Reflection paper of Study Skills

Reflection can be defined as “…reviewing experience from practice that it may be described, analysed, evaluated and consequently used to inform and change future practice.” (Bulman 2008:4). Study skills are important in university education as Cottrell (2013:7) states “… higher level study is different from their precious experience.”. Study skills enhance an efficient learning and lead you to success as a student. In this paper, I would like to show you the reflection on what I have learnt during the Study Skills module, particularly on the marking workshop which is very helpful in preparing the coming assignments as well as laying the foundations of my study path. Model of Reflection

For more systematic of the assessment, it is important to use a framework. The Gibbs (1988) reflective cycle is a popular model for reflection. The model includes six stages of reflection. (Figure 1). Gibbs reflective cycle is a form of structured reflection model which is clear and precise allowing for description, analysis and evaluation of the experience helping us to make sense of experiences and examine our practice. To reflect is not enough, action is the most important that we have to put into practice the learning and new understanding we have gained therefore allowing the reflective process to inform our practice. Gibbs prompts us to formulate an action plan. This enables us to look at our practice and see what we would change in the Gibbs’ (1988) Model of Reflection Description

I have been being a registered nurse for three years and decided to achieve the basic qualification, Bachelor study. Gaining updated information and knowledge are benefited in working and being more competitive in this society. Three lessons are passed. The Study Skills module which is the first module of the BSc (Hons) Health Care Studies (Nursing) Hong Kong Programme has been completed. I have learnt something new or known much more after studying from this module such as learning style, discussion, plagiarism, referencing, managing literature, critical analysis, assignment writing, managing time, academic writing and I found the marking workshop is particularly useful for me. Feelings

Honestly, it is a great challenge to study again, especially it is a degree level study. Feeling quite difficult when I am studying and working at the same time. There are many concerns and anxieties while I need to balance work, home life and study, particularly worry about in doing the assignment. However, it is more clear in writing an assignment after the marking working. It is a very useful, practical and valuable workshop in which I know the marking criteria and the standard and it works as a guideline for writing an academic paper. Besides, there was a session of discussion with my classmate, it is an interactive teaching method which provided a relaxing study atmosphere and enhanced my concentration and digestion of the huge learning material and also have a good improvement of the relationship between classmates. I am thankful for attending this workshop.

Evaluation
There were two parts including in the marking workshop. The first part comprised reading, discussing and practicing. An assignment with a module assessment information was provided, we were instructed to read the material individually which gave a chance for self-thinking and analysing. After that it is a time of group discussion. A small group discussion produced a relaxing learning environment that the people are less shy or escape in expressing their opinions. Besides, we can learn from each other through the interaction. In the discussion, we used the Learning Outcomes and the Level 6 Marking Criteria to mark the assignment we have been given and read, it was very good that we prompt to have a chance to practice. At the end, it was the part of guidance. Dr. Phil Harper lead us step by step with explanation on making a judgment on giving marks to an assignment by using the marking criteria grid which ease to be understand and have a more clear direction in writing my assignment. Analysis

Reading is “a complex cognitive process of decoding symbols in order to construct or derive meaning. It is a means of language acquisition, of communication, and of sharing information and ideas.” (Wikipedia 2014). It makes people know what was happening. Discussing is defined “to consider or examine by argument, comment, and to talk over or write about, especially to explore solutions.” (Dictionary.com n.d.) which more ideas can be explored in this process. Practicing means to do something repeatedly in order to learn or acquire proficiency, or to put knowledge into practice. (YourDictionary n.d.). Practice makes perfect. Self-thinking is thinking for one’s self or forming one’s own opinions, and not borrowing them ready-made from others, or make independent judgement. (Wordnik n.d.) Analysing is the process by which data can be represented and summarised so that humans can be better understand it. (Wikidot 2011). After self-thinking and analysing, we can understand more clearly of what we learned. All of these are the important elements in study.

Conclusion
I am used to do everything individually and not asking for the other’s help or idea, so reading, self-thinking and analysing are the processes I always experience. I think it is good because self-working avoid the issue of handling the different opinion and arguing, and seems have time consuming. However, experiencing of discussing and practicing in the marking workshop is also valuable. Discussing gives a chance for idea exploring, and the learners can learn from each other through the interaction, and also promotes the relationship improvement. Practicing in the lesson can promptly know the problem in action and so have chance to ask for help directly to the tutor. Besides, practicing enhances deep memory. I would like to have similar learning session in future.

The marking criteria is also a very good and helpful material for having more clear way in preparing the coming assignments. Action Plan
Starting from this assignment, I use the marking criteria grid as my reference in the writing process. Besides, the idea gained from the marking workshop acts as an important hints and direction in writing the assignment. All of the things I learnt in marking workshop will be help in future learning. Conclusion

To sum up, I have learnt much study skills for advanced learning during the Study Skills module, particularly on the marking workshop which is very useful and works as a significant role in preparing the assignments. It is a good starting of my study path in the advance study.

References

Bulman C (2008) An Introduction to reflective Practice. In: Bulman C & Schutz S (Eds) (2008) Reflective Practice in Nursing. (4th ed). Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. 1-24. Cottrell S (2013) The Study Skills Handbook (4th ed). Basingstroke: Palgrave Macmillan. Dictionary.com (n.d.) Define Discussing. Available at http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/discussing (accessed 25/02/2014). Gibbs G (1998) Learning by Doing: A guide to teaching and learning methods. London: Further Education Unit, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford. Wikidot (2011) Analysing Tracipt 11. Available at http://tracipt11.wikidot.com/analysing (accessed 26/02/2014). Wikipedia (2014) Reading (process). Available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_(process) (accessed 25/02/2014). Wordnik (n.d.) Self-thinking Definition and Meaning. Available at https://www.wordnik.com/words/self-thinking (accessed 26/02/2014). YourDictionary (n.d.) Definition of Practicing. Available at http://www.yourdictionary.com/practicing (accessed 26/02/2014).