Continuing Academic Success

Continuing Academic Success

Sean P. Kelly

GEN/201

September 7, 2015

Dr. Paul Machen II

Continuing Academic Success

The goal of educational and professional development is for the master student to expand and improve their understanding and mastery of their individual academic learning style.  In the 21st century students learning styles are infinitely different than those students who came before us, these different styles need to be explored by the master student.   Some students may learn best by watching, others may learn better by feeling, thinking or doing, knowing those differences and blending these styles is important to succeed in the classroom or your chosen career.  Even though students do not easily understand some learning styles, it can be agreed that all students absorb what is being taught differently.  These learning styles ultimately do influence critical thinking and how the student applies them ethically.

 Student learning styles are infinitely different than those students who came before them.  Some students prefer to recognize what they are learning then they process and deal with what they have learned. It is from these organizational skills that a student determines his/her next academic goal.   According to Caine, G & Caine, R.N (2010), “…we tend to filter input, organize information and experience, and ask questions according to what we are interested in and care about”. (p. 171).  My particular style is learning by watching and doing, a mix of two different learning styles, but this particular way of information processing helps me understand what is being taught.  One goal I have established for myself, as I re-enter the academic world, is to try a different learning style.  Trying a new learning style can help to see if one works better, in an online classroom it may be difficult to practice my learning style.

Setting goals for yourself as you progress in an academic world are completely different than those you establish for yourself in an office environment.  Goals for academia may include honing your reading skills, or studying a little longer so that your test-taking skills are at their peak.  These goals are specific to your particular needs and will see you through to your degree.  Goals for an office environment deal less with academia and more with career success.  For instance, making sure your communication abilities are ready in case you have to give the next presentation or your leadership skills are strong enough to lead the next big project are important.  These goals are geared more towards success in an environment that usually doesn't offer room for error.  In a classroom if you make a mistake you may get a point deduction on a paper or a class project, in business or any career it could mean a demotion or worse a damaged reputation.  One of my personal goals that have stayed with me for years is always to work on my communication skills.  In my case communication both ways, verbal and listening.  It's easy for me to engage in conversation with others, my problem stems from the listening to others.  Whether it is about new ideas they may have or simplifying a process, I tend to lose interest.  I now know that goals and expanding my learning styles will help me succeed with my degree program.