T505/9498 Academic Study Skills Assignment Sample

Introduction Of Academic Study Skills Assignment Sample

Personal and academic development are proven pivotal in gaining wider opportunities in career and enhancing professional development. In the present assignment I will be exploring own personal and academic growth emphasising on essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, time management and research skills. I will further use Gibb’s reflective model and critical reflection on an incident will be taken. The core emphasis will be made on analysing learning experience and skill development throughout the module. Furthermore, areas of improvement will be identified which are essential for enhancing own professional development. Additionally, I will identify and evaluate quality sources and subsequently, their research findings will be used for improving own knowledge in health and social care sector. The discussion will shed light on the significance of evidence-based practices within health and social care while demonstrating the reliability of sources. The practical implication of findings within health and social care context will be explained.

Task 1: Demonstrate evidence of personal and academic development.

Develop a portfolio of evidence showing development in academic study skills.

During this module, I got the opportunity for developing varied academic study skills which are crucial for enhancing own personal and professional development.

Skill	Beginner	Intermediate	Proficient	Expert
Can use internet	☐	☐	✔	☐
Can use PowerPoint	☐	☐	✔	☐
Can use MS Word	☐	☐	✔	☐
Evaluate sources	☐	☐	✔	☐
Can search information	☐	☐	✔	☐
Can communicate	☐	☐	☐	✔
Can write	☐	☐	✔	☐
Brainstorming	☐	☐	✔	☐
Oral Presentation	☐	☐	☐	☐
Use of body language	☐	☐	✔	☐
Hand gestures	☐	✔	☐	☐
Eye contact	☐	✔	☐	☐
Select relevant part of text	☐	☐	✔	☐
IT skills	☐	☐	✔	☐

Informational Technology [IT skills]

I am competent in using digital platform and this signifies that I can use internet in effective manner. The motivation behind this skill aligns with selecting quality sources which are essential for writing quality information. At initial stage I was not able to use digital platform properly however, by the time I have developed this skill. My tutor supported me in this context and further guided me about the ways in which I can use digital software and platform for finding quality and valuable information and sources.

Presentation skills [Oral and written]

I got the opportunity to enhance own self-esteem while speaking during class presentations; I have further got the opportunity for making presentations through assignment and this supported me in delivering structured presentations. Thus, this resulted in enhancing own engagement within classroom and further this led to develop confidence in me for participating in professional meetings and academic discussions.

Critical Thinking skill

This skill is one of the essential academic skills; this supported me in evaluating the quality of sources and selecting relevant part from the available information. In order to complete assignment, I have accessed different sources and websites. However, it is important to use quality information for maintaining academic integrity and this skill supported me in focusing on this area (Rodrigues et al, 2021). However, there is need to still undertake improvement in this area and therefore, I will focus on using critical evaluation tool such as CASP. This supports me in undertaking critical evaluation of sources and further supports within decision making procedure.

Researching Skills

During this module I have gained the efficacy in locating the sources while using academic database; I have further understood the importance of referencing and creditability. While completing assignments I have learned about different research methodologies and further, I have become able to imply qualitative research method for gathering healthcare data. However, I need to practice on implying qualitative techniques as I am lacking in this area and therefore, I will take guidance from tutor in this area so I can effectively imply quantitative methods.

Writing Skills

At initial stage I faced varied complications while writing academic essays and reports; there were lot of grammatical errors witnessed and further I was not able to write academic language. I have practiced in this context and I have further prepared notes. I focused on following referencing guide, proofreading content and structuring sentences. Thus, supported me in presenting academic work in effective manner and my writing skills was improved.

Communication skills

In terms of communication skill, I can say that I have made an effective improvement during this module. Earlier I was not able to put my opinion in front of anyone due to fear of judgement. However, after taking participation in group discussion I have developed this ability in me; I have further started recording my voice for assessing my speaking abilities. I will continue to focus on this skill and moreover, I would focus on listening skill; in health and social care context it is important to have effective listening skill as this supports in establishing effective interaction with patient. I need to focus on non-verbal forms of communication so I can develop sense of belongingness in patients.

Time management

I focused on developing schedule techniques for balancing studies and work responsibilities. This supported me in enhancing efficacy while completing assignments and dealing with deadlines. This skill guiding me in terms of prioritising and managing tasks for enhancing own productivity to greater extent.

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1.2 Reflect upon a significant learning incident using an acknowledged model

By using Gibb’s model of reflection, I will reflect on a learning experience concerned with my own role “Senior carer” in care home (Ahmadpour, Shariati and Moghadam, 2025).

Description

In my own role I need to undertake supervision of the activities in care home while supporting patients and care workers working at initial stage. I remember one incident which changed my perception regarding the importance of non-verbal form of communication. One of the patients at care home was not able to speak about his concerns and I consistently tried to communicate with him. However, the patient started to feel uncomfortable as he thought that I am consistently forcing him to talk.

Feelings

When patient was not able to communicate with me at that time, I had negative feelings and further when he felt uncomfortable at that time as well my esteem decreased. However, I was not able to witness that I am lacking is using non-verbal form of communication such as body gestures, hand gestures and eye contact. This could have made patient comfortable and by focusing on this area I could have developed therapeutic alliance with patient.

Evaluation

While evaluating the experience I have analysed that; I was lacking in using non-verbal form of communication. Earlier I used to think that only verbal communication is important for developing interaction with patient. However, this incident has changed my perception regarding importance of non-verbal communication.

Analysis

Non-verbal communication skills support in communicating emotions along with providing emotional support. This plays pivotal role in building rapport in patient and further supports in developing an effective emotional interaction with patients. Hence, I need to focus on this area so that I can create sense of belongingness in patient. I used to think that I can effectively speak and present my thoughts in effective manner and therefore, I have effective communication skill. However, non-verbal form of communication is equally important and without developing this ability I will not be able to improve communication skill.

Conclusion

This incident led to create significant insights for me and subsequently, I need to assure focus on developing non-verbal communication abilities so I can interact with patient. This supports me in enhancing patient engagement and further contributes in empowering patient.

Action plan

In order to enhance non-verbal communication skill; I will focus on developing self-awareness as this supports in becoming mindful while making gestures and postures (Wanko Keutchafo, Kerr and Baloyi, 2022). Furthermore, I am going to practice good eye contact; I will emphasis on adjusting tone and my facial expression so patient does not feel uncomfortable.

Task 2: Identify relevant sources of evidence in order to develop reliable arguments.

Collate an annotated bibliography for 3 sources, summarising findings.

1^st Source

Citation

Williamson, L.E., Sleeman, K.E. and Evans, C.J., 2023. Exploring access to community care and emergency department use among people with dementia: A qualitative interview study with people with dementia, and current and bereaved caregivers. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 38(7), p.e5966. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.5966

Summary

The article has emphasised on exploring the experience of dementia patients accessing community and emergency care. From this study significant insights regarding the challenges faced by dementia patients in accessing care within UK was identified. The multiple barriers associated with lack of support from nursing staff at ED department, lack of patient empowerment, reduced quality of services and not involving patient in dementia care decision making. It is essential to understand the ways in which accessing to community services gets influence due to ED attendance. The increasing attendance of dementia patients in ED is mainly due to loopholes in existing in community care services. Care settings are particularly for patients suffering from dementia; however, lack of access in quality services increasing the attendance within ED. Whilst, patient often not receiving quality services at the ED and this is creating complexities for patients.

Evaluation

The findings of the article revealed that people suffering from dementia are facing multiple issues due to their conditions and loopholes existing in health and social care system. Barriers related to timely responsiveness, lack of support and path of least resistance increasing the operational limitations within system while responding to increasing demand. Community supports plays central role in providing dementia care within UK. However, due to poorly integrated system and lack of support in community care participants prefers ED which further increases burden on healthcare settings. The author has effectively highlighted the loophole persisting in health and social care systems; the study has highlighted that people with advanced dementia suffering from are not able to specify their needs and preference and thereby, they depend upon family caregiver and advance care plans for asserting their priorities. Whilst, this is overridden due to protocols related to ED transfer. Thus, this is underscoring the vulnerability of people who are lacking in mental capabilities as the healthcare staff members only consult with caregivers due to absence of Power of Attorney. However, when End-of-life is witnessed then only ED transfer are reduced and replaced with urgent community teams that provides dementia care.

It is challenging to recognise whether someone suffering from dementia is approaching end-of-life-care. Thus, responsive clinical care is essential for dementia patients who do not want to be in ED; in such situation a shared decision making proves involving patient, family and caregiver should be undertaken. From the findings it is further evident that the lack of follow-up care, social support and financial supports developed burden on them. Thus, this significantly specify that there is need to implement robust evidence-based strategy for supporting dementia patient in community care settings as they are not receiving appropriate care in ED.

Reflection

This research is significantly related to health and social care field; it is demonstrating about the challenges faced by dementia patients which particularly influences their health and wellbeing outcomes. The study has provided deep understanding and insights regarding the loopholes existing in health and social care system. It is further informing policy makers so they can take appropriate actions for solving the issues persisting in system and further enhances patient wellbeing outcomes for dementia patients.

2^nd Source

Citation

Jones, D., Drewery, R., Windle, K., Humphrey, S. and de Paiva, A.F., 2024. Dementia prevention and the GP’s role: a qualitative interview study. British Journal of General Practice, 74(741), pp.e242-e249. https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2023.0103

Summary

The study has focused on the role of GPs in dementia care within UK, they are playing crucial role in proactively preventing the dementia. The prevalence of dementia specifically in UK rising to greater extent; elderly individuals aged above 65 are suffering from the complexities of dementia. The findings of the article revealed that the role of GP is often dominated by treating the acute illness and management of chronic conditions. However, preventive discourse within GPs clinical communication emphasis on the secondary prevention that decreased the risk of long-term conditions and mismanagement. A whole team approach is needed in dementia care; GPs are involved in multidisciplinary teams for providing care to dementia patients. However, there were certain barriers regarding dementia risk communication were witnessed that associates with lack of time, lack of education and awareness and fear of stigma related to dementia. GP tries to create awareness regarding dementia whilst, due to these factors they are not assure their contribution. Furthermore, strategies related to policy and service delivery amendments such as including dementia communication in health reviews checklists. Moreover, using appropriate terminology while discussing about dementia is important as using the term dementia perceived to cause anxiety in patients and therefore, using significant terminologies is essential. Hence, there is no doubt in saying that GPs are playing pivotal role in creating awareness regarding dementia.

Evaluation

The author has significantly focused on the core issues faced by GPs in dementia care; lack of time creates issues for them while looking upon dementia care and creating awareness in this context. Thus, there is need to focus on the issues arising and further, it was analysed that despite contributing in dementia care GPs contribution is still not recognised. The findings of the study revealed that Alzheimer’s Research UK depicted that 69% of the UK adults had a belief that they can impact their brain health whilst, 34% believes that they can reduce the potential risk of developing dementia. GPs in UK fostering the awareness so early prevention dementia can be done and the cases could be reduced. However, there is need to ensure consistent support to them so they can ensure contribution in effective manner. 

Reflection

This study proves to be essential in health and social care as this is signifying about the barriers faced by GPs in creating dementia awareness and providing services to dementia patient. By considering the findings clinical implication within practice could be done; further, policy makers and healthcare settings can get guidance in terms of implementing strategies.

3^rd Source

Citation

Francis, N. and Hanna, P., 2022. Informal carer experiences of UK dementia services—A systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 29(1), pp.116-129. DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12698

Summary

Understanding the experience of informal carers of individuals suffering with dementia in UK while engaging with services for supporting within their caring role was the focus point of this study; patients faced inadequate support before detection of diagnosis to end-of-life care. Cultural differences found to be major barrier in the carer experience and due to this patient faced issues. It is important to support informal carers within setting and their cultural differences should be promoted as they look upon patient and their family members. Not ensuring support to informal carer ultimately results in developing negative influence on patient outcomes.

Evaluation

The findings of the study revealed that carers facing complexities within diagnostic process and specifically they have struggled due to length of time. There was lack of support provided to informal carers which significantly articulating that carer-specific support is essential for enhancing the dementia care practices. Carers from BAME background faced challenges and this further influenced their experiences while providing service. BAME carers often facing stigma comprised with caregiving and societal expectations as stigma related to caregiving resulting in isolation and reluctance for seeking help. Despite ensuring consistent contribution BAME carers are not recognised and they are often lacking in receiving opportunities.

Reflection

This information is highly significant as this is informing about the disparities faced by BAME carers while providing dementia care. Due to these discrimination, adverse impact on patient wellbeing is developed. Hence, this is suggesting health and social care setting to focus on making robust strategies that takes strict actions towards discrimination. In order to enhance dementia care within UK; primary focus needs to be ensured on supporting informal carers and their concerns should be solved. This significantly results in enhancing patient outcomes to greater extent.

2.2 Explain the process by which you can identify relevant sources for an academic piece of work.

Developing the understanding of topic

In order to gain detailed understanding regarding topic, I have used authentic online sites such as National Health Services and Public Health England. By using these websites, I have gained understanding regarding, dementia, its implications and consequences.

Using research tools

I have used academic search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed and BioMed for approaching peer-reviewed journals and articles. These platforms provide wider collection of health literature which are authentic and peer reviewed. In this manner, I was able to receive quality information related to research area.

Assessing reliability

For assuring the creditability of the sources I have prioritised those articles whose authors are recognised experts. I have undertaken CRAAP test for assessing the reliability and suitability of information significantly in academic context.

Gathering high quality information

After complying sources in systematic manner; I focused on choosing those studies that highlighting the complexities within dementia care. It is pivotal to witness the challenges as this significantly influencing patient outcomes.

Relevance of the sources

The selected sources are directly relevant to selected research topic; all the sources provided significant information regarding dementia care and challenges experienced in the pursuit of dementia care (Aldraiweesh and Alturki, 2023). I have become able to develop significant understanding in this area and I will further use it while making future research projects or dissertation. Furthermore, while providing care to dementia patient I will ensure that they are not facing any complication and I would ensure that they are involved in decision making process. Hence, peer-reviewed studies led to develop evidence-based insights which are crucial for gaining understanding regarding healthcare topics. Through this learning, I have analysed the importance of quality care services as it leads to enhance patient outcomes to greater extent.

Task 3: Interpret qualitative and quantitative data presented in research articles.

3.1 Evaluate the quality of the research article provided.

Table 1-Quality of research articles

Articles	Publication and date	Research method
(Williamson, Sleeman and Evans, 2023)	The publication of the source was done by International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. The study is latest as it was published in 2023.	Semi-structured interview was conducted in the study.
(Jones et al, 2024)	British Journal of General Practice was the publication platform of study and further the article was published in 2024.	Qualitative research was undertaken and interview was conducted.
(Franci and Hanna, 2022)	Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing was the publication platform and the study was published in 2022.	Systematic review was conducted.

All the sources were published from reputable platforms and further these are latest which significantly proves that articles are of high quality. Two studies followed semi-structured interview pattern that is a qualitative method. Thus, theoretical instances were developed within the studies by gaining in-depth perception of the participants. One of the studies was systematic review; through data extraction method, author selected quality articles and accordingly, themes were formulated in the study regarding challenges faced by BAME carers and its influence on dementia patients. Thus, three of the sources were selected after considering their quality. Thus, I have followed an effective procedure for selecting research articles and therefore, I was able to select quality articles.

3.2 Discuss the relevance of the findings to health and social care practice

Evidence-based research informs about quality outcomes and practices which can be implied in health and social care settings. The key findings from the article revealed that patients are not receiving adequate care within community settings and therefore, patients at ED are increasing which is further developing pressure and risk on healthcare professionals. Moreover, it was identified that GPs are playing pivotal role in creating dementia awareness care (Aldraiweesh and Alturki, 2023). However, due to lack of systematic structure they are not able to ensure support to dementia patient; the challenges comply with lack of time and support from higher healthcare administration. The findings are significantly relevant with health and social care sector as they are upholding the notion of challenges persisting in system and this is impacting the abilities of people in accessing care. The consistent disparities with BAME carers impacting their practices and further creating adverse influence on the care services provided to dementia patient. Thus, it is essential that policymakers must implement robust strategies that reduces the challenges and further developing awareness related to dementia is crucial. Thus, there is no doubt in stating that the findings are relevant with health and social care practices as this is suggesting about the aspects which are essential to take in consideration of improving dementia care. The findings will support in undertaking evidence-based decision making within health and social care practices that improves care services for dementia patients.

Conclusion

This assignment enabled me explore own personal and academic developmental journey along with emphasising on the areas of improvements. I have used Gibb’s reflective cycle for reflecting on an incident which changed my perceptions and thoughts regarding non-verbal communication skills. Thus, I will use this learning in own job role and I will focus on non-verbal responses and communication for developing trust in patients. Furthermore, I have selected authentic sources and their quality was assessed. I have researcher three sources related to dementia in UK and my prior focus was on identifying the challenges within system impacting service providers as this ultimately influences patient wellbeing. Hence, I have ensured effective focus on this area and subsequently, insights were developed. Findings from the articles proves to be relevant to health and social care practices as it has been informing about the evidence-based practices and decision which are essential to involve in dementia care services.

Bibliography

• Ahmadpour, N., Shariati, A. and Moghadam, M.P., 2025. Effect of narrative writing based on Gibbs’ reflective model on the empathy and communication skills of nursing students. BMC Medical Education, 25(1), p.10.
• Aldraiweesh, A. and Alturki, U., 2023. Exploring factors influencing the acceptance of e-learning and students’ cooperation skills in higher education. Sustainability, 15(12), p.9363.
• Francis, N. and Hanna, P., 2022. Informal carer experiences of UK dementia services—A systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 29(1), pp.116-129. DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12698
• Jones, D., Drewery, R., Windle, K., Humphrey, S. and de Paiva, A.F., 2024. Dementia prevention and the GP’s role: a qualitative interview study. British Journal of General Practice, 74(741), pp.e242-e249. https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2023.0103
• Rodrigues, A.L., Cerdeira, L., Machado-Taylor, M.D.L. and Alves, H., 2021. Technological skills in higher education—different needs and different uses. Education Sciences, 11(7), p.326.
• Wanko Keutchafo, E.L., Kerr, J. and Baloyi, O.B., 2022, October. A model for effective nonverbal communication between nurses and older patients: a grounded theory inquiry. In Healthcare (Vol. 10, No. 11, p. 2119). MDPI.
• Williamson, L.E., Sleeman, K.E. and Evans, C.J., 2023. Exploring access to community care and emergency department use among people with dementia: A qualitative interview study with people with dementia, and current and bereaved caregivers. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 38(7), p.e5966. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.5966