Academic and Research Skills

Academic and Research skills

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Own strength and Weakness ...........................................................................................1
1.2 Setting targets for self improvement................................................................................2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................2
3.1 Key points of information from different sources using active listening skills...............2
3.2 Information from different sources using reading strategies...........................................3

INTRODUCTION
Academic skills is termed as development of key potential in academic career which is
required for personal and professional development within enterprise. There are various kinds of
studies needed to be carried out by individuals in their academic career in which they have to
undertake the research (Adedokun and et.al., 2013). Research skills imply to attain knowledge
and abilities of conducting research. Present report is based on analysis of own strengths and
weaknesses to identify skills along with the development of targets for self-improvement. In
addition to this, different skills such as note taking, paraphrasing and summarising skills have
been determined which are achieved at the time of study. Further, an academic research project
has been carried out by using various primary and secondary methods. At last, personal
development plan has been made to demonstrate the findings and creating an action plan for
improvement of skills.
TASK 1
1.1 Own strengths and weaknesses
Personal skills are considered as the competencies which are necessary to be attained for
achievement of personal and professional development. In this report, I have clearly determined
by own strengths and weaknesses which I have achieved in academic career and key area which I
need to improve for achievement of growth.
Strengths
 Excellent communication and soft
skills which I have developed by
communicating with different
superiors, through participation in
seminars and reading books.
 Good in research skills such as data
collection, data analysis and sampling
because I have carried out various
researches on different topics.
 Effective in oral and written
communication and I have achieved
Weaknesses
 Lack of appropriate technical
competencies.
 Faced difficulties in taking various
interviews and communicating with
different people.
 Less effective in paraphrasing and
summarising skills.
 Less effective in listening and
understanding the key content which
creates difficulties in drafting reports.
1

these skills through drafting of
academic reports, research paper and
other materials (Whittaker, 2012).
1.2 Setting targets for self-improvement
For development of skills and competencies, it is essential to analyse the ways for
improvement of skills in an appropriate time duration.
Specific: Participation in different technical courses and practical training for 3 months in
order to my technical knowledge and competencies to use different types of software. Further, I
will also take guidance from superiors for taking interview and carrying out survey to be
improved by research skills. In order to develop effective listening skills, I will participate in
different seminars and conferences along with class room activities to improve my English
language skills.
Measurable: Target for improvement of technical skills will be completed within 3
months and I will achieve an appropriate score in my technical course.
Achievable: Objectives of improvement of technical competencies have been achieved
as I will make appropriate efforts to learn different software and systems. By analysis and taking
guidance from colleagues as well as superiors, I will be able to improve paraphrasing and
summarising skills (Devi and et.al, 2012).
Realistic: Objectives of undertaking various computer course for three months is realistic
as there are different institutions that offer computer courses for development of technical
competencies among individuals. Carrying out research on different topics is also realistic and
helps in improvement of paraphrasing and summarising. There is requirement of interpretation of
findings in every research on the basis of data collection.
Time bound: Target formulated to attain technical competencies will be achieved in three
months. Further, paraphrasing and summarising skills will be improved within 2 months.
Further, listening and understanding skills of English language will be improved by participation
in seminars and conference in 3 months.
2