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Instructions of ENG 101 First Reflection
Overview and Purpose
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Process Step: Reflection
Learning Outcomes: Use composing processes and strategies as a means to invent, discover, and reconsider ideas; learn metacognitive strategies for reflecting on evolving composing practices to transfer knowledge to other situations.
Instructional Materials: Before beginning, review the following:
One of our main course goals in this class is for you to be able to transfer the writing skills you learn here to future writing situations (no matter if they are academic, professional, or personal). Thinking and writing about your writing experiences – what we call “metacognitive reflective writing” – is essential to making your learning “stick” so you can use it again in the future.
In this class, you will write three reflective pieces on your writing experiences. Though each reflection will be a bit different, in general the reflective writing assignments will help you accomplish the following:
Identify and set goals.
Make sense of and grow from learning experiences.
Use what you’ve learned in the past to inform and guide your future learning.
Instructions
Step 1: Reflect and Brainstorm
Consider your past writing experiences. Look back and think critically (carefully, deliberately, and methodically) about your past experiences composing and writing, and how you feel about writing as a result.
Brainstorm ideas for your reflection, keeping in mind that roughly half of your reflection should be spent both “Looking Back” and “Looking Forward.” Use the following questions to help you generate (invent) ideas. Choose the questions that resonate with you; you do not need to cover all of the questions but you should have a fairly equal balance between the two categories.
Looking Back | Looking Forward |
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Step 2: Compose and Design
Compose the story of your writing experiences and goals as a short essay. Do not simply answer the questions above or use bullet points; use the questions as a brainstorming and planning tool to help you as you compose your reflective essay. Make sure to organize your ideas logically and structure your essay in a way that will make sense for your readers.
Discuss the following:
Your attitudes about what you’ve learned about writing up to this point.
The evolution of your writing.
Your perceptions about yourself as a writer.
Support your claims with evidence that explains why you feel the way you do. Include the following:
Detailed explanations.
Parts of texts you have written.
Visuals that support the message of the written text.
You can also use design features to draw your readers’ attention to key parts of your reflection:
Add section headings to guide your readers to the different parts of your reflection.
Use indentations and white space to separate paragraphs/sections.
Use colored and formatted text to highlight important words and phrases.
Step 3: Include Visual Examples
Include 1-2 visual examples (or evidence) of your experience with writing. Spend time selecting important examples that will show your readers something meaningful and make sure to explain them in your reflection. This might include the following:
Screenshots of your previous writing, which can include previous school work/feedback, writing from your professional life, social media posts, emails/text messages, and more.
Hyperlinks to your writing if it exists elsewhere on the web, such as on a personal blog or website.
Photos you have taken that reflect your reading and writing life (books you have read, your workspace, things that inspire you).
Engaging images found online that represent the ideas or concepts you are writing about.
Even video or audio content (YouTube videos, TED Talks, links to songs, etc.).
Make sure to engage with the visual examples you include in your reflection. Where should they be included within your reflection? Will you use text wrap and/or captions to help your readers?
Step 4: Revise and Proofread
Revise and proofread your reflection for overall organization and flow within each paragraph.
Step 5: Submit to Canvas and Add to Portfolio
When you have completed your reflection, you need to both submit it here on Canvas as a Word document or PDF and upload it to your portfolio on the appropriate “Reflections” page.
Submit to Canvas
Follow the instructions linked hereLinks to an external site. to submit your reflection in this assignment on Canvas for your instructor to grade.
Before you submit, make sure to create a clickable hyperlinkLinks to an external site. that leads to your portfolio’s Home page. Add that hyperlink in the reflection document that you submit here so that your instructor can easily access your portfolio to see how it is coming along. You can add the hyperlink anywhere you’d like, but at the very beginning or end of your reflection is best. Follow the instructions linked hereLinks to an external site. to create a hyperlink and add it to your document.
Do not include the hyperlink in the “Comments” area of your submission.
Upload to Portfolio
Follow the instructions linked hereLinks to an external site. to add your reflection to your portfolio on the appropriate “Reflections” page.
Note that this does not submit your assignment for instructor grading. You still need to submit your reflection as a Word document or PDF here in this assignment as discussed above.
Step-By-Step Guide ENG 101 First Reflection – Your Writing Journey Begins
Introduction to ENG 101 First Reflection
The ENG 101 First Reflection – Your Writing Journey Begins aims to help you reflect on your writing experiences and set goals for future improvement. Following this How-To ENG 101 Guide will enhance your understanding of your writing processes and practices, which is crucial for transferring these skills to different contexts.
Consider your past writing experiences. Look back and think critically (carefully, deliberately, and methodically) about your past composing and writing experiences and how you feel about writing. Brainstorm ideas for your reflection, considering that roughly half of your reflection should be spent both “Looking Back” and “Looking Forward.” Use the following questions to help you generate (invent) ideas. Choose the questions that resonate with you; you do not need to cover all of the questions, but you should have a relatively equal balance between the two categories.
Reflect and Brainstorm
To start the ENG 101 First Reflection – Your Writing Journey Begins, we will compare and contrast our past writing experiences.
- Consider past writing experiences: Think critically about your past writing experiences, including the types of writing you’ve done and how you feel about them.
- Brainstorm ideas: Use the questions under “Looking Back” and “Looking Forward” to generate ideas. Ensure an equal balance between reflecting on past experiences and setting future goals.
Example
Reflecting on my writing journey, I realize how diverse and transformative my experiences have been. Each form of writing has contributed to my writing growth, from academic essays to professional reports and personal journaling. This reflection not only looks back at my past writing experiences but also sets goals for my future development, aligning with the course’s objective of transferring learned skills to various contexts.
My writing journey began with academic essays in high school, where I learned the fundamentals of structure and argumentation. These early experiences were challenging, yet they laid the groundwork for my academic confidence. Transitioning to university, I encountered more complex writing tasks, including research papers and critical analyses. These assignments demanded more critical thinking and synthesis, pushing me to refine my writing. In my professional life, writing took the form of reports, emails, and presentations. Each required clarity, conciseness, and a formal tone, which differed significantly from my academic writing. Socially, I engaged in creative writing, such as short stories and blog posts, which allowed me to explore different styles and voices.
Compose the story of your writing experiences and goals as a short essay. Do not simply answer the questions above or use bullet points; use the questions as a brainstorming and planning tool to help you as you compose your reflective essay. Organize your ideas logically and structure your essay to make sense for your readers.
Compose and Design
Next, we will compose a brief and short essay to organize our reflection.
- Organize ideas: Compose a short essay that logically organizes your thoughts and reflections. Avoid bullet points; instead, integrate the questions into a cohesive narrative.
- Discuss critical points: Address your attitudes towards writing, the evolution of your writing, and your self-perception as a writer. Support your claims with detailed explanations and examples from your writing.
- Incorporate visuals: Use visuals to support your message. Include section headings, indentations, and formatted text to guide your readers.
Example
Confidence in writing varied across these contexts. Academic writing initially felt daunting due to the rigorous standards and feedback from professors. However, positive reinforcement and constructive criticism helped me build confidence. Professional writing, while straightforward, emphasized precision and professionalism, which bolstered my ability to communicate effectively in the workplace. Creative writing provided an outlet for expression and creativity, fostering a more relaxed and enjoyable writing experience.
My writing habits have evolved. In the past, I often procrastinated, leading to rushed and less polished work. Recognizing this, I developed a habit of starting early and breaking down tasks into manageable chunks. This approach improved the quality of my writing and reduced stress. Feedback from peers and mentors has also shaped my identity as a writer. Teacher encouragement enhanced my confidence, while critiques highlighted areas for improvement, driving my continuous development.
Looking ahead, I am eager to explore new media, such as digital storytelling and multimedia presentations. These formats offer innovative ways to engage audiences and convey messages. To broaden my skill set, I aim to experiment with different writing genres, including technical writing and opinion pieces. Strengthening my revision and editing practices is another priority, as these are crucial for producing high-quality work.
I aspire to cultivate a clear, creative, and adaptable writing identity. I want to be seen as a versatile writer who can effectively communicate across various platforms and contexts. In this class, my specific goal is to refine my argumentative writing skills, ensuring my essays are persuasive and well-supported by evidence. By the end of the course, I hope to confidently tackle any writing task, equipped with a robust toolkit of strategies and practices.
Make sure to engage with the visual examples you include in your reflection. Where should they be included within your reflection? Will you use text wrap and captions to help your readers?
Include Visual Examples
To make our reflective essay more attractive, we will use visuals.
- Select meaningful examples: Choose 1-2 visual examples illustrating your writing experiences. These could be screenshots of previous work, hyperlinks, photos, or engaging images.
- Explain examples: Ensure the visuals are integrated into your essay with clear explanations and appropriate placement. Use text wrap and captions if necessary.
Example
To illustrate my journey, I include a screenshot of an academic research paper that received high praise for its thorough analysis and a blog post that showcases my creative writing. These examples highlight the diversity of my writing and the progress I have made over the years.
In summary, reflecting on my writing experiences has been enlightening. It has highlighted my growth, from hesitant high school essays to confident professional and creative writing. Setting clear future goals motivates me to continue developing my skills and exploring new writing avenues. This metacognitive reflection cements my learning and prepares me for diverse writing challenges.
Revise and proofread your reflection for overall organization and flow within each paragraph.
Revise and Proofread
Here, we will revise and proofread the reflection before submitting it.
- Revise for organization: Check your essay’s overall structure and flow. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly.
- Proofread for errors: Correct grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors to enhance readability.
Closing
By completing the ENG 101 First Reflection – Your Writing Journey Begins, you’ll gain valuable insights into your writing journey and set clear goals for future improvement. Reflecting on past experiences and envisioning your development as a writer will strengthen your writing skills and prepare you for various writing situations in the future.
