Just a few weeks passed, and another term has come to an end. Amazing how time flies... I enjoyed this class and all of the responses to the discussion board. It was definitely a learning experience.
If I were to offer advice to someone writing their first scientific paper, it would be to follow the examples given in this course in order to strengthen the punch that an essay can have. I think the important things that I have taken away from the class experience include outlining, using the post-draft outline, as well as editing and revising. It is my hope that the paper that I turned in was readable and interesting.
Areas for improvement in my writing style can be overcome by using the techniques used in the class. I feel like the dry and ho-hum style which I think defines my writing needs work. Substituting action verbs into the paper (or anything else I write) will help to make topics more persuasive. Overall, the class was a good experience, and I enjoyed interacting with my fellow classmates as we pursue our chosen endeavors for the workplace.
Education is the key to success in most areas of life, in my opinion, and hopefully we all can utilize the knowledge gleaned from the college experience to improve and excel. Best wishes to all of you!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Good Feelings about Finishing the Paper
After completing the final paper, I definitely feel a sense of accomplishment. I know that more papers are in store for my upcoming classes; however, I do not dread the task after using the techniques learned in this course. I have found that I like the post-draft outline the best for finding mistakes or things in which to improve.
I have enjoyed the class, and feel good about the writing process in general. My idea of writing has not changed much, besides the knowledge that a solid paper takes a lot of intensive research. Although I performed poorly in my previous college experience, I know that I have the ability to learn from mistakes and to move forward with persistence. The old saying that "you get what you give" applies to the college setting, because effort pays off in the long run.
Another topic which I would like to research is the original subject which I had hoped to write about. The advancing technique of iPS cell research holds promise as a substitute for using embryonic stem cells. This is a topic which I will try to learn more about and to keep up with the current information about it.
I appreciate the writing process more as a result of this course.
I have enjoyed the class, and feel good about the writing process in general. My idea of writing has not changed much, besides the knowledge that a solid paper takes a lot of intensive research. Although I performed poorly in my previous college experience, I know that I have the ability to learn from mistakes and to move forward with persistence. The old saying that "you get what you give" applies to the college setting, because effort pays off in the long run.
Another topic which I would like to research is the original subject which I had hoped to write about. The advancing technique of iPS cell research holds promise as a substitute for using embryonic stem cells. This is a topic which I will try to learn more about and to keep up with the current information about it.
I appreciate the writing process more as a result of this course.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Thoughts on Blogging after the Course
Blogging is a bit fun, but I don't think I will continue to share my thoughts and feelings following the course. I do not feel it is a necessary way to vent or to express my opinions... that is what I have family and friends for.
Starting up the blog was challenging, especially trying to figure out how to respond to fellow classmates. It has been enjoyable to read what others are experiencing. Also, it amazes me to see the different styles of writing that each of us have.
Comments to my blog have been minimal, but I don't feel cheated in the slightest, because the feedback which I have received in the discussion posts have been very useful.
Those of you who like the boxes which I have made can inquire on my class e-mail. I would be happy to send a few to my new-found friends, so feel free to place an order. I promise not to charge too much for them. Happy New Year to one and all, and let's finish out this course with a strong scientific paper!
Starting up the blog was challenging, especially trying to figure out how to respond to fellow classmates. It has been enjoyable to read what others are experiencing. Also, it amazes me to see the different styles of writing that each of us have.
Comments to my blog have been minimal, but I don't feel cheated in the slightest, because the feedback which I have received in the discussion posts have been very useful.
Those of you who like the boxes which I have made can inquire on my class e-mail. I would be happy to send a few to my new-found friends, so feel free to place an order. I promise not to charge too much for them. Happy New Year to one and all, and let's finish out this course with a strong scientific paper!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The Advantages of Peer Review
The ability to receive feedback from classmates for the first draft is very useful. It is fortunate that we, as students, are able to use peer review to get insight into possible improvement. I do not recall using peer review in any of my previous schoolwork, so this is a new thing to me.
During research, my "Ah-Ha" moment was when I realized the proper way to narrow down the search capability of the Academic Search Premiere database. It was a relief when I was able to get better articles for my draft by entering the proper terms in the search boxes.
I can appreciate all of the effort that went into these papers, because I worked hard at doing a good job, and after reading a few of my classmates' drafts, I can see that they worked just as hard to create solid papers with good citations.
We are all in the same boat with this writing process, so here's to a good new year... let's all finish strong!
During research, my "Ah-Ha" moment was when I realized the proper way to narrow down the search capability of the Academic Search Premiere database. It was a relief when I was able to get better articles for my draft by entering the proper terms in the search boxes.
I can appreciate all of the effort that went into these papers, because I worked hard at doing a good job, and after reading a few of my classmates' drafts, I can see that they worked just as hard to create solid papers with good citations.
We are all in the same boat with this writing process, so here's to a good new year... let's all finish strong!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Ideas following the First Draft
It has been a lot of work finishing the first draft of the scientific research paper, and now I feel like a weight has been taken off of my shoulders. After completing the first draft, I can see that there are some possibilities to expand on the facts and statistics to back up my thesis statement. I think that the topic is interesting, and hopefully the paper is educational to readers who do not know much about the mental illness that I have written about.
If possible, classmates, take a few moments to read my draft. I look forward to peer review in order to improve on the writing process. The ideas that I am thinking about expanding on are the main points of each paragraph, with more facts and statistics.
Within the last six weeks, I have been hard at work on my studies... it is a little bit stressful, and a good bit educational. I enjoy the things that I am learning, and can appreciate the hard work that healthcare professionals have to accomplish in order to succeed within the medical field.
The ideas that I have presented in the first draft have allowed me to realize that backing up a hypothesis requires time and lots of research. This class is very useful in learning how to write a technical paper, and I hope to use the information in further studies by incorporating the knowledge that the effort put into research pays off.
If possible, classmates, take a few moments to read my draft. I look forward to peer review in order to improve on the writing process. The ideas that I am thinking about expanding on are the main points of each paragraph, with more facts and statistics.
Within the last six weeks, I have been hard at work on my studies... it is a little bit stressful, and a good bit educational. I enjoy the things that I am learning, and can appreciate the hard work that healthcare professionals have to accomplish in order to succeed within the medical field.
The ideas that I have presented in the first draft have allowed me to realize that backing up a hypothesis requires time and lots of research. This class is very useful in learning how to write a technical paper, and I hope to use the information in further studies by incorporating the knowledge that the effort put into research pays off.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Personal Writing Process and Academic Challenges
Hello class... the writing process is an important aspect of the university experience. My personal style is somewhat dry, I think. When I read what I have written, sometimes I feel like the words are repetitive, and I tend to use long sentences when composing just about anything. I do not know if this is a good quality to have. I just want to make sure that I answer all of the necessary questions to complete an assignment. Suggestions for improvement would be very helpful, and I take constructive criticism very well.
The academic challenges that I face are time constraints. From the previous course (Academic Strategies) which I took last term, emphasis was placed on not procrastinating when working on class assignments. I find that I am improving on this as I go along. Being able to finish what I start in one session is very helpful, and it takes the weight off of my shoulders when I realize that a task is complete. Also, a positive outlook is valuable. The knowledge that I am working toward the main goal of achieving a degree keeps me motivated and focused.
Up to this point, school has been a high priority. It will continue to top my list of important things to accomplish on any given day. As this term progresses, there is a good bit to learn about improving my writing style. The main thing that helps me along is a solid support system, because I can share my experiences to my family, and I can vent when I need to. Motivation is a key factor which keeps me on track to not only achieve a good grade for each class, but to actually learn from my mistakes. I think that Kaplan University is an excellent institution, and with all of the resources available through the system, I feel a sense of confidence in being able to realize my goal of moving forward in order to acquire the necessary skills to perform in the professional work setting.
The academic challenges that I face are time constraints. From the previous course (Academic Strategies) which I took last term, emphasis was placed on not procrastinating when working on class assignments. I find that I am improving on this as I go along. Being able to finish what I start in one session is very helpful, and it takes the weight off of my shoulders when I realize that a task is complete. Also, a positive outlook is valuable. The knowledge that I am working toward the main goal of achieving a degree keeps me motivated and focused.
Up to this point, school has been a high priority. It will continue to top my list of important things to accomplish on any given day. As this term progresses, there is a good bit to learn about improving my writing style. The main thing that helps me along is a solid support system, because I can share my experiences to my family, and I can vent when I need to. Motivation is a key factor which keeps me on track to not only achieve a good grade for each class, but to actually learn from my mistakes. I think that Kaplan University is an excellent institution, and with all of the resources available through the system, I feel a sense of confidence in being able to realize my goal of moving forward in order to acquire the necessary skills to perform in the professional work setting.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Consequences of Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a form of stealing. Not giving credit to others is unprofessional, and it carries some consequences which are serious in the university setting as well as the workplace. I know that Kaplan University is very clear on emphasizing the need to cite sources and give credit to authors of researched material.
I would feel cheated if someone took my ideas and used them as their own... it takes a good bit of effort and concentration to come up with original thoughts. Plagiarism could be intentional or unintentional. In the classroom, it does not matter which of the forms that plagiarizing takes. So, all of that being said, I plan on being very careful to give credit to others' ideas which can add to my own ideas. A good research paper is my goal, and citing sources is a necessary part of the process.
I would feel cheated if someone took my ideas and used them as their own... it takes a good bit of effort and concentration to come up with original thoughts. Plagiarism could be intentional or unintentional. In the classroom, it does not matter which of the forms that plagiarizing takes. So, all of that being said, I plan on being very careful to give credit to others' ideas which can add to my own ideas. A good research paper is my goal, and citing sources is a necessary part of the process.
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