Kiara's Experience of Economic Research
- Student profile: Kiara Li, Year 12
- Current school: Dulwich International High School Suzhou
- Learning Program: GEC PBL Online Research Program- Economics of Innovation (UCLA)
- Application Intention: UK, Architectural Design
Kiara from Dulwich International High School Suzhou tells us that she plans to apply for a major in architectural design in the UK. She has recently been preparing her portfolio. I am surprised, so I flip through the files to confirm that she is indeed participating in the “Economics of Innovation” program. Why does she choose scientific research? Let’s explore Li’s journey together.
Kiara is a shy girl; however, when talking about the major she would like to apply for and her experience in the scientific research project, you can see the light in her eyes. Why did she choose a scientific research project in economics when she intends to apply for a major in architecture? How does she feel during the learning process? Let’s find out!
1 Scientific research! Why?
Doing scientific research: A non-utilitarian attempt, it’s worth it!
Actually, there is no special utilitarian reason. Although I’m going to apply for a major in architecture in the future, economics is also attractive to me. One of my teachers said that even if you do not take your study of economics further, this kind of experience will benefit you a lot in your lifelong learning process. I knew the “Economics of Innovation” project was about new types of enterprise innovation, so I signed up. Unexpectedly, I was selected for an interview!
2 What is the most challenging part?
Challenging: Scientific research is not as simple as I imagined!
The whole project is actually very challenging for me because I had never heard of scientific research methods before coming to Dulwich International High School Suzhou. I didn’t know where to find the literature. It is quite stressful, especially in mid-term, because a lot of research reading needs to be done. However, after I mastered the method in the later period, I felt relieved. Now I am not afraid of research projects anymore!
The experience gave me a taste of college life in advance. I was immersed in the English language environment in class, which focused my concentration and urged me to quickly absorb lots of knowledge in a short time. The difference between ordinary economics class and scientific research is that scientific research does not prescribe or restrict the approach to the specification. No one tells you what to do, so sometimes you may feel lost with so much freedom. I didn't have much experience, so I chose the practical topic “Innovation in Asian Population”, which I found easier to get started with. Looking back at the project output of our group, I still have a strong sense of achievement.
3 What was the most interesting part?
Painful but joyful: Reading
Reading is the most interesting part and the most painful part for me. It is really helpful and enlightening to read other people’s literature carefully; however, some articles are too long (and there are a lot of proper nouns), and it is painful to digest the reading.
I really liked an article about the relationship between innovation and life cycles. Specifically, the main idea is that your creativity will be different at different stages of your life. It’s great to be able to read content that suits my appetite while reading.
4 Are you still afraid of doing scientific research?
After this experience, I felt more confident, and I believe university life will be easier to deal with. I have mastered some scientific research skills, so it will be easier for me to write a thesis in college. The focus of scientific research is not about a particular subject, it cultivates my ability to study. I believe that I will not be troubled by future research topics in the field of architecture.
PARENTS interested in finding more about GEC programmes (such as the research project undertaken by Kiara) or improving your children’s academic competitiveness should scan the following QR code to get more detailed information（mention “Dulwich”.
STUDENTS please contact your counsellors for more details.
