Monthly Archives: March 2019

Unit Three Reflection Blog

Unit Three Reflection Blog

Unit Three has helped me a great deal in understanding how to write professionally in a number of ways. The class started out this Unit by looking at the “Writing with a You-Attitude” section. In this section we were instructed to write two letters that individually represented a “Complaint” and the reply in the form of a “Bad News” letter. Upon completion of these letters it was our responsibility to read and review a team member’s letters, and vice versa. The end portion of this Unit focused on our Formal Report (Draft), which served as a terrific starting point for this project. These are all very valuable learning points that will surely transition well into the professional world I will find myself in upon graduation.

The section of Unit 3 that focused on writing with a “You-Attitude” has helped me a great deal in understanding how to create a document for a specific attitude that aims to making sure that the reader feels important, and most importantly not attacked or accused in any malicious way. While I understood this method, and believed that I already conducted myself this way when writing, I quickly found out that there were many adjustments that needed to be applied to my work in order to ensure the best representation of the “You-Attitude”. For example, team member Lia Slager reviewed my assignment Letters, and suggested that I refrain from using the word “you” as much as I did. She based her decision on the fact that continual use of the word might suggest to the reader that they are being accused or singled out on a specific matter or situation. This was very helpful and will be applying her insight to further projects.

The Formal Report (Draft) was the main component of this Unit, and was a section that I really enjoyed. The research process, including gathering information through interviews and the survey I posted at my place of employment, was a lot of fun. Not only was I completing requirements for our course, but I was also engaging professionally with my co-workers about an important aspect of the restaurant world; food waste management.

Completing the Formal Report (Draft) gave me a feeling of accomplishment, as I have never composed a document that resembles the one we are currently working on. It was challenging, yet I did not feel frustrated, as I am eager to learn new techniques in writing. This Unit has been very enjoyable, and I look forward to completing my Formal Report. Attached to this word document is a file of my Formal Report (Draft), please see below.

Enclosed:Taylor-Smith-Formal-Report-Draft

Unit Two Reflection Blog

During Unit 2 I found myself learning quite a lot about how to conduct myself professionally through my continued work on my Formal Report, while also learning how to present myself professionally online through the use of a LinkedIn profile. The required assignment of a Formal Report Outline, has served me well in helping me better understand the direction I want to take in my report. Also, the peer review aspect in Unit 2 provided me with some useful information on how I can make my report stronger.

Creating a LinkedIn profile was something that I have done once before, however, my previous attempt did not go as well. After reviewing our required readings and researching the Internet on how to make a LinkedIn profile stand out, I am quite happy with how my profile turned out, and I am excited to build my profile as I move through my academic and professional life. I believe it is important to have an online profile that highlights your achievements professionally and academically, as the world we live in today is very geared towards having an online image. Having a strong LinkedIn profile will undoubtedly aid me in my efforts of bettering myself in the professional world.

In Unit 2 a requirement was for us to create an outline for our Formal Report, as well we were asked to try and come up with either some survey or interview questions that would help strengthen our report. The outline has helped me see how I am going to piece together my report, which is very useful. Admittedly, working out an outline as detailed as the one that is required of us in this course is something I am not used to, as my outlines are usually quite minimal. Nevertheless, I see the importance of this assignment, and I believe I now have a better understanding of how to put together an outline, which will help me with other assignments I might have in the future.

Finally, I think the peer review aspect of this course is very important, as bouncing ideas off another like-minded student peer of mine is very helpful in bettering the skills I already have, while also obtaining new skills as I learn from my mistakes or shortcomings. I have always felt like I am a strong writer, however, I am also very much aware that I have areas that I need to improve in. Peer reviews help me in the latter, as all the information my peers are able to give me I take in and consider the help they are so graciously giving.

 

Revised Proposal:301- Taylor-Smith-Formal Report Proposal

Hyperlink to Peer Review of my Proposal: https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl301-99c-2018wc/2019/02/06/peer-review-of-taylor-smiths-formal-report-proposal/