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Introduction: The purpose of a reflection essay is for you to think about something from a new, changed perspective

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Introduction:

The purpose of a reflection essay is for you to think about something from a new, changed perspective. In this case, you’ll be reflecting on your working “habits” IN THIS CLASS from the semester (so far).  Think of this as a way to highlight both what you’ve learned in this class and what you now recognize that you still need to work on for future college writing assignments.

Assignment:

Your task is to compose an essay of 3-4 double-spaced pages in which you explain what you have learned this semester so far about yourself as a writer (and as a student), how you’ve developed, and where you still need to develop--as a writer and a student researcher. It's possible to include something about being an online student, but that's not required.

Your writing should be personal, detailed, and honest. It should have multiple paragraphs that are in a coherent order, a logical progression to the conclusions you've drawn, and meet standard academic writing conventions (rules).

Reflect on WHAT you’ve done this semester as a writer and as a researcher (in this class) and 

HOW and WHY you’ve done those things and

HOW and WHY (or why not) those actions have affected your writing.

Take time to explain, elaborate, analyze, and draw conclusions. Your response should be detailed and rich. Surface/shallow treatments of the answers will not be successful.

Use SPECIFICS.

You can refer to specific assignments, activities, or papers to illustrate what you learned and how you learned it. In other words, provide evidence of your claims about your own learning (or not). Here are some ways to do this:

• • • • quote and cite your own work
      • use examples from exercises or activities we did as a class or that you did as homework
      • discuss the various projects and their goals as they relate to what you’ve learned/how you’ve developed
      • identify areas you know you need to develop more
      • suggest ways you can continue to grow/learn as a student

You’re writing to me, your professor (as I represent others who expect students to demonstrate their knowledge), so consider what you can explain to me that--perhaps--your written assignments have yet to reveal and/or cover some insight that you find yourself discovering. Be specific and honest. Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear. 

Notice I don't give a word count for this assignment. Instead, aim for the page count, but really focus on your progress and future. You can go over the page count, but consider why you would (do you need to?)? Is something important missing if you cut down your reflection?) Going under the page count should suggest there's more to write.

This "midterm" exam is due NO LATER THAN November 26 by 11:59 pm.

You can always turn it in sooner--in fact, I recommend it. 

I've posted this in the Module for Week Eight, Week Nine, and Week Ten so that you can get a head start if you want to or need to. I'll post it again in the following Modules.

 

Rubric

Midterm Reflection

Midterm Reflection

Criteria	Ratings
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMLA formatting is accurate
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction sets the stage for purpose of the writing (reflecting on this semester and this course)
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent identifies WHAT the student has done/not done over the semester
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent explores HOW and WHY the student has done/not done identified actions.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent examines HOW and WHY those actions have affected the student's writing
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent brings in examples, quotes, and/or other evidence from semester assignments so far
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReflection suggests areas/skills/abilities needing improvement or mastery.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting meet academic standards for spelling, punctuation, grammar, tone, formality, word choice, sentence structure, paragraph structure, organization, development, etc.