The Basics

Been a while since my last post. Just settling in to the new Semester.

Simple graphic for basic comms:

The Future Employee

It's that time again! EXAMS

For many students it is that time of year when examinations are looming and coursework and final projects need submitting.  The pressure can be difficult and the ability to concentrate, prioritise and focus remain key. Here's a few things you can do to improve your situation at this challenging time of year.

The Internet

Here in college we use the Internet everyday. It's a lifeline to both students and staff. For research, monitoring, publishing and designing. But what does it look like. This graphic may shed some light. 

Happy May Day Weekend.

Back up!!!

If I could offer you one piece of advice today, for a student in FE. It would be back up your work in more than one place. USB and H-drive. There is nothing worse than losing your hard earned work or projects through ICT errors or misplacement. This happens a lot, so take the initiative. 

Skills for Leadership

What makes a good leader? What are the key attributes needed to lead men and women in a variety of situations? 

Are some skills fundamental while others are applicable only to the situation? 

This diagram demonstrates the keys areas:

Signing Off

My students often have to complete formal letter writing for their Word Processing assessments. 

They often ask how they should end their correspondence. 

This will keep you right:

Percentages

Percentages are a common feature in Life Skills Numeracy. I use this simple graphic in my presentations to assist students to gain the understanding they need to successfully work out and convert. 

Original Source: unknown 

Teachers facilitating cheating!

Article today in the mail. 

Nice reading evaluation exercise. Does the author have a hidden agenda? 

Secret notes and whispers among tricks used by TEACHERS

http://dailym.ai/1FT3sCa via @MailOnline

Another week over

Another week, (Week 33 of the academic calendar) over and the students are well underway with their final summative projects.  A blended approach combining reading evaluation, report writing and presentation have been well received by the students and the report focus (career) will serve well for long term planning.


The Solar Eclipse today certainly impacted on the first class of the day and productivity was shelved for indirect viewing of the first solar eclipse of the century. Although it was slightly anti-climatic, it was good to interact with my group outside of the classroom as the whole college seemed to embark on the south side of the building.  All manner of methods being implemented to watch the show. 


Next week there will be a heavy influence on researching skills as I take my students through effective search strategies and assessing how current, appropriate, and biased web pages are for their reports.

SWOT Analysis-A useful tool for self reflection

Although many businesses, focus groups and start-ups use S.W.O.T successfully to evaluate a business idea or venture, the method can be applied successfully to allow for effective self-evaluation. 




SWOT stands for STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES and THREATS and refers to the internal and external factors that can effect an idea, development, or individual.




Looking below at the example SWOT analysis we are reflecting on a student graduate looking to seek employment after the completion of their studies.  The student will evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.  These are the internal factors for which they directly effect.  The Opportunities and threats are things out with the individuals control.


For example a strength might be good communication skills, while a weakness might be unable to complete basic numeracy tasks.  it is important for effective self-evaluation that the individual is completely honest in their reflection.  The external factors such as Opportunities might include, that the industry is alive with jobs.  The threats may be, the other graduates all competing for the same job.  These are the factors which are out with your control, but it is important to be aware of them when reflecting.


Below is an example of SWOT Analysis.  Why not try and self-reflect your current situation as a student graduate and see what you discover.





For more information on SWOT analysis visit http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_05.htm 

Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

Know your levels.  The Scottish Qualifications framework will help you easily understand the level of your qualification. Click on the picture below to access the Framework.

What are Core and Essential Skills?

Source: www.sqa.org.uk