Researching

If you were to ask a bunch of university student were they look up to get information, majority of them would say GOOGLE. And since google is the most used research tool, there are many introduced research styles. Just a key word or a normal sentence wouldn't help, well it would but it surely more time consuming there would be a result of more than thousand searches.

A few styles and tips in reducing the amount of search results is as below :

• .. ( The two dots are used to show a time range) 
• - ( Exclusions )
• ~ ( Wild card)
• "......." ( The inverted comas are used to indicate a Important word or phrase)

Search Techniques

1. Key word search

2. Boolean operators 

3. Natural Language

4. Forms based on searches.

Similarly there are many more in the site given below.

Google Search Techniques

"I spend about eight months researching and outlining my book".-Jeffery Deaver 

No matter how long it takes, researching is important to produce a high quality outcome of work. 

naturallyrelaxedhair.com 

Academic Writing

(proficientwriters,2013)

According to the Student Learning development services of Massey University (2007), "Writing is a skill that is required in many contexts throughout life". Academic writing is not as easy as you think, it has its complications, but if looked into properly it is noticed that proper writing skills is essential throughout. Usually a message or information is sent through writing, and if one's writing skills are bad, then the message would be understood in a absolutely different manner, similarly if information is not understood correctly then the whole purpose of conveying information is lost. There are a whole lot more effects of bad writing skills and this could be improved with practice. 

Given below is a video on academic writing:

There are a few important points to academic writing:

• Clear language
• Researched and referenced material
• Analysis
• Arguments
• Solid evidence
• Avoiding uncertianinty, overly long sentences, repetition or repeating data and overly elaborated language.

By observing and working on the above points with practice, anyone could be a creative writer.

Team Work and The Belbin Test

depositphotos.com 

Team working is again, a essential and important part of an individuals career. Whether it's formal or informal, group work is a powerful factor in terms of motivation, and improvement of skills.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success-Henry Ford”

Not everything in life could be done individually, and hence, working with people around you in a understandable manner in the only effective way in which you could reach success with the help of those around you. Finding the right people or the right method seems hard if it's not done properly, on the other hand if properly observed, the correct people are always available. Most students have problems with team work, but it could be fixed by taking the Belbin test. The Belbin test determines a persons charter and roles in terms of team working and the below picture explains it in a more deep manner.

www.bigdifference.co.uk
Taking the test, I obtained the highest results for " Coordinator" and I will have to agree with the fact that I am mature, confident and a good chairperson, my second and third highest scores were "resource investigator and team worker", the results of the rest were fairly true and it does help identify what group an individual belongs in. 

In order to reach success, teams, group work and unity is needed. It's nothing to hate, but something to work on.

Other than the Belbin test there are a few other team working tests (including the link below) that could help identify and improve your team working skills. 
Team Roles Test

Referencing

Knowing how to reference is far by one of the most important factors of writing a project or a report or anything that includes receiving information from somewhere other than your self. obtaining information from a source and copying it without the acknowledgement of the source is called PLAGIARIZING. Being a university student I learnt that referencing is essential in making a proper report or project. Referencing is not only helpful in terms of acknowledging the source of your information but in terms of recording your work, in a way that not only you but the others who read your work could refer to the original source for more information or further reference. 

(http://aoy-kornkamon.blogspot.com/)

There are a several ways for proper referencing and citations, but the commonly used method between me and my colleagues, is the Harvard style of referencing, and the method is briefly shown in the above image.

As for my experience with referencing, I must say that it is a useful and respected method used and that should always be used in the future too.

Note Taking

Note taking is an effective way for a student to remember what was learnt and it is far by noted as one of the most essential things to do while at a lecture, a class or anywhere important. In fact there are several ways of note taking that could help:

1. Cornell's Note 
The Cornell system was introduced by Walter Park and it is a effective way of using a page to arrange your work in a methodical and understandable manner.

(http://homeworkhelpblog.com/the-cornell-note-taking-system/)

As mentioned in the diagram above, the page is divided into three sections. The Cues section, were the main ideas are jotted down after class or during review. The notes section which is the main body were the lecture notes, using symbols or abbreviations are noted down during a lecture. And the Summary section at the bottom of the page were the summarized version of the notes are written down for furthur reference. 

The notes section could be further divided into sections that would help making note taking easier.

• Outlining method 

This is a method of separating your work under headings and subheadings accordingly. 

The layout of such is as mentioned below:

Title or Topic  
I. Main topics will be the main headings ( to the left side of the paper near the margin)  
   A. Major sub-topics (indented and subordinate to the preceding heading)         1. Minor sub-topic (indented under A)         2. Minor sub-topic (indented under A)             a. Detail (under 2)             b. Detail  
B. Major sub-topic (indented the same as major sub-topic A)     1. Minor sub-topic        a. Detail (under 1)        b. Detail  
And this could be further continued under the mentioned layout.

• Charting method

Furthermore the charting could also be used in order to gain an effective outcome of note taking. 
This is a method of jotting down important information for reports, articles, journals and other areas were a wide range of information could be found, under rows and columns. 

Below is an example of a used charting method: 

(www.montgomerycollege.edu)

Recommended Procedure:

1. Read texts diagonally and find the most relevant, theories or concepts

2. Make a matrix of the most relevant theories and concepts found in step 1

3. Sort the theories and concepts from the most important to the least important and remove those unnecessary details.

4. Write.

(http://edutechWiki.unige.ch/en/Note_taking)

The Sentence Method could also be used to take down notes, this is a method of listening to the lecturer and noting down essential information in sentences for further reference.

2. The Mind mapping method 

This is a effective rather attractive way of note-taking and most students prefer this method since it is more enjoyable. It is the method of using diagrams, shapes and colors to record information.
The below video shows how mind mapping is done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRFn1U3jvCw

Overall, all methods are effectively used, but as for my liking I find mind mapping and Cornell's note more interesting and effective

Self-Awareness

" I Think self-awareness is the most important thing towards being a champion"

-Billie Jean King

Most people in the current society lack self-awareness and this is due to the poorly scheduled way of handling things. People tend to ignore the reality of themselves unintentionally and this has caused a lot of people to break down. Self-awareness is essential and it does help make life simpler. 
In order to help keep yourself aware about yourself, spend some more time realizing and paying attention to yourself. Your practices, your personality and everything that has to be done with yourself.

I have taken a few test to monitor my self-awareness, the tests were as follows: 

• What is Your Personality Type test - In which i received a Type A 

• Are you a high self monitor test - in which i received a " 42" , which shows that my self monitoring needs improvements.
• Hows your self esteem test - in which i received a "72" Showing i have a high ego.
• How Machiavellian are you test - in which i received a "37" showing i need improvements there as well.

Though most people find these tests inaccurate, it is a rather easy way of helping yourself actually decide when and were you really need improvements.

 

Time Management

Time, is something so important that once wasted it could never be renewed. Time should be used wisely and it's better to do things early than to do them late.
Time is narrow and in order to make maximum use of the time that is given to us, proper ordering of work and allocating a proper schedule to everything that is done is a major plus point.
Most people (Including me) have problems with managing time, which also could be referred to as procrastination. This is when important tasks are postponed and not so important tasks are done instead, or rather not being able to spend time on what is really important. In order to prevent procrastination the following methods could be followed. 

1. Break your work into little steps
2. Change the environment
3. Create a detailed timeline with specific deadlines 
4. Eliminate procrastination pit-stops
5. Hang out with the people who inspire you to take action
6. Get a buddy
7. Tell others about your goal ( someone you could trust)
8. Seek out someone who has already achieved the outcome
9. Re-clarify your goals
10. Stop over-complicating things
11. Get a grip and just do it! 

(http://www.lifehack.org)

Don't waste what you have, you might never get it again. Make use of what you have and work towards your goal. 

Study method - SQ4R

Study method - SQ4R

By experience, i find the SQ4R method a surprisingly good method of increasing my studying abilities. Also by reading a few chapters of several books I realized that this method is far by a useful and reliable method of studying. Studies could be done in many ways, but this method has proven to be an effective method that helps build and improve my skills. 

Basically, A survey gives you a brief idea of what is lined in ahead, it marks out the important point of the topic that is about to be further looked into. This includes reading topics, subheadings, summary's, abstracts, conclusions, introductions, etc. 

Questions, is a method of using the previous survey to jot down questions that helps you identify the purpose and need of moving on further.

Reading is to read the areas that helps to understand the idea. This includes reading those words or sentences in bold, italic or even underlined, and could also include reading important information that are noted as important information
To recite is to orally read or recite the point which are marked as important points. This could be done further by reciting the key words to help get the main idea. This is usually done chapter by chapter or in other words, section by section.
Furthermore to Rite is to highlight, underline or mark the important point grasp the idea and understand the important points properly 
Finally to review is to go through the chapter, to ask questions and answer them marking each point that has been successfully remembered, to make sure what is important is remembered.


I have applied these methods and improved my studying skills and i must say that this technique of studying helps improve concentration thus helps absorb more information. Using this method is effective since more usage of questions are involved which helps identify the right points from the wrong. Furthermore this technique improves understanding and makes studying more interesting.

Personal Profile

An energetic individual who is enthusiastic and self-motivated. Capable to converging under pressure while managing to work effectively even among a group of people. A friendly leader and a well contributed group member. An efficient individual who takes value and respect into hand with what ever is done. Also one who gives in maximum potential to create the best possible outcome. I have learnt through experience and I am willing to handle what ever comes my way.

An individual who puts in a lot of thought and creativity into what is done. Works with multiple tasks and manages to maintain a merry presence. Also spends time on helping affiliates with motivational facts and guidance.

I am currently doing my BIT ( Business Information Technology ) degree at " Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology - Sri Lanka", to improve, experience and expertise with the help of skills and achievements. Creativity, skills and the willingness to learn has brought me to the inkling that the current degree will help me proceed successfully with a proper career and a bright future.

The future depends on what I do in the present, and as a passionate individual i have, and always will work to the finest and improve from my blunders. Excellence would not exist if the potential to learn and recover is absent 

Strength Ability to handle what comes in my way Creativity Capable to work under pressure willingness to learn Maintains positive attitude Enthusiastic and self- motivated good understanding Able to multitask Multi-interested  Good Negotiator Friendly leader and group member

Weaknesses Time management issues Unorganized Lacks research  Easily Distracted Impatient

Opportunities Creativity leads to new ideas and appreciation Participation in events and clubs helps in presenting my skills and abilities Ability to face issues as they come along helps in increasing confidence The willingness to try gives me the opportunity to learn rapidly Communication skills helps me grab hold of feedback and comments that would help me improve To receive coaching to improve my leadership and team working skills Good negotiating skills and self-motivation skills helps me create new ideas and improve with weaknesses

Threats Others abilities that aren't present in me Time management issues may decrease quality of work often over worked Climate and other distractions increase laziness and decreases productivity Pressure and distractions may lead me back to my usual bad habits

Brain Analysis

Brain Analysis

Basically each of the hemispheres of our brain have prescribed functions to prevent duplication. Each hemisphere works together to experience a combination of right and left hemisphere in everything we do. There is however a dominance in one hemisphere which effects our responses to new situations. This test was supposed to determine whether a person reacts in a more auditory or visual manner, another key factor in determining your learning style.

I have tried out this brain test by simply answering 20 questions and it clearly signifies that I am a more visual or rather a left-hemisphere dominant learner.

“Irma, you are strongly left-hemisphere dominant and a predominantly visual learner, a unique blend of characteristics!
Typical of the left-hemisphere dominant person, you are organized, precise, focused on details and logical. You seek or assign meaning to your experiences as a part and parcel of the way that you learn. In general, your approach to life and learning is step wise and emphasizes the functional and pragmatic rather than symbolic and abstract. You prefer to place things in existing categories as a way of making them familiar and/or controllable.
Combined with this, you are a visual learner. You are active and continuously searching so that you process information rapidly. As a result, you can be constantly organizing and structuring without necessarily needing to verbalize as a way of guiding yourself. You have a unique ability to see what needs doing and to get it done”.

I would like to make a few comments on the results shown as for some of characteristics mentioned are wholly or moderately contrary to what I really am.

To start off with, and if I am to be completely honest I would state that I am not entirely organized in everything I do. Sure, I have my ordered ways of doing things that I consider very important. If it was something long term, I would keep it aside and try to handle it later, and that part of me has made me a little bit less controlled and careless. Being not so organized happens only once in a blue moon when I find myself lethargic or if I find the job not so important.
All of the other above stated characteristics do basically describe me in one way or another though I wouldn't say I’m a 100% organized. I do make careless mistakes and I do get flabbergasted with my work our rather with my outcome.

“The predominance of your visual learning style implies that you tend not to be reflective and may not pick up of auditory cues including your “own inner voice”. Frequently you may find that you can “see” were the other person is going before she/he gets there and in this way can be impatient with roundabout language.
Overall, you may find yourself driven and distracted. There is a sense of excitement that attends this combination but also a sense of frustration. You can have well-defined goals without the ability to articulate them to yourself, let alone others. You can “see” where you are going but not able to “tell yourself”.

This was also an outcome of the brain test I took and it does explain me in bits and pieces. The above characteristics do explain me thoroughly though I wouldn't quite agree with the distinctive fact that implies that I tend not to be reflective, honestly It is quite the opposite at times, where I am a bit too thoughtful and where I put too a lot considerations into nearly everything I do, lets say, mostly emotions. Emotions are all over me and sometimes I get stuck up with a lot of emotions. I listen and go with my inner voice, I create thoughts that sometimes may not even be true, which must be because I mix my thoughts with my emotions.

I am driven and ambition but I also do think a lot about the surrounding, other people and their reflective thoughts which tend to distract me from my aims. Truthfully I do have definite goals and I do work hard to let side the things that carry me away and actually walk towards success.

Being distracted is one of my major weaknesses and though my goals are strong it takes time for me to achieve them because I am yet, to some extent distracted. I am sometimes too focused on my goals, that I may forget a few other important things that help myself with were I’m going but the positive aspect is that I somehow make my way through and reach my goals, hard or easy I never consider giving up as an option.

Professional Development.

Hello everybody!

I would like to share a few concepts and ideas about "Professional Development", which is frequently discussed among the current society. Professional development is a essential factor in any students life, this point is further discussed below.

To start off with, Professional development is referred to as the skills, knowledge and requirements needed for both personal development and career goals. There are of course, different slants that help advance professional development which include practice, study, supervision, coaching consultation and technical assistance. Professional development also takes place in a university degree program, this basically includes the skills and knowledge disseminated within the university degree program that helps to advance a individuals personal development and it certainly does help a individual identify and develop his/her career goals effectively and efficiently. This is also a stage which helps an individual evaluate his or her personal self, a concentrated stage with combined skills that help appraise one’s skills or abilities that would further help in the future. 

An individual or in this case, a student may play a part in professional development to improve interests in order to learn throughout not only in university but for a lifespan. Professional development also helps a student enhance his/her career goals. Progressing with a proper and well recognized career is one of the main objectives any university student would have and in order to achieve and passage along with a good career, one must develop immensely with the help of professional development. This also includes adapting to the changes in the current society or even applying an persons skills to help embrace with the environment. Also in order to reach a high goal, a student must follow professional development to identify and improve in areas needed. 

As for my opinion, professional development certainly does play a major role in a student’s life. Professional development helps an individual develop in certain open-ended areas that is usually difficult to correct. Reaching a goal or obtaining a high class career is not easy or pleasing as it looks, it sure is one hard task, although professional development does help clear doubts and barriers in specific areas or situations. There are of course, many ways in practicing professional development and each way would defiantly have an impact on a student’s life in one way or another. Practice, study, supervision, a personal SWOT, managing time and the other mentioned methods of professional development is of great help when it comes to focusing and concentrating on development and further achievements. Professional development could be handled in different ways  depending on an individual and his/her beliefs and if practiced wisely, professional development will improve and help a individual reach his/her goal with less mistakes and more success.

There are also a variety of techniques that help in professional development. A few examples of such techniques or methods are as follows: 

o   The use of a personal SWOT

o   Time management

o   Individual learning plan

o   And other methods such as practice, study, supervision, coaching consultation and technical assistance

The above methods help increase professional development in an effective and efficient manner.

Going in detail, a SWOT analysis is a method in which a student analyses himself/herself in a way were strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are all brought out with the help of investigation. One’s personal SWOT analysis could tell a lot about a person including ways and areas in which improvements could be made. Every individual has his/her weaknesses and mistakes are made, that’s only human but failures could be corrected by a SWOT analysis, similarly threats could be avoided using strengths and opportunities could be used to reach one step higher. Theoretically Strengths and weaknesses are internal which means it could be controlled by ones inner self, meanwhile, opportunities and threats are considered as external factors which are usually controlled by the external environment although all factors or a SWOT analysis reflect an individual personally. A technique like a personal SWOT could be used often in order to boost up his/her goals and correct what is necessary. Not everything stays the same within an individual internally or even with the external environment and there for SWOT analysis should be practiced habitually to increase effectiveness of changes that are made and that are about to be made.  

Furthermore organization of time could help profoundly in professional development. Working according to the allocated time in other words, being organized is a great advantage since more work will be done efficiently in such manner. Being unorganized, working out of time will affect every step and move in the future and will also affect an individual’s professional development. In order to increase effectiveness and improve personal development, proper time should be allotted for each mission that has to be completed. Setting goals isn’t enough if it isn’t achieved on time or according to the agreed time. Plans should be set and times should be managed to generate an effective outcome.

An individual learning plan also could help in many and more ways. Learning happens every day, regardless the age or gender of an individual, and therefore a learning plan could help organize learning so that the absorption of knowledge could happen effectively with no further negative effects.

Moreover methods such as such as practice, study, supervision, coaching consultation and technical assistance are faultlessly assured methods of professional development that also brush and improve an individual personal development and career objectives.

With experience and attempt of several of the above techniques, it is clearly visible that such methods help in gaining confidence and it further helps in finding the right purpose, the right career and the right decisions throughout. Professional development is useful and has become essential in the lives of nearly every student and such techniques could be used to improve and develop a student in many ways.

Learning something new will help you take a step towards success. 

About

Hey everybody this is a blog on methods, comments and experiences on learning for success.