Short-Term Goals (3-6 months):

  1. Paraphrasing Skills Improvement:
  • Specific: Book sessions with the Centre of Academic Writing.
  • Measurable: Complete at least 3-4 CAW sessions within three months.
  • Achievable: Allocate at least two hours per week to studying and practicing paraphrasing techniques.
  • Relevant: Enhancing paraphrasing skills will directly address the weakness identified in the SWOT analysis and improve my academic writing.
  • Time-bound: Aim to complete the course and implement learned techniques in upcoming assignments within three months.
  1. Consistency in Referencing:
  • Specific: Develop a referencing checklist outlining Coventry APA style guidelines for different source types.
  • Measurable: Ensure that all references in assignments are consistently formatted according to the checklist.
  • Achievable: Seek feedback from tutors and utilize online referencing tools Refworks and Mybib to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  • Relevant: Consistent referencing is essential for academic integrity and will address the weakness identified in the SWOT analysis.
  • Time-bound: Implement the referencing checklist in the next assignment and track adherence over the next six months.

Medium-Term Goals (6-12 months):

  1. Argument Building Mastery:
  • Specific: Participate in a debate club or critical thinking workshop to practice constructing persuasive arguments.
  • Measurable: Deliver at least three presentations or written assignments incorporating strong argumentation techniques.
  • Achievable: Attend weekly debate club meetings or workshops and actively engage in exercises focused on argument building.
  • Relevant: Strengthening argumentation skills directly addresses the weakness identified in the SWOT analysis and enhances academic writing and critical analysis abilities.
  • Time-bound: Aim to deliver presentations or written assignments showcasing improved argumentation skills within six to nine months.

Long-Term Goals (12+ months):

  1. Overcoming Perfectionism:
  • Specific: Practice mindfulness and stress management techniques to reduce perfectionist tendencies.
  • Measurable: Keep a journal to track progress in managing stress and setting realistic expectations.
  • Achievable: Dedicate at least 15 minutes daily to mindfulness exercises and engage in regular self-reflection.
  • Relevant: Overcoming perfectionism is crucial for maintaining well-being and achieving a healthy balance between academic and personal life.
  • Time-bound: Aim to reduce perfectionist tendencies and manage stress effectively within twelve months.
  1. Effective Time Management:
  • Specific: Develop a personalized time management plan with clear goals and priorities.
  • Measurable: Track daily tasks and allocate time slots for studying, assignments, and personal activities using a planner or digital tool.
  • Achievable: Implement time management strategies such as the Pomodoro Technique and prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency.
  • Relevant: Effective time management is essential for academic success and maintaining a healthy school-life balance.
  • Time-bound: Establish and adhere to the time management plan consistently over the next twelve months.