Week 8 Progress

I am very happy with the progress I've made in this class. There have been a few times where I have almost missed an assignment, but I don't think I've missed the grace period deadline yet. I should be on track for an A, fingers crossed. The only thing I'd like to do for the rest of the semester is to focus on getting ahead. I have a few big projects in other classes towards the end of the semester, so I'd like to finish this course early if possible.

Motivation for the Rest of the Semester!!

Week 8 Comments and Feedback

I think that the comments I have received on my blog posts and stories have been very beneficial. I am able to see things from a point of view other than that of myself and the professor, which is often very helpful. When we write, we have a very extreme bias that is difficult to shake, because we read over things in the same mindset with which we wrote them. I hope that I am also leaving constructive feedback on other people's blogs. Simple praise is not going to actually help anyone improve their writing, so I try to leave at least one suggestion for improvement every time. Looking forward, I want to continue to comment as I am, but also try to comment on the same stories I have already commented on to see what kind of changes they have made. I think that peer feedback is critical to success in a class designed like this one.

cheezburger

I chose this image because 1) the cat was cute and 2) The lesson it teaches is so important when trying new things, or doing anything in general. You cannot succeed without making mistakes, as I think mistakes make the most valuable lessons.

Week 8 Reading and Writing

Looking back

Overall, I think that the readings I've done have been very interesting. When selecting the readings I wanted to do, I made sure to read a quick summary before committing fully, as a reading that is not captivating is not going to be enjoyable to read, and subsequently write about. I think my favorite so far has been the Monkey King, because it was one that I had no prior knowledge about, which made it much more exciting. I am satisfied with my blog posts, although sometimes I struggle with writing creatively. I am great at writing analysis and taking notes, but when it comes time to actually construct something from scratch, it definitely takes some effort. I think this class is helping a lot with that, and I'm glad I'm forced to practice those skills weekly. I think I am reading and taking notes very effectively, and will continue using the same strategies. Looking forward, I want to be more ahead of the deadlines, instead of waiting until the last moment to do things. This takes off a lot of stress for my other classes.

The Learning Pit

I included this image because I think it reflects the journey I have taken in this class and others very well. The first step to success is always to try, and it is not always an easy journey. I like to reflect on learning strategies like this one occasionally.