Running head: FINAL REFLECTION
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Final Reflection
Ruby A. Cordova
English 102
May 6, 2015
Nevada State College
FINAL REFLECTION
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Final Reflection
This paper talks about the things that I have improved on since entering English 102. As well as
talking about the tools I utilized in order to pass the class with a good grade. My main
improvements were in formatting, grammar and sentence structure, and research techniques. I
wrote about how I had learned a great deal about writing a research paper and that even though I
struggle with the literature review and methods section I managed to pull through with figuring
them out. However, I did realize that I do need to work on being more specific when it comes to
writing a research paper. Moreover, I also realized that my grammar and sentence structure had
improved compared to my first semester. I always struggled with grammar and sentence
structure and in this paper; I discuss how I was able to improve by using the tools given to me by
the writing center. However, I do discuss how I need to focus on time management, more in
order to be able to do my self-paper checks so that I can improve on my writing skills even more.
Moreover, I have increased in my research ability because I now use the tools available to me by
using google scholar and NSC library. Furthermore, I am always doing better each time I write a
new paper.
FINAL REFLECTION
Since I have started college I have to say that I never expected any of my classes
to be easy and I have to say was right. English 101 Was like an introductory class for me.
It was a little easier because I had the opportunity to write what I want and express
myself any way I wanted to. However, that changes when I reached my second semester
going from English 101 to English 102. English 102 had me challenge myself and gave
me new techniques in order to increase my writing skills. The skills that English 102 gave
me were the ability to learn new formats, grammar, and research techniques.
In the beginning of my first semester of English 101 the only format that I was
taught and that was APA. However, once I reached English 102 I learned how to write in
a formal letter format, research paper, and op-ed. The format I most struggled with was
when I was writing my research paper. When we were first presented with a research
paper piece I had no idea on how to form a literature review or a methods piece. In order
to have some sense of what I was supposed to do, I researched research papers. I saw
what had to go into with the literature review and how to form hypothetical methods
section. In addition the teacher did explain what went into these portions but her
explanations did make me confused, which is why I looked it up on my own. In order to
know that I did these sections the right way. I utilized the writing center who was a great
help on providing me feedback on these sections.
The few things that the writing center gave me feedback on was that I had to cite
my resources more and that I had to provide more evidence and feedback when I make a
claim. When it came to me making a claim, I had no idea I was supposed to be specific
either. However, they did tell me that the whole point of the literature review is that
you utilize as much evidence as possible in order to support the stance you are
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FINAL REFLECTION
trying to take on your paper. Moreover, the methods section was difficult for me as well
because from what the teacher was explaining it was supposed to be a hypothesized
study. I never thought that I would have to utilize it in my next paper. I for one did not
even know how to conduct a study so it was difficult for me because I had to look up
study methods before I found one that sounded the most reasonable and easiest one for
me to explain and form a pretend study around. I realize that I do need to work on how I
explain my methods because it seemed like when I got feedback back on my final draft
that I lacked specifics in this portion of my paper as well.
Additionally, to my writing I did realize that I have improved on my grammar. I
remember when I had first entered this class my professor had asked us on what we hope
to accomplish and gain from this class. My grammar was my biggest thing that I wanted
to improve in. Compared to my first semester in English I had a great deal of grammar
mistakes in most of my first semester papers that would cause me to lose some points on
them. I realized that since I have applied to using the writing center to my editorial
process I have gained a better understanding of how to correct myself on grammar. I feel
that this effort also shows in my current papers because my issues now are more on the
fact that I lack specific details compared to what my struggles used to be when I had
problems with grammar and sentence structure.
I feel that in general the writing center has become my greatest asset when it
comes to working with me and my writing skills. Not only did I get clear explanation on
what I was doing wrong they would also give me tips on how to fix them as well as how
to catch myself once I make the mistake. The tools they gave me were simple, that first I
should reread my essay slowly making sure it makes sense. Moreover, that I check that
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my sentence to make sure that I do not do any run-ons and that I also check my
punctuation. As simple as that sounds it never occurred to me to actually slow down and
take the time to study my own paper. The more that I think about it is that I need to learn
time management more so that I do not have to rush to get my papers done on time
therefore, leaving me time to do the grammar checking.
However, I do have to say that besides doing better in formatting and grammar
and sentence structure my greatest improvement is that I am better at researching my
facts better. I was taught that sites such as google scholar and NSC library are really the
place to go for scholarly articles. Having these resources available made a big difference
when putting in the information in my papers. Before I found out about google scholar, I
was using the plain internet, which is not the most reliable resource to cite because they
are not always scholarly.
In all, since doing more research papers or just papers in general I was able to find
out that I was a creative writer. This knowledge helped me make the transition from my
usual English 101 technique to English 102. From the research I did I found that I fit the
criteria of Randi and Tans criteria for creative writers. The criteria was that they have the
ability to express assess and reflect. I found this out with how I went about my process of
writing my paper. I would first express and write about the stance I took on my paper
then take it to the writing center in order to have it assessed by the writing center so that I
could have the feedback needed in order to make my paper better than when I first wrote
it. Lastly before I turned it in I would reflect on whether I had everything I needed in
order to make sure my paper had all the components it needed in order to pull a good
grade.
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FINAL REFLECTION
I was lucky enough to pull these grades because I had this criteria provided by
Randi and Tan because when you break down the criteria it does makes sense on how this
can help you make yourself a great writer. Expression helps by putting a little of yourself
in your paper but also contributes with formulating a plan on what stance you want to
take when writing your paper. However, the assessment portion is the most important
because it adds to part of the editorial process. It is taking your paper to a person who can
give you feedback and showing you ways on what you can improve on your paper. Lastly
reflection makes you ask yourself the question, ‘is this paper good enough? As well as
‘does it have all the components needed to make this a good paper?’ Furthermore, the
research really helped me find myself on where I find myself when it comes to being able
to do great at trying to excel in my English class.
Besides, I have learned many things about my writing and myself since I entered
English 102. Due to hard work and the Randi and Tan criteria I was able to score a B in
this class which has proven to me that the criteria really does work. I have improved so
much that I find myself almost to the standards of a college student. I now have a new
research technique as well as have better knowledge on how to better utilize my
resources. The more I write the more I improve I better expand on my knowledge on
what I need to do as well as gain further understanding of what mistakes I make when I
write. Even though there are still thing I can improve even more on I feel that the
challenges that I had faced with English 102 have made me grow as a writer. I hope as I
continue in my academic endeavors I can further more gain more skills when it comes to
academic writing.
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