Business Portfolio and Reflective Report on Learning Theories

This report delves into academic writing styles, focusing on a business portfolio and reflective learning. It explores various learning theories, including social learning, experiential learning, and self-directed learning, and how they apply to personal and professional development. The report analyzes a Hackathon experience related to the UK housing crisis, providing insights into the practical application of these theories. It also includes a personal development plan based on the review of learning skills and abilities, demonstrating the student's ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The report highlights the importance of continuous learning and the role of different learning models in achieving professional objectives.

ACADEMIC
WRITING STYLE

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION
Portfolio can be defined as set of academic works and tasks of students and various types
of educational evidences with the view in order to analyse or examine whole quality of
coursework. This will assist in providing progress within learning and development and
academic performances. Along with this, it gives assistance in evaluating if students are able to
reach with the standard criteria in order to promote grade, learning standards and doing
graduation or not. In the context, a reflective portfolio are refer as combination of writing that are
sum up with experiences and insights acquired by students at the time of carrying out practical
report. It can be analysed that reflective portfolio is used for examining the indulgence of a
student within their fieldwork together with their abilities or capabilities to make usage of
theoretical knowledge in defined manner (Jiang, 2016). It is clear that academic and professional
learning is an inseparable part of an individual life. There are various learning theories which are
projected by psychologist that includes behaviourists, constructivist, cognitive, adult learning
and social learning.
This report is based on a person critical business portfolio that are desire to provide
detailed description and give reviews of learning of knowledge, personal abilities or skills and
gain experience with the assistance of such theories which includes self directed theory,
experiential learning, social learning and mind set (Lestari, 2016). Moreover, it will consist with
reflective report which is based on Hackathon, which was held in contact week and was based on
UK housing crisis. At last, it describe personal development plan which is based on reviews of
learning skills and abilities.
MAIN BODY
Learning is the procedure of acquiring new and modifying existing, behaviour, skills,
values and knowledge. The ability to learn is possessed by human, machines, animals and there
are some evidence for learning in better manner. There are certain learning which are immediate
and it induced by single event but it is required more knowledge or experience from repeated
experiences. It is essential for an individual is to carry out procedure of learning throughout an
individual life as this will provide benefits in both terms personal and professional (Mega
Pratiwi, 2017). Continuous learning set the way for good professional career for student and it
will help them in meeting with professional objectives of life. Along with this, there are different
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learning theories or models which has to be renowned and provide assistance to personnel in
order to carry out learning procedure in effective manner so that they can gain desired results or
outcomes. In this, there are three main theories which gives pathway or direction for a person to
became entrepreneur or excel in professional life which involves social learning, self directed
learning theory, experiential learning and mind set.
Social Learning Theory:
Social learning theory define as theory of learning procedure and social behaviour which
proposes the new behaviour can be acquired by observing and imitating others. It states that
learning is a cognitive process which take place in social context and it can arise purely with the
help of observation and direct instruction (Zaimar and Wardhani, 2018). Learning occurs through
observation of rewards and punishments and it is the process which is known as secondary
reinforcement. Social theory is that theory which is based on social attitude as well as learning
procedure which propose and acquiring new behaviours that can be done by way of observations
or imitating with other person. The theory was proposed by psychologist Albert Bandura. This
theory will help in expanding traditional behavioural theories in which behaviour is governed
entirely by reinforcement. It is that theory which is mainly based on belief where learning is
cognitive process which arise in social context and it may take place through direct guidance and
instructions, even when reinforcement is not present. It is analysed that when particular type of
attitude and behaviour is continuously measured and it is most likely to endure for long time
period (Galán-García, 2016). Along with this, the theory is supported on expanding conventional
behavioural theories and models where behaviour is regulated or governed extremely by the
mode of reinforcement, by putting stress on important and accurate role of number of internal
process within learning person. Furthermore, this theory also focuses on how observation is not
enough for an individual to appropriately facilitate learning. Motivational play as well as mental
state also has a prominent role to identify learning of a certain behaviour. Internal sources, i.e.,
state of mind and mental processes play a crucial role in learning as well and act as an effective
reinforcement which would influence a certain behaviour and learning in an individual.
On the basis of theory, I believe that an individual gains most experience in terms of
observation or simulated by internal or external reinforcements. It was implemented by me
within the applied setting whereas I analysed that way in which my senior member are carry out
various business activities during the Hackathon and with assistance of observational skills I was
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able to learn accurate manner which is appropriate for performing a particular procedure. In this
context, when I was assigned to perform a short research related to Hackathon by one of my
senior manager, I developed my observation skills and precision along with my memory skills to
retrieve what all has been analysed from my seniors at the time when they were performing
research in their respective areas. In addition, while making effective use of analytical ability, I
made decisions regarding suitable and applicable manner where work has been executed by my
superiors. Through this, I came to view that they were partially correct in their perspectives in
relation to research there are certain effective aspects which could be appropriately utilised by
them.. This assisted me in coming to a decision that I should partially follow my seniors and also
develop my own way of performing research by relying upon confidence and capacity. It will
assure that the work are carried out in foremost achievable way within given time period. At
previous execution of this task, I acquired appreciations from my mentors and authority body as
my work has been reflected and gain attention to the most small information, dedication, passion
and hard work. They appraise me for my creative and different kind of thinking skills and come
with new way of researching which has been adopted by seniors, at the time of identifying risk of
failure and non completion of activity that are adopt new approach by themselves.
Thus, social learning theory helped me in appropriately developing my research abilities
which has been one of the strongest aspects related to this event. Furthermore, it helped me
realise how effectively internal and external stimuli could be utilised to facilitate learning while
performing certain activities.
Experiential Learning Theory:
This theory effectively revolves around learning from individual experience. Proposed by
David Kolb, who is one of the most recognised psychologists of his time, this theory suggests
that an individual acquires knowledge through transforming their experiences. This theory
effectively differs from several other learning theories like behavioural and cognitive. Reason for
the same is that while these theories focuses on mental processes as well as ignore subjective
experience's role in learning, this theory applies a holistic approach and how effectively
experiences, which include cognition, emotions and other environmental factors influence
learning within a person.
There are four major elements of this learning theory which could facilitate learning
within an individual. However, all these elements through which a person could learn are
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effectively portrayed as a cycle. The first and foremost element within this learning theory is
Concrete Experience, in which individuals effectively encounter an experience which could be
reinterpretation or a completely unique experience. Second element of this learning theory is
reflective observation, which requires individuals to effectively reflect on their experiences with
emphasis on inconsistencies between understanding and experience. The third element of
Experiential Learning Theory is abstract conceptualisation which could be termed as inception of
new ideas or concepts from the experiences. Basically, this stage emphasises on
conceptualisation of all the observations regarding an activity. The last stage of this theory is
active experimentation which circles around application of the ideas and attempt to plan how
theories or models associated with the experience could be tested.
In relation to this theory, my perception states that it is very important for an individual to
indulge themselves in an active experimentation of several factors which are in relation to
appropriately learn new things and enhance the learning experience. Furthermore, practical
experience prove to stick with people for a longer term than reflective learning. Implementation
of the same was in one effective incident which required me to provide instructions within the
team related to development of the business plan. During the Hackathon event, I was required to
persuade others in relation to developing an organisation which would be building new
accommodation for people who have been affected by housing crisis of the UK. This required
effective communication skills as it was very important to get each and every team member on
board regarding the proposed business plan. This reminded me of a past experience where I took
active participation in an experience which involved public speaking. Having quite actively
involved in that experience, I thought of it as an opportunity to improve the limitations which
were present during the time of public speaking. I further reflected on the past experience to
determine all the necessary aspects which helped me in determining different elements which
were my strength as well as my weakness during the time I was required to speak publicly.
Moreover, this reflection on the experienced helped me to appropriately view all the necessary
aspects which could appropriately be improved to provide better instructions to the team
members. To attain this, I prepared a log book related to the communication skills which I
already possess, against those which were required for providing the instructions. Through
comparison of the two aspects, I was able to measure the required knowledge against my existing
one. For instance, effective persuasion is required for providing appropriate instructions which
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are essential to be followed. Thus, to develop the same, several communication methods were
applied by me which allowed me to develop necessary communication skills to persuade other
team members regarding my ideology and direction necessary for the business plan.
Furthermore, I indulged myself in active participation in this process which required me to
practice all the necessary communication skills in association with persuading the team regarding
the business plan. While planning though maintaining log books, it allowed me to enhance my
knowledge, as well as skills to appropriately provide essential instructions to the team members.
I then applied the acquired knowledge as well as the developed skills onto the persuasion and
provision of instructions. The new ideas were well communicated to the subordinates along with
a clear set of instructions which were appropriate for them to follow. Thus, experiential learning
helped me in effectively developed certain communication skills which allowed me to perform
an activity with utmost sincerity and perfection.
Self-directed Learning Theory and Mindset
Self-directed learning is another effective learning theory which is completely based on
learning which is completely self influenced. In addition to this, this learning, due to its nature, is
quite self induced which facilitates learning in a better manner. Moreover, self motivation plays
an imperative role in this learning theory as this allow the company in effectively enhancing the
scope of gaining knowledge about different aspects.
There are several steps within this theory which are very important for individuals,
especially entrepreneurs to gain with respect to acquire effective knowledge within the
workplace. These step allows them to take proper initiative and assess their learning needs.
Further, these steps also assist individuals in formulating these goals along with identification of
several resources which could facilitate the learning.
The very first step of this theory requires an entrepreneur to assess their readiness
regarding acquiring knowledge about different concepts as well as learning different skills in
relation to appropriate execution of work. To attain this, it is imperative that a self evaluation is
performed by individuals of their competence as well as their current situation which includes all
of their past experiences along with their learning. Readiness to learn involves being organised,
self-disciplined along with taking effective initiative. The next step of self-directed learning
theory requires entrepreneurs in setting up goals regarding their learning and gaining appropriate
knowledge towards aspect on which their learning is directed. Furthermore, these goals are quite
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effective as they set benchmark for individuals associated with their learning. These goals must
be evaluated by entrepreneurs against their set objectives that would aid in developing those
skills and acquiring those knowledge which are relevant to their learning. The learner is then
required to take initiative by indulging in the learning process, where they utilise each human as
well as material resources which they possess and use them towards gaining appropriate
knowledge. Strategic approach must be used by individuals where they would enhance their
learning through application of some relevant models and concepts which would facilitate this
overall process and would further increase suitability of the same. However, one particular belief
of this theory is that self-directed learning would only be effective if application of concepts and
theories for learning would provide benefit and satisfy their agenda. Thus, it is very crucial for
individuals to adequately evaluate their learning sources effectively which could provide them
with maximum benefit. This calls for the last step of this learning theory where entrepreneurs
must evaluate their learning. One suitable approach that could be applied in this stage is
reflection as well as self-evaluation to appropriately execute measuring of progress of their
learning.
As per its implementation, throughout the Hackathon event, there were several instances
and tasks which required self-directed learning. For example, Housing Crisis problem within the
country required to research enterprises which could have positive impact on the situation.
However, there were inadequate resources available to facilitate research. Furthermore, effective
leadership was necessary to direct this operation into an accurate direction. This problem
required a self-directed learning and a positive mindset to accomplish the given task.
To attain this, I appropriately evaluated my leadership, critical thinking as well as
problem solving skills, all of which was required to effectively carry out the team from this issue.
I evaluated my skills using methods like Personal Skills Audit, which assisted me in effectively
evaluating each of these three skills against the set parameters. Through application of this
method, it became quite evident, that through my leadership skills are quite strong, my critical
thinking as well as problem solving skills are still required to be developed. Further, I formulated
several goals regarding learning these skills in a way which could help me in applying the same
in this situation. As for sources, I had quite few sources, internal as well as external which would
help me in grasping these skills in a better manner. These sources were, textbooks, websites,
conferences, seminars, internal feedbacks from team members and so forth. These resources
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were then required to be evaluated so that only those resources are chosen which provide the
maximum opportunity. Self-directed learning helped me in a detailed evaluation of these sources
along with organising each activity in relation to developing these skills and function more
actively in the situation. Through this evaluation of these learning sources, I realised that
seminars as well as practical implementation of these skills, which would be subjected to
feedbacks, are two of the most prominent resources available to me for developing competence
in the same. Thus, by learning through the same and receiving feedback from the team
members, I happen to effectively enhance these skills and ensure a better functionality within the
team. Furthermore, self-directed learning also allowed me to take responsibility and further
evaluate my learning progress which helped me in ensuring betterment in the situation as well as
my role as an effective entrepreneur and a team member.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Jiang, Z., 2016, January. Analysis of the Writing Style of “A Treatise on the Latent Man”.
In 2016 2nd International Conference on Education Technology, Management and
Humanities Science. Atlantis Press.
Mega Pratiwi, R., 2017. TENTH GRADE STUDENTS’LANGUAGE STYLE IN RECOUNT
TEXT. RETAIN. 5(3).
Zaimar, Y.S. and Wardhani, A.D.W., 2018. Mocking Women’s Social Judgment in Victorian Era
Using Satire Language Style in Pride and Prejudice. DEIKSIS. 10(01). pp.74-84.
Galán-García, P., 2016. Supervised machine learning for the detection of troll profiles in twitter
social network: Application to a real case of cyberbullying. Logic Journal of the IGPL.
24(1). pp.42-53.
Lestari, A., 2016. STUDENTS’WRITING STRATEGIES: A Case Study at the Second Grade of
Senior High School at MA Nurul Islam in Academic Year 2015 (Doctoral dissertation,
Universitas Mataram).
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