PERSONAL EVALUATION

Personal Evaluation



Personal Evaluation

Introduction

This personal development report reflects upon my learning experiences and outcomes during my first year at Nottingham Trent University. It aims to document the ways in which I have developed and areas for further consideration as part of a continual learning process. The report will be structured around 5 main areas as shown below:

Placing learning on BABM within the wider context of lifelong learning

Taking personal responsibility for career planning

Taking personal responsibility for the learning process

Valuing the importance of developing personal effectiveness

Demonstrating an enquiring mind

I have also looked at how all this learning at university relates and fits within a wider context of lifelong learning.

Conclusions and recommendations for what I am going to do to improve in the months from May 2008 to 2009 are based on the areas I have mentioned in the above. I will do this in the form of a Personal Development Plan using the smart objectives as follows: (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Related to overall life-long goals and set over a Time period). I have made conclusions of the development plans, which have concentrated both on Core Transferable skills and also some softer skills.

My Learning At University Within A Wider Context Of Lifelong Learning

The Concept Of Lifelong Learning

The concept of lifelong learning is as relevant now as it has ever been, with the traditional job for life being replaced by shorter periods of work for different firms requiring essentially the same skills and qualities in employees. Therefore the ability for these skills to be transferable is very important. To develop these skills therefore is extremely important with many employers putting greater emphasis upon these core skills and less emphasis upon specific skills. These skills can be used in many different situations and circumstances to allow the employee to perform to the best of their ability. "The concept of work is continuously changing. An individual not only has several jobs in a lifetime but may also have several careers. Therefore everybody needs continuous updating of skills and competence throughout their working life" (Shahani 2006:74-85)

The following skills are widely considered to be Core Transferable Skills

Analytic and Problem Solving Skills

Creativity

Initiative and Leadership

Interpersonal/ Social Skills

Organisational Skills

Self Motivation

Teamwork

The learning curve

It is these skills that have been particularly important to develop whilst at university and it is the experience of university both academically and socially that has provided the ideal environment for these skills to be developed. The combination of leaving home and adapting to a completely different environment both educationally and socially has meant that the learning curve especially in the first semester was very steep. To live away from home for the first time without any contacts in an unknown city is a life changing experience and forces oneself to adapt and mature quickly after leaving the security of the family home. Being entirely responsible for yourself is also a new experience requiring maturity and forward thinking as well as planning to enable yourself to function.

The way in which these skills have been developed forms the backbone for ...