Today, September 1, 2022, is our first meeting of Academic Writing Lab. Welcome. Today we're going to model a "typical class".
FYE Reflective Responses! Due almost every Thursday at 7:00 pm. You should have yours finished and uploaded to Populi by the end of this class.
Let's look at some examples from last year:
4. WRITE: After reading the article, you will write a Reflective Response to it. (RW1: Reflection on Managing Your Time and Study Environment)
Your essay should include the following information:
- at least one tactic from the reading that you already practice, and describe how you practice it.
- at least one tactic you would like to adopt to be a successful student at DCAD and describe how you will practice it.
Your essay should adhere to the following formatting criteria:
- written in complete, grammatically correct sentences
- approx. 200 words in length
5. SUBMIT: Turn in your Reflective Response essay through the RR1 assignment submission link below no later than 7 pm, next Tuesday.
From RR1
Here is an example of a great response:
One thing I’m very good at when it comes to getting my work done is knowing exactly when and where I will be most comfortable doing it. I’m easily distracted by outside influences, such as my phone or friends who are trying to hangout almost constantly. In order to avoid said distractions, I’ve found the best way for me to be productive is by working on my own in a private space such as my dorm. I take myself away from any possible distractions, lowering the possibility that my work will be forgotten. I also allow myself plenty of breaks, knowing that if I work on something for too long, I will get tired of it and end up leaving it unfinished. I’d rather do homework or projects in small increments than not at all.
On the other hand, time management is often a struggle. I find myself sidetracked by what I want to do rather than doing the things I need to do. Most of it is due to attention deficit disorder, which has gone undiagnosed for the majority of my life. I only just began taking steps to help me overcome my weaknesses and accomplish my goals. Even so, that’s made me realize it’s not all because of my ADHD. I, in general, lack the fundamental ability to motivate myself in order to get tasks done. I am working to switch this mindset that I’ve let myself slip into over the years, as it has caused me fail too many courses in the past. My plan to achieve my goals throughout my education at DCAD involves setting aside enough time to work outside of class, even when everyone and everything else seems more appealing than my schoolwork. I’ve already begun to schedule times outside of class to be able to do my homework and any studying as need be. It’s rather easy considering most of my classes are in the morning, so I have several hours in the afternoon and evening to be able to get any work done before the due date. I also have free weekends, for the most part, so I will be setting aside time then to also tackle what needs to be done. I’m a stubborn person by heart and I refuse to allow myself to procrastinate like I have done before. Any free time I have left after my work is done will be treated as an award for being proactive, rather than the distraction that led to my procrastination.
Here is an example of an OK response:
- At least one tactic from the reading that you already practice, and describe how you practice it.
One Tactic from the reading I already implemented is the Study Environment tactic, specifically the temperature and Posture subsections. My house is usually very hot so I have a fan blowing onto me while I work; It’s not very strong either so it doesn’t distract me or make me too cold and/or tired. And when I work I sometimes have to remind myself to sit up straight and not lean too much over my tablet and make my back start to ache. I will also sometimes sit up and stretch occasionally as well.
I also implement the Using time Wisely tactic, but unfortunately I only implement the “It doesn’t have to be perfect part.” I still do have issues with being unsatisfied with my work because of self-esteem issues but I’ve definitely been getting better over time with conscious effort.
- At least one tactic you would like to adopt to be a successful student at DCAD and describe how you will practice it.
One tactic I definitely want to implement as soon as possible is Time Management. I know it comes with time and practice but especially now with School starting up, and with me working a retail job not only do I have to find time with homework I also have to try and figure out a way to get in time to just relax and have time to rest my mind and body as well.
Here is an example of an insufficient (bad?) response:
Well I remember this one time in middle, where I was freaking out because I had been in multiple clubs and tried to mange it with my homework and chores at home. It was very um well stressful for me so my friend suggested that I should do my homework during my free time and class when I’m not doing anything or waiting for the class to finish up on something and do my chores after my club meeting. Then I have to mange my time in college but I’m stressing myself about and I just hope that college life and work will not stress me out as much.
