Research Journal Assignment #15b: Reflection on What You Learned

Just as writing a research paper is a process, so is refining one's writing skills and becoming a more well-rounded writer. Through the course of this semester I have learned new writing skills that will be useful for my future. I have enjoyed this semester because not only did I learn the skills needed to compose an academic research paper but I was also introduced to new tools to help aid in the organization, research, and writing process. Most notably I learned how to write a research paper and the work and organization that goes into constructing an argumentative paper. Ever since High School I've written a good deal of research papers, but after writing this one I understand the actual research process as it was explained in greater detail. I also understand the organization that a research paper should follow as outlined with the introduction, arguments, counterarguments, refutations, and the conclusion. I also learned how to cite from other reputable sources and how to incorporate well founded research into a paper to make a concise argument.

Besides learning simply how to construct an argument, I also learned how to use new technological tools I never knew existed. I had always known how to use Google but I never went much further than Google or the Databases on the Auraria Library website. Now I know how to use all sorts of tools that have made my research, organizational, and writing process much easier and convenient. By using tools like Delicious I could keep track of the useful sites I had visited without having to add them to my long list of bookmarks on the internet browser. This research journal itself was a very useful was to track my progress on my paper and keep my thought organized in sequential order. I also learned how to use many different search engines and Boolean operators that helped make the actual research much more efficient. By using these new tools I could quickly locate and narrow down my search to exactly what I was looking for.

All these new skills are beneficial now in my college career and will be beneficial to me in the years to come and as I pursue a career. I now know how to state an argument and back it up with firm evidence. This will help me in the papers I will need to write in the classes I have to come. In general learning how to make an argument will help me learn how to present myself in a credible way. Learning how to organize and present my thoughts will help me as I pursue a teaching career. Being able to express my ideas will help me in instruction and help me learn how to help others organize their ideas and present their arguments. While writing a research paper may not be the most exciting task in the world it is essential to learn how to present oneself and make a valid argument. Overall this semester has been a stimulating learning experience and I will be able to use what I have learned to better express myself.