Reflection on Project I

Now that I have posted and published my final product of my quick reference guide, I will now reflect on it by answering a few questions. If you were not able to find the link to my QRG previously, here it is.

Paul Reynolds. "Kitten and partial reflection in mirror." 05/13/2006 via Flickr. Public Domain Dedication.

Question 1: What challenges did you face during the QRG project and how did you deal with them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced trying to construct my QRG was finding notable and reliable sources to draw from. Utilizing the databases that Mr. Bottai had given me, I was able to find more than enough articles for my research. Another challenge was overcoming my writing style. I am not a great writer by any means, but I do consider myself a decent one. Publishing my posts, "Clarity, Part I" and "Clarity, Part II," helped me realize the importance of grammar and wording. I went back and revised heavily to have the result I have published.

Questions 2: What successes did you experience on the project and how did they happen?

There were a notable amount of successful events through the writing process of my project. Prominently, the correction of grammar mistakes and the addition of further information made up most of the successful things of my project. I was able to make my QRG better and better as I kept reviewing and revising after learning something new to include. One of the bigger skills I learned was how to format a QRG the right way.

Question 3: What kinds of arguments, rhetorical strategies, design choices and writing practices did you find the most effective for your project? Why?

Again, what I have learned creating my posts on clarity has helped guide me to making a better QRG. The lesson I've learned will also help me in the long run as I continue my journey through college. I really enjoyed the topic of a controversy and will want to learn more about what current events are happening in my field of study. For the most part, every section to constructing my quick reference guide has helped make me a better writer for the better.

Question 4: What did you find that was not effective for your project? Why?

This question is very hard to answer due to the fact that I really enjoyed the project and most of everything I've learned in the process of creating it.

Question 5: How was the writing process for this project similar to other school writing experiences you've had in the past?

The writing process for this project was not much similar to my experiences in high school. In high school, the idea of a five paragraph essay and the use of elaboration beyond standard are what categorize itself as entirely divided from the writing process for this project. During this project, I felt more in tune to what was happening with my topic and I greatly appreciated that I have the ability to research beyond what is needed.

Question 6: How was the writing process for this project different?

This project was very different from my past writing experiences, especially in high school. The teachers I had in high school were not very helpful in helping students write; their main goal was to simply help kids learn formatting rather to understand convections of in depth writing. You may argue than in college, it most likely is not any different. But going through the process for this process I feel that I've taken many new learnings to heart. I attribute my success to my professor, Sean Bottai, and his very detailed "to-do list" due at the end of each week.

Question 7: Would any of the skills you practices for this project be useful in your other coursework? Why or why not?

The answer to this questions is simply, Yes. I have gained knowledge that I never thought imaginable. Alright, I am exaggerating, however my experience with writing has increased greatly. The lessons I've learn in writing through this project will help me in the future.

In conclusion, I learned so much from this project. I learned the importance of information and what it can do to help explain an event. Especially if that event has sparked controversy in minds of many.


Reflecting on my quick reference guide after reviewing Kelly's post and Alyssa's post had me happy with my opinions on the project as a whole. I agree with many of their thoughts over the QRG process. I stated on their posts that I agree with most to nearly all of their views. For Kelly's opinion that she was uncomfortable creating a writing with very short and concise paragraphs, I on the contrary actually like typing short for this project. Reviewing Alyssa' post, I greatly agreed with all the views she had on the project, so I had no objections. Overall, I loved this project and have learned  a lot. On to another project!