood together as a team.

Here are some of the must- do’s in gathering data using interview:

Plan Ahead.

This is a general statement because I think a media writer should not just plan his/her questions and interview techniques but also plan the worst case scenario. In our experience, we didn’t think of the problems that might arise because we underestimated the work. So, we had difficulties communicating with the authority especially the PNP official who accommodated us. The officer as I can say is too strict that he don’t even want to disclose their office’s public information. So, I think I somehow lost my patience there while trying to convince him but he didn’t budge. That is why, plan B should be made.

Prepare an Interview Letter.

One of the reasons while government institutions aren’t entertaining some interviewers is the absence of legal document asking permission to conduct an interview. I must say that preparing this will make the life of the interviewers easy. These institutions are including the interview to their monthly accomplishments so they need to keep the interview letter as a legal record.

Be Professional.

A devcom- in- training must know that professionalism should be an attitude. This include being on- time– we don’t want to disappoint our interviewee by being late. Remember that their time is precious and as a media writer, we don’t want to waste it. Be polite– a greeting and a good approach is necessary to ease the awkwardness between the interviewer and the interviewee. We have to show respect and considerate in the duration of the whole interview.

Assess Your Questions First.

Before asking your questions, always consider if it’s too impulsive to ask or not. Sometimes, we tend to ask questions so abrupt that we might offend our interviewee.

Always Take Notes.

In doing an interview, we should take notes faster than our usual pace to get as much information as we can. If one cannot write fast, remember to record the interview with a phone and an audio recorder.

Our team learned a lot from our data gathering experience. Our journey towards obtaining data is tiring yet memorable.

Image Reference: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/795377984172662599/

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There was never a dull color in my head when I read. But, there were always bright red markings in my paper when I write. A simple way to explain myself as a [media] writer. I confess I’m not really good in putting together my words as compared to others. I may be the worst writer you could ever think of but, I am proud. I take pride that my cup is empty, and is ready to be filled with necessary qualities and skills of a responsible and an accountable media writer.

I wouldn’t want to rate myself because I feel terrible but somehow, evaluation is a must for a start.

QUALITIES OF A MEDIA WRITER

1. Curious/ Inquisitive- 3
2. Intelligent- 2
3. Industrious- 2
4. Resourceful- 3
5. Persevering- 2
6. Imaginative- 2
7. Puts a premium on accuracy and truth- 1
8. Loves to read- 3
9. Interested in and loves people- 2
10. Service- oriented- 2

This is a self- assessment where 1 is the highest and 5 is the lowest. These qualities should make up a good and effective media writer on the field. These are the things I have to work on in my whole stay in Development Communication. And so, the questions are:

Among the qualities listed, which quality would be the one that you need to work on the most?

       I would definitely need to enhance my resourcefulness. Sometimes, when I encounter problems in a middle of the work I tend to lose hope and to be contented on what I only accomplished, which is lame. So, I have to be inventive or enterprising to be able to execute creative ways when there are difficulties during field work. I need to have the ability to overcome problems or to make do with what is available to quickly think and create a solution.

Given your ratings, what keeps you from getting the 1.00 self- rating?

       I guess its confidence that’s keeping me from getting myself a 1.00 rating. Ever since I stepped foot in UP, my confidence just dropped. This is because of peer pressure and low self- esteem. I don’t have that enough confidence to claim that I have that qualities as a product of my high school training. Aside from that, it is the truth. I couldn’t get 1.00 self- rating because that’s my reality; the realness of it all. I believe that to be able for a media writer to tell a factual story s/he must know the truth about her/himself first.

SKILLS OF A MEDIA WRITER

1. Gathering Data- 2
2. Validating and clarifying information- 3
3. Organizing information- 2
4. Writing clearly and effectively- 3
5. Proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices- 4

Among the skills listed, which skill have you developed the highest competency? What contributed to the development of that skill?

       I have developed the highest competency in gathering data since I am already aware how to close the gap between what I already know and what I don’t know yet. My ability might not be as good as those with expertise but I can gather information through observation, document search, and interview in my own way and with the use of guidelines, and objectives. I guess my experiences have the biggest contribution to the development of this skill, the life- situations I already experienced molded me for what I am able to do today. Also, my DEVC professors have influenced my way of thinking and my perspective in life. Those primary reasons helped me enhanced and developed my skill/s.

Among the skills listed, which skill would be the one that you need to work on the most to develop? Why?

       The skill I really have to work on is my proficiency in the operation of communication tools/ devices. It’s not that I don’t have interests on these things, my only problem is that I couldn’t make my work right when I edit a simple picture with technical effects. I tend to forget the basics so I’m getting problematic with the whole procedure. This skill is one of the most important for a media writer to be able to communicate to the audiences with creativity and life.

          In spite of the difficulties on my journey in becoming an effective media writer, I am ready to stumble just to fill my cup with knowledge, qualities, and skills of a good development communicator. 

Image Reference: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/180003316347376775/

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What do you think? Millions believe that challenges in life are just mere punishments by God, millions do not. Many are uncertain. In my years of existence in this earth packed with life so abundant, I once dreamed of a perfect life, with a perfect family, Sand a perfect self. I fantasized myself living on soft clouds and eating it. I dreamed and woke up, every single day. It makes me feel real, it makes me feel vulnerable. Reminiscing all of that dreams is painful. Those aren’t my truth but rather, an escape to the realness of a four- cornered box of challenges.

Trials await me in the vastness of UPLB. Today, I am still in a state of shock that I’ve been accepted in my dream university. My eighteen- year old soul is afraid of this big pond thinking that I am just a tiny fish. I am still amazed that God, in spite of it all, blessed me with an institution that harness good quality education. As I wander around, I recalled my background as a high school student. I wasn’t a sporty lad but I am academically inclined. I got in my former school’s official publication as a news writer, a feature writer and a broadcaster. This is what drove me to go farther through pursuing a career in Development Communication.

These experiences molded me for what I am today. The hard times that I’ve got into strengthened me as a dreamer. I have known the possibilities and the consequences of taking up Development Communication, and I am beyond prepared for whatever challenges that’ll come my way. This is my call to serve my country as a media writer. To write words that are worth sharing for. To find myself living around principles and practices of development- oriented information. To inspire people with the truth.

As a DevCom student, I believe that challenges are lessons to be an effective media writer. That Development Communication itself is the challenge, but I’m afraid no more. At this point of time, learning is a tool that enables me to become a woman of strength. My weaknesses empower me to be a development communicator. I am Charm Samson Artiola, and this is my truth.

Writers made up sentences not because words exist. It is the very essence of words that drives them to put thoughts into letters. This essence relays a purpose to make something big of a change not just for the society but also for the world as a whole. Sometimes as readers, we don’t see the changes words can make, we only perceived these words as existence of language. We seldom expect these words as a communication tool to development. The truth is, most of us don’t read words beyond its content which makes us less of a communicator. On my quest to finding the perfect characteristics of development oriented topic, some people told me,

 “A development – oriented topic should be TIMELY and RELEVANT.” The topic has to be happening at the moment or happened just yesterday or the day before that. It caters current events and activities that’s still appealing to people. It’s timeliness that makes the readers want to know something because they can actually be updated from time to time. A timely topic draw a connection to the audience. In connection, a timely topic must also be relevant. To be relevant, you have to think about your audience’s current needs, wants, and opinions. You have to stay up to date and figure out what your customers want and like right now. Relevancy means catering to your customers in as many ways as you can. These two are crucial in writing a development oriented topics.

 “A development- oriented topic should render service to the community.” I believe it is the duty of a development communicator to convey such messages that depicts positive developmental strategies and techniques in order to serve the community. A community made up of marginalized group of people. The topic must extend help to these communities and must gave them the services they all deserve. It is also important that these topics are versatile enough to bow down to poor people in order for them to understand what should be done to develop. Also I guess this is the purpose of being a development communicator, to serve the people.

“A development-oriented topic must promote cultural and social distinction” We live in a world of diver culture and social status. Some people don’t understand the culture of others, some are of different social status than that of others. It is important to know the distinction of cultures and the difference of socio- economic factors that affect these people’s lives. The topic must promote these unique characteristics of communities to be able to render service with less complications along the way.

Furthermore, always know the target audience first before doing anything developmental at all. These characteristics I’ve gathered are just a tiny portion of a lot of characteristics out there. These only connote that a development communicator must always cater the needs of the readers/ audiences. It is the purpose that’ll make a topic be development- oriented.