This paper is a report of the skills I learned during my PDP1 module study. It covers thirteen lessons and is a reflection on my career path and skills comprehension that I developed during the course of the module.
The first lesson was on information skills which has been of much importance in my studies. It has been instrumental in helping me explore how to access resources from the library. This involves accessing links to both the library services and the electronic library. It also explains about carrying out effective searches from search engines in locating books, e-books, financial information or marketing reports about companies. This has been with the help of search tools from the electronic library. Interpreting information after doing research is also a skill that I acquired during this lesson, this information has been vital during writing off assignment and term papers .
Other important skills that I acquiredinclude; demonstrationof taxonomy of higher order cognitive skills inassignments and term papers, effective means of aligning hard work with the marking criteria and communicating skills to assessors. This includes how to answer questions and different formats of presenting assignments .
Under note making which covered, why note making is important, how to identify key information in note making, note making styles and essential tips for effective note making.Examples of tried and tested note making skills are investigated and with the help of these previously used samples students get to learn about previous mistakes that should be avoided in note making. Effective notes should be focused, selective, useful, organized, targeted and concise. They should be attractive and personalized by use of colors and pictures to give them a nice look. Notes should also be simple to enable the reader get information instantly .
The next lesson was on referencing, it was all about putting paraphrases and quotations in texts, reference of books, website sources and journals, compiling a reference list, understanding where you need to place a quotation or reference and how to get reference material.When reproducing someone’s exact information or words during note making or assignments, I learned that it is important to create a quotation and reference at the end of that person’s information. A reference list should then be compiled at the end of the assignment with all sources of information included.
Under the lesson, academic writingwhich covers structuring of assignments to answer questions specifically, getting to know better the academic writing conventions, in detail about how to use them and identifying the differences between nonacademic and academic writing styles. In this lesson I learned that it isvital to understand exactly the meaning of the terminologies involved, the overall idea about the question and what else I should be considered when answering questions. In case the question is not understood it is wise to contact the lecturer or read further to increase your knowledge about the subject.
The lesson on learning styles covers two learningstyle questionnaires; Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence test and the VARK questionnaire of learning preferences .Howard Gardner’s theory was put forward in 1983. He argued that traditional measure like ‘intelligence quotient’ were limiting, different people could display different kind of intelligence. This meant that substantial intelligence resources were being ignored.VARK stand for visual, aural, read/write and kinesthetic. It has extensive similarities with Gardner’s approach but emphasizes more on how to choose to process information and how to transfer that information to others.
The next lesson was on summary writing. This lesson was instrumental in learning about, accurately condensing a source of information into a usable size without changing its meaning. This lesson covers the importance of writing summaries, how to use what I learned in note making lessons to write good summaries and how to make a summary from a chapter, an article or a website. I learned that good summary covers the purpose of the source information, its primary argument and show supporting material used. Summary writing is vital in note making, academic writing, presentations and exams.
Reflective practice explored why reflective learning is part of higher learning education, models that can be used to help the reflective process and what differentiatesineffective and effective reflection. Reflective practice is the procedure we undertake to understand our surroundings and ourselves. It is a skill that assisted me to link theory part of information I learned topractice . It was also instrumental in relating theoretical concepts learned in class and work outside school.
The next lesson was on career motivation and interests. This lesson motivated me to get a better understanding of myself and what career paths might be suitable for me. Career planning is the most important value in this lesson. I had to find the important skills and attributes required in my career path that is appealing, accessmy strengths and weaknesses then evaluate development requirements in relation to that particular career path and nurture an action plan.
Career personality factors was a class that helped me understand how to develop perspectives on key personality traits. Practice undertaking sample of questions that I expects to encounter during recruitment for graduate level jobs. I found it important to know my personality profile and the consequences it might have to my career path.
Transferable attributes and skills was a short class that covered attribute and skills gained at work, at leisure, in school or as a volunteer and their importance to prospective employees. These attributes are more about our characters and qualities. They include; communication, interpersonal skill, team working and leadership. I learned how to access your strengths and weaknesses and have a plan on how to meet my development desires .
The next lesson was on career specific skills. In addition to transferable attributes and skills, some skills are specific to particular careers and cannot be used in a different setting. For example designing a website, using laboratory equipment and sports coaching. It is vital to appreciate what skills I will require in my career path, this will help in developing them early in preparation for securing employment . Most employees prefer employing people with working experience, therefore practicing these skills might be helpful in acquiring a job.
CVs and covering letters was a lesson that I felt was of much importance. When applying for a job it is vital to write a good CV that will reflects my knowledge, experience and skills to a potential employee. A cover letter should be included when sending a CV. It introduces you, expresses your interest in working for the organization. Employees get many CVs therefore attaching an enthusiastic cover letter could make an applicant stand out from the rest.
Key tips in writing a CV and a cover letter include; being formatted logically and neatly, avoid spelling and grammatical errors, well organized and drawing attention to relevant information for the employer, demonstrate your knowledge, experience and skills in relation to the employer’s needs and addressing you letter to a specific named person.
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