The Significance of Reflective Learning at University - Report Example

Your title (e.g. Reflective Learning at University) Reflective Report for [insert your tutor’s name] 29 May 2016 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction 3 2.0 Self-Evaluation of My Learning Development in this Unit 3 2.1 Writing Different Business Documentations 3 2.2 To learn researching skills 4 2.3 Learn to Paraphrase 4 2.4 Presentation Skills 4 2.5 Learn to Reference Using 6th Edition Better 5 3.0 Constraints and Enablers to Learning 5 4.0 Learning Strategies and Resources 5 5.0 Characteristics of a Successful Oral Presentation 6 6.0 Academic Skills Required in Business 6 7.0 Conclusions 6 8.0 Recommendations 7 References 7 Appendix 8 1.0 Introduction The significance of a learning plan is theestablishment of learning structure through identification of the goals and determine of resources and strategies to accomplish the learning expectations. It includes identification of enablers and constraints. Different authors have presented their views and approaches to improve the learning process. Creme & Lea (2008) advances the importance of learning journals and reflective learning in improving the understanding of an individual in subject matter. The reflection approach is critiquing individual accomplishmentsbased on the defined goals and objectives. Muloin (2016) (Topic 9) referencing Anderson & Krathwohl (2001) presents a taxonomy of learning in which it starts with remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating and finally creating. Thesecomponents are applicable in reflective writing because of the steps followed in fulfilling the requirements of reflecting. The paper presents information on self-evaluationthrough discussing different business documentations, researching skills, learn to paraphrase, presentation skills and building personal confidence for thepurpose of presentation. The paper also addresses learning constraints and enablers, and other fundamentals associated with learning requirements. It is imkportajnt to note that the learning plan has been adjusted based on the recommendations of the instructior. 2.0 Self-Evaluation of My Learning Development in this Unit 2.1 Writing Different Business Documentations Muloin (2016) under Topic 7 presents steps of completing the assignment and analyzing the question is the first step in which the structure of the paper can be defined. Questions come in different forms and business documentations; the documents are required differently. For example, a letter structure is different from the structure of a financial report. Hence, analyzing the requirements of the documentations enables understanding the underlying approach of completing the assignment. 2.2 To learn researching skills In effectiveresearch, I have learned there are different approaches and strategies. Kurland (2000) discusses the fundamentals of effective writing and critical reading as tools for researching skills. The author differentiates the critical reading from critical thinking as discovering and evaluating respectively. It is important to incorporate these different approaches in accomplishing the researching requirements to fulfill the purpose of the research. Muloin (2016) in Topic 7 presents steps of assignment completion and synthesizing of information, whichis important in researchingskills. For example, brainstorming enables seeking alternative views on a subject matter, and planning/mind mapping defines the steps to be followed in completing the assignments. Kolb & Kolb (2005) presents different methodologies that improve theeffectiveness of learning. Extensive research and utilizing different resources are anexample of some of the measuresutilized in improving researching skills and completing assignments. Researching prioritizes different approaches including the scheduling and timing based on the directives of Covey (1997). Covey (1997) states that fulfilling the first requirements before proceeding is integral to the effectiveness of research skills. 2.3 Learn to Paraphrase Muloin (2016) defines paraphrasing is own utilization words to express someone else’s ideas and views with preserving the main ideas. Even paraphrasing is employed, it is still crucial to acknowledge the source of the information. Moreover, balancing the thoughts from an author and common knowledge is crucial in advancing the literature. A learner should appreciate the content of the original materials, paraphrase the information, and acknowledge the source of the information. It means that paraphrasing is among the strategies utilize in writing documentations, but it is important to define the contributor of each author through effective use of in-text and end text referencing. Therefore, there is no single approach, which may be employed in fulfilling the writing requirements. 2.4 Presentation Skills Muloin (2016) identifies anxiety and one of the problemsassociatedwith presentation skills. The presentation skills can either be oral or visual, and the development of the skills are important in creating the visual texts and oral presentation. Addressing anxiety is important and cultivating personal confidence is important. The personal confidence can be developed through engagement and collaboration with other students in presentations. For example, speaking of group activities is an example of anapproach to improveself-confidence and cement presentation skills. Under Topic 10, Muloin (2016) presents features of a good presentation, which includes planning, preparing, and practice. The author also presents techniques, therole of body language and use of visual aids in accomplishing the presentation skills. Hence, the effectiveness of the presentation depends on the confidence of the presenter and the quality of the discourse: what is presented. 2.5 Learn to Reference Using 6th Edition Better Muloin (2016) states that referencing is important because it avoids academic misconduct, champion academic integrity, improves existing knowledge, improve thecredibility of the writing, and clearly define the beginning and end of thoughts. In APA 6th Edition referencing, in-text and end text referencing are important. The in-text is used to acknowledge specific authors’ views while the end text referencing is aimed at grouping together the difference references in ascending alphabetical order. 3.0 Constraints and Enablers to Learning The constraints include time limitation and lack of appropriate sources to accomplish the learning requirements. For example, cultivation of self-confidence can be a challenge if teamwork and thegroupdo not exist. The presence of groups is an effective strategy to address anxiety but in the absence of group work and discussion it becomes a challenge. The absence of appropriate reading materials and other reading resources possess a challenge when seeking further information on a given topic. Time limitations can also be a challenge because of conflicts of interest and poorly scheduled timing of duties and tasks. The enables the contribution of the instructor and the presence of other students to capitalize on teamwork and collaboration in learning processes. The group members assist in providing a different perspective on a topic and can assist individuals to improve self-confidence, which is integral to presentations and self-awareness. Effective time management and scheduling activities based on tasks and expectations inclusive of other resources such as reading materials are integral to learning outcomes. The achievement of goals and objectives are directly linkedto theavailability of resources and effective scheduling strategy. 4.0 Learning Strategies and Resources Time management is important in determining the effectiveness of the learning strategies and what should be learned. The learning plan defines the structure of learning and the expectations, and the learning strategies should complement these requirements. The learning plan should balance the availability of resources, and the effective utilization of the resources based on the plans and proposed outcomes. The learning plan defines proposed time (estimated time) based on the needs of the learning relative to external forces advancing the learning requirements. 5.0 Characteristics of a Successful Oral Presentation The effectiveness of oral presentation depends on the planning, rehearsing and practicing the content to be presented. Muloin (2016) presents different strategies and approaches to champion effectiveness oral presentation. The presentation should not be viewed from the verbal conversation or presentation but also the resources utilized to champion the conversation. For example, clear images whether through the use of different presentation platforms such as PowerPoint should be understood. Audiences should be able to deduce information from the visual information without the oral aspect of communication. The presenter should have self-confidence that can be achievedthrough addressing anxiety and communication challenges. Theseproblems can be avoided through frequent practices, and approaches to improve the oral presentation. For example, simple presentations during teamwork and in the lecture halls are some of the strategies to strengthen presentation requirements. 6.0 Academic Skills Required in Business In fulfilling the requirements of business, numerous writing strategies should be considered. The important aspect is understanding the requirements of the writing and the underlying expectations of the documentations. For example, apologizing because of a technical issue to customer requirements a different tone from discourse in encouraging partners to participate in a business venture. The apology letters, for example, are in theform of essay while strategic plans are in terms of reports. The tone and the technical information on these articles are different because of expectations and goals of communication. Therefore, it is important to understand the different situations the academic skills are required to ensure the right information is communicated and whether the responded understand the content of the message. 7.0 Conclusions Learning plan and reflective writing are integral in ensuring the learning process are structured appropriately and determining whether what has been learned is understood. The learning plan is a structured format on the goals, resources requirements, and fundamentals associated with achievement of these requirements such as constraints and barriers. The aim of the learner is to improve the writing and presentation skills in a business environment, and these can be achieved through effective scheduling of time and utilization of appropriate resources. The resources can be viewed from different perspectives ranging from the physical aspects such as books and intangible aspects such as teamwork. A learner is required to utilize these different components and approaches in fulfilling the learning requirements and ensuring what has been learned is understood and appreciated. 8.0 Recommendations Time management is integral to the learning process. Continuous championing of effective time management through theallocation of resources and activities appropriate are important. The learner will also utilize different tools and frameworks, such as reading widely to improve understanding of referencing strategies and documentation of business requirements. Even though a broader approach will be employed, each of the approaches is aimed at improving the understanding of the learning processes and identification of the weaknesses. The researcher aims to reduce the weaknesses such as ineffective time management and lack of group work through engaging other learners to participate in group works. The learner will utilize the groups to hone oral presentation skills and other presentation requirements. The collaborations and engagement in discussions are encouraged because it presents a completely different views in fulfilling the learning obligations and requirements. References Covey, S. (1997). The seven habits of highly effective people. Thorndike, Me: G.K. Hall. Creme, P., & Lea, M. (2008). Writing at university: A guide for students. McGraw-Hill Education (UK). Kolb, A. Y., & Kolb, D. A. (2005). Learning styles and learning spaces: Enhancing experiential learning in higher education. Academy of management learning & education, 4(2), 193-212. Kurland, D. (2000). How the language really works: The fundamentals of critical reading and effective writing, viewed November 12, 2013. Critical Reading Web page. Muloin, S. (2016). Topic 4: Referencing, summarizing & paraphrasing text tutorial [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from Southern Cross University EDU10010 Blackboard site. Appendix Learning Needs Goals Strategies and Resources Constraints and Enablers Evaluation of Outcomes/Reflection To improve writing different papers including essays and reports as per the business requirements Understand the difference between reports, essays and other business documentations Appreciate the use of these different business documentations Be able to utilize these documentations to accomplish business transactions or requirements in future Analysis different business documentations e.g. financial reports, strategic reports, and emails Seeking further assistance from texts and researched information Constraints: Lack of appropriate samples Poor allocation of time in fulfilling research requirements Enabler: Doing Online research to access information from reputable organizations on different documentations Engaging different stakeholders include instructors and classmates in appreciating these different documentations Printing and filling samples of these business documentation for easier access in future Improvements have been achieved and further research and studies are been done to fulfill the learning needs. The business documents keep changing based on the nature of the business meaning continuous learning is important in accomplishing business activities documentations. Nevertheless, I have learned the common business documentations such as memos and reports. I will continue studying the different business presentation and documentation to improve my understanding on the structure and utilization of business reports. To learn Researching skills Create the ability to search the correct topic online with precise words. Try to collect data through books and magazines. Collecting knowledge about day to day life through magazines and newspapers. Visit thelibrary for book references. Knowing the correct source for search. Not wasting time in the unnecessary search. Increase speed of reading and understanding data. Constraints: Not looking for all the options available. Depending only on a single source of data. Lack of concentration. Enabler: Attend all the lectures. Search all the options available taking elders or colleagues help. Researching is an integral part and I am able to collect information from different sources and synthesis based on the expectations of the research. The source of the information and credibility of the information. For example, technological advancement has resulted in development of numerous websites that provides information on a topic. However, the credibility of the information and the nature of the information may contradict the expected outcome of learning. I am able to different references and improved researching skills through appreciating the fundamentals and methodologies of researching Learn to paraphrase Enhance writing skills. Be able to write according to academic rules that are to be followed. Write sentences precisely with clear meaning. Avoid complexity in sentences. Make myself aware of the university rules. Read all the instructions given in assessment thoroughly. Improve my language. Keep my language simple. Constraints: Lack of experience in writing assignments. Failure to read the instructions given properly. Enabler: Commitment and hard work in assignmentsare taken. Having full concentration while writing. I have learned effectively how to paraphrase and acknowledge other people works. The importance of paraphrasing is preventing abuse of other people information while balancing with common knowledge information. Paraphrasing sometimes is difficult because it is a challenge to paraphrase technical reports and papers. To address the problem, effective referencing has played an important role in acknowledging the learning process. Therefore, I have improved my skills in paraphrasing and related documentations. Presentation skills Learn to have self-confidence while presenting my work Try to complete my sentences without stopping in themiddle. Be able to make others understand what I want to explain. Making headings and topics short and clear to give an idea about the matter in it. Try to put lots of images and graphs that are easy to explain and attractive. Explain each topic in the least time and simple language. There are lots of resources you can use to help with this need Constraints: Getting nervous in front of people. Forgetting things in between. Enabler: Making myself perfect through practicing in front of family and friends. Dressing myself in a neat and tidy way to have a professional look. Getting presentation checked from someone before finalizing it. My confidence and presentation skills are improving and expecting to be proficient in later learning periods. I am planning to continuously engage with other students and instructors in developing my presentation skills. I will also use the online platforms such as YouTube to understand how other people with similar experiences address anxiety and insufficient confidence. Learn to Reference Using 6th Edition Better Appreciate the different requirements of APA Understand the structure of APA referencing Understand reasons behind effective referencing Utilizing the university referencing manual as a guide Reading widely to understand the utilization of APA referencing Reviewing the other university websites to access 6th APA referencing Constraints: Lack of appropriate manuals from other university Unable to remember the different APA formats such as referencing emails and other electronic documentations Enabler: Joining coaching classes to learn APA referencing Engaging the instructor for further assistance Participating in collaborative discussions on APA referencing I have learned and further improvements are required in adhering to APA 6th Edition referencing requirements Read More