Unit 1 Reflection
Myself, along with the students in ENGL 301 99A, just completed Unit 1! About one month ago I was new to this class, the organizational and work style, and the resources used within the course. It feels great to have gotten some traction, and to have built momentum within the course. Outside of starting my blog, I had the opportunity to be introduced to other writers within the class! Now a member of the “Fourth Pair of Eyes” I’ve worked to complete many interesting assignments, and have become a better writer in the process. Here’s some of the things that I completed and learned in Unit 1: Assignment 1.3 – Writing Three Definitions
Definitions:
Taking a passion of mine, psychology, and applying it to this course was a great experience. I worked to define the term “scaffolding”, which refers to the socio-cultural technique used as a reference for “teachers” to help “learners”, by adjusting the level of support that they provide. While based in psychology, I feel as though the breadths of this term apply to a much greater audience. Outside of providing new strategies for adolescents to develop, it provides insight for teenagers and adults alike. Learning is a process that continues throughout one’s life; and far too often we find ourselves in a system that supports a singular style of teaching. As we are all learners, in any given capacity, it is important to know and try different and unique ways to do so. You can find more about this term, and my assignment, here:
Peer review:
Following the submission of my definitions assignment, our team suggested that I review Rodrigo’s term, “Theory of Change.” I enjoyed seeing how another writer, and teammate, worked through the assignment; their term, process, and style of writing. Moreover, I enjoyed being able to provide Rodrigo with “suggestions” for how he might improve his already wonderful assignment. I understand that it might be “awkward” at times to provide feedback towards other writers. However, I believe that providing constructive feedback makes me better, as does receiving feedback. Through this review process, it was great to reflect back on how I might have re-structured, or improved my own assignment.
Editing Process:
Amina, another member within my writing team, took the time to review my definitions on “scaffolding.” It’s clear that she took the time to make well thought out, clear, and helpful suggestions to my work. Amina pointed out mistakes that I, simply, had not noticed in my assignment. Moreover, she made high-level suggestions on how I could, holistically, improve some of my sections. Outside of making my assignment better, I found this insight extremely beneficial, as I can take these suggestions and apply them into my next work. I have attached my revised assignment, with Amina’s revisions, here: Assignment 1.3 – Writing Three Definitions
I learned a lot about my writing techniques, and style, in Unit 1. Look forward to continuing this process with the start of Unit 2!
Best,
Evan Ruiz
Unit 2 Reflection
Myself, along with the students in ENGL 301 99A, just completed Unit 2! In unit 2, I worked to improve my online, professional, presence through LinkedIn. Moreover, I developed the outline of my formal report and worked closely with my peers to edit and refine out work.
LinkedIn Profile
As an individual who is working towards a career in sales and marketing, I recognize the importance of maintaining a strong, online, social presence. With this goal in mind, I created my LinkedIn profile more than two years ago. Through this assignment, however, I received formalized and personalized insight into what sections I could add, what sections I could remove and, ultimately, how I could improve my profile. The tips that I received from my teammate, Mitchell, stood out to me. To be specific, he suggested that I work to increase my endorsed skills and create a “volunteer experience” section. The LinkedIn Profile Assignment has improved my profile, and provided me with new insight on what steps I can take in the future to maintain it.
Formal Report Proposal
Initially, I had a lot of difficulty in determining the scope of my report. I began by considering the negative consequences of remote work and the lack of physical activity that might be associated with it. Ultimately, however, I decided to write my report on how intermittent physical activity could improve the overall mental and physical wellbeing of remote-education students. At this point, I’m extremely happy with the outline of my report. I feel as though my topic is specific, yet broad enough to apply a lot of information. Moreover, the organization I am working with will allow me to effectively implement “my proposed solution” to a representative sample of students. While I feel as though my report is on track, and progressing well, I do have some concerns about the length. Understanding that the report can be up to 15 pages, I want to ensure I can fill it with as much relevant and informative information as possible. As I continue to work on my report, I’ll be sure to take specific notes on details, research, and data.
Peer Review
To put it simply, I think that the peer review process has been extremely effective. Receiving constructive feedback from my teammates or more broadly, my peers, has allowed me to correct the errors in my work, and obtain new/ creative ideas on how I can proceed with my assignments. Moreover, giving constructive feedback has allowed me to reflect on my own work, and practice my writing/ editing skills. To be specific, I tend to over complicate some sentences with unnecessary words, so I’ve been working on being more clear and concise with my writing . Ultimately, this process makes me a better writer and has allowed me to more effectively critique and examine my own work.
I look forward to the start of Unit 3!
Unit 3 Reflection
Myself, along with the students in ENGL 301 99A, have just completed Unit 3!
Research:
It took some time to determine how I wanted to go about conducting my research. I considered interviews, polls, etc.., before determining that I wanted to conduct anonymous, survey based, questioning. This style of research gave me the foundation to create and develop a plan on how to address the issues that I’ve found within the organization I am reviewing. More specifically, I was able to use my primary research to confirm the problems that I have been witnessing, and develop a plan on how to address them. A majority of the organization’s members completed the survey and, as a result, obtained a deep understanding of the overall physical and mental wellbeing of the organization’s members.
Formal Report Draft:
Developing, organizing, and writing my Formal Report Draft was more seamless than I initially anticipated. I found that due to my prior research in past units, and my in-depth understanding of the organization, I had a solid foundation to build my report. I did, however, run into some challenges. I found that my data analysis was quite wordy when, ideally, I would be able to be more concise in my wording. Moreover, I found difficulty when trying to apply secondary research to my primary research. Nonetheless, I feel as though my Formal Report is on the right track and I am looking forward to continuing my work.
Peer Review of Formal Report Draft
This, generally, is one of my favorite “post assignment” tasks to complete. Peer review offers an opportunity to improve your work based on the suggestions of peers. Moreover, peer review offers an opportunity to examine the work of your peers. The latter, for the most part, is what I’ve found most beneficial. By reviewing the work of my peers, I can analyze different approaches that were taken, new perspectives, etc and apply that newfound knowledge to my own work.
I look forward to the new challenges and assignments that the students of ENGL 301 99A will have to complete in Unit 4!
WebFolio Reflection
The Web Folio is the final assignment of the term for students in ENGL 301. The assignment asks us to take the work that we have completed throughout the term, and format in a way that is applicable to us. In this sense, it can be referenced when attempting to get into grad school, start your career, etc.
I anticipated the Web Folio assignment to be simple and straightforward. More specifically, I expected that I would have to re-arrange, copy/ paste, and make my ENGL 301 blog look more “complete.” In this regard, however, I was wrong. In order to complete the Web Folio assignment, I had to analyze the purpose behind each assignment. By asking myself what I learned and how it can be applied, I was able to group assignments together in a way that achieved a purpose applicable to me. In this sense, I attempted to frame my work through the lens of career development. More specifically, I emphasized my resume, LinkedIn profile, Job Application Pack and the value behind technical writing in business.
This assignment, while difficult to complete, was extremely rewarding. It prompted me to go back and examine my progress throughout the term. More so, it offered a platform in which students of ENGL 301 can re-examine their work in the future.
Self Reflection
As the term is coming to end, I can proudly say that I have much more confidence in my technical writing and communication skills.
Prior to the start of the course I had many concerns about its structure and or format. Would I find success in a web-oriented course? Would this course be applicable to my interests and goals? Would I enjoy it? What i’ve found, however, was that I was asking the wrong questions. While I was focusing on what could go wrong with the course, I should have focused on its value. I’ve learned general writing skills that are not only applicable to my interest in business, but that are applicable in life.
One thing I enjoyed most about the course was being paired in a term-long writing team (The Fourth Pair of Eyes). Working in a group with my peers, we were able to offer support, advice, and feedback on each other’s work. This, not only, pushed me to better my writing skills, but also, allowed me to examine and critique the works of others. One challenge I found within the course was organization. Using UBC blogs was, at times, difficult. As it was a platform that I’ve had minimal experience with, it took some time to get used to looking up assignments, finding instructions, and posting the correct material. I was, however, able to overcome this challenge and, as a result, have improved my organization skills and technical literacy.
I’ve really enjoyed this course. In fact, I think that it’s been one of the most useful courses that I’ve taken. I look forward to building upon the lessons and skills that I learned here, and applying them in my future endeavors.