How can I continue to forge my professional and academic development? How might I inquire (research) into my learning in an ongoing manner? How might my professional and academic development and practice be informed by my ongoing research? How do I respond to opportunities for inquiry (research)? How do I meet my own learning needs?
I feel I can continue my professional and academic development as a speech-language pathologist by attending conferences such as ASHA, reading articles, and simply discussing thoughts and/or ideas with my peers/co-workers pertaining to a specific topic. After this semester, I feel that I will be much more efficient in research and less intimidated to learn new concepts. I have already obtained skills to more accurately surf the net, send email, and search multiple databases. Other classes, such as CD 424L, have given me some experience looking at diagnostic tests and reading their manuals. This has helped me understand more about the mechanics of the test. I already feel that I have more confidence in myself to look in an Examiner’s Manual to find an answer to something I am not sure of. These disciplines will help my learning to continue in the future. Professional and Academic development, as well as, practice are all related, to me. If you strive to do your best academically then a foundation will develop from your learning and it can be used throughout your professional career, thus resulting in professional development that may be used in your practice. Practice will also give opportunity to learn from experience, which is the best teacher. I respond to the opportunities for research by taking time to read an article or talk to others that may be more familiar with the topic I am inquiring. By taking the time and discipline to allow myself to think and review subject material, in which interests me, I am able to meet my learning needs.