Reflection_Essay

RUNNING HEAD: LIFE OF ROSALIND The Life of Rosalind Sims Rosalind Sims Introduction to Teaching and Learning Ms. Evans March 8, 2010 In the past couple of weeks, I have gained insight and ideas about myself. I also have gained a better understanding about my learning abilities and writing style. At this point of my professional career, the concepts brought out in this course have refreshed my interest and enthusiasm for learning new things and ideas. There have been several tools in this course that I can apply to my writing skills within my personal and work environment. Even though I know some of my strengths, this course has provided me with opportunities to improve my writing skills and work on improving my weaker skills (i.e. APA style writing). I would like to be able to apply what I have learned in this course towards my professional and personal growth. Upon my readings, this course has certainly opened my eyes to the need to write papers and read more often. The reading material that I have read throughout the course has given me an important reminder to always double check what I have written to avoid plagiarism at all cost. It is so easy to forget a quotation mark here or there as well as forget where you obtained your information from. I have learned to always carefully write down where the information that I’m using correctly. The readings on Research Writing have provided me with guidance that is clearly beneficial to me. Some of my strengths in writing ability include a few different aspects which would include my passion for the subject that I’m writing about, the wording, and the length. My wording oftentimes sounds like the words that I would speak to someone, and not just bland sentences. The length of my writing assignment is appropriate for the topic and it makes it easier for someone else to read without losing interest. My passion for writing on a topic keeps me focused on the paper and I enjoy writing the paper which makes it easier for me to write. My weakness would have to be not being use to the APA style of writing, my simple style of writing, and not writing papers in a long time. APA style writing is difficult for me because the last paper that I wrote was in MLA style. I am currently unfamiliar with this type of writing but I am adamant about learning it. Also my simple style stands out often in some of my papers. In order for me to achieve and conquer my weaknesses and grow during this course, I plan to do a few things to help me to become more efficient. First, I plan to practice using the APA style of writing. This will be done by assisting my children with their research papers and doing papers on my own just for practice. Next, I plan to read and research things that I want to know or learn about more often so that I can brush up on my research skills. Finally, I am going to become more involved in the discussions which will help me with being better informed. During this week as well as this course, the discussions have helped me to analyze myself, my writing ability, and my research skills. I have always known that I am “rusty” when it comes to research. I know that I have to become familiar with the APA writing style. I have had several strengths and weaknesses which can improve my overall functioning in this course. Once I have conquered my weaknesses and fears about writing, I will be able to grow and become comfortable with writing, researching, and utilizing the APA style of writing that is required for this course.