ENGL 301 was an extremely valuable experience that taught me both writing techniques, as well as ideas on how to approach work in a professional setting.
My Strengths and Weaknesses
As a writer, I had felt my greatest tool was the ability to quickly put into writing my thoughts and feelings. Rarely have I previously needed to take the time and truly reflect on what I wanted to express because I felt that I had done so adequately on the first try. After my experience in ENGL 301, I now know that this strength is also a weakness – because I was so used to critiquing writing based on my own expectations, I would never see the mistakes in my own writing. The peer review process within ENGL 301 has been extremely valuable in helping me realize my hubris, and moving towards being a better writer overall. Looking back, I can see my own writing was too harsh, at times too wordy, and overly personal. Thanks to ENGL 301, I’ve gained the tools I need for future success.
Valuable Tools I’ve Learned
- Writing with a YOU Attitude and avoiding imperatives
Writing with a YOU attitude was incredibly valuable in finding ways to express myself in a constructive manner. Before, I had not realized how valuable verbs with the ‘ing’ were to helping avoid imperatives and commands that could be seen as condescending or criticizing the reader.
2. Peer revision and team improvement
Peer revision was a novel process that I will try to employ more in the future. Previously, I had just sent in work towards my supervisor and hoped that their feedback would be all I needed to improve. However, I now realize that my team members and fellow co-workers are also valuable sources of advice and improvement. While critique helps improve writing, it does not fundamentally change how I had viewed writing. Putting myself into the steps of my peers has helped me greatly in the writing process.
Why These Tools Matter
Within the business world and professional environment, while technical skills and experience are exceedingly valuable, one aspect of workers that may go unnoticed at times is the ability to communicate in an eloquent and respectful fashion. With the tools I’ve gained from ENGL 301, I will be able to interact with my co-workers in a more productive fashion. Communication is a valuable skill that I’ve previously taken for granted, and ENGL 301 has helped me rectify that.