UNIV 111 Reflective Essay
Nicholas Merrill
11/23/14
Over the course of the semester I have learned a great deal in the areas of critical
thinking, both written and oral communication, and ethical reasoning. Compared to the start of
the semester, my skills in all 4 of these categories have improved. Whether it be sharing to the
class something about the topic I had researched, or writing a paper, I am much more confident
in my abilities now then I was at the start of the semester. I am no longer tied to having to use
somewhat less then reputable sources off of Google now that I have a more reliable form of
research through the VCU libraries. Overall, my writing, speaking, reasoning, and thinking
skills have all improved since the beginning of the semester.
I am better able to form an opinion that is easily communicated to my peers now as we
approach the end of the semester. In the start I was more timid to share my opinion and
generally try to persuade the view of others in the class. Now I feel more confident and willing
to share my own opinions that are relevant to the class discussion. I am better able to focus on
the topic at hand and think critically about it while it is being discussed. I can also think about it
in a more ethical fashion, to see if what we are discussing is the right or wrong thing to do.
Before writing the paper on ethical reasoning I was less confident in what it really meant to
judge something as being ethical or not.
I feel as though, from the beginning of the semester, my writing has improved
immensely. I am able to write papers and assignments faster and more efficiently. I also am
able to write more clearly about the topics at hand. I feel like I convey my points better and give
more evidence to support them. I can use quotations more effectively than ever before and place
them in the paragraph in such a way that they really convey the point I am trying to make. Not
only in the UNIV course, but in other courses such as psychology I feel as though the papers I
am writing are of a higher quality than ever before. I feel that my words flow easier and carry a
greater weight. In terms of grades my papers have slowly increased over the course of the
semester.
Now having done multiple presentations in front of the class I am more confident
standing and speaking on my own. Starting from the beginning of the semester I really did dread
the idea of having to give presentations in front of my peers. I had done many before the course,
but still never enjoyed doing them at all. Starting out by giving presentations with table mates
helped since we weren’t individually thrust in front of strangers and told to speak on a topic we’d
only been researching for a few weeks. It made the transition to speaking on our own solo
presentations smoother and more bearable. Over the course of the semester I believe that I have
not only gotten better at speaking in front of people, but also that what I have to say is more
worthwhile.
Next semester I am looking forward to having enthralling discussions on relevant topics
with my classmates. Everyone seems to carry their own valuable opinion and I can’t wait to hear
what they have to say. Next semester I am hoping to make my writing and oral expression skills
even better and blow the progress I made this semester out of the water. It will take time and
practice, but it will be worth the effort.