LO 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
Descriptor: A new challenge may be an unfamiliar experience or an extension of an existing one. The newly acquired or developed skills may be shown through experiences that the student has not previously undertaken or through increased expertise in an established area.
The student:
- participates in an experience that demands an appropriate personal challenge; this could be with new or familiar experiences;
- is willing to become involved in unfamiliar environments and situations;
- acquires new skills and abilities;
- increases expertise in an established area;
- shows newly acquired or developed skills or increased expertise in an established area.
Ideas and tips: Focus on specific skills here. For instance, instead of writing that you want to “get better at art”, how could you focus on the specific skills in art, e.g. shading, perspective, tonal scales, harmony, plies, fluidity in dance moves, etc.? Use the terminology, the jargon of that field, whether you are working in physics, computer programming, carpentry, activism, etc. You know the language of your field better than I. Use it.
- Try not to simply state that you “want to push yourself.” Statements that include language like that are vague and immeasurable. Instead, pinpoint a specific challenge and how you responded to it.
Questions:
- What are specific challenges you have faced for the different experiences that you have chosen?
- How did you respond to those challenges? Did you succeed? Did you face setbacks?
- What are the specific skills necessary in the field or discipline that you are engaged in?
Task: Identify challenges. Then, write specific, measurable goals and try offering a reflection about those challenges.