Kamryn Flake
College Student
Core Skills
Artifacts can be accessed by clicking on the image for each Core Skill.
This page lists the five Core Skills, which includes Written Communication, Oral Communication, Intercultural Competence, Technology, and Critical Thinking. Along with each skill, I have attached an artifact that I have completed through my studies at SPCC. Many of these artifacts have been challenging, yet have increased my knowledge and improved my skills. Oral Communication is one of my weakest core skills, because I get nervous when I’m required to speak in front of people I do not know. In contrast to my weaknesses, I believe an area of strength for me is critical thinking. Math and science are my two favorite subjects, both of which require critical thinking. Being forced to think critically, helps me to expand my learning and think outside of the box. In addition, my understanding and use of technology is also a strength. The use of a cell phone, tablet, and computers has enabled me to use technology more effectively. Since today’s society is evolving around technology I believe this is important skill to possess. There have been many different challenges through each artifact that I presented, but I believe that with the goals I set then I am able to over come them.
Written Communication: The learner will exchange ideas and information with others using written text in a manner effective and appropriate for the intended audience.
Photo Credited: Wix Images
The first artifact that I am presenting is Writing in Discipline (ENG 112). During this class, I focused on a discipline that I am passionate about. I chose to focus on the discipline, nursing. I have been interested in nursing for a while, however, I was only aware of the basic elements. By doing this project, I was able to get a better understanding of what is required to become a nurse. I took this class in the spring of 2018, which was my second semester of college classes.
My report was titled, The Nursing Profession. Throughout this essay, I discussed what the nursing profession is. A nurse is required to have a 2 year or 4 year degree who interacts for someone’s mental and physical health. In addition, they also support the patient and their family through difficult times. Next, I explained how a nurse has to use writing within their particular field. Lastly, I discussed how professional organizations for the nursing profession addresses specific concerns or provides greater insight into the nursing aspects of the medical field. My report allows the audience to gain a deeper understanding of nursing requirements.
My first smart goal was to learn how to express my thoughts better, which I successfully accomplished. When I first started writing this paper, I used a lot of unnecessary words, such as “like” and “that.” I also noticed my essay included in text citations, but they did not really explain what it meant. I realized I could effectively express my thoughts by explaining what the particular quotation meant. After several revisions of my paper, I realized I accomplished this goal by correcting my mistakes.
The second smart goal I accomplished with this paper was learning how to stay focused on the main idea. I have the tendency to get off topic when I am writing. The sentences would not follow any logical sequence. This is something that I struggle with when writing papers. As I reread papers, I am more aware of errors which need to be fixed so that the details relate to the main idea and follow a sequence.Staying focused on my paper was very challenging. When rereading my paper and revising it, I was able to put all things aside and engage in my work. I made sure that there was a smooth flow between all of the information.
Oral Communication: The learner will exchange ideas and information with others using the spoken word in a manner effective and appropriate for the intended audience.
The next artifact is from Public Speaking class (COM 231), I completed a variety of speeches. This class took place in the fall of 2017. The two focused on in class the most were informative and persuasive speeches. My public speaking skills and ability have improved tremendously, and I am much more confident when speaking to a group or audience. This class taught me useful techniques and strategies for speaking in front of a crowd, both at school and in other settings.
The artifact I chose for oral communication was my persuasive speech, which was my second speech in this class. During the speech, I was trying to convince the audience to donate blood. I encouraged each one to become active donors in an effort to help save the lives of others. Although this was a persuasive speech, I had to give factual information so that the audience can see that there is a need for all types of blood in order for people to be healthy.
My first smart goal for this is that I would learn how to deliver a speech. This is an important skill for this class, and it seems simple, however, there were many steps that had to be taken in order for me to deliver the speech effectively. Before beginning the speech, I had to select a topic I was familiar with so that it was easier for me to deliver it. Once I decided my topic, I gathered information to present and completed all parts of the speech including the introduction, body, and conclusion.
I also struggled with eye contact and my voice. In the beginning, I had a tendency to look at my notecards the majority of the time, partly because I was nervous. Eventually, I was able to deliver the speech without having to depend on my notecards the majority of the time. This showed that I knew the information I was presenting. Next, my voice and how I presented the speech was also an issue. Due to the allotted time for the speech, I had a tendency to speed up. I became more aware, and would make a conscious decision to slow down and speak clearly.
An additional goal that I had for this specific goal was to learn how to transition smoothly between points in a speech. By using transition words, it allowed the audience helped know what was being talked about, and what will be talked about. For example, “We’ve discussed the facts about the blood supply and the moral reason to do it, now let’s look at a 3 step plan that will improve our blood supply.” This demonstrates I successfully accomplished this goal.
Technology: The learner will select and use technology to access, process, and exchange information in a manner effective and appropriate for the intended audience.
Photo Credited: Wix Images
My ePortfolio will be the artifact I will use for this core skill. It is strictly based off of technology, therefore, it is the best choice of artifacts. I started my ePortfolio in the College Transfer Success class (ACA-122), which I was enrolled in during the fall of 2018. In this class, I learned how to create a WIX website. This class allowed me to learn technology skills I can use as I continue my education and eventually begin my future career. Society is highly impacted by technology, and this class allowed me to enhance my understanding and skills. I am currently taking a Humanities class, which allows the students to use critical thinking skills, I will be able to update and improve my ePortfolio.
Learning how to add files to the website is one goal I am still working on. In my ACA class, I was able to add files to my website, but they were all word documents. With the artifacts I have recently selected, they all consist of different types of files, including essays, videos, and PowerPoints. After playing around with each button that allows me to provide a link, I was able to add these files successfully, so that they are downloadable and viewable.
My next goal is to learn to design a website that fits the theme. The first step for doing this is selecting the appropriate artifacts, which will show my theme. The theme will provide a greater look at the student and person I am. Adding colors and images that match my overall theme will also make it more appealing. I have started this with my Humanities class, and will improve it. I have used the same theme colors throughout the entire website. My use of personal images also show the audience who I am. It is essential to have a theme along with a design that fits the theme. I added various quotes to my ePortfolio to show that an individual can overcome challenges.
Critical Thinking: The learner will identify, interpret, analyze, or synthesize problem before developing and implementing solutions in a manner effective and appropriate for the intended audience.
Photo Credited: Wix Images
During my last semester, I took General Chemistry (CHM 151). This activity was Lab #10, which was called “Molecular Modeling.” With this lab we learned the name and the design of each Lewis Structure, and also what the Lewis Structure would look like as a VSEPR shape. This lab required me to use critical thinking skills. For example, if I was creating a Lewis Structure and missed one dot on it, it messed up the entire structure. I would then have to go back and figure out what the issue was. Sometimes we did not get multiple chances or the teacher wouldn’t tell us if we were right or wrong. Therefore, if one was wrong (Lewis Structure) you typically got the other two things wrong (VSEPR shape and/or name). Typically, I had to go back and double check each thing to make sure that the others were correct.
This class was very challenging, as the students often had to teach themselves. We had to know all of the information prior class, complete a lab for the newly learned material, and take a test. This class taught me how to use my critical thinking skills, and problem solve. These skills will benefit me in all aspects of life as I continue to move forward.
For this, the first goal I established was learning how to solve problems. This may seem like a simple goal, yet it is essential to becoming successful within my chemistry class along with life problems. I have to draw conclusions about the approach to solve the problem and actually doing so by using factual information. When not knowing how to solve a specific problem or getting the answer wrong over and over again, I tend to get frustrated. To be able to overcome this issue, I would have to remind myself of the steps for the specific problem, focus on it, and then proceed.
This leads right to my next goal, which is learning to analyze and interpret problems. This looked simple to do after reading an overview and looking at the example, but it was more difficult than that. I had to follow these steps 1) find the total number of valence electrons 2) find the number of electrons needed to make the atom's outer electron shell filled 3) determine the number of bonds in the molecule 4) choose a central atom 5) draw a skeletal structure 6) place electrons around outside atoms, which have to each equal eight 7) place remaining electrons around the central atom.
After completing the drawing, I had to analyze what I did to see if it was correct. When analyzing, I went back and interpreted the drawings. I needed to interpret it to make sure I understood why it was correct or incorrect.
Cultural Literacy: The learner will demonstrate a “set of cognitive, affective, and behavioral skills and characteristics that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of a cultural contexts” (Bennett, M., 2008).
Photo Credited: Wix Images
For this artifact I have chosen to use an assignment entitled, Religious Beliefs in the Healthcare Field. I took Introduction to Sociology (SOC-210) in the Spring of 2018. To provide further clarification about what I learned, Debra Mason (2014) explained, “various religions have views about the sacredness of the body and will of God that may prevent believers from consenting to medical interventions.” This is a topic of debate for many healthcare professionals, and patients as their faith beliefs may prevent them from receiving the medical care they need.
Once again, there are two smart goals that I have set for myself. The first one being I will increase my knowledge of different religions. Before doing this assignment, I was familiar with some other religions other than my own. By doing research for this paper, I was able to understand various beliefs and religious preferences. I have showed my understanding of various cultures in the healthcare field, and hope to learn more about them as I progress through school.
Secondly, I will increase my understanding of religions and cultures by asking questions. I struggle when I don’t know a lot about other religions and cultures, instead of asking I tend to assume. As I go into the healthcare field, I may not understand why an individual would choose a certain route of medical attention, but I will be respectful of the decision they make. Some may be as a result of a bad choice or circumstance beyond their control, however, it is not my place to judge. By doing research and including factual information, my paper will not include opinions. It is important to know the various religions and cultures, as we live in a culturally diverse society.