Collaboration

Before Writing 001, It always was hard for me to participate in class discussions, arguing, or giving my opinion about a particular topic. My lack of confidence in my English abilities prevented me from talking and only listen to what others have to say in class. Before I say something, I wanted my opinion made sense so I could share my ideas right. I did not know how to direct to a whole class, so I got nervous, ending saying the opposite of what I wanted to say. However, work in small groups during this course helped me to start engaging in participation during group discussions. It was a helpful start talking to two of my peers instead of talking to the whole class. I could gain confidence by talking to my groupmates, sharing opinions, and analyzing class’ readings. By the last weeks of the semester for my presentation in front of the class, I had improved my public speaking skills.

I was not only becoming less shy, but I also start learning from my classmates. Having the opportunity to peer review their work, and getting feedback from them was beneficial for me to get better as a writer. I realized where my work was weak so that I could put more effort into those parts. I learned from their style as I read their essays. While discussing each one’s essay or work, we shared our opinions about how to improve. We also talk about terms that would make our work stronger and not wordy. I learn to accept other’s people opinion to improve myself. Also, get positive comments, for example, “good sentence or good job,” made me feel confident about my writing skills.

Work in small groups to analyze class readings together also allowed me to see how we interpret the same topic in different ways. I could expand my perception of the various themes we went over the class and interpret them differently. The diversity of opinions from my peers granted me a broader cognitive sense. Also, listen to what they said before answering the questions of the assigned reading helped to understand the author’s argument better since I had different perspectives. Acquire those different perspectives was useful for our final presentation about how language affects the way we think. Analyzing our conversations, I could realize that language is not only the only factor that affects our way of thinking but plays a vital role in how we express ourselves and structure our thoughts.

Required Evidence