Author: ellamaher

Originally published here.

What did I learn about the research project?

From reading the articles in the reading section of the weeks work I realised that researching is not as generalised and straight forward as I previously thought. In actual fact it is a well structured, detailed process that takes a lot of thought and time. Also, I learnt that there are many different researching techniques that are useful to different aspects of research.

How successful we’re we in completing the project?

Overall, our team was quite successful as we finished it in the assigned time limit. Although, we had a lack of motivation and organisation and ended up cramming it all in at the last minute. We discussed our ideas well in the discussion section but when it are to actually doing it there wasn’t much communication. To conclude, I think our final result was good although we had a lack of team work and communication.

Here is a link to our final project: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14JenDif7mk0jRWXDp4bp8AIJxuIIKPqgqFnu9viyxHc/mobilebasic

Was I an effective collaborator?

Honestly, I believe that I was an effective collaborator as I was the member of the group that wrote up 90% of the final piece. Also, I made an effort to do the primary research. Although, I could have been more prepared and helped to motivate the group and start the discussion earlier on in the week instead of waiting for someone else to start the discussion.

Originally published here.

#crit101
Why did I join crit101?

I joined crit101 as I feel with my GCSE mock and real exams coming up it will help me to be an independent learner in my revision. Also, I Believe that the more opportunities I can get the better, so when my friend advised crit101 I thought it would be an opportunity worth doing. Furthermore, it was advised as a very helpful course that taught lots of new skills. For this reason I thought it would be a great idea to join crit101.

 To add to that, I hope that the skills gained in crit101 will not only help me in my GCSE’s but will help me in every aspect of education as many people say at higher education independent learning is key to success. 

How do you define independent learning (skills/characteristics)?

Personally, I define independent learning as work you do on your own without any guidance from a teacher. This is because I think that independent stands for thinking for yourself and doing things on your own accord and helping to teach yourself. Also, I believe that independent learning involves taking your initiative and if you don’t understand something then working in your own time to make sure you can eventually understand it. Although, after watching the video clips I have established that independent learning can in actual fact be working with fellow friends or students. From this I can infer, that pupils can bounce off each other and share ideas and help to teach each other. I think the skills that you need to be an independent learner are:

• determination
•  resilience
• being keen to learn
• organised
• good time planner.
• motivation

Can you learn to become a more in(ter)dependent learner?

I think people can be taught the skills needed to become an independent learner. Skills such as organisation and time management. Also, I believe that people can be taught some ways to teach yourself or communicate and teach within a group. This can be done by putting people in a study group and it a natural instinct to give ideas, from this ideas will automatically start bouncing off each other. Although, I think it is difficult and practically impossible to learn how to have motivation and natural drive. I think this as these characteristics are a key aspect to someone’s make up. These skills are very important in being a in(ter)dependent learning as without motivation you will never be fully committed to help yourself strive and do the best of your ability.