OCC Week 11: Looking Back

Taking time to reflect on what you have learned is important as a semester ends. After all, education is too expensive to walk away learning nothing!

In this class, we have covered several writing and thinking skills. These skills range from writing effective sentences and paragraphs to the writing process stages to analysis to locating and using research. The goal of completing these tasks was to better prepare you to write effective academic and professional documents.

With that in mind, please take a few moments to think back on the class work, readings, and assignments we have completed in this class. Then, answer the following questions:

1. What two writing or thinking skills do you feel you have improved in this class? Provide specific examples of how these skills have been improved.
2. What two writing or thinking skills would you still like to improve? Explain these skills clearly in terms of why you think they still need improving.
3. What two assignments, activities, etc. did you find most beneficial? Why
4. What two assignments, readings, etc. did you find most challenging? Why?

CCC Week 11: Looking Back

Taking time to reflect on what you have learned is important as a semester ends. After all, education is too expensive to walk away learning nothing!

In this class, we have covered several writing and thinking skills. These skills range from writing effective sentences and paragraphs to the writing process stages to analysis to locating and using research. The goal of completing these tasks was to better prepare you to write effective academic and professional documents.

With that in mind, please take a few moments to think back on the class work, readings, and assignments we have completed in this class. Then, answer the following questions:

1. What two writing or thinking skills do you feel you have improved in this class? Provide specific examples of how these skills have been improved.
2. What two writing or thinking skills would you still like to improve? Explain these skills clearly in terms of why you think they still need improving.
3. What two assignments, activities, etc. did you find most beneficial? Why
4. What two assignments, readings, etc. did you find most challenging? Why?

OCC Week 10: Reflecting on the Research Paper Process

By now, you have probably figured out that a vital part of learning is reflecting on what you have done and where you have been. This "thinking about your thinking" creates opportunities to test out your thinking and your methods to see what worked and what needs improving.

As you wrap up writing the research paper, it's a perfect time to reflect on the process and consider what worked well for you and what you would like to improve or revise in your writing process next time you write a research project.

In your comment, please respond to the following:

1. What skills or techniques (annotation, time-saving researching techniques, using researching tools such as databases or the Internet) helped you research your topic and/or write your paper? How do you know these skills or techniques helped your project be more successful?
2. What would you like to improve about your process for writing a research paper? Would you revise anything about the process?
3. What did you learn about your topic as a result of this process? What did you learn about researching/writing as a part of completing this project?

CCC Week 10: Reflecting on the Research Paper Process

By now, you have probably figured out that a vital part of learning is reflecting on what you have done and where you have been. This "thinking about your thinking" creates opportunities to test out your thinking and your methods to see what worked and what needs improving.

As you wrap up writing the research paper, it's a perfect time to reflect on the process and consider what worked well for you and what you would like to improve or revise in your writing process next time you write a research project.

In your comment, please respond to the following:

1. What skills or techniques (annotation, time-saving researching techniques, using researching tools such as databases or the Internet) helped you research your topic and/or write your paper? How do you know these skills or techniques helped your project be more successful?
2. What would you like to improve about your process for writing a research paper? Would you revise anything about the process?
3. What did you learn about your topic as a result of this process? What did you learn about researching/writing as a part of completing this project?

OCC Week 9: Examining the Answers

Now that you have sources that should help you answer your research question, it's time to figure out how your different answers will work together to form a single, unified paper.

To accomplish this, you can compare or contrast the answers. To do so, look for points of focus--in other words, points where the sources are either similar or different--and use these points to evaluate the logic of the answers to determine which answer or answers make the most sense to you.

For example, if you were searching for a new car, you would look at various cars in the price range you can afford. Then, once you have made a list of possible vehicles, you would look at points of focus to determine what vehicle is best for you. These points of focus may include gas mileage, features, warranties, and customer ratings.

Re-read chapter 10 if you have any questions about how to develop and organize a compare/contrast analysis. Pay close attention to the section on how to organize using block or alternating formats.

With this in mind, please answer the following in your comment:

1. Looking at your sources, what might you use as points of focus to compare/contrast their ideas?
2. Based on these points of focus, do your sources answer your question in similar ways or are there major differences in the answers? What are these similarities or differences?
3. Might you organize the body paragraphs of your draft using the block format or the alternating? Why?

CCC Week 9: Examining the Answers

Now that you have sources that should help you answer your research question, it's time to figure out how your different answers will work together to form a single, unified paper.

To accomplish this, you can compare or contrast the answers. To do so, look for points of focus--in other words, points where the sources are either similar or different--and use these points to evaluate the logic of the answers to determine which answer or answers make the most sense to you.

For example, if you were searching for a new car, you would look at various cars in the price range you can afford. Then, once you have made a list of possible vehicles, you would look at points of focus to determine what vehicle is best for you. These points of focus may include gas mileage, features, warranties, and customer ratings.

Re-read chapter 10 if you have any questions about how to develop and organize a compare/contrast analysis. Pay close attention to the section on how to organize using block or alternating formats.

With this in mind, please answer the following in your comment:

1. Looking at your sources, what might you use as points of focus to compare/contrast their ideas?
2. Based on these points of focus, do your sources answer your question in similar ways or are there major differences in the answers? What are these similarities or differences?
3. Might you organize the body paragraphs of your draft using the block format or the alternating? Why?

OCC Week 8: Research

This week, we focused on strategies for effective research. We discussed the importance of research questions in guiding our work. We also laid out the five steps for writing a research paper: prewriting, locating sources, evaluating sources, inside-out drafting, and revising.

A key factor in locating sources is using time efficiently. Once again, utilizing a method becomes vital to succeeding at this goal. Having a method to use each time we write provides a roadmap for more efficient and effective experiences. As we use the method, we can revise our steps and tinker as needed without having to "reinvent the wheel" for each new writing assignment. This method should cut down the time we need to spend researching because we won't waste time closely reading materials that won't help us directly answer our research question.

With this in mind, answer the following in your comment this blog:

1. What is the research question you have chosen for your response paper?
2. Based on your research question, where did you search for possible sources? What keywords did you use to search? Did you have to modify your search terms?
   
3. Were you able to use the time-saving techniques discussed in class (titles, table of contents, indexes, abstracts, graphic highlights, section titles, introductions, conclusions, topic sentences)? Specifically describe two time-saving techniques you used and how they helped or why they didn't work for you.

CCC Week 8: Research

This week, we focused on strategies for effective research. We discussed the importance of research questions in guiding our work. We also laid out the five steps for writing a research paper: prewriting, locating sources, evaluating sources, inside-out drafting, and revising.

A key factor in locating sources is using time efficiently. Once again, utilizing a method becomes vital to succeeding at this goal. Having a method to use each time we write provides a roadmap for more efficient and effective experiences. As we use the method, we can revise our steps and tinker as needed without having to "reinvent the wheel" for each new writing assignment. This method should cut down the time we need to spend researching because we won't waste time closely reading materials that won't help us directly answer our research question.

With this in mind, answer the following in your comment this blog:

1. What is the research question you have chosen for your response paper?
2. Based on your research question, where did you search for possible sources? What keywords did you use to search? Did you have to modify your search terms?
   
3. Were you able to use the time-saving techniques discussed in class (titles, table of contents, indexes, abstracts, graphic highlights, section titles, introductions, conclusions, topic sentences)? Specifically describe two time-saving techniques you used and how they helped or why they didn't work for you.

CCC Week 7: Reading Strategies

This week, you read about a number of strategies for more effective reading. In class, we focused on and practiced one such method--annotation.

We said in class that the key to effective annotation is to think of it like conversing with the author. Hence, you are responding to the text the way you would in a face-to-face discussion. This is especially helpful in research situations, as the author's ideas can help you answer your research question.

A way to visualize this is to think of your sources as people discussing your topic over dinner. You ask each the same question (your research question), and they then respond with answers (the sources). Not all of the answers will be the same. Often, you will have to decide which answers make sense to you and which you find problematic. In doing so, you should be able to develop what you see as YOUR answer. Your paper then becomes your response to these people. Annotation is the first step; it allows you to start forming your response to each source and, hence, how each source can be used in your paper.

With this in mind, please answer the following in your comment:

1. What reading method(s) have you used to comprehend and use complex texts (books, articles, essays, websites, etc.) in the past? Have they been effective? Why or why not?
2. In your past experiences, what have you found challenging about incorporating research into your writing?
3. How did using annotation in class make reading complex material easier for you? What did you difficult about using this method?
   

OCC Week 7: Reading Strategies

This week, you read about a number of strategies for more effective reading. In class, we focused on and practiced one such method--annotation.

We said in class that the key to effective annotation is to think of it like conversing with the author. Hence, you are responding to the text the way you would in a face-to-face discussion. This is especially helpful in research situations, as the author's ideas can help you answer your research question.

A way to visualize this is to think of your sources as people discussing your topic over dinner. You ask each the same question (your research question), and they then respond with answers (the sources). Not all of the answers will be the same. Often, you will have to decide which answers make sense to you and which you find problematic. In doing so, you should be able to develop what you see as YOUR answer. Your paper then becomes your response to these people. Annotation is the first step; it allows you to start forming your response to each source and, hence, how each source can be used in your paper.

With this in mind, please answer the following in your comment:

1. What reading method(s) have you used to comprehend and use complex texts (books, articles, essays, websites, etc.) in the past? Have they been effective? Why or why not?
2. In your past experiences, what have you found challenging about incorporating research into your writing?
3. How did using annotation in class make reading complex material easier for you? What did you difficult about using this method?

CCC Week 6: Revising the Draft

his week, we discussed the purposes and strategies for revising. We said that revision is "seeing the ideas again in order to improve ideas and correct mistakes". It is where we shift thoughts around, add or remove ideas, tighten the unity of our paper, and ensure that our ideas are in the best form.

Remember, revising is the third stage of our writing process. In terms of the total time spent on a writing project, it should make up 50%-60% of the efforts.

As a part of our revision process for this paper, we participated in a peer review. We said that a peer review can be beneficial in many ways. Here is your chance to reflect on how our peer review can help or has helped you revise your draft.

Please respond to the following questions in your comment:

1. How have you revised in the past? Did you spend 50% of your time on this process?
2. Name and explain two strengths that the peer review revealed about your paper.
3. Name and explain two things that the peer review exposed about your paper that needed improvement.
   
4. Other than peer review, what revision technique(s) will you use for this paper or in the future

OCC Week 6: Revising the Draft

his week, we discussed the purposes and strategies for revising. We said that revision is "seeing the ideas again in order to improve ideas and correct mistakes". It is where we shift thoughts around, add or remove ideas, tighten the unity of our paper, and ensure that our ideas are in the best form.

Remember, revising is the third stage of our writing process. In terms of the total time spent on a writing project, it should make up 50%-60% of the efforts.

As a part of our revision process for this paper, we participated in a peer review. We said that a peer review can be beneficial in many ways. Here is your chance to reflect on how our peer review can help or has helped you revise your draft.

Please respond to the following questions in your comment:

1. How have you revised in the past? Did you spend 50% of your time on this process?
2. Name and explain two strengths that the peer review revealed about your paper.
3. Name and explain two things that the peer review exposed about your paper that needed improvement.
   
4. Other than peer review, what revision technique(s) will you use for this paper or in the future

OCC Week 5: Drafting from the Inside-out

This may be your first opportunity to use the inside-out method to draft a paper. Remember, the inside-out method focuses on developing the body paragraphs first. This is done by working out each pattern or category (and sub-categories) of details one at a time in terms of how they answer your main question(s) for the paper. For example, if our question for the paper was "How expensive is the prom?", we would try to address how each specific detail associated with attire (gowns, tuxes, suits, etc.) answers that question. Once this is done, do the same for the accessories, the transportation, etc.

One key point for inside-out drafting: don't try to write the first draft as if it will be a perfect paper. It won't. The sooner you accept that we are using a process for developing a strong paper that can't be perfected at this stage, the more free and effective your drafting stage will be, not to mention your stress and frustration levels will be minimal.

Now that you are in the process of drafting the paper (or, perhaps, finished with the first draft), please address the following in your response with specific examples/ideas:

1. How did this method make your drafting of the paper easier or more effective?
   
2. Did you struggle in any way using this method? How so?
3. Now that you have used the method, what will you modify or change next time you use it?

CCC Week 5: Drafting from the Inside-out

This may be your first opportunity to use the inside-out method to draft a paper. Remember, the inside-out method focuses on developing the body paragraphs first. This is done by working out each pattern or category (and sub-categories) of details one at a time in terms of how they answer your main question(s) for the paper. For example, if our question for the paper was "How expensive is the prom?", we would try to address how each specific detail associated with attire (gowns, tuxes, suits, etc.) answers that question. Once this is done, do the same for the accessories, the transportation, etc.

One key point for inside-out drafting: don't try to write the first draft as if it will be a perfect paper. It won't. The sooner you accept that we are using a process for developing a strong paper that can't be perfected at this stage, the more free and effective your drafting stage will be, not to mention your stress and frustration levels will be minimal.

Now that you are in the process of drafting the paper (or, perhaps, finished with the first draft), please address the following in your response with specific examples/ideas:

1. How did this method make your drafting of the paper easier or more effective?
   
2. Did you struggle in any way using this method? How so?
3. Now that you have used the method, what will you modify or change next time you use it?

CCC Week 4: Analyzing Literature

For the past two weeks, we have practiced analytical thinking and howprewriting can help us develop papers. There is obviously a connection between prewriting and analysis: analysis finds and organizes details so that you can make meaning from them, and prewriting generates and organizes ideas (details) that can help develop an answer to a question that forms a paper. In other words, analysis and prewritingwork hand-in-hand: analysis is the thinking method and prewritinghelps begin communicating the thinking.

When reading a piece of literature, the use of language develops the meaning. Hence, the words and images are the details that develop the literary elements (plot, character, theme, setting, irony, point of view, symbols). Analyzing the details of a literary piece is vital to understanding it. Based on this, using prewriting can help us identify and organize these details to begin writing a paper.


To provide you more practice in analysis and prewriting, please complete the following activity:

1. Choose one of the two short stories ("The Tell-Tale Heart" or "The Model Millionaire").
2. Choose one of the thesis statements on the Short Story Analysis Paper assignment sheet.
3. Using one of our prewriting techniques and our analytical method, go through the story you have chosen and list at least five specific, significant details that develop the thesis. For example, if you choose the thesis on symbols in "The Tell-Tale Heart", you need to find at least five specific details connected to that thesis. In other words, "symbol" is your pattern or category--what details belong to this pattern? Provide the precise wording from the story, along with the page number where the detail was found.
4. When you're finished, ask any questions that you need answered to help you better understand analysis or prewriting.

OCC Week 4: Analyzing Literature

For the past two weeks, we have practiced analytical thinking and howprewriting can help us develop papers. There is obviously a connection between prewriting and analysis: analysis finds and organizes details so that you can make meaning from them, and prewriting generates and organizes ideas (details) that can help develop an answer to a question that forms a paper. In other words, analysis and prewritingwork hand-in-hand: analysis is the thinking method and prewritinghelps begin communicating the thinking.

When reading a piece of literature, the use of language develops the meaning. Hence, the words and images are the details that develop the literary elements (plot, character, theme, setting, irony, point of view, symbols). Analyzing the details of a literary piece is vital to understanding it. Based on this, using prewriting can help us identify and organize these details to begin writing a paper.


To provide you more practice in analysis and prewriting, please complete the following activity:

1. Choose one of the two short stories ("The Tell-Tale Heart" or "The Model Millionaire").
2. Choose one of the thesis statements on the Short Story Analysis Paper assignment sheet.
3. Using one of our prewriting techniques and our analytical method, go through the story you have chosen and list at least five specific, significant details that develop the thesis. For example, if you choose the thesis on symbols in "The Tell-Tale Heart", you need to find at least five specific details connected to that thesis. In other words, "symbol" is your pattern or category--what details belong to this pattern? Provide the precise wording from the story, along with the page number where the detail was found.
4. When you're finished, ask any questions that you need answered to help you better understand analysis or prewriting.

CCC Week 3: The Importance of Prewriting

One of the most common mistakes I see students make is skipping prewriting. Students will often claim that prewriting "takes too long" or "wastes time" because they don't truly understand its purpose or its value.

Yet, when done properly, prewriting can provide a substantial amount of ideas for a paper, including the structure and content needed for an effective draft. Many times this great information can be generated in as little as 10-15 minutes.

Furthermore, because there are so many techniques for prewriting and because there are no right or wrong answers at this stage of the process, prewriting can be tailored to an individual's learning style and preferences.

Based on these points and our class discussions, please respond to the following questions by posting a comment:

1. Have you used prewriting before? If so, in what ways? If not, why haven't you?
2. How did this week's classes and readings add to your understanding of how prewriting can benefit a writing project? Be specific.
3. What prewriting technique or techniques do you prefer? Why?

OCC Week 3: The Importance of Prewriting

One of the most common mistakes I see students make is skipping prewriting. Students will often claim that prewriting "takes too long" or "wastes time" because they don't truly understand its purpose or its value.

Yet, when done properly, prewriting can provide a substantial amount of ideas for a paper, including the structure and content needed for an effective draft. Many times this great information can be generated in as little as 10-15 minutes.

Furthermore, because there are so many techniques for prewriting and because there are no right or wrong answers at this stage of the process, prewriting can be tailored to an individual's learning style and preferences.

Based on these points and our class discussions, please respond to the following questions by posting a comment:

1. Have you used prewriting before? If so, in what ways? If not, why haven't you?
2. How did this week's classes and readings add to your understanding of how prewriting can benefit a writing project? Be specific.
3. What prewriting technique or techniques do you prefer? Why?

CCC Week 2: Sentences and Paragraphs

When you think about it, you probably write in some fashion just about every day. You use it to communicate with others (and sometimes yourself) in variety of ways. To ensure clear communication, writing takes practice.

One of the most important aspects of mastering any skill is consistently practicing the fundamentals. If you want to learn how to play guitar, you have to practice the scales, chords, and fingering techniques that make up this endeavor. The same is true in basketball; if you want to be a great player, practicing dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense are all vital.

Writing is no different than these other skills. If you want to be successful, you have to practice the fundamentals, namely writing effective sentences and paragraphs. This makes perfect sense if you think about it; you can't write a good paragraph if you can't write solid, clear sentences. Likewise, you can't write an effective paper if you can't write paragraphs that convey a clear, unified message.

With this in mind, please answer the following questions as specifically and completely as possible (200 or so words) in a comment to this blog:

1. How do you or have you used writing in your academic, professional, or personal life? What types of daily tasks require writing?
2. What do you want to improve in your writing when it comes to sentences or paragraphs? Some examples of answers might be comma usage, correcting run-ons or fragments, writing effective topic sentences, supporting ideas in a paragraph better, etc.
3. How can you practice proper writing techniques everyday?

OCC Week 2: Sentences and Paragraphs

When you think about it, you probably write in some fashion just about every day. You use it to communicate with others (and sometimes yourself) in variety of ways. To ensure clear communication, writing takes practice.

One of the most important aspects of mastering any skill is consistently practicing the fundamentals. If you want to learn how to play guitar, you have to practice the scales, chords, and fingering techniques that make up this endeavor. The same is true in basketball; if you want to be a great player, practicing dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense are all vital.

Writing is no different than these other skills. If you want to be successful, you have to practice the fundamentals, namely writing effective sentences and paragraphs. This makes perfect sense if you think about it; you can't write a good paragraph if you can't write solid, clear sentences. Likewise, you can't write an effective paper if you can't write paragraphs that convey a clear, unified message.

With this in mind, please answer the following questions as specifically and completely as possible (200 or so words) in a comment to this blog:

1. How do you or have you used writing in your academic, professional, or personal life? What types of daily tasks require writing?
2. What do you want to improve in your writing when it comes to sentences or paragraphs? Some examples of answers might be comma usage, correcting run-ons or fragments, writing effective topic sentences, supporting ideas in a paragraph better, etc.
3. How can you practice proper writing techniques everyday?

CCC Week 11: Looking Back

Taking time to reflect on what you have learned is important as a semester ends. After all, education is too expensive to walk away learning nothing!

In this class, we have covered several writing and thinking skills. These skills range from writing effective sentences and paragraphs to the writing process stages to analysis to locating and using research. The goal of completing these tasks was to better prepare you to write effective academic and professional documents.

With that in mind, please take a few moments to think back on the class work, readings, and assignments we have completed in this class. Then, answer the following questions:

1. What two writing or thinking skills do you feel you have improved in this class? Provide specific examples of how these skills have been improved.
2. What two writing or thinking skills would you still like to improve? Explain these skills clearly in terms of why you think they still need improving.
3. What two assignments, activities, etc. did you find most beneficial? Why
4. What two assignments, readings, etc. did you find most challenging? Why?

OCC Week 11: Looking Back

Taking time to reflect on what you have learned is important as a semester ends. After all, education is too expensive to walk away learning nothing!

In this class, we have covered several writing and thinking skills. These skills range from writing effective sentences and paragraphs to the writing process stages to analysis to locating and using research. The goal of completing these tasks was to better prepare you to write effective academic and professional documents.

With that in mind, please take a few moments to think back on the class work, readings, and assignments we have completed in this class. Then, answer the following questions:

1. What two writing or thinking skills do you feel you have improved in this class? Provide specific examples of how these skills have been improved.
2. What two writing or thinking skills would you still like to improve? Explain these skills clearly in terms of why you think they still need improving.
3. What two assignments, activities, etc. did you find most beneficial? Why
4. What two assignments, readings, etc. did you find most challenging? Why?

OCC Week 10: Reflecting on the Research Paper Process

By now, you have probably figured out that a vital part of learning is reflecting on what you have done and where you have been. This "thinking about your thinking" creates opportunities to test out your thinking and your methods to see what worked and what needs improving.

As you wrap up writing the research paper, it's a perfect time to reflect on the process and consider what worked well for you and what you would like to improve or revise in your writing process next time you write a research project.

In your comment, please respond to the following:

1. What skills or techniques (annotation, time-saving researching techniques, using researching tools such as databases or the Internet) helped you research your topic and/or write your paper? How do you know these skills or techniques helped your project be more successful?
2. What would you like to improve about your process for writing a research paper? Would you revise anything about the process?
3. What did you learn about your topic as a result of this process? What did you learn about researching/writing as a part of completing this project?

CCC Week 10: Reflecting on the Research Paper Process

By now, you have probably figured out that a vital part of learning is reflecting on what you have done and where you have been. This "thinking about your thinking" creates opportunities to test out your thinking and your methods to see what worked and what needs improving.

As you wrap up writing the research paper, it's a perfect time to reflect on the process and consider what worked well for you and what you would like to improve or revise in your writing process next time you write a research project.

In your comment, please respond to the following:

1. What skills or techniques (annotation, time-saving researching techniques, using researching tools such as databases or the Internet) helped you research your topic and/or write your paper? How do you know these skills or techniques helped your project be more successful?
2. What would you like to improve about your process for writing a research paper? Would you revise anything about the process?
3. What did you learn about your topic as a result of this process? What did you learn about researching/writing as a part of completing this project?

OCC Week 9: Examining the Answers

Now that you have sources that should help you answer your research question, it's time to figure out how your different answers will work together to form a single, unified paper.

To accomplish this, you can compare or contrast the answers. To do so, look for points of focus--in other words, points where the sources are either similar or different--and use these points to evaluate the logic of the answers to determine which answer or answers make the most sense to you.

For example, if you were searching for a new car, you would look at various cars in the price range you can afford. Then, once you have made a list of possible vehicles, you would look at points of focus to determine what vehicle is best for you. These points of focus may include gas mileage, features, warranties, and customer ratings.

Re-read chapter 10 if you have any questions about how to develop and organize a compare/contrast analysis. Pay close attention to the section on how to organize using block or alternating formats.

With this in mind, please answer the following in your comment:

1. Looking at your sources, what might you use as points of focus to compare/contrast their ideas?
2. Based on these points of focus, do your sources answer your question in similar ways or are there major differences in the answers? What are these similarities or differences?
3. Might you organize the body paragraphs of your draft using the block format or the alternating? Why?

CCC Week 9: Examining the Answers

Now that you have sources that should help you answer your research question, it's time to figure out how your different answers will work together to form a single, unified paper.

To accomplish this, you can compare or contrast the answers. To do so, look for points of focus--in other words, points where the sources are either similar or different--and use these points to evaluate the logic of the answers to determine which answer or answers make the most sense to you.

For example, if you were searching for a new car, you would look at various cars in the price range you can afford. Then, once you have made a list of possible vehicles, you would look at points of focus to determine what vehicle is best for you. These points of focus may include gas mileage, features, warranties, and customer ratings.

Re-read chapter 10 if you have any questions about how to develop and organize a compare/contrast analysis. Pay close attention to the section on how to organize using block or alternating formats.

With this in mind, please answer the following in your comment:

1. Looking at your sources, what might you use as points of focus to compare/contrast their ideas?
2. Based on these points of focus, do your sources answer your question in similar ways or are there major differences in the answers? What are these similarities or differences?
3. Might you organize the body paragraphs of your draft using the block format or the alternating? Why?

CCC Week 8: Researching

This week, we focused on strategies for effective research. We discussed the importance of research questions in guiding our work. We also laid out the five steps for writing a research paper: prewriting, locating sources, evaluating sources, inside-out drafting, and revising.

A key factor in locating sources is using time efficiently. Once again, utilizing a method becomes vital to succeeding at this goal. Having a method to use each time we write provides a roadmap for more efficient and effective experiences. As we use the method, we can revise our steps and tinker as needed without having to "reinvent the wheel" for each new writing assignment. This method should cut down the time we need to spend researching because we won't waste time closely reading materials that won't help us directly answer our research question.

With this in mind, answer the following in your comment this blog:

1. What is the research question you have chosen for your response paper?
2. Based on your research question, where did you search for possible sources? What keywords did you use to search? Did you have to modify your search terms?
   
3. Were you able to use the time-saving techniques discussed in class (titles, table of contents, indexes, abstracts, graphic highlights, section titles, introductions, conclusions, topic sentences)? Specifically describe two time-saving techniques you used and how they helped or why they didn't work for you.

OCC Week 8: Researching

This week, we focused on strategies for effective research. We discussed the importance of research questions in guiding our work. We also laid out the five steps for writing a research paper: prewriting, locating sources, evaluating sources, inside-out drafting, and revising.

A key factor in locating sources is using time efficiently. Once again, utilizing a method becomes vital to succeeding at this goal. Having a method to use each time we write provides a roadmap for more efficient and effective experiences. As we use the method, we can revise our steps and tinker as needed without having to "reinvent the wheel" for each new writing assignment. This method should cut down the time we need to spend researching because we won't waste time closely reading materials that won't help us directly answer our research question.

With this in mind, answer the following in your comment this blog:

1. What is the research question you have chosen for your response paper?
2. Based on your research question, where did you search for possible sources? What keywords did you use to search? Did you have to modify your search terms?
   
3. Were you able to use the time-saving techniques discussed in class (titles, table of contents, indexes, abstracts, graphic highlights, section titles, introductions, conclusions, topic sentences)? Specifically describe two time-saving techniques you used and how they helped or why they didn't work for you.

CCC Week 7: Reading Strategies

This week, you read about a number of strategies for more effective reading. In class, we focused on and practiced one such method--annotation.

We said in class that the key to effective annotation is to think of it like conversing with the author. Hence, you are responding to the text the way you would in a face-to-face discussion. This is especially helpful in research situations, as the author's ideas can help you answer your research question.

A way to visualize this is to think of your sources as people discussing your topic over dinner. You ask each the same question (your research question), and they then respond with answers (the sources). Not all of the answers will be the same. Often, you will have to decide which answers make sense to you and which you find problematic. In doing so, you should be able to develop what you see as YOUR answer.

Your paper then becomes your response to these people. Annotation is the first step; it allows you to start forming your response to each source and, hence, how each source can be used in your paper.

With this in mind, please answer the following in your comment:

1. What reading method(s) have you used to comprehend and use complex texts (books, articles, essays, websites, etc.) in the past? Have they been effective? Why or why not?
2. In your past experiences, what have you found challenging about incorporating research into your writing?
3. How did using annotation in class make reading complex material easier for you? What did you difficult about using this method?

OCC Week 7: Reading Strategies

This week, you read about a number of strategies for more effective reading. In class, we focused on and practiced one such method--annotation.

We said in class that the key to effective annotation is to think of it like conversing with the author. Hence, you are responding to the text the way you would in a face-to-face discussion. This is especially helpful in research situations, as the author's ideas can help you answer your research question.

A way to visualize this is to think of your sources as people discussing your topic over dinner. You ask each the same question (your research question), and they then respond with answers (the sources). Not all of the answers will be the same. Often, you will have to decide which answers make sense to you and which you find problematic. In doing so, you should be able to develop what you see as YOUR answer.

Your paper then becomes your response to these people. Annotation is the first step; it allows you to start forming your response to each source and, hence, how each source can be used in your paper.

With this in mind, please answer the following in your comment:

1. What reading method(s) have you used to comprehend and use complex texts (books, articles, essays, websites, etc.) in the past? Have they been effective? Why or why not?
2. In your past experiences, what have you found challenging about incorporating research into your writing?
3. How did using annotation in class make reading complex material easier for you? What did you difficult about using this method?

CCC Week 6: Revising the Draft

This week, we discussed the purposes and strategies for revising. We said that revision is "seeing the ideas again in order to improve ideas and correct mistakes". It is where we shift thoughts around, add or remove ideas, tighten the unity of our paper, and ensure that our ideas are in the best form.

Remember, revising is the third stage of our writing process. In terms of the total time spent on a writing project, it should make up 50%-60% of the efforts.

As a part of our revision process for this paper, we participated in a peer review. We said that a peer review can be beneficial in many ways. Here is your chance to reflect on how our peer review can help or has helped you revise your draft.

Please respond to the following questions in your comment:

1. How have you revised in the past? Did you spend 50% of your time on this process?
2. Name and explain two strengths that the peer review revealed about your paper.
3. Name and explain two things that the peer review exposed about your paper that needed improvement.
   
4. Other than peer review, what revision technique(s) will you use for this paper or in the future?

OCC Week 6: Revising the Draft

This week, we discussed the purposes and strategies for revising. We said that revision is "seeing the ideas again in order to improve ideas and correct mistakes". It is where we shift thoughts around, add or remove ideas, tighten the unity of our paper, and ensure that our ideas are in the best form.

Remember, revising is the third stage of our writing process. In terms of the total time spent on a writing project, it should make up 50%-60% of the efforts.

As a part of our revision process for this paper, we participated in a peer review. We said that a peer review can be beneficial in many ways. Here is your chance to reflect on how our peer review can help or has helped you revise your draft.

Please respond to the following questions in your comment:

1. How have you revised in the past? Did you spend 50% of your time on this process?
2. Name and explain two strengths that the peer review revealed about your paper.
3. Name and explain two things that the peer review exposed about your paper that needed improvement.
   
4. Other than peer review, what revision technique(s) will you use for this paper or in the future?

CCC Week 5: Drafting the Paper from the Inside-out

This may be your first opportunity to use the inside-out method to draft a paper. Remember, the inside-out method focuses on developing the body paragraphs first. This is done by working out each pattern or category (and sub-categories) of details one at a time in terms of how they answer your main question(s) for the paper. For example, if our question for the paper was "How expensive is the prom?", we would try to address how each specific detail associated with attire (gowns, tuxes, suits, etc.) answers that question. Once this is done, do the same for the accessories, the transportation, etc.

One key point for inside-out drafting: don't try to write the first draft as if it will be a perfect paper. It won't. The sooner you accept that we are using a process for developing a strong paper that can't be perfected at this stage, the more free and effective your drafting stage will be, not to mention your stress and frustration levels will be minimal.

Now that you are in the process of drafting the paper (or, perhaps, finished with the first draft), please address the following in your response with specific examples/ideas:

1. How did this method make your drafting of the paper easier or more effective?
   
2. Did you struggle in any way using this method? How so?
3. Now that you have used the method, what will you modify or change next time you use it?

OCC Week 5: Drafting the Paper from the Inside-out

This may be your first opportunity to use the inside-out method to draft a paper. Remember, the inside-out method focuses on developing the body paragraphs first. This is done by working out each pattern or category (and sub-categories) of details one at a time in terms of how they answer your main question(s) for the paper. For example, if our question for the paper was "How expensive is the prom?", we would try to address how each specific detail associated with attire (gowns, tuxes, suits, etc.) answers that question. Once this is done, do the same for the accessories, the transportation, etc.

One key point for inside-out drafting: don't try to write the first draft as if it will be a perfect paper. It won't. The sooner you accept that we are using a process for developing a strong paper that can't be perfected at this stage, the more free and effective your drafting stage will be, not to mention your stress and frustration levels will be minimal.

Now that you are in the process of drafting the paper (or, perhaps, finished with the first draft), please address the following in your response with specific examples/ideas:

1. How did this method make your drafting of the paper easier or more effective?
   
2. Did you struggle in any way using this method? How so?
3. Now that you have used the method, what will you modify or change next time you use it?

OCC Week 4: Analyzing Literature

For the past two weeks, we have practiced analytical thinking and how prewriting can help us develop papers. There is obviously a connection between prewriting and analysis: analysis finds and organizes details so that you can make meaning from them, and prewriting generates and organizes ideas (details) that can help develop an answer to a question that forms a paper. In other words, analysis and prewriting work hand-in-hand: analysis is the thinking method and prewriting helps begin communicating the thinking.

When reading a piece of literature, the use of language develops the meaning. Hence, the words and images are the details that develop the literary elements (plot, character, theme, setting, irony, point of view, symbols). Analyzing the details of a literary piece is vital to understanding it. Based on this, using prewriting can help us identify and organize these details to begin writing a paper.


To provide you more practice in analysis and prewriting, please complete the following activity:

1. Choose one of the two short stories ("The Tell-Tale Heart" or "The Model Millionaire").
2. Choose one of the thesis statements on the Short Story Analysis Paper assignment sheet.
3. Using one of our prewriting techniques and our analytical method, go through the story you have chosen and list at least five specific, significant details that develop the thesis. For example, if you choose the thesis on symbols in "The Tell-Tale Heart", you need to find at least five specific details connected to that thesis. In other words, "symbol" is your pattern or category--what details belong to this pattern? Provide the precise wording from the story, along with the page number where the detail was found.
4. When you're finished, ask any questions that you need answered to help you better understand analysis or prewriting.
   

CCC Week 4: Analyzing Literature

For the past two weeks, we have practiced analytical thinking and how prewriting can help us develop papers. There is obviously a connection between prewriting and analysis: analysis finds and organizes details so that you can make meaning from them, and prewriting generates and organizes ideas (details) that can help develop an answer to a question that forms a paper. In other words, analysis and prewriting work hand-in-hand: analysis is the thinking method and prewriting helps begin communicating the thinking.

When reading a piece of literature, the use of language develops the meaning. Hence, the words and images are the details that develop the literary elements (plot, character, theme, setting, irony, point of view, symbols). Analyzing the details of a literary piece is vital to understanding it. Based on this, using prewriting can help us identify and organize these details to begin writing a paper.

To provide you more practice in analysis and prewriting, please complete the following activity:

1. Choose one of the two short stories ("The Tell-Tale Heart" or "The Model Millionaire").
2. Choose one of the thesis statements on the Short Story Analysis Paper assignment sheet.
3. Using one of our prewriting techniques and our analytical method, go through the story you have chosen and list at least five specific, significant details that develop the thesis. For example, if you choose the thesis on symbols in "The Tell-Tale Heart", you need to find at least five specific details connected to that thesis. In other words, "symbol" is your pattern or category--what details belong to this pattern? Provide the precise wording from the story, along with the page number where the detail was found.
4. When you're finished, ask any questions that you need answered to help you better understand analysis or prewriting.
   

OCC Week 3: The Importance of Prewriting

One of the most common mistakes I see students make is skipping prewriting. Students will often claim that prewriting "takes too long" or "wastes time" because they don't truly understand its purpose or its value.

Yet, when done properly, prewriting can provide a substantial amount of ideas for a paper, including the structure and content needed for an effective draft. Many times this great information can be generated in as little as 10-15 minutes.

Furthermore, because there are so many techniques for prewriting and because there are no right or wrong answers at this stage of the process, prewriting can be tailored to an individual's learning style and preferences.

Based on these points and our class discussions, please respond to the following questions by posting a comment:

1. Have you used prewriting before? If so, in what ways? If not, why haven't you?
2. How did this week's classes and readings add to your understanding of how prewriting can benefit a writing project? Be specific.
3. What prewriting technique or techniques do you prefer? Why?

CCC Week 3: The Importance of Prewriting

One of the most common mistakes I see students make is skipping prewriting. Students will often claim that prewriting "takes too long" or "wastes time" because they don't truly understand its purpose or its value.

Yet, when done properly, prewriting can provide a substantial amount of ideas for a paper, including the structure and content needed for an effective draft. Many times this great information can be generated in as little as 10-15 minutes.

Furthermore, because there are so many techniques for prewriting and because there are no right or wrong answers at this stage of the process, prewriting can be tailored to an individual's learning style and preferences.

Based on these points and our class discussions, please respond to the following questions by posting a comment:

1. Have you used prewriting before? If so, in what ways? If not, why haven't you?
2. How did this week's classes and readings add to your understanding of how prewriting can benefit a writing project? Be specific.
3. What prewriting technique or techniques do you prefer? Why?

CCC Week 2: Sentences and Paragraphs

When you think about it, you probably write in some fashion just about every day. You use it to communicate with others (and sometimes yourself) in variety of ways. To ensure clear communication, writing takes practice.

One of the most important aspects of mastering any skill is consistently practicing the fundamentals. If you want to learn how to play guitar, you have to practice the scales, chords, and fingering techniques that make up this endeavor. The same is true in basketball; if you want to be a great player, practicing dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense are all vital.

Writing is no different than these other skills. If you want to be successful, you have to practice the fundamentals, namely writing effective sentences and paragraphs. This makes perfect sense if you think about it; you can't write a good paragraph if you can't write solid, clear sentences. Likewise, you can't write an effective paper if you can't write paragraphs that convey a clear, unified message.

With this in mind, please answer the following questions as specifically and completely as possible (200 or so words) in a comment to this blog:

1. How do you or have you used writing in your academic, professional, or personal life? What types of daily tasks require writing?
2. What do you want to improve in your writing when it comes to sentences or paragraphs? Some examples of answers might be comma usage, correcting run-ons or fragments, writing effective topic sentences, supporting ideas in a paragraph better, etc.
3. How can you practice proper writing techniques everyday?

OCC Week 2: Sentences and Paragraphs

When you think about it, you probably write in some fashion just about every day. You use it to communicate with others (and sometimes yourself) in variety of ways. To ensure clear communication, writing takes practice.

One of the most important aspects of mastering any skill is consistently practicing the fundamentals. If you want to learn how to play guitar, you have to practice the scales, chords, and fingering techniques that make up this endeavor. The same is true in basketball; if you want to be a great player, practicing dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense are all vital.

Writing is no different than these other skills. If you want to be successful, you have to practice the fundamentals, namely writing effective sentences and paragraphs. This makes perfect sense if you think about it; you can't write a good paragraph if you can't write solid, clear sentences. Likewise, you can't write an effective paper if you can't write paragraphs that convey a clear, unified message.

With this in mind, please answer the following questions as specifically and completely as possible (200 or so words) in a comment to this blog:

1. How do you or have you used writing in your academic, professional, or personal life? What types of daily tasks require writing?
2. What do you want to improve in your writing when it comes to sentences or paragraphs? Some examples of answers might be comma usage, correcting run-ons or fragments, writing effective topic sentences, supporting ideas in a paragraph better, etc.
3. How can you practice proper writing techniques everyday?