Academic and Employability Skills
Contents
Public speaking and giving presentations 8
Introduction
Reflective writing is the overall evidence of reflective thinking, and in an academic context, reflective thinking generally involves analyzing the idea or event along with careful thinking from different perspectives. Therefore, reflective writing is a more personal form of academic writing, and people think reflectively in everyday life (Reflecive, 2020). The main purpose of reflective writing is to help an individual to learn from specific practical experience. Overall, reflective writing helps in establishing connections between what an individual learned in theory and what an individual needs to do in practice. Reflective writing helps in developing a better understanding of a topic and academic skills. The following report is reflective writing using the model of Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle based on the learning module topics of time management, online learning experience, CV writing, and public speaking and giving presentations.
Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle
Gibbs Reflective Cycle is one of the most widely used reflection models that leads to various stages of experiences. This reflective model was developed by Graham Gibbs in 1988 for providing structure to learning experiences (Edinburgh, 2020). It offers a framework for examining experiences, and the model’s cyclic nature lends to planning and learning from things that either went well or did not go well. This model is a good way to work through experiences that can either be a situation or stand-alone experience that one goes through frequently. Originally, Gibbs’ advocated this model’s use in repeated situations, but the overall principles and stages are equally applicable for individual experiences too.
Figure: Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle
Source: www.mmc.ac.uk
Using the above six steps of the model, one should be able to identify the strengths, areas that require development, and actions one can take to enhance professional skills. Overall, this model is effective in helping students to learn from situations that they regularly experience, specifically those that do not go as per anticipation.
Time Management
Description: Time management is the process of planning and organizing the division of time between specific activities. The module on time management focused on my experience and progress, along with the specification of proper time utilization. Various aspects of managing time in regards to completing multiple tasks were taught.
Feelings: Before learning of this module, I was not aware of efficient time management techniques. However, after learning of this module, it became clear to me that time management is a vital aspect for everyone who desires to be successful. Initially, I was having some trouble with the topic as practically it was proving to be difficult to implement the time management techniques, but gradually it became effective with the passage of time.
Evaluation: The things that were extremely helpful in this learning module were the topic produced the good quality of practical implementation based on time management. The overall learning was very motivational as it helped in building confidence while having a target of completing multiple tasks. However, the negative aspect of this learning module is that it did not prove to be effective for every individual, as everyone has got their own strengths and weaknesses.
Analysis: The reason behind the effectiveness of this learning module is that in today’s world, time management has become an integral part of everyone’s life. The implementation of time management helped in gaining enormous experience in the utilization of time as per the requirement. The negative aspect of this learning is based on the fact that it does not teach time management depending upon an individual’s capability. The techniques mentioned in the time management module did not prove to be effective for certain individuals who were comparatively slow in the learning process.
Conclusions: I learned that not every technique proves to be effective when it comes to the masses. However, given the effectiveness of the learning module on me, I would like to implement the same techniques in my corporate life as well, which I believe will be extremely beneficial in taking me to a higher level. Overall, I learned that sometimes it is wise to challenge techniques or decisions for better effectiveness of the learning module.
Action plan: While implementing time management techniques, I would like to allow individuals to divide the time as per their capabilities as sometimes the given time might not be adequate to complete a task. I would ensure time management is done in the right spirit and would satisfy the requirements of all the associated members.
Online learning experience
Description: In today’s society, online learning has occupied a major place among educational institutions and students. With the rise of the Covid-19 pandemic, online learning has become even more essential to ensure continuity of learning and the educational system. The module on online learning experience covered various aspects of online learning regarding the effectiveness and lacking such learning practices.
Feelings: I have learned that to become a successful learner, it is important to be self-disciplined and be able to work on my own. Since I am not physically attending classes, so I will have to be extremely attentive as the teacher will not repeatedly be reminded of every assignment and their deadlines. My first session about online learning experience was phenomenal as it generated tremendous interest in me.
Evaluation: The most valuable outcomes of this learning module are that it resulted in a better and effective quality of delivering online learning with continuous improvement. Factors like additional classes from the convenience of the home have been an integral part of the phenomenal online learning experience. However, the module of online learning experience failed to satisfy students who prefer the traditional learning process and are barely able to concentrate on online learning classes. The traditional learning students did not support the concept of online learning despite the global pandemic that has restricted physical interaction.
Analysis: The reason behind the valuable outcome of this learning module is that in today’s world, online learning has become the best option to learn and continue with the educational process regardless of global pandemics or worldwide restrictions. People who want to learn or study in their busy schedules can go for online learning, which goes beyond borders and provides a phenomenal learning experience. The negative aspect associated with this module is that it did not emphasize ways to improve the learning experience for traditional students.
Conclusions: I learned that online classes fit my learning style as I am not a traditional learning student. I personally would prefer online learning as it allows me to be more comfortable and get a better understanding of the courses. The only drawback in the online learning experience is an interruption in internet connectivity or computer issues that might be a major obstacle if not fixed.
Action plan: I would like to make sure that I have efficient internet connectivity along with a properly running computer so that my online learning experience continues without any interruption, and when it comes to the traditional student, I will encourage them to take few individual online classes to get a clear picture of such learning process.
CV writing
Description: Creating a CV is very important to get a qualified job. The learning module of CV writing comprised of various steps to effectively create a CV that would present an excellent picture of the relevant candidate aspiring for a new job. There has been a brief description of the importance of experience mentioning in the CV. The module made it very clear that formatting a CV is the most challenging aspect of CV writing.
Feelings: Writing a CV is comparatively easier as to what I expected, but there are certain difficulties associated with it as well. The most difficult thing about CV writing is creating a fake job experience, so for that, I picked the job that I would like to have and then went through the website of the organization and looked at their career section. Formatting the CV was difficult initially, but I got accustomed to it after writing 2-3 CVs.
Evaluation: The positive aspect of the CV writing learning module is that it helps in presenting the educational and work experiences in such a manner that one can have a brief idea about the relevant field of strength regarding the aspiring candidate. The negative aspect is that the module does not emphasize editing and revising that are the essential steps of CV writing. It will be difficult for a new person to write a CV if the person is not aware of the proper formatting structure along with revising and editing aspects.
Analysis: The reason behind the positive outcomes of the CV writing learning module is that it enables students to present themselves in a professional manner during an interview. The handbook of this module made it clear that CVs helps in building the first impression that is a vital aspect of professional work ethics. The negative aspect of this module is based on the fact that students were not provided with adequate information regarding the proper formatting of CV, which might lead to a negative impression during an interview.
Conclusions: Overall, this learning module of CV writing helped me to reflect on my writing process. Preparation is very important as I would not have been able to write a CV without any preparation. In addition to that, making drafts is also very important as a part of CV writing, as there will be a time when drafts will be necessary.
Action plan: I would like to recommend a better focus on editing and revising part of CV writing to ensure that CVs are written perfectly with little margin for error as, without them, the CV might present a negative impression during an interview.
Public speaking and giving presentations
Description: Public speaking and giving presentations immense confidence and self-belief without which it is impossible to deliver at public gatherings. The module of public speaking and giving presentations cover the elements of qualities that need to be developed for efficient public speaking.
Feelings: I have tremendously benefitted from the learning module of public speaking and giving presentations. From learning about the importance of posture and using appropriate gestures, the learning module has been very effective. However, the learning module did not mention the problem that an individual faces of forgetting the next line during public speaking. It takes a significant amount of time for me to get settled during public speaking, as during the initial stages, I generally feel nervous.
Evaluation: This learning module’s positive outcome is quite fascinating because it helps in developing the ability to speak in public without any fear or hesitation. The importance of charisma has been stressed, which is a crucial element for attracting people’s attention. However, the problem with this module is due to the fact that there are some students who tend to forget lines during public speaking, and the module does not give effective remedies to overcome such problems.
Analysis: The positive outcomes of this learning module is due to the module’s emphasis on improving public speaking abilities, along with the gestures required while giving presentations. The learning enhances the ability to be comfortable during public speaking and does not lead to awkward situations. The drawbacks of this learning module are due to the negligence of students who tends to forget lines during public speaking that can potentially cause massive embarrassment.
Conclusions: Overall, the module of public speaking and giving presentations is essential learning material for students as it helps in building confidence. It has become essential for students to give presentations in various courses, and this module successfully reflects on those aspects.
Action plan: I would recommend a better focus on those students who tend to forget lines during public speaking by specifically addressing their concerns and the reason behind nervousness. This would create an enormous opportunity and tremendously develop the public speaking ability among students for shaping a better future.
Conclusion
In the end, it can be concluded that reflective writing presents a perfect picture of the things learned along with the positives and negatives gained from it. The above reflection based on Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle presents an insight into the learning experiences gathered from the various learning modules. Therefore, the reflective report presents the true knowledge and understanding of the highlighted topics.
References
Edinburgh, U., 2020. Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle. [online] The University of Edinburgh. Available at: <https://www.ed.ac.uk/reflection/reflectors-toolkit/reflecting-on-experience/gibbs-reflective-cycle> [Accessed 10 November 2020].
Reflecive, W., 2020. Genres In Academic Writing: Reflective Writing. [online] Uefap.com. Available at: <http://www.uefap.com/writing/genre/reflect.htm#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20reflective%20writing,so%20that%20you%20can%20learn.> [Accessed 10 November 2020].