Permanent Room and Report Feedback

Hi all,

Just a reminder that we are back in business permanently in room 2012 as of next Thursday, 7th February.

Our temporary accommodation today worked well for us though for sure.

Well done to all of the members of the class who have now passed the HPP / Communication report, as the standard of writing has been good. I guess it is only when you look at the draft and then the final submission that you really see where your improvements are.

I shall see you next Thursday and in the meantime, have a great weekend when it comes.

Mark

Over 4000 views of the blog by January!

I am stunned, this is brilliant. In fact, at time of typing, the number is 4,183!

See you all on Thursday where I will give back the re-introduction pieces of writing which made for really enjoyable reading.

I will also see where everybody is with their reports.

Well done to the members of the class who have now passed that assessment and they are coming in thick and fast which is great!

All the best,

Mark

Gum disease bug linked to Alzheimer’s

https://www.scotsman.com/news/gum-disease-bug-linked-to-alzheimer-s-in-breakthrough-1-4861467

Above is a signpost to a very interesting piece of research where a link has been proven between gum disease and Alzheimer's disease.

There have been previous suggestions that gum disease may play a role in Alzheimer’s, but the latest study by a US-led international team of scientists appears to put the link beyond question.

I would be interested to hear your thoughts as always.

Have a great weekend everybody and I will see you all on Thursday at 13.50 in 2004.

All the best,

Mark

Call for high blood pressure task force in Scotland

Hello all,


I was just reading this article when our wonderful Occupational Health Adviser at the College sent through the very same news link by e mail to all staff.


This should be of particular interest as you have been working on the 'effects of exertion on pulse rate and blood pressure' recently in the Human Physiological Processes Unit for Kevin which has been piggy-backed into an assessment for my Communication Unit.


The article is worth reading and any comments you have are welcomed as always in the comments section below.


All the best,


Mark


Here is the link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-46950114

"I introduced fun to the lives of A&E staff. The laughter was infectious"

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jan/17/introduced-fun-a-and-e-staff

Hello all.

This is an interesting article I came across today when I was scanning the Nursing section in The Guardian.

This concerns the concept of wellness, a most important aspect of our lives.

The article recognises the importance of Communication skills, teamworking, connecting with people, allowing creativity and much more.

I look forward to your thoughts.

All the best,

Mark

Remember the importance of spellchecking your work!

Recap of 17/1/19 class and other bits and bobs

Hello all,

Another very good class today and thank you to all of you who took the time to write up your 're-introduction' piece for me. I will read these by the next time we meet, which will be in two weeks (31/1/19).

We will be in room 2004 for the second semester, but I will be on the lookout for a slightly larger room if possible. The advantage of that new room is that we have PCs which is helpful.

Today I went over research and reports, the importance of formal language, referencing and the HPP / Communication integrated brief.

I have set the submission date as no later than 1st February, and please look at the higher end word count (1000 words max. please!)

I will reply to you as soon as I can when they come in, and we will have a session on Thursday 31st where you can tidy your report up prior to submission if you need that time.

All the best and enjoy next week. Everybody in the class is completely up to date and that is a great thing, make no mistake!

Mark

Helpful referencing resources

Hello all,




Below are three helpful websites which will be of use to you in terms of developing writing skills and referencing. I would advise that you bookmark this page as I feel they are all helpful for College and indeed University work. I know some former students have benefitted from this resource.




http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/ - this is an invaluable site which shows some handy phrases when you are writing formally. Down the left hand side of the page are a number of sections and I have used this resource in some of my own writing.




https://www.grammarly.com/ - this is a gem of a resource. From grammar and spelling to style and tone, Grammarly can help you raise the level of your writing.


https://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referencing/harvard.htm - this is a very handy website from colleagues at Anglia Ruskin University on the subject of referencing. There is a pdf you can print off, which details all manners of possibilities when you come to reference work, seen here: https://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referencing/files/Harvard_referencing_201718.pdf


I hope that these help you.


Mark

Please don't forget to do your writing task for me!

Hi all,


Just a quick reminder that you should have the 'please let me re-introduce myself to you' piece of reflective work ready to hand in on Thursday's class.


I hope that you have enjoyed putting that together.


On Thursday I will be going over research, report writing, structure of the re-imagined HPP report, bibliography and some pointers to some great websites in terms of referencing.


I think you will find the session of great use.


I still don't know where we will be for the second semester, but I understand that my CQL is on the case, as I spoke with her about it yesterday.


I will let you know when I know. And if you know first, please tell me!


All the best,


Mark

Mid-session review of learning and teaching

Hello everybody,

 
I found this afternoon's class to be particularly helpful in terms of reflection on what we are doing in the Communication classes, and also your College experience. The idea behind this week's class was to get you to reflect on what you are doing well, where you can improve, what you like and what you don't like. And then to do some reflective writing to make you think about what you have achieved and consider ways to approach study differently, better, more of the same, or any combination of the aforementioned!



You should always think critically, so I think some of you were being overly kind when it came to what you like about my classes, what you don't like about the classes etc! That said, it was nice to hear so many positive comments from you all, it certainly makes me feel good that you are enjoying learning about Communication and more importantly, how these skills will help you when you make the move up the academic ladder in the future.



I have typed your answers as you wrote them, so here they are. It has taken me quite a while to do so, but it has been time very well spent I think. All comments are verbatim (in exactly the same words as were written originally).



In this class I have found it easiest to learn from (two activities only):



Individual work 6
Group working 11
Exemplar materials 1
Class discussions 11
Listening to lecturer 13
Other (please specify) 1 - other students' PowerPoint slides (assessed talk)



Areas in Communication where I feel I have progressed well are:


I feel my confidence has grown during class discussions. Speaking in front of the class. Analytical skills, confidence building, group working, blog discussions. Talking in a group, presentation work. Being able to stand up and present information. I feel I have progressed well in most areas of Communication. Presentation work, as it has given me more confidence in myself going forward for future presentations I will have to give. Public speaking / presentations. Speaking confidently in front of others. Speaking out and not feeling that my answers will feel stupid. Confidence and independent learning; learning to find the positive before the negative. My PowerPoint presentation was a great confidence booster for me :-). I have challenged myself to do presentations. Research skills and confidence in speaking out in class. Speaking within the group presentation situation. Building my confidence from the discussion to the solo presentation. Time management and solo presentation. I am listening to others better. Delivering on solo talks and confidence has grown as a result. Speaking out. Listening. 



Areas in Communication where I feel I have done less well are:

Voicing my opinion in class discussions. Blog discussions, need to get involved more. Speaking in front of class more. Organisational skills. Doubting what I am about to say, lack of confidence. Being able to voice my opinion without stuttering or nervousness. Eye contact in presentation delivery could be improved. I don't feel there are any areas of communication that I have not done well in. I am confident and confident when it comes to communication of any sort. Voicing opinions. Could speak more clearly. Writing. Skills need work. I'd like to do more writing and hope to improve this. Group discussions maybe, as I have a lot of opinions so could perhaps contribute more. Research. Still very nervous when speaking out and not in control of my nerves always. Better independent work, making more time for myself to research. Group presentations. Speaking in front of the class. None so far. Written. 




I could improve my learning in all my subjects in the next semester by:


Taking more time to study. Being more organised. Practising what needs to be done first. More studying. Asking for help from my peers. Find a study method that suits me and not chop and change methods. Studying more at home. I am happy with my study conditions and learning, and feel I will do well if I continue going the way I am going and think I will progress well. Being more confident in my ability. Set more time aside for studying. Learning how to put my words into an essay better. Doing more independent learning and by getting help. Setting aside specific timeslots to study. Study my notes more accurately and more often. Researching more, managing my time better. Allowing more time for revision. Study methods, independent study, research better. Improved study techniques. Taking more notes in classes, time managing my home life. Looking for ways to study that suits me. 




What I like most about the Communication classes:

It is always relaxed, always something new and exciting. Every class is different. Being able to speak out and ask any questions without it seeming silly. It never feels like I am working as it is so relaxed! Mark gives us a clear understanding of what we have to do. The blog and comments. Classes are well structured. It challenges me to push myself out of my comfort zone. Happy, well structured class. Can voice personal opinions. Group discussions, tasks, presentations. I really enjoy group discussions. Listening and learning from other peers. I like that the class is very relaxed and is open to discuss various subjects. I like how everyone can be open and honest and I like how Mark teaches. The discussions we all have in a group. Good sources of information. Mark. Finding out about TED talks. The atmosphere. Class discussions. I like that the lecturer makes you feel more confident that you can communicate better. Interesting and easy to understand. Having time to reflect on things. Freedom of expression. Learning. Building confidence through presentation. The blog.



What I like least about the Communication class:

Noise levels at times. Nothing. It is the last class of the week. I liked the solo presentation the least in the Communication class, but I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be. The time of day - I would rather it was early in the week, maybe in the morning. Nothing. Classroom is warm. Need a bit more space. It is only once a week and not more. There's not really anything that I dislike. Quite happy in Comms. Solo talk (although done and passed). Solo presentation - now grateful I have done it, and was a great learning experience. I worry about what is coming up, for example writing, as I feel that I am not great at this, but will do my best. Sometimes when people speak over each other and the lecturer and don't listen when other students speak. Worrying about what is to come. Talking, voicing my opinions. 



Anything about the Communication class you would like to see changed?



No, I think Mark takes control of the class and it is the only class I can always hear in. It is always well structured and I know what I am doing before I go in. No, I like the organisation, seeing the schedule of work a few weeks ahead. The class is well structured and Mark doesn't take any nonsense. I think it is great the way it is. I would like to do more writing to improve. The layout of the classroom. Have the class earlier in the week. 



Blog comments:


Interesting and helpful. I find it a great read and a good way to get people involved. It is full of interesting information. I love the blog as it is such a good tool and makes me feel more supported. I should make more time to read it as it is good. I think the blog is great and like the varied subjects covered and raised. I like that there is always a reply. I personally really enjoy the blog and enjoy the subject matter. The blog has helped me voice my opinions more. The amount of interesting articles makes it great. It is a great read a lot of the time. I like seeing all the differing opinions. I intend to try and put more input into it. Useful tool, needs more class participation perhaps. Brilliant, and a great way to input on the topics. I enjoy it and my confidence is growing on the blog. Very informative and shows that a lot of hard work has gone into it and still does. Keeps up to date with interesting but educational topics. Encourages (where we have a presentation) words of encouragement always / often on the blog.


Frequency of viewing - this was really varied with responses such as once, twice a week or more, quite often, often, I have a reminder set in my 'phone for a Monday night at 9pm just in case I forget, not as often as I would like due to work and studying, try to read at least once a week, more often when I don't have a big workload, not very often, sorry, 3 times a month, weekly, can't access it out of college, sometimes, once every couple of weeks, 3/4 times a week, I find it hard to find time for the blog so not on it often, not much, vaguely, once a week.




Any further comments about the Communication Unit:


Really enjoy the Communication class. Having not done very well at school this class has given me a big confidence boost. Enjoy the class. It is interesting! Nothing else to add. I'm enjoying it and look forward to writing tasks as I think they need improved. Great class, feel I have learned a lot and will continue to do so. Looking back to day 1 and my feelings regarding the Unit have drastically changed, in a positive way! I have really enjoyed this class. It is always delivered in an upbeat manner and the lecturer is constantly building our confidence. The class is engaging and helps to guide us in other subjects in the Unit, e.g. PP, Writing, Structure. The lecturer shows a wealth of knowledge and passion for delivering the class.

3 little words about your College experience

Thank you to all attendees who gave their responses on what they thought about College life. Here are those very words!

• Learning
• Growing
• Developing
• Scary
• Achieving
• Pressure
• Exciting
• Challenging
• Childish behaviour
• Structure
• Learning
• Socialising
• Stressful
• Fun
• Costly
• Exciting
• Surprising
• Excellent
• Fun
• Enjoyment
• Knowledgeable
• Overwhelming
• Exciting
• (Sense of) pride
• Love (it)
• Exciting
• Interesting
• Bitching about people
• Schoolyard Tell-tales
• Helpful
• Interesting
• Challenging
• Eye-opening
• Challenging
• Nervous
• Stressed
• Pressure
• Interesting
• Good
• Eventful
• Challenging
• Goal-chasing
• Worry
• Life-changing
• Knowledge
• Vital
• Optimistic
• Stressed
• Interesting
• Confusing

How music helps connect people living with dementia

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jan/09/music-connects-people-dementia-campaign

This is a super article highlighting a new campaign, which aims to show how listening and playing music can help patients be happier, healthier and more harmonious.

“Analysis showed that music helps to significantly minimise some of the symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, and can help to tackle anxiety and depression,” says Sally Greengross, Chief Executive of the International Longevity Centre UK.

I found this to be an excellent article and one you may wish to engage with, so what do you think?

Mark

3 easy ways to clear out life's clutter and start 2019 right

https://www.ted.com/talks/graham_hill_less_stuff_more_happiness

Can having less stuff, in less room, lead to more happiness? This TED presenter makes the case for taking up less space, and lays out three rules for editing your life.

I will be encouraging you to seek out the TED website when I start the teaching on Listening in the coming months. And when we come to look at the Listening assessment around February / March we will be using this amazing resource for practice and actual assessment purposes, but that is in the future, not for just now. Our assessment focus will be on writing in the near future.

Here are a few talk topics under the simple heading of 'medicine' to give you an idea of the range of presentations out there: https://www.ted.com/talks?sort=newest&topics%5B%5D=medicine

Let me know what you think about Graham Hill's talk entitled 'Want to be happier? Have less stuff' in the comments section below.

Cheers,

Mark

Children 'exceed recommended sugar limit by age 10'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46720303

Hello all, we are now officially back in session, as it were!

As many of you are parents, this article could be of interest to you, as the main focus is that Children in the UK exceed the maximum recommended sugar intake for an 18-year-old by the time they are 10, according to experts. 

The graphic within the article is an interesting one, and serves as a timely  (and photographic) reminder of the perils of sugar. 

Simbi's presentation on the oral health of children focused on this aspect, and the comments at the end of the BBC article are worth scanning too.

Like salt, a bit of sugar isn't a problem, but moderation is the key, so say the experts!

Your thoughts on this article and subject matter can be noted in our comments section below as always.

Cheers, Mark

Happy Ne'er to all of you

I hope you all had a restful time over the holidays and are ready to start again with a 2019 bang!


On Thursday we will have a wee reflective session which will concern your overall experience of NCLAN and outline how you feel you have performed not just in my classes and assessments, but at College as a whole.


There will be time to do a short writing exercise too to get your creative and reflective juices flowing.


I look forward to seeing you all again and a more detailed schedule of what we will be doing can be found in previous postings.


All the very best,


Mark