Assignment 1.3 required that we write an informational document that defined a relatively complex term related to our professions. I chose to define a common condition and term that I use almost daily as a dental hygienist, bruxism (clenching and/or grinding) one’s teeth. My goal in the original writing was to focus on writing a document that was reader-centered and to provide enough detail while considering a nontechnical audience. I found writing without the use of dental jargon a little challenging initially. I wanted to present the definitions in a brief and concise manner, while still providing all the necessary information. I re-wrote the expanded definition several times. I kept wondering if I was placing the right emphasis on the necessary information in a way that would be easy to understand.
The peer review process was the most challenging aspect of the assignment. I followed the peer review guidelines in our textbook as well as the provided handout. These resources were helpful in guiding me in providing feedback that was both helpful and constructive. I wanted to provide feedback that highlighted the many positive areas of my peer’s assignment before making suggestions for improvement. I read my peer’s definitions several times, leaving it for some time, then returning to it. I tried to look at the document in its entirety, before breaking it down into smaller sections. My peer’s definitions were well presented, I provided specific recommendations of where small revisions could be made.
Receiving feedback from a peer was valuable and I applied the changes to my assignment. The feedback had a positive tone and felt constructive. My peer reviewer offered some great suggestions on the flow of some of my sentences, and organization of the expanded definitions. She gave me specific references as to which areas needed improvement, I really appreciate the time she took to evaluate my assignment.
Click here for my peer review.