Introduction
Academic skills are essential for students to succeed in school. These skills include critical thinking, communicating, writing, and research. Without these skills, it would not be easy to succeed in academics. These skills are crucial for academic excellence and in pursuing oneās career. This reflection addresses the challenges I faced in developing academic skills, the gains, and the intention to utilize learned skills in the future.
Challenges Faced in Learning Academic Skills
I never had good grades in English during my first year, but that never stopped me from learning to gain more academic skills. The expertise helps individuals to express themselves more clearly and effectively (Rasheed et al., 2020, p. 600). For example, when I started my first year, I always had to ask to struggle writing with my essays. I had difficulty understanding the assignment and communicating my ideas clearly in writing.
The challenges I faced due to my lack of English fluency when learning academic skills included difficulty comprehending lectures, communicating with professors and classmates, and feeling isolated in the classroom. Individuals with such problems may have difficulty mastering academic vocabulary and writing in English (Rasheed et al., 2020, p. 599). In addition, I had trouble understanding complex academic texts and often made mistakes when trying to paraphrase them.
Learned Academic Skills
Since I started using the modules, I have worked hard to improve my academic skills, and I am proud to say that my efforts have helped. I have become a more confident and competent writer and can now express myself clearly and effectively in academic contexts. In addition, I am proud of my progress in other essential academic skills, such as critical thinking and referencing. These academic skills are what an individual needs to develop because they are crucial tools in the academic requirements (Duffy and Lawler, 2019, p. 446). I am now confident that I can continue to nature these skills in the future and that they will assist me when pursuing my academic goals.
I have learned to write clearly and concisely, using appropriate language and grammar, which has enhanced my academic writing skills and critical thinking. My critical thinking skills have improved as I can evaluate ideas and arguments and make judgments. References are crucial in supporting opinions and views with evidence from academic sources (Peng, and Kievit, 2020, p. 18, Liang and Fung, 2021, p. 11). I still need to improve my fluency and accuracy, but I am now much more comfortable with my academic writing and other academic skills.
Application of Learned Academic Skills into Studies and Social Health Care
My academic skills have been useful in my studies in several ways. For example, my research skills have helped me find information on various health and social care topics. In addition, my critical thinking skills will be useful in evaluating information and using reliable sources and evidence-based approaches in healthcare. Research skills help to keep up to date with new developments in the field of specialization (Mitchell et al., 2021, p. 15). My critical thinking skills will be useful in evaluating information and ensuring that I only use reliable sources. Finally, my academic skills will aid in writing reports and proposals on health and social care topics.
Academic Skills that Need Improvement
I am still struggling with research skills and multitasking, which are crucial academic skills. Therefore, I intend to familiarize myself more with the research databases and consult relevant experts to become better. Further, I will ensure to set realistic goals and allocate adequate time to complete several assignments and projects at the same time effectively. Such strategies will guide me in enhancing the aspects I am currently struggling to achieve.
Conclusion
Academic skills are essential for success in higher education and the workplace. Critical thinking, analysis, and communication are important in day-to-day life. Students who develop strong academic skills are more likely to succeed in school and their careers. Creative thinking, writing, and communication are significant skills in academics and career-wise. Academic skills are applicable beyond the school setting; hence every student should strive to acquire such expertise.
Reference list
Duffy, A. and Lawler, F. (2019) āGetting it right: the art of academic referencingā, British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 13(9), pp. 444-448.
Liang, W. and Fung, D. (2021). āFostering critical thinking in English-as-a-second-language classrooms: challenges and opportunitiesā, Thinking Skills and Creativity, 39 (1), pp. 1-36.
Mitchell, K.M., McMillan, D.E., Lobchuk, M.M., Nickel, N.C., Rabbani, R. and Li, J. (2021) āDevelopment and validation of the situated academic writing self-efficacy scale (SAWS)ā, Assessing Writing, 48(1), pp. 1-20.
Peng, P. and Kievit, R.A. (2020) āThe development of academic achievement and cognitive abilities: a bidirectional perspectiveā, Child Development Perspectives, 14(1), pp.15-20.
Rasheed, D.S., Brown, J.L., Doyle, S.L. and Jennings, P.A. (2020) āThe effect of teacherāchild race/ethnicity matching and classroom diversity on childrenās socioemotional and academic skillsā, Child Development, 91(3), pp.597-618.