Academic Skills in Construction Management: A Reflective Report

Introduction Of Reflective Report on Academic Skills Development in Construction Management

The ability to produce high-quality academic work is crucial for any student, and this is particularly true in the field of construction management. In this report, I will reflect on my learning and development process in the module, which has equipped me with essential skills for academic writing (Ruparathna and Hewage, 2015). This module has taught me various aspects of Microsoft Word, such as formatting, referencing and academic style, as well as the significance of sustainability in the construction industry. Reflection is an essential part of the knowledge process, as it allows individuals to critically evaluate their experiences and identify areas for improvement (Adeaniet.al. 2020). By reflecting on my learning and development in this module, I hope to increase a better understanding of how to apply the skills and knowledge I have acquired to my academic work and future career.

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In this report, I will use the Gibbs cycle of reflection to structure my thoughts and provide a comprehensive analysis of my learning and development in the module. Additionally, I will discuss my plans for continuous improvement and how I intend to use the skills and knowledge gained from this module in my academic and career plans.

Reflection on the Learning and Development

I used Gibbs cycle for the reflection:

Figure 1: Gibbs reflection cycle

(Source: Martin, 2021)

1. Description

The learning’s from the previous 4 weeks provided me with valuable skills and knowledge in using Microsoft Word for academic writing, including formatting, referencing, and writing in an academic style. Additionally, I learned about sustainability in the construction industry, which is a critical aspect in my field of study.

2. Feelings

At the beginning of the module, I felt intimidated by the thought of learning new software and writing styles. I was worried that I would not be able to grasp the concepts and techniques required to use Word effectively for academic writing. Though, as I progressed to complete the module, I initiated to feel more confident in my abilities. The different activities and assignments helped me to develop my skills gradually, and I found the feedback provided by my tutors to be helpful in improving my work (Saieg,et.al 2018). The information on sustainability was particularly interesting, and I enjoyed learning about the different challenges and opportunities in the construction industry.

3. Evaluation

Overall, I found the module to be an extremely valuable learning experience. The skills and knowledge I gained have helped me to improve the quality of my academic work significantly. I am now more confident in using different sofware, and I have a better understanding of the conventions of academic writing. Additionally, the information on sustainability has made me more aware of the ethical considerations of my field of study.

4. Analysis

The skills and information I have extended from this module will be essential in achieving my overall aim of obtaining a degree and improving my career prospects. As a student, I need to produce high-quality academic work, and the skills I have learned in this module will help me to do so (McAdams, 2015). The information on sustainability has made me more aware of the impact of construction on the environment, and I am now more motivated to consider sustainability in my future professional work.

Conclusion

Overall, the module has been a crucial learning experience for me. The skills and awareness I have increased, will not only help me achieve my academic goals but will also make me a more ethical and responsible practitioner in my field (Beauchamp, 2015).

Action Plan

Going forward, I plan to continue to use Word effectively and apply the academic writing conventions I have learned in this module to all of my work. Additionally, I plan to make sustainability considerations a more prominent part of my work in the construction industry (Helyer, 2015). I will do this by researching and applying sustainable practices in my future professional work and by advocating for sustainability considerations in the organizations I work with. I will also seek out further opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge in these areas through further training and professional development.

Continuous Improvement

The learning I gained from the module will be of immense use to me in my future studies and career growth plans. As a construction management student, it is vital to produce high-quality academic work and the skills and knowledge I have gained in this module will help me achieve that.

Studying construction management will help me further enhance my career by providing me with a broad range of skills and knowledge in the construction industry (Carson, 2019). Continuous improvement is an essential part of career development, and it involves developing skills and knowledge to stay relevant in the industry. As Peter Drucker, the renowned management consultant, stated, "Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes...but no plans."

One of my plans for continuous improvement is to practice using the referencing tools I learned in the module. Effective referencing is crucial for academic writing, and I plan to use this skill in all of my future assignments (Verhoefet.al 2021). Additionally, I plan to improve my academic writing style continuously by utilizing the techniques and conventions learned in this module.

Continuous improvement in my career development will also require me to keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in the construction industry (Monteiroet.al. 2020). This means seeking new information, attending seminars, and networking with professionals in the field. As Kaoru Ishikawa, the Japanese engineer, and management consultant, once stated, "Improvement usually means doing something that has never done before."

Moreover, sustainability is a critical aspect of the construction industry, and I plan to incorporate sustainability considerations into my work. This will involve researching and implementing environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices in construction management. By doing so, I will contribute to the industry's efforts to address global sustainability challenges (Graham and Walton, 2018).

In conclusion, continuous improvement is an essential aspect of career development, and the skills and knowledge gained from the Word Guide module will be instrumental in helping me achieve my goals. By applying the techniques learned in the module, seeking new information, and incorporating sustainability considerations into my work, I am confident in my ability to stay relevant in the construction industry and make a positive impact.

Reflection of Presentation

Upon completing the presentation, I felt a mix of emotions. While I felt a sense of accomplishment for successfully delivering the presentation, I also felt anxious and nervous before and during the presentation. I realized that presenting information to nobles can be intimidating, and the pressure to perform well can be overwhelming.

One of the significant barriers I experienced during the presentation was stage fright. I found it challenging to maintain eye contact with the audience and speak confidently without stuttering or fumbling my words (Ribneret.al 2017). However, I managed to overcome this barrier by rehearsing the presentation multiple times and practicing in front of a mirror. I also sought feedback from my peers, which helped me identify areas of improvement and refine my presentation further.

Next time I present information, I would focus more on engaging the audience and creating a more interactive experience. This can be achieved by incorporating more visuals, videos, or interactive elements into the presentation (Hossainet.al 2020). I would also pay more attention to my body language and work on maintaining a confident and relaxed posture during the presentation.

To develop my public speaking skills, I plan to participate in public speaking events or join a public speaking club. These opportunities would allow me to gain experience and practice presenting in front of larger audiences. Additionally, I plan to seek feedback from mentors or peers to identify areas of improvement and refine my skills further.

Developing my public speaking skills would be beneficial in my future career as a construction manager. Effective communication and presentation skills are critical in this field as it involves working with various stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and government officials (Espelageet.al 2016). By presenting my ideas and proposals effectively, I can build trust and credibility with these stakeholders, which would ultimately lead to better project outcomes.

While presenting information to peers can be intimidating, it is an essential skill to have, especially in my future career as a construction manager. By overcoming my barriers, identifying areas of improvement, and continuously refining my skills, I am confident in my ability to deliver effective presentations and communicate my ideas effectively.

Personal Development Plan

Academic Skills to Develop:	Plan to Develop Skills	Future Implementation
Critical Thinking	To improve my critical thinking skills, I plan to read more academic articles and books on the subjects that interest me. I also plan to engage in discussions and debates with my peers to challenge and develop my own thoughts and ideas.	By developing my critical thinking skills, I hope to apply them in my academic writing to create more sophisticated and nuanced arguments. Additionally, I believe these skills will be valuable in my future career, allowing me to analyze and solve complex problems.
Writing Concisely	To improve my ability to write concisely, I plan to practice summarizing information from sources in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, I plan to utilize online resources and attend workshops on effective writing skills (Cirino and Willcutt, 2017.).	Developing my ability to write concisely will improve the clarity and effectiveness of my academic writing. In my future career, this skill will be valuable in communicating complex information in a clear and concise manner.
Effective Time Management	To improve my time management skills, I plan to create a weekly schedule that prioritizes my academic tasks, including readings, assignments, and studying. I also plan to use online tools such as Pomodoro timers to increase my focus and productivity.	By improving my time management skills, I hope to reduce stress and increase my productivity. In my future career, effective time management will be crucial in meeting deadlines and completing projects efficiently.
Note Taking	I plan to improve my note-taking skills by attending a separate training course on effective note-taking strategies. I will also practice taking notes during lectures and whilst reading academic texts (Lin et.al 2018).	Once my note-taking skills have been developed, I hope to use them to improve the quality of my academic work. By taking more concise and organised notes, I will be able to better understand the material I am studying and create more coherent arguments in my assignments. Furthermore, I hope to use these skills in my career by taking detailed notes during meetings and conferences to ensure I am fully engaged and able to recall important information when needed.

Conclusion

As shown in this reflective report, the purpose was to reflect on my learning and development in the Word Guide module and to identify ways to improve my academic skills. Throughout the module, I learned various aspects of using Microsoft Word for academic writing, including formatting, referencing and writing in an academic style. Additionally, I gained knowledge on sustainability in the construction industry, which is a critical aspect of my field of study.

Reflection is essential as it enables individuals to examine their experiences, analyze their learning and identify areas for improvement. Through reflection, we can improve our academic and professional development by identifying areas of weakness and taking steps to enhance our knowledge and skills.

In conclusion, by reflecting on my learning and development in the Word Guide module, I have identified specific areas to focus on to further develop my academic skills. The knowledge and skills gained from this module will be invaluable in achieving my academic goals and future career aspirations. I would encourage others to reflect on their learning experiences and continually seek opportunities for personal and professional development.

References

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Appendix (Add the performance presentation slides)