8412214 Bfbriggs Pd2 Report
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UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO Faculty of Mathematics PD2 REPORT PD 2: Critical Reflection and Report Writing Prepared by B. F. Briggs ID 20263845 1B Computational Mathematics November 24, 2008
PD 2 - Critical Reflection and Report Writing Dear Mr. Champion: This report, entitled “PD2 Report” was prepared as credit for my first Work Report in my 1B term The main activity of the PD course was to develop work report writing skills and critical thinking. The purpose of this report is to analyze my writing skills. This report was written entirely by me and has not received any previous academic credit at this or any other institution. Sincerely, Brendan Briggs ID 20263845
Table of Contents Summary........................................................................... ......................................i 1.0 Introduction...................................................................... ................................1 2.0 Past.............................................................................. .....................................2 3.0 Present........................................................................... ...................................4 4.0 Future............................................................................ ...................................5 5.0 Conclusions....................................................................... ...............................7 6.0 Recommendations................................................................... .........................8 References........................................................................ ................................9 Appendix .................................................................................. ...........................10
Summary This report gives an analysis of the writer's strengths and weaknesses, exploring how the writer's personality affects the writer's weaknesses in specific. The writer then analyzes the PD2 course and provides specific areas where the course can improve on. The writer questions if the course is successful in teaching report writing skills. The writer determines whether writing reports is useful in his field and provides options to avoid writing such reports. i
1.0 Introduction For the past term, I have been enrolled in the PD2 course. The PD2 course, is called "Critical Reflec'n & Rprt Wrtng" and "The purpose of PD 2 is to develop students’ analytical, critical thinking, and report writing skills by focusing on critical reflection and thinking, analysis, and best practices in report writing." At the end of the term, I must write a report providing an analysis of my writing using the skills I have acquired from this course. I have learned from this course. I have learned about what constitutes bad and good writing in reports. I have learned about the proper formatting of reports and memos. However, since this course was designed to teach students how to write reports, I initially thought I would learn how to write a report. Instead I only learned what constitutes a report, a noticeable difference. However, by writing the PD2 report I have learned about why I write in the style I do, and what weaknesses I possess. The purpose of this report is determine my weaknesses and how to compensate for them. I use my knowledge of my personality to provide insights into my writing style. I discuss my plans for the future and how I will maintain writing at the minimum. 1
2.0 Past I would call myself a forced writer. Not a writer by nature, but a writer by requirement. Many people have said many comments about my writing. Some of them good, and some of them bad. Unfortunately, I have forgot most of them since they were from teachers. A few key points have stuck in mind though: Lack of revision, disorganization, creative insight, unwillingness to write and a concise style of writing. I have not needed to improve or even question my style of writing so far in my academic career because I had only wielded writing to get my ideas across, and generally, receive marks. This time however, is different. This time, I will write about my writing. Writing, to me, is an extension of my personality. So to understand my writing, one must look at my personality. The first time I tried to analyze my personality was when I took a personality test. More specifically, the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). Modeled after Carl Jung's philosophy of the soul, the MBTI test tries to fit one's personality into 16 different archetypes. I received the archetype of the INTP, when I took the test. Each letter corresponds to a personality trait. The "I" deems me an introvert, which means that I prefer to think in my head rather than speak out loud. The "N" means I think in abstract ways instead of using concrete facts. The "T" means I use my logical side to make 2
decisions, instead of letting my empathy control me. Lastly, the "P" means I am disorganized and spontaneous, rather than relying on schedules to sort my day. We can gleam some interesting information from this. I give creative thoughts because of the "N", my writing is logical and precise because of the "T", my disorganization is because of my "P" and my friction to writing essays is because of the "I". However, if one chooses to believe this theory, one can argue there is no cure to my unwillingness to write and my disorganization. Thankfully, this is incorrect. If this were true, there would only be 16 types of people. This would make life very boring. Each letter is on a scale. People can be quiet, but they do not need to be sea hermits and extroverted people can still have some quiet time to themselves which means one can work on their organizational skills and procrastinating skills. They will still find these skills tough to manage, but at least the skills will be manageable. Which makes writing reports an attainable dream for me. For me, the structure of writing is quite easy. Aside from the occasional comma splices, I generally have good spelling and good grammar. I can also think of good arguments that help strengthen my essays. I have even been improving at connecting my thoughts together. The only thing that eludes me from mastering is tone. The tone of my essays have always been casual and free flowing. Unfortunately, for writing reports, this is not a desired skill. This was where I was 3
before I started PD2. 3.0 Present PD2, based on my experience, is supposed to teach students how to write reports. I am sure I could recognize a report if I saw one, but I still do not know how to write one. Most of the content consisted of breaking down parts of the report, which was excellent, but only defining it. It was trying to learn how to shoot an arrow by reading about archery in an encyclopedia. Assignment 2 was an example of this. I was given vague guidelines on what makes a memo and was told to write about my progress in my PD 2 report. I proceeded to talk about my progress and received a 39%. I think part of the reason I received the mark was apathetic attitude toward writing it, however, I did do as the assignment asked and received feed back telling that "when you are writing these documents there are certain expectations involved" with no real strategies to tell me how to do it properly. However on the quizzes and exercises, I did noticeably better. What I could understand was that I could do the theory of writing a report i.e. being able to correct grammatical errors, shortening sentences, but I could not actually write. Based on the aggregate data, most people apparently can write so my writing skills are at fault, and not the course itself. However, if the content could teach me how to write instead of showing me the theory, I feel I could be more successful. 4
From the way the author writes the content, I feel like the course was made to be interesting and fun. I feel that the course falls short of my expectations. It is quite bland and dry and I feel that the skills needed to write the PD2 report are not taught. Thankfully, not being able to write reports perfectly is not a lifethreatening problem for there are many positions that do not require such skills. 4.0 Future I am currently in the Math Faculty which leads to a decay of writing skills, at least in English. Figuring out mathematical and computer science problems have a much greater appeal to me than expressing my ideas to people. Thankfully, the positions that are attainable with a Math degree include positions where reports are kept at a minimum. A job that would be appealing to me would be to figure out problems and puzzles and sell the solutions to others. Figuring out what people want is the ultimate puzzle for me, since everyone is different. Products one culture likes may be hated by an other culture. The aspect that involves people does not have involve my writing abilities, I only need to prepare a short speech about the product and show it to them. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. But since this might not be attainable by me, I must improve my writing skills so I can be able to write a report when needed. I believe that writing more 5
often will make writing easier for me, but being able to project the right tone will be harder to figure out. I will have to try and analyze others' writing and figure out how the tone is produced. 6
5.0 Conclusions This report has 4 conclusions: That my weaknesses with always be weaknesses I can marginally improve them PD2 didn't teach me how to write reports I can attain success without having to rely on my report writing skills • • • • 7
6.0 Recommendations Since the course wasn't able to help me learn how to write. I must: Write more to identify weaknesses Try and emulate other people's styles to learn from them Try to find a job that requires minimal report writing • • • 8
References Champion, R., Paci, T. & Vardon, J. (2008). 1089 PD 2: Critical Reflection and Report Writing. Retrieved November 25, 2008 from https://uwangel.uwaterloo.ca/ uwangel/Section/Content/Page.aspx? EntryId=425ba5e626dfe0ea53e0f5d0fc80021B&caller=%2Fuwangel%2Fsection %2Fcontent %2Fdefault.asp&WCI=pgDisplay_Object&WCU=CRSCNT&Preview=0 Windling, B (2008). PD 2, Assignment 2 Feedback. Retrieved November 25, 2008 from https://uwangel.uwaterloo.ca/uwangel/Section/Content/Dropbox.aspx? EntryId=425ba5e626dfe0ea53e0f5d0fc80004C&caller=%2Fuwangel%2Fsection %2Fcontent %2Fdefault.asp&PG=$QUERY:PG$&WCI=pgDisplay_Object&WCU=CRSCNT &Preview=0 Appendix MBTI Types (Table 1) ISTJ ISTP ESTP ESTJ ISFJ ISFP ESFP ESFJ INFJ INFP ENFP ENFJ INTJ INTP ENTP ENTJ Smiley Face (Figure 1): PD 2 Report Checklist Your report must: • [Y] include a 4-6 page body (i.e., analysis; at least four pages but no more 9
• • • • • • than 6 pages), not including any figures or tables that you include in the body. Note that your report must include at least one table and at least one figure. Your table(s) and figure(s) may be placed in the body of the report or in appendices, as appropriate. Also note that your analysis must be based, at least partially, on your performance in PD 2. [Y] use a 12-point font [Y] be doublespaced and printed on only one side of the page [Y] be written in formal, standard English, with no contractions [Y] be spellchecked and proofread [Y] include pages numbered according to the conventions described in the Co-op Student Manual Your report must conform to the format and conventions described in the Co-op Student Manual, except that you do not have to bind your report or include a front cover. Your report will include the following pages and sections: • • • • • • • • • • • [Y] Title page [Y] Letter of submittal (addressed to the PD 2 course instructor/s) [Y] Table of contents [Y] List of figures and tables, if appropriate (you must include at least one table and one figure in your report, either in the body or in appendices; figures or tables in an appendix do not require a list of figures and tables; figures or tables elsewhere in your report do require a list of tables and figures) [Y] Summary [Y] Introduction [Y] Body [Y] Conclusions [Y] Recommendations (specific, measurable, and attainable) [Y] References [Y] Appendix or Appendices (you'll need at least one appendix, which will include this checklist) 10
PD 2 - Critical Reflection and Report Writing Dear Mr. Champion: This report, entitled “PD2 Report” was prepared as credit for my first Work Report in my 1B term The main activity of the PD course was to develop work report writing skills and critical thinking. The purpose of this report is to analyze my writing skills. This report was written entirely by me and has not received any previous academic credit at this or any other institution. Sincerely, Brendan Briggs ID 20263845
Table of Contents Summary........................................................................... ......................................i 1.0 Introduction...................................................................... ................................1 2.0 Past.............................................................................. .....................................2 3.0 Present........................................................................... ...................................4 4.0 Future............................................................................ ...................................5 5.0 Conclusions....................................................................... ...............................7 6.0 Recommendations................................................................... .........................8 References........................................................................ ................................9 Appendix .................................................................................. ...........................10
Summary This report gives an analysis of the writer's strengths and weaknesses, exploring how the writer's personality affects the writer's weaknesses in specific. The writer then analyzes the PD2 course and provides specific areas where the course can improve on. The writer questions if the course is successful in teaching report writing skills. The writer determines whether writing reports is useful in his field and provides options to avoid writing such reports. i
1.0 Introduction For the past term, I have been enrolled in the PD2 course. The PD2 course, is called "Critical Reflec'n & Rprt Wrtng" and "The purpose of PD 2 is to develop students’ analytical, critical thinking, and report writing skills by focusing on critical reflection and thinking, analysis, and best practices in report writing." At the end of the term, I must write a report providing an analysis of my writing using the skills I have acquired from this course. I have learned from this course. I have learned about what constitutes bad and good writing in reports. I have learned about the proper formatting of reports and memos. However, since this course was designed to teach students how to write reports, I initially thought I would learn how to write a report. Instead I only learned what constitutes a report, a noticeable difference. However, by writing the PD2 report I have learned about why I write in the style I do, and what weaknesses I possess. The purpose of this report is determine my weaknesses and how to compensate for them. I use my knowledge of my personality to provide insights into my writing style. I discuss my plans for the future and how I will maintain writing at the minimum. 1
2.0 Past I would call myself a forced writer. Not a writer by nature, but a writer by requirement. Many people have said many comments about my writing. Some of them good, and some of them bad. Unfortunately, I have forgot most of them since they were from teachers. A few key points have stuck in mind though: Lack of revision, disorganization, creative insight, unwillingness to write and a concise style of writing. I have not needed to improve or even question my style of writing so far in my academic career because I had only wielded writing to get my ideas across, and generally, receive marks. This time however, is different. This time, I will write about my writing. Writing, to me, is an extension of my personality. So to understand my writing, one must look at my personality. The first time I tried to analyze my personality was when I took a personality test. More specifically, the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). Modeled after Carl Jung's philosophy of the soul, the MBTI test tries to fit one's personality into 16 different archetypes. I received the archetype of the INTP, when I took the test. Each letter corresponds to a personality trait. The "I" deems me an introvert, which means that I prefer to think in my head rather than speak out loud. The "N" means I think in abstract ways instead of using concrete facts. The "T" means I use my logical side to make 2
decisions, instead of letting my empathy control me. Lastly, the "P" means I am disorganized and spontaneous, rather than relying on schedules to sort my day. We can gleam some interesting information from this. I give creative thoughts because of the "N", my writing is logical and precise because of the "T", my disorganization is because of my "P" and my friction to writing essays is because of the "I". However, if one chooses to believe this theory, one can argue there is no cure to my unwillingness to write and my disorganization. Thankfully, this is incorrect. If this were true, there would only be 16 types of people. This would make life very boring. Each letter is on a scale. People can be quiet, but they do not need to be sea hermits and extroverted people can still have some quiet time to themselves which means one can work on their organizational skills and procrastinating skills. They will still find these skills tough to manage, but at least the skills will be manageable. Which makes writing reports an attainable dream for me. For me, the structure of writing is quite easy. Aside from the occasional comma splices, I generally have good spelling and good grammar. I can also think of good arguments that help strengthen my essays. I have even been improving at connecting my thoughts together. The only thing that eludes me from mastering is tone. The tone of my essays have always been casual and free flowing. Unfortunately, for writing reports, this is not a desired skill. This was where I was 3
before I started PD2. 3.0 Present PD2, based on my experience, is supposed to teach students how to write reports. I am sure I could recognize a report if I saw one, but I still do not know how to write one. Most of the content consisted of breaking down parts of the report, which was excellent, but only defining it. It was trying to learn how to shoot an arrow by reading about archery in an encyclopedia. Assignment 2 was an example of this. I was given vague guidelines on what makes a memo and was told to write about my progress in my PD 2 report. I proceeded to talk about my progress and received a 39%. I think part of the reason I received the mark was apathetic attitude toward writing it, however, I did do as the assignment asked and received feed back telling that "when you are writing these documents there are certain expectations involved" with no real strategies to tell me how to do it properly. However on the quizzes and exercises, I did noticeably better. What I could understand was that I could do the theory of writing a report i.e. being able to correct grammatical errors, shortening sentences, but I could not actually write. Based on the aggregate data, most people apparently can write so my writing skills are at fault, and not the course itself. However, if the content could teach me how to write instead of showing me the theory, I feel I could be more successful. 4
From the way the author writes the content, I feel like the course was made to be interesting and fun. I feel that the course falls short of my expectations. It is quite bland and dry and I feel that the skills needed to write the PD2 report are not taught. Thankfully, not being able to write reports perfectly is not a lifethreatening problem for there are many positions that do not require such skills. 4.0 Future I am currently in the Math Faculty which leads to a decay of writing skills, at least in English. Figuring out mathematical and computer science problems have a much greater appeal to me than expressing my ideas to people. Thankfully, the positions that are attainable with a Math degree include positions where reports are kept at a minimum. A job that would be appealing to me would be to figure out problems and puzzles and sell the solutions to others. Figuring out what people want is the ultimate puzzle for me, since everyone is different. Products one culture likes may be hated by an other culture. The aspect that involves people does not have involve my writing abilities, I only need to prepare a short speech about the product and show it to them. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. But since this might not be attainable by me, I must improve my writing skills so I can be able to write a report when needed. I believe that writing more 5
often will make writing easier for me, but being able to project the right tone will be harder to figure out. I will have to try and analyze others' writing and figure out how the tone is produced. 6
5.0 Conclusions This report has 4 conclusions: That my weaknesses with always be weaknesses I can marginally improve them PD2 didn't teach me how to write reports I can attain success without having to rely on my report writing skills • • • • 7
6.0 Recommendations Since the course wasn't able to help me learn how to write. I must: Write more to identify weaknesses Try and emulate other people's styles to learn from them Try to find a job that requires minimal report writing • • • 8
References Champion, R., Paci, T. & Vardon, J. (2008). 1089 PD 2: Critical Reflection and Report Writing. Retrieved November 25, 2008 from https://uwangel.uwaterloo.ca/ uwangel/Section/Content/Page.aspx? EntryId=425ba5e626dfe0ea53e0f5d0fc80021B&caller=%2Fuwangel%2Fsection %2Fcontent %2Fdefault.asp&WCI=pgDisplay_Object&WCU=CRSCNT&Preview=0 Windling, B (2008). PD 2, Assignment 2 Feedback. Retrieved November 25, 2008 from https://uwangel.uwaterloo.ca/uwangel/Section/Content/Dropbox.aspx? EntryId=425ba5e626dfe0ea53e0f5d0fc80004C&caller=%2Fuwangel%2Fsection %2Fcontent %2Fdefault.asp&PG=$QUERY:PG$&WCI=pgDisplay_Object&WCU=CRSCNT &Preview=0 Appendix MBTI Types (Table 1) ISTJ ISTP ESTP ESTJ ISFJ ISFP ESFP ESFJ INFJ INFP ENFP ENFJ INTJ INTP ENTP ENTJ Smiley Face (Figure 1): PD 2 Report Checklist Your report must: • [Y] include a 4-6 page body (i.e., analysis; at least four pages but no more 9
• • • • • • than 6 pages), not including any figures or tables that you include in the body. Note that your report must include at least one table and at least one figure. Your table(s) and figure(s) may be placed in the body of the report or in appendices, as appropriate. Also note that your analysis must be based, at least partially, on your performance in PD 2. [Y] use a 12-point font [Y] be doublespaced and printed on only one side of the page [Y] be written in formal, standard English, with no contractions [Y] be spellchecked and proofread [Y] include pages numbered according to the conventions described in the Co-op Student Manual Your report must conform to the format and conventions described in the Co-op Student Manual, except that you do not have to bind your report or include a front cover. Your report will include the following pages and sections: • • • • • • • • • • • [Y] Title page [Y] Letter of submittal (addressed to the PD 2 course instructor/s) [Y] Table of contents [Y] List of figures and tables, if appropriate (you must include at least one table and one figure in your report, either in the body or in appendices; figures or tables in an appendix do not require a list of figures and tables; figures or tables elsewhere in your report do require a list of tables and figures) [Y] Summary [Y] Introduction [Y] Body [Y] Conclusions [Y] Recommendations (specific, measurable, and attainable) [Y] References [Y] Appendix or Appendices (you'll need at least one appendix, which will include this checklist) 10
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