This is the final reflection of the course. Basically, the sum of the whole experience of Technical Communications. The reviewing of all the assignments helped me take ownership and shed a light on the main improvement areas. Considering the criteria of each process we had to follow, the skills acquired are systemic and more understood. Having the opportunity to reflect on the learning journey and writing the blogs is a powerful tool in my opinion, to enrich confidence and learn from mistakes.

Strength and Weakness:

I have to admit that many communication methods were taken for granted prior to this course. Now, conviction is evident in the way I convey messages and goals. Time management was a challenging factor, however, is a recognized improvement area for the future.

Future Goals:

All great beginnings come to an end, the experience gained is what counts. My short term goal, is to continue to excel in my academic endeavour as well as maintaining a balanced and healthy life as I welcome my first born alongside the education journey. The long term goal is to become a dental hygiene researcher, to be able to shape the future of the profession and participate on a higher level. Technical Communication English course will surely enhance this goal in a positive way.

The final unit of Technical Communications course construct the sum of what we have learnt the whole semester. The Feedback and shared experience of the team members have polished and instilled the many skills acquired earlier. 

Reflection on the process of creating a Web Folio:

Learning what is a web folio and creating one was an enjoyable process with all its aspects. The main idea for me was how to market myself professionally using today’s mean of communications. The process started with an overwhelming amount of work, however, shortly after the flow of creativity and desire to present an outstanding results led the way through. I could confidently say that my computer skills and professional communication have been polished. A simple example would be that if I ever need to apply for a job or excel in my profession both practically and academically, the way to achieve that would not intimidate me.

Future Goal:

The use of professional web folio towards self-advancement.

The final product of the whole research process and learning how to properly write the report with the correct tone and attitude finally came to an end. Submitting the report brought joy and pride alongside the learning journey.

Reflection on the process of researching, organizing, and writing the formal report draft:

Unite three assignment is the construction of the formal report. The process of starting the research for the literature that supports the topic and collecting data to strengthen the proposed solution. I’ve seen formal reports briefly before this experience but in different professions, mainly related to engineering and big project proposal and field studies. I chose a project that is related to my profession, enhancing infection control in dental offices, and impacted by the current global pandemic. It is a vital topic in the clinical field in general, but seems of greater importance when the world is trying to stop a deadly infectious disease. Shortly after started the research, the road map was getting clear to me. The first step of the data collection, as to formulate a survey and send it out. The first try was not very successful, I had very few responses. The second one, I sent the survey to groups of dental hygienists, the results were very impressive. The cooperation and honest raw data I have received, was heartwarming, but also highlighted an important fact, the opinions of people who are involved in the problem to be solved creates a great start towards the solution. It reminded me of how important teamwork is and how enriching is the contribution of each on. Analyzing the data and creating the report’s first layout was fun and rewarding in the same time. Following the instructions and guidelines of writing the report taught me a great deal of how to maintain formality and polish my writing skills.

Reflection on peer review process:

Collaboration between peers and colleagues is more familiar now. I had to review and provide feedback to my teammate, Miranda, it was a great pleasure to read her report, first because it is also related to dental hygiene and was a bit more technical, so it was of interest. Second, because of how proud I was to see the level of professionalism and organization my teammate has. I shared my knowledge and gave some suggestions to improve the report. Miranda as well, had to review my report and she provided valuable assessment and observations, I will gladly follow her recommendations. This is the third time we provide peer review; I can say that we are gaining experience and getting the grip of the process clearly. To check and assess someone else’s work, respectful and constructive thinking is the main guide of the process. I was not looking for mistakes as much as how to help and improve the report so it is both correct and convincing when presented. Again, employing the new writing methods introduced in this unite to implement and practice more formal skills. What I can finally say that what I have learnt from both the assignment and process of this unite is the importance of teamwork.

Future Goal:

Many of the new writing skills were introduced; I was able to use what I have learnt in the daily life professional communications. The results were fruitful, which encourages future implementation.

The first draft of the Formal Report:

Improving Infection control in Ancaster orthodontics-Shahd khudher

The major focus of this unit was to compose a formal report and introduce a project that serves a community or a workplace. The process taught me about many new research areas and how to communicate the results in a professional way. A peer review was involved as well and more advanced methods were introduced.

Reflection on original writing:

This unit’s assignment was both interesting and challenging. It highlights certain skills within our field of specialty that probably is not being utilized. Conducting research to solve a problem, backing it up with firm evidence and offering reasonable solutions, is another way of using our experience and expertise to enhance and improve working environment.  Choose such project, gave me a great satisfaction through the process of thinking and finding the best solutions. Following the process of proposal and outlining shaped the organization into a clear pathway of where this assignment is headed. Therefore, being focused on the problem and finding the proper solutions could facilitate the implementation of this proposal.

Reflection on peer review process:

Exchanging point of views and sharing our expertise with another teammate is a two-way learning experience. I had a great time reading what my colleague, Simone, proposed for her formal report, I found her process of thought and organization of ideas is very focused. This helped me reflecting on my own work. The incredible suggestions and recommendations I received also contributed to added knowledge and polished writing. I was able to provide feedback and command the detailed work that Simone had. This keeps getting more interesting and enhance our learning scale.

Reflection on the editing process:

The editing part of this assignment have to be particular in my opinion. Because this project has more steps, having a correct foundation will ease the following stages. The few grammatical corrections needed made me curious to review some grammars and writing methods. It is a great encouragement to have the support of my peer review partner who took a great interest in my writing and made sure to provide both positive and constructive feedback. This type of learning is less stressful and more friendly; team spirit and sharing knowledge skill will be gained and shaped for the betterment of both parties.

Future Goal:

Will employ the research skills and methods of presenting a project in my workplace.

The edited proposal:

ENGL 301-Formal Report Proposal – Shahd Khudher

The report outline:

ENGL 301-Formal report outline-Shahd Khudher

The peer review:

https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl301-98a-2021sa/2021/06/18/peer-review-of-research-proposal/

The first unit aimed to introduce us to the course as well as our team members. I learned about definitions and interestingly about the proper way of conducting a peer review, a professional process that will continue with us later in the course and in academic life. 

Reflection on original writing:

For this assignment, choosing a technical term and define it using the three methods of definition, I have gained more knowledge of the process of defining or explaining such terms to the reader. It made me appreciate how dictionaries and encyclopedias lay out the information. Choosing a term that is used in my profession, I found it rewarding to be given the chance to explain “Dental Debridement” as many people refer to it as simple dental cleaning. Generating a parenthetical simple definition as well as a sentence one, was not as challenging as the expanded process. At first, I thought that I can incorporate all types of expansion, however, when delving more into the information, this was not an easy task. Therefore, the knowledge we learnt from this lesson is to be focused and concise in choosing the information and organize it when trying to explain a term to the unfamiliar reader.

Reflection on peer review process:

We had to share our definitions with a team partner and provide peer review for each other. Gabriella Meroli Assad and I provided constructive recommendations and pointed out some needed improvement to polish our work. I am very thankful to the opportunity, having a fresh point of view to one’s opinion or work motivates us to excel and look for more knowledge that might’ve been missed. Gabriella pointed out the needed improvement and provided guidance on how to follow up as well as based ground to her recommendations, this was displayed in a very professional manner and polite tone. For her definitions, I was able to recognize the strengths and give some feedback. This process not only teaches us the technicality of peer review, but also equip us with the skill of listening to other’s opinion and learn from it.

Reflection on the editing process:

The final step was to take the peer review and self-edit our work. I found Gabriella’s input very helpful as I realized the parts I have missed or the others that I could polish and improve. I have also missed on the referencing style and the active tone in some of my sentences, I’m very grateful to have a partner that was keen on providing an organized critique and commentary in the best interest of my definitions. In all honesty, the fun part was going back to the information gained about the term and trying to refine it and enhance the final version, this reinforced the knowledge gained at the first step and perfected it in many ways. I hope Gabriella found my feedback helpful and enjoyed the process as did I.

Future Goal:

Will employ the skills gained in the peer review process in my future technical communications.

The edited definition:

Engl 301 term definition – Edited

The peer review:

https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl301-98a-2021sa/2021/06/04/301-peer-review-assignment-13/