Jaclynn Reed Mr.

Neuburger ENG 102-117 May 14, 2013 Final English 102 English 102 focuses on the understanding, appreciation and production of effective writing in communication. The final exam represents the culmination of exploration and use of language to inform, persuade, and express. This reflective essay will address the following, experience with the class in general, experience in research writing, use of technology within the classroom. To conclude with what I thought could have been done to enhance my experience this semester and reflect within my learning experience within the classroom. This semester in ENG 102, many different writing techniques, styles and methods were used. However, before this class never had I heard the word synopsis! So many details of writing had importance such as the importance of a thesis statement, body, transitions, the conclusion, etc. The fundamental skills of basic writing techniques were more important than I thought and this class helped me explore my mind to do so. With the support of my Professor, Mr. Neuburger, he kept patient as time and time again explained steps to writing, the correct techniques and helped prepare my assignments upon completion. However, these factors have helped me prepare for my future career. Mr. Neuburger made massive corrections, guided my every sentence at moments and dramatically taught me simple steps of language and expression techniques throughout every class period.

To reflect on what I have learned about academic writing is choose words wisely, not to get wordy with explanations and sentence structure in general. Specifically, this semester as a student I have improved dramatically from day one. Examples would be that I have taken the past few years of writing skills that were incorrect and rusty and learned, improved and gained confidence in writing! The harsh grading and tough assignments kept me in check and have helped abundantly. In addition, my personal experience in writing the research paper this past semester taught me multiple things. Leading with, patience, to not give up and keep trying when the words do not flow fluently from hand to paper, and sourcing work other than your own are not in agreeance. Second, to use different tools while sourcing correctly, I had no idea that the way of citing papers, authors, etc. in my work was completely wrong! However, with taking this class I feel much more confident and pleased to have gained the enhancing knowledge. The research paper was long and grueling; however, in the middle of writing I stood back analyzing my work and realized how much I had accomplished! I was interested in what I was writing, I felt I had a purpose sharing the stories and third could not wait to share my finished product with my close friends and family. Even though I did only get a B (cough cough) on the project, I was very happy to have finished such a paper. Moreover, I enjoyed researching and writing with a purpose. To use technology in the classroom to help inform, persuade and express my writing a new learning experience and helpful however intimidating in the beginning! Nonetheless, within the first few class periods I had a Twitter, Gmail, Scribd, , Blogger account, even learned how to use different websites such as Diigolet and easybib to help source future projects, even installed Google Chrome. With being technologically challenged this was quite the learning experience

and rather helpful, too, my home computer now has a Google chrome bar, even my brother in high school now uses diigolet for his papers and sourcing. With going into a career of communications and public relations these websites definitely will be used to my advantage. This class and the technology will go with me for the next few years of my schooling and furthermore into my career. Technology is ever changing and updating so this class has advanced me in small ways to catch up with the rest of the students of the world. Finally, one of our last projects we made; a movie, using windows movie maker. Never even knew such a program existed! Such a fun time using the moviemaker and recording my voice, then pairing with my uploaded pictures to a storyline I was able to create for the class. What could have been done to enhance my experience this semester in ENG 102, I learned so much I do not know if my brain could have handled anymore! I most definitely looked forward to class and learning new techniques and styles daily, however if I could do anything different, possibly add a library day with our research paper project, to experience and enhance the use of time for the project. To conclude, this reflective essay recaps my semester in a short amount of words. This class was very educational and enhancing for my career as a student. Most skills learned thus far have been used in other classes this semester. Learning different ways to appreciate writing and production for effective techniques of written communication has been rewarding. Thank you Mr. Neuburger for a great semester and all you have taught me!