UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST

INDIES

Foundation for Learning Success

FOUN1501

Portfolio Assignment

Name: Charissa Pitt

Student ID: 320000950
Tutor’s Name: Mrs. Esmin Spence

Page 1 of 57
 Introduction knowledge to make improvements

thus enhancing future

Schon (1983) as explained in the work
actions. It is based on
of Osterman (1990) stated that “while
the work of Schon that
experience may serve as the stimulus
I can make a resounding conclusion
for learning, reflection is an essential
that effective and continuous learning
part of the process that makes it
is dependent on one’s ability to reflect
possible to learn from experience.” In
on past experiences.
my opinion the art and skill of

learning involves making sense of

new information. Learning goes much What is a Portfolio?

further than being able to regurgitate According to Clarke University

facts. Learning is about being able to (2017) a Portfolio is, “a compilation

transfer the knowledge, skills and of materials that

attitudes gained in new situations. exemplifies your

Effective reflective practice allows us beliefs, skills, qualifications,

to reflect on actions to engage in a education, training and experiences. It

process of continuous learning. provides insight into your personality

Examining past experiences and and work ethic.”

behaviours would allow one to gain

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My portfolio will include a collection  To monitor my personal growth
of and development throughout
the course.

 To assume the role of active

learner.

Through the use of a portfolio I was

able:

 To enhance my level of
creativity and foster a sense of
confidence in my own abilities
 To deepen my understanding of
who I am as an individual.
Completion of this portfolio has
helped me to be able to
discover my strengths and
challenges during this learning
journey.

 To assess the achievements of

my goals.

Page 3 of 57
Colle
of
ction
Artef
acts
of
Page 4 of 57
 Orientation
Artefacts
Orientation Learning
Activity # 1 - Your
Learning Style
My scores were:
Based on the results of the VARK
Online Quiz I am considered to be a
multi-modal learner. According to
Lazear (2008) he states that multi-
modal leaning is "the more different
ways you learn something the more
you will really learn it! The more
different ways you learn something,
Page 5 of 57
the more you will remember it! The
more different ways you learn
something, the more you will
genuinely understand it!” My
understanding of this particular
learning style is that numerous
strategies should be utilized for
understanding. As shown above my
strengths are in Observation (Visual)
and Performances (Kinesthetic)
Hence this information enables me to
acknowledge my weak spot in
learning and aids in providing me
with avenue to build on these weak
areas.
REFERENCE
Lazear, D. (2008).Multi-
Modal Learning David
 Lazear. Retrieved from
http://www.davidlazearg
roup.com/free_articles/
multi-modal.html
Re: Orientation Learning Activity #
1 What connects to you the most from
By Esmin Spence - Tuesday, 5
September 2017, 1:58 PM
Charissa, Thanks for your post. This
is a great practice, as we build and
develop our artefacts (evidences) on
the road to success.
I will add that Fleming and Mills
(1992) remind us that there are
seldom instances where one mode is
used, or is sufficient, so that is why
there is a four-part VARK profile.
Charissa. Each time that I review my
results, it makes me think that
knowing the best ways by which I
take in and process information is
critical to my success in learning. I am
thinking too that when we understand
ourselves, we are better able to deal
with and overcome learning
challenges.
As adult learners and reflective-
reflexive practitioner, knowing our
dominant and secondary learning
styles can help us to gauge our
learning and organize for success. For
example, if an activity is set that calls
Page 6 of 57
on us to use a channel that is not well
developed, we know that we may be
challenged and might need to set aside
extra time in order to do well.
Charissa, how is it in your case? How
have you been applying your aural
and read/write to varying situations?
reading?
How about the BBC meeting
scheduled for Thursday, Sept 7, 2017
- will you be attending?
What is your Skype ID? Mine is
>esmi0n.l.davis.spence<
We await your response to the points
that I have raised above.
We are happy to have you in class.
Es
ETutor - Group 4
Orientation Learning
Activity # 3 – THE BIG FIVE
Good Evening All,
According to the American
Psychological Association (2017),
personality refers to, "an individual
differences in characteristic patterns
of thinking, feeling and behaving".
Based on the results from the Big Five
Personality Test, I have to admit that I
agree completely with the analysis of
myself.
My results can be summarized as
follows:
1. Close-minded
2. Conscientious
3. Introverted
4. Agreeable
5. Nervous/High-strung
The concept of close-mindedness was
a hard pill to swallow but upon
serious consideration, I have to admit
that I am somewhat a close-minded
individual as I tend to shy away from
new experiences as they make me
uncomfortable. However I realized
that in order for me to successfully
complete this programme I would be
faced with new and challenging
experiences that I have to face head
on. So this is one aspect of myself that
I have to work on consistently.
As it relates to introversion, it
depends on who you talk too as some
would consider me to be outgoing and
sociable. However, when I closely
consider myself, I realized that I can
be outgoing and sociable when there
is a need to be, but otherwise I am a
very quiet individual who enjoys
being by myself. This in part could be
as a result of my formative years as I
am an only child who grew up in a
small yet close-knit family.
Page 7 of 57
Nervousness can be considered my
middle name in a sense!! I received
87% as it relates to this aspect. I tend
to worry about everything and this
could be related to my inability to
control my external surrounding.
Re: The Big Five
By Esmin Spence - Tuesday, 12
September 2017, 5:17 PM
Charissa, How are you?
The Big Five model cannot accurately
predict any single specific behavior.
Human behavior is based on many
factors, not on personality alone.
Charissa, what is most interesting to
you about this statement and why is
this so?
Es
ETutor - Group 4
Orientation Learning
Activity # 4 – ME
A pleasant good night to all,
The following is the clip-art that I
selected and below the clip-art is my
reason for selection

Life is
characterized by numerous changes;
some of which are welcoming while
others can create a sense of
discomfort and uneasiness. These
powerful words has been my guiding
force as I aim to pattern my very
existence upon this thought. When I
reflect on my past experiences, I
realized that I tend to waste a lot of
time worrying about issues that I have
no control over. This quote motivates
me both mentally and spiritually. It
basically highlights the fact that there
are some situations in life that one
cannot control and similarly there are
situations that I have some control
over. My ability to distinguish
between these choices can determine
whether I live a fulfilling or
unfulfilling life.
Charissa Pitt
Re: Orientation Learning Activity #
4- Me
Page 8 of 57
By Esmin Spence - Saturday, 16
September 2017, 8:05 PM
Hello Charissa, thanks for your
contribution. Charissa, indeed one of
the objective of this course is to help
students to explore the principles of
reflective-reflexive practice as a
means of self-transformation as
learners or practitioners in general and
in a specialized field of study.
Charissa, you know further thought is
given to mentors themselves as
reflective practitioners and the ways
in which reflective practice can
be used to develop personal,
academic and professional
relationships.
Charissa, how will you demonstrate
the basic roles and responsibilities
expected of a learning community
when your classmates thinking may
not yet be in line with your views or
philosophy?
We await your response to the above
question.
Kind regards
Es
ETutor - Group 4
First (1st) journal entry-
orientation week
(27th August – 2nd September,
2017)
My initial reaction was one of
uncertainty. I pondered to myself
what the course “Foundation for
Learning Success” was all about. As I
sat anxiously in front my laptop I
began to wonder what I had gotten
myself into. In an effort to receive
some encouragement and guidance, I
decided to inquire about this course as
I had a few colleagues who would
have previously completed the course.
To my surprise, my inquiries were
greeted with loud laughter and quite a
few friends told me “good luck!!” The
reactions that I gathered began to
foster a sense of doubt within me!! I
was nervous…. NO, wait a minute…
nervous was an understatement. I was
PETRIFIED!! Nevertheless, I
summoned whatever confidence I had
left and began reasoning with myself.
I made the conscious decision that I
was going to remain positive and
apply myself to ensure that I was
successful at this end of this journey.
This week was filled with numerous
activities and challenges. One
challenge that I faced was the fact that
my last formal schooling was over
twelve (12) years ago and I was
experiencing difficulties getting back
into the groove of things. I was unsure
of how to manoeuvre my way around
the Learning Exchange. Nevertheless
Page 9 of 57
I was determine to complete all the
necessary activities. I sought guidance
from the course guide and the course
outline during this week. I was
beginning to see that this course was
indeed challenging; but regardless of
the challenges faced, I also saw the
potential to have fun and succeed.
During the week, my colleagues and I
were required to complete quite a few
tasks. We had to make our initial
postings in forums titled “Meet your
fellow students and e-tutor” and “My
Expectations”. We also had to post
response to at least three (3)
orientation activities. I utilized some
online tools to find out about my
learning style and personality. I also
took part in the activity entitled “me”
where I had to post a picture or clipart
of something that best describes me.
All three activities challenged me as
they required me to take a more in-
depth look at myself; but I must also
say that they were quite enlightening
as they challenged what I thought I
knew about myself as well as put
some things into perspective for me.
On the 31st August, 2017, I had to
face another challenge, my first BBC
session. This session was conducted
by the Course Coordinator Mr Adesh
Dwarika. We had a rough start to the
session but nevertheless, the session
enlightened me as to what the course
was about and what was expected of
me. I paid close attention and By Charissa Pitt - Monday, 4
remained silent throughout the session September 2017, 6:41 PM
and upon completion of the BBC I
began to wonder if this course was
really for me. I made the conscious Thank you Stephanie
decision on that night to pursue this
journey for two main reasons. My
first reason being that I saw this as an Re: My Reflective Journals
opportunity to challenge myself and By Fabian Linton - Monday, 4
in the process develop a sense of who September 2017, 8:01 PM
I am and secondly I was given a sense
of comfort in knowing the
FOUN1501 had a team of strong, Noted. This piece gave me
willing, capable and determine confidence.
individuals to guide us through this
experience.
In all honesty, I am still nervous; but I Re: My Reflective Journals
hope to be laughing at the end of this By Charissa Pitt - Monday, 4
journey as I reap personal and September 2017, 9:09 PM
professional growth. So without
further ado…Let the journey
continue! Good Evening Fabian,
Glad this post could have benefited
Charissa Pitt you in one way or the other

Re: My Reflective Journals

Re: My Reflective Journals
By Stephanie Mayers - Sunday, 3
September 2017, 11:45 PM By Esmin Spence - Tuesday, 5
September 2017, 11:33 AM

Nicely put......
Hello Charissa, thanks for your
Stephanie
contribution to your first journal. This
Re: My Reflective Journals is quite thorough and properly

Page 10 of 57
structured.
I will add that reflecting on action
gives us time to look back at what
happened in a more measured and
objective way. This builds on
Demetriou's (2000) views of Dewey's
concept of a purposeful, reasoned
process, delaying impulsive action
to allow reflective judgment for
action.
I think we should get used to
reflecting on our experiences as part
of our everyday learning. In this way,
each experience - whether positive or
negative - will contribute to our
development and personal growth.
I want immediately put you at ease
that this is your space to post as many
journals as you wish, however, for
this semester students are required to
keep seven (7) Reflective Journals).
The break-down is as follows:
One (1) for the orientation activities
(in-progress or already completed by
you)
Two (2) for Unit 1
Two (2) for Unit 2
One (1) for Unit 3
One (1) for Unit 4
Your E-Tutor will respond to your
post. Charissa, ensure to respond to
your E-Tutor's comment on your post.
The journals entries and other posts
Page 11 of 57
could be used as artefacts (evidence)
to support your learning in graded
assignments.
Kind regards
Es
ETutor - Group 4
References
Bolton, G. (2010).Reflective practice:
Writing and professional
development (3rd ed.). London:
SAGE Publications Ltd.
Demetriou, A. (2000), “Organization
and development of self-
understanding & self-regulation:
towards a general theory”, in
Boekaerts, M., Pintrich, P. R., &
Zeidner, M. (Eds), Handbook of
Self-Regulation, London,
Academic Press
Re: My Reflective Journals
By Teshelle Bridgewater - Friday, 10
November 2017, 11:03 PM
Charissa
Seems like we all sort of stumbled
upon this course, nevertheless this
course has a lot of benefits. Getting
back into school after so many years
although you have bypassed by a few
it was kind of difficult for me at first
to and I still had to season in to the
online setting which really use to
frustrate me initially but I'm more
relaxed and open minded. My first
BBC experience of horrid I was like
OMG what did you get yourself
into I had to reflect and really ask
myself if I wanted to continue in the
online environment I doubted myself
for a little while but then I concluded
that this is all on me I have to make
the sacrifices and put in the work if I
what to succeed. One thing that really
helps me when I'm studying is
listening to classical music I find that
relaxes my mind and makes my
thoughts flow easier. It is great having
such a strong supportive system in
this environment I don't think I would
make it some days without my
colleagues and e-tutors, sometimes I
just have to talk to a fellow course
mates to gain enlightenment or just to
hear words of encouragement or even
to relax the mind.

Teshelle Bridgewater

Unit One (1)

Page 12 of 57

Artefacts

Group discussion 1
How would you define Self Esteem?
According to (Branden, 1969), there
are three key components of self-
esteem. They are:
• Self-esteem is an essential human
need that is vital for survival
and normal, healthy
development.
• Self-esteem arises automatically
from within, based on a
person's beliefs and
consciousness.
• Self-esteem occurs in conjunction
with a person's thoughts,
behaviors, feelings, and actions.
It is essential for one to succeed and
attain a high level of self-esteem for it
allows you to gain self-confidence in
whatever you desire. It also aids in
one’s ability to be successful in
whatever avenue they wish to obtain.
Self-esteem possesses a sense of
belonging, worth and value in an
individual. In order for one to detect
self-esteem one should be aware of
their strengths and weaknesses, this
Page 13 of 57
however, contributes to Self-
Awareness. For example, growing up,
my mother always told me “Charissa
nothing will come easy in life unless
you work hard for it”. These words
help to build my self-esteem and gain
self-awareness in a way that it
motivated me to do my best wherever
I go or in whatever I do. In order to
achieve goals I had to believe in
myself that this is what I want and
also push myself to that limit. There
may be times when you fail and feel
hopeless with a sense of discomfort,
but in spite of that disappointment and
failure, it is essential that one remain
confident with a high level of self-
esteem.
Self-Awareness is based on
understanding your own needs,
desires, failure, habit and everything
else that makes you tick. The more
you know about yourself, the better
you are at adapting life changes that
best suits you. It is important to
acquire self-awareness due to the fact
that it gives us an understanding of
ourselves; we are able to present
ourselves as a unique and different
individual. Hence, it allows persons to
identify one’s strengths as well as
weaknesses.
Lastly my understanding of personal
power is the ability to take control of
one’s life, with confident and
determination to move towards
fulfilling your goals. For example a
shy individual like myself with a lot
of doubt and fear, will encounter
difficulties applying to leadership role
and tends to run away from such
Responsibility. However an individual
with personal power will push with
confident to fulfil whatever task that
is given upon them.
In conclusion my aim is to apply these
methods of High Self Esteem, Self-
Awareness and Personal Power in my
journey toward success.
REFERENCE
University of Warwick July 27, 2017
www2.warwick.ac.uk
Re: Discussion Topic #1
By Esmin Spence - Friday, 22
September 2017, 10:48 AM
I agree with you that personal power
is the ability to take control of one’s
life.
What do you think of the importance
of watching our internal dialogue?
As you may have guessed, positive
internal dialogue is a big part of
improving your self-esteem. Instead
of saying things like ‘I’m not good
enough’ or ‘I’m a failure’ you can
start to turn things around by saying ‘I
can beat this’ and ‘I can become more
confident by viewing myself in a more
positive way.’
So Charissa, the points you have
raised are all relevant ones. To begin
with you will catch yourself falling
back into old negative habits, but with
regular effort you can start to feel
more positive and build your self-
esteem as well.
How will you measure your success
going forward?
Es
ETutor - Group 4

Charissa, thanks for your contribution.

Learning activity 1.1

Page 14 of 57
 you?
Question 1- How do you I consider time to be an essential
think/analyse? component in my every day routine
and to aid in achieving set goal.
Sometimes I visualize situation in my
Effective utilization of time can
head. I break the task down into small
determine once success. Time allows
piece to get a clear understanding of
one to grab at opportunities that may
what is expected of me. At other time
never return. As the popular proverb
I observe situation at different angle
stated “Time wasted can never be
highlighting the consequence that may
regained”.
come about and seek ways to remedy
the situation.
Question 5- What model or
framework informs your decision-
Question 2- What can you say about
making processes? Gibbs, John’s,
your emotion?
Rolfe
I consider myself to be a very
The framework that best informs my
emotional person. There are times
decision making processes is that of
when I could be extremely moody,
Donald Schon. Schon’s work focused
impatience and easily angered. At
primarily on the individual’s ability to
other times am very thoughtful, soft
reflect in and on the task at hand.
hearted, cheerful.
Reflection in action focuses on the
here and now; that is reflecting on
events as you experience them
Question 3- How do you see morals
whereas reflection on action calls for
and ethics?
reflection on previous experiences and
Base on my understanding Moral events to make connections to new
deals with having a level of standard, information.
acknowledging what is right and
There are many benefits to be gained
wrong. On the other hand ethics is
from using this framework as
how society class what is expect to be
highlighted in numerous researches.
right and wrong.
Wingate 2015 stated that Reflection in
and on action can help learners to
• Recognize and continue good
practices.
Question 4- Is time important to
• Change and improve what is not
Page 15 of 57
 working well. about the course.
• Challenge practices that are taken
You have already responded to the
for granted.
• Monitor all aspects of practice on additional prompts from your eTutor
and ongoing basis so now go to Unit 1 and do the actual
• Know when to find more exercise and post below your existing
information or support from discussion link.
other. You may want to take a look at
Johnela or Fazeeda's post where she
REFERENCE used the Unit Guide and followed the
instructions to complete her post.
Wingate, L. (2015). 8 Reflective
Practices. Retrieved September Let me know if you understand
16, 2017, from Es
http://slideplayer.com/slide/2350
610/ ETutor - Group 4

Re: Activity 1.1

By Esmin Spence - Thursday, 28
September 2017, 6:28 PM
SECOND (2ND) journal
entry- UNIT ONE (1)
Hello Charissa, we appreciate your
Preparing the Self-
contribution
Empowered Practitioner
In addition to what you have posted,
remember to use your Unit Guide (4th
September-10th
where all activities for each unit can September, 2017)
be found.
Re-look at activity 1.1 starting on
This week was particularly
page 7 of your Unit Guide Click on
challenging for me as this experience
Unit 1 was still very much new to me and I
was finding it difficult to effectively
All activities are found within your manage my time as well as juggling
Unit Guide vs. the Course Guide both personal and professional
which gives you overall direction obligations. In spite of the challenges

Page 16 of 57
faced I was still determine to and what I came to realize was that
overcome all obstacles and emerge a fear played a great role in my
reflective thinker. downfall. This fear coupled with a
certain degree of procrastination could
The readings for this week focused
possible determine whether or not I
primarily on self- who I was as a
was successful in the course. I felt
learner. In my opinion the main
very fearful and unsure about what I
objectives of these activities were
was doing and with this fear came
based on the premise of self-discovery
resentment and a sense of
and examining our strengths and
hopelessness. One of the most fearful
limitations so as to foster personal and
aspect that I have experienced thus far
professional growth. One of the major
is a fear of failure. When I examine
activities for this week that resonated
my life up to this point, I can now
with me most was the learner’s
admit that this anxiety could be traced
profile. I must admit that initially I
back to my formative years as a child.
was resentful about this activity as the
I can remember having to make
very first question had me
presentations in school and how
sarcastically 'rolling my eyes'. “What
nervous this made me. Most
do I know about myself?” My first
importantly I remember praying for
thought was- “what sort of
the day of the presentation to arrive so
foolishness are these people asking?
that I could get it over and done with.
Of course I know myself!” and
However when it came time for the
immediately I began to list certain
actual presentation, I became
qualities about myself such as
overwhelmed with anxiousness. I
kindness, quiet, helpful and
could remember standing in front of
passionate. However upon closer
classroom of my peers and sweating
examination of the activity I realized
profusely, my knees shaking and not
that I had to make an in-depth
to mention the paper I was holding in
analysis of self as the nature of the
my hand swaying like a coconut tree
question required serious self-
in the breeze. As I look back at these
reflection.
experience I chuckle but I must admit
During this particular week, an aspect that the idea of standing in front of
of the weekly reading was designated people to make presentation still
to the culture behind how we learn. I causes me much anxiety.
had to conduct some self-evaluation Additionally, I have also concluded
to determine what factors hindered me that the issue of procrastination
from maximizing my full potential- could be traced back to my childhood

Page 17 of 57
days as well. When I evaluate myself, As it relates to my fears, I have
I realize that one of the major reasons realized that the only thing I can do to
for my procrastination was also fear- conquer my fears is to face them. I
fear of the unknown and fear of have already determined what factors
failure and as a result of this crippling trigger my feelings of anxiety, so now
fear I am guilty of setting low I have made a conscious decision not
expectations. In all honesty, setting to live my life based on fears and
low expectations has been working negativity.
just fine for me and as I sit here
Our group discussion was focused on
typing, I realize that this mind-set has
“Why it is important to possess Self
worked for me primarily because it is
Esteem, Self-Awareness and Personal
safe, i.e., if I don't take changes, there
Power?” Each member of the group
is nothing to fail at. However through
shared their views on the concepts at
engagement with the readings and
hand. From this discussion, I have
activities of Unit one thus far, I have
concluded that at some point or the
discovered that in order for me to
other in my life I have struggled with
develop as an individual both
issues of low self-esteem, lack of self-
personally and professionally, I would
awareness which I just realized after
have to firstly set higher standards and
engaging in Learning Activity 1.1 and
overcome my fears. The question with
Personal Power. I have found that I
which I have challenged myself for
can be very impulsive at times and
this week is, “How can I do this?”
personally I do not think that I spend
and after seeking the guidance of
enough time examining my course of
some family members and conducting
action before I make certain decisions
research on my own I have decided on
and choices. For the upcoming week
the following course of action. I
and as the course progress, I have
would create plans and seek the
decided that it would be beneficial for
support of my family and friends. I
me to work on my self-awareness
am desirous of creating plans or a to-
skills and in order to do this, I have
do-list at the beginning of each week
decided to spend some time with
so that I can be aware of all the tasks
myself to reflect on the choices that I
that must be completed. The idea of
make on a daily basis and the reason
getting an accountability partner was
behind these choices. I strongly
also suggested to me as a means of
believe that by doing this, I would be
support and it is something that I am
able to see personal growth within
willing to try so as to improve my
myself.
ability to complete my tasks on time.

Page 18 of 57

Charissa
Discussion Topic#2
a. According to Eleni
Makedonas she defines Self-
discovery as ‘finding your
purpose in life (we all have a
purpose), digging deep into
your childhood and revealing
the experiences that shaped you
whether good or bad. It also
means realizing what your
beliefs are and living by them”.
b. During this Learning process,
the two main habits that hinder
my performance are Poor Time
Management and Conflict
between jobs and School.
Poor Time Management has being
portrayed as a weak spot in my
everyday habit. I tend to
procrastinate and participate in idle
activities such as social media and
viewing of television. This habit has
proof in my everyday life by not
completing task on a timely fashion.
Conflict between jobs and school has
created another obstacle in my
learning process. As a student and a
worker there are time my body and
mind become overwhelm with having
to deal with the heavy load at work
Page 19 of 57
and completing school task. I tend to
spend time sleeping because of the
way my body reacts (tired).
I choose to develop a more
meaningful attitude towards this
course by changing past habit and
develop new and improve habit, such
as developing a time table to help me
utilize my time management.
REFERENCE
Makedonas, E, (2015). The Journey
of Self-Discovery! My Decision
to find myself! Retrieved from,
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/e
leni-makedonas/the-journey-of-
selfdsicvo_b_7028362.html
Re: Discussion #2
By Jebarr Robinson - Friday, 22
September 2017, 10:20 AM
Hi, Charissa. Feels like you were
mentioning a normal day in my life
with the hassle of trying to make
commitments to both school and
work. Also, the distractions,
Facebook, and YouTube are my
weaknesses and because of these
addictions, it also makes time
management a serious task,
not finishing my office work in time
and ultimately not completing school
assignments in preferable time
frames. Now I have put both feet
down and triumphed over the evil
powers of social media and promised
myself that I will only view them
when I have nothing important to do.
Best Regards
Jebarr Robinson
Re: Discussion #2
By Esmin Spence - Sunday, 24
September 2017, 12:12 PM
Hello Charissa, Thanks for your
commitment to forge ahead. I take
your point on the importance of time
management which is indeed a big
area of self-direction, growth and
personal development. We may have
shared this before, but I usually share
with my students that with my job,
studies, church work, taking care of
myself and family, and social
interactions I have to find ways to
ensure that I give my best in all the
areas.
Actually, I now think of prioritizing.
I use my prioritizing skills to see what
tasks are more important at each
moment and give those tasks more of
my attention, energy, and time. I try to
Page 20 of 57
focus on what is important at the
expense of lower value activities.
When I prioritize, I make sure that I
accomplish the most important tasks
first. Charissa, this is still a work in
progress on my part. View the
following and let me know what you
think. It is retrieved from
https://youtu.be/VUk6LXRZMMk
You know, one of the aims of this
course is that participants develop the
intellectual qualities and skills
associated with a lifelong orientation
to learning. Oh, as you continue to
reflect I trust that you continue to take
full control of your learning while
moving ahead with our guidance.
What do you think?
Es
ETutor - Group 4
Re: Discussion #2
By Fazeeda Allaham - Sunday, 24
September 2017, 5:44 PM
Hi Charissa,
As I was writing about the hindrance
I have while doing my ECFS course, I
thought to myself how hectic my daily
routine is and questioned if I was the
only one working/teaching three year
olds and balancing that with three
energetic sons and my online
program.
But dear, we are in this together. I felt
some solace when I read your post. I
agree with you that creating a
timetable will be of great benefit to us
to help with time management.
We can do this Charissa, keep your
head up!
Regards
Fazeeda Allaham
Re: Discussion #2
By Naomi Williams - Thursday, 12
October 2017, 3:59 PM
Hi Charissa,
The conflict of work and school can
truly be an obstacle in your learning
process. This can be stressful at times,
but taking some time out to relax your
mind helps. I know the feeling of
being overwhelmed but knowing the
end result of having accomplished a
task even with challenges gives you
an inner satisfaction that say, "hey" I
have succeeded depict the challenges
faced. It will only be for a time.
Naomi Williams
Page 21 of 57
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
2
ACTIVITY 1.4
What words, ideas or images flood
or storm your mind when you look
at or hear the following term;
Learning Context?
• Knowledge
• Skills
• Attitudes
• Environment
• Resources
Extract from or organize the
recorded thoughts, the meaning of
the term.
If I was to provide a meaning of the
term learning context I would say that
it is the environment in which
knowledge, skills and attitudes are
acquired. Additionally in my opinion
learning context also relates to the
availability of resources and how
these resources can influence the
learning process.
Check your meaning to determine
its suitability and whether you need
to improve it.
Sherman (2002) suggested that the
concept learning context, “represents
all the factors external to the learners
within an instructional environment
that provide meaning for the messages
they receive. These are the factors
that influence and define what, when,
where, how, why, and with
whom individual learners learn from
instruction.”
From what I would have read about
the learning context, I think that my
definition is workable however I
believe there is always room for
improvement.
REFERENCE
Sherman, G. (2002). What are
Learning Contexts? Retrieved
from, http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/pt3-
p/toolbox/what-are-contexts.htm
LEARNING ACTIVITY 1.7
1. What is your view on the problem
Mary was facing during the test?
In my opinion Mary was quick to
attempt the question without carefully
reading and examining the context of
what was asked of the question. The
word ‘Translation’ was based on what
she memorized rather than what she
understood of it.
Page 22 of 57
2. How are you like or unlike Mary
in terms of your learning
behaviour?
I’ve experience similar behaviour
pattern like Mary in that I tends to
hurry through stuff without taking the
time out to carefully read and interpret
the true concept of questions.
2. Why did you choose this activity?
This activity was chosen because it
portrays some of the bad habit we
adapt during studies and even work.
These bad habits even hinder the
performance of the work presented
and even decision making. It allows
me to develop better ways in
examining and interpreting tasks.
3. How has completing this activity
enhanced your understanding of
SELF?
The activity enhances my
understanding by allowing me to
adapt to new and improve ways to
study within my learning journey. It
makes no sense memorizing
something when you don’t have clear
understanding of its meaning. I also
chose to adapt in reading task
carefully and understanding before
making attempts

Regards
Charissa Pitt
Re: Activity 1.7
By Fabian Linton - Sunday, 1 October
2017, 6:04 PM
Well Said Charissa. I totally agree
with your point that we our self often
make that mistake as well by rushing
through a question and not carefully
noticing the next question that
follows.
The good thing about this activity
though is that we learn that we have to
pay close attention to details and
provide accurate answers unlike what
Mary did.
Re: Activity 1.7
By Jenelle Daniel - Sunday, 1 October
2017, 7:16 PM
Hi Charissa,
Mary's experience would have really
allowed us improve on our ways of
studying and can be taught as a lesson
that we need to be careful in whatever
we attempt to do.
I to have had the same experience like
Mary of hurrying through stuff before
Page 23 of 57
reading it carefully, but I have learnt
my lesson of reading everything
thoroughly before processing.
Good job
Jenelle
THIRD (3RD) journal entry-
UNIT ONE (1)
Preparing the Self-
Empowered Practitioner
As I immersed myself deeper into the
contents and activities of unit one, I
was still having some issues with my
ability to manage time. This lack of
time management was also
compounded by my lack of interest as
I found some of the unit extremely
difficult to read and understand. The
learning environment that I was so
accustomed to was so dependent on
the regurgitation of facts not much
attention was given to the “why”
questions. I found that this course was
challenging me in a way that I did not
like because it was calling for a level
of honesty that I honestly had no time
for; after all I am a busy working
woman!
This unit was entitled “Preparing the
Self-Empowered Practitioner” and I
wondered what it was they were
preparing me for and on a lighter note
I often joked that maybe I was being
prepared for "madness". Upon
completion of my very first graded
assignment, a ‘light bulb’ went off
and that was when I realized what the
units were preparing for me. The
requirements of this assignment were
to create a “Self-Profile” where I had
to use evidence from the activities
completed thus far to discuss my
strengths and my weaknesses.
This exercise took me on a roller-
coaster of emotions. I experienced
emotions that I never knew existed
but most importantly I was angry,
frustrated and confused. I asked
myself so many questions while
sitting in front of my laptop that I
actually felt as though I was playing
the game ‘21 questions’. The
questions that resonated with me most
were “Why did I have to do this
stupid assignment when I already
knew about myself?” and more
importantly, “if I knew so much
about myself as I claimed I did, why
don’t I know what to write?” This
level of frustration resulted in me
taking a step back from the
assignment. As I laid on my bed and
try to move past the negative
emotions that I was facing, I came to
the stalking realization that I did not
know a lot about myself and this
Page 24 of 57
discovery heightened my fear. “How
was I supposed to complete this
activity if I didn’t know anything
about myself?” I concluded that if
after thirty (30) years I didn’t know
who I was as an individual I was in
“deep mess”! But in spite of the
frustration and the newfound
awareness I decided that I needed to
focus on myself and explore who I
was as an individual and very early on
in the game I realized that I could
only truly discovery who I was if I
was completely honest.
Apart from the assignment which
caused me many sleepless nights, I
engaged in all the weekly discussions.
I had to be extremely mindful that I
had to change my perspective of
learning. I had to retrain myself that
there was no right or wrong answers
and that was one of the most
challenging things that I had to do
because of the culture that I was
accustom to. One of the discussions
that helped me a great deal was
“Group Discussion 2”. This
discussion dealt primarily with the
concept of Self-Discovery. My
colleagues and I were required to
identify personal habits/routines,
which have been enhancing or
hindering our achievement or learning
progress. Through this activity, I was
able to learn a great deal about myself
in terms of my strengths and
weaknesses/limitations. Some major
discoveries that I found out through
engagement with this activity was the
fact that I was not self-directed and I
was very much a time-waster. I
quickly realized that my E-tutor was
not going to “spoon-feed” me and that
my success was highly dependent on
my wanting to achieve. Additionally I
realize that in order to achieve this
goal I needed to utilize my time
wisely and stop wasting valuable time
or cut back on things such as
watching TV, sleeping for fun or
browsing social media. As my uncle
would say to me, “Charissa, time is
important in everything you do, you
have to just apply yourself and make
time for what you know is important.”
This advice meant that I would have
to prioritize and as the proverbs says,
“Don't put off until tomorrow what
you can do today.” So with that in
mind, I anxiously await whatever
adventure is on the way.
Charissa
Formative Assessment
Activity 6
1. How do you view success?
Success to me it is believing that
you’re good enough to achieve goal
that you set for yourself. It’s about
Page 25 of 57
withstanding fears, making choices,
being focus, determine and willing to
change bad habits to better yourself
and those around you.
2. What is your critique of
Wooden's position and
perspectives?
According to John Wooden he defines
Success as “Peace of mind attained
only through self-satisfaction in
knowing you made the effort to do the
best of which you’re capable”. I agree
with what he mentions in regards to
his belief of having patience, faith and
believing things will work out as they
should providing we do as we should.
In fact, I view success as wanting to
achieve specific goal but at time I
realize that I am very impatient.
Sometime I wish that thing can be
completed in no time rather than
trusting the process taking time while
applying myself. Successes don’t just
come but saying you wants this or I
am going to get this. It is about
believing in one’s self and pushing
one’s self to the very end of the
journey (determination). It’s about
having a lot faith not only in once self
but also in God. Doubts and
complaining that I can’t do this or this
is too difficult have being negative
factors that influence my life and will
get me nowhere in life. Viewing this
video has paved the way for me to
understand the true meaning of
success. It's not about the highest
grade one may attain but it is
believing in one’s self ,being patient
having lots of faith, hard work and the
effort we invest that make us
successful.
Charissa Pitt
Re: Formative Assessment Activity
6 with others about the above?
By Lindonna Andrews - Sunday, 8
October 2017, 3:34 PM
I fully agree to your definition is
success. I do believe that you have to
possess good qualities to make you
the best version of yourself. Once you
start to make changes, it becomes
habitual and remains in the mind, like
muscle memory.
Lindonna
Re: Formative Assessment Activity
6
By Esmin Spence - Friday, 13
October 2017, 5:36 PM
Hello Charissa
It's not about the highest grade one
Page 26 of 57
may attain but it is believing in one’s
self ,being patient having lots of faith,
hard work and the effort we invest
that make us successful.
Coming from a competitive culture,
how do you adjust to accepting the
above?
How would your reflective model or
framework help you to structure you
thoughts?
What lesson do you have to share
Charissa, how far along are you in
completing your Graded Assignment
#1? See Bulletin #1 and #2 posted in
the Tutor Student Exchange.
How are you helping your classmates
to succeed?
We await your response to the points
that I have raised above. Kindly
support your response from course
readings in, for example, Bolton
(2010)
Let us know how else we can be of
assistance to you.
Es
eTutor - Group 4
References
Bolton, G. (2010).Reflective practice:
Writing and professional
 development (3rd ed.). London:
SAGE Publications Ltd

Re: Formative Assessment Activity

6
By Jenelle Daniel - Sunday, 8 October
2017, 9:04 PM

Hello Charissa,
Success is believing that you are good
and can accomplish your goals. We
should never let negativity come in
the way of your goals but instead have
faith as you rightfully said, trust in
God and in yourself and you will be
successful. The road to success may
be rocky but the results in the end
would be worth more than the trials
faced. Nothing in life comes easy
Good job

Jenelle

Unit Two (2)

Artefacts Page 27 of 57
GROUP DISCUSSION TOPIC
#3
On the scale 1-10 with 1 being the
lowest and 10 being the highest, I
would rate myself as a 2. From
viewing the video, I would put myself
on the lower spectrum of the scale due
to the fact that I think I lack most of
the requirements needed to be
considered a self-directed learner. In
all honesty I believe that I possess
more areas of weakness than
strengths. Personally I believe that
one of my major strengths is that of
persistence and determination. I am
determine to finish what I have begun
and in so doing I create plans to keep
track of what needs to be done.
However I have a problem in sticking
to these plans and executing the said
plan. If I am to be 100% honest, I am
aware of the problem but I am not
doing anything to address the problem
for many reason- one of which being
fear. I am fearful and anxious because
this experience is new for me and I
Page 28 of 57
am still not fully aware of what is
expected of me. I feel as though I am
not 100% confident in my ability to
do what is expected as it has been
such a long time since I attempted any
form of schooling; and most
importantly because of lack of time
management, I am beginning to
experience feelings of frustration
because I have quite a bit of work to
complete as well as the stresses of my
personal and professional life. I have
been advice by members of my family
and I believe that I would benefit
greatly from creating a schedule
where all the tasks that I have to
complete are recorded and are further
broken down into more manageable
chunks to reduce the level of
anxiousness that I am experiencing.
This course can help me to break the
traditional cycle of learning where the
student is seen as the empty vessels
waiting to be filled by the teacher who
was regarded as the fountain of
knowledge. Through effective
utilization of the ideas presented in
this course I can learn to be more self-
aware which in turn can empower me
to become a self-directed learner. But
in order for this to take place, I must
first be receptive of the information
learnt.
Regards
Charissa Pitt
Re: Group Discussion- Topic 3
By Apollinia Lavia - Tuesday, 21
November 2017, 4:06 AM
Charissa,
I think your post was a breath of
honesty in admitting to your fears and
how these fears hold you back.
Recently I took part in a
Communications Skills class where
they discussed cognitive distortions.
Amongst the cognitive distortions
listed was rationalization, which
talked about persons rationalizing
things to protect ourselves from hurt
feelings and we use these
rationalizations as permission-giving
statements to do something that is
unhealthy. Fear to me is unhealthy.
There comes a time when we must
break free of our fears and dive into
the unknown with only our
willingness to face whatever the
consequences may be.
Best of luck with your learning
process,
Page 29 of 57
Regards.
REFERENCE
Grohol, J. (2017). 15 Common
Cognitive Distortions. Psych
Central. Retrieved on November
20, 2017, Retrieved from
https://psychcentral.com/lib/15-
common-cognitive-distortions/
Reflective-Reflexive
Discussion
An online article in Educause
Quarterly stated that "Reflective
learning can aid learners in
synthesizing new information, and it
is often used to improve reading
comprehension, writing performance,
and self-esteem via self-examination."
(Phipps, 2005) Through reflexive and
reflective practices I am able to
develop meta-cognitive skills; that is
thinking about my own thinking.
Reflective practices aids in making
connection between past experiences
and new information. This skills helps
me to be more aware of what I am
learning and why I am learning the
way I am. Reflection helps me to self-
evaluate and to make decisions about
if the plans that I am making are
beneficial and if they need to be
revised. Throughout these past week,
I have been forced to look at myself in
a reflective manner. The weekly
postings are much different from
those of my other courses. I have to
dig deeper in order to participate in
the discussion. Reflection forces you
to be more aware and therefore aids in
self-discovery. Additionally, this is
one of my first courses since joining
the online community and the use of
reflective journal has caused me to
think much deeper about my journey
thus far as an online student.
REFERENCE
Phipps, J. (2005). E-Journaling:
Achieving Interactive Education
Online. Retrieved from,
https://er.educause.edu/articles/2
005/1/ejournaling-achieving-
interactive-education-online
Formative Assessment
Activity 8
Unit Two has been an educational unit
for me- one in which I personally
considered to be an eye opener.
Initially I saw this course as being
time consuming and to some extent I
still see this course as being extremely
time consuming. In all honesty I made
comments from time to time about
this course being a waste of my time
Page 30 of 57
and as a result I spent very little time
completing the various tasks assigned.
I must admit that I had a difficult time
reading the units as I found most of
the concepts difficult to grasp and this
resulted in my only browsing most of
the activities which meant that ample
time was not given to the required
task. However thanks to this particular
unit, I have learned that I need to pay
closer attention to making connections
and the transference of learning. I can
now say that I am much more critical
in my thoughts as I try to make
meaning of what I read and what the
activities ask of me. I find myself
reflecting more on tasks that I am
completing and try to make the
necessary connections to past
experiences. Often times I would
discuss certain activities with
members of my family and even my
peers so as to ascertain varying
perspectives of the activities.
Having this newfound awareness and
knowledge can benefit me
tremendously as I have seen first-hand
that there are many ways of arriving
to the same destination. I am much
more aware that there are many
strategies that I can incorporate to
help me to achieve meaning. Unit 2
has been instrumental as it has
enlightened me as to how many
persons can look at one situation from
different perspective and as a result it
has fostered a higher level of
tolerance and acceptance of people’s
opinions and perspectives.
Regards
Charissa Pitt
FOURTH (4TH) journal
entry- UNIT TWO (2)
Reflective-Reflexive
Practice for Exploring the
Meaning-Making
Landscape for Learning
Success
As we began to explore Unit Two (2)
I was more confident in my ability to
press forward as I was beginning to
see the benefits of total engagement in
this course. I found the experiences of
unit two to be rather fascinating and
enlightening. However I must also
admit that there were times where I
was also confused. The main focus in
this unit was on meaning-making. The
first question I asked myself was
“What is meaning-making?” and my
initial thought was “definition”;
however what I later discovered was
that my perception of the terms was
incorrect. Learning activity 2.1 was an
instrumental part of my learning
Page 31 of 57
throughout this process thus far as it
greatly challenged my perception of
the concept “meaning”. For this
learning activity, my colleagues and I
were required to ‘Pay attention to
myself (thoughts, feelings, overt
actions) as I engaged in the activity’,
and while doing that, I had to say
what the meaning of the term meaning
was. I immediately went for my
dictionary as I would have mentioned
previously my perception of the
‘meaning’ equal ‘definition’ so I
went directly to the place where I was
thought to find the definition of
words. When I sit now and reflect on
this very activity I personally believe
that it helped me to discover certain
things about myself. What I was able
to determine from engaging with this
activity was that I was a non-strategic
learner. This meant that I was an
amateur learner and that I paid little to
no attention to my own thinking. I
was impulsive and placed a higher
value on the ideas and opinions of
others rather than being confident in
my own ability, ideas and beliefs.
After reading the ideas presented in
unit 2 and after completing learning
activity 2.1 I was able to determine
that ‘meaning-making’ is a process of
gaining understanding about a
particular issue or concept by
examining at a variety of perspectives.
Another salient feature discussed in
this unit was communication styles.
Upon examining this section of the
unit note, I was interesting in finding
Charissa
out what my individual
communication style was, so I
Unit Three
embarked on conducting additional
reading and stumbled upon an online
quiz. I was classified as having a

(3)Artefacts
submissive communication style.
Being submissive means that I aim to
please others and this need to please
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
serve as a mechanism to avoid
conflict. Newton (2017) stated that, “a
ACTIVITY 9- GROUP CONTRACT
submissive person behaves as if other
peoples' needs are more important,
and other people have more rights and

The Titans
more to contribute.” I will use this
new piece of information as a means
of achieving personal and professional
growth within myself.

DuringContract
In moving towards becoming a
reflective/reflexive learner, I have
this session, we agree
pledged to use a variety of strategies
to arrive at meaning. Some of these
include: to work with each other,
respect each other’s time, to
• Engage in conversations and
discussion with peers to gain differing
be on
perspective of the concept.
• Determine the context time
in which the at all meetings,
term is to be used.
• Reflecting oncommunicate
Signed
past experiences in with each other,
order to make the necessary
connection. participate and contribute to
Jenelle Daniel Rasheen Euter
Charissa
• Conduct additional Pitt to help
research Jebarr Robinson (L)

of the concept.
the
to assess and evaluate my
Cassandra project.
perspective
Taylor (DL) Naomi Williams
Carolene
• Employ the use Scantlebury
of concept maps to
make connections.

Page 32 of 57
 Re: Contract - The Titans
By Esmin Spence - Saturday, 11
November 2017, 11:14 PM

Hello the Titans

Thanks. While reading your post, I
kept thinking how team members

Page 33 of 57
ensure that the contract works for
their team.
What comes to mind is that the
success is dependent on team buy-in.
Can leaders mandate these contracts?
Should team members be involved in
the physical drafting ofofthe contract?
Indicators Agre Disagr Comments to support Views
I am thinking Lifelong e
that if the team leader ee
and the team Learning
end up not believing in
the contract, well then it just won’t
PREFERRED PERSPECTIVES OF LIFELONG LEARNING
work. So incorporating team feedback
throughout the entire
1. A process forprocess is  In my opinion, a person who engages in
critical.sustaining lifelong learning does so for a feeling of
economic life satisfaction. They may be able to make a
The Titans, what would you say to
fairly good living financially, but the
someone who said that: ultimately, the
greatest reward for them is the actual
leader and all of the members must
learning process.
care about each other and the success
of the team for the process
2. A formal contract to have  Lifelong learning is a process that is
any power in helping in
of investment a team move developed over time. As one goes through
down apersonal
winningorpath? various experiences and builds on skills
professional and competencies acquired throughout
Click on Read Me First - Developing
development their life, they blossom into lifelong
your Group Contract...A, C, E & F
learners.
for additional insights regroup
contract3. as
Anwell.
informal  Due to the fact that these learners are more
Formative assessment
process of
Kind regards aware of who they are, their self-esteems
changing are boosted
Activity and as a result, they are
10 – 3.4
Es disempowering motivated to make changes in their lives.
ETutorbehaviours
- Group 4 (covert
and overt)
4. A process of  This particular individual should seek to
communal improve the quality of life not only for
development him/herself but for the community as a
whole.

Page 34 of 57
 Indicators of Agree Disagr Comments to support Views
Lifelong ee
Learning
CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFELONG LEARNERS
1. Self-aware (self-  A person who is aware has a better
assessment of knowledge of self, and makes the
competencies and necessary changes to improve on their
professional weaknesses.
identity)
2. Responds  A lifelong learner is always interesting in
appropriately to keeping abreast of new information and
contextual issues that are facing the society and as a
dynamics and result of this vast amount of knowledge,
complexity (uses they are able to communicate and engage
updates on global effectively in discussions.
perspectives, trends
and issues
3. Developmental  Due to the fact that a lifelong learner is
orientation to more capable of examining an issue
changes for self and critically and from different perspectives,
organization then they should be able to encourage
changes that would help to benefit
themselves as well as the organization for
which they are working.
4. Uses an  Lifelong learners are able to use reflective
integrative problem skills and assess problems by thinking
solving approach about a variety of ways to solve these
problems.
5. Uses  These individuals are able to assess
creative/divergent current situation and examine an issue
thinking skills to from many different perspective. They
examine/address are able to make connections to past
situations experiences and adapt their skills to tackle
new tasks.

Page 35 of 57
 Re: Formative Assessment 10 -
Activity 3.4
By Esmin Spence - Sunday, 19
November 2017, 12:06 PM

Hello Charissa,
Thanks for your contribution.
A person who is aware has a better

Page 36 of 57
knowledge of self, and makes the
necessary changes to improve on their
weaknesses
How have you evolved in
transforming your own weaknesses
perceived or real?
What advice would you give to
someone who is new to reflective-
reflexive practice and one of its
underlying principles of self-directed
learning?
We await your response.
Kind regards
Es
ETutor - Group 4
Formative Assessment
Activity 11
I found the video “Changing
Education Paradigm” by Ken
Robinson to be extremely fascinated
as it highlighted the changes in the
educational system. When I reflect on
my past experiences as a student, I
realize that what I was accustomed
too as a student is much different
from what is taking place now.
Page 37 of 57
Looking back on my time as student
in primary school I can now see that
my opinions were not taken into
consideration as the teacher was seen
as the fountain of knowledge. Any
attempts to challenge what the teacher
would have said would have been
deemed to be disrespectful. Due to the
learning environment in which I was
nurtured, my ability to reason, think
critically and problem solve was
severely stifled. Presently as a student
of the University of the West Indies
Open Campus, I now see that we are
given much more opportunities to
think 'outside the box'. A great deal of
emphasis is placed on the student as
the central point of education.
Students are given greater opportunity
to question teachers, and teachers are
trying to encourage students to reason
and think divergently. Learners are
encouraged to develop awareness of
self through the learning process. The
information in the video can be
utilized in my life by:
• Setting attainable goals.
• Collaborating with my peers
• Creating a schedule and designating/
allocating times for activities
• Reflecting on past experiences and
examining how they can impact
future choices
• Motivating myself to achieve
degree of control the learner is willing
to take over their own learning will
depend on their attitude, abilities and
personality characteristics.
Charissa, after evaluating your need
for change, what factors could hinder
your progress going forward and
why?
Es
ETutor - Group 4

Regards
C.Pitt

Re: Formative Assessment Activity

11
By Esmin Spence - Monday, 20
November 2017, 10:19 PM

Charissa, thanks for your

contribution. I note your point about
thinking outside of the box to which I

Unit Four (4)

will add the concept of self-directed
learning.

Artefacts
Indeed, self-directed learning can be
defined in terms of the amount
of responsibility the learner accepts
for his or her own learning. The self-
directed learner takes control and
accepts the freedom to learn what they
view as important for themselves. The

Page 38 of 57
Individual contribution to
collaborative assignment
Critique of the
Effectiveness of Glasser’s
Choice Theory
• Choice Theory is a theory of
human psychology and
behavior developed by William
Glasser. The general premise of
this theory is that people can
only control their own
behaviour and often times these
behaviour can be explained
based on the internal
motivations of the individual
which are aimed at achieving
• notion of self-directed learning
•
• encouraged to set their own
• standards and reach their own
five basic needs-survival, love
and belonging, power, freedom
and fun. Glasser and other
Page 39 of 57
proponents of this theory
contends that an individual
would make choices based on
what they find most fulfilling
and satisfying. In relation to
education, Glasser’s choice
theory should be most visible
within the
classroom as
teachers are
expected to
create student-friendly
classrooms where cooperative
learning is encouraged and
student’s independence
celebrated.
• This theory brings to mind the
as in the case of online
learning, where students are
goals in the absence of external
controls.
• When Choice Theory is applied
in the classroom, as it has been
 in schools across the world, it learning” (as cited by Queen et
has a significant impact on how al., 1997)
instruction is delivered.
Students should feel that sense
FIFTH (5TH) journal entry-
of belonging and freedom while UNIT FOUR (4)
still maintaining an extent of
Learning as a team player;
power. The teacher is expected reconstructing group
to take a lead role. learning
As this course draws to the end, I can
• This differs greatly from the
proudly boast that I am more
traditional role of the teacher,
confident in who I am as an
where the teacher was seen as
individual. My self-esteem has been
the fountain of knowledge and
positively impacted as a result of the
the one with all the power and
experiences that I have gain. As I
control. By utilizing Glasser’s
prepare to close this chapter and open
theory, the teacher now
a new one, I have reflected upon the
assumes the role of creating an
experiences in this course. There were
active learning environment
times when I wanted to give up, and
where he or she takes the role
then there were those times when I
of facilitator, i.e., helping the
was motivated to continue because I
students to meet their basic
was learning so much about myself.
needs. Glasser (n.d) describes
The final formative assessment for
lead teachers as, encouraging
this course required that I make a list
students to make decisions
of the top 10 lessons or insight
about the learning content, and
gathered in FOUN1501 and give an
evaluating the quality of their
explanation as to the reason why I
ranked number 1 as such. Upon

Page 40 of 57
careful thought and with much 1. To become more aware of who I
consideration here is a list of the top am as a learner.
lessons. I have learned to:

10. To achieve goals through FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

persistence. #12

9. To accept responsibility for my

I have selected self-awareness as the
own learning by taking initiative to do
most significant lesson gained
additional reading etc.
because throughout this course I have
8. To make connections between past
been challenged to find out about who
experiences to learn about myself as a
I am as a learner; and although I am
learner which helped to maximize my
still learning, I can boast that I know
learning.
much more about myself now than I
7. To use constructive criticism from did at the beginning of the course. I
my peers and tutor to develop have realised that the only way I can
personal growth. truly be a reflective/reflexive learner
is if I am open and honest with
6. To set realistic goals.
myself. I have learned that I am
5. To improve my self-esteem.
human, and I have strengths and
4. To manage my time effectively. weaknesses and that by accepting my
flaws does not make me a weak
3. To be flexible and receptive of
individual. Accepting my flaws is the
changes.
first step in making changes to foster
2. To utilize reflective skills to make
personal growth. As a result of this I
decisions and solve problems in my
am more accepting of myself.
personal and professional life.

Page 41 of 57
 AACTE 2006 Proposal,
Retrieved from
Regards
http://www.usc.edu/dept/educati
C. Pitt on/up_files/AACTE_06_Present
ation.pdf

Re: Formative Assessment Activity

#12
By Esmin Spence - Monday, 20
November 2017, 7:32 PM

Charissa, thanks for your contribution.

I do agree with you on the impact and
importance of self-awareness. I will
add/summarize that successful
reflection enables self-awareness,
personal and professional growth and
improved leadership skills.
Reflection compliments lifelong
learning and professional
development by helping us realize
why the successes succeed and Mythe personal learner profile
failures fail, providing a catalyst for
educational change (Pensavalle, et. al.
2006). Best wishes as you forge
ahead.
Es
ETutor - Group 4
REFERENCE
Pensavalle, M., Tyerman, J.,
Delgadillo, L., Miyake, J.,
Soong, A, (2006). AACTE 2006
Proposal: How Reflection
Impacts Instructional Change.

Page 42 of 57
 Summary of learner profile

Dewey (1933) stated that “We do not learn from experience… we learn from

reflecting on experience.” Reflection is an important part of the learning process,

therefore it needs to be developed and utilized to ensure that effective learning is

taking place. In assignment one (1), I was required to create a learner profile using
 I am goal oriented. I am motivated
features that relate to the creation of a self-profile. My self-profile can be
by the accomplishment of tasks
summarized accordingly:
and assignment and not so much

by the actual process of learning.

 I am more of an active learner than

a reflective learner. I enjoy hands-

on tasks where I can actively

engage in what I am learning. This

particular learning style is not

Page 43 of 57
 nurtured in this learning myself on the lower spectrum of

environment and therefore I have the scale due to the fact that I think

to be mindful of this and make I lack most of the requirements

necessary plans to deal with this. needed to be considered a self-

directed learner. I do not take

 As a learner I think I am able to
charge of my own learning and I
manage my emotions well. I am
struggle greatly with management
not saying that I don’t have
of time.
feelings, however, when placed in

challenging situations I can handle  As it related to critical and

the different emotions that I reflective thinking, I think that I

encounter. encounter some problems with

these two areas due to the culture

 As a learner, I am very creative. I
in which I have learnt throughout
think this is due to the fact that I
my educational life. For most of
am a hands-on learner. I enjoy
my life as a student, I have been
doing things that appeals to my
accustomed to the chalk and talk
creative senses.
where the teacher would stand and
 However I am not a self-directed
at the front of the class and teach
learner. From viewing a video on
without much input from the
self-directed learning, I would put
students. As a result of this, my

Page 44 of 57
 voice was stifled and in my that I did not want to deal with.

opinion it would take time and However, as I spent more and more

effort on my part to break the cycle time engaging in the course I began to

in which I was accustomed too. see the impact it is was having on my

life. This course has cause me to:

 Be more aware of my

surrounding

 Ask more questions

 Listen more to the ideas of

persons
How has FOUN1501
 Make connections to past
Impacted my Life?
experiences in my life
FOUN1501 has had an impact on my
 Utilize different strategies in
academic, professional and personal
planning my lessons to cater to
life. At times I was frustrated because
the needs of my students.
in my opinion the course caused me to
 Be able to work as a leader of a
have to think deeper than I had the
team and accept support from
time for. Or it caused me to have to
members of my team
deal with certain issues in my past

Page 45 of 57
  Be less impulsive given to me. I also found that I was

asking a lot more questions, not only

 Be more honest
in my personal life but in my
 Manage my time more
classroom as well. I had to chuckle
effectively.
many times because my students seem
As a result of this I have witnessed
to be getting tired of me asking the
personal growth in my life. Initially
question “why”. I have made
from completing assignment one (1) I
connections between the way I was
found that I was goal oriented;
taught and how it has impacted my
meaning that the actual learning
ability to reason and reflect, and a
process for me was not enjoyable. I
result I am trying to make a difference
felt motivated when I completed a
especially in my classroom.
task. What I have discovered recently
I have also found that I spend more
is that I spend more time on my
time alone, just thinking. For more
postings and assignment. I used the
than half of my life, I have been
opportunities to learn about myself.
dealing with a mother who suffers
Although it is important to pay
from mental problems and most of the
attention to time, I find that time takes
times I was angry, hurt and frustrated.
a backseat while I engaged and
However, this course has led me to
reflected on the assignments that were
place where I can stop and think and

Page 46 of 57
sometimes reassess the situation. I am myself on a deeper level. I could

much calmer because I can look back remember growing up with my

at the past to make connections. I parents and being ashamed of the fact

have more self-awareness and self- that my mother suffers from mental

esteem. Initially in the first week of problems and I have come to the

this course, I had to participate in a realization that this is not my fault or

discussion about self-awareness, self- hers and I am much more tolerant and

esteem and self-empowerment, and accepting of my past and much more

from that activity I realized that I did comfortable dealing with the emotions

not have a good awareness of myself that I had buried all these years. The

as an individual and more importantly knowledge and experiences I have

as a learner. This awareness was made gained in this course has also helped

even more evident when I was me in completing other assignments

required to complete activity 1.1 for courses that I have had to do. It

which required me to create a profile has helped me to be develop

of self, for which my answers were understanding of materials that I

very superficial. However I have seen would have never understood before.

growth in this area of self-awareness

I am more able to read and understand
and self-esteem within myself as I am
the unit notes and to engage more
much more knowledgeable about
actively in discussions with my peers

Page 47 of 57
because I am beginning to learn a lot
Barriers to Reflective/Reflexive Practices
more about myself and to accept me

for who I am. I could remember

1. Procrastination- This barrier can be remedied through prioritizing on the
growing up and being afraid
important to make
task rather than investing time on unimportant task such as social
media.
mistakes because in school I was

thought that there was no place for

mistakes. I2.was
Discipline- Discipline
either right is needed when doing online studies. It can be considered a
or wrong.
hard task for some persons like me. I believe in order to solve this issue I must
I am now seeing that this course can
apply myself in working towards being successful in the course work. In order
help me to trywords,
to challenge the culture
participate in the activities to gain knowledge, apply sufficient time and

in which I hadpossess a positive

learn and frame of mind and dedication.
to be more

actively engage in my own learning. I

found this3.outLack
afterofparticipating
Motivation-inPersonally I believe that lack of motivation is a major barrier
for me. Having to complete this course online differs from being in a traditional
one of our unit discussions on self-
classroom among classmates and facilitators who will push or utilize activity that
directing learning. Since thatto the eyes and minds of the students. I believe that in order for me
are interesting
to be been
discussion, I have morechallenging
motivated it is important to use various strategies. I can engage in
group discussion as well as establishing small group with colleagues via
myself to be more active and take
WhatsApp or skype.
charge of my learning by doing

additional4. Time Management-

research, forming groupsThis is a barrier that hinders my performance in learning and
even my profession. I believe in order to solve this problem I must be aware of
with my peers to discuss etc.
my goals in this learning stage and how I intend to apply myself in achieving
these goals. With that I have to know how and when to manage my time.
Whether though preparation on a time table or plan, or even reminders to alert me
48 of 57
on what is expected of Page
me and the time. With all these method I will be well
aware of my target and completing task in a timely manner.
Page 49 of 57
 Improving my learner’s profile

1. To become a more Self-Directed Learner I will:

 Use UWIlinc at least once a week to gain understanding of the site.

 Dedicate two hour per week completing discussions.

 Utilize checklist to aid in the execution of plans created.

2. To develop Reflective Thinking Skills I will:

 Be responsive at all time to my fellow peer and tutor towards discussion.

 Apply myself to completing journal after each discussion session.
 Utilize Schon Model of reflective thinking by using observational checklist
to monitor my experience during the process.

3. To improve my ability to work as a team I will:

 Commit to being responsive at all time to my teammate’s feedback

 Use the feedback of peers to improve my communication skills.
 Provide words of encouragement to teammate when faced with challenges.

Page 50 of 57
 CONCLUSION

Foundation for learning success has be indebted to this course for all the

been an experience that I would lessons that I have learned.

forever cherish. There have been

My portfolio consist of several
times when I just wanted to get up,
artefacts that have been collected
walk away and never look back.
throughout the duration of this course.
However there have been times when
These artefacts include, journals,
I have learned things about myself
formative assessments and
that I never knew or that I was afraid
discussions.
to accept. Through this course I have
Initially I thought that this portfolio
grown significantly in my personal
would have been the easiest
and professional life.
assignment yet for this course.
This course has challenged me to
However the development of this
break the cycle and culture in which I
portfolio has greatly benefitted me as
was taught. I am much more engaged
an individual learner. Through this
and focused on life’s experiences and
experience I have been able to
learning from my mistakes. I have
monitor my growth as well as to be
learned about what being a part of a
more actively engaged in the process
team is all about and I would forever
of reflection. Having done this

Page 51 of 57
assignment, I was able to assess

whether or not my goals were

achieved and in doing so, I have

established areas that I still need to

work on.

As I close I make reference to

something I said in my first journal

entry. “How difficult could this really

be? Can all the negativity that I have

heard about this course really be

true?” To answer these questions, I

would say that this course is

extremely challenging, however the

benefits gained throughout the

experience are quite rewarding.

Page 52 of 57
 References

Clarke University. (2017). What is a Portfolio? Retrieved from,

https://www.clarke.edu/academics/careers-internships/student-checklist/resume-
writing-and-portfolios/what-is-a-portfolio/

Dewey, J. (1933). Experience and Reflective Thinking, Learning, School and

LifeDemocracy and Education. Retrieved from,
http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/1914/Dewey-John-1859-1952.html

Lazear, D. (2008).Multi-Modal Learning David Lazear. Retrieved from

http://www.davidlazeargroup.com/free_articles/multi-modal.html

Makedonas, E, (2015). The Journey of Self-Discovery! My Decision to find myself!

Retrieved from, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eleni-makedonas/the-journey-of-
selfdsicvo_b_7028362.html

Newton, C. (2017). The five communication styles. Retrieved from,

http://www.clairenewton.co.za/my-articles/the-five-communication-styles.html

Phipps, J. (2005). E-Journaling: Achieving Interactive Education Online. Retrieved

from, https://er.educause.edu/articles/2005/1/ejournaling-achieving-interactive-
education-online

Sherman, G. (2002). What are Learning Contexts? Retrieved

from, http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/pt3-p/toolbox/what-are-contexts.htm

Wingate, L. (2015). 8 Reflective Practices. Retrieved from,

http://slideplayer.com/slide/2350610/

Page 53 of 57
Appe
ndix

Page 54 of 57
 Motivational Style Tool

This tool was designed by Marcia Conner. I used this tool as a means of finding out my

prominent motivational style in order to help me to identify how to make the most of this

learning experience.

1. I’m proud when I... Get things done. Help other people. Solve problems by
thinking things
through.
2. I mostly think What’s next? People. Different ideas.
about....
3. To relax, I tend to... Rely on a consistently Hang out and talk Learn something new.
relaxing activity. with friends.
4. I like to do things... Right away or on When everyone else When it feels right to
schedule. can do it with me. me.
5. When online, I like Search for specific Write emails, text Follow links in many
to... information. message, or chat. directions.
6. Projects should be... Finished on time. Done in groups. Meaningful to my life.
7. In a school setting, I Ask questions. Make friends. Explore many topics.
liked to...
8. I believe schedules... Keep me organized. Help me coordinate Are useful tools to
plans with other keep me on track?
people.
9. I like to be Being organized, neat, Being kind, Being smart, clever,
recognized for... and on time. thoughtful, and curious, and a good
considerate to others. problem solver.
10. In terms of I finish what I start. I enlist the help of I want to be learning
completing things... other people. from start to finish.
Total Goal: 4 Relationship: 3 Learning: 3

Page 55 of 57
 The Reflective Thinker’s Self-Assessment Inventory

This inventory was used as a means of finding out what characteristics of a reflective learner I

possessed.
Characteristics of Reflective Thinkers/ Practitioners Characteristics Characteristics
already to be Developed
Developed
1.Recognizes from self-assessment patterns or trends in 
personal behaviours

2. Takes time to assess personal knowledge and act based 

on findings

3. Assess personal strategies that are used or being used to 

deal with learning gaps

4. Invest in personal development as a norm 

5. Engages in activities for the purpose of self-discovery 

6. Critique personal thoughts life and take action to 

improve identified gaps

7. Critique emotions/feelings and act to improve emotional 

life

8. Overt actions are consistent with beliefs or claims about 

the core values or ethical standards accepted as guides for
life

9. Displays an inquiring mind by posing questions and 

searching for answers

10. Uses self-affirmation and validation to influence 

intrinsic motivation

11. Make use of observations and feedback from others to 

self-correct

12. Self-directing change agents 

13. Care centered 

Page 56 of 57
 Characteristics of Reflective Thinkers/ Practitioners Characteristics Characteristics
already to be Developed
Developed
14. Learning centered 

15. Makes use of research skills to support their problem 

solving orientation

16. Are aware of practices that segregates and challenges 

these practices

17. Supports the development of others rather 

18. Critique professional structures that marginalize or 

segregate others

19. Pays attention to personal doubts and informed 

curiosity as a means of changing beliefs that disempower
self and others

20. Examines situations, events and relationships from 

several angles

Total 8 12

Page 57 of 57