Learning Logb

Log Section 1 - Two reflective entries

Reflection #1

I sit with an open blank page, wondering what I should write next. Many new words have been learned along with many new concepts. I have functionally grasped the understanding of these new words, and I use them regularly with other students. However, I now have to concentrate on what I say to non-uni friends, as they would not understand me.

During these past few weeks of the course, I have determined that I am not a very patient person. Writing and detailing activities and essays is one thing – waiting for the results was so much harder. Although, I am not very happy with myself as the results that I have achieved, especially for my essay I scored a pass.

Reflection #2

Where do I find my situated self now? Well, I am different. Where this is going to be a good thing or a bad thing – only time will determine. I look back at the apprehension and fear that I had of myself ten weeks ago and I think "Wow! Was I really that scared?"

Over the past ten weeks, my personal world view has been expanded, to the extent that I view others (not just co-students) in a more unbiased way. I can relate better to issues because of this view. It is almost like looking at both sides of a coin at the same time. However, I know that I still have a long way to go. When I began this course, I prayed that I would be good enough to get a ‘Pass", with my biggest fear being "I'm not literate enough at the required level to do this". I have surpassed my own expectations.

My family are proud of my achievements (personally I think that they would be proud no matter what I do). However, having received not great mark but at least a pass. I am extremely content with the way I am coping, and I look forward to my future studies.

Log Section 2 - Five learning skills exercises

Exercise 7 : Remembering Information

Activity 1: Techniques you use to remember information

How do I remember information? First, I usually practice the end result then refine that result by reviewing the original information. Some of the ways that I do this are:

• Re-reading instructions,

• Seek out experienced people for further clarification,

• Write out ‘quick' notes about the new activity/topic,

• Teach the activity/topic to someone that doesn't know

• Repeat the activity/topic until confidence improves, and

• Break the activity/topic down into small single steps.

When I reflect on the way that I remember things there is very little difference between the way I learn formally or informally.

Activity 2: List of Techniques for Remembering

No new or different techniques to list

Activity 3: Techniques to Improve Remembering

No other techniques at this time

Reflection

After reading through the ‘list of techniques for remembering', I realise that I already do most of the items on it. When planning activities for others, I have used patterned notes and linear notes combined to create an overview of the activity.

Throughout my life, I have realised that I have a very good memory to retain information compared to many peers. The only thing I believe that needs improving is remembering important or pertinent details quickly – to be able to recall these details later.

I have spent many evenings completing (attempting) crosswords. I believe this keeps my brain active, and helps to improve my skills of learning new words and memorising them.

Exercise 17: Notemaking from Reading

Activity 1 – 4:

No log entry required

Activity 5: Reflection on the Process

I have spent time reading this exercise then I re printed some of the readers for the course. I could not use my original printouts because they were over marked. By following this exercise, I was able to mark reading text more clearly. I also applied this technique to ‘A Guide to Learning Independently', to highlight sections and guides that I wanted to remember.

My note making has improved, especially