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and strengthens the Personal Development Methodology. Students also provide a kind of assessment
feedback to instructors when they perform an end-of-semester course assessment. Conscientious
instructors are always trying to assess their own teaching methods in order to help students become
stronger learners.
Sandra was able to meet with her English instructor for an extra conference because the draft
of her paper was done early. Sandra was also able to be better prepared for her math test. She
has let her mentor know how things are going and has discussed next semester’s schedule
with him as well.
Step 8—Adjust the Plan
Once you have performed your assessment, you may find you want to adjust your plan to best serve
your overall goals. Do not change your overall plan at this point; just apply any insights you may
have had about challenges and opportunities in achieving success. Adjustments might include revising
planned activities, your desired outcome, or the way in which you measure your progress. Continue to
apply anything that is working well for you.
Sandra is looking at scheduling her classes at different times for next semester. She finds she
does well with breaks for homework between classes, instead of scheduling all her classes in
large blocks on three days. Because she does not have to babysit as much, she will be able to
schedule her classes in the way that works best for her.
Step 9—Appreciate Gains
“Find the good—and praise it.”
Alex Haley
We often look for outside praise for our efforts and forget that we can, and should, acknowledge and
appreciate our own steps toward the goals we have set. Throughout your personal development process,
be sure to record, reflect on, and document all the positives: your thoughts, your accomplishments,
and any personal growth you notice. If you are having a difficult time seeing this progress, ask your
instructor or your mentor. Even small life changes are highly significant because they predict an
increased potential in the future.
Sandra had been worried about the workload of her classes and baby-sitting. She wasn’t sure
she could do well in college, and she didn’t want to let her sister down. She found out that
her sister was worried about asking too much of her. The new schedule has
worked out for both of them. With a few different relatives helping with
child care, Alicia can spend more time studying too. It looks like both
sisters will make the Dean’s List this semester!