Prior to working on this journal, review all material gathered for your research topic up to this point. Respond to the following questions on your topic, designed to get feedback from your instructor. By the end of this module, you will have a wealth of feedback from your peers in class in addition to your professor. Provide thoughtful analyses and introspection to help you think through how you need support for the last week of your research. If needed, you can edit your topic so your professor can assist you in enriching the process. Remember that the more connections you make between what is going on in class, the outside world, and the course material, the better your final paper will be.
How do you feel about your research thus far? Are you confident? Concerned? Share and elaborate on the status of your project.
What changes do you think you need to make and why?
Were you drawn to an alternative perspective during the research process? How so? Or why not?
What questions have come up for you to further your research?
Explain how you have been looking for material to support your ideas.
Include any questions you have for your professor.
Journal entries are reflective documents that provide personal, thoughtful analyses. Personal reflection and self-appraisal are part of the concept of journaling and will help you articulate what you learn in class and how and why you take in the messages the way you do. This is deep learning because it comes from self-analysis. This thoughtful introspection helps you understand the material and what you’re getting out of it.
The more connections you make between what is going on in class, the outside world, and the course material, the better your journaling experience. Remember course and weekly learning outcomes and address how you connect with them in your writing. Review the Writing Center’s resource on What is Reflective Writing? to support you in your journaling exploration.
Your journals should be two to three pages; integrate course concepts and provide examples from your experiences that reflect the focus for this week’s journal assignment. Make sure you are using the course materials and citing appropriately.