Study Skills-
Learning how to study to an optimum is down to environment, a singular mindset to focus one's mind into a catacomb of learning and concentration, no distractions and a comfortable conducive setting, an achievable plan to complete a certain amount of work in one study session and to reward oneself when a milestone has been achieved, a form of motivation. I have re-learned how to learn again.
The Reflective Diary - Reflection, Learning and Self Evaluation
Using a reflective diary technique coupled with the use of a pen that flows naturally, a flowing pen enables me to concentration on the thoughts and not the pen. I composed 'written material that is based on reflection and is relatively free writing' (Moon, 2000) with the use of my 'special' free writing pen and a free state of mind. Moon states that reflective writing could serve many purposes such as, to record experience, to develop learning in ways that enhances other learning, to deepen the quality of learning, etc. In my circumstance I believe it serves to enhance my 'problem-solving' and 'creativity'. How can this method of reflection be applied to career guidance and career advice?
I continually reflect and consider, I think about improvements to a project I'm working on. It's pressed into my head, to improve as a person, when a reflective idea appears in my mind, regardless of how remote it may be, I write it into my personal jotter and then transfer it to an electronic document. In some ways I am reflecting and enhancing my 'problem-solving skills' (Moon, 2000). I reflect, what impact might this change have, how might the end user view this, and what can best generate revenue? Continuous outcome reflecting in a professional environment. Could my client improve using this form of career guidance and self reflective career advice?
Learning Styles and Time Management-
I have a very good ability to management my time, I am positioned in Covey's (1997) quadrant II and occasionally I dip into quadrant I, I am centered on myself, my goals and my principles, I have little distraction in my life. These distractions I avoid like a bad headache, both consciously and unconsciously. Perhaps some balance is required redressing, an area for personal development.
My learning style is of a 'List Maker' and when prevails and the situation calls, I become a 'Crisis Manager' in certain conditions. In my life to date I have also HAD to be a successful plate spinner, handling numerous responsibility, duties and programmers. But that's 'life's challenges', makes me feel alive, justified, trying to make a difference.
Having completed the Learning Styles Questionnaire by Peter Honey Publications (2006), the results were not surprising to myself as my learning style is not overloaded toward any style but a composition of the four outcomes, a balance of all factors, Activist, Reflector, Theorist and Pragmatist.
As a career guidance counselor how can I develop other's learning styles? First, they must be made aware of their style, by taking the learning style questionnaire and then a strategy of reflective awareness applied ongoing to that person, tackling their style in the context of a critical friend (Costa et al., 1993). Trying to address an imbalance and making the person aware of their areas of development. Or making others aware that team members learn in different ways. The start of effective career guidance and career advice.
Applying Kolb's (1984) four stage cycle of learning cycle, allowed me to evaluate and question my 'immediate' and 'concrete experiences' provided me with observations and reflections, which I am doing while I compose this piece. Experience, reflecting, thinking and acting. The acting will apply to the action plan.
Analyzing these theories has taught me about myself in a scientific manner, I have learned about myself and how I can use these theories with career guidance clients and applying career advice.
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