Author: Who on Earth is Rosie Clark?

Originally published here.

Week 3 Assignment - Google Docs

Over the last two weeks, we have been building on our skills to become independent learner by taking part in personal research about topics and building our own opinion about them. This week, we have been encouraged to evaluate our research by checking the sources and questioning their reliability and validity.

We have practiced this be looking back at the references that we used for our egg research projects from last week, and questioning whether they were reliable enough to support our points. This has helped with my understanding for effective research, as I have learned that not even the most respected of resources can be as reliable as they seem. Whilst famous chefs such as Delia Smith and Jamie Oliver may seem like the best places to turn to for information about cooking eggs, their opinions may be biased, or their own research incorrect. With this in mind, I have learned that many sources are valid, however unreliable. 

As an in(ter)dependent learner, I have found that authenticity plays a big part in making this type of learning worthwhile. If what you learn as an independent learner isn’t correct, then you aren’t going to make any progress. I have learned this week that validating your research is as important as the research itself, and is one of the most important skills to have as an independent learner. 

At the halfway point in the course, I feel that I have made alot of progress. I have found that it has already started to benefit my classwork, as I am able to offer different opinions than my peers, which has made me a valuable member of discussions and groupwork. This week has also been a great help to me, as it means that I can validate research I do for classwork, and can help me with independent learning I do outside of school as well.

Originally published here.

This week, we were set the task of working in groups to work out the best way to cook an egg. Whilst at first, this question seems simple and straightforward, It is actually rather complex, and requires alot of thought and research. With only two people in my group, we had both an easier and a harder time. With only two people, there are less interpretations to have to work with. We both agreed that we should head in the direction of not cooking the egg at all. The problem with having only two people is that it is harder to get it finished ontime. With about fifteen minutes left to go, we have one finished assignment, and two pairs of very tired hands! I feel that I was a valuable member of our group, and was able to complete the task to the best of my ability.

Our main challenge with the task was finding an idea that we could use that looked at the question in a different light. Once I had released the survey, I found that collecting a serious response may be difficult, since we found that people were immature with the survey by telling us that they prefer their eggs “fertilised” and that they don’t cook eggs as it is a “woman’s job”. Our other main obstacles were time, and working out the Harvard System, but that was easily resolved. 

From the tasks, I have learnt about time management, and how to use Google Docs. I have also learned some valuable teamworking skills, and about communication. As a shy person, I found that it was easier to talk to my partner over the internet rather than in person, as I could think about what I was going to write before I sent it, instead of being put on the spot. This meant I could provide different interpretations and ideas easily.  I also learned about triangulation, quantitive and qualitative data, and primary and secondary data. I have tried to use the methods that I learned about in my research. Overall. this week has been challenging, but very enjoyable. It also sparked a few debates in my family over the real meaning and correct interpretation of the question, What’s the best way to cook an egg?  (Raw.)

Week 2 Assignment

Originally published here.

This week, we were set the task of working in groups to work out the best way to cook an egg. Whilst at first, this question seems simple and straightforward, It is actually rather complex, and requires alot of thought and research. With only two people in my group, we had both an easier and a harder time. With only two people, there are less interpretations to have to work with. We both agreed that we should head in the direction of not cooking the egg at all. The problem with having only two people is that it is harder to get it finished ontime. With about fifteen minutes left to go, we have one finished assignment, and two pairs of very tired hands! I feel that I was a valuable member of our group, and was able to complete the task to the best of my ability.

Our main challenge with the task was finding an idea that we could use that looked at the question in a different light. Once I had released the survey, I found that collecting a serious response may be difficult, since we found that people were immature with the survey by telling us that they prefer their eggs “fertilised” and that they don’t cook eggs as it is a “woman’s job”. Our other main obstacles were time, and working out the Harvard System, but that was easily resolved. 

From the tasks, I have learnt about time management, and how to use Google Docs. I have also learned some valuable teamworking skills, and about communication. As a shy person, I found that it was easier to talk to my partner over the internet rather than in person, as I could think about what I was going to write before I sent it, instead of being put on the spot. This meant I could provide different interpretations and ideas easily.  I also learned about triangulation, quantitive and qualitative data, and primary and secondary data. I have tried to use the methods that I learned about in my research. Overall. this week has been challenging, but very enjoyable. It also sparked a few debates in my family over the real meaning and correct interpretation of the question, What’s the best way to cook an egg?  (Raw.)

Week 2 Assignment

Originally published here.

Independent learning is something we ware all capable of. Independent learning is what shapes our personalities by defining our interests and talents. Without independent learning, I feel that we would all be the same person, as independence is what leads us into learning about things that interest us, and inspire us to be individuals. Everyone has the ability to be an independent learner. Many people will spend their life doing as little independent learning as possible, however others will choose to build apon their independence, and expand their abilities to learn independently. It is for that reason that I have decided to join Critical Skills 101. 

Independent learning, as I said before, can be done by everyone. It involves us to have an interest in what we are learning about, which is why many pupils in schools want to be spoon-fed’ by their teachers, and choose not to participate. I think it also requires us to have an idea of what we want to achieve from our learning. Without a goal, there is no reason to learn, and there is especially no reason to be independent. I think that you can learn to be an independent learner, however I think that we are all born already independent. Young children and babies learn for themselves through play and interaction. Whilst it is a requirement that children must learn to speak, or to walk, they choose to do it themselves. Similarly to these young children, independent learners can learn through play and interaction. They also need the same encouragement and feedback from peers and role models as a young child will need from their mothers, otherwise how will we know that what we are doing is correct?

Finally, young children will often try something over and over again before they learn a technique of how to get it right. I think that an independent learner will need to be patient, and willing to get things wrong a few times before they get it right. I hope that by improving my skills as an independent learner on this course, I will learn to become more patient, so that I too can develop the best techniques for me to achieve the goals that I set for myself.  

Originally published here.

Independent learning is something we ware all capable of. Independent learning is what shapes our personalities by defining our interests and talents. Without independent learning, I feel that we would all be the same person, as independence is what leads us into learning about things that interest us, and inspire us to be individuals. Everyone has the ability to be an independent learner. Many people will spend their life doing as little independent learning as possible, however others will choose to build apon their independence, and expand their abilities to learn independently. It is for that reason that I have decided to join Critical Skills 101. 

Independent learning, as I said before, can be done by everyone. It involves us to have an interest in what we are learning about, which is why many pupils in schools want to be spoon-fed’ by their teachers, and choose not to participate. I think it also requires us to have an idea of what we want to achieve from our learning. Without a goal, there is no reason to learn, and there is especially no reason to be independent. I think that you can learn to be an independent learner, however I think that we are all born already independent. Young children and babies learn for themselves through play and interaction. Whilst it is a requirement that children must learn to speak, or to walk, they choose to do it themselves. Similarly to these young children, independent learners can learn through play and interaction. They also need the same encouragement and feedback from peers and role models as a young child will need from their mothers, otherwise how will we know that what we are doing is correct?

Finally, young children will often try something over and over again before they learn a technique of how to get it right. I think that an independent learner will need to be patient, and willing to get things wrong a few times before they get it right. I hope that by improving my skills as an independent learner on this course, I will learn to become more patient, so that I too can develop the best techniques for me to achieve the goals that I set for myself.