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Assignment: PPD Critical Analysis (Part 1)


Name: Kate Morden
Instructor: Heather Sago
Course: Integrative Seminar III FLPL 158
Due date: Sunday, April 3rd, 2016

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Critical Analysis of Personal and Professional Goal Obtainment
While reading this critical analysis of my personal and professional goal
obtainment, you will notice that I have highlighted my goals and/or objectives in either
the colour green, yellow or red. Below is what these colours signify:
Green Goal and/or objective was reached.
Yellow Goal and/or objective was somewhat reached; though, inconsistent.
Red Goal and/or objective was not reached.
Personal Goals
Self-care
Goal #1: To achieve and maintain (behaviour), on a daily basis (level), a healthy,
balanced lifestyle (condition). Goal was somewhat reached; though, inconsistent (see
Appendix A for proof).
Objective #1: I will exercise (behaviour) on a regular basis a minimum of
1x/week (level) at the 24/7 gym (condition). I was unable to reach this objective through
weeks 1-9. This was due to my lack of motivation and self-discipline, as well as not
being able to find the time to balance going to the gym while attending work and staying
on top of my assigned readings, online posts and assignments in school. However, I have
been able to make it to the gym (for a total of 3 times) the last 2-3 weeks (weeks 10, 11
and 12). My desire to get back to the gym and having a gym buddy helped me achieve
this objective within the last few weeks.
Objective #2: I will eat three nutritious meals (behaviour) on a daily basis (level),
ensuring that I consume all food groups during each meal (condition). For the most part I
was able to achieve this goal. Having a structured routine and a consistent placement and

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work schedule certainly helped me eat healthy, enough food at meal times, and regularly
throughout the day. Although there is certainly more room for improvement, my eating
habits have gotten a lot better than they have been over the last year. The reason being
that this objective is highlighted yellow is because there were days/weeks when I lost my
appetite due to stress and low moods; thus, I was inconsistent in reaching this objective.
Objective #3: I will get a proper amount of sleep (behaviour) between 5-7hrs
(level) each night (condition). Fortunately, I have continued to be successful in regards to
getting a proper amount of sleep (between 5-7hrs each night), even if it did jeopardize the
timely handing in of online posts and assignments. It was hard to let go of the desire to
stay up late and complete homework, but having a structured routine and a consistent
placement and work schedule, including taking medication requirements, has helped me
achieve this objective. As a result, I have noticed an improvement in my mental health.
Objective #4: I will meditate and pray (behaviour) 3x/week (level), especially
when I am feeling stressed, negative and overwhelmed (condition). I did meditate and
pray occasionally throughout this semester, rather than the 3x/week mentioned in this
objective. Although I did not document this objective, I believe I completed this
objective, on average, about 2x/week, though more so when I was feeling stressed,
negative and overwhelmed. I prayed more than I meditated. Even though I did not
perform these activities as much as/how I would have liked, I still took moments out of
each day to speak to God and to practice mindfulness breathing both still forms of
meditation and prayer.
Goal #2: To make time (behaviour) once a week (level) for rest and play, without
homework (condition) goal was reached (see Appendix A for proof).

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Objective #1: I will put aside time to relax (behaviour) for at least one hour (level)
on a daily basis (condition). I have been able to put aside time to relax for at least an hour
every day, either with a close friend, family, or by myself. To relax, I would talk/go for a
walk with a close friend and drink coffee, spend time with family and/or outdoors, have a
nap, write, listen to music, colour a Mandela, play Sudoku, or watch Big Bang Theory.
Objective #2: I will dedicate one day and/or night (level) without homework
(behaviour) throughout the week (condition). Consistently, I have been able to dedicate
one day/night without homework throughout the week. On these particular days/nights, I
would partake in one or more of the many activities listed in the previous objective.
Objective #3: I will attend Wellness Wednesdays (behaviour) 1x/week or biweekly (level) if/when it takes place (condition). Wellness Wednesdays occurred on a
weekly basis towards the beginning and then switched to bi-weekly. For the majority of
the time, I was able to attend these get-togethers, unless I was busy and/or unable to
attend due to personal reasons. A group of us often got together at Black Honey (a caf)
to chat, catch up and debrief.
Objective #4: I will participate (behaviour) in social outings (condition) at least
1x/week (level). I have been able to participate in some social outings this semester,
however, I was unable to be consistent in reaching this objective; for example, I did not
always do so every week. This was because of my busy schedule and demanding
responsibilities.
Goal #3: To have and make use (behaviour) of a support system (condition) during
this semester (level) goal was reached (see Appendix A for proof).
Objective #1: I will attend meetings and/or regular check-ins with supervisor,

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Heather Sago (behaviour) at least once (level) every 2-3 weeks (condition). I was able to
keep in contact with my Integrative Seminar facilitator (Heather), including my Case
Management facilitator (Aurrora), on a regular basis (every 2-3 weeks) by attending
meetings and/or having check-ins via email or in person.
Objective #2: I will make use of the counselling services (behaviour) at Fleming
College and outside of the college (condition) on a bi-weekly basis (level). I was able to
make use of the counselling services at Fleming College, however, was not able to do so
on a bi-weekly basis. This was because of both my own and counsellors busy, conflicting
schedules. Instead, we have been meeting once a month. In addition, I was unable to
make use of counselling services outside of the college due to my busy schedule and
demanding responsibilities, and also because I am still in the process of finding a
counsellor that best fits my needs. Despite this, I have been meeting with my psychiatrist
on a monthly basis as a means to check-in regarding my overall mind state, mental health
and for medication purposes.
Objective #3: I will debrief (behaviour) with a family member and/or friend
(condition) on a weekly basis (level). I was able to attain this objective by debriefing with
a family member and/or friend on a weekly basis. At times I withdrew due to stress and
low moods, but eventually I opened up to close ones, even if that meant writing it out.
Objective #4: I will communicate and spend time (behaviour) with family/friends
(condition) on a daily basis (level). Similar to the previous objective, I was able to attain
this objective. I successfully communicated (verbally or written) and spent time with
family/friends, even if it was for a short period of time.
Goal #4: To improve positive thinking (behaviour) in regards to self-esteem, self-

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worth, and self-confidence (condition) on a daily basis (level) goal was somewhat
reached; though, inconsistent (see Appendix A for proof).
Objective #1: To achieve and maintain (behaviour), on a daily basis (level), a
healthy, balanced lifestyle (condition). At times I was able to reach this objective, but I
was not always able to maintain it on a daily basis; thus, I was inconsistent in achieving
this goal. I believe I was able to achieve a healthy lifestyle for the most part, however, I
struggled in finding balance. This was and is due to my habit of all-or-nothing thinking. I
also believe that I had/have high, unrealistic expectations of myself, so although I may in
fact completed this goal, the result was and is not up to my expectations.
Objective #2: I will state aloud/write down (behaviour) three (level) daily proud
moments of myself (condition). I was able to achieve this objective some of the time
(inconsistently). During the first half of the semester, I did complete this objective on a
daily basis by speaking them aloud or writing them down. However, during the latter half
of the semester, and once I began to feel low, I stopped completing this objective.
Objective #3: I will create a list (behaviour) during the semester (level) of my
personal accomplishments (condition). I was unable to create a list of my personal
accomplishments due to most of my time, energy and attention towards my studies.
Objective #4: Daily (level), I will be mindful (behaviour) of negative
thoughts/feelings and switch them to positive (condition). I believe I did a fairly good job
in being mindful of my negative thoughts/feelings and switching them to be positive,
however, at times I struggled with not giving negative thoughts/feelings time and energy;
thus, I was not consistent in reaching this objective and believe it will be an ongoing
objective for me to achieve.

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Self-growth and Development
Goal #1: To improve my assertiveness (behaviour) in personal and professional
relationships (condition) goal was somewhat reached; though, inconsistent (see
Appendix A for proof).
Objective #1: I will take risks (behaviour) on a daily basis (level) in my personal
and professional life (condition). I did, at times, take risks in my personal and
professional life, though, inconsistently; for instance, some days I held back in taking
risks due to fear and anxiety. This objective is also highlighted yellow because it is and
will be a continuing goal of mine.
Objective #2: I will communicate my needs/wants, thoughts/feelings (behaviour)
with others (condition) on a regular basis (level). I have improved in the area of
communicating with others in both a professional and personal manner. I am much more
open with my family and a couple of close friends in regards to my emotions and needs,
and professionally, I have improved in this area as well. An example of communicating
my emotions and needs in a professional setting was when I approached my manager
from work, requesting that I only work once a week, as I realized that I could not sustain
my current work schedule. Another example was when I approached my supervisors at
placement to discuss some questions and concerns I had regarding some of the children I
was working with. I still need to continue working on this objective, as this is an ongoing
goal of mine.
Objective #3: I will apply boundaries and communicate assertiveness (behaviour)
at work, school and placement (condition) when my boundaries are crossed (level). I was
able to apply boundaries and communicate assertiveness at work, school and placement,

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especially when my boundaries were crossed. There was a particular time at work in
which my physical boundaries were crossed and I immediately spoke to my manager
about this occurrence. There have been other times in which my boundaries were crossed
in my personal life, although not mentioned in this objective, and I have also been able to
communicate assertiveness in these times. I still need to continue working on this
objective as well, as this is an ongoing goal of mine.
Objective #4: I will conquer fears and anxieties (behaviour) when I am fearing not
being liked/accepted, upsetting others, the outcome, etc. (condition). I have improved in
facing my fears and anxieties regarding such things, but this is a continual learning
experience for me, as it continues to be a challenge for me. During my placement, I was
able to achieve this objective some of the time, though, not all.
Goal #2: To take more initiative (behaviour) in professional environments and in
regards to my personal goals (condition) goal was somewhat reached; though,
inconsistent (see Appendix A for proof).
Objective #1: I will take risks (behaviour) on a daily basis (level) in my personal
and professional life (condition). Taking risks (on a daily basis) was somewhat achieved
in both my personal and professional life, as explained in a previous objective, though,
this will always be a continuing goal for me.
Objective #2: Daily (level), I will work on becoming more confident and
independent (behaviour) in personal and professional settings (condition). I am a work in
progress in regards to gaining more confidence and independence in both my personal
and professional life. I have, however, begun taking steps in this direction. In my current
placement, I have noticed an improvement in my confidence and especially in becoming

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more independent; for example, I am now comfortable to work on my own, without
shadowing someone else, as I often did in past placements.
Objective #3: I will implement (behaviour) therapeutic and educational activities
in placement (condition). I did not consistently implement therapeutic and educational
activities in placement, but occasionally attempted to do so. Although I did not
implement activities in a group setting like I intended to, I did, however, implement them
with a specific child that I am working with. For instance, I have done work with this
child surrounding the Zones of Regulation, reading social stories, and have started using
educational activities on a daily basis. I believe the main reason as to why I did not
implement activities in a group setting was because of fear, insecurities, a lack of
confidence, and poor time-management.
Objective #4: I will seek professional help (behaviour) when needed (condition). I
did seek professional help when I felt myself in need of it. In my personal life, I have
found that I have been more cognizant of my emotional well-being this semester, as it is
evident to me when I start to feel signs of decreased and/or poor mental health. In regards
to my professional life, when I am either struggling to deal with a child, feel stuck, or
have no control over a situation, I am quick to ask for help.
Goal #3: To improve my leadership skills (behaviour) in professional environments,
such as work, placement and school (condition) goal was somewhat reached;
though, inconsistent (see Appendix A for proof).
Objective #1: I will take risks (behaviour) on a daily basis (level) in professional
settings (condition). Again, taking risks (on a daily basis) was somewhat achieved in both

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my professional life, as explained in previous objectives, though, this will be a continuing
goal for me.
Objective #2: I will take leadership responsibility by initiating group activities
(behaviour) at placement (condition). I was able to take leadership responsibility by
initiating group activities at placement with children, though, inconsistently and not as
much as I would have liked. When I did complete this objective, I would initiate activities
during recess or within the classroom.
Objective #3: I will surround myself with leaders/mentors (behaviour) in
personal/professional environments (condition). I was successful in surrounding myself
with leaders in the field, both personally and professionally. I did so by keeping in
contact with graduates of the CYW program, as well as connecting with professionals
within the field, either on social media sites or at workshops, trainings and conferences.
Objective #4: I will practice leadership roles (behaviour) in professional
environments (condition) whenever the opportunity arises (level). I did practice taking on
leadership roles in professional environments, such as placement, however I did not
achieve this objective at every opportunity that arose; thus, I was inconsistent. This was
due to my fears and anxieties.
Goal #4: To improve my time-management (behaviour) in all aspects (condition) of
my daily life (level) goal was somewhat reached; though, inconsistent (see
Appendix A for proof).
Objective #1: I will organize and prioritize (behaviour) what I need to do by
making a schedule/calendar or a to-do list (condition) daily (level). I was successful in

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organizing and prioritizing what I needed to do by making a schedule/calendar and at
times a to-do list.
Objective #2: I will be more productive (behaviour) during free time (condition). I
was inconsistent in using free time productively. Towards the beginning of the semester, I
was doing fairly well in achieving this objective; however, as the weeks went by and
when low moods interfered, I was less productive.
Objective #3: I will apply self-discipline (behaviour) when attempting to
accomplish my personal goals (level/condition). Throughout the semester, I struggled
with self-discipline when attempting to accomplish my personal goals. This was because
of my busy schedule and demanding responsibilities, including my low moods, and a lack
of energy and motivation. I was, however, able to accomplish some of my personal goals
(i.e. getting back to the gym).
Objective #4: I will follow a structured routine (behaviour) on a daily basis
(level). I have been successful in following a structured routine on a daily basis. Having a
structured routine due to placement, creating my own daily schedule, having alarms on
on my phone, and taking my medication has significantly assisted me in achieving this
specific objective throughout the semester.
Professional Goals
Knowledge
Goal #1: To gain awareness in the most prevalent mental illnesses/disorders
(behaviour) that I will encounter in my current placement, such as ADHD and
Autism (condition) goal was not reached (see Appendix A for proof).
Objective #1: I will research mental illnesses/disorders (behaviour) on the Internet

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(condition). I did not research mental illnesses and disorders (specifically ADHD and
Autism) on the Internet like I intended to, as I did not have the time to due to balancing
the demands of work, placement and school responsibilities.
Objective #2: I will get (behaviour) a local library membership (condition). I did
not apply myself to get a library membership card as time did not permit, plus the stresses
of school put me in a place where I was unable to achieve this objective.
Objective #3: I will attend (behaviour) workshops (condition) when possible
(level). I attained the goal of attending a CYC workshop in Toronto this semester, and am
also attending two CYC Conferences this coming May.
Objective #4: I will gain experience (behaviour) through working 1:1 with a client
who suffers from such mental illnesses/disorders (condition). In placement, I was able to
work 1:1 with two children, one being diagnosed with ADHD and the other being
diagnosed with Autism.
Goal #2: To increase knowledge and understanding (behaviour) of Arabic culture
(condition) goal was somewhat reached; though, inconsistent (see Appendix A for
proof).
Objective #1: I will research information (behaviour) of Arabic culture
(condition). I did not find the time to research information about Arabic culture. This was
because I was unable to set aside time to do this due to balancing the demands of work,
placement and school responsibilities, including poor time-management.
Objective #2: I will create a list of English words translated to Arabic language
(behaviour) based on my research (condition). I was able to successfully complete this
objective as I created a list of English words translated to Arabic words (common phrases

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we use in the classroom when communicating with the two students who are Syrian
refugees).
Objective #3: I will communicate (behaviour) with my brother, as he is Muslim
(condition). My brother and I sometimes communicated regarding Muslim phrases and
traditions, though, this happened on an inconsistent basis throughout the semester.
Objective #4: I will participate (behaviour) in Arabic culture events/gatherings
(condition). I have participated in one Arabic event with my brother, but not as much as I
would have liked to. I plan to continue to accompany my brother to similar
events/gatherings.
Goal #3: To implement educational and therapeutic activities (behaviour)
concerning physical/emotional development that is geared towards young children
(condition) goal was not reached (see Appendix A for proof).
Objective #1: I will research information (behaviour) regarding these types of
activities on the Internet (condition). I was not able to reach this objective by researching
information regarding these types of activities on the Internet. Similarly, as mentioned
earlier, I struggled to balance the demands of work, placement and school
responsibilities, and thus, did not find time to do so. I was, however, able to research
information about the Zones of Regulation, though, this was not enough to complete my
objective.
Objective #2: I will get (behaviour) a local library membership (condition). As
stated previously, I did not apply myself to get a library membership card as time did not
permit, plus the stresses of school put me in a place where I was unable to achieve this
objective.

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Objective #3: I will reflect (behaviour) on CYW courses (condition). I sometimes
reflected on my CYW courses when/if needed, although not consistently.
Objective #4: I will utilize (behaviour) resources and gather knowledge from
others (condition). I occasionally used resources from others, specifically from my pod
group and my supervisor from placement, though, not as much as I would have liked to.
Goal #4: To partake in documentations and planning, such as IEPs, safety plans,
observations, charting, plan of action, etc. goal was somewhat reached; though,
inconsistent (see Appendix A for proof).
Objective #1: I will research (behaviour) information regarding such
documentations and planning (condition). The opportunity did not arise for me to
research, online, information in regards to such documentations and plan of actions due
to time restraints, as explained above.
Objective #2: I will reflect (behaviour) on CYW courses (condition). I sometimes
reflected on my CYW courses when/if needed, although not consistently.
Objective #3: I will review (behaviour) current documents at placement
(condition). I have reviewed current IEPs and safety plans at placement to assist me in
developing and implementing a plan to partake in case-management roles with a
particular child.
Objective #4: I will assist (behaviour) in developing documentations and plan of
action, etc. in placement (condition). I have somewhat assisted (and am in the process of
carrying this objective out) in the development of documentations at my current
placement, as I am partaking in case-management roles with a particular child.

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Skills
Goal #1: To improve non-verbal and verbal communication (behaviour) with staff
and children/youth (condition) goal was reached (see Appendix A for proof).
Objective #1: I will maintain eye-contact (behaviour) with others (condition).
This objective is highlighted yellow because I continue to struggle with this. Despite this,
I am maintaining eye-contact on a more frequent basis compared to my past placements. I
find it easier to maintain eye-contact with young children as opposed to adults, however,
so this is something that I need to continue to work on.
Objective #2: I will be mindful (behaviour) of body language (condition). I
believe I have been successful in being mindful of my body language and the signs I may
be emitting at placement. I strive to demonstrate a positive demeanor with staff and
children/youth and am also aware of when my body language negatively changes due to
certain moods. In these times, I quickly change how I am presenting myself to others. I
find it easier to do this in professional settings, such as work and placement, as opposed
to more personal settings. Although I believe I achieved this objective throughout my
current placement, I do believe that I need to continue to work on this in other areas of
my personal and professional life.
Objective #3: I will speak clearly and with confidence (behaviour) at placement. I
endeavor to speak clearly and with confidence at placement, though, this objective is an
ongoing goal for me to achieve and maintain, as I can be timid in this respect.
Objective #4: I will open up (behaviour) to others while maintaining personal and
professional boundaries (condition). I have been successful in being frank with others in
both my personal and professional lives while maintaining boundaries during this

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semester.
Goal #2: To improve my engagement skills (behaviour) with children/youth in the
field of CYW at placement and/or future careers (condition) goal was reached
(see Appendix A for proof).
Objective #1: I will implement (behaviour) therapeutic and educational activities
in placement (condition). As stated previously, I did not consistently implement
therapeutic and educational activities in placement, but occasionally attempted to do so.
Although I did not implement activities in a group setting like I intended to, I did,
however, implement them with a specific child that I am working with. For instance, I
have done work with this child surrounding the Zones of Regulation, reading social
stories, and have started using educational activities on a daily basis.
Objective #2: I will initiate conversation (behaviour) with others (condition). I
have been incredibly successful in initiating conversations with children/youth to
improve my engagement skills. I am happy and proud of myself regarding this
improvement, as my engagement in past placements has been very low and lacking; for
example, in the past I did not speak much, let alone initiate conversation, as I was
extremely anxious, quiet, shy, and would experience an overwhelming difficulty in
communicating verbally with others. Although not stated in the objective, however,
communicating with adults continues to be a challenge for me.
Objective #3: I will accompany (behaviour) children/youth at placement
(condition). I have accompanied children/youth in placement and continue to try my best
to engage with them, either outside during recess or within the classroom setting. I bond
with these students by spending time with them, playing with them, talking with them,

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initiating conversation and asking questions, helping them, supporting them, etc. Thus, I
believe I have been successful in achieving this objective.
Objective #4: I will relate and/or take interest (behaviour) in activities that a
child/youth enjoys (condition). I was able to relate and/or take interest in specific
activities that a child enjoys; for example, getting down on their level and playing with
them, whether this be writing, drawing, playing with Lego, Play Dough, building blocks
and towers, or make believe play, etc. Also, a particular child loves tigers, so when the
time is appropriate, I engage in conversations with her about tigers.
Goal #3: To improve my problem-solving skills (behaviour) in regards to
personal/social conflict between children/youth, when needed (condition) goal was
somewhat reached; though, inconsistent (see Appendix A for proof).
Objective #1: I will initiate a solution/intervene (behaviour) when problems arise
(condition). During altercations between children/youth, I tried my best to intervene
when conflict arose to create positive solutions. I did struggle at times with this objective
because I found it challenging to come up with solutions on the spot and without taking
any sides.
Objective #2: I will take risks (behaviour) on a daily basis (level) in professional
settings (condition). Risk-taking continues to be a challenge for me, but I have been able
to do so occasionally. By continuing to gain more confidence, I believe I will eventually
be successful in achieving this objective.
Objective #3: I will educate myself (behaviour) on methods of problem-solving
(condition). I intended to educate myself on methods of problem-solving by researching
information on the Internet regarding this topic, however, I was not successful in doing

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so. Despite this, I was able to learn from watching others, including learning and falling
back on my knowledge gained throughout the CYW program.
Objective #4: I will gain experience (behaviour) by practicing in situations at my
current/future placement(s) (condition). As mentioned in the previous objective, I did
gain experience within my current placement regarding problem-solving skills.
Goal #4: To apply disciplinary actions (behaviour) towards children/youth when
applicable (condition) goal was somewhat reached; though, inconsistent (see
Appendix A for proof).
Objective #1: I will initiate disciplinary actions (behaviour) when applicable at
placement (condition). I was sometimes able to initiate disciplinary actions when
applicable at placement towards the beginning of the semester, not so much, but as time
went on, I certainly improved in doing so, as I gained more confidence with time and
experience. Typically, the disciplinary actions I enforced were sending children/youth to
the wall during recess if they behaved inappropriately, sending children/youth to a
specific area in the classroom to calm down, taking privileges such as toys/activities
away, or time off play. This is a significant improvement for me because in my past three
placements, I was unable to apply consequences to children/youth due to fear and a lack
of confidence.
Objective #2: I will take risks to intervene and apply discipline (behaviour) during
conflict (condition). I did occasionally take risks to intervene and apply disciplinary
actions during conflict. Similar to the previous objective, I used the same strategies. The
reason that this objective, including the one before, is highlighted in yellow, is because at
times I would hold back due to having a lack of confidence in how to approach certain

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situations, and also because being authoritative is a challenge for me.
Objective #3: I will learn (behaviour) appropriate methods of discipline
throughout my current placement (condition). Towards the beginning of my placement, I
observed my supervisors and the disciplinary strategies they used. Through observation, I
was able to learn form them appropriate methods of discipline and how to approach
certain issues.
Objective #4: I will gain experience (behaviour) by practicing in situations at my
current/future placement(s) (condition). I did gain experience in the field of discipline
during my current placement, as explained above. I am proud of myself that I have
improved in this area, though, it is important that I continue to work on this objective in
future placements and/or careers.

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