Reflection on Semester 1 ... year 1!

Journal

My reflection on my feelings and learning journey of semester 1 / year 1

Reflection

Semester 1: I started this course as a mature student who was hungry for an education and a fresh challenge. As my first semester is coming to an end, I realise I am hungrier than I thought. This way of learning is completely different to anything I have done before. As a high school student over twenty years ago, I learnt everything parrot fashion and was assessed by examination only - I lost interest very quickly. So to experience this different way of learning will encourage me to be more creative in my work, my thinking and help me grow in confidence. I am pleased with my performance in semester one, though I did not feel particularly stretched or challenged.
I have gained knowledge on essay writing, referencing and a variety of research methods which have all been helpful. I see these skills as the basic tools I will need to progress through my course and complete my degree and hopefully these will be transferable beyond.
I found the constant emphasis on group working to be slightly tedious as I did not feel I gained much from this exercise when it is repeated on a weekly basis with a different group on every occasion. I feel groups formed in an adhoc and casual way are unlikely to be very productive. Hind (2005) talks of groups consisting of people with similar skills and strengths may lack creativity and different ideas and quotes ‘Therefore when a group is established care should be taken to ensure that the membership comprises people who possess a range of skills and experiences’ (Hind 2005 p218) In contrast the groups formed for presentations with a purpose and a shared aim were much more productive and rewarding. These particular groups taught me to keep an open mind, and to be more positive when accepting ideas from others. I learnt it is okay to say if you do not think somebody’s suggestion will work but in doing so I need to give my reasons and suggest an alternative. I think working in a group whether it is one of cohesiveness or not can help greatly with communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills and has made me reflect on my own skills in this area.
Being able to deliver a presentation professionally and confidently is a skill I feel least competent with, on self reflection I know this is due to being self conscious, which stems from several different negative experiences. I know with practice and constructive feedback in this area, I will achieve my goal.
In attending lectures I found my listening, thinking and note taking skills were at a competent level. With the exception of one or two lectures I learnt little that I had not already discovered in books and journals that were recommended on the module reading list or were skills that I felt I had already acquired from my working life, this showed that I am self motivated, I prepare and think ahead and prefer to go in to a new situation with some knowledge and understanding.
I am hoping as I progress further into my course and I grow in confidence my present skills will be stretched and my weakest skills strengthened. Semester one has helped me address and evaluate my employability skills and in doing this I have identified what areas need improving. Having this personal portfolio of employability skills will be useful for future reference and prove to be effective in my personal and professional development.


References

Hind, D and Moss, S. (2005) Employability Skills. Sunderland: Business Education Publishers.