Reflective Reading Journal– is comprised of selected quotes from assigned readings, and corresponding: Comments, Questions, Aha Moments (double entry style journal – see Canvas for sample journal). Ea

REFLECTIVE JOURNAL

Reflective Journal

Edina Purser

University of Mary

Business Research and Writing

Karmen P. Sorenson

01 Jun 2020

Reflective Journal

Exercise 7

"I have, therefore, learned to keep writing diaries as a mechanism and a place for documenting my progress" (Goodson, 2013, p.36). Goodson's advice of constant writing of diaries reminds me of Project Diaries' (2011, p.1) quote that "Keeping project records, including the preparation, assembly, and preservation of such records is considered one of the most important duties and responsibilities that the Engineer delegates to the Inspector." Thus, I am aware that diaries are evaluation tools for recording data over a particular period. Diaries depend on adequate documentation of a continuing process. Therefore, I ensure that I complete with my entries when I am close to a specific event since logs are not suitable for evaluation after the implementation of any event.

However, I still have the option of using journals to reconstruct events. I ensure that I write down my reading milestone of the day in the diary and also stay organized with the everyday to-do-lists. I write down objectives I would like to meet and create timelines for each. I use my journal as a place to also brainstorm ideas. Further, diaries offer a complete narrative project picture that covers both the usual work procedures and any particular component that might take place in the course of the project. Thus, I use my diary to document my work progress and my capability of being an excellent academic writer.

Further, it has helped in offering useful information that is essential in reconstructing academic projects for future use. Diaries may demonstrate the solving of problems and unusual events that pertain to my academic writing. Thus, I ensure that I am consistent in recording all activities, especially those relating to academic writing. Overall, daily diary entries are the key to ensure that I follow all the events of the educational writing process to the latter. Further, diaries are also available for reference long after the completion of any specific work.

Exercise 9

I had a challenge with vocabularies in my graduate program. I longed for ways that I could significantly improve. However, I did not know how I could approach the issue. I am glad that I came across Goodman's advice, "Read about your new word (if possible, listen to how is pronounced), learn about its origins, and check how it has been used in published texts by taking a close look at the examples provided" (Goodman, 2013, 51). Ever since I began writing down unfamiliar words, I had read and researched their meanings in the online dictionary website. I also ensure that I have flashcards on the site, which lists different words I write down. Nonetheless, I rarely used the flashcards, and occasionally the website would sputter, leading to the disappearance of hours of definition entries.

Presently, I ensure that I read at least two pages every night to have a firm grasp and understanding of various vocabularies. The more I read the dictionary, the more the knowledge I have of the vocabulary. I realize that I have a growing desire to own a book that will double up as a dictionary. Through constant readings, I have learned that a phrase can have various meanings, none of which correlates to the other. All these efforts are paying off. I enjoy discovering the meaning of new words each day.

Exercise 10

"When you first do this exercise, develop a list of words commonly used in your field" (Goodman, 2013, p. 54). Therefore, I acknowledge the significance of academic phrases in perfecting my academic writing skills. For instance, I use more formal words in my writing since this will help me write in advance level. When making revisions to my book, it is usually to replace an expression or word with something that I perceive to be more academic. I have also realized that I go back to my writing to change a term because I can come up with other phrases. I also ensure that I revise my work if I discover the new vocabulary of what I would like to convey. Initially, I was not very particular with the formality of words.

However, I ensure that I change a specific phrase if it appears to be too informal. I also choose words that I perceive to be more academic. My best part is using complicated terms and advanced vocabulary in my writing. I am fortunate that I have been able to transition from using word choices that were probably not good to words that are advanced and more multifaceted choice of phrases. Further, I have changed the weakest parts of my writings to be the most exciting parts. Overall, following these guidelines has enhanced my knowledge in the academic writing field. Academic writing has helped me think critically, convey understanding, and focus on both style and technique.

References

Goodson, P. (2013). Becoming an academic writer: 50 exercises for paced, productive, and powerful writing. Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE Publications.

Project Diaries. (2011). Contract Administration Manual. Retrieved from: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/const/tools/docs/sec-390.pdf. Accessed 2 June 2020.