Activity 1

1. Below are a list of skills and abilities. Complete an audit of where you are now. Record this in your learning journal/portfolio.

Rate yourself (1=Not very well developed; 3=very well developed)

Skills and Abilities	1	2	3
Self-confidence		X
Take risks	X
Teamwork			X
Manage Time		X
Make presentations	X
Act as a leader		X
Listen to others			X
Debate formally and informally	X
Take notes			X

Although it is important to identify where we are now, it is not enough to stop there. We need to reflect upon how we can develop the skills where we are less confident and how we can transfer the skills in which we are confident and competent.

Activity 2

Complete the audit below, using the information from the table above.

Recognition	Reflection	Action
Skills already developed	How will I use these	How do I know (evidence)**
Take notes	During lectures, workshops and tutorials, I will take down all the notes for each module in separate notebooks so as to not cause confusion or lose any important information. I will also use bullet points and shorten down information to the best as I can during lectures to prevent myself from falling behind or missing any information. Additionally, I will undergo research outside of class in order to further improve my knowledge on a topic or in case I lack notes in a certain area.
Self Discipline	I will need to develop a high level of self-discipline throughout the course so as to keep on top of and produce coursework at a high standard. In a future teaching environment, I will need to take this level of self-discipline I have developed and put it to use, for example, when planning class activities ahead of time and stay organised.
Teamwork	Throughout the course, I will be expected to work alongside those studying CLD and Social Work in various activities. By working in a team, this will enable me to share thoughts and ideas collaboratively and get to know my peers, rather than working alone.
Listening to others	I will need to listen to others throughout all aspects of the course. For example, when working in a group, I will need to listen to and respect my peers’ ideas and opinions. As a teacher, I will need to listen to the thoughts and ideas of the pupils, colleagues, and parents. Furthermore, this skill will allow me to open my eyes to new ideas and viewpoints, as well as gaining new knowledge and insight into many different perspectives on various topics of debate.
Computing skills for academic writing	Throughout the course, I will be required to present my thoughts and experiences for academic purposes both formally and informally through assignments, projects, and an online blog page. It is important that I continue to develop the required computing skills in order to be able to complete online tasks set throughout the course. In the teaching environment, I will be able to teach the various computing skills I have learnt over the course to my pupils.

** This section should be completed as you identify when/where/how you have used/developed these skills.

Part B – Activity 1

Recognition	Reflection	Action
Skills not yet developed	How will I develop these	How do I know (evidence)**
Self-confidence	I will need to continue to work on and build my self-confidence throughout the course so as to develop the necessary skills and abilities needed in a teaching environment. For example, throughout the course, as well as in the teaching environment, I will be required to address fellow peers, a classroom of pupils, colleagues, and parents. By building the self-confidence to do so, this will enable me to gain their respect and trust, enabling me to reach my full potential as a future primary teacher.
Debate formally and informally	I will be able to develop this skill through group discussions, presentations, and becoming involved in conversations evolving around various topics. The more I debate both formally and informally, the easier it will be for me to form arguments on various subjects. Furthermore, this will benefit my academic writing skills, in which I will be able to better structure and voice an opinion.
Take risks	I will develop this skill by continuing to gradually build the self-confidence needed to step out of my comfort zone. The more I begin to challenge myself, the more confidence I will gain to take risks and try something new.
Make presentations	I will use and continue to develop this skill when working collaboratively in a group and presenting a project or assignment. The more I present, the more confidence I will build over time, resulting in my presenting skills continuing to grow.
Organise and plan	I will coordinate and categorise my notes according to each module I study throughout the course so as to avoid misplacing any coursework. When referring back to past work, this will also enable me to find notes according to topic much quicker.
Act as a Leader	When working on various projects or assignments in a group or team, I may be required to take on the role as a leader. Although challenging, when required, I will need to take on leadership so as to ensure team morale remains high and motivate the group to work to a high standard.