Self-Reflective Evaluation: Skills Acquired in English Classes

This homework assignment is a self-reflective evaluation by a student, assessing the impact of their English classes on their skill development and future career. The student highlights the acquisition of crucial skills such as communication, writing, and research, and explains how these skills will benefit them professionally. The evaluation includes an introduction to the skills learned, and an analysis of how these skills will be utilized in their career. It also details the skills needed to pursue careers such as journalism or law. The student concludes that the English classes were beneficial for their career and personal development, including the acquisition of self-esteem. References and appendix with job specifications are also provided.

Running head: PERSONAL SELF – REFLECTIVE EVALUATION 1
Personal Self – Reflective Evaluation
Name
Institution

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Introduction
The English classes that I have undertaken in this academic year have been beneficial
since I have been able to acquire crucial skills that will have asignificant impact on my career
and for my future as a whole. Some of the skills I learned during the English classes include;
communication skills, writing skills and research skills. Communication is defined as any means
of passing information from one person to another and might either be verbal or non – verbal.
The verbal communication involves the use of spoken language while the non – verbal
communication includesthe utilization of body language to convey information. It has been
found that non – verbal communication is most effective as compared to the oral mode of
communication.In addition, researchers have explained that being able to communicate fluently
and efficiently is the most important life skill that almost everyone should possess. This is
because, if one possess good communication skills, they will be able to prosper both in their
profession and in other social gatherings. Before joining the classes, I did not know how to
converse with my fellow colleagues and also with my seniors. However, the English classes have
been helpful since I have learned the following communication skills; listening, confidence,
respect, nonverbal communication, empathy, open – mindedness, clarity, etc. Therefore, being
equipped with the skills mentioned above, I am able to communicate well with my fellow
colleagues and also with my seniors (Dudley & St John1998).
The other skill which I have acquired is the writing skill which includes structuring of the
sentences and paragraphs, the use of punctuation marks correctly and also being able to eliminate
grammatical errors in my writings. This skill will assist me when applying for a job in that I will
be able to articulate myself in a manner that the recruiter understands well. Also, once I get in the

PERSONAL SELF – REFLECTIVE EVALUATION3
job market, the writing skills I have gotten will be beneficial in that I will be able to clearly draft
memos, emails, promotion letters, reports and presentation relevant to the job (Harmer, 1991).
The third skills that have acquired during my English lessons is the research ability. This
is thecapacity to search for pertinent information about a particular topic from available
resources and then writing a well-thought report in a recommended format. Research skills have
sharpened my abilities to findinformation on the internet and the also using library resources.
Acquiring of research skills has sharpened my critical thinking and has been beneficial when
studying the other courses relevant to my degree (Harmer, 1991).
How the acquired skills will impact my future
The learned communication skills will assist me to interact will fellow human beings in
my profession and another social gathering. I will, therefore, use the acquired communication
skills to climb the career ladder. Other skills such as research and writing skills will improve my
grades since I will use the acquired knowledge in the other subjects. Thus from the coming
semester, I will apply the research and writing skills to do my reports. Also, after the English
classes, I might decide to pursue aprofession that requiresexcellent communication, writing, and
investigation skills. Some of this profession include; broadcasting in the media industry or
lawyer. According to the job requirements given in the appendix, for one to become a layer or a
broadcast journalist, then the communication, writing and research skills learned in class become
critical. Therefore, through the skills I have acquired then, I may be able to apply for the said
jobs provided I attend other classes for the said courses.
Skills that I need to get in the coming years in an effort to become a lawyer or a journalist
To become a lawyer, I need to finish a four – year degree and then register in a law
school for another two years. Apart from having good communication, writing and researching

PERSONAL SELF – REFLECTIVE EVALUATION4
skills, I should possess other skills such as discipline, knowledge of law, computers, and
technology as a whole.
For a journalist, I should be equipped with knowledge of equipment used in the mass
media field; I should be confidence and show professionalism.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that, English classes are very crucial for my career and also, for my
life as a whole. This is because through the skills I have learned in English class I will employ
them to improve on the other subjects. Also, the skills will be beneficial in that I will acquire life
skills such as communication skills, self-esteem etc.
References
Frith, S., & Meech, P. (2007). Becoming a journalist Journalism education and journalism
culture. Journalism, 8(2), 137-164.
Ladinsky, J. (1963). Careers of lawyers, law practice, and legal institutions. American
Sociological Review, 47-54.

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Dudley-Evans, T., & St John, M. J. (1998). Developments in English for specific purposes: A
multi-disciplinary approach. Cambridge UniversityPress.
Harmer, J. (1991). The practice of English language teaching. London/New York.
Appendix
1. Job specifications for a broadcasting journalist (Frith & Meech, 2007)
a. an interest in people, news, current affairs, and a good general knowledge;
b. excellent written and oral communication skills;
c. confidence in front of a camera and an 'on air' presence;
d. an understanding of appropriate technical equipment and relevant editing software;
e. ability to work under pressure, both within teams and individually;

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f. outstanding analytical skills and ability to absorb, extract and present information in a clear and
understandable way;
g. Ability to build rapport and to handle interactions with sensitivity, empathy, and diplomacy,
while maintaining impartiality.
2. Job specifications for a lawyer ( Ladinsky, 1963)
a) Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking the
time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not
interrupting at inappropriate times.
b) Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.

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c) Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work
related documents.
d) Critical Thinking — using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses
of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
e) Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of
potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.