Unit 3 was a lot of work, but a lot of fun.

Designing the survey and interview questions to uncover valuable data while remaining objective was challenging. I studied good research methodology before formulation and distribution. I paid careful attention not to ask leading questions and to selecting appropriate ranges for multiple choice questions. If the ranges were too wide, differences would not be detected. If they were too narrow, data would need to be manipulated after the fact, which is a poor technique. The interview subjects, who happen to be my co-workers, were eager to help and provided a lot of insight into the investigated problem. I was happily surprised at the number of survey responses I received. I think the reason for the high participation rate was twofold: 1- they were motivated to solve social distancing problems, 2- they wanted to help me with my assignment.

Once all the raw data was compiled, the large task of organizing it and analyzing it seemed daunting. I dove in on my day off, only coming up for air to walk the dog and make coffee. It was actually very enjoyable. I didn’t even see the hours go by. To be honest, I became a little addicted to working on the report. Colour co-coordinating the charts, formatting the size of the diagrams to make sections fit within the same page, and discovering a program that can draw a floor plan (to help the reader visualize my idea) was great. Scripting the text to maintain a neutral tone, employ the YOU attitude, omit pronouns, and stay in the present tense allowed me to use all the special skills I’ve learned so far in the course. I recognize how fond I am of playing with text and visuals to produce an appealing document. I also understand that when done well, the pairing of concise phrases and clear images can convey a message much more precisely and quickly that text alone.

Finally, the peer review stage was upon me. My partner’s research topic was engaging and extensively studied. It was interesting to see how nuances in interpreting directions result in slightly different versions of the same basic format. Yet again, reviewing my peer’s work made me want to review my report again, making adjustments here and there. I realize that, through this process, our work is really edited 3 times. First, when we go over it before sending it to our peer. Second, when we go over it after completing a peer review on a classmate. And finally, the third time, when our partner submits the peer review of our document. The peer review stage is quite lengthy, but very valuable. A document can never be over-edited.

Draft-Formal Report-C.Hruby-July 31,2020

Unit 2 was a busy few weeks, but we accomplished a lot.

It all began by choosing a problem, inefficiency, or deficiency in a familiar setting with the intention of recommending a solution. The issue had to be complex enough to require substantial investigation and analysis. This proved to be challenging. A formal report of 12 to 15 pages needs to be developed by the end of the term and I wanted to make sure to chose a topic that would be sufficient and interesting. I reflected on several issues, not limited to reducing waste at the dental office where I work, improving online learning practices during Covid confinement at my son’s school since the introduction to remote education, improving the efficiency of the use of the Teamsnap app by my son’s hockey team. I brainstormed ways to collect data and how to solve the different problems. I finally decided to investigate ways to reduce gathering in public areas at my place of work. Social distancing is an important topic and I believe that the improvements I suggest could be helpful to my colleagues and employers.

Since I submitted the research proposal, it occurred to me that I could start gathering information by placing a suggestion box in the staff lunchroom. I thought that it could help me in formulating the interview and survey questions. I have begun distributing the surveys already. The data I have collected so far has confirmed some of my suspicions and called attention to new aspects of the problem. The interviews will begin shortly. I am eager to compile the results from all of the different sources and begin detailing my solution.

The peer review process of the research proposal was very beneficial. My partner pointed out some flaws that I had overlooked in the document and made very constructive suggestions for improvement. It is very helpful to have a second set of eyes to look over your work, not just for grammatical errors, but to improve the structure, clarity, and focus your document. After completing the peer review on my partner, I also looked over my own work with a new outlook. I saw efficient, direct, and concise ways of phrasing ideas and tried to apply the same principles in my work.

The LinkedIn portion of the assignment was enjoyable. What a useful project and a great opportunity to complete the professional step with guidance from the professor and our peers. Sharing research on best practices with our writing team was a great way to gain access to ample information on the forum. In sending the memo and receiving feedback from the professor, it has finally sunk in… there should be no use of pronouns in professional writing. Not even in memos.  I don’t know why it took me so long to break the habit, but I have seen the light.

The final step in the unit was to design a peer review template and use it to review our partner’s LinkedIn profile. This assignment allowed us to walk a mile in our professor’s shoes. It made me think about what our professor is looking for in our writing and what makes a document effective and complete. Creating the template required us to evaluate all aspects of a written document. It made me realize the importance of following directions, verifying checklists, and consulting different sources to crosscheck instructions. I also think that making adjustments to a document can sometimes cause us to loose focus on the flow. Once finished altering the text, it is a good idea to come back to it a few minutes later to make sure that changes in tense or sequence haven’t created grammatical errors or choppiness.

Peer Review – Christina Hruby

Research Proposal Christina Hruby

Hello Classmates,

After a short break, I’m happy to have the chance to write on my blog again. The work for the last assignment, in which we explored definition writing, was located mainly on the team forum. This class has been in session for less than one month and I have already learned how to navigate two discussion websites that were completely new to me. I am feeling more and more computer-savvy with each passing unit.

The assignment began with textbook examples and instructions on how to develop definitions. Specific guidelines were introduced concerning how we should carefully select terminology that matches the reader’s level of understanding. After going back and forth a bit, I finally settled on periodontitis as the term I would introduce to my audience. While writing, I tried to follow textbook lessons on conciseness, active voice, clarity, wordiness, and redundancy. I ran into a little confusion along the way regarding how my document should be presented. I had developed all of the different types of definitions, but then wondered if I should use them to create a document that the audience would actually read. The problem with this formula was that I could not name the types of expansions in the expanded section or identify the particular sentence that I wanted to considered as the sentence definition. I did my best to make it clear without sacrificing the authenticity of my periodontal information pamphlet.

The second step was peer review. My partner had written about an urban planning term, which was slightly familiar to me because my sister is an urban planner. My partner had put together a great document. I used the peer review form to guide me in providing feedback. It was an interesting process because as I was evaluating my teammate’s work, I realized ways that my own document could be improved. It also gave me some perspective on how professors evaluate students’ work.

My partner provided me with some helpful feedback. She addressed details and how the document worked as a whole. For example: did it meet it’s goal of educating the reader in an undemanding manner. As it turns out, my concerns about my document’s form were not unfounded; my partner was also somewhat confused about which definition was which. She also noted that my work lacked flow. I think this happened because I was trying to do too much at the same time: make my definitions obvious and still create a plausible reading situation. I was also very focused on choosing the right words and didn’t pay enough attention to whether one thought transitioned smoothly to the next.

I decided to take a couple of days to digest the feedback and to decide whether I should abandon the patient document idea. I find that taking a step back helps me to gain perspective and inspiration. I figured out a way to be specific without having to dispose of my original idea completely. In my revised version, I listed the definitions and then included the periodontal information/welcome sheet separately. By doing this, I was able to be clear in identifying the different forms of definitions as well as achieve better flow in the patient’s document. I eliminated some repetition and corrected some errors I had made in APA in-text citation.I feel much more confident about my final product.

I learned that I need to keep things simple if I want to be clear. I also realize that I should pause periodically while working on a piece of writing to allow for fresh ideas. My partner’s suggestions were constructive and honest, but maintained a professional tone. I am grateful for her insight and I hope that I was helpful in her writing process as well.

Revised definitions document: Periodontitis definitions

Peer review report: https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl301-98a-2020sa/2020/06/07/peer-review-for-christina-hruby/

To: Eva Belén

Subject: Writing team invitation

Dear Eva,

Thank you for the invitation to form a writing team. I have read the application letter that you attached to your message. Your academic success is impressive. I admire your range of study and professional interests.

I agree that meeting deadlines is crucial, especially when working in teams and that asking questions is an essential to part of success.

I would like to work together this semester; however, I must inform you that I have already partnered with another classmate: Esteban Margaron. Would you consider working with both of us? Esteban’s has posted his letter of application and contact information on his student blog. Please feel free to contact either of us with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Christina

To: Michaela Basciano                                                                                                                  Subject: Invitation to writing team for English 301 98A

Dear Michaela,

MEMORANDUM

To: Dr. Erika Paterson, Professor English 301 98A                                                                                From: Christina Hruby                                                                                                                              Date: May 17, 2020                                                                                                                                  Subject: Posting of Letter of Application

As you know, the class has been asked to prepare letters of application in response to the posting for professional writing teams. Thank you for the detailed instructions. The textbook examples were very helpful. I would like to inform you that I have completed the assignment and posted it on my student blog.

My letter of application includes a list of my:

• academic achievements
• work experience
• professional interests
• volunteer activities
• strengths and weaknesses regarding writing skills and work habits
• learning philosophy

I have attached a copy of the complete document. Please let me know if the letter requires any adjustment. I would appreciate any feedback you have to offer.

Sincerely,

Christina Hruby

301 Christina Hruby-Application Letter

360 Windermere Road                                                                                                                             Beaconsfield, QC H9W 1W7

May 17, 2020

English 301 Technical Writing Class                                                                                                          University of British Colombia                                                                                                                   Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4

Dear 301 Technical Writing classmates:

Please consider my application for a position on your writing team, as advertised on the Lesson 1:2 Assignment Instruction Page for English 301 98A. I am a third-year student at the University of British Colombia studying in the faculty of Dental Science. I am currently one of your classmates in the Technical Writing class taught by Dr. Erika Paterson, who has instructed us to form writing teams based on complimentary writing skills and professional interests.

Upon graduated from John Abbott College with a diploma of Dental Hygiene in 2001, I was the recipient of the Brasseler Award for the top restorative student in my graduating class. My most recent professional project was developing and co-facilitating a conference on periodontal and implantology advice for dental hygienists in February of 2020. I am enthusiastic about oral health and seek opportunities to promote it within my community. Since 2013, I have been a volunteer speaker at the annual career day of the local high school and I also visit the elementary school each autumn to discuss dental hygiene with the kindergarten classes.

I have been a dental hygienist for nineteen years, practicing in both general and specialized clinics.  My years of experience working in a professional team and treating patients has allowed me to build strong interpersonal and communication skills. I am also fluent in four languages: English, French, Ukrainian, and Russian and have a great appreciation for language arts.

I have been working full time while pursuing my studies as an online student at the University of British Columbia since September 2019. Prior to that I had been away from academics for several years. Although some may view this as a shortcoming, I have adjusted well to the new environment. Studying completely online has offered me the chance to improve my computer skills and familiarize myself with the online learning platform CANVAS, which I can navigate with ease. Juggling a career, family, and studying simultaneously has also challenged me to be very organized. I take great pride in my time management skills, always completing assignments on time and responding to teammates promptly.

I believe that everyone has the potential to learn new things and improve themselves. If one is open to the suggestions and ideas of others and willing to reflect honestly on one’s work, I believe that personal growth will occur. If you think that my skills and learning philosophy are a good match for what you are looking for in a writing teammate, please contact me at christina.hruby@alumni.ubc.ca

Sincerely,

Christina Hruby

301 Christina Hruby-Application Letter