Unit 1: Reflection Blog
I would like to start off by expressing that the component I found most difficult of Unit 1 was the technical side of this course; specifically, navigating through setting up my blog page and learning how to hyperlink etc. while keeping up with the reading and assignments. I feel that I am starting to catch on and it has provided a feeling of growth and knowledge in juxtaposition to strengthening of my writing skills. The process I have enjoyed the most so far has been to connect with other students in my group and learn how to give and receive critical feedback in the peer review component, which I found extremely helpful.
While embarking on the writing procedure of my definition I started off by selection of a term that I felt was relevant to everyone in our social dynamic, and is a pivotal part of my current career role. I felt that this definition is one which affects our society every day through hierarchies of deviancy yet not a term we would often consider; I wanted to not only educate but also interest my readers on a societal level. I find that my most effective writing style is to just start to type and let the ideas flow, then going back and make the appropriate changes after I have typed up all that comes to mind. In editing my written compositions I find that my weakness is definitely in punctuation and proper sentence structure; as well, at times organizing the information in summarized compact form as I tend to be at times repetitive. I found the textbook contents and formatting extremely helpful with the short detailed paragraphs and supportive images and figures.
With the peer review assignment I became exposed to the process of providing and receiving peer feedback for my definition assignment; I have never done this process before. I feel that the most important component of this process was to start and revisit the positive points as much as possible while providing constructive feedback and advice. Kayla Topham was my peer review partner for this assignment and her feedback was extremely helpful, positive and professional. I appreciated the way Kayla presented her feedback in a clear concise breakdown and format. I have made the majority of the changes that Kayla suggested and I do feel that these changes did make my definition better. In reviewing Kayla’s definition initially I had no idea what anachronism was, however after reading the information she provided I felt educated and enlightened about anachronism, therefore I feel that her definition was successful. As feedback I suggested a few grammatical and punctuation adjustments but other than that I feel Kayla did an amazing job on her definition!