Assignment Preparation: Review all your work in English 201. Re-read the syllabus, especially the section on course objectives. Re-read everything you have written for English 201, both formal and informal writings; review everything you have read for English 201 this semester; think about all the activities in which you have participated (discussions, team talks, quizzes, exercises, etc.); and reflect on all you have achieved this semester. Use details and a personal, creative approach.
Assignment: Describe, reflect upon, and assess your learning in English 201 by writing a short essay (addressed to me as your teacher and guide) addressing the items below and any additional topics that will effectively communicate your learning challenges and achievements in English 201 this semester. Be specific as you develop your points. Be sure to revise, edit, and proofread your writing; and check your format (headings, etc.). Word count guideline: 500 words minimum - 1000 words maximum (turn in a print out of your work)
1. Identify 2-3 of the most valuable skills you have improved or gained in this class, and describe in detail what you did to develop these skills. Discuss how these skills will help you as you move forward in your education and life.
2. Identify three favorite readings (author, title, source and page number) from Barnet and/or Tidepools, and explain why these are your favorites. Quote a passage from at least one of these three favorites, and comment to explain why this work resonates for you. Identify and comment on a fourth literary work (a favorite poem, song, story, or play) you read this semester that is not included in our textbooks; and comment on what this work means to you.
3. Identify three favorite writings you created (include at least one formal writing and at least one informal writing), and explain why they are your favorites. Quote a passage from at least one of these three favorites, and comment to explain what the passage means and why you chose it.
4. Discuss how you developed your ideas about peace as a result of the thinking, reading, writing, researching, and communicating you did in this class. Give some examples of things you did or learned that advanced and/or deepened your understanding of the concept of peace. What do you see in the future in terms of peace in the world, in the country, in your community, in your family, and in your own individual life?
5. Consider the literature we have read this semester: Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, as well as the poems and short stories in Barnet and Tidepools. Pick the one that best encapsulates your experience in English 201 this semester, and write a paragraph describing and explaining how it does that; include at least one substantive passage from the literary work to support your point.
6. Evaluate your overall performance as a learner in the class. How successful were you in achieving the learning objectives you articulated above? How engaged were you in your learning and growth as a reader, writer, thinker, researcher, team member? If you were able to start over, what would you change about yourself? What would you not change? Give some advice to future students in English 201.
