Taylor's College CAL MPU Programme

Tuesday, 1 September 2015

Reflection 2 on My Goals

Describe My Goals

First and foremost, I would like to study hard and pass my Cambridge A-Levels (CAL) with flying colours, hopefully I can get 4A*s in my A-Levels. Subsequently, I want to enter an oversea university which have good reputation and complete my place in Bachelor of Acturial Science within 5 years time. After that, my goal is to become a successful actuary and earn $ 1 000 000 before I reach 30 years old. Then, I wish to build up my own family and enjoy blissful life.

Interpret My Goals

   For my CAL Programme, I choose a subject combination which are Pure Mathematics, Physics, Economics and Further Mathematics as these subjects are compulsory for me if I want to get Bachelor of Acturial Science in university. In CAL, I have two examinations. The first one is AS, which is in the end of Sem 2 and I have 1 year time to prepare for it; the second one is A2, which is in the end of Sem 3 and I have half year time only to study for it after my AS Exam. Due to the short time interval between AS and A2, I have to work very in all the semester in order for me to handle all the subjects.

     After CAL, I wish to further my studies in Australia to do Bachelor of Acturial Science. I have no idea which university in Australia should I choose but I know that there are only 8 universities in Australia which offer this course. So, my target is one of these universities. However, I can only further my studies in Australia if I get scholarship because I am not born with silver spoon in my mouth. It is a burden for my parents if I study in overseas as there will be financial problems for my family but I really want to do so because this will improve my quality of life for my family and myself. Besides, I have to overcome my weakness when communicating with others using English because I cannot speak very fluently.

     After graduating from university, I will start my life as an actuary but I still have to sit for a few examinations for me to become a recognised actuary in my career life. I can only complete my knowledge for acturial science after all these examinations and for me to earn big money in the future.

Evaluate My Goals

   I think that I can achieve my goals in CAL because these subjects is chosen by myself and I have passion in all these subjects. I love maths and numbers as well as economics. Besides, I also study very hard and I have identify my learning styles so that I can learn in the most effective method. I have learn how to keep myself from distraction when I am studying. Therefore, I think I can fight for 4A*s in my A-Levels Examinations.

      Subsequently, I find that it is a little bit difficult to further studies in overseas. For me to further my studies in overseas, I must have good academic results and have to construct a strong foundation in CAL so that I will not feel difficult in my university life. Nevertheless, I have a strong threat for me to study in Australia which is looking for a scholarship. I am a MoE Bursarian and start from my batch, we will not receive automatic scholarship after we complete our Pre-U Programme. We have to face challenges by all the students and the place for scholarships are limited. We have to be interview and selected again for obtaining a place to get a scholarship to study in overseas. This is my biggest challenge that I will encounter because I don't know whether I can get a place for scholarship or not. If I can't, I have to change my plans to study in local university and this will eventually change my entire life. Then, I need to reinforce my communication skills in English as this is essential in interview and communication in my future life.

   When I begin my career life, I will start my job as an actuary but I still have a few examinations to do. I think I will complete all my examinations before 30 years old so that I can become a recognised actuary. In order to earn $ 1 000 000 before 30 years old, maybe I will have my place in stock market and investment. I have to be smart in order to success in my investment so I need to do a lot of homework being I take my place in the world of investment but I will do a good job as an actuary first.

Plan My Goals

   I have set a timetable for me to study all the subjects every week. Besides, I also ensure myself to complete all the homework and tasks which are given by my lecturers. I will always ask questions when I face problems in my studies.

   Next, I start to read economic-related article so that I can learn more about economics before I go into university. I will also participate in workshop to improve my communication skills and for me to pass my English proficiency test such as IELTS which is compulsory to study in overseas.

   I will complete my CAL Programme in the end of Year 2016. If I follow my plan, I will go to Australia in February 2017 to start my university life if I get a scholarship. After 3 to 3.5 years, I will graduate in Bachelor of Acturial Science so I suppose to graduate in Year 2020 when I am 23 years old. So, I have 7 more years for me to achive my final goal which is to earn $ 1 000 000 before 30 years old. I plan to complete all my acturial science examinations before 30 years old as well so I can lead a better quality life in the future. I hope that my goals can be achieved as what I am planning now!

Thursday, 27 August 2015

Reflection 1 on Personal Development Skills

Taylor's Graduate Capabilities

From eight of the domain in Taylor's Graduate Capabilities (TGC), I have figure out which one is my weakest part for myself for the time-being, that is my communication skills especially in English.

After I know that this is what I need to improve in order to further my studies in overseas, I start to read more and speak more. I read many types of article which is related to Economics because I want to be an actuary. Therefore, I need some knowledge on it and also the way how an economist talk about their opinions.

Besides, I was selected to be give a speech on TGC. At first, I feel panic because I cannot express what I am trying to say well in English. After my speech, I found that I actually can speak well in front of my fellow friends. So, I have more confident now to speak in front of others!

Smart Goals

In this lesson, I have learnt that the method to set a effective and smart goals using SMART which stand for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound.

Here, I have set my goals in life which I want to earn $ 1,000,000 before I reach 30 years old. By using SMART Goals, I have set up a clear goal which can be measurable and I think it is attainable for me. Subsequently, I found what should I do with the money that I have earned such as for my parents to lead an better lives and also for my wife and children.

In order to achieve my goal, I will study hard now to fight a chance to further my studies in overseas, as I can earn more money if compared with the others who graduate in local universities.

Personality Test

Before I carry out my personality test, I did not know and did not understand myself well enough. So, sometimes I did not know whether I like one particular activity or not because I did not spend time on myself.

After the test, I found myself as EXTRAVERT, INTUITIVE/SENSOR, FEELER/THINKER, and JUDGER. So, I know myself better now and I have figure out what is my personality type so now I know what is my characteristics. It helps me in my daily lives and when I want to participate in some activities which I do not know whether it is suitable for me or not.

Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic (VAK) Learning Style Mode

In the beginning of this lesson, I felt that learning styles is not that important to us. What we have to do is just study hard and everything will be in our minds.

However, I discover the importance of knowing my learning style in helping me to study in a more efficient way. Through VAK Test, I found myself as a Kinesthetic Learner, which is I can learn things easier if I do by myself. Before this I thought that reading notes is the best way to help me to past my examinations with flying colours. Now, I start to practise what I have learnt in real lives. This method helps me to understand the new knowledge in a better way.

SWOT Analysis

In order to achieve my goals to further my studies in Australia and become a successful actuary, I have analysed my SWOT to help me in leading towards my goals. SWOT analysis can help me to figure out my strengths and weaknesses so that I can overcome my weaknesses in my studies.

After figuring out all my weaknesses, I have build a timetable for me and I plan to attend several workshops to improve my communication skills in next few months. Moreover, I have to overcome my carelessness when answering questions in the examinations. I will always try to seek help from my teachers and friends whenever I face problems.

Career Test

While everyone in this world is unique and different we do all process information in various ways that can be measured. What we can measure gives quite an amazing insight to how we perceive and process information, relate to others, how much emotions play out in our personality, if we are live more in the present or are more focused on our future.

From my career test, I have found my characteristics in working and my career relevant traits. I also discover that I have two main characteristics which will help define my best career path:

a) I am extremely organized and enjoy creating order
b) Much of my self-satisfaction is received by giving and helping others.

Personally, I think that this test suites me and can define myself well. I am a person who is Extraverted and Judging. Nevertheless, I think I am in between Sensing/Intuitive, and Feeling/Thinking. In the future, I plan to be an actuary or an accountant, so this test is quite close to what I plan to do. Moreover, I am loyal and well-organised. For instance, I can manage my time well and I am very faithful to my leader. Furthermore, I enjoy group discussion as I can give my co-operation well with my teammates and I love helping others. Next, I am the person with strong moral and ethical values so I will not break my own principle easily.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, I found that all of the lessons in MPU classes are actually meaningful to me as I am now knowing myself better than before this!

Monday, 24 August 2015

Career Test

Well, this time our MPU assignment comes to career test. Studies show that 73% of Malaysians are not happy with their job. In my opinion, they do not choose their job according to their passion and what they like to do. It is very important for us to know what suites us well and what do we like? What are our strengths and weaknesses? Therefore, we will not regret for our job in future.

So, this is my career test that I want to share...

Percentage breakdown of your results:

Extraverted (E) 57% Introverted (I) 43%

Sensing (S) 64% Intuitive (N) 36%

Feeling (F) 55% Thinking (T) 45%

Judging (J) 73% Perceiving (P) 27%

ESFJ – Caregivers and Supporters
Career relevant traits:

• Loyal
• Organised
• Dependable to finish tasks to completion
• Enjoy creating structure and function
• Very good at giving practical care
• Very co-operative, good team members
• Receive satisfaction from giving to others
• Live in the present and dislike theorizing about the future

You have two main characteristics which will help define your best career path:
a) You are extremely organized and enjoy creating order
b) Much of your self-satisfaction is received by giving and helping others.

Therefore you will do well at jobs which involve maintaining or creating structure and order, and you will be happiest by serving others.

An ESFJ is a people person. Warm and friendly, you like other people, and like to make them feel good about themselves by being supportive and using your ability to see things from their point of view.

An ESFJ that has been raised in an environment of strong moral and ethical values centred around real goodness will likely become a highly considerate and generous person, while those that have not, because they lack the intuition to see the big picture, nor process internally their morals, can be overly sensitive, manipulative or very controlling.

An ESFJ at their best are helpful, warm, sympathetic, practical, cooperative, tactful, down-to-earth, organised, thorough, consistent, energetic and enthusiastic. Enjoyment is found in security and tradition they seek stable lives that are rich in contact with friends and family.

Possible Career Paths for the ESFJ:
• Sales representatives
• Military
• Home Economics
• Nursing
• Teaching
• Technical and trade teaching
• Administrators
• Insurance writer agents and underwriters
• Child Care
• Family Practice Physician
• Clergy or other religious work
• Office Managers
• Counselors / Social Work
• Bookkeeping / Accounting
• Administrative Assistants

Reflection

Monday, 17 August 2015

SWOT Analysis

What is SWOT? SWOT Analysis can help you in examining the potential for a new business or product, a SWOT analysis can help determine the likely risks and rewards. SWOT, which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, is an analytical framework that can help your company face its greatest challenges and find its most promising new markets.

SWOT analysis was created in the 1960s by business gurus Edmund P. Learned, C. Roland Christensen, Kenneth Andrews and William D. Book in their book "Business Policy, Text and Cases" (R.D. Irwin, 1969). While the tool was originally intended for business use, it has since been adopted to aid personal development.

In a nutshell, SWOT Analysis is a useful technique for understanding your Strengths and Weaknesses, and for identifying both the Opportunities open to you and the Threats you face.

MY SWOT ANALYSIS in my studies

S-Strengths

(a) Calculate very fast

(b) Can focus when teacher is teaching

(d) Plan before doing something

(e) Can memorise thing quite fast

(f) Complete my homework

(g) Can help friends in questions

(h) Good in Mathematics

(i) Patient

(j) Can accept reviews from others

(k) Optimistic
(i) Sensitive to numbers, statistics and data

W-Weaknesses

(a) Lazy

(b) Procrastination

(d) Rarely ask question in class

(e) Talkative

(f) Give up easily when cannot solve problems

(g) Cannot follow teachers in lessons sometimes

(h) Careless

(i) Weak communication skills in English

O-Opportunity

(a) I have a good academic results so I can apply for scholarship to further my studies in overseas

(b) My family support me in what I plan to be

T-Threats

(a) Fully dependent on scholarship to further my studies

(b) Financial problems

Ways to overcome my weaknesses:-

1. Build a time table which is balanced in play and work

2. Attend workshop for me to improve my communication skills

3. Be more careful when answering questions in examinations

4. Seek help from teachers and friends whenever I face problems

5. Be determined in solving problems

Thursday, 13 August 2015

Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic (VAK) learning style mode

VAK Learning Style Mode

A common and widely-used model of learning style is Fleming’s (2001) Visual Auditory Kinesthetic (VAK) model. According to this model, most people possess a dominant or preferred learning style; however some people have a mixed and evenly balanced blend of the three styles:

Visual learners
Auditory learners
Kinaesthetic learners

Visual learners tend to:

Learn through seeing
Think in pictures and need to create vivid mental images to retain information
Enjoy looking at maps, charts, pictures, videos, and movies
Have visual skills which are demonstrated in puzzle building, reading, writing, understanding charts and graphs, a good sense of direction, sketching, painting, creating visual metaphors and analogies (perhaps through the visual arts), manipulating images, constructing, fixing, designing practical objects, and interpreting visual images

Auditory learners tend to:

Learn through listening
Have highly developed auditory skills and are generally good at speaking and presenting
Think in words rather than pictures
Learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say
Have auditory skills demonstrated in listening, speaking, writing, storytelling, explaining, teaching, using humour, understanding the syntax and meaning of words, remembering information, arguing their point of view, and analysing language usage

Kinaesthetic learners tend to:

Learn through moving, doing and touching
Express themselves through movement
Have good sense of balance and eye-hand coordination
Remember and process information through interacting with the space around them
Find it hard to sit still for long periods and may become distracted by their need for activity and exploration
Have skills demonstrated in physical coordination, athletic ability, hands on experimentation, using body language, crafts, acting, miming, using their hands to create or build, dancing, and expressing emotions through the body.

My Learning Style:

I see myself as a Kinesthetic Learner because I can learn new things faster by doing them. Sometimes, I can be an Auditory Learner as well because I like to listen to music when I am doing revision and homework. Therefore, I think I am mixed in auditory and kinesthetic.

Learning Style Test:-

Your Scores:

Auditory: 35%
Visual: 15%
Kinesthetic: 50%

You are a Kinesthetic learner! Check out the information below:

Kinesthetic

If you are a kinesthetic learner, you learn by touching and doing. You understand and remember things through physical movement. You are a "hands-on" learner who prefers to touch, move, build, or draw what you learn, and you tend to learn better when some type of physical activity is involved. You need to be active and take frequent breaks, you often speak with your hands and with gestures, and you may have difficulty sitting still.

As a kinesthetic learner, you like to take things apart and put things together, and you tend to find reasons to tinker or move around when you become bored. You may be very well coordinated and have good athletic ability. You can easily remember things that were done but may have difficulty remembering what you saw or heard in the process. You often communicate by touching, and you appreciate physically expressed forms of encouragement, such as a pat on the back.

Here are some things that tactile learners like you can do to learn better:

Participate in activities that involve touching, building, moving, or drawing.
Do lots of hands-on activities like completing art projects, taking walks, or acting out stories.
It's OK to chew gum, walk around, or rock in a chair while reading or studying.
Use flashcards and arrange them in groups to show relationships between ideas.
Trace words with your finger to learn spelling (finger spelling).
Take frequent breaks during reading or studying periods (frequent, but not long).
It's OK to tap a pencil, shake your foot, or hold on to something while learning.
Use a computer to reinforce learning through the sense of touch.

Remember that you learn best by doing, not just by reading, seeing, or hearing.

Monday, 10 August 2015

Personality Test

My Personality Test

SECTION I: YOUR DIMENSION RESULTS

This section will explain how you scored on each of the four dimensions of personality.

YOU ARE AN EXTRAVERT

Your energy style is Extraversion (in contrast with Introversion). This dimension describes how youmanage your energy.

Extraverts are energized by interacting and engaging with other people. They approach the outside world enthusiastically and look for opportunities to experience the thrills and excitement of life. They enjoy:

Interacting with people
Being in busy surroundings
Engaging with the outside world
Expressing thoughts and feelings
Being noticed by others
Stimulation and activity

YOU MAY BE AN INTUITIVE OR A SENSOR

Your score was right on the borderline for the Intuition vs. Sensing dimension. We can't say for sure what your style is for this dimension of personality.

This dimension describes how you process information. Have a look at both styles below, and see if you can get a sense of which describes you best.

Sensors process information in a concrete, realistic way. They focus on observing and recalling facts, experiences, and details. They like to focus on:

Observing sights, sounds, sensations
Noticing details
Experiencing the present moment
Concrete, provable facts
Realism and practicality
Knowledge from past experience

Intuitives process information in an abstract, imaginative way. They focus on ideas and concepts that cannot be directly observed. They like to focus on:

Observing patterns and connections
Interpreting meaning
Imagining potential
Ideas and concepts
Innovation and creativity
Possibilities for the future

YOU MAY BE A FEELER OR A THINKER

Your score was right on the borderline for the Thinking vs. Feeling dimension. We can't say for sure what your style is for this dimension of personality.

This dimension describes your orientation to personal values. Have a look at both styles below, and see if you can get a sense of which is a better fit.

Feelers value empathy, cooperation and compassion. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take care of those around them. They are concerned with:

Acting out their ideals
Engaging their emotions
Considering the impact on people
Seeking harmony and appreciation
Serving others
Making authentic decisions

Thinkers value logic, competence, and objectivity. They believe that every person has a responsibility to take care of him or herself. They are concerned with:

Using logical reasoning
Being unbiased and impartial
Considering costs and benefits
Seeking consistency and justice
Keeping a competitive edge
Making objective decisions

YOU ARE A JUDGER

Your self-management style is Judging (in contrast with Perceiving). This dimension describes how youorganize your life.

Judgers like structure and order. They keep organized and plan ahead, resist distractions, and stay focused on their goals. They prefer to:

Create a plan and stick to it
See a task through to completion
Adhere to a schedule
Set goals and maintain focus
Follow rules and regulations
Set clear expectations

SECTION II: YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE

This section will show you how your four dimension results combine to create your personality type.

DISCOVERING YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE

Your personality type code is based on the combination of your results for the four dimensions of personality. Because we are not sure of your styles on all of the dimensions, we are not sure of your four-letter code. We will show you all the personality types that may fit you, and it is up to you to decide which describes you best.

Below you will find profiles for each of the personality types that you should consider. Read over each of them carefully and think about which fits you best. You may see some of yourself in all of them, and none of them may fit you exactly. However, try to think about which comes the closest to describing you. If you can find a profile that is about 90% accurate or better, that is likely to be your personality type.

ENFJ: The Teacher

ENFJs are idealist organizers, driven to implement their vision of what is best for humanity. They often act as catalysts for human growth because of their ability to see potential in other people and their charisma in persuading others to their ideas. They are focused on values and vision, and are passionate about the possibilities for people.

ENFJs are typically energetic and driven, and often have a lot on their plates. They are tuned into the needs of others and acutely aware of human suffering; however, they also tend to be optimistic and forward-thinking, intuitively seeing opportunity for improvement. The ENFJ is ambitious, but their ambition is not self-serving: rather, they feel personally responsible for making the world a better place.

ENTJ: The Commander

ENTJs are strategic leaders, motivated to organize change. They are quick to see inefficiency and conceptualize new solutions, and enjoy developing long-range plans to accomplish their vision. They excel at logical reasoning and are usually articulate and quick-witted.

ENTJs are analytical and objective, and like bringing order to the world around them. When there are flaws in a system, the ENTJ sees them, and enjoys the process of discovering and implementing a better way. ENTJs are assertive and enjoy taking charge; they see their role as that of leader and manager, organizing people and processes to achieve their goals.

ESFJ: The Provider

ESFJs are conscientious helpers, sensitive to the needs of others and energetically dedicated to their responsibilities. They are highly attuned to their emotional environment and attentive to both the feelings of others and the perception others have of them. ESFJs like a sense of harmony and cooperation around them, and are eager to please and provide.

ESFJs value loyalty and tradition, and usually make their family and friends their top priority. They are generous with their time, effort, and emotions. They often take on the concerns of others as if they were their own, and will attempt to put their significant organizational talents to use to bring order to other people's lives.

ESTJ: The Supervisor

ESTJs are hardworking traditionalists, eager to take charge in organizing projects and people. Orderly, rule-abiding, and conscientious, ESTJs like to get things done, and tend to go about projects in a systematic, methodical way.

ESTJs are the consummate organizers, and want to bring structure to their surroundings. They value predictability and prefer things to proceed in a logical order. When they see a lack of organization, the ESTJ often takes the initiative to establish processes and guidelines, so that everyone knows what's expected.

Sunday, 9 August 2015

SMART Goals

My SMART Goals

Everyone has goals. Unfortunately, not everyone can achieve their goals because most of the goals are too ambiguous. SMART goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound.

S~Specific:
I want to earn $1 000 000 before I reach 30 years old.

M~Measurable:
I graduate at 23 years old which means I have 7 years to reach my goals. So I have to earn at least $150,000 per year.

A~Attainable:
I think it is attainable for me if I graduate in overseas so that I can get higher wages for my job. I will also try to do some smart and good investment in order to earn more so that i can reach my goal.

R~Realistic:
Well I must have the money for my family to live in a better environment.

T~Time-bound:
Before 30 years old.

Sensing (S) 64%	Intuitive (N) 36%
Feeling (F) 55%	Thinking (T) 45%