Writing Process

The purpose of the technical definition assignment is to practice writing three definitions for a technical term for a non-technical audience. I chose “object recognition” for my technical term because it bridges computer science and neuroscience. I found writing the expanded definitions the most challenging because I wanted to be selective and concise, while differentiating the term accurately. I am proud of my analysis of parts because I created a clear and complete picture of object recognition along with a visual for support.

Peer Reviewing

I had the pleasure of reviewing Ali Hasan’s technical definition assignment on “programming.” Ali did an excellent job in organization, which improved the flow and readability. I was impressed with Ali’s methodical and straight-forward writing style. Additionally, it was evident to me that Ali has a very clear idea of the term and persuaded the target audience. Peer reviewing was a great opportunity for me to think critically on my peer’s work and provide constructive feedback.

Self-Editing

Ali provided great recommendations on how to improve my work. For example, I restructured some longer sentences to avoid run-on sentences. Additionally, I included a conclusion to emphasize the future implications of object recognition. I appreciate Ali’s perspective and I learned to think more analytically of my work in order to strengthen my writing skills. By exchanging assignments with a peer, I got a different perspective and received strategies on how to be communicate my meaning more effectively.

Final Thoughts

A major takeaway point from this assignment is the importance of peer review. I think peer review is valuable because it’s an opportunity to critically engage with the assignment. I look forward to feeling more comfortable in expressing and receiving feedback with my teammates throughout the term.

My revised definition

My peer’s review of the assignment 

Email #1 – Dhara Bhatt

To:  dharab@student.ubc.ca

From: katherine.chan@ubc.ca

Date: January 23, 2022

Subject: ENGL 301 Prospective Team Member

Dear Dhara,

I am writing to you to extend an invitation to create a professional writing team for ENGL 301. After reading your Application Letter I believe our credentials and backgrounds complement each other. I am confident that your undergraduate degree in Philosophy and clear and succinct communication skills will be assets in a team. Additionally, we are studying the same major and share similar career interests in furthering our professional experience in tech.

Please find attached in this email my Application Letter for your reference. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to send me a message.

I hope you will consider me as a potential team member and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Thank you,

Katherine Chan (Pronouns: she/her)

ENGL 301 Student

katherine.chan@ubc.ca

Enclosure: 301 Katherine Chan Application letter

Email #2 – Jennifer Worsham

To:  jworsham@student.ubc.ca

From: katherine.chan@ubc.ca

Date: January 23, 2022

Subject: ENGL 301 Prospective Team Member

Dear Jennifer,

I am writing to you to extend an invitation to create a professional writing team for ENGL 301. After reading your Application Letter I am impressed by your twenty years of work experience. I believe your communication skills and strong work ethic are strengths in building a successful team.  Similarly, I value consistent hard work and I think we would be complementary teammates.

Please find attached in this email my Application Letter for your reference. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to send me a message.

I hope you will consider me as a potential team member and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Thank you,

Katherine Chan (Pronouns: she/her)

ENGL 301 Student

katherine.chan@ubc.ca

Enclosure: 301 Katherine Chan Application letter

Email #3 – Ali Hasan

To:  ahasan33@student.ubc.ca

From: katherine.chan@ubc.ca

Date: January 23, 2022

Subject: ENGL 301 Prospective Team Member

Dear Ali,

I am writing to you to extend an invitation to create a professional writing team for ENGL 301. After reading your Application Letter I believe our credentials and backgrounds complement each other. For instance, we share a similar experience in research assistantship.  I believe your coherent writing abilities and positive learning philosophy will lead to our successful team collaboration.

Please find attached in this email my Application Letter for your reference. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to send me a message.

I hope you will consider me as a potential team member and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Thank you,

Katherine Chan (Pronouns: she/her)

ENGL 301 Student

katherine.chan@ubc.ca

Enclosure: 301 Katherine Chan Application letter

To: Dr. Erika Paterson, ENGL 301 Instructor, Department of English, The University of British Columbia

From: Katherine Chan, Student in ENGL 301/January 2022

Date: January 19, 2022

Subject: 301 Katherine Chan Application letter

I have published my application letter on my blog, which can be found here. Please also find it attached to this email for your reference.

My application letter includes:

• My professional interests along with my academic and professional experience
• My strengths and weakness in terms of writing skills and work habits
• My learning philosophy and ideal team dynamics

Please let me know if you require any additional information. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

Enclosure: 301 Katherine Chan Application letter

2205 Lower Mall

Mailbox #5

Vancouver, BC V5T 1Z4

January 19, 2022

Technical Writing 301/January 2022

Dear ENGL 301 colleagues,

Please consider my application for a position in your professional technical writing team for the duration of the term. I am a third-year student in Computer Science in the second-degree program. I believe my experiences as a Project Assistant in Enrolment Services and Residence Advisor combined with my previous directed studies in Behavioural Neuroscience make me an excellent teammate.

Through directed studies in a developmental psychology lab, I was able to generate hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and write scientific reports. Additionally, communication is a vital part in my roles as a Project Assistant and Residence Advisor because I collaborate with a lot of different people. Currently I create and design content for workshop presentations and the Financial Wellness Canvas course. My professional interests include project management and integrating computer science and neuroscience.

My ideal team consists of team members with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn and adapt to one another. I am reliable and dedicated. I strive to create positive group dynamics by establishing trust and practicing humility. One of my weaknesses is giving constructive feedback, which is a skill I plan to develop and strengthen in this course through peer review. My learning philosophy can be summarized by Mark Driscoll’s quote that “everyone has something to teach you if you are humble enough to learn.”

If you feel like we have similar expectations and complementary work values, please reach out to me at katherine.chan@ubc.ca.

Thank you for your interest.

Best regards,

Katherine Chan

301 Katherine Chan Application letter

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