Reflective learning foundation in workplace for humanistic learning style

analysis based on experience during realisation of projects in real working environment by Krzysztof Tomaszko

Introduction
For the practical part of my second years Continuing Professional Development module I have chosen two very different places to gain learning experience by realization of work placement and project tasks. The place for my project was local small business, a company of mechanics where I have established contact to work as a graphics designer and project implementation manager. As for my placement I have chosen local primary school were I was organising IT training for school staff. My learning targets were covering: Digital graphics design of advertising leaflets,

Experience
Various environments can create different obstacles when trying to reach the target especially in tight time schedule. (LT2)

Planning
It was important to plan tasks according to the materials and current knowledge. Most important and difficult was to predict the time necessary to learn new skills needed to progress. Wrong time estimates was the key problem causing delays and schedule shifts. Overestimation could be the reason of project failure (LT1, LT2, LT3). Estimating effort by using more than method was the best approach as it guaranteed optimal time management and was securing plan realization. It was also providing alternate route in case of obstacles. (LT1, LT3) Frequent review and consideration of external dependencies was important as the work was depending on suppliers and the time was shared every day with other work places. I had to make it clear for everyone that these people too knew about their involvement in the project. (LT4, LT5)

It was is more likely that problems were occurring and I was experiencing more difficulties with project or individual tasks, when I wasnt keeping communication schedule prepared for the project (LT5) Realization of the advertisement project for a small family business was an exceptional and very exacting because this type of business has a special meaning for owners, who as a people involved in project laying higher than the average expectations on the project leader (LT1, LT2)

Observation
Strict observation and prompt notice of any delays or any differences occurring in accordance to the plan had significant meaning for tasks schedule and adjustments to project plan (LT2). Having implemented tracking procedures for project tasks and objectives would make me sure that I have enough evidence for analysis in case if any problem occurs. (LT2) Each Incident should be documented and should have prepared risk assessment procedure in case of occurrence (LT2) An observation in connection with communication with project stakeholders and team members was ensuring that I was more likely to predict any oncoming incidents and had greater chance to prevent majority of them with success. (LT4, LT5)

Reflection
It was extremely important to allow enough time to analyze situation and isolate elements that were causing delays or alternations to principal plans. A good understanding of problem was the key for further planning. (LT2, LT4). Perceptional views may vary for different people even reflecting about the same element of the project. It was one of the most important tasks to review project progress and outcome of milestone tasks with stakeholders and make adjustment in accordance to their opinion (LT5).

Implementation project management in small business environment,

Preparation of presentations for professional training purposes, Improvement of my flexibility and adaptability to various work environment, Enhancement of communication skills.

Evaluation
When starting a new project we usually expect that some problems may occur. I was expecting that the lack of experience and knowledge about graphics design may be the greatest challenge, instead of that the most trouble made me the time management. Humanistic approach used to learn key practical skills needed for project realisation has given a good outcome. The most difficult to learn organisation and planning of time scope also couldnt be handled without leading principles of humanistic theory. As summarized by M. Dombeck( Ph.D.) and J. Wells-Moran, (Ph.D.) in their Psychological self-tools - online self-help book (www.centersite.net,2004), to learn and implement time management in your life You need to become aware of and record everything you're doing so that important things get done on time and nothing has a chance to sneak up on you. As the project has been completed in time I can say that the hardest part of my learning was completed successfully, however I need to admit that implementation of tight daily schedule was difficult and within next projects I am going to concentrate on improving these skills.

References
Learning Cycle model by D.A. Kolb (1984); Psychological self-tools - online self-help book M. Dombeck Ph.D. and J. Wells-Moran, (Ph.D.),www.centersite.net, 2004;