Essay
Order Description
Objectives
The objectives for this assessment item are for students to show:
a. understanding of the skills needed to succeed in academic and professional life
b. ability to reflect on their own skill levels and identify areas where improvement may be needed
c. knowledge of university services that can assist with skill development
What you need to do
Download the Skills Audit Template and complete both parts:
Part 1 Audit – Rate yourself on each skill as either No, Not Sure or Yes. Be honest � this part is not graded, you need to submit a copy simply to show you have done it.
Part 2 Reflection � Now you need to reflect on what you have learnt from the audit. Write 500 words covering the following:
1. What are 3 areas of strength and how can you use them to your advantage in studying? (for example, good time management means you will be able to get feedback on draft work before it is due to be submitted) approx 100 words
2. What are 3 areas where you need to improve most and why are these important for successful study? (for example misunderstanding assessment tasks can mean even a well written essay will be off-topic) approx 150 words
3. What are the key steps you can take to help you improve the skills you have identified in question 2? Make sure to include here any help you can obtain through this course, the School of CCJ, the library or other areas of the university or elsewhere. (See the next page for suggested resources to discuss in question 3). approx 250 words
Formatting
� Answer each of the three questions in complete sentences and paragraphs. Dot points are not appropriate for this assignment.
� Use 1.5 or double line spacing and 12 point font
� Indent the first line of each paragraph
� Proof read your paper; this will reduce spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that you pick up any awkwardly worded sentences.
� Use formal language; avoid slang or colloquial speech
� Do not use contractions, use �do not� as oppose to �don�t�.
� Typically you should use 3rd person in academic essays (i.e. avoid words like �I�, �you�, �we�). However as the topic of this assignment is you, you are permitted to use first person, e.g. �My areas of strength are�� or �I can improve these skills by��
Suggestions for Addressing Question 3
Time and Self Management
� Prioritise and manage time to get a work/study balance
� Use feedback from tutors to set targets and improve
� Find a study partner or study group to help motivate each other
� Attend CCJ workshops (see L@G for timetable) or use Study Smart � look under the �Getting Started� tab for resources including tips, and semester and weekly planners
� Look at the Griffith Library Self-Help resource on �Strategies for Success� – https://www.griffith.edu.au/library/workshops-training/self-help-resources/strategies-for-academic-success
� Join a sports team or society to encourage motivation (training/preparing for an event or organising life around fixtures/events)
� Do work experience/work placement/ volunteering
� Join a student society to get experience organising activities and events � the Criminology Students Society (CSS) has active branches at both campuses Problem Solving
� Complete assignments in a methodical way by reading the question, considering what information you need to answer the question, researching, exploring alternative ideas and communicating your ideas effectively
� Contribute effectively to group projects on your course
� Attend CCJ workshops (see L@G for timetable) or use Study Smart � look under the �Understanding the Task� tab for tips on directive words and unpacking their meaning
� Look at the �Organising your Notes� module under the Essay Writing tab on L@G � this oral presentation gives step by step instructions
� Look at the Griffith Library Self-Help resource on �Strategies for Success� – https://www.griffith.edu.au/library/workshops-training/self-help-resources/strategies-for-academic-success
� Look at the CCJ Resources page for extra help and important contacts- https://www.griffith.edu.au/criminology-law/school-criminology-criminal-justice/resources
Oral Communication
� Contribute effectively in seminars and group discussion
� Talk about the ideas presented to you on your course with a study partner/group
� Look at the Griffith Library Self-Help resource on presenting – https://www.griffith.edu.au/library/workshops-training/self-help-resources/presenting-and-analysing
� Practise your presentation skills and get some feedback for your assignments or a job interview
� Become a student rep to improve your listening and communication skills
� Attend events that involve meeting new people
� Take part in team sports or other activities that involve group work e.g. a band, student societies
� Do work experience/work placement/ volunteering
� Join a student society to get experience organising activities and events Written Communication
� Read widely to see good examples of writing in your subject
� Attend CCJ workshops (see L@G for timetable) or use Study Smart � look under the �Putting it Together� tab for tips on writing academically
� Look at the �Using Information� module under the Essay Writing tab on L@G � this oral presentation gives step by step instructions
� Look at the Griffith Library Self-Help resource on Writing – https://www.griffith.edu.au/library/workshops-training/self-help-resources/writing
� Look at the CCJ Resources page for extra help – https://www.griffith.edu.au/criminology-law/school-criminology-criminal-justice/resources
� Practice writing informally on a blog or in a diary
� Complete assignments and look carefully at any prior feedback to find any areas for improvement
� Get a fellow student/friend/family member (they don�t need to know anything about the topic) to read over your work for spelling/grammar/presentation errors and to see if it flows well. Then EDIT.
PART 1: Complete the Traffic Light Skills Audit
Use this questionnaire to identify which skills you have already mastered and which ones you still need to work on. Be honest � this part is not graded, you need to submit a copy simply to show you have done it.
KEY X No � I really need to work on this. X Not entirely sure � I could still improve. X Yes � I�m really confident I can do this.
TIME and SELF MANAGEMENT No Not entirely sure Yes
I am able to organise my time so that I comfortably meet all my deadlines for assignments x
I know exactly where to go for help and support if I have difficulty completing a task x
I keep a diary or calendar so that I always know when I have to attend lectures, seminars and other key dates x
I arrive on time for classes, appointments and meetings x
I am aware of the things that cause me to waste time and am able to avoid them when I have work to complete x
I have future targets in mind regarding my education (and career) and use these to help me focus on current tasks x
CRITICAL THINKING and PROBLEM SOLVING No Not entirely sure Yes
I am able to use different methods for exploring a problem (academic and non academic), such as considering different points of view or options x
I am able to consider a range of alternative solutions to a problem and predict the best one in the given circumstances x
I am able to break down a complex problem (e.g. an assignment, a seminar question or where to live) into simple parts x
I am able to work productively with others to solve problems x
I know how to find out what is expected of me in a particular assessment task x
ORAL COMMUNICATION No Not entirely sure Yes
In group discussion, I listen to others and I value and respond to their contribution even if I do not agree x
I am confident that I can contribute ideas and opinions to a group discussion x
I think of relevant follow-up questions as people are speaking and ask them once they have finished x
I am confident explaining new concepts to other people x
I would be confident in giving a presentation to my peers x
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION No Not entirely sure Yes
I am confident that I can structure an assignment in paragraphs and using signposting language (however, firstly) in order to communicate my ideas effectively x
I am confident that I can write in an appropriate academic style for my subject x
I am confident that my written work has no grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors before I submit it x
I have an effective method for organising and planning the information that I want to put into a written assignment such as an outline plan or a �mindmap� x
I understand what plagiarism is an how to avoid it by clearly referencing my work x
I can use sources effectively to make my argument convincing and show that I am well-informed about the topic x
I am confident that I know the correct format and style for formal letters and documents, such as covering letters and CVs x
I am able to produce useful and meaningful written notes from a lecture, presentation or demonstration that capture the key points x
INFORMATION LITERACY: READING No Not entirely sure Yes
I am confident in gathering information from a wide variety of sources such as books, journals, on-line data-bases and the internet x
I think about what I need to find out before I start reading (am I reading to verify facts, to understand a subject in general or to analyse a particular argument?) x
I make useful, easy to follow notes while I am finding information for an assignment or project x
I can identify the points in a text which convey the author�s main arguments and distinguish these from supporting examples and references x
NUMERACY No Not entirely sure Yes
I am confident that I have the numerical and statistical skills needed to succeed on my course x
I am able to interpret information presented in graphs, charts, tables and diagrams x
PART 2: Write Your Reflection
1. �What are 3 areas of strength and how can you use them to your advantage in studying?�
Type your answer here.
2. �What are 3 areas where you need to improve most and why are these important for successful study?�
Type your answer here.
3. �What are the key steps you can take to help you improve the skills you have identified in question 2? Make sure to include here any help you can obtain through this course, the School of CCJ, the library or other areas of the university or elsewhere.�
Type your answer here.
