Writing Assignment 5: Reflections on Discussion Skills

Summary: In this assignment, you will reflect on your skills as a discussant in Tutorial.

Assigned: Tuesday, 27 September 2005

Due: 8:15 a.m., Tuesday, 25 October 2005

To Turn In:

• Bring five printed copies of your essay (double-spaced, please) to class.
• Please email a copy of your essay to Mr. Rebelsky.

Purposes: I intend this assignment and your work for the assignment to provide a variety of benefits. In particular, I expect that they will

• help you reflect on your skills as a discussant;
• give you the opportunity to write a different kind of paper; and
• provide resources for another editing exercise.

Background: A focus of weeks five, six, and seven of our Tutorial is discussion. During those weeks, you will be discussing a number of articles that you and your colleagues have selected. You and your colleagues will also take turns leading discussion.

Essay Topic: In a short essay, reflect on your strengths and weaknesses as a discussion participant and discussion leader. You should also reflect on an aspect or aspects of your work in discussion that you would most like to improve. You might also reflect on how you have changed in the seven weeks since the start of the semester.

Warning: Like all good essays, your essay should have an identifiable point.

Supporting Resources: Your first resource is yourself. You should be prepared to reflect on how you have participated in our topical discussions. Because I consider it useful for you to have external comments, I will regularly ask your classmates to comment on your skills as participant and leader in discussions. I may also provide you with my own comments.

Length: 300-600 words.

Audience: You are writing for someone who will be teaching you next semester. This person should know about your current skills and will want to know what areas you need to improve.

Citation Guidelines: Use any reasonable format.