Module: (FY026) Preparing for Success Knowledge & Creativity

CW1 Reflective Essay

What?
In week 1, the purpose of the study session was self-study. During the week, I developed as an effective learner. For example, I have developed how I demonstrate communication skills. For example, comparing my current state with the prior state in this module, I have developed my communication skills by creating a safe environment. I was an introvert in my first days, so I had few friends. It was a challenge that I struggled with for months. The experience was awful since I could not seek or get help from other peers as well as trainers. The most memorable thing I heard during the session is that I can open up to friends and consult trainers during uncertainties. The resources I used for the session are my phone, recommended readings, peers, and friends. My reaction during the session was not bad since I felt that the tutor was targeting me. Other people involved in the session were happy and reacted positively to the teachings.
So What?
The new knowledge I gathered in week 1 was how to stop being an introvert and build trust in people. Some new academic skills I improved are habits, strategies and abilities to open up and seek help during uncertainties. However, after this session, I discovered some strengths/positive aspects that have been helpful to me. For example, I discovered that I am a good listener, observant, critical thinker, and compassionate. On the other hand, after the session, I discovered some of my weaknesses. One of my weaknesses is that I could easily get overlooked. Also, reflecting on Moment & Gourgues (2019), I have a weakness of being easily distracted by external stimuli and finally being frustrated by constant interruptions. Further, I have improved on the Bucks Graduate Attributes, specifically self-development and social. At the time, I felt the study was more challenging and discouraging. Now, I feel that the session has been of great help to me.
Now What?
The expectation of this university course that I discovered this week is enhanced personal and social awareness in a safe learning environment. Some of the challenges I face when trying to be an effective student are lacking volume control, unexplainable reaction and brushing things off easily. Also, I face challenges in how to connect with students and how to approach trainers. To prepare for those future challenges and to meet the expectations of this university course, I will ensure that I spend time with others, read more recommended readings, find people I can talk with and share my opinion with others. The aspect that I will address first is feeling comfortable with others. I can get information and support to improve my weakness from various articles, journals, peers, trainers and motivational speakers. I will know if I am improving myself as an effective student by checking on my confidence, evaluating how I converse with peers, considering how I listen to people and checking on my observance as well as my compassion in the university. After reflecting on my practice, the main learning that I can take is focusing on giving time to think, respecting other people’s opinions, leveraging communication and being a critical thinker.
Week 2
What
In week 2, the purpose of the study session wa tutorial. During the session, we were taught the core components of effective communication. The most memorable things I heard during the session time are the importance of effective communication and the 7 C’s of communication. They include clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete and courteous (Al-Refai et al., 2022). The resources I used for this session are journals, articles and readings on effective communication. I had a good and positive reaction during the week 2 sessions. Other people involved took the sessions with a lot of seriousness, and their reaction was overwhelming positively.
So What?
The new knowledge I gathered this week includes effective communication skills, the significance of communication skills, how to enhance communication skills and the various types of communication. The academic skills that I improved are how to communicate effectively with other students, how to use the 7 C’s of effective communication and how to listen effectively. The strengths that I discovered after the session are good listening skills, good concise traits in my communication, and clarity when communicating. On the other hand, I discovered some weaknesses after the session. First, I have a weakness of interrupting people when they are communicating. Secondly, I have a weakness of not practising eye contact when communicating, and lastly, implying motives as well as making assumptions. Rowe, N., Reflecting on Martin et al. (2021), I improved on Bucks Graduate Attributes, specifically on ethical responsibility. This time, I felt that the session was very demanding. Right now, I feel that the session is very productive and motivating.
Now What?
The expectation of this university course that I discovered this week is effective communication within the university. The challenges I will face when I try to be an effective student are difficulty in listening and concentrating, languagechallenges, and interpersonal challengesnge. Further, the actions I will take to prepare for those future challenges and meet this university course’s expectations are to gather more information on how to get more confident and increase awareness on how to improve decision-making. Similarly, I will take action to prepare for those future challenges and meet the expectations of this university course by paying attention to all communication details since they assist in long-term success and improve my vocabulary. I have various aspects to address this week. However, I will first address the aspect of listening. I will get information and support to improve my weakness by interacting with various speakers and being attentive to various regarding effective communication. Nevertheless, I can get information and support to improve my listening weakness by reading recommended readings on effective communication and practising effective listening.

References
Al-Refai, A. M., Ahmad, A., Akroush, L. W., Suwan, R., & Sumadi, M. (2022). The Impact of 7Cs Of Communication Interaction On Effective Teaching Among Students Of Jordanian Universities. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(8), 5451-5467.
Momeny, L. S., & Gourgues, M. (2019). Communication that develops: Clarity of process on transformational leadership through a study of effective emotional intelligence communication. Christian Education Journal, 16(2), 226-240.
Rowe, N., Martin, R., Buck, R., & Mabingo, A. (2021). Teaching collaborative dexterity in higher education: Threshold concepts for educators. Higher Education Research & Development, 40(7), 1515-1529.
Driscoll, J.J. (2007) ‘Supported reflective learning: the essence of clinical supervision?’ in Practicing Clinical Supervision: A Reflective Approach for Healthcare Professionals (2nd edition). London: Bailliere Tindall. Pp 27-50.

Module: (FY026) Preparing for Success Knowledge & Creativity

Introduction
This essay will discuss my experience and skills developed from the PSKC module. Also, I will explain how I have developed as an effective learner during this module, giving examples. In my reflection, I will look back in time and try to understand my strengths and weaknesses. Then I will explain how I will develop myself to meet a university course’s future challenges and expectations. My explanation includes the actions I planned. Discroll’s model of reflection influenced this piece of reflective writing.
Week 1
What?
In week 1, the purpose of the study session was to introduce us to the PSKC module and BNU Graduate attributes. During the session, we were trained in knowledge and creativity. The most memorable thing I heard during the session was how the module enables students to start developing Bucks Graduate Attributes linked with applying knowledge and creativity. The resource I used for the session is the PSKC module handbook. My reaction to the session was warming. Other people involved in the session were happy and reacted warmly.
So What?
The set of knowledge I gathered this week is how to apply knowledge and creativity. The new set of skills I improved is how to develop the Bucks Graduate Attributes. After the session, I discovered I have a strength of creativity and a weakness in communication skills. I improved on Bucks Graduate Attributes: teamwork and critical thinking. At that time, I felt that the study session was demanding. Right now, I feel that the study session was helpful.
Now What?
The expectations I discovered are creativity and teamwork. Challenges I will face are communication skills and trust issues. I will prepare by being social and communicating effectively. I will first address the weakness of communication skills. I will know if I am improving if I start communicating and interacting effectively. The main learning is the significance of self and social development.
Week 2
What?
The purpose of the session was to inform us about digital literacy awareness. During the study session, we learned the goal of technology skills. The most memorable thing I saw was how to use programming apps. The resource I used was the computer. My reaction was doubtful, while others were serious about the session and reacted actively.
So What?
The new set of knowledge I gathered is how to get effective passwords. A new set of skills I improved is how to avoid being a cybercrime victim. The positive aspect I discovered after the session is that I can learn easily through practice, while my weakness was utilizing a web browser effectively. I improved on technology as one of Buck’s Graduate Attributes. At that time, I felt that the session was sucking, but right now, I feel that it was fruitful.
Now What?
The university course expectation is enough technology information. The challenge I will face is defending digital information. I will prepare for future challenges by learning effective passwords. I will first address how to use the browser. I will know if I am improving if I use technology information effectively. The main learning is how to develop the right passwords.
Week 3
What?
The study session’s purpose was to explain the reflection merits. We learned the role of reflection in different writing applications. The most memorable thing I heard is how reflective writing promotes learning. I used Driscoll’s Cycle handbook, and my reaction was amazing. Other people showed interest and reacted actively.
So What?
The new set of knowledge I gathered is extending Driscoll’s Cycle to class activities. Also, I improved on how to contemplate and respond. My positive aspect was my personal qualities in writing, while I discovered a weakness in grasping various meditation forms. I improved on Bucks Graduate Attributes-creativity. About the study session, I felt that it was challenging, but now I feel that it is simple.
Now What?
University course expectations were applying reflection in academic research. The challenge I will face when I try to be an effective student is grasping Driscoll’s Cycle of reflection. I will prepare by incorporating Driscoll’s Cycle in-class activities. I will first address the aspect of grasping the form of meditation. I can get support to improve the aspect by reflecting on my knowledge of practical realities. I will know if I am improving myself if my writing skills get improve. The main learning is the significance of writing skills to my possible chosen profession.
Week 4
What?
The purpose of the session was to create awareness of academic writing. We learned different writing styles. The most memorable thing I saw is how to differentiate Harvard referencing from other references. I used a handbook for the module. I had a pleasant reaction, and other students maintained good engagement and reacted well.
So What?
The new knowledge I gathered is the main types of writing styles, and a new set of skills I improved on is how to cite in-text when using Harvard references. Reflecting on Powell (2021), the strength I discovered was familiarity with writing styles, while my weakness was how to cite in-text. Bucks Graduate Attribute I improved is self-development. At the time, the session was general, but now I find it more unique.
Now What?
University course expectation is competent academic writing. The challenge I will face is familiarizing myself with the various referencing styles. I will prepare by masking the differences. The aspect I will first address is knowing Harvard’s writing style. I will get support from peers and know if I am improving my writing samples. The main learning is correct Harvard referencing.
Week 5
What?
The purpose of the study session was to demonstrate communication and presentation skills. We learned how to communicate and present effectively. The most memorable thing I saw was how to interact with the audience. The resource I used is the communication skills handbook. My reaction was overwhelming. Other people paid attention, and they reacted positively.
So What?
The new set of knowledge I gathered is communicating briefly. As per Pradhananga et al. (2022), I improved how to interact with the audience. The positive aspects I discovered are using non-verbal and verbal communication, while I discovered a weakness in engaging my audience. I improved on self-development, and at that time, I felt the session was familiar, but now I feel that it was outstanding.
Now What?
University course expectations were communicating and presenting effectively. I will face the challenge of engaging the audience. I will prepare by building trust and first address the aspect of maintaining eye contact. I will get information from the Week 5 module handbook and participate in a debate to know if I am improving. The main learning is communication and presentation skills influence audience understanding.
Conclusion
In summation, the five sessions have improved me as a learner. Through sessions, I have acquired skills that prepare me for the present and future. With these skills, I can attain career success. I am grateful for what I have learned.

References
Powell, T. (2021). Library Guides: UQ Harvard referencing style-print version: About UQ Harvard Style.
Pradhananga, P., ElZomor, M., & Santi Kasabdji, G. (2022). Advancing Minority STEM Students’ Communication and Presentation Skills through Cocurricular Training Activities. Journal of Civil Engineering Education, 148(2), 04022001.