Reflective Journal Entries: Skill Development and Self-Reflection

This document presents a series of reflective journal entries focused on the development of core professional skills. The entries cover four key areas: focus and attention, time management, team working, and public speaking. Each entry follows a pro-forma structure, prompting self-assessment and critical analysis. The author reflects on the importance of each skill, providing rationale and examples to support their selections. They evaluate their current competence, using self-assessment findings, peer and tutor feedback, and personal reflections. The entries identify contradictions in their self-perceptions compared to external feedback and consider how these skills will aid future career development. The analysis incorporates relevant theories and concepts to justify their viewpoints. The author also discusses the tools and strategies employed to improve each skill, and the impact of these improvements on their personal and professional life. The journal entries aim to foster self-awareness and guide the student towards continuous improvement in essential professional competencies. The document is a student's assignment contributed to Desklib for study purposes.

REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ENTRY PRO-FORMA 1
What is the core skill to develop?
Focus and attention is one of the most important core skills which I need to develop. It is the ability
of the brain to concentrate its attention on targeted factors (Goldie, 2017). My capacity to keep
attention depends on various factors like personal, professional and stimulus. Focusing on things'
means when my mind is been diverted from undisciplined scenes to specific thoughts.
Why is this core skill important? Why did I select this skill to reflect on? (use relevant
theories and concepts to support your answer)
Focus and attention is important for me, every group and individual as developing ability to
concentrate on one single task can support people in enhancing their efficiency. It also helps them in
removing useless thoughts from mind which can hamper their work(Hillson and Murray-Webster
2017). Every individual and group should be aware of focus and attention as it assists in making
intuition strength. Also, by focusing on every task perform by individual and groups they can increase
their inner peace. For example by paying focus and attention while driving car, it can help in reducing
the unwanted accidents. Also, this core skill is important as it enhances the thinking capacities and
thoughts. This helps in improvising the problem solving skills.
I have selected to reflect on focus and attention at it assists in providing peace and
strengthen intuition al power. Also, unwanted accidents are being reduced and person can work on
improvising their efficiency.
Reflect on your current competence regarding this skill. How did you assess your
competence? (use your self-assessment findings, feedback from peers and your tutor,
plus your own reflections on your thoughts, feelings and behaviours to answer this
question)
After developing skills like focus and attention, I myself have felt that my competencies have been
improved. I was able to focus and spend more time on activities which was important for my life and
career. Like for example I have started taking my studies more seriously. Previously I had a very
casual attitude towards every task performed whether it is related to studies or my personal life.
Now after increasing focus and attention I am able to concentrate more on productive things. The
evidence related to this can be provided using:
Toolkit: To improve my skills related to focus and attention I have made use of various toolkit
like competence libraries and competency models. It has helped me in improving my self confidence

and esteem. Also, I felt that due to after developing this skill I feel motivated to perform any task.
Peer feedback: Previously my peer feedback was that I was very dull and shy but after
improvising my skills related to focus and attention, they revealed that I was quiet confident while
speaking and also perform my task without any diversion.
Tutor feedback: My tutor provided me with feedback that after increasing focus and
attention I was able to solve my problems at myself only. It has also increased my work efficiency.
Can you identify any contradictionsfrom your analysis above? For example, is there a
match between how you see yourself and how others see you, or not?
After using toolkit I have felt my attention and focus power has increased. But some how I
felt that still I have some sort of weaknesses. Like by using assessment tools one's ability to
make choices increases. But I felt like still I am unable to make suitable choices which can
provide benefit to me. But others like my peer and my tutor thought that I am improving this
skill day by day. Toolkit used provide reliable results but at some point I need to work on
myself.
How might this skill help me in the future? (use references to support your argument)
I think the skill like focus and development can support me in developing my future life and career
growth(Hillson and Murray-Webster 2017). With the help of this skill I can pay keen attention on
my studies which can help me in framing my career path. I can make correct decisions with it, which
enhances my future growth.

REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ENTRY PRO-FORMA 2
What is the core skill to develop?
Time management is one of the most important core skill to develop. It is basically a procedure
which includes efficiently managing time used on particular activities in order to increase
effectiveness, efficiency and productivity(Hassenzahl, 2018). It is unique human trait which when
developed can help individual and group in maximising goals.
Why is this core skill important? Why did I select this skill to reflect on? (use relevant
theories and concepts to support your answer)
Time-management is very important for me as it helps me in achieving the goals and objectives in
short duration of time. This assists me in having more free time, which I can spend on any other
learning activities that in turn enhances my efficiency to perform. Managing time appropriately will
also assist me in making good impression in front of my elders, teachers and peers (Hillson and
Murray-Webster 2017). Also, when control is been taken over time than goals can be accomplish
without fewer efforts. For example If I am engaged in timely attending my university classes than it
will increase my learning and also I will be able to perform better in my exams.
I have selected to reflect on the skill of time-management as it assists in setting of priorities
and also it creates an environment which is conducive to effectiveness.
Reflect on your current competent regarding this skill. How did you assess your
competence? (use your self-assessment findings, feedback from peers and your tutor,
plus your own reflections on your thoughts, feelings and behaviours to answer this
question)
I felt that before using time-management skills, I was not able to accomplish my task or assignments
on time which has made my image negative in the mind of teachers. But now after managing time I
am able to complete my studies on time. This has improved my impression on my tutors. Evidence

related to this are:
Toolkit: Various toolkit like making use of internet to learn methods of managing time was
used by me. It helps me in making control over time.
Peer feedback: My peer revealed that after managing time I have improved my efficiency of
learning in various other things. Also, they said that they have noticed a positive change in my
behaviour.
Tutor feedback: My tutor provided me feedback that my assignment and my work was
completed on time after using toolkit to improve time-management skills. Also, I have developed a
positive attitude towards studies.
Can you identify any contradictions from your analysis above? For example, is there a
match between how you see yourself and how others see you, or not?
Using toolkit was reliable but I thought it does not help me in setting out priorities. I think after
developing time-management skills still I am not able to prioritise important tasks. So I need to work
on them with more efficient and productive tool-kits.
How might this skill help me in the future? (use references to support your argument)
Developing time-management will help in increasing my attention towards studies and reduce my
distraction. It will help me in organising my day to day activities which will help me in spending more
time on studies. This will develop my future career and path(Hillson and Murray-Webster 2017).
Also I would be able to spend more time on other learning activities.

REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ENTRY PRO-FORMA 3
What is the core skill to develop?
Team working is the core skill which I need to develop. It is basically where a group of people work
together to achieve any common goal(Hassenzahl, 2018). Working in team is always been
considered when the task which needs to be completed is complex in nature. It develops healthy
competition among individuals.
Why is this core skill important? Why did I select this skill to reflect on? (use relevant
theories and concepts to support your answer)
Team working is very important for me as it will help me in completing my work and assignment
easily and early. This tactic assist in finishing task on timely basis and also save lot of time for other
learning activities (Hillson and Murray-Webster 2017). Also working in team has helped me in
improving my communication skills. With this I will be able to develop new friendly relationship with
my peer. Also it has enhanced healthy competition among team members. For example Working in
team will motivate unity in the university or college where I am studying.
I have selected team working as the core skill to reflect on it as it enhance creative aspect of
individual, also team mates provide true feedback related to our performance.
Reflect on your current competent regarding this skill. How did you assess your
competence? (use your self-assessment findings, feedback from peers and your tutor,
plus your own reflections on your thoughts, feelings and behaviours to answer this
question)
After laying emphasis on skills like team working I felt that started building trust on my peer.
Before that I was not able to trust my batch mates but after working in team I am enhancing my this
skill. Also, it has helped me in enhancing competitive spirit in me. My all assignments and task are
completed on time due to working together. Goals and objectives are accomplished easily. Evidence
related to this are:
Toolkit: The toolkit used by me to enhance my ability to work in team were competence

library, competence model, guidelines, videos and plays related to team working on internet also
helped me in increasing competitive and creativity spirit in me.
Peer feedback: My peer revealed that after working in team they were able to know me
better. Now they have a different perception towards me. They told me that they have seen a
positive energy in me after working in team.
Tutor feedback: My tutor told me that they have noticed a complete improvement in my
work after working in team. Also, I have taken less time to complete my assignments and tasks.
Can you identify any contradictions from your analysis above? For example, is there a
match between how you see yourself and how others see you, or not?
Toolkit which was used by me for enhancing my team work abilities was reliable. But, I felt like
working in team has not improved by creativity. I am not able to do things in a new and unique way. I
have to work on improving my this ability.
How might this skill help me in the future? (use references to support your argument)
Team working will help me in improving my future aspects. It will help me in improving my efficiency
and productivity which will make my work better. This can assist me in achieving my career goals. It
will frame my future in a positive way.
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ENTRY PRO-FORMA 4
What is the core skill to develop?

Public speaking is the core skill which I need to develop. It is the procedure of communicating
relevant information in front of large audience (Neenan, 2018). This is one of the most effective way
of interaction, with which relationship can be build with large number of audience.
Why is this core skill important? Why did I select this skill to reflect on? (use relevant
theories and concepts to support your answer)
Public speaking is one of the most important core skill which I want to enhance. This skill will help me
in increasing my self confidence as well as self esteem. After speaking in public, I will be able to put
my perception in front of people easily and without any fear (Ninomiya and et.al., 2018). Also, this
quality can support me in building new relationship that will foster my career and growth. For
example public speaking can help me to convince large number of audience at once. Also, it will build
my positive image in front of my peer. It will help me in improving my knowledge and understanding
related certain matters. Also, my command on English language will be improved.
I have put reflection on public speaking as this skill assists in making my peer and tutor more
comfortable around me.
Reflect on your current competent regarding this skill. How did you assess your
competence? (use your self-assessment findings, feedback from peers and your tutor,
plus your own reflections on your thoughts, feelings and behaviours to answer this
question)
I have felt that before developing public speaking skill I was not confident enough to communicate
my perception to others. Now I have felt positive changes in me and also I was able to develop new
relation after speaking in public. The evidence related to this are:
Toolkit: I have made use of tool kit like public speaking tutorial videos has helped me in
improving my communication and confidence to speak in front of large audience (Goldie, 2017).
Peer feedback: My peer has revealed that now I am more confident when I am speaking.
Also, now I am able to share my feelings, thoughts and behaviour with them freely and easily. Public
speaking has made my new image in front of them.
Tutor feedback: My tutor has provided me the truest feedback that includes I was able to
enhance my ability to speak English language. Also, they revealed that my knowledge and
understanding about the facts related to use of language has been enhanced. They also present that I

was able to frame better sentences by developing skill of public speaking.
Can you identify any contradictions from your analysis above? For example, is there a
match between how you see yourself and how others see you, or not?
Toolkit has helped me in improving my speaking abilities through which I was able to speak fluently
in front of large audiences. The kit was reliable enough. But I felt that I am still weak at interacting
with some new individual and group. At that I still become conscious, so I want to work on it and
enhance it.
How might this skill help me in the future? (use references to support your argument)
Speaking in public will help me in improving my knowledge and understanding. This will frame my
career path and also support me in my studies. My grades in English language will be improved. Also,
it will help me in enhancing my self confidence and self esteem(Goldie, 2017).
Summary and Action Plan:
It is very important to analyse strength and weakness as it will help in achieving better outcome in the
future. Also, it will allow continuous improvement in one's self. I was able to analyse my strength and
weakness by taking reviews and feedbacks from my peer and tutors.
Strengths:
After developing core skills my strength was that I was able to focus more on studies. Also my mind has
been stable at one place. I also felt by public speaking my confidence in sharing my feelings and
thoughts have been enhanced (Strength and weakness analysis, 2018). I have started building new
relationship. Time-management has helped me to save lot of time which I can spend on other learning
activities. It has assisted me in framing my career path and studies.
Weaknesses:

I observed that I was weak in managing time, keeping focus on work, public speaking and team working.
I have also felt that after using toolkit still I was unable to priorities things. After speaking in public I felt
like I need more improvement in my English language. After working in team I observed that
improvement related to creative thinking is still been required. So, I need to work on all of these factors.
Personal Development Plan
Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Timely
Development
Area 1
I need to
work on my
creative
thinking skills
I need to
make new
and creative
methods to
perform any
task. My
thinking
skills must
be enhanced
for better
career.
Improvement
will be
measured by
doing
personal
analysis and
also evidence
or feedback
will be taken
from peer and
tutor.
Planned
actions to
improve
creative
thinking
skills are
realistic in
my life. It
will be
enhanced by
managing
time and
working in
team.
Actions like
focus and
attention,
effective
communicati
on will
enhance my
knowledge
and
understandin
g by which
my goals
will be
achieved.
It will be
completed in
the period of
one month.
Development
Area 2
I need to
work on my
prioritising
skills
I need to
prioritise my
task
according to
their
importance.
This is the
coping skill
which I am
still lacking
and I need to
work on it.
Improvement
will be
measured by
doing
personal
analysis and
also evidence
or feedback
will be taken
from peer and
tutor.
Planned
actions to
improve
creative
thinking
skills are
realistic in
my life. It
will be
enhanced by
paying focus
and attention
to important
task.
Actions like
public
speaking,
effective
communicati
on will
enhance, self
awareness
will improve
my
creativity
through
which goals
will be
achieved.
It will be
completed in
time of 2
months.
Development
Area 3
I still feel
conscious
when I speak
in front of
some one
new.
I need to
speak with
utmost
confidence
in front of
large and
new
audience.
Improvement
will be
measured by
doing
personal
analysis and
also evidence
or feedback
will be taken
It will be
enhanced by
speaking in
public.
Continuous
speaking in
public and
before new
person will
help me in
achieving
goals.
It will be
completed in
time of 1
month.

from peer and
tutor.
Reference List
Books and Journals
Goldie, P., 2017. Emotion, personality and simulation. In Understanding Emotions: Mind and
Morals (pp. 107-120). Routledge.
Neenan, M., 2018. Cognitive Behavioural Coaching: Distinctive Features. Routledge.
Hassenzahl, M., 2018. The thing and I: understanding the relationship between user and product.
In Funology 2 (pp. 301-313). Springer, Cham.
Ninomiya and et.al., 2018. Performance monitoring in the medial frontal cortex and related
neural networks: from monitoring self actions to understanding others’
actions. Neuroscience research.
Hillson, D. and Murray-Webster, R., 2017. Understanding and managing risk attitude.
Routledge.
van Veluw, S.J. and Chance, S.A., 2014. Differentiating between self and others: an ALE meta-
analysis of fMRI studies of self-recognition and theory of mind. Brain imaging and
behavior.8(1).pp.24-38.
Online
Strength and weakness analysis. 2018. [Online]. Available through
<https://www.123test.com/strengths-weaknesses-analysis/>

SUMMARY
The above report focuses on core skills that are essential to develop within an individual , these
skills are Public speaking, Team working, time management & Focus and attention. Time
management skills is necessary to perform each and every task or activity efficiently, it also
helps in optimum utilization of time. On the other hand Focus and Attention is also referred as
one of the most important skills required by an individual to achieve personal and professional
goals. The study identified that there is lack of focus and attention in the individual due to which
he was not able to perform any activity with concentration. This skill was selected to reflect on
due to the reason that it can negatively affect on various other capabilities such as problem
solving, thinking capacities etc. Time management skills was also considered as a skill to
improve or develop, it was identified by the individual that he was not able to manage his time in
a proper manner that was influencing his learning activities. Another skill on which individual
reflected is Public speaking, the writer also identified that he lack in public speaking skill which
is also very important capability required in a person to achieve successful career and growth.
The last skill that is analyzed and developed in the study is team working. Team working is one
of the most essential ability needed in every individual to work in a team or group for
achievement of a common goal. The report determined ways in which the individual identified
skills to develop as well as monitor them effectively. In order to develop all these skills and
monitor them individual utilized various methods or approaches such as Toolkit, Peer feedback
and Tutor feedback. These methods helped in enhancing the ability of writer to work in a team
effectively, perform activities and tasks with focus & attention, managing time properly and to
speak confidently in public such as giving speech. The report also identified various strengths
and weaknesses in the individual developed after improving the determined skills, he started
focusing more on studies, sharing ideas with others, making optimum usage of time etc.
Although there was some weaknesses such as lack of perfection in English language lack of
creative thinking and required more confidence for public speaking. The study identified three
development areas for which a personal development plan was developed including specific,
measureable, attainable, relevant and timely goals. The development areas were working on
creative thinking skills, improving prioritizing skills, building more confidence for public
speaking. The development plan demonstrated when and how the writer will develop of the areas

off weaknesses identified by him to achieve growth and success in personal as well as
professional life.