Critical Reflection

The Role of Peer and Tutor Feedback

Feedback and discussion over language use was done both informally and formally. Class and group discussions with group mates over each other’s writings were done in class and online in the form of blog comments. We would discuss about each other’s content and language usage, and give constructive criticism we thought would be useful in helping their essay become more concise and effective.

Formal feedback was given through 1 to 1 conversations and comments from our tutor Brad Blackstone. He would read and analyse our writings and point out mistakes, then explain what the mistake was and suggest changes that could be made. We were then made to edit our writings and post them online on our blog. The rationale for doing this was for us to be able to have a centralised platform where we can clearly see the transition and changes in our writing style.

One of my main issues I had was the use of phrasal verbs. I think and type at the same time, which results in my writing reflecting my speech. As such, phrasal verbs and colloquial terms dot my essays. This issue has been pointed out to me many times by both my classmates and Brad. This has allowed me to be more perceptive of such writing errors and rectify it. I have never thought that phrasal verbs were an issue before this course, but I have realised that the elimination of phrasal verbs would make my writing more effective and coherent, which is always good.

As I was working on my projects and essays from other modules this semester, I realised that I am more critical in picking up mistakes my friends or I have made. I believe I am better able to spot grammatical mistakes and writing errors better now as I read and write. This will allow me to write more effectively in the future. Yay.

Presentation Reflection

My presentation performance had been nothing short of disappointing. I lost control of my emotions and my laughter got the best of me. I have a tendency to laugh at my mistake(s) that I make during the presentation, and today it got the out of control. The reason for my mistake was my lack of preparation. Before my presentation, I had another presentation for my sociology module and my group was the last one to present. As such I had no time nor the mental capacity to focus on the presentation for this module. However this is an excuse and I sincerely apologise to anyone who felt offended or insulted by my behaviour. I will try my best to keep my emotions in check for any future presentations.

Critical Reflection Outline

• Feedback and discussion over language use was done both informally and formally.
• One of my main issues was the use of phrasal verbs.
• This has allowed me to be more perceptive of such writing errors and rectify it.