ENC1101

            There are several aspects of this class that I like and several aspects that I do not like. We have read the novel, The Kite Runner, which in my opinion, is a great book. We interact in class by doing novel presentations. Also, we present grammar lessons out of the Quick Access book. We have only written two core papers in this class so far, and I already see improvements in my writing. During the first seven weeks of this course, I was introduced to the library and the computer lab. For the most part, I have had a great experience in this class over these first seven weeks.

            Reading The Kite Runner is what I have enjoyed most thus far this semester. This was a great story about a man who goes back to erase the guilt for his past actions. When I was reading the novel, I could not set it down. The end of each chapter always left me wanting to read more. Because I became so interested, I finished the book about three weeks early. The novel presentations in class helped me understand the book more thoroughly. They explained the historical and biographical background which gave me a sense of the events occurring in Afghanistan at the time. The presentations also made clear how the author related to his story. The literary analysis increased my understanding of literary devices the author used. I found the presentations to be much more efficient than class discussions because they encouraged student participation and involvement in the material.

            I did not benefit from the grammar presentations nearly as much as I did from the novel presentations. It seems that the majority of the class possesses limited knowledge regarding the use of proper grammar. I think that the presenter is the one who benefits most from the presentation. One positive point is that the professor always explains the lesson if the presenter is having difficulty explaining his or her concepts. Related exercises help explain the material because they make you apply what you have just learned. The grammar presentations would be more helpful if more students participated in them.

            Writing the core papers has improved my writing abilities tremendously. Because I did not write much in high school, this is a learning experience for me. I have learned about run-on sentences and comma splices because of the core papers. I was completely unaware of how much I used run-on sentences and comma splices. The way the professor grades my paper makes me aware of the errors I make. There is no better way to learn than learning from your mistakes. The professor points out what is wrong, why it is wrong, and how you can correct it. It is for this reason I expect my writing skills to improve over time.

            The activities that we completed have not only benefited me in this class but in other classes as well. The library orientation was very helpful as it taught me how to use all of the resources offered by the library. I have conducted research for this class and other classes with the skills I acquired from the library orientation. Without the visit to the library, I would be clueless on how much the library has to offer. Having class in the computer center was also a beneficial experience. It introduced me to more resources offered on this campus. These out-of-class trips will assist me in college and beyond.

            Overall, the first seven weeks in this class have been outstanding. I have learned a great deal. The Kite Runner was an influential novel, and it has increased my interest in reading other novels. The core papers have been very beneficial and have advanced my writing skills. Also, out-of-class visits to the library and the computer lab introduced me to some of the resources on campus. This class has been great so far, and I expect to continue my enjoyment and heightened level of learning.

by: ma926671 at 18:45 | link | comments (1)