Well to answer the first question in the prompt I know from the constant bombardment of reading the Code of Ethics, that it is our professional responsibility as a speech pathologist to continue our education. With this in mind, I can also add that who wouldn't absolutely agree there is unquestionably a true benefit to your life to always continuing your learning. We discussed earlier how technology has made it easier for us to do this. I also feel the educational systems have evolved so much that there is more of emphasis on the importance of continuing education now than there has ever been before. I think that most importantly, discipline and not allowing outside distractions to deter from learning on a ongoing basis throughout life our key to moving on with learning goals. I havew to say I learned from our class discussions, a little from textbooks, and from observing others. However, I do benefit more from signing up for classes because of the commitment you make rather than learning necessarily on my own. For example, this even extends into my regime to continue exercising throughout life. I have to join classes typically to make myself exercise. I have a hard time making the commitment to exercise just as important as everything else in my life.
Research is essential in contributing to our ongoing learning. We can actively participate in research by utilizing resources on the internet as well as in university libraries or we can obtain information through direct observation of individuals within our profession. We must continue questioning ourselves and new information we obtain. Hopefully we will find mentors in our lives that we can seek guidance from and participate in community action to advocate changes we need to make in our field within our own communities. We should always remember to keep an active journal of our experiences once we begin to work as Speech Pathologists. It would give us something upon which we could always reflect. There are so many opportunities to continue our research.
If I am always openminded and objective about information and remain flexible in my ideaology as I continue to form my academic development and practice I will benefit more and so will my clients. I will obtain more by revisiting information and through a willingness to support new techniques.
I have to say I am still apprehensive about jumping right into researching on the internet. Sometimes the vocabulary used is overwhelming. It all sounds so technical. However, I do not want to pass up the opportunity to change the way I am able to acquire knowledge. This class has introduced me to new options for the continuation of my learning. I will seek to learn more about these new technologies and hopefully incorporate them into my lifelong learning.
You know one of the most rewarding things about continuing to learn whether it is for your career or not, is just the fact it helps you to participate in communication with others. How often do you get to just sit down and relax and carry on a conversation with another person and learn so much from what they have to say as you offer information to teach them? I enjoy doing this so much more now than I ever did in the past. I contribute this to my eagerness and willingness to continue learning from all aspects of life.
I think my own learning needs are continually met by my eagerness to stay on a pursuit to be informed. I want to be able to work to the best of my ability and I need to continue learning to do that. As I get older I am more and more fascinated about how much this world has to offer. I want to always enjoy new information and utilize it in some way whether it helps me or I just pass it along to someone else.