Portfolio Reflective Letter

The first day in writing 101, the class was asked to write what they expected to gain from the course. I hoped to learn skills that would help me write with improved clarity and confidence.My work requires writing letters, reports and documentation. The wastebasket under the desk filled up too quickly with my strangled attempts to write what need to be communicated.
In writing it was difficult for me to decide on a thesis, focus on a theme and maintain cohesiveness. I was distracted by details . The storyline became lost in fragments of thoughts and opinions. Peer review reflected a need for clarity.

My technical deficit was "chasmic". I spent an inordinate amount of time and effort on the computer figuring out what happened or how to make it happen. I would put my finger on the wrong button ( click) and suddenly I was cyber-lost.

Instruction and peer review illuminated the absence of my own voice. I have a tendency to suppress my own authority in deference to "theirs". In the first draft of essay one their my thoughts and experience were completely absent.The instructors direction to "get off the fence" and "pick a side" helped me to narrow my writing focus. Peer review re iterated the need to find a point of view and stick with it. In my final draft of Essay One I was able to pick a thesis and commit to it. I reinforced that thesis by pruning what did not support it.I appreciate that this class gave me useful technology skills.

The blog format was well worth the my initial struggle. This new tool allowed me to be creatively inspired. The ability to apply graphics jump started my thought processes. The real article format that the blog provides sets a certain level of expectation which helped my writing. This format and instant access to peer and instructor review allowed me to easily make adjustment s in my writing.

I was able to respond appropriately to feedback. Essay One became strong after I added my own voice and clarified the thesis. This was a result of incorporating what I learned from peer and instructor reviews. The course instructor suggested that my first draft(s) lacked an intial attention getter. The absence of my own "voice" was noted in both peer and instructor comments. The draft title was questioned. I had evolved the Title from "Strange Bedfellows"to "Hope" to "Band aids vs. Solutions". I was invested in this last choice and did not want to change it. The instructor made a decent argument for changing it ,however, so I gave it some thought. The final title" Doors" was not only a much better fit, it inspired the opening narrative" I remember when the doors slammed shut" and encouraged me to use my own experience to strengthen the essay. This carried over Essay 3 , which was increasingly authenticand open. I can see the progression.

The guidance, practice, feedback, edit, and fine tuning process that was used in this course proved useful in developing my writing skills and building much needed confidence.The bonus was that I also learned interesting things about myself , other people, global and social situations. I sincerely appreciated the experience-Patricia Moore