WHAT I GAINED AND HOW I PROJECT MYSELF AFTER PPPE

Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice in English.

As a part of my life long learning desire, also to enhance my professional skills, I ventured into following Postgraduate Diploma in 2021/22 at Postgraduate Institute of English, Open University of Sri Lanka. 

An innovative one year intensive English language enhancement and communication course offered by highly experienced and qualified faculty. The programme has a strong practice orientation and integrates insights from key stakeholders in the industry backed by the academic excellence of the Postgraduate Institute of English and The Open University of Sri Lanka.

Throughout the program, I was able to learn many unwritten rules involved in communicating in English in professional contexts. Since the programme is more towards practical aspect of using English, it was a new experience to me when compared to other programs I have been exposed to. 

Core Courses of the course

1. Professional Communication I – Professional Writing Skills.
2. Professional Communication II – Skills in Presentation and Technology Mediated Communication.
3. Professional Communication III – Language of Negotiation.
4. Key Language Competencies and Advanced Grammar.
5. Continuous Professional Development (including soft skills and IT skills).
6. Writing and Presenting Project Proposals.

The structure of the program vetted thoroughly and designed with the trend of domestic world. Unlike the usual mode of lecturing, the contents were also taught in proper way, especially the practical way of using English in professional world. And their mode of assessments and evaluation also different, which were designed to test the real outcomes of the course contents.

During the study period, we were guided and assigned to submit several practical and documentary works for  evaluation. Business project presentation and written proposals, self branding and promotional videos, script writing, poster presentation, creating and a LinkedIn profile and a successful portfolio were some of that. Coming across all these steps, have strengthened my ability and knowledge also have added an great inputs to foster my professional carrier. 

Communication in the workplace is important because it boosts employee morale, engagement, productivity, and satisfaction. And which is also a key for better team collaboration and cooperation. Ultimately, effective workplace communication helps drive better results for individuals, teams, and organizations. My level of communication skills have improved after I started to do this course. 

We were taught do develop our negotiation skills in different perspectives . Understanding the situation and changing the mode of negotiation is always beneficial to win the conversation. The knowledge on persuasive talks, bargaining techniques and importance of having more BATNAs were some crucial strategies I have been started to follow these days before starting a business negotiation. They helped me to improve my professionalism and which was endorsed by my colleagues recently at work.

Professional writing trends are being updated time to time. And it is geared towards informing or persuading an audience in the world of work and commerce. As a teacher, I regularly conduct parents teachers meeting of my class. As a member of red cross society responsible for English Junior Section, I had to conduct monthly meetings. It was an opportunity to polish my professional knowledge on handling meetings as well as professional writing skills. Experience I gained by practicing writing minutes, memos, letters, and all other forms were landed a hand in my progress. 

The course mode was blended learning, consists of a physical class day once a month among other virtual schedules. Due to the pandemic many educational institute has been shifting to virtual mode of learning. But, my exposure to virtual mode with PPPE was a new experience. Their new etiquette on handling the studies online was appreciable. Sessions were conducted as per scheduled and no postponed. This we were able to complete the course a within the reserved period of time.

Many thanks to my teachers. Also, technical officers and staff of the OUSL and my peers have also a sources of my strengths throughout this academic endeavor making us technically savvy to at least some extent. Now at the completion of protectors program, I am extremely happy that I have overcome all the struggles, continuous assessments, deadline submissions, digital and technical difficulties, at the same time by adding more value to my professionalism.

And the lectures don't miss to make us understand the importance of team work. We came across several task to manage as a group.  Learning collectively as team was another salient experience. Collaborative problem solving leads to better outcomes. People are more likely to take calculated risks that lead to innovation if they have the support of a team behind them. And applying this concept on my profession, encourages personal growth, increases job satisfaction, and reduces stress.

At last, I take this opportunity to thank all teachers, who strive their best to impart knowledge with greater difficulties and motivated us for learning under new normal situation, university staff for giving timely messages where necessary. to complete this programme successfully.

I wish the success of future programes.