Reflections on the Course

In this course I have learned how to be more efficient in researching topics which currently is effecting my college courses. I have learned how to find the information I need and use it effectively in papers. I have also learned the importance of making research flow naturally in a paper.

I feel the readings have not effected me so as much as seeing other class members reactions to the readings. It is often easy to overlook certain aspects of books and form one opinion. However, discussing books have made try to see things from others perspectives even if I may disagree. This was most obvious when I was reading Up In The Air. I felt the movie was easier to relate and tried to understand why others enjoyed the book more. I felt reading multiple perspectives helped me see parts of the book I had overlooked. It may not have changed my opinion but it did change how I read the rest of the book. I feel in the future when I read a book or even watch a movie I will try to keep other possible views in mind.

I feel that in each learning outcome I have improved. This is most evident to me in using and citing sources. I felt at the start of this course much of what I used was done so awkwardly and cited improperly. Now I feel much more comfortable using outside sources and citing them. As I stated before I also feel I have improved in considering new perspectives.

My writing process has changed in that I find it easier to create a thesis statement and to work from there. Before I felt the most difficult part of writing a paper was starting it, however, it has become easier for me to start with an idea or statement, go through the research process, and to realize that it is okay if my idea changes during this process.

My primary challenge in this class, like all my classes, has been time management. I felt that I was able to overcome this by pretending I was unable to turn in any assignments late and only using it when I had a week in which I was overflowing with work, homework, and other responsibilities. I felt this method really helped my time management.