Assignment 1

Assignment 1

Brief

This assessment brief is in three sections 1, 2 and 3, answer ALL Sections.

The results of the brief should be presented to the assessment team on the due date:

Task 1)

1) You are requested to research the term ‘effective research methods’ clearly state each methods advantage and disadvantage to the multimedia designer.

Your research should include such areas as:

i. Qualitative methods - to discover how research subjects, or participants, feel about their lived experiences and include Sampling,

ii. Quantitative Research Methods - the collection and analysis of data in numerical format.

iii. Mixed Research Methods – when different data sources and research methods are combined to provide a more accurate account.

iv. Effective Recording of Research Data (note taking methods and analysis of data)

Task 2)

1)         Using appropriate research methods you are requested to research and develop your own    

Personal Development Plan (that includes short, mid, long term goals that includes a reasoned time management plan together with justification of your preferred learning styles (extensive learning style research required).

2)        The findings of your research, with reference, together with the formulated    

Development Plan should be effectively presented (as discussed in class) to your peer group on the due date. 

The presentation should be 15 mins. In duration and be supported by appropriate graphical images.

Research

As advised I read these two books, which were strongly recommended.

Cottrell, S. (2008)    Study Skills Handbook, 3^rd Ed., Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke

Brenda Judge, (2009) Critical Thinking Skills for Education Students (Study Skills in Education) 1 edition Learning Matters Ltd;

In doing so I also looked at other books

I also used websites:

WWW.LEARNHIGHER.AC.UK( accessed 18/12/12)

http://learning-styles-online.com/ ( accessed 10/1/13)

http://education.exeter.ac.uk/dll/studyskills/note_taking_skills.htm (accessed 11/1/13)

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Presentation

To start off, I decided to use PowerPoint for presenting my presentation. This is because I have previous experience with PowerPoint, and it displays data neatly in a professional manner.

Qualitative research

The main aim of qualitative research is a recording of linguistic data from experiences of participants. Qualitative research methods range from interviews to participant observation and can include collection of written data.

Quantative research.

Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of data in numerical format. The aim of using quantitative research is to analyses the data in order to produce results. 

Note Taking.

When looking through note taking methods I remembered I still had my presentation I had done previous on this subject, so looking through the previous presentation I managed to gain some key information to outline methods for this assignment.

I remember that there are three different methods used in taking notes:

Cornell Method.

The Cornell Method is based on two columns: one containing the keyword or concept, and the other containing the description or notes associated with the keyword or concept. 

Example shown here:

Pattern notes

These are normally shown as Mind Maps. These are diagrams in which ideas, concepts and images are linked together around a main theme.

Inverted Pyramid

The inverted pyramid form of writing has provided the essential facts. 

Learning Styles

The most Common method used is  Neil Fleming’s learning Methods, which consist of three areas.

• Visual (spatial): able to record information using pictures and images.
• Auditory: able to record information by sound.
• Physical (kinaesthetic): able to record information when carrying out the task “hands on”.

Personal development plan

Creating a Personal development planning (PDP) helps learners reflect upon their own learning and achievement and plan for their personal, educational and career development.

It is a written document which details what your objectives and achievements are laid out usually in a graph. PDP is a structured and supported process undertaken by an individual to reflect upon their own learning and performance

There are three time areas that need to be considered:

• Short term Goals- need to be completed in a matter of weeks or days, the goals will need to be completed in order to achieve my middle or long term goals. 
• Middle term goals- will help aid towards completing both my short term and long term goals. These tasks need to be completed over a matter of months. 
• Long Term Goals- For my long term goals, these are subject to change due to weather I achieve my short- term goals. To be achieved over a matter of years.