Chris Lindsay

Professor Connie Douglas

UWRT 1101
Midterm Reflection
I would categorize my Daybook work to be average. I completely a majority of the
work required, but there are times where I go blank about a topic to talk about. Another
part of my assessment is the lack of understanding that I had about the assignments for the
first few weeks. In the past, teachers havent really required us as students to go above and
beyond in regards to our classwork. A lot of times, the warm ups were pretty much
completion grades. After seeing the example daybooks, I have a better understanding of
what is expected, and I am working diligently to achieve that, although it is a big
adjustment for me. I put much effort into the entries during the class periods, but there
have been instances where I dont have sufficient time to complete the assignment. Ive
never been the type of student that does extra work outside of class, especially if it hasnt
been specifically assigned for homework.
I feel that my participation in class is Above Average. Every time I find a topic
interesting, or have something to input to a class discussion I try to do so. I also make sure
that my comments contain actual substance rather than saying something simply to be
marked as a participant. In all of the small group activities that we have done, I have been a
very active member. I think that the only thing that holds me back from being above and
beyond is the fact that I dont speak every single class period.

I am very confident with my literacy level. I do have a problem with certain

grammatical errors such as ending sentences with prepositions and using run-on
sentences. I feel that I possess the ability to articulate my self very well, particularly when
the topic is something that peaks my interest. I found the This I believe paper to be rather
easy to write as far as the content went. When I got it back, there were numerous
grammatical errors. Needless to say, there is definitely room for improvement. Structuring
my writing process has been a problem of mine in the past. A question that I have is it
possible to come to you for assistance on writing assignments?
I would give myself a grade of Average at this point in the semester. There are still a
lot of things that I need to learn about the writing process over the remainder of the course.
By the end of the semester I am hoping to obtain a B. I will have to spend more time on my
essays, and put even more effort into my Daybook entries in order to achieve this final
grade. Is there a way that you can balance the content quality in a paper and the
grammatical aspects? I want to know if the flow and structure of my papers are good so I
can move on to working on my grammar skills. I do not think that if I continue progressing
at my current rate that an A would be possible.

Daybook entries.
Entry 1. Reflection of This I Believe
I feel that the process went pretty well. I wish that there were a few more
opportunities for peer revision because I feel that that aspect was a vital part of the project
process. In highs school we werent given a chance to have other people read it; once you
were typing a paper, the final result all you had to offer the teacher. I realized now that

what I wouldve turned in to the teacher as my final draft wouldve been a step along in the
way in college. There was little to no external input. I learned about the steps that are
necessary before reaching the final products. Several drafts werent necessary in high
school.
I felt that this entry was important because this was a major assignment. I felt proud
about my process because I havent always gone through such an extensive process for a
paper. Its interesting to see what a contrast that this has on my high school academic
experience. This is a process that was very beneficial to my learning process.
Entry 2. Portfolio Assignment
I havent had a portfolio assignment in my past. I feel like I am prepared for this
because I do my work. A majority of this task is having enough work to fill the
requirements for each category. There arent a lot of assignments that build off of your
entire years work. This is a concept that is completely different from anything that I have
experienced. I may be unprepared in the organizational aspect of this assignment. I am the
type of student where after I get a grade back or get a paper back to throw it away or lose
it. This assignment makes it a necessity that I no longer do that. Organization is a value that
is being emphasized in this syllabus. You seem to possess an option of which assignments
you wish to choose within the categories that have already been set. There doesnt seem to
be much wiggle room on which type of assignments you want to be included though.
This is a reflection of the assignment thats worth a majority of my grade. Its
significance cant be overstated. This assignment made me recognize that its imperative
that I make the necessary adjustments to my working style in order to complete this

assignment correctly. I chose this entry because I addressed my thoughts in a manner that
exhibits a level of critical thinking.
Entry 3. Slam Poetry Review.
Shrinking woman This piece was addressing the weight loss of her mother. She
ties in her mothers psychological absorption and how she craves for mental growth, while
her husband appears to remain stagnant mentally, yet increase in size physically. She
notices the similarities between her and her mother and spends the remainder of the poem
debating if she wants to accept these traits.
21 The young man delivering this poem talks about his life as he regresses in age,
starting from 21. His father was killed in a car accident in which he was intoxicated four
times the legal limit. It was obvious at this point that this event had a major affect on him.
We later found out that his father was an alcoholic that relapsed. He stated that at age
thirteen, they didnt even think about his alcoholism because he was 10 or 11 years clean.
The author of this poem has been through a lot in his life and he pretty much laid it all on
the table.
Rape Poem to end all rape poems - This has a poem composed by four teenage girls
that spoke about the fact that rape is still a problem and how that should no longer be the
case. There was anger in the voice of the authors because they spoke of a subject thats
considered taboo in todays society. They are frustrated because of some of the excuses
that come up when referring to the crimes phrases like she was sober enough to make a
decision, or she was asking for it.
This was important because it gave me insight about what good slam poems were in
preparation for the presentation of our poems. It showed me how they were to be

delivered, although I had some trouble while delivering mine. Poetry is a form of
expression and when all else fails, can be used as a source of entertainment.
Entry 4. Reflective Learner
A reflective learner is someone who plays a role in his or her own learning process.
They arent satisfied with just learning what comes out of the teachers mouth. Every
assignment should be reflected upon and put in context to the rest of the course. Reflective
learning requires you to go above and beyond to complete your work.
This topic is the center of our course. Reflective learning is a critical part of being a
successful learner. Its going to be difficult to obtain a satisfactory grade if I dont think
about things on another level. The Daybook is the epitome of a reflective learner. I find that
it is necessary to take some of the learning responsibilities into your own hands. This is a
valuable lesson that I will take with me for as long as I am acquiring new information.