A500.9.4.RB - Manglona,Matthew-Napu Course Reflections

A500.9.4.RB - Manglona,Matthew-Napu Course Reflections

As I reflect on the course dating all the way back to the month of August I really surprised myself on the amount of work and most especially the quality of work I was able to produce with everything that was going on in my life on a day to day basis. From working full time to having no weekends off once a month due to drill, coaching Crossfit, and volunteer work every other weekend, I surprised myself with everything I was able to accomplish. If I was able to improve my learning experience I would have to say I would improve my time management. It was such a blur I am not going to lie now that this course is over it is surreal. However I really did take a lot from this course because as the days went by I was able to apply each module lesson to my job and work.

For the university or instructor to give support on learning? In my honest opinion I think all the support was there from the start. If I had a question an answer with clarity was given especially from a distant learning point of view. An example was provided to include detailed information on what needed to be done. Which I really appreciated because this was my first distant online class and thought it would be a little bit more strict, but I really admire the quick responses and help that I was able to obtain.

There was a lot of relevance to my career from this course especially my confidence to my superiors and my critical thinking process of having a bright idea or recommendation for them. I also challenge my subordinates in asking them the questions needed when it comes to accomplishing certain tasks. I don’t base their answers to me from their perspective, but I ask them to think the questions my bosses would ask me when I turn in a product and ensure that they are able to provide me a detailed answer. In a way I taught my staff a little bit of this course along the way through this course. I expect to learn about things in the future on the more strategic level and apply decision making from the top of the pyramid point of view. I really look forward to the challenges once again as I continue to balance everything I have going on in my life at the same time striving to be the best I can be whether it be at work or my grades while attending this great University.

A500.8.3.RB –MANGLONA, MATTHEW-NAPU_Good Presentation Design

A500.8.3.RB –MANGLONA, MATTHEW-NAPU_ Good Presentation Design

The Good Presentation Design was a great lesson for me because I was able to relate the lesson to both my personal and professional life. Alignment, contrast, proximity, and repetition are all important elements in the brief presentations I prepare for my supervisor and other leaders in my organization. I recall when I first started preparing power point presentations in the military and my presentations being all over the place. I would include fancy backgrounds, the fonts were never consistent throughout, and I had embarrassing spelling errors. My boss would keep returning my presentations to “fix ” without providing guidance or expectations on what he wanted the slides to look like or include.  It took me awhile to figure it out, but I eventually did. I learned to pay attention to detail, even on the smallest elements such as the location of the page number and I often ask my colleagues to read my presentations as a second set of eyes for errors or inconsistencies with the information on the slides.

As I read the pdf document provided, I focused my attention on the slide decks that were included in the document looking for different elements as to what a good presentation design should look like. I quickly realized that fancy backgrounds are not necessary to get a point across, nor do you need a lot of pictures or fancy animation to have a good presentation. In college my professors never taught what a good presentation should look like, nor did they mention that consistency and simplicity are things to consider for a good presentation. I realized this after looking at some of my old presentations on my computer files and remembered that they basically gave an assignment to create a presentation. After this lesson, I was deeply surprised that I received multiple grades of “A” on my presentations.

What needs to be done for a good presentation in general is what we discussed in our discussion question. A good presentation consists of slides that are simple and straight to the point, engagement with the audience, and no shortcuts in the brief. The effort and time that is put into a brief is what the audience will receive when being briefed. Meaningful information on a slide is much better than a slide full of animation, and of course it is always a good idea to include some visuals such as pictures or graphs. Giving direct eye contact instead of roaming the room is something I constantly do and didn’t know it was actually a good practice. I like to do direct eye contact so I can catch somebody if they are sleeping through my presentation.

This module is a great tool for me as I stated above. It is interesting that what my boss was trying to tell me was something he probably learned in his graduate courses or from his previous boss when he was in my position. I now know that this will only benefit me in the future and beyond my years in the military and private sector.

A500.7.3.RB_Manglona, Matthew-Napu Quantitative Research Reflection

A500.7.3.RB_Manglona, Matthew-Napu Quantitative Research Reflection

 

I look at quantitative research as something that I have experienced, read, and done in my educational endeavors. Compared to qualitative I better understand quantitative a little bit more because I have actually dealt with it more often than qualitative. Where qualitative aims at understanding, quantitative aims at explanation. I interpret quantitative as understanding as to why a certain phenomenon or study exists, based off the presentation.

I have used quantitative research in my career by trying to figure out number figures to better enhance the force structure in my organization. I was able to use data, comparisons, and conduct observations to obtain an answer to what I was looking for.  I had to figure out as to why certain soldiers were lacking certain online schooling (especially since they only come in once a month) which they can do at home as well and figure out a way to explain to my boss as to why they were lacking those specific schools. I established a survey and statistical record to have an explanation. I asked certain questions pertaining as to the reasons why they were not able to accomplish the task that was given to them. I think the flaw to my research however was just the lack of resources for my observation. It was difficult to understand the morale of the soldiers as a whole as each one of them had a unique way of expressing emotions and attitudes as to why they either could not or did not want to do it (i.e. PTSD, not caring, or other reasons) and input this into the data field.

 The end result being the time consumption and personal reasons (i.e family, school, other obligations) as to why they were not able to conduct the task then later coming up with a solution based off the survey and statistical analysis. I had to create this study for the command and present to our directorate of personnel. I ended up recommending to my commander that we provide these soldiers an appropriate time based off the consensus when will be a good time to accomplish the task as a whole.

Just like the qualitative research aspiration I look forward to using quantitative as well. I didn’t have a clue knowing the whole time I have conducted quantitative research (or at least I like to think I did) to continue to use this method for my career. My job at home requires me to figure out solutions for the organization and I believe that through social research I can accomplish any task that requires me to do just that (quantitative research). In my job my superiors require explanations to certain social phenomena that pertain to the Guam National Guard Soldiers and Airmen. Compared to qualitative I can use a quantitative research approach more to understand our personnel force structure in my organization.

A500.6.3.RB_Manglona, Matthew-Napu- Qualitative Research

 Qualitative research, broadly defined, means "any kind of research that produces findings not arrived at by means of statistical procedures or other means of quantification" (Strauss and Corbin, 1990, p. 17). To grasp the understanding of it, I had to thoroughly read through the sections and now understand the difference between qualitative versus quantitative research. Now that I have a better understanding between the two, I realize that a few of the resources I used for my project were more quantitative than qualitative. Quantitative researchers seek causal determination, prediction, and generalization of findings, qualitative researchers seek instead illumination, understanding, and extrapolation to similar situations (Hoepfl, 1997). It also makes reference that indicates qualitative and quantitative may go hand in hand, which I noticed in the resources I used during my research. I can recall that during my undergraduate studies I would use any kind of resource that would sufficed just get by and do what needs to be done. Learning the difference between the two was a real eye opener as it broadened the horizon for me on future assignments requiring research.

One feature of qualitative research I consider related to action research is when the researcher uses “the natural setting” and acts as the “human instrument” for data collection. I find that qualitative research provides more defined information, which I prefer to use because it is straight to the point and reliable. I currently do not use qualitative research as a typical research method, however I know that it will be a great method to use.

I appreciate how qualitative research consists of observations, interviews, and data collection, which leans more towards scientific approach. I find that it is easier for me to interpret qualitative information and make direct correlation to the topic at hand. After reading that the use of documents such as official records, articles, and letters for example, are invaluable to qualitative research it made me wonder if it was similar to action research. I believe that using  data derived from qualitative reports will allow me to produce better reports and products such as briefs for my superiors at work.

Qualitative research is a relatively new concept for me and I know that with continued use and application will benefit me during my course studies and professional life. I expect to use it in the very near future such as when preparing my Annotated Bibliography, which I foresee using more of the qualitative rather than the quantitative method.

A500.5.3.RB_Manglona, Matthew-Napu Critical Thinking about Critical Thinking

When I first started the course I had a brief idea of what organizational leadership as explained by my mentor and examples he gave. However I did not know the magnitude of critical thinking. I didn’t realize that thinking outside the box was an example or an element of critical thinking. At times, I found it difficult to understand why my boss treated me or reacted towards things that I did or the decisions I made for the staff. After the material I have learned in this class, I realize that I have made improvements and have grown in both my personal and professional life. Now when I am given a task at work I always ask the questions based off the “elements of reasoning” I learned in Chapter 2 of our book. Asking about my tasks’ purpose, question at issue, purpose, assumptions, implications and consequences to name a few (Nosich, 2012). I have noticed a significant improvement in my ability to accomplish my tasks using what have learned from this class and applying them to my work. Before this course, the products and briefs I prepared for my boss was returned to me to make corrections, but the errors have minimalized and my boss is now praising my work. In my spare time, I train and coach at a local crossfit gym, and I have also applied the tools that I have learned to my coaching methods which as benefited the athletes.

In my everyday life, I have been able to use the tools learned. I have been able to internalize the techniques and concepts that I learned because it is in my nature of work and the position I hold that requires me to think critically.  I think my subordinates think I am more aggressive in the workplace now and my superiors really notice and appreciate my new way of thinking. I don’t just settle for ordinary anymore, I actually question everything I do now, “Why?, How?, and What is the purpose? Etc…”  I have been able to implement the “Going around the circle” concept into my work and briefs. I have bosses to answer too and always want to ensure I have covered all aspects of the circle and their own personal logic. It is a tool that my peers do not have yet but I mentor them and give them as much advice as I can to set them up for success.

Although I am still learning my craft and discipline I believe it will take constant practice to become truly successful. Bruce Lee said “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times”. With that analogy I believe that is what it will take for me to have a positive change in my thinking. I honestly believe that the process of officer promotion in the military and the challenges I face in my career will have a lasting impact and change my way of thinking. I know that as I promote in the military, the tolerance for mistakes grows lower and lower, however thorough analysis and thinking will help me succeed.

A500.4.3.RB_ManglonaMatthew-Napu

The assumptions and presentation that I learned from Dr. Iyengar’s video opened my mind more about how making choices, whether it be right or wrong directly impacts a person’s life.  The video allowed me to better understand the relevance to my choices while growing up and the choices as an a adult. Dr. Iyengar described how Americans live with the freedom of choice, as evident when “we make our own choices”. Essentially, we are who we are individually because we get to choose what we want to do. For example, kids are often asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most boys respond that they want to be a fireman or policeman, and girls typically want to be nurses or teachers. Of course through the years, these answers change as the children grow up and become interested in other things such as science or liberal arts. Another example about choice is the fact that we get to choose who we want to marry. In some countries and cultures, arranged marriages are still tradition. For most, the choices we make shape us into the motivated, hardworking, and focused citizens that makes the country what it is today.

However I would like to share that on we are a small island community, and when it comes to race and ethnicity we primarily host immigrants from the countries such as the Federated States of Micronesia, Korea, Philippines, and China. We are sensitive to the fact that freedom of choices is not as rampant with some of these countries due to cultural beliefs. For example, in some Filipino families, the young females are forced by their families to study nursing or some thing related in the medical field because of the potential earnings that can be made. In a poverty stricken country such as the Philippines, the necessity to send someone abroad to obtain an education is vital to the survival of other family members not as fortunate to leave the Philippines. I can recall some of my friends who were forced to do what their parents wanted because of situations such as the one described and also because of their family’s beliefs and values.

Her second assumption on “more options, lead to better choices” I can relate to. In my opinion, the more options one has, the better the decision as to what is best for the individual. For example, when I was in the ROTC program with the University of Guam, I was given the option to join either active duty Army or the Guam Army National Guard. Although the decision was tough to make, I chose to join the Guam Army National Guard, which as has been very beneficial to me. For one, I am able to do what I love, on island I love. Another example of the benefits for me personally, would be the training I receive that the vast number of opportunities provided for me to excel in what I do. Such as, in my current job, it is not typical for a person of my rank to present senior leadership with various courses of action due to the nature of my job and the experience needed to resolve difficult situations. However, the courses of actions I present to my leadership, provides various outcomes where they choose the best option for the benefit of the mission.

There was one part of the video that found very interesting. In the video, she described the study she conducted with nail polish and the women that were tricked with the colors and naming convention of the polishes.  The color of the polish was the same but the names were different such as Ballet Slippers and Admirable for example. The women were technically making the choice of nail polish based on the name.

Somewhat similar to when Americans choose cars. There are many options for name brand, make, models, color, etc. However, when I think about this scenario, a car is a car, right? The car is a mode of transportation that essentially gets someone from point A to point B. Going back to the nail polish, they both looked the same, and they do the same thing. What I am trying to get at is, “Is it really a better choice when you choose between two or more things that give you the same end result?”

Dr. Iyengar’s third assumption of “Never say no to choice” is a no brainer. Every American must make choices every day. If we really stop and think about it, “How do we function if we say no to our choice or choices?” “How does one go about his or her day if they haven’t decided on a choice to move around or to do something?” The answer I think is like those from other countries, whose families or cultural values have chosen the future of children, as explained in the Filipino family reference above. Choice is what dictates our very own livelihoods. For example, there are people who choose to work extremely hard and do the best they can in whatever they do, and then there are those who choose to just sit around all day and get nothing accomplished. The outcome of choices that one makes will have to be accepted by that individual. A person cannot blame another person for the choice they made in life that would be an excuse. Another example of choice is with our emotions. When I have a bad day, I choose to be mad or I can overcome it and choose to be happy. I never say no and my choices dictate what I think (at that present time) is what is best for me.

A500.3.4.RB - Explore the Hunt Library

A500.3.4.RB_Manglona,Matthew-Napu

As I ventured through the Hunt library I was amazed with the vast amount of information available for me to use as reference material such as journal articles, magazine articles, and the books/e-books. As I reflect back to the days when I was obtaining my Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Guam, I remember having to go to the library to do research. The University of Guam did not have an on-line library back then, but if there was one, it would have made research easier.

This source will definitely be beneficial to me as a resource. For example, searching for an article on leadership for the assignment given to us for this module was very easy. The search feature was easy to use and the articles listed as references were exactly what I was looking for. I look forward to using the Hunt library for future assignments.

Resources are scholarly in nature because it provides access to academic pursuits of knowledge. When I research for something I have to think to myself, “What makes this article reliable?” “Does the author or writer have enough evidence to support his/her claim? It is well known know that Wiki-Pedia is not a good resource because it does not provide factual information and is not a reliable source.  Therefore, when I do research, I always think about the source at hand and if the reference material is an appropriate news/ journal article, book, or video.

It is known that the information available on the internet may not always be accurate therefore it takes a little more time to find legitimate and authentic articles to use as a source. The Hunt library provides me with precisely what I am looking for and I am not as reluctant to open the files to read.  For example, I researched Military Leadership articles for our assignment and there were an estimated 25 plus of journals or articles to choose from. I selected a few to read over and found some articles that contained citing’s, therefore I felt a sense of relief knowing the articles contained valid information.

The Hunt Library could represent a system of thinking compared to the body of information. The library produces a system of thinking by giving us a wide variety of choosing for information. Whereas articles or research from a search engine gives us the representation of a body of information. I rarely see the information located in search engines being put out and recognizing other author’s inputs compared to the library. I have found that the library articles I have read often reflect off other articles and compliment other references in the research process. Although I enjoy the ease in using search engines such as Google, the information from Google is not as meaningful or helpful as the information as using the on-line library and not as convenient.

A500.2.3.RB_MANGLONA,MATTHEW-NAPU Tell your story

A500.2.3.RB_MANGLONA,MATTHEW-NAPU

There are a few standards that I hold dear to my heart. I would like to talk about the critical thinking standard of consistency. Throughout my life, I have learned to think logically, and to continue to challenge myself mentally and physically, no matter how big or small the circumstance is. I consider these values as a standard in everything I do, and I attribute them to the teachings of my father, who is one of the most hardest working men that I know.

When I commit to something, I am determined to see it through to the end. I have learned to believe in everything I do and carry a positive attitude while doing it. I am always consistent in my belief of doing well. I believe everything happens for a reason, and there is something good in every situation. For example as an officer in the Army, my personal goal is to consistently exceed the standards of the physical fitness standards. I set this goal not only as a self-motivator, but also to motivate the soldiers in my platoon. There are other factors that motivate me and I often ask myself “Will scoring low on my PT Test result in delay in promotions?” or “If my soldiers see me fail or score low then that means it will be okay to emulate and do the same”.  Then my thoughts turn into things such as, “I have set a standard for them, they should follow” or “I will be able to be Number 1 on the board for selection to the next grade (Promotion)”.

Self-improvement is a continuous challenge, but that is what motivates me. Challenge allows me to excel. Standards will change throughout the years, but we also mature as time goes by. I take the lessons learned from the past experiences and challenge myself by setting a higher bar of expectations for myself. This is a consistent application on everything I do. Whether it be school work, work at the office, or my physical fitness, consistency always goes a long way with me.

A non-critical thinking standard that I hold will be opportunistic. I acquired this standard from my mentor in the Army. He always told me when an opportunity is presented in front of me to always take advantage and seize that opportunity. For example, I was offered to go to “Air Assault” school with only one-week notice. The two-week school is rigorous both physically and mentally demanding. But I knew that completion of this training will benefit me both personally and professionally. I can see claim vs. fact in my statement. I see a claim that the course would be physically and mentally demanding but I know it’s a fact that it will be beneficial for me. I say a claim because it depends on the individual going to the school, as it may be difficult for some and easy for others. And I state that it is beneficial for me because completing the school will give me necessary points for promotion.

I can also see a couple of elements of reasoning in my thought process. I already knew the purpose of going (as a leader it is expected of me to go) and I jumped at the opportunity presented to me knowing that it would be hard work but a good pay-off.  Unlike others individuals who make excuses such as “No, I am not ready”, or “One-week is not enough reaction time for me to leave”.

When the opportunity presented itself, I began to think about the “what-ifs”. For example, what if I go and do not pass, what if I pass this opportunity down and it does not come again because it was given to one of my colleagues, what if this class is what sets me apart from the next guy at promotion time, and lastly, what if budget cuts prevent me from ever going. This is the critical thinking in my though process.

A5001.5.RB_MANGLONA,MATTHEW-NAPU Intellectual Perseverance

A5001.5.RB_MANGLONA,MATTHEW-NAPU

Intellectual Perseverance referenced at  http://www.criticalthinking.org is defined as “Having a consciousness of the need to use intellectual insights and truths in spite of difficulties, obstacles, and frustrations; firm adherence to rational principles despite the irrational opposition of others; a sense of the need to struggle with confusion and unsettled questions over an extended period of time to achieve deeper understanding or insight”. I  relish this definition as it  relates  to resiliency and being able to overcome road blocks that may be presented in front of an individual.

This practice will be key to my performance in obtaining my Master’s degree. At times, there will be hardship and difficulties,  but I am  ready and committed to  adapt, overcome, and be successful. From experience I know I need to continue to work hard and remind myself about this  definition to become a successful leader, not only in my career, but a successful student as well.  I have made decisions on  many obstacles in life and I have struggled with confusion on  my decision making process.

One example was making a hard decision that I knew was right, versus making an wrong decision because it was an easy fix involving a on a service member that required “firm adherence to rational principles despite the opposition of others”. In this decision making process, I had to discharge a soldier because he consistently failed  to meet  the Army’s physical standards. This individual was a good person, however he was not a good soldier, which unfortunately led to his discharge.  This particular decision resulted in a mixture of emotions because I was viewed differently between my peers and some superiors.  Some were disappointed in me because they knew the this individual personally, and some were impressed because I took and hard line and stood my ground.

. During this time period, a lot ran through my mind, such as “ If I keep this soldier, what is the message I’ll be sending to those who were once in his position but were let go?” or “ If I let him go, what will  my friends and bosses who admire him going to think of me?” I was stuck in a dark cloud for a couple of months because I thought my unit hated me. However as time passed, I was content with my decision because I realized  that I made the right decision to  follow regulations.  

                As a leader in my organization, I would embrace the chance to  teach these fundamentals to other leaders who work under, aside, and above me. This will spread a great practice in our organization because this form of art is all but lost or practiced by very few. Based on my experience, I have seen individuals go through difficult times instead of intellectual perseverance, they simply give up.  Once they give up it is like a virus for those they work with, which  spreads before there is a chance for  resilient person to come in and save them from the road blocks they have created  on tasks that need to be completed.  

 I know in our discussions on fallacies intellectual perseverance will play a key role. For the example I used in the discussion of “Appeal to Consequence”, I would have to intellectually persevere and make the right decision with the facts  presented to me despite my close relationship with the individual. However I will have to sit and ponder to make the right decision even though there may be confusion, obstacles, and frustrations I may  experience. At the end of the day it will allow me to gather better insight and embrace the fact that I am wrong and the facts are right.

The critical thinking portion of our discussion board can go hand in hand with Intellectual Perseverance or at least be used as a sub tool. I would use it by thinking outside the lines of a solution realizing there will be difficulties and confusion but all to reach the end result of a deeper understanding. In comparison to Robert Ennis’s definition of “Critical Thinking is reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do”. (Nosich, 2012). The key phrase is deciding what to believe or do. Going back to my previous example above with the soldier failing his PT test I literally had to think critically of making the right decision because doing the right thing is what I believe in and what I do.