Wednesday, 20 May 2009

Final Evaluation

In order to produce a complete study skills evaluation which reflects my effective improvements in terms of IT and study skills, I need to divide the progresses noticed in my "specific study approach" from my "study behaviour" ones.
The first involve the whole range of attitudes and methods which allowed me to cope with the studies more efficiently and rapidly. As an example, meanwhile I was preparing my self for the ielts test I took notes of the exam's tips which would have been totally forgotten if I had not write to review them in my targets diary. Moreover it was an helpful reminder of the difficulties encountered; for instance I wrote that 1 week only for doing a history essay was too few, so that I got a bit stressed. I have also noticed that through the feature of the reflecting journal which enquires about the most difficult thing done in that session, I realized about the subjects and tasks that I found more demanding and therefore requiring a greater amount of time.
On the same way, the study skills classes made me aware of the huge amount of time I was wasting by studying unppropriately or in the wrong way. I found very useful the learning style hand-outs and suggestions for improving and develop our own style.
The study skills principles have also affected the way through which I currently behave towards my studies. In fact, for instance, it was highly rewarding to find out the complete fulfillment of all my week targets. I also discover psychological behaviors I was previously not aware of like the fact of forgetting of all my duties while on holiday. I was also pushed to execute tasks I would have avoided if not reminded by the targets diary..(History).
Finally, I believe that my IT skills have greatly improved throughout the course as I am now able to create, update and modify an entire blog. I am glad we did not have the typical IT class which focuses on technical features which I consider useless for languages students. Contrarily, I feel very confident with far more useful elements such as blogs, language websites, office pack programmes....

Wednesday, 13 May 2009

Refl. journal 13th May

Your name
Fabrizio
`session date
13th may
What did I do this week/session?
* 2 listening, 4 reading, 4 writing task2, 4 writing task1, 1 speaking1-2-3.
Literature book chosen and started
Spanish homework
What was the most interesting thing I did for this session (mark it above with an asterisk) - why was that?
* 2 listening
What were three main things I learned from this session?
Listen and memorize the exam’s tips
What did I previously think was true, but now know to be wrong?
-
What did we not cover that I expected we should?
History essay


What have I changed my mind about, as a result of this session?
-




Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail
-

TRGS 13TH MAY

SATURDAY I'll be sitting the exam so until then all my efforts are only for it. Even tough I have done all I could, I'll do so me more tests. 1 reading, 2 writing, 1 listening, 1 speaking at least...
After that I'll catch up with the course's workload. I'll start with jerry so the presentation and the corrections on my previous communication works have to be ready by next thursday. Then Scott with his two essays: one of them to be started. I think it is enough considering I'll have only a few days from saturday.

Wednesday, 6 May 2009

Reflecting JoUrNaL...6TH mAy

Your name
Fabrizio
Session date
6th may
What did I do this week/session?
HISTORY essay
Ielts tests: 1 listening*, 3reading 3 writing
Spanish homework
Found out the deadline for further support while at university
What was the most interesting thing I did for this session (mark it above with an asterisk) - why was that?
Ielts listening test.
It is the most interesting thing I have done, because is the part when I success the most within the whole test
What were three main things I learned from this session?
-
What did I previously think was true, but now know to be wrong?
-
What did we not cover that I expected we should?
Literature choose of the book for the independent study
What was new or surprising to me?
-
What have I changed my mind about, as a result of this session?
-
One thing I learned in this session that I may be able to use in future is...
It was a great week where I have achieved almost all my objectives despite some visits…
I am still unsure about...
-
Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail
-
Ideas for action, based on this session...
-
What I most liked about this session was...

What I most disliked about this session was...
History essay: the topic was rather interesting this time, however we have been given one week only for producing the essay. Stressful time!
Miscellaneous interesting facts I learned in this session...
-

Targets 06th may

Right, this week my main focus will be the ielts... as usual.
I'll be studying on the speaking pat2-3 as well as writing 1-2.
The reading has to be improved as well because I still make a good amount of mistakes. . (at least 3 more to be done)
A crucial tip for the exam is to review the notes gathered on my ielts notebook in the past months: specific terminology, general tips and so on.
Listening is alright, but in order to keep my mind exercised 1 every week is essential.
Spanish homework to be done by Monday.
Choose the literature book.
Give a look to the next history essay if I have enough time.

Wednesday, 29 April 2009

Reflective journ. 29th April

Your name
Fabrizio
Session date
29th April
What did I do this week/session?
Comm.assessment
Literature AWAKENING Finished and*Doll’s house nearly terminated*.
Ielts tests done on writing1 and reading
Spanish revised.
What was the most interesting thing I did for this session (mark it above with an asterisk) - why was that?
Reading the Doll’s house
What were three main things I learned from this session?
-


What did we not cover that I expected we should?
Ielts speaking part2-3


What have I changed my mind about, as a result of this session?
-
One thing I learned in this session that I may be able to use in future is...
-
I am still unsure about...
-




What I most liked about this session was...
Literature reading
What I most disliked about this session was...
-

Target diary 29th April....

Again, this week a lot of stuff has to be worked out...

The history essay has the priority, because is due in two days.
The IELTS exam is getting closer and closer, therefore I ll keep on working on it. This week's focuses will be Speaking part2 & wrtiting2. However I wanna do at least a listening and a few more reading and writing part1.(at least one of each). Fix in mind George's advices and directions.
DECIDE the book to read for the independent Literature reading.
Spanish homework to be done by monday.
Give a look to the last uni bursary.

Wednesday, 22 April 2009

Targets diary 22th april

This week I've got a lot of things to work on.
First of all Jerry's Enlightment has to be finished by tomorrow.
Afterwards I reaally need to finished to read the Awakening for Scott's class and start the Doll's house.
Then the ielts preparation needs a shake on the writing and speaking part, mostly. Writing1 and speaking 2/3 are the areas when i'll be focused on.
Spanish revision & partial organization 4 the working trip to Spain to be roughly planned.

Refl. journal 22nd April

Your name
FABRIZIO
Session date
22ND APRIL
What did I do this week/session?
I HAVE DONE 2 IELTS LISTENING TESTS AS WELL AS 2 READING
What was the most interesting thing I did for this session (mark it above with an asterisk) - why was that?
LISTENING TESTS
What were three main things I learned from this session?
- As usual when I am on holiday and not in Edinburgh I tend to lay back and forget about everything…
-Do as much work as I can before leaving the country
-Do not bring studying material on holyday because is a waste of space in my luggage.

What did I previously think was true, but now know to be wrong?
-
What did we not cover that I expected we should?
No Spanish revision
No literature’ s book read.
No ielts speaking&writing tests taken

What was new or surprising to me?
-
What have I changed my mind about, as a result of this session?
-
One thing I learned in this session that I may be able to use in future is...
As above in the 3 things I learnt

I am still unsure about...
-
Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail
-
Ideas for action, based on this session...
Study hard in the time left

Wednesday, 1 April 2009

Refl. Journal 01 April

Your name
fabrizio
Session date
01 april
What did I do this week/session?
I' ve done a lot of work the previous week. I have been focusing on the ielts tests and I did 4 of them. I have also completed a unit of my ielts book. I finished the history essay and got prepared for the assessment which I reckon was quite good. I've also corrected Jerry's assessment

What was the most interesting thing I did for this session (mark it above with an asterisk) - why was that?
Ielts listening assessment- I like to do that, because I often get a quite good score

What were three main things I learned from this session?
It was too much workload for a week and I got a bit stressed.

What did we not cover that I expected we should?
Literature book not finished, Exercise on the Spanish film not completed.

What I most disliked about this session was...
History essay

TRG 01 April

This week I'll have to keep on working on the IELTS. On the test book I'd like to have at least 2 trials on every module. My focus this week 'll be the speaking area (2nd -3rd parts). Unfortyunately I'll have to return it to the library by tuesday. I'll bring my book with me to Italy so that I hope to not forget everything... I'm planning to do at least two more units of that.
The literature book has to be finished.
Revise the Spanish notebook as usual.

Wednesday, 18 March 2009

REFL. JOURNAL 15TH MARCH

Your name
FABRIZIO
Session date
15th MARCH
What did I do this week/session?
ACTUALLY, LAST PLANNED SESSION WAS ON THE 1Oth OF FEBRUARY, BUT I KEPT ON WORKING SINCE THEN. I AM UPDATED WITH ALL THE SUBJECTS, BUT HISTORY. ASSESSMENTS, ESSAYS… ALL DONE

What was the most interesting thing I did for this session (mark it above with an asterisk) - why was that?
Jerry’s listening assessment
What were three main things I learned from this session?
I hate this new history essay
I’m loving the communication class

What did I previously think was true, but now know to be wrong?
-
What did we not cover that I expected we should?
history
What was new or surprising to me?
-
What have I changed my mind about, as a result of this session?
I have to be more keen on doing things I don’t like, because one day they will turn up again and I might not have this huge amount of time for facing them….
One thing I learned in this session that I may be able to use in future is...
above
I am still unsure about...
-
Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail
-
Ideas for action, based on this session...
-
What I most liked about this session was...
communication
What I most disliked about this session was...
history
Miscellaneous interesting facts I learned in this session...
-

TRG Diary 15th March

This week I've got quite a lot of wotk to do.... Primarily I have to move on with the IELTS book of at least two modules (C and D); it's a good load, but needed.

Then I' ll stick in my mind the idea of doing this history essay on the Labour government. It's almost a month that I'm on it, and it's so boring... ridicolous. To do at least part of it.

To finish exercises on the "Espinazo del diablo"in order to bring the film back soon.

I need to finish to correct Jerry's essay and submit it. No worries about it.

Manage to keep uptodate with the Literature work: readind reading reading.
That's all, quite a heavy week but I feel very passionate.

Wednesday, 11 March 2009

Today I was supposed to spent the majority of my time studying for th ielts exam. I was meant to complete at least a reading and a writing tasks. In addition, if I had time I would dedicate some time to the literature' novel we are reading. I have done them completely as well as few more exercises on the book regarding vocabulary, linking words and so on. I did not have time for the Literature part, however I am glad of what I have achieved. I feel like I have done a few steps forward, today .

Tuesday, 10 February 2009

Impressions about the"Advice about writing an essay"

I believe that that document is really useful in order to write a good essay. It gives tips and suggestions about the correct way of writing it as well as highlighting what people do not but should do in order to improve the quality of the essay.

Targets diary 11th february

I need to have the the history essay ready for friday.
The communication listening assessment has to be submitted on thursday and there are some old Spanish homework on my way.

Reflective journal 11th February

Your name
FABRIZIO
Session date
11TH FEBRUARY
What did I do this week/session?
Kept update with the Spanish homework.
Spanish blackboard updated
History essay. I started to read the material
What was the most interesting thing I did for this session (mark it above with an asterisk) - why was that?
-



What were three main things I learned from this session?
This is the most boring history essay I have ever started.
What did I previously think was true, but now know to be wrong?
-
What did we not cover that I expected we should?
History essay

-
What I most disliked about this session was...
The topic of the history essay.

-

Wednesday, 4 February 2009

Targets diary 4th February

I'll try to get the history essay ready within Friday, but I'm very doubtfoul about it.
I want to keep filling the Spanish dictionary as well as being updated with the normal homework.
I'll start thimking about the topic of the Spanish presentation.
Updating the vocabulary-blackboard I've got at home is my final target for the week.

Reflective journal 4th february

Your name
Fabrizio
Session date
4th February
What did I do this week/session?
Literature essay done.
Unforeseen Literature homework done.
Usual Spanish homework done
Spanish vocabulary started.
What was the most interesting thing I did for this session (mark it above with an asterisk) - why was that?
Spanish homework.
What were three main things I learned from this session?
Doing Literature essays takes a long time and concentration, to me.
What did I previously think was true, but now know to be wrong?
-
What did we not cover that I expected we should?
History essay
What was new or surprising to me?
-
What have I changed my mind about, as a result of this session?
Once you are into it, Literature is not as bad as I expected
One thing I learned in this session that I may be able to use in future is...
-
I am still unsure about...
-
Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail
-
Ideas for action, based on this session...
-
What I most liked about this session was...
-
What I most disliked about this session was...
-
Miscellaneous interesting facts I learned in this session...
-

Preentation commentssss2

Thoughts on my presentation.Well, first of all I can say I felt incredibly nervous before doing it. My last trials were not encouraging, because I had problems with the language as all my material is in Italian. In fact I would have translated it, if I had the time... Having your notes in a language different from the one you are going to talk in, is a mistake.When the others people were speaking, I felt incredibly warm because of the nerviness: it seemed to be in the Caribbean. Contrarily, when I started to speak I was more relaxed and the words started to flow, naturally. I listened to someone's advice who told me to assume the attitude as if I were a teacher who is explaining to his students something they don’t know anything about. Relaxed, clear and seeking the eye contact.That technique helped me a lot during the whole length of the presentation. I believe it went quite well, despite the fact I have left out some details.

Presentation commentttttt

After seeing my presentation on ClickView I have some more comments to make in addition to my old ones. I reckon mine was a good presentation, overall. However there are several points where I should work on.Firs of all, instead of pointing to the audience, I looked at the screen far too much. Moreover I noticed that I tend to repeat the same words again and again (bunch) or connective ones (like).Then I said "whatever" and "everything", because I didn't have the right word...For what concern the technical part of the presentation I an aware that the fact that I needed to go to the laptop and click, has stopped the flow of the presentation itself.Finally if I had to do it again, I would take that long quotation away of the presentation, because it distracted the audience while I was talking.

Wednesday, 28 January 2009

EFFECTIVE READING EVALUATION

As a trial of effective reading, I have chosen to read an article drawn by the Herald: "British car industry: victrim of its own success".
My purpose was to discvover the main causes of its decline.
Through the study of the survey, I discovered that the article was centred on the high number of unsold cars (due to the crisis) producted in Britain and the considerable expense that the companies have to face, in order to store them.
Thanks to the survey, I already knew the major casue of the decline.
After that, through the question asked to myself: "Is the Bitish car industry victim of its own success?" I qiuckly managed to get the other cause: workers redundance.

This process was pretty useful for the understanding and the search of specific information in a text. It might make the reading a bit longer, but is well worth.

Reflective journal 19 January

Your name
Fabrizio

Session date
19 January

What did I do this week/session?
I have finished the *Communication presentation* and kept up to date with the Spanish homework.

What was the most interesting thing I did for this session (mark it above with an asterisk) - why was that?
Communication Presentation

What were three main things I learned from this session?


What did I previously think was true, but now know to be wrong?
-Preserve enough *Emergency time* for complicated tasks (Comm. pres), in order to have more time for unexpected problems.
-I have to come back at studying as I was doing few weeks ago.
-Put more efforts on my studies and less in silly things.

What did we not cover that I expected we should?
Literature essay
Spanish vocabulary

What was new or surprising to me?
I have not done anything last week!

What have I changed my mind about, as a result of this session?
Study, study, study

One thing I learned in this session that I may be able to use in future is...
To be constantly aware of your situation and weaknesses. Learn to recognise them and defeat them.

I am still unsure about...
-
Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail
-
Ideas for action, based on this session...
-

What I most liked about this session was...
Comm. Pres.
What I most disliked about this session was...
-
Miscellaneous interesting facts I learned in this session...
-

Targets diary 28 january

I really have to get the Literature essay ready within the end of this week.
Then I want to start the Spanish vocabulary as well as revising the tenses studied in class.
Finally I need to start the History essay, because I want to take it out of my way as soon as possible. Few but quite tough targets this week.

Monday, 19 January 2009

Targets diary 19 jan

Within tomorrow I have to get the Literature essay ready for Scott.
Moreover I need to do my presentation on thursday, so that I need to revise it orally and to measure the exact time I need to present it.
As usual, I need to complete the Spanish homework and I want to start the spamnish vocabulary.
Finally I would like to start the new History essay as well as organising and updating the documents I have got at home.

REFLECTIVE JOURNAL 12 JAN

Your name
FABRIZIO

Session date
12 JAN

What did I do this week/session?
*COMMUNICATION PRESENTATION ALMOST READY*: REVISE IT ORALLY.
-LITERATURE ESSAY STARTED
-SPANISH HOMEWORK DONE
-SPANISH VOCABULARY NOT STARTED YET

What was the most interesting thing I did for this session (mark it above with an asterisk) - why was that?
*COMMUNICATION PRESENTATION * I LIKE RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET AND I GOT TO KNOW MANY INTERSTING FACTS.

What were three main things I learned from this session?
WHEN FRIENDS ARE VISITING ME, I SUFFER FROM A LACK OF CONCENTRATION.

What did I previously think was true, but now know to be wrong?
-

What did we not cover that I expected we should?
LITERATURE ESSAY DONE
SPANISH VOCABULARY

What was new or surprising to me?
-

What have I changed my mind about, as a result of this session?
-

One thing I learned in this session that I may be able to use in future is...
BE MORE FOCUSED WHEN EXPOSED TO EXTERNAL DISTRACTIONS

I am still unsure about...
-

Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail
-

Ideas for action, based on this session...
-

What I most liked about this session was...
INFORMATION RESEARCH REGARDING THE COMM. PRES.

What I most disliked about this session was...
TO ANALYZE LITERATURE POETRIES

Miscellaneous interesting facts I learned in this session...
OPUS DEI INTERESTING FACTS AND CHARACTERISTICS.

Monday, 12 January 2009

TARGETS DIARY WEEK BEGINNING 12 JAN

Within tursday I want to get my communication presentation ready. That's my main objective.
After that I need to submit the Literature essay.
Moreover I need to be up to date with the Spanish homework during the week.
Finally I want to start my Spanish vocabulary on the diary.