Week 1 Reflect and Connect: Introduction and Orientation by

Reflect

LearningUofA — 2024-03-14 05:39:22 UTC

Share your key learnings from Week 1.

Focus on how you've started to apply knowledge and skills of psychology in a reflexive manner on the topics of:

Being culturally sensitive
Ethical reasoning and/or
Interpersonal communication skills.

Reflect

LearningUofA — 2024-03-14 05:39:22 UTC

Discuss any challenges you've faced in applying psychology principles around:

Communication skills
Cultural awareness
Ethics and values

Most importantly, tell us how you managed to conquer these challenges. Did you apply theoretical methods or maybe a more 'organic' approach based on your past experiences and knowledge?

Explore

LearningUofA — 2024-03-14 05:39:25 UTC

Identify the areas within psychology you're curious about and would like to explore further.

Connect with your peers!

Select or click the 'plus' button under each heading to add your reflections.

LearningUofA — 2024-03-14 05:45:30 UTC

This is a safe space and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.

Please adhere to the values of Integrity, Respect, Collegiality, Excellence and Discovery.

Happy sharing!!!

Reflection

2024-07-23 02:37:22 UTC

1) Being culturally sensitive - After the first tutorial we learnt the many different ways psychology can be applied within the workforce, and who the key stakeholders are. Through these stakeholders it became apparant that it was important to understand and appreciate others cultures in a respectful and thoughtful way.

2) Ethical reasoning - This was also an important concept to grasp, as it helps us to differentiate right thinking, decisions and actions, from thinking that is potentially wrong, hurtful and or harmful to others and ourselves. Other, and most of the time the ethics of psychology is less so black, with situations being more difficult to act upon.

3) Interpersonal communication skill - Within the tutorial this area of the field came up a lot, with a majority of psychology jobs requiring interpersonal communication skills, like active listening, empathy and openess

2024-07-27 06:32:13 UTC

I have gained an initial understanding of what psychologists do. Especially the organizational psychologist. In addition, I found every student in class have special experience and I like the very friendly environment in the classroom.

2024-07-27 06:34:10 UTC

I find myself to be a poor communicator. Even if I don't understand what my peers say, I don't have courage to ask again. This may be a problem with my personality. I think I need to improve myself by communicating more.

2024-07-27 06:39:36 UTC

I like this class. As I prepared for the week 2, I found it detailed career pathways in psychology and relevant review organisations. I would like to learn more about the various sub-fields of psychologist so that I can choose the career path that best suits me.

Reflection

2024-07-28 05:41:35 UTC

In the first tutorial we spent time getting to know other students, and discussed a diverse selection of career outcomes in the field of psychology. It quickly became apparent that being culturally sensitive, practicing ethical reasoning and interpersonal communication, are integral parts of being a competent worker in any psychology focused career.

Anyone practicing psychology in the workforce will be exposed to the incredible diversity in peoples' culture and life experience. Which is why it is so important to remain respectful, thoughtful and open minded. This is also why the skill set of interpersonal communication is vital. We cannot always understand something from personal experience, so actively listening and showing a willingness to learn creates a safer space for individuals.

Communication

2024-07-28 05:47:54 UTC

I work hard at my communication skills, but it was interesting to test how I engage in a class dynamic, as I haven't experienced this in years. I think I can practice being a better listener, as I tend to take charge and be more talkative. Sometimes that can limit my chances of learning things from those around me.

2024-07-28 07:51:27 UTC

In the first tutorial we spent time getting to know the other students in our tutorial, as-well as learn about the daily routines and experiences different professions could have.

2024-07-28 12:22:26 UTC

This course will help to develop my skills and to clear my future. It is really helpfull to make decision, I guess. And we can share and recive feedback from my peers. All of my peers are confident to say and share thier opinions.

Reflection

2024-07-29 01:51:40 UTC

With many career options falling under the 'Psychology' umbrella, it highlighted the way psychology influences many aspects of life and developed upon my understanding of the broad career areas available following further study in Psychology. Learning to share and in turn listen to peers is a skill I am keen to develop upon throughout this semester.

2024-07-29 06:20:13 UTC

In our first tutorial, introducing ourselves and discussing the roles of different types of psychologists and I have begun highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity, ethical reasoning and interpersonal communication skills. the tasks we did in the first tutorial helped me appreciate the need to approach individuals with openness and empathy and communicate effectively.

Reflection

2024-07-30 23:13:55 UTC

I found the class very interesting as it allowed the class to interact with each other on a interpersonal level, gain an insight to their interests and further directions as well as learn in a open and collaborative environment.

I'm reassured that those within the class as open to sharing their experiences and concerns in a collaborative manner and with a good scene of humour.

I found the session easy to navigate as I have been a public speaker for over 40 years and have no trouble speaking to people l realize that my challenge is to take time for the class to interact first and see if they have covered the areas that have occurred to me before jumping in. It's a skill set l have to work on to be a better active listener and to improve my communication skills overall.

2024-07-30 23:18:46 UTC

I was having a hard time deciding what area of psychology I was interested in in the beginning but after this session I feel that I like clinical care and health care in general as I have worked in the area in the past on public health programs making sure that clients are able to maintain them and have a great set of outcomes and the use of empirical evidence and working with a wide range of clients appeals to me.

2024-07-30 23:25:01 UTC

2025-07-28 06:58:57 UTC

I'm interested to learn more about how different categories of psychology relate to each other and how having a bases in each can help support the others. ie, how health supports research or organisational needs data from research etc.

2025-07-30 02:24:35 UTC

that there is also a health psychologist that works with psychology and the health/medical field together

2025-07-30 11:28:39 UTC

In this first tutorial, learned and dived deeper into the different areas and subtopics of psychology and where the degree can possibly take us to. We were able to understand the different ways that psychology can be applied to and in the workforce. Through exploring psychology in the workplace, we gained an understanding of how critical is was to be respectful and culturally sensitive to others we work with.

Ethical reasoning is critically important in psychology, especially in the workforce, because psychologists deal directly with people’s mental health, well-being, and personal data. Poor ethical decisions can harm clients, damage trust, and undermine the integrity of the profession.

Through exploring areas in the psychology field, interpersonal communication skills are crucial, with active listening, empathy, adaptability and being open minded.

2025-07-30 11:31:03 UTC

I sometimes struggle to speak up because I’m worried my interpretation is wrong or I can’t find the right terms fast enough. Jargon and fast-paced discussions can make it hard to translate complex ideas into clear, simple points, especially when others jump in quickly. I’m learning to prepare brief notes and questions beforehand so I can contribute confidently and check my understanding with the tutor.

2025-08-01 04:14:48 UTC

I am happy to discuss ideas in a group but need to be more confident to share the tables ideas to the class.

2025-08-01 04:37:42 UTC

Following this tutorial I think that I like to learn more about health psychology. Clinical psychology is interesting too but there’s something I find interesting and fascinating to work with a patient to helping them with the biopsychosocial model of biological, psychological and social factors which has lead a patience to were they are today, instead of just focusing on one clinical aspect to help them.

Reflection

2025-08-02 10:36:34 UTC

This week I’ve learned about the structure and expectations of the course; especially how important the tutorials are for developing practical psychological skills. I now understand that the course follows the Scientist-Practitioner model and is guided by the idea of psychological literacy—so it’s not just about learning theory, but applying it in real-world, ethical, and culturally sensitive ways.

I also gained insight into the different career pathways in psychology, such as clinical, organisational, health psychology, and research. Even though I’m still exploring what I want to do long-term, this activity helped me start imagining what those roles could look like day-to-day and who their work impacts.

Challenges

2025-08-02 10:44:24 UTC

One of the main challenges I’ve faced in applying psychological principles is around communication skills. While I have strong empathy and care deeply about others, my shyness and social anxiety often make it difficult for me to initiate conversations or speak up in group settings. This can sometimes affect how I come across, even though I’m fully engaged internally. It’s especially challenging in new environments, like tutorials, where forming connections early is encouraged.

Missing the first tutorial due to chronic illness added to this challenge, as I felt I lost a key chance to build rapport with my peers from the beginning.

To manage this, I’ve taken a gentle, organic approach by:

Preparing what I might say ahead of time
Using written forms of communication (e.g., Padlet) to express myself more comfortably
Reminding myself that everyone participates differently and that quietness doesn’t mean a lack of value

Moving forward, I’m aiming to build confidence in my own voice and find ways to participate that feel authentic and manageable, while also respecting my sensitivity and natural empathy.

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2025-08-02 10:47:55 UTC

Explore: Areas I’m Curious About

2025-08-02 10:49:29 UTC

One area of psychology I’m especially curious about is the intersection between neurodivergence and emotional regulation, especially in relation to ADHD, autism, and PMDD. I’m interested in how biological, social, and psychological factors interact—and how we can better support individuals who often fall through the cracks of mainstream care.

I’m also really drawn to clinical psychology and trauma-informed care, and I’d love to learn more about somatic therapies, nervous system regulation, and how early life experiences shape adult mental health. Eventually, I hope to explore how psychological research can lead to more compassionate systems of support for people dealing with chronic illness, identity struggles, or social isolation.

Looking forward to connecting with others who are passionate about these topics or have lived experiences they’re willing to share.

2025-08-03 23:27:03 UTC

I have always found behaviour facscinating. I seek to understand how causation of specific behaviours does not effect people in the same way and is subjective. This is something I would really like an opportunity to learn more about :)