Developing Effective Academic Skills: A Reflective Account

Desklib provides past papers and solved assignments. This reflective journal helps students improve their academic skills.

PART A – ACADEMIC SKILLS
REFLECTION
Contents
Academic skills................................................................................................................................2
Requirements for an effective university student............................................................................2
Requirements to improve the development of academic skills.......................................................2
References........................................................................................................................................4
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Academic skills
Learning as a student requires plenty of academic skills which make the tasks easier and
effective for a student in his on-going studies. These skills involve effective reading, speaking,
writing, undertake research using academic databases, positioning, presenting and collaborating
with each other. Academic skills generally considered through preparedness and organised
nature with punctuality and professionalism for the learnings. Academic skills are the most vital
component for any individual planning for growth in future and hence there is a need to enhance
them in accordance with the situations and growth (Shapiro, 2010). I think that being a student of
BA (Hons), I must possess these skills as they can help me in my regular growth and
development; personally as well as professionally.
Requirement for an effective university student
According to me after getting a little experience of the academics, I can say that for being an
effective university student there are some areas that can help in the same. I found that having
academic skills and knowledge is one of the basic necessity for a normal student but having
critical thinking ability and skills makes one more potent. In general, it can be said that higher-
order thinking is required that questions with inquisitiveness nature which helps in enhancing the
skills (Cottrell, 2013). In addition to this, one should possess the negotiation skills, knows the
academic integrity and plagiarism, academic writing, searching for information and time
management which are also necessary.
Requirements to improve the development of academic skills
As mentioned above, academic skills should be learnt on regular basis and similarly, I had also
created my development plan with the help of SMART goals model presented here.
Specific – one should make specifically designed aims and objectives that have to be achieved
by being a university student like goals for achieving better graded in each session, enhancing
the skills and talent with knowledge and experience etc.
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Measurable – measuring and evaluating that the goals and achieved with desired results should
be used like increment in interpersonal and communication skills. In addition to this, I can also
try to develop better results each time which can be measured and compared.
Achievable – the goals should be realistic and possible in terms of a normal student which can
create a standard for oneself and others like I should start to achieve for the future plans but more
importantly, these plans should be in my core capacities from first place rather than just deciding
that I have to be the topper next time. It is always better to overcome from small hindrances and
then achieve bigger results (American Intercontinental University, 2019).
Result focused – I have to determine some distinct objectives like gaining some unique skill,
gathering information from a variety of sources to create a better knowledge and understanding,
understanding the practical concepts etc.
Time-bounded – maintaining a timeline for the desires helps in keeping motivated till their
achievement and hence I have plans to continue my progress as an effective university student
every time within the time frame of 2 months.
3

References
American Intercontinental University, 2019. 6 Smart Goals for College Students, online
available at https://www.aiuniv.edu/degrees/business/articles/smart-goals-for-college-students
last accessed on 15th February 2019.
Cottrell, S., 2013. The study skills handbook. Macmillan International Higher Education.
Shapiro, E.S., 2010. Academic skills problems fourth edition workbook. Guilford Press.
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