June 12, 2022
Writing Technical Definitions
The assignment on technical definitions in ENGL 301 was a great learning experience. I had not previously written extensive definitions, but it is a valuable skill. I was able to define a technical dental term (endodontic therapy) using parenthetical, sentence, and expanded definitions. It was challenging to write for a non-technical audience in language that was easy to understand. Avoiding jargon to improve readability was difficult at times. The use of parenthetical definitions through the document was a good tactic to reduce or explain other terms while writing. Using multiple expansion methods was interesting. Writing the definition with the specific methods provided guidance and direction for the assignment. After exploring the expansion methods, it was clear that unconsciously we use this method regularly in the dental field. This assignment broadened my understanding of the importance of definitions and determining your audience.
Peer Review
The process to review a team member’s definitions and receive feedback was helpful. Reviewing a team member’s assignment provided opportunity to see areas of improvement in my own document. My reviewer provided constructive criticisms for my work with examples, and provided a different perspective when looking at the definitions. The critiques were useful as I find it difficult to review and edit personal work without bias. The feedback was appreciated; both positive and constructive. Using the provided worksheet was a great tool to review and edit both the work of others and personal work. I was able to provide feedback that was constructive such as editing for conciseness and organization. I look forward to using the peer review process on other assignments to continue to enhance my writing and editing skills.
Revisions
After the peer review, the document was edited according to the feedback, looking for grammatical errors that were noted and important. The critique about the images was helpful and provided a different point of view than my own. Finding images for this technical term was difficult and improved images were not available. This piece of criticism was crucial, the image was edited to reduce the terms and the writing was edited to include a more precise explanation. The use of jargon was also a constructive criticism. Re-reading the definition and adapting words that were too technical by adding parentheses or omitting simplifying the definition. I have learned a lot through this process and will be able to use all that I have gained from this assignment in my professional life.
https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl30198a2022s12/2022/06/10/peer-review-of-kristys-definations/
https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl30198a2022s12/2022/06/07/assignment-13-kristys-definitions/