Academic writing
This has been a really fascinating week in terms of the zoom sessions. The one with Ruth Bonazza looking at free writing was a revelation! I've never journalled or done anything like this before and felt unsure that I'd be able to write continuously for 8 minutes on the given topic. Seems I was wrong! After getting over the initial worries/thoughts about writing 'properly' I really enjoyed the process, and will definitely use it as a tool to start off my ideas for reflective writing.
Ruth also gave a suggestion of looking at the Royal Literary Fund website which provides information and guidance for writing academic essays - I've only had a quick look so far but aim to take some time to look at this in more depth before I start to draft my first AOL essay.
This morning's session with Peter Thomas answered a number of questions that I'd had regarding reading for research, and really put my mind at rest. Looking at methods of reading and finding information from a text without needing to literally read every word in order will be a game changer! Knowing that this is OK and is an accepted way of researching gives me confidence to continue - I'm aware that this is what I naturally do, but had this niggling notion that at Level 7 I'd be cutting corners or not taking enough information on board!
I'm on half term this week and am looking forward to some uninterrupted time for reading and getting the outline of my first AOL essay in place.
Hi Melody,
ReplyDeleteNice to read your post. How have you got on with reading this week?
Ben.
Hi Ben, it's made such a difference to have some good chunks of time to read without looking at the clock! Have dipped into quite a few texts mainly around the subject of communication as this the focus of my first AOL essay. Highlighter and stick it notes at the ready!
DeleteI initially couldn't get my head around Schon's Educating the Reflective Practitioner, but have realised that for me I was doing things the wrong way round - I needed to start my reflecting first and then use his approaches to help deepen and underpin this.
Starting the draft of my essay is causing me some concern, but I keep telling myself that this is just the start and my feedback can only help me in understanding whether I'm on the right track etc. Definitely procrastinating this morning!
How are you getting on with your module?
Melody