Reflection on Revisions of Sample Writing Assignment

This was a difficult assignment for me because I am not the best at revising my own work. When I write papers, I normally undergo an extensive revision process while I write my work. I can't just write down ideas and let things flow. For some reason I've never been able to write any other way, so when asked to do two revisions of this particular paper according to the guidelines in Style, it was tough. The first revision probably benefitted the most because I definitely pulled some useful techniques out of the Style book. Even though I felt that my ability to write clearly before this assignment was adequate, the Style book was useful in refining my abilities and making me more aware of explaining things clearly. For the final revision, I really couldn't find much to change. Maybe I didn't do the assignment correct, but I just couldn't think of much that needed to be done to improve the essay. This assignment was assuredly helpful, albeit I may not have done every part sufficiently.

Revisions of Sample Writing Assignment

Link to Original Work

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfzf3xsh_3fcn3jndn

Link to First Revision

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfzf3xsh_5zg67fggh

Link to Final Revision

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfzf3xsh_6d4v3ct5m

Reflection on Style Narrative

My writing experience was very fluent and easy compared to almost anything else I have written. I chose not to use a particular incident to describe my writing style because I unfortunately have a bad memory and I honestly cannot remember one well enough to describe in detail. The best explanation had to be a general compilation of my past instances with language. As for the idea of using "like" instead of "as" to reflect the speech of people today, I chose to include this concept because it is very common in our culture. I do not use the term "like" as much as some, but I feel it is a defining characteristic of speech in people around my age. I am not trying to criticize the use of the word, only I am trying to use it as an example of why we should not restrict its use in literature. 

The outcome of this project could have both positive and negative effects on my writing styles. It has definitely increased my awareness of the various styles listed in Chapter 2 of the Style book, which will hopefully have a positive impact on my writing in the future. But it could also make me scrutinize my work much more than I already do now. My goal is to balance the positive and negative effects, not allowing my self-criticism to win over my new knowledge of grammar techniques. 

Link to Style Narrative

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfzf3xsh_2f3xkqgf5

"The Way I See It"

Anyone can simply exist, but only some strive to experience.  By experience I mean, observing or participating in events that lead to the acquisition of new skills and knowledge.  Instead of just getting by or passing the time, we should all make the most of our existence by seeking new experiences.

Individual Reflection from Day Two Group Meeting

I enjoyed this discussion much more than the first one.  This was a topic that stimulated conversation and introduced all of the group to new ideas about commitments and freedom, and what the two mean to each other.  Everyone from the group offered interesting points of view and I think we all walked away with a better understanding of our own commitments and how they factor into the amount of freedom we have in our own lives.

Individual Reflection from Day One Group Meeting

Sorry this is late.  One part of the conversation that was of interest to me was that we all unanimously decided the prompt on the cup was not a good conversation starter.  But, even though the discussion wasn't confined to the idea presented on the cup, we were involved in an uninterrupted discussion for the duration of the class period.  The topics included extracurricular activities, spanish, colleges we wanted to attend and sleeping/naps.  Although we may not have enjoyed the topic from the cup, I think it did serve its purpose because we were engaged in conversation for a good amount of time.

Reflective Writing for Syllabus Assignment

Initially I wanted my course to include the entire continent of South America, but after re-evaluating the process of cramming 13 countries into a ten week span it made more sense to reduce the course to one country.  This makes the course much more efficient as you wouldn't spend loads of time traveling from country to country, waiting in long lines at customs and experiencing jet lag.  Peru seemed to be the best choice because I am familiar with the area and it is a place that contains a rich and diverse group of inhabitants and physical features that are of great importance to the field of geography, the field I am currently studying.

I chose to write this syllabus as an instructor speaking to his future students.  It was my goal to seem knowledgeable about the area, encouraging about studying there, but also realistic about the conditions that could be encountered throughout the course.  The guidelines for this syllabus were influenced by my trip to Peru and the things I did, I now know and things I wish I would have known before going there.  This is the basis of the disclaimer at the beginning of the text, it is a sort of warning to those who may have any doubts about international travel.

The course objectives combine what I think a geography professor would include and what my personal preferences would be if I were taking this course.  Although I understand the importance of a structured curriculum in some settings, I believe a study-abroad type program that is geographic in nature must include some flexibility and self-direction from the student.  Also, I personally learn a great deal more from hands-on, real-world experience which is why I chose to design a non-classroom based course.  

For the pre-requisite readings and class schedule, these were both also based on my personal preferences from past experiences.  The readings are essential to understanding the current make-up of Peruvian society and that is something I wish I understood more of before I visited there 3 summers ago.  Scheduling for the course was determined by my previous visit and is the most feasible route for seeing all that Peru has to offer.  Flexibility in the schedule was something I thought should be included because when visiting a foreign country, there are places you'll love and places you'll hate.  So, in order to allow for spontaneity I thought a changeable schedule would sufficiently satisfy those participating in the course.

I chose to use a journal and report for the grading process because I find research papers and writing exercises to be my most effective method for learning.  The examination process from most classes constantly proves to be a useless form of comprehension testing.  Finally, the rules and regulations are unfortunately based on personal experience as well.  Traveling alone in some foreign countries is not recommended and even when you do travel in groups, you never know what might happen.  

In concluding this reflection, I think this assignment helped me understand some of the basics of designing a study-abroad course.  This is experience I could possibly apply to future endeavors because I do have an interest in education, as well as regional/international studies.  This assignment also helped me to see through the eyes of the teacher when they communicate their ideas and purposes for a course through a syllabus.

Syllabus Assignment

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfzf3xsh_1dv8cmxgg