This unit differed from the two previous within the course, and as such, my approach to these assignments was different. Additionally, my learning experience also changed as I was utilizing different sets of skills.
This unit focused heavily on the development of a draft for the formal report. This required increased attention to detail compared to other assignments, as the framework put together within the drafts would shape the finished product. The importance of the early stages of drafting made this assignment more important than the typical draft I would put together. After I had organized my data and put together my recommendations, it became clear that attention to detail within this draft was crucial. The main elements of the formal report were now established, and I am able to improve based on comments from the peer review. My research findings were not what I expected, which was an interesting curveball. It was refreshing to have to adapt to writing a report that went in a different direction than what I was expecting.
On the other hand, providing a peer review of another group member’s formal draft report was also a worthwhile experience. I believe that this peer review will also help me compose a well thought out final product on my own. It was useful to be able to read through a formal report, which was drastically different from mine in terms of subject matter. This helped serve as a good benchmark for the guidelines of writing a formal report regardless of the topic. I hope I provided useful comments, as I felt slightly under-qualified assessing the research that was conducted. It appeared as though the information gathered was very thought out and calculated. As a result, with some more briefing on the topic I would have felt more qualified in critiquing the research methods. In this circumstance, the audience would need to be pretty specific, all being aware of terminology and other factors. I also found that by giving advice and feedback on another group member’s report, that I was able to step back and view my own report more objectively. I was able to examine my own work for the flaws I was pointing out in the peer review process.
Overall, the course is trending in a different direction with more emphasis on major assignments. I look forward to putting together the final few pieces of the puzzle in unit four. It will be interesting to reflect at the conclusion of the course and compare my experiences and learning processes throughout each unit. I plan on examining if my approach and learning experiences changed between units. Looking forward to it!