Applied Learning Week 2: Transition

My Future Studies

Future modules (English and History B.A.)

During the first year, English Literature core modules include Prose, Poetry, Reading English, and English in the World. The history core module is Practising History: Skills in History, plus some elective modules I must choose between. In Reading English, we develop basic skills in approaching literature and to help us transition to university, such as using the library and writing different kinds of assessments. In English in the World, we explore how literature and stories play a part and impact our society. In Practicing History, we will develop a group research project to develop both the research and methodological skills needed to study history.

In the first year, between the choices for the History modules I must take, I would choose Making of the Modern World 1500-1800 because I find the Renaissance and Enlightment fascinating and sort of beautiful, so it is an area of history I am deeply interested in. My other choice would be The History of Africa and its Diaspora because I think it would be a nice balance for how eurocentric the Renaissance is, and because it is something I know nearly nothing of but that I would like to learn about.

Habits for Success

Some of the habits of a successful student include, mainly, to manage their time well, to aim high, and to take care of themselves as well. It is also important to take time to study as you attend lectures rather than cramming the night before a test. Time management is necessary for all of these, especially to lead a healthy lifestyle. Things such as getting enough sleep and taking care of your body through fitness will boost your academic performance, you cannot be successful while falling apart.

My strengths

My major study strengths include genuine interest and easily linking and understanding ideas. I also stay curious while I learn and try to give my all with each assignment. I am interested in theoretical concepts and see relationships others might miss.

My weaknesses

Of course, I have study challenges too. I am often way too self-critical and I need positive feedback to stay motivated. I also need variety and ways to outlet my creativity, otherwise my morale will fall pretty quickly and it will be tough for me to stay concentrated.

What should I work on?

Above all, I must find ways to keep myself interested to perform the best way I can. I struggle with celebrating my own wins and being proud of myself, but slowly I am getting around being kinder to myself. I am also allowing myself to accept compliments and fighting the impostor syndrome. Additionally, I know that I must find ways to get less distracted and make use of all my time. Breaking down large tasks into small ones and having realistic daily personal goals always helps. I am also looking into productivity softwares or apps to stay organized.

Experience with a Lecture Example

The lecture was about how "happiness" plays a part in economics, and it examined whether GDP was the right measure to compare the quality of life of countries. I did not know that happiness was linked with GDP up to a certain point. After that amount of GDP, the relationship is weaker, almost irrelevant.

I found it extrememly interesting, even if it was not a subject I am usually interested in. I think the lecturer did a great job at breaking down the issue and making it understandable for beginners with no previous knowledge of the topic. A challenge I faced is that during a few slides I got distracted and did not listen very closely, however my interest was sparked up soon after that and I held it until the very end. I did ask a question at a certain point using the Q&A function. When the lecturer saw it, he knew what I was referring to and went back to that slide to explain it. Next time, I know I must have my phone and any distractions out of reach, but it was honestly not hard to focus at all and I felt engaged throughout.

The slides did not have to contain a lot of information or be flashy to be helpful. I thought that I would find the traditional bullet style boring, however here it was not the case.

Recent Research in the University of Birmingham

In the recent research page from my university, there is an article about the urban conflict perspective on the war in Ukraine. It examines how conflict moves through an urban landscape, using the situation in Ukraine as an example. This research will surely make an impact on how future cities are built and maybe even on citizens' first reactions when conflict arises. It is also useful now, as Ukraine continues to defend itself, it can serve as a guide for action plans for its army and people to take. It is inspiring because it shows that there is still a chance to deter the attack. It is written in a technical voice, but not defeatist at all. I consider academia should be used like this, to help people in hard situations right now, as they happen, rather than staying in the past with no objective.

Abigail Hernandez KapPACK E-portfolio

Academic Exploration

Confirm copying