Reflection essay -Business Finance – Management
Experiential Learning Essay Template
Review this check list in prior to submitting your experiential learning essay. If you have completed all of the items listed below, you are ready to submit your essay. Keep in mind, your evaluator may still request additional material, however, the list below will guide in your essay submission preparations .Not adhering to these guidelines will cause a delay in processing.
**Review each of the items below and check if you have completed each of them:
1. I have selected an approved essay topic from the essay course descriptions page. http://www.phoenix.edu/admissions/prior_learning_assessment/experiential-essays/essay-topics.html
2. Some essays have specific experience requirements. I have checked the essay description and I meet all of the experience requirements listed.
3. I have written and included a 1,500 to 2,100 word autobiography; autobiography is only required with first Experiential Learning Essay, subsequent essays do not require additional autobiographies.
4. I have written an experiential essay eligible for 3 credits with a3,000 to 4,000 word count.
5. My essay is written in first person (1st) without references.
6. I have written to all four (4) areas of Kolb’s model of learning.
7. I have addressed all of the required subtopics in each of the four areas of Kolb’s model of learning.
8. I have included supporting documentation that validates my personal/professional experience with the essay course description/topic.
9. My essay is based on personal, life learning experiences, not based on research, history, or another individual’s learning experiences.
Kolb’s Model
Below is a description of Kolb’s Model. All experiential essays must be written following Kolb’s Model. Below you will find the four sections of Kolb’s Model, a brief description of the section, and a sample of how that section should be addressed. The samples are pulled from the sample essay found on the PLA website, and it is recommended that you review the sample essay for a more complete example of how to write an experiential essay in Kolb’s Model. The words on this page do not count toward the essay length requirement.
1. Description of Concrete Experience
Description: Concrete experience represents your personal participation with the people, places, activities, and events of an experience. You should describe your involvement relative to the experience, demonstrating the opportunity for learning.
Sample : My career in public relations started off as a staff assistant in the Public Information Office of a community college system. After two years of on-the-job training, I was promoted to the position of community relations officer.
2. Reflections
Description: Reflections represent your thinking and processing relative to the experience. You should demonstrate your learning by describing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed through the reflective process.
Sample : I have observed that some organizations are very good at garnering free publicity. They appear at local events and frequently appear as experts in television and newspaper interviews.
3. Generalizations/Principles/Theories
Description: Generalizations, principles, and theories are constructs that organize and guide academic learning. A typical college course is built around several such generalizations, principles, and/or theories.
In this stage, you identify and describe the generalizations, principles, and/or theories to demonstrate your learning outcomes. These learning outcomes result from analyzing and reflecting on your experience. The generalizations, principles, and/or theories should be comparable to those addressed in typical college courses and should match the course description selected.
Sample : Whether working with large or small one-owner organizations, it makes no difference in establishing rules, guidelines, or policies regarding image and public relations. Developing a detailed plan of action makes it much easier to schedule and implement appropriate applicable strategies.
4. Testing and Application
Description: Testing and/or application represent situations in which the new learning can be used. You should describe how you did, or could in the future, test and/or apply what you learned.
Sample : A fun promotional idea that emerged as a by-product profit center for the bookstore was t-shirts. We printed t-shirts with the bookstore logo on the back with advertisements for the bookstore on the front.
Name:
Korey Raymond Moye
Date:
July 31, 2017
Individual Record Number:
90526711
Title:
Communication in Development and Training
Enter your name, the date, your IRN, and the approved essay title of the essay topic you have chosen from the PLA website. When you are ready to begin writing the essay, type out the essay subtopics as they appear in the essay course description, and follow the four steps of Kolb’s model.
Describe the experiences that taught you about the subtopic, reflect on that experience, explain the principles learned, and then explain how those principles were tested and applied. You are then ready to move on to the next subtopic. Follow this process until you meet the length requirement, and have addressed all required subtopics. *Word count begins at the first subtopic.
Subtopic (1): Summarize the intersection of communication models and training models.
Description of Concrete Experience:
At any company that is successful there are core beliefs that they follow. One of those cores is development and training. This is reflected in not only the company, but the people that work in the buildings. In walmart there are many deparments that each must fuction effeciently to help the company become prosperous. Communication takes many forms and that is displayed in the models of communication and training. When I think about training one must first have the information to teach or train others. Yet until that communication has be initiated then the training cannot start. I had to learn the purpose of critical thinking and effective communication in school and then relearn it at work. When I started work for Walmart, I had to learn paperwork that I would need to fill out in my department. Recently, I was promoted to lead a team of unloaders. Since I was leaving my orginal position I needed to teach or train someone on how to perform the following forms correctly: Claims slip, Beer/alcohol log, TLE sales slip, assembly log, telxon log, printer log, Ride on lawn mower log. Each of these logs helps me to perform my job well. The last task of technical writing is the shipping receiving paperwork or bill of lading. The Example claim slips will be stated on subtopic 3. As for the rest, they will be explained to how technical writing can be elaborated. As with any form the purpose of a form is to organize information or data so that an individual can analyze and incorporate the findings and a final report that will display the results.
The beer and alcohol laws are designed for people that purchase a large quantity of alcohol. When an individual customer purchases a significant amount of alcohol this log States that they are going to use the alcohol for responsible reasons and that they will do so in a way that corresponds with the local laws as well as the federal statutes that we all live. The log list the name of the customer how much of the quality of alcohol if they are buying, the date of the purchase, and their drivers license. The customers uniform that trying to return the alcohol would have to go through a longer process than normal.
The telxon log and printer log are both devices that need to be signed out to perform daily tasks. A telxon is the phone like scanning device that is used to check in inventory. This method is also used to make labels and signs for merchandise. A printer is a mobile device that allows for labels and signs to be made that is sent from The telxon to the printer. The logs for both of these devices calls for a name first and last that are used to sign the devices out, as well as the corresponding number that has been placed on the back of the devices.
Reflections: The assembly log and the ride on lawnmower record a very similar in that they both keep track of information that pertains specifically to lawn and garden. The assembly log is a form of paperwork that explains not only what needs to be assembled, but to the customer that purchase the item is. The log also states with the client’s buy the item and when the assembler needs to have the item assembled so as to keep within the three days to keep it in a three-day requirement of assembly. The ride on lawn mower log is in a similar form; the form is designed to show when the product was received along with the model number the serial number and the actual name brand of the lawnmower.
Generalizations, Principles and Theories: Generally, you should deliver really important messages face-to-face or over the phone. This makes more impact and enables the receiver to respond immediately. E-mail is suitable for less important messages, or those to which you don’t need an urgent response. Instant messaging is best used for casual messages. Some people respond best to information that’s presented visually. Others rely more on what they hear, or on information that’s text-based. And some learn best by doing – building models or putting ideas into practice. In trying to choose an effective medium, you should consider the preferred communication style of the receiver. You should also consider the receiver’s willingness to receive your message. For example, it’s better to communicate sensitive information, rather than via e-mail.
The last part of the log States the date of the purchase of the lawnmower as well as the name of the customer that bought it. Both of these logs are filled out at the time of purchase. With these forms, the information is kept in an organized and detailed manner so that it can easily be traced to verify devices are properly turned in when the tasks have been completed.
Testing and Application: The TLE log is something that I use on a regular basis. This record is designed to maintain the organize information that is required for auto maintenance of vehicles. The basically at a register the paperwork is first established with the customer confirming what they want it done to their vehicle. After I explained to the new hire what the log was and how to use it. I then gave him any example of a real life experience. For example, if a client wanted an oil change then the paperwork would reflect the decision that they want it for their vehicle. I recently had to check out a customer that wanted an oil change and four new tires. For some reason, the register did not function correctly regarding the transaction. I explained to him how to fix a problem if it can arise.So to accommodate the client, I have to do a manual input of the information into the register. I explained By doing this, it did not correctly place the information where it should be on the actual paperwork receipt. To counteract this, I have to reprint the second receipt to put on the paperwork with an explanation explaining what happened in detail how the result was rectified.
Subtopic (2): Analyze common presentation styles.
Description of Concrete Experience:
When working in a place that receives merchandise, forms are a must to do things in an organized manner. I have had multiple occasions where I have had to check inventory that I was supplied. For example, I worked in lawn and garden section of Walmart where we will receive orders of plants as well as refills for propane exchanges. In Walmart when receiving plant orders, it is important to take note of how many racks of plants are being delivered.
Compared to other businesses that are willing to allow the associate to check the merchandise and submit a claim after the truck driver has departed from the store. These issues need to be addressed promptly, so as to allow various companies to process as well as receive the claims that may be written. After the merchandise has been successfully removed from the truck with every security and safety measure taken it is then important to verify what the information that is stated on the paperwork is what was received from the truck. As mentioned earlier sometimes plants are missing, or damage in this needs to be determined and filed promptly said the companies could process the claim and send credits back to Walmart. All the paperwork and feeling it out there’s various lines that need to be signed. One line states that we the company have received the shipment. The second line shows that it was the right store that has received the shipment. And then the third line is the date of they received it of the plants that were shipped. When finishing up the paperwork, the associate must double check that all the plants are in healthy shape. If the plants are not healthy or dry or damaged or missing these issues, then needs to be reported. The shipment for propane exchanges running a similar manner to that of the plant deliveries. There’s a truck that comes to deliver and pick up propane bottles from the storage facility adjacent to the lawn and garden entrance. When this process begins the attendant associate is handed paperwork to confirm how many missing tanks or Sold tanks that there are. After the confirmation of the sold tanks the associate, the end counts the tanks needed to reveal the storage containers. After this process has been completed the truck driver the rights of the paperwork for the associate assigned to confirm that the tanks or sold as well as replacement tanks or replaced.
Reflections: I remember a for example when receiving an order of plants that some of the plants on order was not actually in the shipment and I accordingly filed a claim to the company explaining the issue. Most of the time the truck driver is in a rush and usually try to pressure the attending Associates you just signed the bill of lading so that he can be on his way.
Generalizations, Principles and Theories: According to the bylaws of Walmart though this needs to be confirmed through the inventory of the shipment that has been received before the paperwork can be signed. After the associate goes through line-by-line verifying that each type of plant has the quantity that is stated on the paperwork present, then the paperwork can be signed. Some companies expect a Walmart seal a store Seal to be used on the paperwork that confirms that not only that Walmart has received the shipment, but that the right store has received it because the seal shows the Insignia of that Walmart number.
Testing and Application: Traditionally the truck driver hands the paperwork to the attending associate that will be receiving the plants. After the paperwork is given to the associate, the associate should then verify what is on the paperwork to confirm whether or not this is the correct store before the plants are loaded. That can be done by looking at the store number that’s on the paperwork compared to this number of the warehouse that the truck driver is currently. On the paperwork, other features needed to be confirmed regarding the plant orders. When noticing the company that’s supposed to be delivering the plans is important to keep in mind that individual companies have to have the paperwork filed in regards to damaged merchandise or missing merchandise right there at present.
Subtopic (3): Discuss the use of media and how media impacts communication in training.
Description of Concrete Experience: While I was working at Walmart and I have many experiences with technical writing. For example, I had just found some damaged merchandise while I was stocking. I immediately placed it aside so as to document it later. I continue to stalk after I record the damage items. As I was stocking the customer came in to return a lawn mower and weed eater with the box and other documentation that was needed. I then filled out the claim slip for the lawn mower and weed eater. The form calls for a UPC number that I found on the box of the items. Next, I added my initials instead of my full name to the claim slip, by doing so this way I would live if you have time you need to fill out the form. No horrible be complete without a date for the submission. After I have added the date, the department numbers are next. After the department number has been added, I then fill in the description of the item.
Reflections: The description of the item is something that helps the claims associate to identify the item that is being submitted for claims. The reason is the last needed criteria to be filled. With these requirements fully Justified the technical writing is completed. I learned this in futher detail later in the task.
Generalizations, Principles and Theories: As with any paperwork, it is critical to understand that unless is turned in, then it is considered useless.
Testing and Application: There can be added steps when dealing with the lawn mower weed eater. If the lawn mower or weed eater have gas or-or left within it is policy to ask the customer to remove these liquids before with trying to return them. If this cannot be done, then another form must be filled out to dispose of the Hazardous liquids, and separate measures need to be taken as well regarding those fluids. I had to follow the safty information that was provided in order to complete the task.
Subtopic (4): Evaluate changes to presentation and communication style when training for a small group and large group.
Description of Concrete Experience: At Walmart, there are many different forms of paperwork or technical writer. Some range from original paperwork, like building a plan for display of merchandise. Two other like technical writing, silver to filling out reports and filing information.
The example I have dealt with was the submission process of technical writing. I was working on some merchandise when I stumbled upon damaged items. Technically I was supposed to write up a slip that specified what the other was, why the item was being claimed, and the date that the item was damaged. Unfortunately, I did not fill out the paperwork comma because I felt that it would have been somewhat redundant the item had UPC still intact, and it could clearly be seen where the item was damaged.
Reflections: Regardless though I turned the item into claims department, and reluctantly I disciplined because I did not perform the technical writing needed for the item. After I was given an explanation I was determined to build from my mistake.
Generalizations, Principles and Theories: I learned a technical writing is important, not only does it allow for individuals dealing with the item to understand what is going on, but it also shows a measure order in a chaotic world.
Testing and Application: The claims associate explained to me that through the use of technical writing many problems could be solved or even rectify. If an item were taken to claims without proper identification, it would take longer to identify the problem and then tried to get it taken to the correct bin. In the long run, though it would affect how the company will receive the credits from the damaged product then that would affect accompanies loss ratio or Shrink.
Subtopic (5): Assess the various means of developing training content and materials.
Description of Concrete Experience:
Reflections:
Generalizations, Principles and Theories:
Testing and Application:
Subtopic (6): Evaluate methods to assess the effectiveness of the communication in training.
Description of Concrete Experience:
Reflections:
Generalizations, Principles and Theories:
Testing and Application:
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