What I Learned in English Class: a Reflection

Reflecting on my experiences in English class, I can confidently assert that this course has significantly enhanced my writing and analytical skills. Throughout the semester, I acquired a multitude of strategies for effective communication and developed a deeper understanding of the writing process. From mastering essay structures to understanding research methodologies, each lesson contributed to my overall growth as a student and writer.

Gains from English Class

Practical Applications

The skills I've gained from my English class will undoubtedly prove invaluable in my academic and professional future. The ability to articulate thoughts clearly is essential in any field of study or career path. Writing is not just an academic requirement; it’s a critical tool for communication that transcends disciplines. As I prepare for my future career—whether that involves drafting reports, creating presentations, or writing proposals—the proficiency I've cultivated in this class will serve me well. This course has instilled in me the importance of clear writing, which is necessary for crafting letters of recommendation and engaging with colleagues professionally.

Improved Research Paper Skills

One of the most challenging yet rewarding assignments was composing a research paper. Initially, I struggled with the complexity involved in gathering credible sources and synthesizing information effectively. However, through collaborative study sessions with classmates at the library, I began to appreciate the intricacies of research writing. The support from peers allowed me to gain insights into various topics while enhancing my own understanding of how to structure a compelling argument based on evidence.

I learned essential citation techniques, including both MLA and APA formats, which are crucial for academic integrity and professionalism in writing. Understanding these formats was daunting at first; however, by practicing regularly and utilizing resources provided by our instructor, I quickly adapted to their requirements. This experience highlighted the necessity of attention to detail in scholarly work—a skill that will be beneficial throughout my educational journey.

Profile Paper Experience

The final assignment—a profile paper—was another significant learning experience. The task was to select an individual who might not be widely recognized yet had compelling stories worth telling. Although initially hesitant about choosing someone obscure rather than a well-known figure like Kobe Bryant, I discovered that this challenge pushed me beyond my comfort zone and fostered creativity.

This project required meticulous research into lesser-known individuals' backgrounds and achievements while honing interviewing techniques for gathering qualitative data. Collaborating with classmates via group messaging facilitated our progress as we exchanged ideas and offered constructive feedback on each other’s drafts. While conducting interviews posed its challenges—such as nervousness or uncertainty—I emerged more confident in reaching out to others for information.

The professor encouraged us not only to think critically but also creatively when approaching our subjects—an approach that made the project feel personal rather than merely academic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, reflecting upon my experiences throughout this English class reveals substantial personal growth as a writer. My confidence has markedly increased due to continuous practice and constructive feedback received during peer reviews and instructor evaluations alike. Mr. Wheathersby’s insightful critiques were instrumental in identifying recurring errors within my work; his guidance helped reduce grammatical mistakes significantly over time—a common issue among many students navigating complex linguistic rules.

I anticipate that these foundational skills developed during this course will continue flourishing as I progress into higher-level English classes—and ultimately manifest positively within both academia and professional life beyond graduation.

Works Cited

1. Adams, K., & Johnson, L., (2018). The Craft of Research. University of Chicago Press.
2. Hacker D., & Sommers N., (2016). A Writer's Reference. Bedford/St. Martin's.
3. Lester J.D., & Lester Jr., J.D., (2019). Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide. Pearson.
4. Pears R., & Shields G., (2019). Cite Them Right: The Essential Referencing Guide. Red Globe Press.
5. Lunsford A.A., & Connors R.J., (2016). EasyWriter. Bedford/St.Martin's.
6. Strauss T.A.; & White E.B.; (2020). The Elements of Style . Penguin Books

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7. Graff G.; & Birkenstein C.; (2018). They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing . W.W.Norton & Company.
9. BibMe Team,(2021). "Citation Basics". BibMe.com . Accessed October 10 , 2023.
10. Douglas M.H.(2020)."Research Methods Made Simple". Journal Publications , 45(4),10-20.

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