Importance of Personal, Academic, and English Skills

The assignment highlights the significance of personal, academic, and English communication skills in a competitive environment. SMART objectives are set to improve these skills, and a research plan is developed to evaluate self-learning experiences. The importance of effective communication skills is emphasized, including writing, grammar, and reading abilities.

ACADEMIC AND
RESEARCH SKILLS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
Evaluation of my own personal, academic, and English language skills ...................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
Note taking..................................................................................................................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
TASK 5............................................................................................................................................9
Reflection....................................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Today, it is important for an individual to have good personal and academic skills in
order to stand out as a better and successful person in the competitive environment. The below
report tends to explore the importance of these skills in a competitive environment. In what ways
these skills influence an individual's behaviour and identify and why are these skills important
for an individual. In order to evaluate these skills report briefly discusses all the points and uses
model of SMART objectives. Along with it, the report explores note taking skills and carries an
academic research plan (Quinlan et.al, 2019). These all will help an individual to identify the
problem and find their solutions effectively.
TASK 1
Evaluation of my own personal, academic, and English language skills
Personal and academic skills play and important role in order to achieve an individuals
set goals and objectives. Below mentioned are my own personal, academic and English language
skills and what are my particular strengths and weaknesses in those skills.
PERSONAL SKILLS1. Adaptability: Adaptability is one of the most important skills that one should excel at. I
find its difficult to adapt in an environment that is not known to me. Also, it takes me a
lot of time in understanding the new environment and adapt into it as per the
environments needs and requirement. Although, I tend to manage the situations occurring
in the new environment and try to find effective ways to adapt into it accordingly.2. Problem solving: It is important for an individual to have a good set of Problem solving
skills. I hold good problem solving skills and tend to manage the problems and find their
solutions easily. However, it gets hard for me to find the solutions of the problems fast as
I tend to take a lot of time in finding the solutions (Mounce, 2015).3. Decision making: My decision making skills are not so good. I tend to find difficulties in
arriving at a single decision or a conclusion. Sometimes I need help in making my own
decisions. It is important for me to improve my decision making skills.
ACADEMIC SKILLS
1. Critical Thinking: Critical thinking skills are important for me to compete in a
competitive environment. I am able to think critically when it is needed but in some
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situations it is hard for me to critically evaluate the answers for the problems that I face. I
find problems such in analysing and evaluation.
2. Communication: My communication skills are better, I hold the strength of better
fluency and understanding of the language (Shaffer, 2015). However, at times I find it
difficult to speak for longer periods and understanding the one whom I am conveying my
message to.
ACADEMIC ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS
1. Fluency: My fluency in English language is good as I can speak and listen in English
effectively. My strengths in fluency is my better command over vocabulary and grammar.
My weakness in fluency includes not being able to speak for longer time periods.
2. Grammar: My grammar in English language is better. My strengths in grammar include
good sentence making and spelling understanding. My weakness in grammar includes
lack of knowledge about adverbs and adjectives etc.
3. Writing: My strengths in English Language writing skills are better command on
paragraph and essay writing and I can write effectively on any of the provided topics. My
weaknesses in writing includes finding it difficult to write letters and applications. Also, I
do not know how to write in formal language (Oakleaf, 2015).
Below mentioned are the usage of SMART Objectives in order to develop my skills
and improve them.
SKILLS SMART OBJECTIVES
Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time
Personal
Skills
Adaptability To adapt in
to any type
of
environment
easily
To
understand
where I lack
in
adaptability
from my
seniors
Yes, can be
achieve by
learning
how other
people adapt
in
environment
and learning
It is
important
for me to
improve my
adaptability
to stand as a
better
individual
1-3 months
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about
different
workplace
environment
s
simultaneou
sly
and the one
which can
easily
withhold
situation or
environment
Problem
Solving
To solve
problems
without
facing any
hurdles
Taking
feedbacks
from my
seniors
about my
solutions
and what I
need to
improve
Yes, I can
be an
effective
problem
solver by
solving
more
problems
which are
complex in
nature
It is
important
for me to
improve my
problem
solving
skills. This
will help me
in becoming
a better
problem
solver.
3-5 months
Decision
making
To make
difficult
decision
easily
To make
decisions as
per the
requirement
and ask my
seniors
where I lack
in making
effective
decisions.
Yes, to be
able to make
decisions as
per the
needs and
requirement
of the
situations
and by
learning
how I can
Good
decision
making
would allow
me to be a
good
decision
maker in the
times when
it my de
scions are
1-2 months
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improve needed the
most
Academic
Skills
Critical
Thinking
To think
critically
and be able
to make my
own
decisions
To
understand
at what
places I
need to
improve my
thinking
skills.
Yes, by
making
difficult
decisions
and
understand
their
necessity
Critical
thinking
would allow
me to think
fast and
better.
4-7 months
Communica
tion
To be fluent
in my
communicat
ion and
become able
to
communicat
e effectively
Taking
feedbacks
from my
colleagues
as in what
places I
need
improvemen
ts in my
communicat
ion.
Yes, by
communicat
ing more
and looking
for my
communicat
ion pitfalls
and the
places
where I
need to
improve.
Good
communicat
ion will
make a
better
speaker and
would make
me a fine
spokesperso
n
8-11 months
Academic
English
Language
Skills
Fluency To increase
my fluency
and become
able to
speak for
longer time
periods
To ask my
listeners to
provide me
feedback as
in what
place I lack
fluency
Yes, by
practising
fluency for
longer
periods and
speaking
better.
Better
fluency will
help me to
improve my
overall
language
1 year
Grammar To increase Taking Yes, by Better 1 year
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my
grammar
skills and
write better
and fast
feedbacks
from my
readers
about
improvemen
ts in my
grammar
learning
grammar
from
grammar
books and
internet as
well.
grammar
would make
me a writing
expert.
Writing To be able
to write
letter and
formal
application.
Also, to be
better and
effective at
my writing
skills.
To be able
to write
effectively
and for that
to ask my
readers as in
what places
I need to
improve my
writing.
Yes, by
writing
more and
more. Also,
by
understandi
ng where I
require
improvemen
ts.
Better
writing will
help me in
improving
the overall
communicat
ion and will
attract more
readers.
3 months
TASK 2
Note taking
Note taking is termed or defined as that practice in which student write down pieces of
information systematically. Thus, it plays very essential role in everyone's life. I have good
quality of note taking as it further assists me in gaining the best understanding of particular
subject (Harris and Ashton, 2014). Thus, I always try to list important points that I hear or gather
so that it may help me in future to grasp the study easily. It helps me in recalling information that
may be lost otherwise. In order to take notes, I have to summarise and paraphrase core concepts
as soon as possible in my own words. Further, there are various methods related to this that may
help in preparing before lecture and also review key concepts. In addition to this, this method
related to note taking may also in staying focused during lectures and pay attention and
participate in active manner. Hence, various methods has been described as per below context-
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4. Outline method- this is one of the best method and also popular one. This method leads in
organising notes in structured form that later leads in saving lot of time for editing and
reviewing in the future. Bullet points can be used in order to represent different topics
and also their subtopics. Thus, main strength of this method is that it may provide me
with proper and clean structure to notes and also aids in focusing on topic easily.5. Cornell method- this method is basically ideal for all types of lectures and even meetings.
The main advantage of this is that it leads in taking, reviewing and organising noted
quickly and helps in extracting main ideas. In addition to this, it also assists me in
summarising all information that are required in systematic manner.6. Boxing method- the main aim of this method of note taking is that it segregates and
organises notes in forms of boxes that may later let me in focusing on one box at a time
while preparing or reading any study material. In addition to this, it also helps in
memorising relation between various notes that has been gathered in visual way.7. Charting method- This method usually takes time but works best when wanted to cut
down amount of time that has been spent in terms of editing and reviewing. The major
advantage of this method is that it makes information structured in clear manner which in
turn makes notes easily comparable. In addition to this, maximum volume of information
can be memorised quickly (Shapiro, 2014).8. Mapping method- Student must use this method when content is too heavy and tough and
requires to be organised in easy and structured form. Thus, it is useful in order to note
down detailed information in brief form.
Thus, all these methods plays critical role in students life. If notes that has been gathered
is messy than it would be difficult for me to review those informations when required in the
future. All this methods if used in terms of note taking will help in deepening understanding
related to information, speeding the revision power and also in improving recall power and also
in staying disciplined and organised.
Thus, I have huge level of note taking skills that mainly assists me in order to concentrate
on particular task. It is one of the most powerful aid towards communication. In addition to this,
it is also termed as the way in order to summarise and retain key points from that which has been
heard and understood by me. I basically used to note down points that were important which
helped me in evolving with time and I further mastered these skills.
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TASK 3
Research skill is the self learning experience that helps in finding out important things
that has been mainly connected to researched subject (O'Sullivan and Dallas, 2017). Thus, the
findings of this particular researched has been presented below-
Introduction
Business organisation is that entity which mainly aims in providing goods and services of
high quality to customers at reasonable price and also meet customers easily. Customer
satisfaction is termed as basic objective that has to be fulfilled by them. Thus, to reach customers
easily, particular organisation has to adopt various tools among which social media use plays the
extremely essential role.
Research background
From the research it has been analysed that along with rising sales, it is also important to
make use of innovative marketing techniques. These techniques will lead them in increasing
awareness among individuals in terms of products and services that has been offered by
particular organisation. Thus, social media is the best technique that can be used by them.
Today's generation is completely based on social media, that will help them in attracting young
generations towards the brand (Kim, 2015).
Research rationale
The main aim of social media is to validate brand if done correctly than it may also reach
information to customers related to brand. This type of technique in terms of marketing has
power in order to increase customer loyalty towards particular brand. Thus, nowadays people are
highly attracted towards digital technologies to make their life easier. So it plays extremely
important role in making business reach the boost.
Research aims and objectives
The main aim of this is to attract large number of customers towards the brand easily and
quickly. The objectives are described as per below context-
1. To determine various platforms of social media.
2. To examine usefulness of social media.
3. To analyse challenges faced while using social media marketing strategy.
4. To recommend different ways in terms of promotion of business.
Research questions
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4. What are various platforms that can be used in social media marketing?
5. How social media marketing is useful in business promotion?
6. What are challenges faced while using marketing strategy?
7. What are different ways in terms of business promotion?
Literature Review
As per Kim, (2015) Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Google Plus, Orkut, Instagram are the
major social media platforms used for marketing of products and services.
As per Shapiro, (2014) Social media marketing is useful in business promotion because
of a rapid increase in technology. These technologies include mobile, internet, television etc.
As per Oakleaf, (2015) competitors advantage, better marketing done by competitors, and
other products large market value are some challenges faced while using a marketing strategy.
As per Mounce, (2015) effective marketing, promotion of products and services through
various channels such as advertising, public relations etc. different ways in business promotion.
Research Method
The method of research used here is Quantitative method of research. The method is
based on the quantity of the user of social media. The research allows to easily evaluate the
number of people which use social media and prepare the report as per the findings and
understandings(Bell, Bryman and Harley, 2018).
Data Analysis
It has been seen that in developed countries today around 70-75% of the phone,
computer, laptop, users make use of internet and they use social media. It provides a brief
understanding that is important for an organisation to sell its products and services on the
internet to gain the best market advantage. Along with it, it is important for them to promote
their products and services on social media.
Data collection method
In the research the primary data collection method has been used in order to understand
the types of people that use the social media. Detailed questionnaire and interviews has been
taken in consideration in order to develop and understand the importance of social media within
the range of today's worldwide markets. The total of 700 people were interviewed and were
asked with the following questions:
1. Do you agree that you visit social media platforms often times in a day?
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2. Do you agree usage of social media has increased your buying habits?
3. Do you agree you buy the products and services after watching the advertisements on
various social media websites?
4. Do you agree that social media makes you spend more on buying new products and
services?
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Agree 4
0
6 8 2 1
Agree 1
0
3
0
1
0
2
0
1
0
Do not want to Answer 5
3
4 1
0
1
0
1
0
Disagree 1
0
1
0
3
1
0 2
0
Strongly Disagree 1
0
1
2
5
2
1
0
2
0
Research findings
The above done research has found out that it is important for an organisation to sell its
products and services online. Also, it is important for them to promote them on social media to
gain more consumers. Along with it, the research has found out that today lots and lots of people
make sure of social media which makes it important for them to promote an organisation
products and services online and on social media.
Conclusion
The above study is helpful for a number of organisations and marketers which makes use
of internet in order to sell their products and services. It explains the importance and social
media and the tools that can be used in order to sell the desired products and services (Ahn,
2016).
TASK 5
Reflection
My objectives basis done above in Task 1, below prepared is my personal development
plan.
Objectives Actions Time Scale
Adaptability Understanding different working 1-3 months
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environments, learning about workplaces
Problem Solving Solve a variety of problems on my own,
find solutions of those problems
3-5 months
Decision Making Make my own decisions, learning to make
effective decisions
1-2 months
Critical Thinking Increasing thinking ability by problem
solving and be more efficient in my
thoughts.
4-7 months
Communication Speaking, writing and listening more and
more
8-11 months
Fluency Speaking at different places and times and
for longer periods
1 year
Grammar Use internet and books to learn more
about grammar
1 year
Writing Write more and improve my overall
writing skills
3 months
The above mentioned personal development plan explores the objectives, actions taken
on them and the time scale in which the actions will be implemented to gain the results.
Action Plan
TARGET HOW? SUPPORT/
RESOURCES
TARGET DATE
Adaptability To learn more
about different
environments in
order to adapt into
I will make use of my
teachers and mentors to
make me able to adapt into
different environments
(Starting at: 15th
January 2019)
21st February 2019
Problem Solving Solve more
problems
To solve more problems in
academy and take help of
(Starting at: 23rd
February 2019)
5th March 2019
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colleagues in doing so.
Decision Making Make required
decisions as per
the needs and
demands
By making my own
decisions.
(Starting at: 11th
December 2019)
4th January 2019
Critical Thinking To increase my
thinking ability
By using thinking tools
and methods
Estimated time for
improving my skill: 4
weeks. (Starting at: 3rd
December 2019)
Communication To make my
communication
better increasing
my abilities
Communicating more
with my family and
friends.
Estimated time for
improving my skill: 4
weeks. (Starting at: 3rd
December 2019)
Fluency Speaking more
and develop
speaking for
longer periods
Practice speaking for
longer periods.
(Starting at: 27th
December 2019)
21st February 2020
Grammar Learn effective
grammar by
internet and books
Using tools such as
internet and grammar
books
(starting at: 29th March
2019)
18th June 2019)
Writing Write and read
more
Writing and reading more (Starting at: 8th March
2019)
23rd March 2019)
CONCLUSION
The above report concludes the importance of personal, academic, and English
communication skills used in a competitive environment by an individual. Later, SMART
objectives are developed in order to improve the set of skills mentioned. All these ways explores
and showcase as in what ways these skills influence an individual's behaviour and identifies their
importance along. Also, a research plan has been developed in order to understand and evaluate
the self learning experience which helps in finding out those important things that has been
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mainly connected to researched subject. At last, the report ends with reflecting a required
personal development and action plan.
REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ahn, H., 2016. Teaching Writing Skills Based on a Genre Approach to L2 Primary School
Students: An Action Research. English Language Teaching. 5(2). pp.2-16.
Bell, E., Bryman, A. and Harley, B., 2018. Business research methods. Oxford university press.
Harris, A. J. and Ashton, J. L., 2014. Embedding and integrating language and academic skills:
An innovative approach.
Kim, T., 2015. Transnational academic mobility, knowledge, and identity capital. Discourse:
Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education. 31(5). pp.577-591.
Mounce, M., 2015. Working together: Academic librarians and faculty collaborating to improve
students' information literacy skills: A literature review 2000–2009. The Reference
Librarian. 51(4). pp.300-320.
O'Sullivan, M. K. and Dallas, K. B., 2017. A collaborative approach to implementing 21st
century skills in a high school senior research class. Education Libraries. 33(1). pp.3-9.
Oakleaf, M., 2015. The value of academic libraries: A comprehensive research review and
report. Assoc of Cllge & Rsrch Libr.
Quinlan, C. .et .al, 2019. Business research methods. South Western Cengage.
Shaffer, B. A., 2015. Graduate student library research skills: is online instruction
effective?. Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning. 5(1-2).pp.35-
55.
Shapiro, E. S., 2014. Academic skills problems: Direct assessment and intervention. Guilford
Press.
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