Self-assessment of research and academic writing strengths and weaknesses

Self-Assessment: Writing and Research Skills

The exercises I have done so far brought several opportunities for self-analysis, which in turn provides the opportunity for growth. My strengths and weaknesses can be organized in terms of writing and research, where both areas have revealed to me significant areas that still need work. On the other hand, I can use my strengths to build my strategy for future growth in order to mitigate my weaknesses.

Analysis of Strengths

In terms of research, one of my greatest strengths is to find relevant and high-quality information, not only on the Internet, but also from print sources such as books and journals. My main strategy here is to look for information that is relevant to the subject area I am studying by means of a question sequence. At the basis of this strategy is a number of standard questions I use to filter the research I find. I would for example determine if the resource gives me general or specific information on the topic, and to what extent this matches the requirements of the piece I am writing.

In terms of writing, one of my major strengths is expressing myself with the correct words. I have an ability to identify and use the precisely relevant words for the things I want to say. Furthermore, I have a large basis of academic vocabulary, which helps me to make my language appropriate to the purpose of my writing. Most of my writing this year is for academic purposes, which has expanded my vocabulary in this genre exponentially. I have used this to my greatest advantage, and continue to do so.

Analysis of Weaknesses

I also have some weaknesses in both research and writing. My most significant weakness in terms of research is a tendency to collect a very large body of relevant information, which then makes it difficult to choose which to use. The problem is that, when I conduct initial research, and after my weeding process by means of the questions I have created, so much that is relevant and of high quality still remains, that it takes a large amount of time to choose even among what is left. I think my main problem in this regard is the worry that what I do find might reveal itself to be inadequate. The result is then that I tend to continue researching beyond the point where I should begin to sort through the materials that I have found. In other words, I find it quite challenging to know when to stop finding new material and start looking for the resources that I am going to use in my research.

In writing, I have a related problem. Because of the voluminous research resources I usually find, I also have trouble consolidating this information in my writing. In other words, I have trouble to create a concise, focused body of paragraphs using the body of research that I have found. The main problem is that there appears to be so much that is relevant, that I find it very difficult to choose from all the available information.

Another problem is that, in the light of the volume of information, I also find it difficult to construct sensible paragraphs to present my ideas and information in a logical way. Because academic writing depends upon the presentation of ideas in a logical and concise way, I believe that this will be one of my main areas of focus when I attempt to improve myself.

Conclusion

This exercise has provided me with the opportunity to not only get to know my strengths and weaknesses better, but also to use this in planning to improve my skills. Writing and research are two vital components not only of the academic life, but also in many workplaces. I therefore feel that I am constructing for myself vital skills that I can use now and in the future. Furthermore, the exercise also has a broader application; teaching me to identify my strengths and my weaknesses, and to use the combination of these to help me improve my skills and ultimately also myself.