Personal Development - Reflection

David Ho Ming Aun (0328394)

Personal Development

Reflection

I signed up for this module with the expectation of it being a boring MPU subject with lots of boring lectures and dreary group work, but I was pleasantly surprised when the lecturer mentioned that this module would involve a lot of interaction between students as well as activities. Most of the activities were quite enjoyable and beneficial in the sense that they forced the class to interact with people outside their social circle and schools. 

The self-reflective nature of the activities was quite helpful in principle, but I doubt the validity of some of the tests, especially the Canfield's Learning Style Inventory. Using a 1988 method of measuring learning 'styles' is completely irrelevant today, as learning methods have changed substantially! This is evidenced in the incongruencies between the results and actual learning preferences faced by my fellow peers in class, and the horrible layout of the form makes it a really annoying activity overall. In addition to that, The VAK (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic) learning styles system taught has little to no evidence behind the theory, and only serves to divide students even more. A relook into the teaching materials can be done.

I enjoyed the hands-on approach facilitated by the lecturer, which made the classes more fun and provided a good break from all our other modules. I got to know my friends and myself a little better through the tutorial classes which provided us with various activities which were quite helpful. 

All in all, I would say that this module has been quite satisfactory and I am glad that it was not intrusive in nature in order for us to be able to work on our own course-specific subjects, while still learning a little bit about developing ourselves personally. 

Personal Development - Activities

David Ho Ming Aun (0328394)

Personal Development

Activities

0. Do I Need Personal Development Planning?

1. Word Cloud:

2. Employability Skills

Strengths

Willingness to Learn
I am willing to learn from people who are just as willing to teach me. I enjoy the process of learning and try my best to seek out lessons from past and current experiences. I learn concepts quickly and enjoy understanding more about things. This is evidenced by my varied interests in a variety of subjects, having gone through A-Levels and my current design course.

Self-Awareness
I am focused and purposeful in whatever task I set out to do. When I commit to a job I try my utmost bet to see it to completion. However, I am realistic and assess situations based on the context and not mere false optimism. 

Problem Solving
I am capable of following solid logical paths and always take into account the practicality of a project. 

Weaknesses 
Networking
I find difficulty in initiating conversations and building relationships in general. I am working on this by trying to talk to people more.

Leadership
I can be a good leader with my skills of planning and organisation, but when it comes to being a motivator or energetic, I am not the person to look for if you are looking for a peppy leader.

3. Canfield's Learning Styles Inventory

We were made to complete and tabulate the Canfield's Learning Styles Inventory. Here are my results:

We are required to write an analysis for one of each of the aspects (condition, content and mode) based on our scores.

Condition:

Goal Setting and Instructor are my highest criteria in this aspect, followed by a tie between Peer, Competition and Independence. Authority comes in at 40%, Organisation at 20% and finally Detail at 10%. 

Goal setting is important for me because I have the chance to set goals for myself and make my own decisions, but I do appreciate the presence of an instructor to provide feedback and guide me through from time to time. I found it strange that Peer and Independence had the same scores as they contradict each other, but an interpretation could be that I prefer working alone, but I enjoy the group dynamism that comes from working with the right kind of people. I am competitive and I enjoy knowing how the other peers in my level are also performing, and in little ways, this affects my level of outcome.

I enjoy a disciplined classroom and an organised plan. A well-planned learning journey that is sensible and thoughtful is most effective for me. Knowing specific instructions on assignments are important, but more important for me is actually getting started with the assignment. 

Content:

Inanimate was the highest criteria I received, followed by Numeric. Qualitative comes in next at 30% and People are my lowest. 

This is somewhat true as I enjoy being hands-on in my approach to learning. If I am curious about something, I will want to try it out myself. I am highly numerical as well, providing my artistic abilities with a strong sense of order. I am qualitative as well, with writing being a fair trait I possess. However, I am not skilled when it comes to communicating socially, clearly evidenced in my lowest score — People. I am poor with social interaction and prefer working independently rather than in groups. This id not to say I am antisocial, but I find higher efficiency in solitary work. This shows through in my research work where I enjoy searching for journals and compiling data. 

Mode:

My scores in descending order were: Reading, Iconic and Direct Experience, and Listening. I learn best through reading material, but I don't think this is very accurate as I personally enjoy beings hands-on in my learning, as well as viewing imagery, as I am in the design field. However, the last criterion is true, as I do not remember things spoken to me very well. 

4. Envisioning Success:

Activity 1: What does Success look like to you? What about failure?

Success

• Achieving your intended outcome
• Relative happiness
• Doing meaningful work that I enjoy
• Stability
• Confidence Booster

Failure

• Not achieving intended outcome
• Disappointment
• Loss
• Regret
• Not good enough, self-doubt

Activity 5: Personal Values

• Contributing to society
• Creativity
• Family and home life
• Friendship
• Justice
• Making a difference to the world
• Personal qualities such as kindness
• Security

5. Goal Setting:

We were asked to work in groups of five people and each write a goal on one of the slips of paper, and pass it on until it was all filled up by everyone. It was very interesting seeing the varying motivations and goals based on people as well as the time frame.

6. Note to a Stranger:

This activity required us to go out and find a random stranger to pass a compliment slip to. It was quite interesting but the person felt that it was insincere because I had to take a photo as evidence. 

7. Chinese Whisperer:

We played the Chinese Whispers game in class. I was assigned as the last person in the line, the one who draws out the received information. It turned out quite differently, but nonetheless it was quite fun and humorous as well. 

8. SWOT Analysis (Team)

As a group, we had to conduct a SWOT analysis of being a famous rock star.

9. Straw Tower

We managed to build the tallest tower among the lot, but it is a pity it fell during the reversal at the judging session. Pictured in the group photo is the tower standing upright in the opposite direction. It was an interesting experience and it was fun making the tower as a team. I enjoyed this activity.

10. Individual Presentation Feedback Notes

We were asked to write feedback on other peoples' individual presentation assignment. The feedback was collected into individual envelopes and passed to the owner. We were then asked to post up one note that stood out for us.

I chose this note simply because it is heartening to know that someone sees the passion I have for the graphic design landscape in Malaysia and it is quite encouraging.

Personal Development - Assignments

David Ho Ming Aun (0328394)

Personal Development

Assignments

1. Reflective Journal

D - Describe objectively what happened.

Allow me to provide some context. I have participated in a student exchange year in Germany, and have expressed interest in studying in Germany. I had made plans to study in Germany for my tertiary education in design, and I'd planned my education path around this idea. I took specific subject combinations and attended night classes for German to get the required certifications. I succeeded in doing so, achieving straight As and top scores.The German art and design universities required an entrance exam for artistic aptitude, as well as a portfolio (which I did not possess). I worked extremely hard to build a portfolio and try for the exams and submitted it on time. I applied to four universities—all rejected me.

I - Interpret the events.

This was a harsh blow for my self-esteem. I have been considered as one of the best designers in my school and clubs and I was not used to such successive rejection. I definitely felt horrible, but not as horrible as signing up to this university. This university is great, but it felt like I've officially given up. Maybe the fifth university would have accepted me? Now, I will never know. As I have given my absolute best effort for the entire application period, I began to doubt myself often and constantly felt like I wasn't enough. I am not the kind of person to give something like this up so easily. 

E - Evaluate what you learned.

In hindsight, the rejection was a humbling slap to my face, although tinged with a slight note of regret. For a designer, it is very important to be open to rejection and opinions of others, and it is easy to be too protective of your work. This experience is valuable also because it is a reminder of how hard I can push myself for a goal. Through this process, I learn that despite all humanly best efforts to plan for the future, the future has its own cars to play, its own die to roll. Uncertainty is constant where life thrives. I suppose the saying 'bloom where you're planted' applies well here. Through this experience, I have actually inspired my sister to apply for German universities, who is currently doing her Masters there. Because of this, I would say that this experience has contributed positively to my sister. 

P - Plan how this learning will be applied.

Through this experience, I've gained a lot of knowledge that is useful for the future. Taking Psychology in my A-Levels allowed me to gain an appreciation for academic journals, learning German provided my a formal certification of my language skills, and even applying for the entrance exams established a form of artistic foundation that would help me in my current course. This experience represented a failure in both my artistic aptitude and my determination, but through failure we learn. I will continue to work hard in the future, and I will try not to give up too quickly next time. At the same time, I will learn to recognise that even if things don't work out the way I planned, things will still be okay.

2. Goal Setting

1. To be more efficient in time management so that I am able to have some free time for my own recreation. I aim to be able to set aside at least one hour of free time a day.

2. To have a more solid plan and a clearer vision for my future career path. I hope to view my assignments in terms of my skills and work hard through my internship.

2. To be living a balanced life which I will have a balance between my work and personal priorities while maintaining quality in both of them.

3. Action Plan

4. SWOT

Strengths

• Meticulous, high attention to detail
• A quick learner, grasp concepts quickly
• Talented in graphic design
• Creative in problem solving
• Hardworking, willing to work hard to acheive a goal.

Weaknesses

• Poor social skills.
• Poor management of priorities, time management.
• Not charismatic, not good with public presentation skills.
• Impatient with people who don't grasp concepts quickly.
• Limited to certain art styles in my designs.

Opportunities

• Rising demand for graphic designers.
• Exponentially improving technology, allows for easier design processes.
• Connections with other designers can lead to collaboration.
• Social media allows easy sharing of my works, leading to greater influence and presence.

Threats

• My design style being 'outdated'
• Inability to keep up with the trends.
• Other designers with better skill sets than me (more charismatic, different areas of expertise, etc)
• People's perception of design being 'unnecessary' of 'superfluous'. 

5. Mission Statement

Step 1: Skills and Abilities

• creativity
• organisation
• patience
• determination
• designing
• quick learner

Step 2: Personality Traits

• independent
• creative
• logical, analytical
• hardworking
• patient
• dedicated
• responsible 

Step 3: Values, Dreams, Passions

• to give back to society through my talents, and not just designing for yourself.
• to be very good in what I do.
• to find a balance in life.

Step 4: Ways I Could Make A Difference

• making meaningful, functional design that brings positive change to society.
• maintaining a relatively healthy relationship with family.
• maintaining a close circle of friends that I can trust.

Step 5: Personal Mission Statement

Using the skills of creative, patience and determination I am blessed with, I will aspire to work towards creating meaningful works that can bring positive change to the society. I will work hard today so that I can help others tomorrow. As I do this I will maintain a healthy relationship with my friends and family and strive to achieve balance in my life. 

6. Online Forum

Question Six

It was recently demonstrated by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency that Lance Armstrong used performance-enhancing drugs during the seven years when he won the Tour de France. During the same period, Armstrong started Livestrong, a cancer-support organization known for its ubiquitous yellow bracelets. Is the unethical nature of Lance’s doping offset by the fact that his Livestrong organization has touched many lives in a positive way? Is it even right to consider Livestrong in our ethical analysis of Armstrong’s doping?