Essay on "Skills Development"

Quoted Instructions for "Skills Development" Assignment:

Essay title:

*****˜Drawing upon your experience of study and learning during the past two semesters, reflect on the development of your academic and generic skills. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and suggest areas which you need to improve or develop, including the strategies you will use to do so.

*****Further Information*****

I study BSc Business Management at University of Birmingham as a first year student and I am an international student from Iran. At first, my english was not very good but, now it has been improved significantly.

Actually, this is my Personal Skills module which is for Business Management students in semester 2. Here are the topic of lectures that I had:

1-Time management/Work planning/Study skills

2-Effective Research using University Library Services

3-Team Working

4-Guidance on reading/note taking/study skills

5-Referencing/Bibliography and Plagiarism

6-Academic writing/Critical thinking ***** reflective writing

7-Careers and Employability

8-Academic writing/Critical thinking

9-Effective Presentations

10-Stress Management, revision and exam skills

I think it is a good choice to start writing by describing difficulties in studying a course in a foreign country with a different language. I live in the town and most of the students live in university campus. So, it was to difficult to communicate with them. It was a big problem for me to find friends but, now everything has been changed.

I think it is useful for you to know that I have passed a Principle of Marketing exam in semester 1. It was split into two %50 exam. I got 26 from first one and 15 from the second. I think my mane problem was lack of time. So, I missed last questions. It was my first months in UK. So, my english was not perfect.

I submitted an essay in semester 1 as well. It was an essay for Introduction to Supply Chain Management. The topic was *****"To what extent do you agree with the argument that close, collaborative and non-adversarial relationships between buyers and suppliers are *****˜best practice***** in supply management?.*****" I have received my feedback for this essay. The marker it was well organised and well written. But, lack of illustrations and referencing were my problems. I think due to Personal Skills module (essay*****'s module) they have been improved.

It will be useful if you read the suggested approach below. And if you have any question, please send me an email, I am available to reply your email quickly.

narimani.ramtin@yahoo.com

Suggested approach:

In this reflective essay, you are expected to critically reflect on the programme as a whole and how you have responded to issues and challenges presented by the programme since you joined the University of Birmingham. You are also expected to reflect upon the module resources such as course readings, lectures, and discussions, and not just present a descriptive account.

Since you are writing about your thoughts and reflections, using the pronoun *****I***** is acceptable (e.g. I felt that*****¦, I was under the impression that*****¦I think..), although under normal academic conventions this would not be the case.

Below is a suggested structure and outline for your essay:

Assignment structure and outline (see Burns and Sinfield [2008], p.224)

Introduction

*****¢ Outline the rationale for the essay, including reference to the learning outcomes; what the reader can expect from the essay.

Brief literature review

*****¢ A paragraph or two drawing upon relevant literature [academic and practitioner] related to the ideas, concepts and theory(ies) being explored in your practice.

Critical assessment of practice

*****¢ Sections/paragraphs that explore how the theory was put into practice; how the practice illuminated or challenged the theory.

*****¢ Make use of enquiry based learning resources for reflection:

Reflect upon the resources you have used to help develop your academic skills and experience, including:

- Written feedback on your work from academic staff

- Lecture, seminar and small group activities

- Individual study time, reading.

- Personal reflection upon your performance

*****¢ Strengths and weaknesses

As a result of undertaking this module, what have you identified as your main strengths and weaknesses within an academic context (see Checklist of Academic Skills and Experience)?

- Academic Writing

- Time Management

- Verbal Communication

- Research

*****¢ Further development: e.g.

What areas do you need to improve or develop; what strategies have you identified for developing your academic skills and experience; what resources have you used to develop your academic skills and experience; how will you turn weaknesses into strengths and further improve any identified strengths?

Conclusion

A final critical assessment of your skills and experience that reviews the main arguments and points made in your essay, as well as making recommendations for how you will develop your skills and experience in the future.

Overall presentation ***** pay attention to:

*****¢ layout and style, spelling, grammar, quality of writing, referencing.