Communication Core Competency:
Throughout our fetal pig dissection, my experience of collaboration showcased the communication core competency. A partner was required in order to dissect the pig, therefore, the entire experience included collaboration in each step. Going into this week-long dissection, my partner and I felt it was fitting to assign roles and responsibilities to each person. In doing this, we maintained an efficient and organized work area, as we knew what the tasks we had to complete once walking into the lab each day. The fetal pig dissection was by far our hardest lab within anatomy and physiology twelve, so we had to come up with strategies to navigate our project goals and any misunderstandings. The time constraint was our largest issue, so we strategized by setting up goals we needed to complete before leaving class. An example of this being taking an entire class to memorize each organ/accessory organ before we left. My partner and I were very vocal within this lab, we used communication to further our understanding, and to ensure we made as little mistakes as possible. We would constantly ask each other questions about where to cut, which organs are which, and what cleaning procedures to take. In doing this and utilizing communication to our advantage, we shared our knowledge and ideas to each other which allowed us to succeed in this lab.
Thinking Core Competency:
Within the dissection of our fetal pig, my experience of critical thinking represented the thinking core competency. We found this lab challenging, meaning we faced a few problems within the dissection. We persevered through any issues we faced, and used critical thinking to solve these problems. An example being the verbal test we were required to take; our pig was not in the greatest shape, it was difficult to differiante organs within the digestive tract. In order to overcome this and perform well on our verbal test, we used a different group’s pig to practice on and take the test with. Using our critical thinking skills, we were able to analyze evidence to make decisions while studying for the oral test. We were given a sheet which contained all of the organs we needed to learn, as well as a diagram. We analyzed this sheet and applied it to our actual pig, where we made decisions on which organ was which. When we were cutting our pig open, we found it difficult to cut through the skin, as we wanted to make sure we didn’t cut anything within the digestive tract. We asked our classmates for advice, to which they gave us feedback on how to make the cuts more precise. We took this feedback and we improved on all of our other cuts.
Personal/Social Core Competency:
Throughout our fetal pig dissection, my experience of personal awareness and responsibility showcased the personal/social core competency. I managed and supported my wellbeing during this lab by ensuring I was prepared and organized each day. In coming to class in the right mindset, with the necessary sheets and equipment, I set myself up for success and demonstrated responsibility. I made sure to come to class on time and prepared during this time-crucial lab; this supported and managed my overall wellbeing. If I was not organized, I would’ve become stressed to complete everything. A strategy I used to support my personal awareness and responsibility was coming in during cent time, flex time, and lunch when it was needed. In doing this, I set myself up for success and took ownership of my own learning. Another strategy I used was asking classmates and my partner for help when needed, this ensured I was completing each task correctly, therefore showcasing my personal responsibility.