Reflection of Unit One
Through the process of peer review and editing my definitions, I was able to clarify my original writing and expand on under explored excerpts.
First Definitions Assignment
Choosing the right amount of information for each definition was more difficult than I anticipated. Putting myself in the shoes of a novice reader was challenging because I wasn’t sure if I was using jargon or if I was describing the definition enough. I struggled to figure out whether my definitions were actually helpful or if they were just as hard to grasp as the term itself.
I learned that writing in concise, simple language is much more difficult than flowery, overdone language. And that simplicity is powerful.
Peer Review
Initially, it felt quite odd combing through someone’s work. I enjoy writing, but I wouldn’t say I’m advanced enough to actually provide critique. I did enjoy reading Usman’s definitions, as it brought me back to my time as a science student. I felt lucky to have already had a general idea of what genetic drift was.
This peer review process really taught me how difficult it can be to break something down and construct it in a way that’s digestible for novice audiences.
Revised Definitions Assignment
This assignment really taught me how important it is to have a fresh set of eyes look over your work. When I finished the original definitions assignment, I was so sure I had deconstructed what Podplays were, but after receiving Usman’s Peer Review Report, I realized how I had failed to thoroughly explain certain aspects.
This is actually quite relevant for my projects outside this class. As an aspiring writer, I tend to send my work off without peer review. This assignment has shown me how crucial it is to have someone look over your writing, because you never know what you may have missed.
I found this week’s assignments extremely helpful. I will definitely be incorporating more peer review into my projects and will always try to consider more novice readers when writing more complex pieces.
Here is a link to my original Definitions Assignment: Revised definition
Here is the link to Usman’s peer review of the assignment:https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl301-99a-2019wa/2019/09/25/peer-review-report/