Semester 1 Module Summaries PDF

Semester 1: Module 1: Personal Learning Competencies: In Semester 1, I took Module 1, "Personal Learning Competencies". This module focused on helping me understand my skills and expectations as a learner. I learned to identify my personal learning strengths and weaknesses and how to improve them. T...

Semester 1: Module 1: Personal Learning Competencies: In Semester 1, I took Module 1, "Personal Learning Competencies". This module focused on helping me understand my skills and expectations as a learner. I learned to identify my personal learning strengths and weaknesses and how to improve them. Throughout the module, I gained a better understanding of the expectations of a learner and reflected on my own learning identity. I also developed techniques for self-reflection and learned presentation skills to confidently articulate my ideas individually or as part of a group. Lecturers taught the modules: Weekdays: Asif Iqbal, Deborah Bosso Evenings: Dr. Bernard Appiah Weekends: Asif Iqbal Assignment 1: In the first semester, I completed Assignment 1 of the Personal Learning Competencies module, which required my group to deliver a 10-minute presentation. We were assigned to reflect on our learning processes, skills, and competencies from our university experience. We learned to balance textual and visual components in our slides for effective communication. We also reflected on our personal learning identities and developed strategies for future learning. My group collaborated effectively using Padlet for brainstorming and an Excel sheet to allocate roles and tasks. I was responsible for developing two slides covering learning activities and skills that helped my success. Through this process, I improved my skills in working collaboratively as part of a team. We rehearsed our presentation thoroughly, and I felt confident presenting my allocated content. Overall, completing this assessment helped me to better understand myself as an effective learner and identify the core competencies needed to be successful in my studies. We also understood the importance of avoiding plagiarism and presenting our work professionally. We used various concepts and frameworks covered in our coursework and referenced our work according to the Harvard style. Tasks to be carried out: 1. I established my personal learning identity, core competencies, and attributes to determine my development plan. 2. I used reflection as a tool to understand my past behaviour and develop strategies for my future personal learning. 3. I communicated efficiently using the means of an oral presentation. 4. I worked in a group to prepare a 10-minute presentation answering the provided questions. 1 5. I reflected on the learning processes, activities, and skills that have been most helpful in my success as a learner. 6. I discussed why plagiarism prevents me from becoming an effective learner and represents serious academic misconduct. Skills demonstrated: 1. I demonstrated self-awareness and self-reflection skills. 2. I showed effective communication and public speaking skills. 3. I exhibited teamwork and collaboration skills. 4. I demonstrated my ability to use digital tools like Padlet and Excel. 5. I showed my understanding and application of academic concepts and frameworks. 6. I demonstrated my ability to avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity. In other words, Assignment 2: In my last assignment, I had to write a 1200-word business report for my boss. The report was about why continuing my studies at St Mary's University would be good for my job. I used ideas and tools like Driscoll and Gibbs' reflection model and the CREAM strategy. I gained valuable insights into my learning abilities through structured reflection on my experiences in the Personal Learning Competencies module. I applied Hancock's reflective model to critically examine my learning processes, competencies and styles. This helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses, such as being an active learner but struggling with time management. I also reflected on feedback from my instructor and peers, which highlighted areas for improvement in applying course concepts. Through analysis, I understood how various learning activities impacted my development. I synthesised key lessons about focusing on core competencies and using feedback strategies. Finally, I created an action plan to apply my insights, for example, setting goals and schedules. Overall, this reflective assignment equipped me with critical thinking and communication skills to optimise my learning identity for future university success. Tasks I carried out: 1. Writing a professional business report focused on learning effectively. 2. Using different ideas and tools in the report that I gained during the classes over the semester. 3. Thinking about how I learn. 4. Using feedback my peer classmates and instructors to get better. 5. Showing my learning skills and styles. 2 6. Looking at my learning experiences and how they changed how I learn. Skills I gained: 1. Communication and reflective writing. 2. Applying and analysing information. 3. Using feedback to get better. 4. Finding out what I did well and what I need to improve on. 5. Making plans for how I will learn in the future. 6. Explaining why feedback is important. 3 Module 2: Fundamentals of Business Management In Semester 1, I also studied Module 2, "Fundamentals of Business Management". This module introduced me to the basics of business and management. I learned about how businesses operate and how to study effectively at the undergraduate level. The module covered topics such as the key functions of a business, the roles of management in organisations, and the objectives of different organisations. Additionally, I developed my study, academic, and communication skills. Lecturers taught the modules: Weekdays: Asif Iqbal, Ian Abbey Evenings: Ian Abbey Weekends: Ibrahim Ganiyo, Ian Abbey, Patrick Ramiah Assignment 1: FBM I recently completed an individual presentation assignment, which allowed me to gain valuable experience in researching and presenting on a business organisation. Through participating in seminars over the course of the module, I was able to discuss various management themes and contribute to online forums. For my presentation, I conducted desk research on a technology company to understand its mission, objectives and organisational structure. I analysed how one of its business functions operated and the management styles adopted. I also discussed how the pandemic had caused changes to its business functions and culture. In delivering my 5-minute presentation, I demonstrated skills in public speaking, using digital presentation tools and applying business management frameworks. This assignment helped improve my academic research, analytical and communication abilities. Tasks Done: 1. I joined seminars and gave a 5-minute talk. This task made me plan well and share my ideas clearly. 2. I did a small study on a company in the Private, Public, or Third Sector. This task made me collect and look at data about the company. 3. I showed my involvement in seminars with a log and added to the discussions on the Moodle Forum. This task made me take part actively in the seminars. 4. I made a presentation that used different management ideas talked about in the seminars. This task made me understand and use these ideas well. 4 5. I made sure my presentation was exactly 5 minutes long. This task made me plan carefully and manage my time well. 6. I used digital tools like MS PowerPoint or Google Slides for the presentation. This task made me use my digital skills in business communication. Skills Learned: 1. Public Speaking and Presentation: By giving a 5-minute talk, I got better at public speaking and making presentations. 2. Research: By doing a small study on a company, I got better at research and learned more about different parts of the economy. 3. Communication and Teamwork: By joining seminars and adding to discussions on the Moodle Forum, I got better at communicating and working with others. 4. Understanding Management: By making a presentation on different management ideas, I learned more about these ideas and how to use them. 5. Time Management: By making sure my presentation was exactly 5 minutes long, I got better at managing my time. 6. Digital Skills: By using digital tools for the presentation, I got better at using digital tools in business communication. Assignment 2:FBM In the assignment, I was required to write three blog entries. The first entry introduced the concept of reflection as a learning tool, while the second entry reflected on two learning activities from the Business Management module. I utilised concepts, frameworks, and tools from the module in my blog entries, ensuring all illustrations and tables were correctly titled and referenced. A diverse reference list was also included. The assignment demonstrated my understanding of business functions and management roles, my ability to identify and discuss business changes, and my skill in comparing different organisations' objectives. It also showcased the development of my academic skills. My personal learning journey and reflections were expressed in the blog entries, highlighting my research and referencing skills. In other words, Tasks Assessed: 1. I developed a reflective blog with several entries focusing on my learning experiences. 2. I critically reflected on the knowledge and skills I gained from the Fundamentals of Business Management module. 3. I analysed how my thoughts, feelings, and actions were influenced by new learning domains and events. 5 4. I discussed a variety of fundamental business management themes, such as business functions and management styles. 5. I reflected on how a chosen business responded to a specific problem, helping me understand the importance of management functions. 6. I formulated actions on how to utilize, adapt, and improve the new knowledge and skills I gained from the FBM module. Skills I demonstrated: 1. Critical thinking: I analysed and evaluated information related to business management. 2. Reflection: I evaluated my personal learning and experiences to gain new insights. 3. Effective communication: I clearly and effectively conveyed my thoughts and ideas in written form. 4. Research: I used information from different sources to support my reflections. 5. Understanding of business management concepts: I demonstrated a clear understanding of various business management concepts. 6. Adaptability: I showed adaptability to new knowledge and experiences. Assignment 2: 6 Module 3: Taking a Professional Approach Another module I took in Semester 1 was Module 3, "Taking a Professional Approach". This module focused on helping me plan for my career and understand my professional goals. This module helps me reflect on their professional development needs and create a development plan to enhance their employability skills. The module focuses on establishing a professional identity, developing emotional intelligence, observation skills, employability skills, reflection and self-awareness, analysing skills set, workplace expectations, effective communication, and motivation. Through individual and group activities and research tasks, I managed to identify key skills and attributes required by employers. Lecturers taught the modules: Weekdays: Debora Bosso, Jennifer Bryan, Asif Iqbal Weekends: Kathleen Hinwood, Debora Bosso, Evenings: Assaad Dib, Debora Bosso, Patrick Ramiah, Assignment 1: In the course called "Taking a Professional Approach", I did a detailed self-review to better understand my skills, what I'm good at, and what I need to improve. I used a method called Gibbs' reflective cycle model to think carefully about the main tasks from Assignment 1. I told the story of what happened during the tasks and how I felt about it. I looked at what went well, like finding out where my skills are lacking, and what didn't go so well, like not giving myself enough time. By thinking about this, I understood why some tasks went well and others didn't. From this self-review, I learned important lessons. I updated my plan of action, which made me realize how useful it is to reflect and evaluate myself to improve my chances of getting a job. Now, I know better how to find out and address what I need to improve based on what my career needs. The skills and tools I learned from this experience will help me improve personally and professionally. The tasks I was judged on included finding out where my skills are lacking, making a personal development plan, evaluating myself, doing a detailed self-review, and planning actions. The skills that were judged included writing reflectively, being aware of myself, evaluating, analysing, planning actions, and skills for getting a job. Tasks carried out in assignment: 1. "I identified the core skills and attributes required for successful employment." 2. "I created a structured professional plan derived from an analysis of gaps between my current professional identity and my future 'dream job'." 3. "I demonstrated excellent articulation of conceptual frameworks and research methodologies related to personal and professional development." 4. "I conducted a small-scale enquiry on three 'dream' job roles to understand their critical requirements." 5. "I created a professional and personal branding profile through a summary CV." 7 6. "I examined my professional personality considering the employability skills and their fit mix for the job requirements." Skills gained from the assignment: 1. "Researching and understanding the key competencies needed in my area of interest and future employment." 2. "Strategic thinking and planning skills." 3. "Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively." 4. "Research skills and the ability to analyze job descriptions and requirements." 5. "Self-awareness, writing skills, and the ability to present myself professionally." 6. "Self-evaluation skills and the ability to align my skills with job requirements." Assignment 2: In that assignment, I was asked to identify my key skills and attributes that contributed to successful employment, recognizing my competencies from any current or past job roles, and construct a professional development plan. This plan was based on my strengths and areas for improvement, with the aim of enhancing my professional identity. I also needed to understand how my future career progression was influenced by my experience, qualifications, motivation, and potential to learn and develop. The main task was to write an 800-word assignment, providing insight into my abilities and ways to improve my personal and professional skills. I was expected to use reflective models like Gibbs' reflection cycle model or Driscoll's reflection triangle to structure my reflection systematically. This included describing the task, expressing my feelings, evaluating what worked well and what didn't, and analysing why certain tasks went well and others didn't. The assignment was marked based on my understanding of how to structure my reflection and self-evaluation and my knowledge of the role of tasks carried out in the assignment. Tasks Assessed - Identifying skills gaps - Constructing a personal development plan - Self-evaluation - Structured critical reflection - Action planning Skills Assessed - Reflective writing - Self-awareness - Evaluation 8 - Analysis - Action planning - Employability skills 9