Self-reflection is very important for people as it can help them understand their needs, their wants, and set some goals as well as develop a thorough plan to achieve these goals. One of the most valuable outcomes of this course for me is my ability to self-reflect effectively. Previously, that process was somewhat abstract for me but now I have the necessary skills to self-reflect and develop plans for my future.
I learned about several models of learning and I chose Gibbs’ model. I find it very effective and easy to use. It is quite detailed as well. It includes six stages that can be employed to consider any process, any life event, any plan, and so on. Now, I always use this model when I need to analyze something thoroughly. Description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusions, and development of the action plan are the steps I will undertake to reflect on situations. For instance, when I started contemplating on the outcomes of the module, I started with the first stage, description.
I recollected all the major and most useful points I learned. Of course, one of those points was the understanding of the link between my degree and my career targets. I managed to understand what my career targets were, in the first place. Another important thing I learned is concerned with the network, social ties, and trends existing in society. I was able to put questions concerning the importance of social ties for my career and, more importantly, I could answer them.
Looking for employment and being an effective team player depend on the way an individual can develop social ties. This equips me with important knowledge concerning things employers want from their employees and applicants. Of course, the final set of knowledge to mention is concerned with particular interview techniques. This practical knowledge has helped me set certain personal goals and become more attentive when it comes to the relationship, communication with potential employers.
To evaluate the experience, I have to consider my feelings and ideas that occurred to me during the module. First, I was quite at a loss, as I did not know what to expect. I had only some ideas concerning the module and its benefits. I thought it would help me learn about specific techniques to self-study and address employment issues. However, the module exceeded my expectations as I learned about approaches that can be applicable in many cases.
Of course, it is more important to be able to apply some approaches in different situations rather than to use a set of particular techniques that are often applicable in particular cases. Importantly, during each lecture, I felt more confident and empowered.
For me, it was beneficial to watch and contemplate on the video concerning emotional intelligence. I felt that I understood what it was all about and I associated myself with the outstanding student the speaker was talking about (Daniel Goleman on the importance of emotional intelligence 2012). The video featuring the coach is also very useful, as I now understand that it is vital to know what is expected from an applicant. For the coach, self-confidence is a skill that is crucial for a successful football player (The skill of self-confidence 2012). Of course, this account drew my attention to the fact that employers may have a specific perspective and the employee or applicant has to have the necessary skills and competencies. I also believe that confidence is something all employers are looking for in their employees.
Our discussions and my work on assignments was very insightful and helped me better understand a lot of things. For example, I now know what I want and how I can achieve that. The seven habits identified by Covey are also very helpful. Being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking about win-win situations, seeking to understand as well as be understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw has become my self-development milestones (Covey 2008). I have decided to become an effective person and these steps, I believe, will help me achieve this aim.
Of course, the module was a very helpful and useful experience. The knowledge I obtained help me identify my career goals and tie them with the education I am gaining. Importantly, I understood how important it was to link my educational perspective with my future career goals. I have also learned about major issues I may come across when looking for employment or when working in a team. Remarkably, I have become ready to address many issues.
More importantly, I have become more confident and more focused. It is also important to add that some tasks were quite challenging for me, but I tried to do my best to complete them successfully. These assignments helped me address the challenge and become more confident, which is essential. I know that making sufficient effort always leads to positive outcomes. These are positive outcomes of the module.
Of course, I feel there were some areas to improve. For instance, I would like to get more information on methods and strategies aimed at the development of people skills. Of course, we had different discussions on the matter, but I still feel there is gas in my knowledge. I am not sure I will be able to develop my people skills and, hence, I might be a less effective individual and a less successful job applicant. At that, I understand that the major goal of the model is to help us learn how to learn effectively and how to self-reflect. It is not about the provision of some behavioral rules.
Nonetheless, all in all, I can state that the module was a very positive experience that has made me much more confident, empowered, and knowledgeable. Of course, I will utilize the knowledge and skills I obtained in my future to achieve my academic and career goals. I also believe I will use the self-reflection and self-study approaches I adopted to self-develop. I will be more active during discussions as I have seen the benefits of effective teamwork and discussions. I think I can provide many insights into various issues.
I have to admit that I could have been more active during the module. Sometimes I was afraid to talk, as I was afraid of making mistakes or saying something wrong. However, each time it turned out that the way I was thinking was the right way. I also think I could have drawn my peers’ attention to quite important or just interesting aspects. It turned out that I know many real-life stories that illustrate the theoretical and practical things we were discussing. I could have shared them as well.
Given this all, I can develop a brief action plan concerning my self-study, self-management, and self-reflection. First, I will try to apply Covey’s seven-step model to be a more effective person who has certain people skills. I will develop a detailed 5-year plan based on the 7-step model. I will try to follow the plan and contemplate my progress. Reflection will also become an important part of my studies and my every-day life. I will use Gibbs’ model to analyze several events that have had a certain impact on my life. I will also reflect on some experiences I had and some similar situations. I will try to analyze my behavior and the choices I made. I am sure that this analysis will help me avoid many mistakes in the future.
In conclusion, I would like to note that the module had a significant impact on the way I see my future career and the way I will pursue my goals. The module has made me more focused and empowered. Of course, I may still be afraid of or anxious about some challenges.
However, I am now able to apply certain skills that will help me address any (or, at least, many) challenges. The knowledge I obtained on people skills and emotional intelligence are especially valuable for me. I think it will help me become more successful in life. Besides, I am now able to reflect on various experiences and events effectively. This means that I am equipped with tools to self-develop effectively.
Reference List
Covey, S.R. (2008) The 7 habits of highly effective people personal workbook. New York, Simon and Schuster.
Daniel Goleman on the importance of emotional intelligence. (2012). Web.
The skill of self confidence. (2012). Web.