User:Kellie Toohey/Learning Outcomes/8. Defined and achieved specific learning outcomes developed for them by the supervisor and/or Faculty/Research Centre

This is the link to the learning outcomes that have been developed by my supervisor and the reasearch centre: link. I have successfully defined and achieved the outcomes of this portfolio but will continue to update this wiki to record the process that I have followed. This could assist future students in the reflection process of setting up a research degree.

Strengths:
 * Practical knowledge
 * Primary supervisors availability and willingness to answer questions
 * Excellent communication skills
 * Great understanding of gaps in the literature
 * Excellent organisational skills
 * Well developed oral speaking skills
 * Determination to do well and finish PhD

Weaknesses:
 * Statistical knowledge requires up-skilling
 * Writing skills need developing to meet publication standard
 * Moderate testing background
 * Patients required for study to be a very high standard

Throughout the last four months, I have identified areas that require up-skilling. I will need to further develop research skills and statistical understanding to ensure maximum academic research output is reached. From this, outcomes has been developed to ensure I acquire the research generic skills. Throughout this semester the research unit has provided HDR students with tool and workshops to ensure an increased understanding of a field of research. I have attended a number of these workshops and have discovered a number of others that I will attend as part of the process of up-skilling to meet the learning outcomes and requirements of this PhD.

There is a huge amount of skills and support through the research faculty at the University of Canberra and as part of this process I was able to utilise many of the resources and training available. Further up-skilling will take place throughout the entire PhD process through the Faculty of Health and my supervisors and the graduate research office. Meetings and additional external seminars will also be attended as a part of this process. Additionally, industry experience, position stands, future research directions and external travel will form part of the process to advance my current knowledge and enhance my understanding in the topic area.

It is important to note that the majority of my skills will be compiled over the entire PhD process based on benchmarking and goals and the outcome requirements of degree. Further collaboration with supervisors, specialists and other universities will continue to be enhanced though out the process. If there is an area of concern exposed due to my lack of knowledge or understanding, outcomes may be altered or changed so that the research timelines can be met. All of the weaknesses that have been reported on will be targeted and drive the up-skilling through the University of Canberra, my supervisors and external and on-line training methods.