Unit 3 of ENGL 301 focused on drafting the formal report and reviewing the work of a peer. Creating this style of document was challenging and rewarding.

Researching

The research process was enjoyable. Researching is a personal favourite step of writing any document. The topic of mental health in dentistry was interesting to learn about and online databases provided relevant studies. The challenging part during the research was ensuring that the studies were credible and applicable. The other challenge was engaging those in the dental profession and gathering survey data. Survey responses were voluntary and did not yield as many responses as planned, limiting the generalizability of the data.

Organizing

Following the outline for the report was a useful guide during the organizational process, but revisions to the structure of the document were required. Organizing the collected data was difficult early in the process because much of the information could be used in separate subsections, creating a repetitive document. Formatting the report was technologically difficult and required learning about the capabilities of the word processing software. The process provided valuable formatting experience for future projects.

Writing

The biggest hurdle during the writing process was determining how much data to include since technical writing should be concise but not exclude important information. Writing for the reader with enough information but not too much is an area for improvement in the draft. Creating useful visuals was another technological challenge. Learning how and where to input the data while ensuring readability took time, but useful skills were gained from overcoming the challenge.

Peer Review

Reviewing my peer’s report draft about was a lengthy yet rewarding process. The topic of the report, postural awareness techniques in a dental clinic, was interesting to learn more about especially because it relates to my career and report. Providing constructive criticism is difficult when a lot of time and effort was dedicated to the document. The feedback for my peer allowed for critical self-reflection of my own draft. Prior to receiving my review, the self-editing process started by noticing similar areas for improvement and strengths in my peer’s document that would improve conciseness and fluency in my document.

301 Kristy Vyfschaft Formal Report Draft

In this unit one of the assignments was researching LinkedIn and preparing a summary memo with the most useful information. This task was eye-opening as I have not used LinkedIn previously. After researching and reading the team memos getting started with the site does seem as daunting. It will be a challenge without prior experience but using the information gained should lead to success on the professional networking site. Using LinkedIn in the future no longer seems as complex and I feel as though I will be able to effectively create professional connections.

Another assignment was preparing a report proposal and outline which I also had no previous experience with. Brainstorming a topic was not the most challenging as there are many avenues that I am passionate about. The most difficult part thus far has been the formal outline. It is hard to visualize how to put the pieces together in a formal report. After many revisions the report is beginning to take shape. I am unclear how all the research gained will be put into a report but the use of the timeline to organize the process is helpful. Following the timeline will allow for a step-by-step process to manage an assignment this size. I am interested to see how it comes together and to see my teammates reports and processes.

This unit the peer review process was more in depth than the previous unit. Peer reviewing others can be challenging because it can become negative and seem insensitive. During the peer review process, it is important to remember to provide honest feedback that is not strictly criticisms but also positive. Peer reviewing my partners work was a good experience. Using checklists and the text to help identify areas with great strengths and areas for improvement. My own writing is developing to become more professional and technical. In my writing that at times I say too little. Without the right amount of information, the reader is left trying to interpret the document using their own prior knowledge. Interpretation without information can lead to miscommunications and misunderstandings. This area is something that I will continually work on to make sure that readers have enough information in a concise format. The peer review process is useful and helpful to see my writing with a different lens.

301 Kristy Vyfschaft Research Proposal

https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl30198a2022s12/2022/06/29/peer-review-of-kristys-research-proposal/

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/

Dear Lovin:

Thank-you for your interest in my application letter and the offer to join your writing team. I accept your invitation to work together.

Your skills in collaboration and time management are well suited for the skills I have, creating a cohesive group. With your professional experience like mine, we will have the opportunity to integrate the skills we acquire into our professions.

I am looking forward to working with together. Please contact me with any further questions or concerns through email at anytime.

Best,

Kristy Vyfschaft, RDH

Dear Samantha:

Your invitation to join your writing team is greatly appreciated. I am happy to accept your invitation.

Your background experience in writing for different types of needs, including in your professional life, will complement with my areas for improvement. This creates an area we can learn from each other. Your writing skills are evident in your letter and your work ethic is an excellent fit for a team together.

Please contact me through email anytime to discuss joining your team or if you have any further questions for me.

Best,

Kristy Vyfschaft, RDH

Dear Brianna:

Thank-you for responding to my application letter. Joining a writing team with you is a good fit for this course and I accept your offer.

Your experience in marketing and PR differs greatly from my experience and we can learn a great deal from one another. Your experience in educational and professional worlds in writing will be a great addition to the writing team

I have accepted two other offers with fellow classmates. If you have availability on your team at this time for additional members, then we can finalize a writing team. Please let me know if this still works well for you.

Best,

Kristy Vyfschaft, RDH

MEMO

To: Dr. Erika Paterson, ENGL 301 Professor

From: Kristy Vyfschaft, ENGL 301 Student

Date: May 29, 2022

Subject: Summary Memo of Writing Team Application Letter

Based on the requirements for lesson 1.2, I have completed the application letter for the writing team member position and posted the application on the UBC blogs site on May 30, 2022. Below is the summary of the attached application letter.

• Educational experiences requiring adaptability and multitasking.
• Professional experience in leadership, collaboration, and communication with clients, colleagues, and groups.
• Effective writing skills with detailed and accurate client records and effective time management.
• Limited writing skills in formatted proposals and technological requirements.

Please review the attached document and I am looking forward to any feedback you can provide.

Enclosure: Application Letter

301 Kristy Vyfschaft Application Letter

County Rd 1, Loretto

ON, Canada

May 29, 2022

English 301 Peers

University of British Columbia

2329 West Mall

Vancouver, BC V68 1Z4

Dear Peers in English 301:

Please consider my application for a position on your writing team as listed on the English 301 blog. I am a third-year dental hygiene student pursuing my Bachelor of Dental Science, my English professor has encouraged me to apply for your position. As a member of your writing team, I plan to provide ideas and complete the required work to achieve success throughout the course.

While receiving a college diploma, in 2008, I was challenged with a fast paced and rigorous curriculum with upwards of 24 hours of both didactic and clinical education, requiring the ability to multitask and balance the course load. As a health professional continuous learning, at least 25 hours of education per year, is essential and requires the ability to learn quickly and adapt to new information and techniques.

Through various employments professionally, I have had the opportunity to work with schools to provide presentations and written educational materials for students and parents. Recently, I developed and wrote over 10 policies and procedures for the dental team, following rigid guidelines for infection control, safety, and pandemic protocols. Routinely, working with colleagues, at varying levels of experience and expertise and cooperating with clients has provided knowledge and skills for collaboration and communication.

Professionally, writing is a crucial aspect of client care. It is imperative that client records and referrals are completed in a timely manner with detail and accuracy. Even with such writing experience, I am not in a position that has required formatted proposals or extensive technological experience but look forward to advancing my technical writing skills.

I enjoy the challenge of learning new skills or subjects, but I struggle with last minute workings with little organization. Time management and organization are an essential part of my learning.

If you feel that my attention to detail and skills in collaboration and time management will be complementary to your team, please contact me at your earliest convenience at kristyv@student.ubc.ca.

Sincerely,

Kristy Vyfschaft