Essay #3 Reflection
1) Group Interaction
Our group worked the best together near the end. This is probably because we buckled down under the pressure of the oncoming deadline. While research was being performed, there were obvious strengths and weaknesses of each group member that were being brought into the light. When we actually started writing, though, Junalyn automatically stepped up as a leader and began assigning sub-deadlines for each of us to accomplish. This style of action was very proactive and effective for our group and we all helped to encourage one another not to procrastinate.
2) Use of Contract
The day before our essay was due, I was absent from school. Junalyn sent me an e-mail that day reminding me of the sanction in our contract regarding attendance and how it was not mandatory, but the important stipulation of making sure all work gets done. I finished my work for that day from home in accordance to the rules outlined in our group contract.
3) Use of Wiki
Our Wiki was truly a creation and sustenance of our group collaboratively. During the project's research phase, we all contributed to the sources and annotations page for our project. During the Outlining phase, we all contributed to the creation and editing of our outline on the wiki. It helped provide a central location for us to forge together all of our ideas for the collaborative essay.
4) Individual Progress
I don't think I've ever had to write an essay with three other people. The thought of it still gives me a feeling of too much clutter and a disaster prone to much collision of ideas, thoughts, and beliefs. Nevertheless, the situation proved as a learning experience that enabled me to develop new strategies that proved very efficient. The first is also quite possibly the most obvious, but:
Dividing up the work between four people means less work for each person.
I soon learned that, although this project required a certain level of "special" attention from each person, dividing up the work gave me a great level of relief.
I now feel that I like working in groups more. However, I would much prefer a larger group where there is more accountability for the more "lazy" people.
Also, as in every response, I do honestly feel as if my writing style has improved. The most important aspect of writing to me is, and always will be, the proper translation of my thoughts into easily understandable words.
Our group worked the best together near the end. This is probably because we buckled down under the pressure of the oncoming deadline. While research was being performed, there were obvious strengths and weaknesses of each group member that were being brought into the light. When we actually started writing, though, Junalyn automatically stepped up as a leader and began assigning sub-deadlines for each of us to accomplish. This style of action was very proactive and effective for our group and we all helped to encourage one another not to procrastinate.
2) Use of Contract
The day before our essay was due, I was absent from school. Junalyn sent me an e-mail that day reminding me of the sanction in our contract regarding attendance and how it was not mandatory, but the important stipulation of making sure all work gets done. I finished my work for that day from home in accordance to the rules outlined in our group contract.
3) Use of Wiki
Our Wiki was truly a creation and sustenance of our group collaboratively. During the project's research phase, we all contributed to the sources and annotations page for our project. During the Outlining phase, we all contributed to the creation and editing of our outline on the wiki. It helped provide a central location for us to forge together all of our ideas for the collaborative essay.
4) Individual Progress
I don't think I've ever had to write an essay with three other people. The thought of it still gives me a feeling of too much clutter and a disaster prone to much collision of ideas, thoughts, and beliefs. Nevertheless, the situation proved as a learning experience that enabled me to develop new strategies that proved very efficient. The first is also quite possibly the most obvious, but:
Dividing up the work between four people means less work for each person.
I soon learned that, although this project required a certain level of "special" attention from each person, dividing up the work gave me a great level of relief.
I now feel that I like working in groups more. However, I would much prefer a larger group where there is more accountability for the more "lazy" people.
Also, as in every response, I do honestly feel as if my writing style has improved. The most important aspect of writing to me is, and always will be, the proper translation of my thoughts into easily understandable words.
This entry was posted by vincentcoppola, on
Thursday, November 29, 2007.
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