Personal and Professional Development [Reflective Report]

This reflective report discusses the importance of higher education skills for personal and professional development. It explores various skills such as team working, academic writing, presentation, communication & IT, and problem solving. The report provides insights on how to develop these skills for future growth and success.

Personal and Professional
Development [Reflective Report]

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................4
APPENDIX......................................................................................................................................5
APPENDICE 1 BELBIN QUESTIONNAIRE...........................................................................5
APPENDICE 2 VARK QUESTIONNAIRE............................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Higher education skills include different types of technical as well as non technical skills.
These skill are having significant impact upon learner future development and growth, it has
been evaluated that there is high competition prevailing in business environment for which
organisations are seeking for those employees who are skilled and talented (Clivaz and
Langenbach, 2020). Higher education skills lead individuals to increase their career growth in
both personal as well as professional manner and attain future success. Present report has been
made on reflection of self skills along with the manner in which these skills can be developed on
continuous basis.
MAIN BODY
There are wide range of skills that are essentially required by an individual and acts as an
most important aspect for them through which they can effectively assure their future growth as
well as development (Bossio and et. al., 2020). Mentioned below formative reflection has been
conducted through which I demonstrated my own skills and the manner through which I can
assure continuous growth of these skills in an effective manner.
Team working skills:
Team working is one of the most important skill for a learner as it allow them to work
with individuals who are having different set of skills and talent. Team working skill also
increase individual coordinating and cooperative efficiency in an effective manner (Sale, 2020).
In addition to this, it has been evaluated that team working skills facilitate an individual to learn
from other team members and appreciate their view and perceptions. According to the evaluation
it has been determined by me that I am having effective team working skills as I am a confident
person. Along with this, it has also been evaluated by me that I can perform my roles and
responsibilities with other individuals with effective coordination (Havea and Mohanty, 2020).
Team working skill is having significant tendency to increase my personal as well as
professional growth through which I can further fulfil my future growth objectives in an effective
way. Thus, according to the above mentioned evaluation this is being analysed by me that with
the assistance of increasing effectiveness of my team working skill my performing my study in a
team I can assure my significant growth opportunity. This will lead me towards enchaining my
future development and growth.
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Academic writing skills:
Academic skills acts as an essential tool that effectively aid students to evaluate, convey,
understand and critically think while emphasising upon techniques as well as style. With having
effective academic skill students can convince tutor to understand that what they are taking
about. With the help of academic skill student can feature their academic texts in an organised
manner with a clear structure (Liou and Canrinus, 2020). By demonstrating clear structure reader
can effectively understand their material in a better way. According to the evaluation it has been
evaluated by me that I can having good academic writing skills through which I clearly
demonstrate my academic texts in effective manner.
Presentation skills:
It is one of the most important skills for a learner through which they can effectively
present their views and opinions among large base of audience. With the help of efficient
presentation skill individual can attract other individuals attention in an appealing manner. In
terms with higher education, presentation skill is playing most important role as it allows learner
to present their ideas and knowledge among others. Further it has been evaluated that by
presenting personal views individual can take opinion and feedback from peers at the same time.
According to my evaluation it has been underlined by me that I am having week presentation
skill as I have issues in public speaking (Lazenby, McCulla and Marks, 2020). However, I am
looking forward to effectively improve my presentation skill by practising speaking in personal
first on any subjected related matter. In addition to this, it has has been determined by me that I
will also undertake guidance from my educator. It has been determined that presentation skill not
only develop an individual skills in higher education but I also facilitate their job in professional
context also.
Communication & IT skills:
Communication skills helps students or individuals to listen effectively and ask questions
or present view point among others in effective manner. This has been evaluated that,
communication skill is holding essential importance for an individual that also enhances their
public speaking confidence (Karlberg and Bezzina, 2020). In addition to this, it has been
evaluated by me that this skill also facilitate student to deliver as well as understand informations
in a quick and accurate manner. This skill is playing vital role for a students in both professional
as well as personal manner. It has been evaluated by me that I am having average
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communication skill It also affects my public speaking effectiveness. It is important for me to
develop my communication skill in effective manner as it will assure me to have successful
career as a student. In order to effectively improve effectiveness of my communication skill I
will undertake advantage of taking more part in group assignments, presentations, reflective
learning opportunities and open ended questions. In addition to this, it has been determined that
information technology is also having significant importance in a student life in personal and
professional way (Ryder and Campbell, 2020). With the help of this skill I can access and
analyse wide range of informations through which I can significantly enhance my current level
of knowledge in effective manner.
Problem solving and decision making skills:
It is one of the most important skill for a student through which they can evaluate the
actual cause of problem in an effective manner. With having efficient problem-solving skills
student or individual can identify various alternatives to solves a problem. In addition to this, it
has been determined that with having strong decision making skill student can undertake the
decision of commencing an activities according to its priority and time. According to the
evaluation it has been evaluated by me that I am having weak problem-solving and decision
making skills (Holmes, 2020). Thus, in order to increase my problem-solving skill I will
undertake advantage of various online sessions and guidance from my peers and tutors.
CONCLUSION
According to the above mentioned report it has been evaluated that higher education
skills are holding great significance for an individual future growth and development. With
having efficiency in different higher education skills like presentation, problem-solving,
communication and growth a student can develop themselves in both personal and professional
manner in an effective way.
3

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Bossio, D and et. al., 2020. Social media managers as intermediaries: negotiating the personal
and professional in organisational communication. Communication Research and
Practice. 6(2). pp.95-110.
Clivaz, C. and Langenbach, M., 2020. Organisation and professional development of mountain
guides and leaders in tourist regions: The Swiss case compared with the French
experience. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism. 29. p.100257.
Havea, P.H. and Mohanty, M., 2020. Professional development and sustainable development
goals. Springer Nature.
Holmes, A., 2020. A two-way street; enhancing professional services staff engagement through
effective career planning, development, and appraisal. Perspectives: Policy and Practice
in Higher Education. 24(1). pp.35-38.
Holmes, A., 2020. What are the barriers and opportunities for continuing professional
development for professional services staff in UK HE?. Perspectives: Policy and
Practice in Higher Education, pp.1-8.
Karlberg, M. and Bezzina, C., 2020. The professional development needs of beginning and
experienced teachers in four municipalities in Sweden. Professional Development in
Education, pp.1-18.
Lazenby, S., McCulla, N. and Marks, W., 2020. The further professional development of
experienced principals. International Journal of Leadership in Education, pp.1-15.
Liou, Y.H. and Canrinus, E.T., 2020. A capital framework for professional learning and
practice. International journal of educational research. 100. p.101527.
Ryder, J. and Campbell, L., 2020. Balancing acts in personal, social and health education: a
practical guide for teachers. Routledge.
Sale, D., 2020. Framing Professional Development Now. In Creative Teachers (pp. 291-357).
Springer, Singapore.
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APPENDIX
APPENDICE 1 BELBIN QUESTIONNAIRE
1 WHAT I BELIEVE I CAN CONTRIBUTE TO A TEAM: Points Awarded
a) I think I can quickly see and take advantage of new
opportunities
b) I can work well with a very wide range of people
c) Producing ideas is one of my natural assets 5
d) My ability rests in being able to draw people out whenever I
detect they have something of value to contribute to group
objectives
e) My capacity to follow through has much to do with my
personal effectiveness
f) I am ready to face temporary unpopularity if it leads to
worthwhile results in the end
3
g) I am quick to sense what is likely to work in a situation with
which I am familiar
2
h) I can offer a reasoned case for alternative courses of action
without introducing bias or prejudice
5

2 IF I HAVE A POSSIBLE SHORTCOMING IN TEAM
WORK, IT COULD BE THAT:
Points Awarded
a) I am not at ease unless meetings are well structured and
controlled and generally well conducted
b) I am inclined to be too generous towards others who have a
valid viewpoint that has not been given a proper airing
c) I have a tendency to talk a lot once a group gets on to a new
idea
10
d) My objective outlook makes it difficult for me to join in
readily and enthusiastically with colleagues
e) I am sometimes seen as forceful and authoritarian if there is a
need to get something done
f) I find it difficult to lead from the front, perhaps because I am
over-responsive to group atmosphere
g) I am apt to get too caught up in ideas that occur to me and so
lose track of what is happening
h) My colleagues tend to see me as worrying unnecessarily over
detail and the possibility that things may go wrong
6

3 WHEN INVOLVED IN A PROJECT WITH OTHER
PEOPLE:
Points Awarded
a) I have an aptitude for influencing people without pressurising
them
b) My general vigilance prevents careless mistakes and omissions
being made
c) I am ready to press for action to make sure that the meeting
does not waste time or lose sight of the main objectives
d) I can be counted on to produce something original 10
e) I am always ready to back a good suggestion in the common
interest
f) I am keen to look for the latest in new ideas and developments
g) I believe my capacity for cool judgement is appreciated by
others
h) I can be relied upon to see that all essential work is organised
7

4 MY CHARACTERISTIC APPROACH TO WORK IS THAT: Points Awarded
a) I have a quiet interest in getting to know colleagues better
b) I am not reluctant to challenge the views of others or to hold a
minority view myself
4
c) I can usually find a line or argument to refute unsound
propositions
d) I think I have a talent for making things work once a plan has
been put into operation
e) I have a tendency to avoid the obvious and come out with the
unexpected
f) I bring a touch of perfection to any team job I undertake 5
g) I am ready to make use of contacts outside the group itself 1
h) Whilst I am interested in all views I have no hesitation in
making up my mind once a decision has to be made
8

5 I GAIN SATISFACTION IN A JOB BECAUSE: Points Awarded
a) I enjoy analysing situations and weighing up all the possible
choices
b) I am interested in finding practical solutions to problems
c) I like to feel I am fostering good working relationships
d) I can exert a strong influence on decisions
e) I can meet people who may have something new to offer
f) I can get people to agree on a necessary course of action 10
g) I feel in my element where I can give a task my full attention
h) I like to find a field that stretches my imagination
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6 IF I AM SUDDENLY GIVEN A DIFFICULT TASK WITH
LIMITED TIME AND UNFAMILIAR PEOPLE:
Points Awarded
a) I would feel like retiring to a corner to devise a way out of the
impasse before developing a line
b) I would be ready to work with the person who showed the
most positive approach however difficult they might be
c) I would find some way of reducing the size of the task by
establishing what different individuals might best contribute
d) My natural sense of urgency would help to ensure that we did
not fall behind schedule
7
e) I believe I would keep cool and maintain my capacity to think
straight
f) I would retain a steadiness of purpose in spite of the pressures
g) I would be prepared to take a positive lead if I felt the group
were making no progress
h) I would open discussions with a view to stimulating new
thoughts and getting something moving
3
10

7 WITH REFERENCE TO THE PROBLEMS TO WHICH I
AM SUBJECT IN WORKING IN GROUPS:
Points Awarded
a) I am apt to show my impatience with those who are
obstructing my progress
b) Others may criticise me for being too analytical and
insufficiently intuitive
c) My desire to ensure that work is properly done can hold up
proceedings
2
d) I tend to get bored rather easily and rely on one or two
stimulating members to spark me off
e) I find it difficult to get started unless the goals are clear 8
f) I am sometimes poor at explaining and clarifying complex
points that occur to me
g) I am conscious of demanding from others the things I cannot
do myself
h) I hesitate to get my points across when I run up against real
opposition
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SELF-PERCEPTION INVENTORY ANALYSIS SHEET
Section CW CH SH PL RI ME TW CF
1 2 3 5
2 10
3 10
4 4 1 5
5 10
6 3 7
7 8 2
Total 10 10 7 15 11 0 0 14
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APPENDICE 2 VARK QUESTIONNAIRE
1. You are helping someone who wants to go to your airport, the centre of town or
railway station. You would:
a. go with her.
b. tell her the directions.
c. write down the directions.
d. draw, or show her a map, or give her a map.
2. A website has a video showing how to make a special graph. There is a person
speaking, some lists and words describing what to do and some diagrams. You would
learn most from:
a. seeing the diagrams.
b. listening.
c. reading the words.
d. watching the actions.
3. You are planning a vacation for a group. You want some feedback from them about
the plan. You would:
a. describe some of the highlights they will
experience.
b. use a map to show them the places.
c. give them a copy of the printed itinerary.
d. phone, text or email them.
4. You are going to cook something as a special treat. You would:
a. cook something you know without the need for
instructions.
b. ask friends for suggestions.
c. look on the Internet or in some cookbooks for ideas from the
pictures.
d. use a good recipe.
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5. A group of tourists want to learn about the parks or wildlife reserves in your area. You
would:
a. talk about, or arrange a talk for them about parks or wildlife
reserves.
b. show them maps and internet pictures.
c. take them to a park or wildlife reserve and walk with them.
d. give them a book or pamphlets about the parks or wildlife reserves.
6. You are about to purchase a digital camera or mobile phone. Other than price,
what would most influence your decision?
a. Trying or testing it.
b. Reading the details or checking its features online.
c. It is a modern design and looks good.
d. The salesperson telling me about its features.
7. Remember a time when you learned how to do something new. Avoid choosing a
physical skill, eg. riding a bike. You learned best by:
a. watching a demonstration.
b. listening to somebody explaining it and asking
questions.
c. diagrams, maps, and charts - visual clues
d. written instructions – eg a manual or book
8. You have a problem with your heart. You would prefer that the doctor:
a. gave you a something to read to explain what was wrong.
b. used a plastic model to show what was wrong.
c. described what was wrong.
d. showed you a diagram of what was wrong.
9. You want to learn a new program, skill or game on a computer. You would:
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a. read the written instructions that came with the
program.
b. talk with people who know about the program.
c. use the controls or keyboard.
d. follow the diagrams in the book that came with it.
10. I like websites that have:
a. things I can click on, shift or try.
b. interesting design and visual features.
c. interesting written descriptions, lists and explanations.
d. audio channels where I can hear music, radio programs or
interviews.
11. Other than price, what would most influence your decision to buy a new non-
fiction book?
a. The way it looks is appealing.
b. Quickly reading parts of it.
c. A friend talks about it and recommends it.
d. It has real-life stories, experiences and examples.
12. You are using a book, CD or website to learn how to take photos with your new
digital camera. You would like to have:
a. a chance to ask questions and talk about the camera and its
features.
b. clear written instructions with lists and bullet points about what to
do.
c. diagrams showing the camera and what each part does.
d. many examples of good and poor photos and how to improve
them.
13. Do you prefer a teacher or a presenter who uses:
a. demonstrations, models or practical sessions.
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b. question and answer, talk, group discussion, or guest
speakers.
c. handouts, books, or readings.
d. diagrams, charts or graphs.
14. You have finished a competition or test and would like some feedback. You
would like to have feedback:
a. using examples from what you have done.
b. using a written description of your results.
c. from somebody who talks it through with you.
d. using graphs showing what you had achieved.
15. You are going to choose food at a restaurant or cafe. You would:
a. choose something that you have had there before.
b. listen to the waiter or ask friends to recommend choices.
c. choose from the descriptions in the menu.
d. look at what others are eating or look at pictures of each
dish.
16. You have to make an important speech at a conference or special occasion. You
would:
a. make diagrams or get graphs to help explain things.
b. write a few key words and practice saying your speech over and
over.
c. write out your speech and learn from reading it over several times.
d. gather many examples and stories to make the talk real and
practical.
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The VARK Questionnaire Scoring Chart
Use the following scoring chart to find the VARK category that each of your answers
corresponds to. Circle the letters that correspond to your answers e.g. If you answered b and c
for question 3, circle V and R in the question 3 row.
Scoring Chart
Question a category b category c category d category
1 ✔
2 ✔ ✔
3 ✔ ✔
4 ✔
5 ✔
6 ✔
7 ✔ ✔
8 ✔
9 ✔
10 ✔
11 ✔
12 ✔
13 ✔
14 ✔
15 ✔
16 ✔
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