Mindmap

This is my mind map to help me with my research paper, I chose to do the 'Engineering For the Environment' option as I think this affects me more directly than the other choices and find this more interesting.
I narrowed my ideas down to engine technology. I decided to write about how modern engineering technology has enabled two stroke motors to be much more environmentally friendly and efficient, and see whether they can equal or surpass 4 stroke design that is considered the greenest most efficient internal combustion engine at this time.

STUDY SKILLS EXERCISE

I feel quite confident about mostly all of my study skill aspects in this form.

Timeline

After I got my GCSEs I started a full time AVCE engineering course at PRC. I decided to do a course at college instead of staying on at school because I believed that school did not offer me anything I was interested in. I knew engineering was what I wanted to do.
I struggled to do this course and did not get very good results, I think this was because I was not mature enough and I didn’t have any motivational or organisational skills.
I believe the PEO2 that I did in the machine shop benefited me the most as this enabled me to start my career in engineering. I found that I was good at machining; I really enjoyed it and used this in my career choice.I found employment at RGE Plastics as an apprentice toolmaker, PEO2 helped me get this job and the knowledge and skills I gained in the workshop at college meant I knew allot so I wasn’t a complete beginner when I started work.My workplace funded me to do the BTEC ONC Engineering course at PRC. I decided to do this course as my performance in the AVCE was not very good and doing a HNC would be too much of a jump and I would struggle.I finished the BTEC ONC Engineering Course with results I was pleased with. I learnt allot doing this course and have found it very beneficial to my career.

This is my SWOT analysis, I found it easy to put down my weaknesses but i found it difficult to realise my strengths. I believe i am improving on my organisation and motivation weaknesses in recent years. To target my weaknesses I'm going too keep an organised ringbinder with all my work and handouts i get, and ensure it remains tidy to help me stay organised and on top of my work. My communication skills will get better by doing presentations and having the confidence to ask for help and feed back from tutors.
To ensure i keep up with the classes i will look back on my notes and revise in my own time.
If i struggle to understand lectures i will ask the tutor for help and also confirm with my colleagues so i can get more understanding.

VARK Questionnaire

I have completed a VARK questionnaire to evaluate my style of learning. The results show that I am best suited to Visual and Kinaesthetic style of learning which I believe I am. I find explaining things visually much easier than trying to explain them through text. Also I get a greater understanding through the kinaesthetic way of learning by physically taking part in a task.
I do belive that taking notes while in lectures will help me with listening skills.