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Key Topics
Scenario 1: You have recently started employment as an educational consultant to a large petrochemical engineering company. Apprentices who are trained at the company start an academic qualification in a local College ranging from level three to degree level, they will also achieve a vocational qualification through practical activities carried out ‘on site’. Your role is to monitor progress of apprentices at all levels and to support them in achieving their qualifications.
Task 1:
a) You have been tasked with producing a leaflet and report relating to self-managed learning for first year apprentices. You have been asked to highlight the importance of knowing their preferred learning style and the benefits/limitations it may have in self-managed learning. The leaflet should also introduce learners to learning theories. It is hoped that the apprentices will use this information and apply it to their studies. Research and write a small paragraph on the following in terms of self-managed learning:
Activist.
Pragmatist.
Theorist.
Reflector.
Learning theories:
Reflexive modernisation theory.
Kolb’s learning cycle.
Once you have completed your notes, produce a leaflet so that it can be handed out to the apprentices.
(A) People have identified that the individuals like different styles of learning. Those styles of learning can be used in different situations accordingly. The following learning styles would help the apprentice in self- managed learning.
Activist- the individuals who follow an activist style of learning are always ready to face new challenges and experience new things. They are extrovert in nature and are broad-minded, and they take the initiative to perform the new tasks. They just do the task and do not worry about the results. Pragmatist- the individuals who follow pragmatist style of learning are very flexible in nature as they like to work in a real and practical way. They like to apply their learnings to the real scenarios (Graves2013). They come out with new ideas and techniques in order to apply on a real situation projects. They have a great skill of problem-solving. Theorist- the individuals who follow theorist style of learning, uses theoretical knowledge more than the practical one. They change the observations into theories. They tend to analyze the problems more. Reflector- the individuals who follow the reflector style of learning, like to work with experienced people. They observe the plans first without implementing them. They learn more from books. They are very cautious in nature as they observe critically before giving any conclusion. They are very thoughtful in nature as they believe in observing the behavior of others.
There are some learning theories as well which would help the apprentice in self-managed learning i.e. Reflexive modernization theory- this theory states that an individual can transform their learning ability by adopting new and innovative methods of learning in different situations. An apprentice can use this theory in order to develop new skills and abilities. Kolb’s learning cycle- this model is based on the four preferences i.e. concrete experience, reflective observation, active experimentation and the abstract conceptualization. It helps in identifying and understanding the learning styles of the individual.
It is very important for the apprentice to know their learning styles, the above-given styles will help them to relate their own learning styles with the given styles and with the help of learning theories they can develop the learning styles in order to develop new skills and abilities.
(B) Learning through research, the apprentice would be able to reflect their own learning targets in a self-managed way. The individual work of a person is realized under this. Under this projects are being taken which are not researched earlier. The new way of communication and technologies are being used in learning through research. Learning from others, this further includes mentoring and coaching (Joseph,2015). Mentoring would help the apprentice to increase their efficiency and effectiveness. They will be given a mentor who will show them right direction in order to complete the tasks and develop skills. Whereas, coaching helps in solving the problems as they work on how the tasks are being done and not on what tasks are to be done. Seminars are being conducted by the experts, and this would help the apprentice in developing new skills as they would get a chance to learn from the experts. The seminar is the best tool for learning. Conferences, this would help the apprentice to get the knowledge from the professionals about the issues of the petrochemical engineering company. And this is something different from the knowledge which the individuals get from the books. Secondment, this would help the apprentice to work in different positions at the same company. This would make the apprentice perform different tasks and would develop new skills under the same working conditions. Interviews, they are generally very stressful, and the apprentice should review the questions which are generally asked in the interviews (Hart,2014). This would help the apprentice to crack the interviews and would become more confident. Use of the internet, the communities, and groups on social networking sites would help the apprentice in order to interact and share their skills and develop the new ones. Use of bulletin boards, the apprentices should make a proper use of bulletin boards by checking them on the regular basis and see whatever is happening in the organization. This would make the apprentice familiar about the events. Newsgroups, it is like the online discussion which would help the apprentice to share their information and would develop new skills and abilities.
Therefore, all these approaches would help the apprentice in self-managed learning. And they will become more efficient.
(C) Apprentices should know how to develop their performance so that they can convert their weakness into strengths and this would help them in developing new skills for working in the petrochemical engineering company. The apprentices should have the skills of personal assessment in order to measure their learning. Apprentices should know how they communicate and how they work in groups or teams (Ainley,2014). They should have a great emotional intelligence. All these skills of personal assessment would help the apprentice to make the learning effective. Planning further helps the organization in effective learning if they make a proper plan without implementing it and analyze the outcomes of the task and observe it and check the availability of resources. The organization is providing training to the apprentice from level three to degree level in order to make their learning efficient and effective. The apprentices should evaluate their performance result themselves in order to see that where they stand and what are the weak points in which they have to work.
If the apprentices follow the above-given things in an appropriate manner, then they can make their learning efficient.
Scenario 2: The petrochemical company are looking into upskilling their current workforce in the hope that it will minimise the need to employ external sub-contractors when carrying out routine maintenance; commissioning and decommissioning of various plant in the coming years. You have been asked to research and write a report on the implementation of lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts in the hope that it can be used as a proposition to current workforce. You will also need to evaluate the benefits of self-managed learning. The report will be used in a human resources meeting.
Propose ways in which lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts could be encouraged. In your report, comment on the following:
Self-directed learning.
Continuing professional development.
Linking higher education with industry.
Further education.
Recognition of Prior Learning.
Apprenticeships.
Credit Accumulation.
Transfer Schemes.
There are some ways which help the apprentices in getting experience and learning for a longer period of time.
Self- directed learning: Self-directed learning is proved an important factor in delivering the experience. Through the self-directed learning, the apprentices focus more towards the student-led inquiry, lab-based experimentation, use of manipulable in the classroom and hands-on participation. All these facts proved that apprentices are well able to learn, and they can easily manage their flow of experience which helps them in getting success in future.
Continuing Professional Development: It is considered an efficient strategic instrument for apprentices which helps them generate more and more experience. It is the fact that active professionals in different fields have understood the necessity of emerging personal qualities, new information, and improved skills. CPD helps apprentices to gain advance knowledge which will strengthen their learning experience. CPD is considered as a good part of professional practice because it is contributing more in delivering an experience to different learning apprentices (Graves,2013).
Linking higher education with Industry: There is a strong link between the higher education and industry. The industry is making an investment in the higher education sector in the form of education Private institutions. All these private institutions derived higher knowledge to the apprentices through conducting various training programs. This will help the apprentices in gaining more and more experience by utilizing expert training sessions. The industry also formulates various associations like Narayana Murthy Committee to support apprentices in enhancing their experience and knowledge. These committee improve the excellence of higher education with the cooperation of corporate sector.
Further Education: Further Education deliver a good learning experience to apprentices by leading better results for all those who involve in delivering further education training. Furthermore, education offers a road map and its implementation plan to fulfill the vision of a world-class joined system of further education and training. Further Education expands and modernizes the system which helps the apprentices in gaining learning skills and experiences (Gabrielle,2016). It is done by further education through address the challenges related to the unemployment and also arranging targeted skills programs that support apprentice to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Recognition of Prior Learning: It is considered as a platform which provides recognition to the learning through work or informal learning to obtain same acceptance as the formal levels of education. The main motive of it is to provide prior learning instead of the medium of achieving it. RPL play a critical role in driving experience and learning skills to the apprentices because RPL mainly focusses on prior competencies of the apprentices through which are further improved.
Apprenticeships: it is known as a training system for a new generation. Through the Apprenticeship program, the apprentices can get on the job training which will be an interesting training session for the student. This will enable the apprentice to learn things live which will be a good experience for them. Through on the job training they can learn more and can retain their knowledge for a long time which beneficial for them in future.
Credit Accumulation: Credit Accumulation system can help the apprentices in lifelong learning, reduce non-completion and improve participation level. The most important way to which the CA is able to provide a learning experience to apprentices is that it can help fulfill their various goals in the context of a specific agreement between the groups of apprentices and individual. This will help them in fulfilling their goals through improving their learning skills.
Transfer Schemes: It is known as an important process whereby part qualifications, qualifications, and experience of learning are provided better credit to enforce students to progress in their studies without repeating any necessary materials or study levels, to transmit from one module of course to another module and to achieve further learning skills, qualifications and educational experience without wasting any time. This learning experience builds the success of the student (Ryan,2015).
Task 3:
Evaluate the benefits of self-managed learning to the individual on the workforce and petrochemical organisation. Your report will need to include:
• Improved ability range with personal learning.
• Evidence of improved levels of skill.
• Feedback from others.
• Learning achievements and disappointments.
The benefits of self-managed learning to the individual or the workforce and petrochemical organization are following:
Improved ability range with personal learning: Personal learning improved the ability range of the individual in a significant manner. It is doing through improving the life chances of individual from a range of academic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Personal learning enforces students to read and follow pedagogical strategies. These strategies help the individual or the other workforce in maximizing their benefits level. The personal learning enables the individuals to enhance their skills through integral to all domains and through standard across the domains. Personal learning improved the ability range in the following manner:
Personal learning provides productively and supporting learning environment through which the individual can gather various necessary information which helps them in improving their knowledge of different concepts.
Personal learning environment promotes self- motivation, independence, and interdependence. Through this, the individual can willingly participate in the various decision-making process and give the best performance. This will help the students in developing a wide range of abilities which improves their work performance.
Evidence of improved levels of skill: Evidence of improved level of skills play an important role. The evidence is considered most encouraging on the efficiency of skill level by engaging and motivating to all the learners (Bjork,2013). It was the policy that there is a general consensus that related to learning through technology which will have negative implications for the learning of the individuals. For example, it is considered that in Norway, work is beginning through designing various flexible learning platforms which will help the individual in understanding the different work related aspects. These aspects enable the individual to improve their performance through understanding all the concepts. The petrochemical organization also benefited largely by conducting self-managed learning for their employees. This will enhance the participation level of the employees which will further improve the market reputation of the organization.
Feedback from others: the term feedback is utilized to define the helpful criticism or information about behavior or prior action from an individual communicated to another group members. This information is utilized by the group members to improve and adjust their current and future behaviors and actions. Receiving feedback from others improves the work quality of the individuals because they can improve their outcomes by getting feedback from others. In the same manner, feedback also plays an important role in the success of the petrochemical organization. The organization can obtain feedback from their existing customers and can get information about their opinion towards the product of the organization. Through this, the organization can improve the quality of their products as per the feedback of their customers. This will help the organization in enhancing its sale. Feedback is often considered mistaken for criticism (Liao,2012). In other words, it can be said that what is viewed as negative criticism is mostly considered as the constructive criticism and is the best kind of feedback that can enable the organization to develop better decisions which enhance and improve the performance of the overall organization as well as the individual.
Learning achievements and disappointments: Learning achievements is known as the level of individual success in learning the subject matter of college or school level that is expressed in terms of marks obtained from the results of various tests. Learning achievement is considered the very important for the success of individual because their whole career depends on it. On the other hand, Disappointment is considered as the life’s most uncomfortable feelings. Disappointment has a greater influence on the performance of the individual. If disappointment is existing in the life of the individuals, they can never perform their functions in a good manner. This will hamper the success of the petrochemical organization because they are suffering from disappointment. This problem can be solved through proper motivation to the individual from their management.
Scenario 3: You are a third year apprentice in the petrochemical industry specialising in maintenance of pumps and valves. As part of your apprenticeship framework you are currently completing a HND in Engineering as part of your academic qualification. Due to the academic nature of the qualification, you have been introduced to a number of tools and techniques to help you identify your current key skills ability. It is hoped that this will encourage you to plan
Identify and implement opportunities to improve you current and future educational skills.
Task 4:
Evaluate own current skills and competencies against professional standards and organisational objectives. To achieve this criteria, develop a skills audit where you must:
• List at least five examples of types of knowledge/skills which you consider to be important for your current studies and at least five examples of types of knowledge/skills which you consider to be important for your future career.
• For each type of knowledge/skill you have listed, rate your current ability using the five-point rating scale. Please use the table in appendix one.
Once you have completed this task, bring the results together and make a judgement on the outcome(s).
For working in the Petrochemical industry, apprentices required various skills for conducting managing their role in the organization. According to me the following skills are necessary for me to work in a petrochemical industry:
• Active Learning: active learning enables me to learn and understand every concept of the organization which I taught during the apprenticeship. I should have the capability of understanding the various implications of new information for both future and current decision-making and problem-solving.
Active learning skills help in performing my roles and obligations in an effective manner. Active learning skills make my different identity in the eyes of management in comparison to others.
Speaking: Speaking skills is my foundation of success. Speaking skills helps me to a conversation with the other employees of the organization. Through speaking skill, I am asking questions from others and give an answer to questions of other employees. In the absence of speaking, I cannot perform my functions effectively because it helps me in resolving existing problems through conducting a conversation with the other experts.
Aptitude or Mathematics: Mathematics skills helps me to resolve the mathematic issue in a significant manner (Breier2015) . Mathematical skill is most demanding in the petrochemicals industry.
Reading Comprehension: Reading skills enables me to understand written equations and paragraphs in the work related documents.
Coordination: through coordination skill, I am adjusting my actions in relation to the action of others.
The following skills are required for future career in petrochemical industry:
Critical Thinking: For achieving success in the petrochemical industry I should have the skill of Critical thinking. Though critical thinking I will be able to use reasoning and logic to understand the strengths and weakness of available alternative solutions, approaches to problems or conclusions.
Judgment and Decision-making: Decision making and judgment skill I require more for taking my decisions. These skills help me in considering the relative benefits and costs of among available alternatives and choose the best alternative from among them.
Systems Evaluation: Evaluating indicators or measures of system performance can be done efficiently by using the system evaluation skills. This will enable me to understand and learn about every system component through which I can perform my work in an efficient manner.
Time Management: Managing time is considered very important for every employee. Time management skill should be there which helps me in managing my time efficiently.
Management of Personnel resources: for working in the organization should require management skills which help me in motivating, directing and developing my employees.
Rating scales is utilized by a variety of circumstances across the whole world. Rating to my skills helps me to aware about my most effective skills and the skills which require some improvement in future.
In the above table, I have mentioned different skills and rating them on the basis of five rating scale. The outcome of the above table and judgment on it is following:
Active Listening: As per my ability I have assigned 1 rank to this activity. This is done because listening skills of mine are very good. It is required for me that I should continuously make efforts to manage the rating of this skill (Obiajunwa,2013). For maintaining it on the same level, I need to conduct various work practices and listening sessions.
Speaking: - I have ranked speaking skills on rank 3 because I am not speaking so much with my colleagues. For improving it, I should participate in every event of the organization which enables me to communicate with each other and remove my hesitation.
Aptitude: My aptitude level is very weak, so I assigned a 5th rank to it. For improving my skill, it requires reading continuously.
Reading Comprehension: I have assigned a 1st rank to it because it is my strength and for managing it I should focus more on continuously reading.
Coordination: Coordination is ranked 1st because I have skills to manage coordination with my colleagues. This can be manager through regularly working in a team where cooperation is required mostly.
Critical Thinking: I have ranked 4 to critical thinking. This skill should be necessary to develop for me (Hanushek,2015). This can be done through working on different tasks which will enhance my experience level.
Management of time: I am not able to manage my time which can be improved through scheduling my day to day activities.
System Evaluation: It required some efforts from me to develop this skill. This can be improved through working on different projects.
Judgment and decision-making skills: This skill is absence fully in my behavior. This skill requires continuous efforts and participation in Company events.
Management of personal resources: Management is a key component for working in an organization. This should improve for me to build my career. This can be improved through communication and coordination with the existing employees.
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