Study skills review

STUDENT NAME:
STUDENT NUMBER:

MODULE NAME: NIP 1013 STUDY SKILLS AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
MODULE LEADER: CAROL LINCOLN

SUBMISSION DATE:
WORD COUNT:

Review of My Knowledge and Skills
This essay is about a review of my learning after finishing the Study Skills and Personal Development Module (NIP 1013). The review would include my knowledge and skills in writing, numeracy, reflection, presentation, personal development, career planning and an action plan. The aim is to show how this module played its role in the development of the skills mentioned and how I plan to proceed.

NIP 1013 has laid the foundation on health care practice study in university. It is a module created to prepare a student on the essential skills required not just to pass the program but to do well in life. The following paragraphs will not only show my development but also the impact of this module on those important skills.
Writing
Writing academically is different from other forms of writing. It has a definite style and requires references. It requires doing research and digging deeper into the subjects being tackled. This module trained the students to be creative and resourceful in order to produce a fine piece work. Cottrell 's Study Skills Handbook has dedicated chapters specifically for writing that has given the students information on planning, structuring, editing and presenting written works. The teaching sessions and the one-to-one review with the tutor has made me realise my potential to do better in writing. I have never considered myself a good writer. I am always afraid of starting an essay and feels that I am not doing a good enough job. This module has helped me try harder and to keep on practicing. Producing a good assignment is both challenging and rewarding (Cottrell, 2008) and requires hard work. I was able to write a report on renal system and a summary of an article about infection control. The feedbacks I received from the tutor and my colleague were constructive, encouraging and has boosted my confidence. I have become more at ease in documentation at work and writing this essay.
Numeracy
People deal with numbers on a daily basis but panics when asked to do some arithmetic. We calculate when we go shopping, pay bills, or do our monthly budgeting. Learning how to simplify the formula will help us solve a numerical problem and appreciate numbers more.

This course doesn 't require a lot a mathematical skills, just the basic ones. I have noticed that some students panicked as soon as the tutor gave some maths to do in one of the sessions but at the same time saw the worries fade away when tricks were shown to make it simpler. Numerical operations are not particularly hard to learn but can be quickly forgotten when not regularly used (Cottrell, 2008). The key is to keep practising and stop panicking.
Reflection
Reflection is a way of exploring your experiences to find other possible reasons and alternative methods of doing things (Howatson-Jones, 2010). The most commonly used model is Gibbs reflective cycle 1998. This includes description of what has happened; feelings and thoughts during the event; evaluation of the situation, whether it was good or bad; analysis - breaking down the components of the incident; conclusion and an action plan. Being able to reflect helps an individual make sense of the situation therefore avoiding repeating the same mistakes resulting in a better service in the future.

This module has not only reiterated the importance of doing this in practice but has encouraged the students to do so on a daily basis. I have become more self aware because of reflective practice. I think twice before I say things and check my motives before I proceed. I can say that my work has improved, I have stronger relationships, and I am better person for it.

Presentation
Speaking in front of a crowd, whether big or small is always daunting. The idea of people staring and waiting for every word that will come out of your mouth is quite frightening. There are people who are brilliant when it comes to public speaking and there are some who will do anything to avoid such.
During the course of this module, we were given the opportunity to do group activities. This taught us how to work in teams, sharing our individual thoughts and putting it together to create a simple, understandable and interesting presentation. This was a good exercise to prepare us in the future whether at work or in university. The ability to give presentation is required in many occupations (Cottrell, 2008) so it 's important that we get over our stage fright. Development in this area means improvement in person 's communication skills that in turn leads to better patient care.
Personal Development Plan and Career Planning
Planning gives you direction and purpose. Being successful in life starts with a plan. It would be difficult to proceed and be effective without a set of goals. A personal development plan (PDP) will enable you to know your strengths and limitations; will show you the options available; will give you the time frame of meeting your goals; and will help discipline you in achieving them.

Nursing is a skill-based practice that requires a combination of insight, knowledge and experience (Miller, 2010 cited by Price). We need to keep learning, updating what we know and how we do things. My motivation for joining this program is to develop my knowledge and skills, hence, more opportunities in the future. It is easier to plan your career when you have a PDP at hand. A session in the module was very helpful in guiding the students in writing their PDPs and career plans. We were able to see beyond what we do now and see things we could possibly achieve afterwards.
Action Plan
In conclusion, all the skills and knowledge stated above has been immensely developed during the course of this module. NIP 1013 played an important role in making sure that the students reach their full potential whilst on the AP program. None of the skills can be mastered in a year or two but requires continuous development and on going application wherever suited.

REFERENCES:

Cottrell,S. (2008). The Study Skills Handbook. (3rd ed). Hampshire, Palgrave Macmillan.

Howatson-Jones,L. (2010). Reflective Practice in Nursing. Learning Matters Ltd, Exeter.

Price,B. (2012). 'Skills analysis part 1: defining and implementing a practice skill '. Nursing Standard.26,(15-17), p.50-55.

APPENDICES

1) Feedback from tutors

2) Observation chart from trust

3) Peer Observation

4) Self Assessment

5) PDP

Peer Assessment Guidance:
Please be honest try not to answer any questions with a one word answer. Give constructive feedback and try to advise your colleague how to improve their work. (You is the person completing this form and the author is the person who has written the assignment.)

Name of Author:______ _____________

Name of Reviewer:__ _________

Date of Review:____ ___________

Requisite

Comments

What do you think was the thing the author did best in this assignment?

The author reflected well on the topic.

What do you think was the thing the author struggled with most?

The audit references needs to be updated as they are too old.

What advice would you give them to help improve this assignment?

Express yourself more in the main body of the essay.

How can the author achieve what you think the lecturer is looking for in this assignment?

The author did well in completing what the lecturer was looking for.

References: Cottrell,S. (2008). The Study Skills Handbook. (3rd ed). Hampshire, Palgrave Macmillan. Howatson-Jones,L. (2010). Reflective Practice in Nursing. Learning Matters Ltd, Exeter. Price,B. (2012). 'Skills analysis part 1: defining and implementing a practice skill '. Nursing Standard.26,(15-17), p.50-55.