My learning style

Situation

From primary and high school, students are typically spoon-fed knowledge, with minimal encouragement to explore alternative problem-solving methods or resources. Our teachers simplify everything for us, providing clear directions and guidelines. However, when you enter university, things change drastically. In the first year of my Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, I encountered a shift in approach. The 100 level units acted as intermediaries between high school and university education, informing us that the era of spoon-feeding was over. They emphasized the importance of research and self-learning.

During my second year, I enrolled in some fascinating units such as IS221 (Web Development), IS222 (Database Development), and my personal favorite, CS214 (Design and Analysis of Algorithms). These courses not only expanded my knowledge but also offered me the opportunity to collaborate with individuals who had different learning styles. We worked together in teams to complete assignments. This experience of collaborating with fellow students in the same field has been invaluable.

Cooperating with people from diverse backgrounds, islands, and skill sets has not only enriched my understanding of software engineering but also inspired me to explore my own learning style. I have become better at identifying the methods and environments in which I feel most comfortable and effective.

Task

During CS214 Assignment one, my team and I faced challenges as we were not familiar with Java programming language, having primarily worked with C++. We found ourselves feeling clueless about how to proceed with the assignment. Despite reaching out to several individuals for help, only a few were able to offer assistance, as they too were unfamiliar with the assignment question and the intricacies of Java.

We recognized that learning Java posed a similar level of difficulty as learning C++. Both languages have their complexities and nuances. However, we remained determined to overcome this hurdle and complete the assignment successfully.

Action

During my journey, I found that watching YouTube videos was a helpful tool for enhancing my understanding of the concepts being taught. The visualizations presented in those videos were captivating and made it easier for me to grasp the content effectively.

Additionally, I explored GreekforGreek to gain a better understanding of the language and concept being taught. This platform provided valuable insights and resources that complemented my learning process. Moreover, I utilized GitHub, a code hosting platform, to analyze how other coders had approached similar problems. Examining their solutions helped me broaden my perspective and find alternative approaches to problem-solving.

Seeking assistance from my tutors during tutorials and other available time slots proved to be highly beneficial as well. Their guidance and support were invaluable in clarifying any doubts or challenges I encountered. Moreover, past CS214 students generously offered their assistance, willingly sharing their knowledge and experiences to help me overcome obstacles.

Result/Reflect

By incorporating these diverse resources and seeking help from various avenues, I was able to enhance my understanding and improve my skills in software engineering.

Learning/Planning

To reinforce my understanding of the concepts, I actively engaged in various methods. Firstly, I studied the lecture notes and utilized online resources to deepen my comprehension. I practiced coding regularly, creating concise notes as I worked through the exercises. This approach helped solidify my understanding and served as a helpful reference for future review.

Furthermore, I actively sought clarification from my lecturers or tutors by presenting specific questions and requesting additional explanations. I found that visual aids such as graphs, examples, and diagrams greatly enhanced my understanding, so I encouraged them to use such tools during explanations.

In addition to seeking guidance from my academic instructors, I took advantage of the online community at GeeksforGeeks. This platform provided a valuable opportunity to ask questions about concepts I found challenging. Engaging with fellow students, tutors, and experienced programmers through this platform enabled me to receive diverse perspectives and explanations, accelerating my learning process.

By consistently implementing these techniques, I am confident that I will continue to enhance my understanding of software engineering concepts more quickly and efficiently.

Below are some artefacts that demonstrate my accomplishment of the learning outcomes of this module.