Introduction
In this paper, I’ll talk about the communication skills I gained in the Communication Skills module and how I’ve used them in various circumstances. In addition, I will give two proposals to assist in enhancing communication at UONL, one for new students and one for the institution as a whole. I will explain why each piece of advice is significant and relevant, and I will present scholarly sources to back up my claims. In addition, I will describe how UONL may put these proposals into action and what obstacles must be overcome to ensure their success.
I learned a variety of abilities in the Communication Skills curriculum that are useful in both professional and academic situations. I learned how to communicate effectively, actively listen, and collaborate. I used these abilities in a variety of contexts, including group debates, papers, and negotiations. For example, I utilized active listening skills to comprehend various points of view and cooperated with my group members to create a powerful paper. Active listening, teamwork, persuasive communication, and critical thinking are some of the essential communication skills I learned and implemented in many settings (Hasanah & Malik, 2020).
Recommendations
First Recommendation
My advice to prospective students is to get involved in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities are an important component of university life because they allow students to develop skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork (Hasanah & Malik, 2020). Moreover, extracurricular activities can improve students’ well-being by lowering stress and enhancing mental health. Extracurricular activities have been found in studies to result in higher GPAs, more confidence, and better career opportunities after graduation (Hasanah & Malik, 2020). As a result, it is critical for new students to engage in extracurricular activities in order to enrich their university experience and prepare for future professions.
Implementation
UONL can improve extracurricular options and encourage participation to accomplish Recommendation 1. Nonetheless, there are various obstacles that must be addressed in order to encourage involvement in extracurricular activities (Hasanah & Malik, 2020). Students, for example, may confront budgetary limits, a lack of understanding about various activities, or trouble reconciling extracurricular activities with academic responsibilities. UONL can give students the tools and incentives to participate in extracurricular activities, such as financial support, awareness campaigns, and flexible timetables to balance academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities.
Second Recommendation
My suggestion for UONL is to create chances for professional development for academics and staff. Continuous professional development is required to ensure that instructors and staff have the skills and knowledge necessary to offer students quality education and assistance. Professional development can improve teaching abilities, research output, and student results (Hasanah & Malik, 2020). Professional development has been found in studies to promote work satisfaction, instructional effectiveness, and student engagement among professors and staff. As a result, offering continual professional development opportunities is critical for UONL to maintain its excellent educational standards. I also want to consider what worked well and what I would alter. What went well: I acquired and practiced several critical communication skills that are valuable in both professional and academic contexts throughout my Communication Skills curriculum. I was able to pinpoint the essential communication skills I learned, which were effective communication, active listening, and teamwork. What I might change: I may think about areas where I still need to improve or increase my communication abilities. This might assist me in setting objectives for future progress.
Implementation
To implement Recommendation 2, UONL can provide teachers and staff with frequent training and assistance. Another problem is ensuring that faculty and staff training and assistance are consistent with UONL’s mission, vision, and values. The university should collaborate closely with its academics and employees to assess their training requirements and personalize them accordingly (Hasanah & Malik, 2020). Barriers to access must also be addressed, such as offering flexible training alternatives that may meet varying schedules and workloads. UONL may foster a culture of continuous improvement and improve the quality of education it delivers to students by providing frequent and appropriate training and assistance.
Conclusion
Finally, in both professional and academic environments, good communication is critical. As previously noted, involvement in extracurricular activities may give students a variety of benefits, including improved soft skills, expanded networks, and improved mental health.
Reference
Hasanah, H., & Malik, M. N. (2020). Blended learning in improving students’ critical thinking and communication skills at university. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 15(5), 1295–1306. Web.