Week 2: What kind of self-reflection experiences did you have in your freshman English class? What have you learned (related to self-reflection or writing in general) that has stayed with you and supported your writing?
In my freshman English class, I underwent profound self-reflection experiences that significantly impacted my writing. The class encouraged me to delve into personal narratives and critically assess my own thoughts and beliefs. Through various writing assignments, I learned the importance of introspection and gained a deeper understanding of my writing style, strengths, and areas for improvement. The emphasis on constructive feedback from peers and instructors allowed me to refine my skills and view my work through different perspectives. This continuous process of self-reflection not only honed my writing abilities but also instilled a sense of mindfulness in crafting compelling narratives. The lessons from my freshman English class continue to resonate with me, serving as a foundation for effective self-reflection and enhancing the quality of my writing across various contexts.
Week 3: Analyze the rhetorical situation of your Freshman Portfolio. For those few students who do not have one only: analyze the rhetorical situation of your Freshman English research paper/project.
In crafting my Freshman English research paper on the chronology of Times Square, I aimed to present a comprehensive exploration of the iconic location’s evolution from its prehistoric Lenape roots to its present-day status as a global tourist hub, while also speculating on its potential future. Utilizing a first-person point of view, I endeavored to weave a narrative that not only conveyed historical facts and pivotal moments but also conveyed a personal engagement with the subject matter. The paper unfolds in a structured manner, offering insights into the Lenape era, the city’s expansion in the 1800s, the impact of the Great Depression, and the subsequent revitalization led by Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The inclusion of visual aids, such as figures and images, complements the textual narrative, enhancing the reader’s understanding. Towards the conclusion, I transition to the present day, discussing the ongoing redevelopment plans for Times Square initiated by NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Finally, the paper delves into speculative possibilities for the year 2100 or beyond, exploring potential scenarios of demolition for a futuristic skyscraper or the preservation of Times Square with advanced technologies, providing a thought-provoking glimpse into the future of this iconic New York City landmark.
Week 4: Analyze the rhetorical situation of your Product Review essay.
In my product review essay, I strategically address a target audience of gamers and professionals seeking a comfortable and high-quality seating solution. Positioned as an experienced user, I tried to employ a positive and informative tone to convey my confidence in the DXRacer Formula Series Gaming Chair. By emphasizing personal experiences with prolonged computer use, the essay aims to persuade readers of the chair’s value in terms of comfort, build quality, and functionality. The rhetorical situation is marked by a contextual focus on the gaming and professional workspace, with me providing a nuanced evaluation that acknowledges both the chair’s strengths and potential drawbacks, including a higher price point and assembly difficulties. Overall, the essay serves the dual purpose of informing potential buyers about the DXRacer gaming chair’s features and benefits while offering a persuasive recommendation for those prioritizing quality and comfort in their gaming or work setup.
Week 5: What have we done so far that has been helpful to your writing process? How might you apply this helpful information or tool? What has been confusing/What would you like to spend more time on? If the clarification/additional focus does not occur during class time, how will you acquire the knowledge?
In reflecting on the writing process during this class, I’ve found certain elements to be particularly helpful, such as engaging lectures and constructive peer reviews. These aspects have positively influenced my approach to writing, providing valuable techniques and feedback. To apply this helpful information, I plan to incorporate the learned techniques into my independent writing endeavors and continue seeking constructive feedback from peers. However, there are areas that have been confusing or where I’d like to dedicate more time for deeper understanding. To address this, I aim to communicate with the instructor and classmates about specific concerns, seeking clarification during class time. If the necessary clarification or focus isn’t covered in class, I’ll take the initiative to acquire the knowledge through self-directed learning, online resources, or seeking support from peers who may have a better grasp of the subject matter.
Week 8: How are you doing with time management? Are you balancing the multiple needs of this course? Your other courses? Are you making time for reading, writing, studying, and collaborating? Explain your yes/no answers. Include how if yes or your success plan if no.
In managing my time for this course and others, I am currently struggling a bit. I have not been effectively balancing the various needs of this class, including collaborating and researching for the project. However, as for improvement, my success plan involves prioritization, time blocking, goal setting, minimizing distractions, and utilizing time management tools. I understand the importance of regularly reassessing the effectiveness of my plan and being open to adjustments. If challenges persist, I am prepared to seek advice from classmates, instructors, or campus resources to refine my time management strategies and ensure a balanced approach to my coursework.
Week 9: What experience have you had working in groups before this class? How has the group work we’ve done in this class been for you? What are you doing/will you do to optimize your experience completing the collaborative project for this class?
In approaching group work, I prioritize effective communication by establishing clear channels and employing tools like messaging apps and project management platforms. To ensure a smooth collaboration, defining roles and responsibilities is crucial, preventing confusion among team members. Realistic goal-setting and deadlines help maintain focus, and regular check-ins, whether formal or informal, allow for progress assessment and issue resolution. Adaptability and flexibility are key, fostering an environment where feedback is embraced, and changes can be readily incorporated. Leveraging each team member’s strengths optimizes efficiency, while conflict resolution strategies ensure a harmonious working atmosphere. By adhering to these principles, I strive to optimize my collaborative experiences in completing group projects for this class.
Week 10: Analyze the rhetorical situation of your Technical Description. Include textual detail to support your claims.
The primary audience for this Technical Description essay is individuals interested in electric skateboards, particularly the Exway X1 Max model. The technical details, component breakdown, and specific features cater to readers with a keen interest in the mechanics and functionalities of electric skateboards. The inclusion of detailed specifications and explanations suggests that the audience is likely composed of enthusiasts, potential buyers, or those seeking in-depth information about this specific electric skateboard. The essay addresses readers who might appreciate the detailed breakdown of the skateboard components, such as the deck, grip tape, trucks, wheels, motor, ESC, battery, and remote control. The technical specifications, like motor power, wheel dimensions, battery capacity, and remote control features, provide specific information that would be valuable to individuals interested in the technical aspects of electric skateboards. Situated within the context of skateboarding’s history and the evolution towards electric skateboards, the essay adopts an authoritative and informative persona, employing a technical tone and precise language to elucidate each component’s function and specifications. The content is well-organized, following a chronological structure and incorporating figures to enhance clarity. Overall, the essay expertly navigates the rhetorical situation, catering to a knowledgeable audience, and successfully achieves its informative and promotional objectives.
Week 13: Select one learning objective or one component of a learning objective. When, where, and how have you learned it? How have you developed in this arena?
One learning objective I have learned is the ability to create the proper outline and drafting the essays. In every assignment, the professor made us create the outline and the draft which helped me improve in my writing. Before taking this class, I was not a big fan of drafting and creating the outline but now I can see the advantages of them and how they are useful while completing the assignments or essays. Furthermore, this class taught me how to communicate with the other students even in virtual. My communication skills got a bit better and made me feel more comfortable talking to people I do not know.
Week 14: What have you learned that has proved most useful to your composition process?
Throughout the course, I have learned several things that helped me with my writing skill. First and foremost, I significantly advanced my drafting and editing skills, a technique underscored in numerous reflections. I successfully revised and simplified explanations after seeking guidance from peer reviews. I also learned the importance of the necessity of crafting a clear outline before initiating the writing process. Lastly, the course highlighted the significance of peer review in the writing process. Constructive feedback from peers not only enhances my documents but also provides valuable insights as I learn from their mistakes, fostering continuous improvement in my own writing.
