During my work placement at a school I have gained knowledge of school policies and procedures. I also now have a greater understanding of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and while working with children who have this disorder I have learnt to be patient and consistent. I have developed my awareness of behavior management techniques whilst observing teachers and assistants.
Listening can be described as the ability to perceive and process information that is presented orally (Hargie 2006). As a student I have improved my listening skills and am more focused than I have been in the past. I can listen carefully to a lecturer with interest and can take notes and ask questions when appropriate. I have also learnt to listen to other student’s opinions on subjects and to not judge them if I don’t agree with what they say.
During my first term at university every student had to prepare a 15 minute presentation to be presented in front of the class. The class then, as a whole, had to mark each student’s presentation individually with criteria the group had agreed on. This is something that I had never experienced before and can now work as part of a group to discuss an issue and come to a unanimous decision. I was very nervous before I gave my presentation but I mostly enjoyed the experience and now feel more confident regarding speaking in front of a group and believe I will be less nervous in the future.
Through my work placement I have observed children and recorded my findings. During observations you learn to recognize good practice within the setting and become aware of how other practitioners meet the needs of children (Hobart,Frankel, 1999). I now have experience of observing both teachers and children and have had the opportunity to plan activities that have increased my confidence in working with children.
Since becoming a student, my I.T skills have improved considerably. I had previously had very little experience with using a computer. I can now research using the internet, send essays via email, use e-books and use word processers.
I have become aware of what plagiarism is and have learnt how to reference academically using the Harvard referencing system. I can now incorporate references into my journals and essays with confidence; I had not previously had experience of this.
After completing a skills audit I have been able to identify my strengths and weaknesses and also what areas can be developed. I have also been able set myself goals for my academic, personal, and professional aspects of my life. I have realized that I am very happy with some areas of my personal development but would like to improve in others. I am very happy with my ability to find information using different sources but would like to improve my ability to decide what parts of the information I need to read. I am also happy with my ability to express myself verbally and believe I work well as part of a team but would like to improve my capacity of making effective notes when reading and listening.
Bibliography
Cottrell, S ( ....) The Study Skills Handbook, Third Edition
Hargie, O (2006) The Handbook of Communication Skills, East Sussex, Routledge, Third edition.
Hobart, C. Frankel, J (1999) Child Observation and Assessment, Cheltenham uk, Stanley Thornes Publishers Ltd, second edition.
MacLeod-Brudenell, I et al (....) Advanced Early Year: For Foundation Degrees and Levels 4/5, Second edition
