A Selection of Key Skills I Have Developed over Childhood - Assignment Example

PPD PRESENTATION Full April 26, 2009 PPD Presentation A selection of key skills (say 6) which you feel you have developed over the Childhood Studies course a. Written communication – I have developed the ability to express myself in written form through the exercises given over the Childhood Studies course. b. Verbal communication – I have enhanced my oral or verbal communication over the course through presentations and participation in class discussions c. Team work – I have developed the ability to work well with others through group projects over the course. d. Analytical ability – I have developed the skill to judge and assess information through arguments and discussions in class over different topics. e. Organizational skills – I have developed time management and organizational skills through the course by constantly being trained to meet academic requirements, social and other commitments on schedule. f. Diplomacy – I have developed the ability to deal with different kinds of people and to diplomatically reach an agreement. 2. For each skill, how it will help you secure, keep and do well in a job. For example how particular skills will help in completing effective application forms, doing well at interviews etc. a. Written communication – Being able to write well helps me to effectively take down notes and important details for employers, co workers and clients to read. It also gives me another means of communicating with other people other than by verbal communication. b. Verbal communication – Being able to communicate thoughts and ideas clearly to other people will allow me to effectively work with other people. Furthermore, working with children and families requires good people skills and the ability to communicate ideas and theories to make them look simple and unintimidating. c. Team work – Understanding that I have to rely on other people to be able to complete my tasks at work is important. The ability to work with others will help me complete tasks more efficiently and will help people in the organization focus in on a common goal. d. Analytical ability – The ability to understand issues and make my own independent judgement without being pressured or influenced by other people will be helpful in my being objective and unbiased in my job responsibilities. It will also help me analyze and contribute opinions and ideas to others regarding work related issues. e. Organizational skills – The ability to manage tasks and priorities will help me meet job deadlines and work requirements. It will also help me plan ahead to achieve goals and objectives of my work. f. Diplomacy – The ability to negotiate and reach an agreement with other people helps me to build stable relationships with others, which is essential when dealing with employers, co-employees and customers. This will also help me in improving the ability to perform my job, because I can gain from other people’s free feedback. 3. How you will or might use each skill in a particular career or careers with children and families which you might go into. For example, ‘If I was to go on to be a teacher, I would use my communication skills to…’ a. Written communication – If I were to become a teacher, I will use my ability in written communication to write down important observations regarding children and/ or results of class activities, in order that the information may be used to improve existing conditions. b. Verbal communication – If I were to become a teacher, I would use the ability to communicate verbally to share positive ideas to children. I would also use my communication skills to speak up against people who oppress or discriminate against others. c. Team work – If I were to become a teacher, I would use my teamwork skills to form groups that support children’s causes such as anti discriminatory practices groups or groups that develop children’s positive growth and learning. d. Analytical ability – If I were to become a teacher, I would use my analytical ability to analyze issues that would strengthen arguments for causes related to welfare of students. I would also use it to research information that could be used for classroom activities to make learning more productive. e. Organizational skills – If I were to become a teacher, I would use my organizational skills to ensure that lesson plans and students’ progress reports are organized and completed on time. g. Diplomacy – A teacher needs to be patient and not judgemental. By giving students the benefit of the doubt, I will be open to listening and seeing the problem from others’ point of view. In addition, if I were to become a teacher, I would use diplomacy in dealing with parents, other teachers or co-workers who may not share my opinion on certain issues. I would make sure that I listen to what others have to say and respect their opinions, in order that there will be no ill feelings or resentment. 4. Your understanding of an anti-oppressive stance and anti-discriminatory practice, and some examples of the skills you could bring to bear in working in an anti-discriminatory way in past or future work.   An anti-oppressive stance opposes unjust uses of authority or power. Oppression is apparent in race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and class. Anti discriminatory practices, for me, is a way to work with people that values differences and encourages the full participation of all groups in society. To help work in an anti-discriminatory way, I could use my communication skills. For example, I could respond to discriminatory comments by reminding the person making the comment not to generalize rather than avoiding the person or building more friction by calling the person a racist. I could also use my communication skills by appealing to the person to be reasonable and fair in making comments. I could also use my writing skills to appeal to groups or people regarding discriminatory practices. In addition, I could also use my leadership and organizational skills that I have developed to work in an anti-discriminatory way by taking the initiative to approach people who are also dealing with discrimination and asking them to support me. By doing so, we can encourage and inspire more people to speak up against discriminatory practices. By finding allies in our campaign, we can attain a stronger voice in the community. References Prospects. Childhood Studies: Your skills. 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