PLANNING & REFLECTING AT POSTGRADUATE LEVEL

Study skills assignment (Planning and reflecting at Postgraduate Level)



Table of Contents

Introduction3

Discussion3

Reflection is a key element in any successful planning.3

Task 1: Development of a Research Strategy3

1. Brainstorm the Topic3

2. Find the Keywords3

3. Research Questions4

4. Finding Material for the Topic4

Text & Reference Books:4

Internet Sources:4

5. Evaluation of Data or Literature Collected4

6. Analysis of Data5

7. Present Your Findings5

8. Referencing5

Task 2: Development of a Project Plan5

1. Identifying and Developing the Topic:6

2. Defining Research Question:6

3. Get Background Information:6

4. Sources of Data Collection:6

5. Select the Relevant Information:6

6. Evaluate Data:7

7. Data Analyses:7

8. Compile the Document Body:7

9. Final Presentation of Document7

Task 3: Reflective Piece7

Effectiveness of My Research Strategy & Project Plan7

Problems Faced and Learning:7

Learned Time Management Skills and Reflection Skills:8

New Learning during the Research Project: Reviewing a Case Study9

Conclusion from the Case study10

My Reflections on the Research Questions:10

Study skills assignment (Planning and reflecting at Postgraduate Level)

Introduction

The point addressed in this research document is the Importance of Planning and Reflection Skills at Postgraduate Level and also an assumption that postgraduate students acquire planning and critical reflection skills automatically during their postgraduate studies.

Planning, critical thinking and reflecting are the pillars of the postgraduate study, managerial work and continuing professional development (CPD).

“It is not sufficient simply to have an experience in order to learn. Without reflecting upon this experience it may quickly be forgotten, or its learning potential lost. It is from the feelings and thoughts emerging from this reflection that generalizations or concepts can be generated. And it is generalizations that allow new situations to be tackled effectively.” (Gibbs 1988)

Discussion

Reflection is a key element in any successful planning.

You are probably a successful graduate and already have many of the skills required for postgraduate study. But there are some skills that assessed more stringently at postgraduate level, like planning and reflection skills.

Task 1: Development of a Research Strategy

Assignments are designed to allow you to demonstrate your understanding of concepts and the ability to plan and reflect critically whether reading or writing. A strategy should be formulated, focusing comprehensively on how to carry on the research.

1. Brainstorm the Topic

I have always found mind mapping as the best tool for brainstorming. Critical thinking and reflection is the most essential skill required at the post graduate level. Before looking for main literature, clear understanding of the topic is very necessary. And this understanding could be easily done through mind mapping.

2. Find the Keywords

Identifying the right keywords makes the research easier, leading you to the required destination. In this assignment, I started with the keywords like planning and reflection skills, critical thinking and writing, postgraduate level skills required at university level etc.

3. Research Questions

Research questions are the central part of any research. The whole research is carried out in order to answer these questions. It doesn't matter whether research is based on secondary source or primary source of data. It helps in identifying whether quantitative or qualitative study is required. (Research questions are defined in the Task 2 Project Plan)

4. Finding Material for the Topic

In order to get a broader understanding ...