Reflective Essay

Personal Evaluation of the NQ Access Course at Stevenson College

Motivation and Expectations

I have enrolled on the Access Course at Stevenson College, following the recommendations I have received by an Admission’s Officer at the Edinburgh University’s Open Day in 2007. My motivation is to achieve the necessary level of preparation that would enable me to get an access to University. This course is relevant to my vocational aspirations which are to read for a degree in Languages.

Positive Experience

In the duration of the course I have noticed that my level of confidence have increased with regard to being able to express myself more clearly in English, having in mind English is not my first language. Moreover, I would like to emphasise the importance of the inclusion of the two subjects Communication and Literature in the curriculum, which greatly assisted in my improving in writing in English.

For instance, writing tasks such as essays and other reading assessments were especially designed to develop our analytical, reading and writing skills, which were in fact the practical implementation of these. We were introduced to different systems for referencing, as well as to project planning skills. I have found ‘The Punctuation Book’ that we were given at the beginning of the course a really helpful tool. Also, I have struggled with paragraphing text for my writing tasks. However, paragraphs and clear signposting have become an essential part of my writing now.

In addition, I have acquired useful skills with regard to preparing oral presentations. We have also developed our abilities in planning and writing projects. During the course we were taught techniques for analysing literary works.

Apart from, getting assistance with regard to more effective time management techniques and evaluation of personal progress, throughout the course we have been introduced to new learning and reading techniques that would benefit us in getting prepared for a demanding university course. I think, the subject Study Skills is an essential unit that need to be taken seriously. One may regard it as an unnecessary waste of time, however, without first seeing and analysing weaknesses, one won’t be able to achieve what they know they are able to achieve. As a result, I have certainly become more organised, I have identified certain areas I need to put more work on.

We have access to computers and programmes that are especially designed to enable us to actively apply new learning skills, i.e. understanding of what we learn, why we learn it, and last but not least see the positive results of the learning process.

The course is well structured as there is good balance between writing and practical tasks.

Conclusion

The course is very informative and highly recommendable for anybody aiming at continuing their further education. In the duration of the course I have learned a lot about myself too.