Learning and Blog Reflection: Analysis, Self-Critique, and Improvement Plan

This article discusses the reflection analysis of learning and blog development, critical self-analysis, and an improvement plan for enhancing skills related to design tools and communication. The article also covers the challenges faced and the opportunities for improvement.

LEARNING AND BLOG REFLECTION
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Abstract
Reflection analysis helps in applying the concepts that has been learned during the
study. The weekly learning that was organised for creating blogs have provided exemplary
results. Skills related to design tools have also been covered in it. An attempt has been taken
for undertaking a thorough analysis of self. The different types of experiences in learning
have found a proper reflection in this self-analysis. In order to deal with the weakness a six
month action plan has been specified. Therefore, it can be said that problem pertaining to
learning is resolved with the help of improvement plan.
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Table of Contents
Abstract......................................................................................................................................2
Introduction................................................................................................................................4
Reflection Analysis....................................................................................................................4
Critical Self-Analysis.................................................................................................................6
Action plan.................................................................................................................................9
Conclusion................................................................................................................................10
References................................................................................................................................11
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Introduction
Reflection analysis helps in gaining knowledge regarding learning in designing tools
(Brown & Wyatt, 2010). It has been found that reflection analysis can be put into practice for
resolving problems and reducing dependency on the part of an individual. A complete
transformation of ideas and knowledge can be conducted with the help of reflection and it can
well be utilized for future purposes (Martin, 2009). This study is going to discuss about the
blog development as well as design tools that will help in dealing with difficulties that a
person comes across while writing blogs.
Reflection Based Learning
It is to be noted that this reflection learning has been conducted in relation to blogs
and design tools. In this analysis, there has been an attempt to at first share the experience
related to blog entries and design tool (Dorst, 2011). The second week was concerned with
primary concepts and with the beginning of third week, models as well as theories in regards
to design tools and blogs has been incorporated. I began to increase my knowledge on the
steps that are involved while undertaking DT and these include convergent thinking, logical
flow and divergent thinking, triple loop learning, action-based research and many more
(Cross, 2011). In the second week of my analysis, I was unable to assimilate concepts related
to DT and it only in the third week that I got sufficient understood about DT. My tutor had
guided me with feedbacks. Alongside I was able to receive some ideas or input from my team
members via sharing. Both my mentor and class mates have helped me to clear my concepts
regarding DT.
The procedures regarding problem solving was conducted in the fourth week. Mind
mapping was focussed on the workshop which in fact brought clouds of confusion (Kimbell,
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2011). The concept of DT becomes quite difficult in case a person is unable to practice it. My
learning experience has given a clear indication that my group mates have got enough scope
for conducting the sketching as well as brainstorming processes. Being the task organizer, I
had to often hold group discussions and also need to find out relevant solutions to the
problems. As I have got a clear knowledge about the topic so, it was easier for me to get into
the root cause of the problem.
I began to learn about brainstorming as well as journey mapping in DT during the
fifth week (Lindberg, Meinel & Wagner, 2011). From class discussion I have been successful
in getting thorough knowledge regarding the topic and this activity has allowed me to get
proper insight. I got enough opportunity to deal with customer and it was really a good
experience. I was able to understand that there are almost three levels found in the journey
maps. It was basically emphasised on innovation and I am quite pre-occupied with innovation
so I got more involved into it. I think that I have succeeded in strengthening my theoretical
knowledge concerning journey mapping.
In the sixth week, our team got to clear about the concept related to value chains. I got
my concepts clear regarding theory and it only due to conducting a close analysis of
stakeholders (Johansson‐Sköldberg, Woodilla & Çetinkaya, 2013). We were briefed
regarding the idea that mind mapping is applied to value chains. Value chains are directly
linked to creativity as well as innovation and I showed significant inclination towards
creativity. I got enough opportunities to learn from activities even alter facing hurdles while
making connections.
The seventh week was focussed on learning with the help of ethical considerations as
well as data sources in DT (Woodbury, 2010). A number concepts related to data analysis
was included in this topic which made it a bit intriguing. The workshop gave detailed
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information regarding both secondary and primary methods of data collection. I had faced
problems while analysing the concept of ethics in regards to research and application of DT. I
was unclear and could not understand reason due to which anyone could conduct fraudulent
activity in conducting a research. This doubt of mine got clarified only after my friends
showed me an ethical or consent form of participant that needs to be submitted at the
University. I have got enough information regarding the proper way to approach to any
research study. Data collection methods have been discussed in this study. In the blog, we
had to give details regarding thought and feeling of earning in the workshop. This workshop
has enabled me to develop my knowledge base regarding beginning a research work. The
topics on model development for 2D and 3D and also regarding prototypes were cleared in
the eight week (Liedtka & Ogilvie, 2011). I found this class to be engaging as I got to know
about prototyping. In order to learn the application of feasible models, different kinds of
techniques of prototyping were taught in the workshop. The workshop was really useful as it
gave insight into varied skills like wireframing, storyboard and sketching and lot more
(Tonkinwise, 2011). Learning Launch was discussed on the ninth week. We were exposed to
businesses cases that assisted us to increase our knowledge depth. During the workshop the
learning module was able to provide adequate insight to apply it in learning context.
Reflection on blogs as well as the workshop had given a scope to incorporate feedback so as
to apply these tools in the near future. So, I can say that blog reflection along with week
based learning has enriched the process of my skill development.
Critical Analysis of Self
I have been able to enrich my knowledge depth by practical and theoretical learning
that was conducted in the workshop. Self-assessment often becomes a difficult task. I have
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tried to undertake self-analysis by resorting on my blog activity. In order to analyse myself, I
have conducted SWOT analysis. Module that is provided for design tool contains critical
concepts that are adopted currently. The workshop held classes that were completely based
on different tool which has helped in clearing some vital concepts. The self-analysis is
conducted from both professional and personal perspective that was given by current
developments. My optimistic and energetic nature has helped me to achieve success in
academics. However, I find difficulty in communicating with others and I am a bit short-
tempered In fact sometimes I often lose concentration. In order to complete this study I have
formed a WhatsApp group so that I abale to effectively hold conversation with team mates
and take their assistance in terms of feelings and feedback. However, my limited
communication skills have always found it difficult to assimilate learning. I was quiet
hesitated in asking doubts from my professors but my professor was helpful enough to guide
me. My limited interaction has not allowed my professor to get proper insight into my
learning areas. I faced problem while sketching the connecting points of DT. As I was unable
to develop my concepts in relation to the problem statement so, I felt like strengthening my
learning skills. I found that my inability to communicate adequate tools properly to
communicate information regarding tools that slowed down the process of brainstorming of
my team mates (Wylant, 2008). I face challenges in time management skills as I am
continuously unable to meet deadlines. I am often not able to meet deadlines and face
tremendous stress in meeting time limits. I began to lose on my productivity due to lack of
concentration and I also found that I could not focus on a single idea. With the progression of
weekly learning I began to face problems prating to clearing some concepts and I tried to
shift from one concept to the other. It ultimately resulted in creating obstruction in my
learning process. One of the major challenges that I have faced in terms of my behaviour is
short temperament. My temperament acted as another hindrance to my skill development
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procedure. In fact team conflicts have occurred due to my short-temperament and I had faced
lot of problems due to it.
While analysing my professional skill, I found that I am quite proficient in
management as well as leadership (Boud, Keogh & Walker, 2013). My managerial skills
have assisted me to organise meeting with my team mate and ask them to provide their own
input. I have learned about organising from the different assignment that I had to undertake
simultaneously during workshop days. While undertaking personal task I often had to carry
out various tasks within a stipulated time. My team members were able to approach to a
problem and find its solution only due to my leadership qualities. I got immense success by
giving suitable solution to the problems with the help of DT (Moon, 2013). I found DT to be
quite interesting which encouraged me to develop some complex problems related to an
industry which will surely open new avenues for a fruitful career. I wish to undertake further
research on it so as to achieve expertise in this niche. After joining the workshop classes, I
think that number classes should be increased. It can be said that DT is not meant for
fulfilling your career goals but it can only help one to further proceed towards higher studies
for completing research works (Coulson & Harvey, 2013).
After conducting the SWOT analysis I have understood that one of my major threats
is my limited practice skills. I am in the urgent need for applying and practising DT tools. I
have to spend sufficient amount of time in understanding the way to apply different DT tools
and this can be taken as my opportunity (Carroll, 2010). I have already eared about the way
to design learning launch, mind maps and even journey mapping. I reality liked the concept
of DT and will use in the future in my research project to arrive at a solution. Amongst all
DT, the most interesting DT to me was mind mapping and storyboard. I feel that in my future
DT application I will be using either of the two as I have got a good grasp of both. Gaps
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remain in my inability to work in group activities and my short temperament. I want to deal
with these two weaknesses for increasing my proficiency.
Plan for Improvement
In the process of analysing wide arena of learning, inner strength as well as
weaknesses is revealed. While analysing learning experience, I found that my strengths
include work in a team, designing well defined plan and ability to transform learning into
application (Hays & Gay, 2011). Action plan is meant to work on my weaker are as that acted
as a stumbling blocks in my DT learning. The problem that I faced is difficulties in
undertaking the nodes based on the problem statement I decided to talk directly with my
professor. The other way out for this problem is searching for books or online sources so as to
get a thorough knowledge regarding the By resorting to continuous practice I am sure that I
will be able to learn to sketch varied type of DT including journey mapping, storyboard and
mind map (Seligman, 2011). I think that I need at least three months to overcome my
weaknesses. For improving communication skills, I can read books form library on verbal
communication. I will hardly take six month to increase communication proficiency. I wish
to take feedback from my friends for understanding whether I have improved my
communicative power or not. I think that I need to work on my concentration power and in
order to achieve it I need to meditate (Lunenburg, 2011).
In order to enhance my time management skill I will work in accordance to time
bound framework. It is extremely important to be able to manage time in professional and
personal field. Hence, I need to overcome this difficulty faced by me. I will aim to practice
rigorously at home to manage time and be able to complete work within deadlines. University
is an ideal platform for learning and growing. I will make maximum use of this opportunity
to learn and be able to manage deadlines. For increasing my concentration power, I will need
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only one month. If I regularly practice mediation then I will not take much time to increase
my patience level. I will get admitted in the mediation classes that are in my locality. The
other weakness that is posing challenge on my skill development process is my short
temperament. I think that mediation can be applicable here because meditation helps in
keeping a control on my temperament (Dweck & Master, 2008). If I am able to keep control
on my temper then I will be able to work with my team members in a better way. Another
major threat which is meant for slowing down my learning process is problem related to
ineffective drawing of DT sketches. This incapability is not letting me to become proficient
in this domain. In order to deal with this problem I have to put effort in practice. It can be
said that practice is the only way to improve my sketching skills (Wentzel & Miele, 2009). In
order to attain long term goals to become an expert in DT, I will divide and break it into
smaller goals which I will aim to attain in the long-term. While longer term goal includes
becoming an expert, shorter term goals will include developing competency in drawing and
designing DT such as mind map and storyboard, developing time management skills and so
on. I will take six months for improving this skill. If I gain success in developing my
sketching skill as I am sure that this course will bring fruitful result for me. It will allow me
to gain success in my research work. So, I hope that for worrying in my weaknesses I will
take six months and I am sure that I will be able to meet my professional as well as personal
goals.
Conclusion
In the process of self-analysis, different weaknesses as well as strengths have been
demonstrated. It is quite essential to overcome challenges that are encountered in learning.
The action plan that is designed for six months will help in dealing with the challenges and
hence become capable enough to learn the application of design tools.
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