Grace Williams @gracesbeth-blog - Tumblr Blog

Digital Portfolio

Here is the link to my Digital Portfolio for Wirt1133

gracesdigitalportfolio.tumblr.com

#writing #research #writ1133du #awesome #sadgoodbye

FINAL MAPS: THEORY OF WRITING DRAFT THREE

Throughout the rest of my academic career I hope to develop my writing to the point that it can also be persuasive and meaningful to a variety of different people. Some terms I think are important to include in my writing specifically, would be the rhetorical situation, specifically the audience, as well as the purpose. For my writing, I believe that these are two of the most important terms. These terms help me to expand my writing as well as specify it because both are so important in the formation of the writing. But overall, I believe it is important to diversify one’s forms of writing. For example, for most of my academic career I have been writing in the form of short response or longer essays, but now in my current writing class our teacher is having us utilize different platforms like Tumblr and Twitter. I think this is a great idea and important because many students believe that they are writing for the teacher and only the teacher, but by opening up the audience it really allows the writer to develop new skills as well as their own writing.

As a writer, I think I can be witty at times, depending on the rhetorical situation. On the other hand, as a researcher I am quite more academic in my tone and topic, usually because my research is required for my college courses. Considering the key terms I mentioned above, my identity of a writer is more geared toward an academic tone rather than the new side of my identity that I am developing through my class that has us use social media to develop our writing. Through the research project in this class, since I am allowed to choose something that I am truly passionate about as well as choose my audience, I find my writing developing into a more interesting and involved tone than my previous academic-based writing.

I think a lot of one’s writing style branches of of their prior knowledge and experiences, I know mine do. Throughout my academic career, I can see my writing changing and developing me into the writer that I am today. Specifically, this writing course this quarter at college is quite different from any other writing class I have taken in the past, as previously mentioned, as it is having us conduct our writing on social media. This class is really helping me diversify my tone in my writing, which I hope to carry on in future assignments and in future classes.

From my understanding of writing, some of the most important elements of writing are practice and reflection. Practice is incredibly important because “practice can refine technique …. with practice, we can create what seems otherwise out of reach or totally foreign, can compose a text - of words or of words and other elements - shaped by and in response to context” (Yancey 64). Another element that is very important but not necessarily included in my map above is the element of failure (specifically it is the large black curly q). Failure is something to reflect on and it is also extremely important to remember that “failure is an opportunity for growth” (Carr 63). This is the third time we are doing a visual representation of writing and learning, and I really enjoyed this exercise because it allowed me to really open up my mind and explore new thoughts in a more hands on and creative way.

This visual representation of my theory of writing represents the influencers on my writing process. The large black is curly q is the necessary presence of failures that must be recognized in order to make process in my writing and research. The red heart made out of plato represents the purpose of my writing that guides and influences my process. The blue G represents my voice that is always present in my writing, but is constantly developing as I develop as a writer. The fruit stickers represent the audience that influences my writing. The little plush balls and small objects in my bag represent my previous experiences and knowledge that influence my writing. The oddly shaped pipe tubes in my bag represent the need for practice in order to develop my writing and research process. The green and yellow sticks represent the fact that no matter what happens, I need to hold strong and continue to repeat and refine these processes to develop my writing.Through my theory of writing I hope to be able to create fluid and meaningful pieces of writing.

#writing #research #theory #knowledge

Week 8: Research Journal

Date: Sunday, May 21st

Time: 9:45 pm

Location: Dorm Room

It’s curious, isn’t it; how fast time passes. As this is my last research journal, I would like to wrap up this series ensuring my readers understand the purposes of all of these journals. Over the past eight weeks, these journals have been a record of my thinkings, research, and connects these findings to what I have been learning in my WRIT 1133 class on writing and research. Throughout this time, I have tried to remain objectives in my musings, although it is evident that I am biased, although I believe that everyone has some sort of bias. Specifically, I am biased because I believe that everyone should have the ability and experience to travel alone, if they so choose. I have tried to remain objective by questioning all sides of a controversy in every way possible, and I implore that each and everyone of my readers also attempt to be objective and understanding of all sides of a story not only in their writing and research, but also in their daily lives. Along this process I appreciate each and everyone of your dedication to this journal, and look forward to sharing my final copy with you all. After all of this, I would like to end on a quote that is near and dear to my heart.

“Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.”

- Virginia Woolf

#writ1133du #writing #research #knowledge

Kelly Clarkson's official music video for 'Since U Been Gone'. Click to listen to Kelly Clarkson on Spotify: http://smarturl.it/KClarkSpot?IQid=KClarkSUBG As...

Throughout my time in Writing 1133 class during my first year of college, I have learned SO much about the different types of learning. In my opinion, it is incredibly important to learn how to transfer knowledge, especially in college because it will help you both in classes and in life outside, and in the future, after college. Once a student learns how to transfer knowledge, the student can transfer knowledge from one class to another, which will help the student learn in that specific class as well as other classes in the future. Not only is the transfer of learning applicable to academics, but it is also extremely applicable to life outside of writing and research. The transfer of learning can help anyone with job interviews to starting a business to adapting to new environments. Bringing it back to this specific writing and research class, my ideas and beliefs about writing have changed exponentially. A lot of this has to do with the assigned readings we have been analyzing and discussing via tumblr, twitter and in class discussions. The variety of different articles and journals have really opened my eyes to the different mistakes I have been making not only as a writer, but also as a student. I realize that in order to truly grow and develop as a writer, I have to truly believe in what I am writing, which I do because the more an author cares, the larger the impact the writing can have on the audience. The music video I have included is Kelly Clarkson’s Since You’ve Been Gone. I chose to include this music video to demonstrate how it might be difficult to cut ties with the easy path of writing and academics, but ultimately it is better all around to choose the more difficult path. I hope this will help other students realize that it’s not all about the grade in a class, but really how you are growing and developing as an academic and human being.

#learning #writing #research #students

Week 7: Research Journal

Date: Sunday, May 14th

Time: 2:45 pm

Location: Dorm Room

While analyzing the responses from the different questions posed from my survey, I found a variety of different answers, some of which I had not been expecting. At the end of the nine question survey, the tenth question left an option for any additional comments, concerns or information the respondents may have. Surprisingly, there were more responses to this section than I had anticipated, a total of 16 respondents added additional information out of the total 80 respondents. One respondent brought up a point I hadn’t previously thought of as how the “airports are overly secure and traveling alone or not usually depends on situation of trip, not conscious decision of going by themselves or with friend unless the person has the money to blow on extra tickets there and back for a travel buddy”. Although, this is only one respondent’s thoughts, it is interesting and important to look into as I further my project. As for the impact of social media, one respondent claimed “I think social media has a profound impact on all the activities of society, especially millennials and generation x. But, although I am technically a millennial, I think that social media does not effect my view of solo travel because I tend to distance myself from online interaction due to its artificial nature.” This response prompts the idea that other young people may distance themselves from social media due to its side effects. One respondent in particular had a pleasent view of both sides of the argument as it claimed that “any individual, when traveling, should put themselves in position to be safe and secure (whether that means taking self defense classes or taking classes on the native language of the country you will be traveling). Individuals need to understand that the world is not the safest place and that people could potentially take advantage of you during your time traveling abroad. With that being said, it is always going to be safer to travel with someone you know or someone that shares similar values as yourself.” From these quotes, it will be easier to tie together my primary research and secondary research while bringing the word of the people.

#writ1133du

The phrase I chose for my second map was: “Practice. Reflect. Repeat.” This represents my understanding of writing because, in my opinion these are some of the most important elements of writing. Practice is incredibly important because “practice can refine technique …. with practice, we can create what seems otherwise out of reach or totally foreign, can compose a text - of words or of words and other elements - shaped by and in response to context” (Yancey 64). Another element that is very important but not necessarily included in my map is the element of failure. Failure is something to reflect on and it is also extremely important to remember that “failure is an opportunity for growth” (Carr 63). This is the second time we are doing a visual representation of writing and learning, and I really enjoyed this specific map because it allowed me to really open up my mind and explore new thoughts in a more fluid way. This visual representation, specifically this phrase has really allowed me to focus in on my theory of writing and what is truly important to me as a writer. My theory of writing in one sentence would be to concentrate on the importance of practice, understanding failure through reflection and never give up.

Transfer of Learning

Hey Folks! How’ve you been lately, hope life is treating you well. To continue with the theme of most of my posts, I am going to continue with my thoughts on academia, specifically writing. Surprise. Surprise. But really, I think writing is one of the most important skills and is a necessity, and if you are still reading my posts, then so do you. In the world of writing and academia, the transfer of learning is an interesting philosophy that happens when learning in one context enhances or undermines a related performance in another context (Perkins 2). When learning in one context enhances learning in another context, this is a positive transfer of knowledge. When learning in one context undermines learning in another context, this is a negative transfer of knowledge. A good example of this would be that because I have taken five years of spanish classes, it has been easier for me to learn and adapt to learning the other romance languages like italian. One example where the transfer of learning occurs easily, other than writing and academia, would be how my background in soccer helped me develop and learn the skills and rules of the sport I currently play, lacrosse. Because the two sports are of a similar style and with similar rules, my basic understanding of soccer helped me develop my lacrosse skills and knowledge of the game. Personally, I believe that the transfer of knowledge fits into my own understanding quite fluidly. Looking back on it, I realize that some of my best writing skills have developed with the prior knowledge from other skills I have learned and gained through writing. I hope to continue to use the transfer of learning to further develop my writing skills whether it be a research essay, blog post, tweet or video description. Writing and language is everywhere and I hope to grow and learn as much as I can.

#writ1133du #writing #knowledge #learning

Week 6: Research Journal

Date: Sunday, May 7th

Time: 2:45 pm

Location: Dorm Room

Oh how the time has flown by. Already the end of Week 6, Week 7 coming fast. As I write this research journal, I am sitting at my desk in my dorm room contemplating how this quarter has gone by so fast. Since my last journal entry, I have received some great advice from Dr. KT, so I have been editing a lot of my primary research, and expanding on them. Below, I have added to the questions I will be asking for the survey section of my primary research.

Where have you traveled?

North America

South America

Latin America

Europe

Africa

Antarctica

Asia

Australia

Other

If you have not traveled, where would you like to go?

North America

South America

Latin America

Europe

Africa

Antarctica

Asia

Australia

Other

If comfortable, please identify your gender.

Male

Female

Other

Prefer to not answer

Would you consider traveling by yourself?

Yes

Other

Have you traveled by yourself? If so, where?

Yes

Location

Other

Do you think mainstream media influences your view of solo travel? If so how?

Yes

Additional Notes

Other

Do you think women should travel by themselves? Why or why not?

Yes

Additional Notes

Other

Do you think women are safe to travel by themselves? Why or why now?

Yes

Additional Notes

Other

Do you think social media influences your view of solo travel? Why or why not?

Yes

Additional Notes

Other

Short answer option for additional input.

I have also edited some questions that I will ask during the interview section of my primary research. Below are some of the questions.

What is your gender?

Have you traveled alone?

Which countries have you traveled to?

Which countries did you travel to alone?

Did you ever feel unsafe? If so, why? Give a brief example if possible.

What was your favorite part about traveling by yourself?

What was the most important thing you gained from traveling by yourself?

Do you feel you gained independence from traveling by yourself? Why or why not?

Would you recommend your experience to others? Why or why not?

Do you think women should travel by themselves? Do you think women are safe to travel by themselves? Why or why not?

Do you think mainstream media has an influence over how people perceive the idea of a solo female traveler? Why or why not?

I have also decided to observe different forms of outreach by different travelers. This will include social media, mainstream media as well as different documentaries.

#writ1133du

Self Analysis: Lit Review

In the world of writing and research, there is something called a literature review which I have recently become acquainted with. The purpose of a literature review is to establish a theoretical framework for the topic or subject area as well as define key terms, definitions and terminology, identify studies, models, case studies etc supporting your topic. As of right now, I am researching the development of the solo female traveler and am using the current existing body of research to make connections between (1) the influence of social networking and media has a definite influence over how people perceive travel and (2) the cultural expectations and fears of Western civilization are broadcasted over mainstream media while becoming more ingrained in society. But not only do I want my audience to realize the previous statements, but I hope they will also realize that it is possible to conduct writing and research for a class in school on less serious topics, and that they have the ability to do something that they are really passionate about rather than a topic that they think they have to do because of the pressure from a classroom. I hope my audience will realize through this literature review, that although this is not a basic topic for a research in a writing class, but that does not take away from the necessary research and work put into both the literature review and the research paper. Based on my own self analysis as well as my peer, during revision I need to make sure that my specific statements are as clear as possible, while still holding the integrity of the piece. Also, I need to make sure that my themes and sources interact as much as possible in the literature review to demonstrate the interconnectedness in the research paper.

#writ1133du

Threshold Concept: Writing requires the combined cognition and reflection of effort, learning and mistakes.

Throughout these past two articles, we have learned more about how to develop and become a better writer. Something that I have noticed and think is very important is the cognitive recognition and reflection on different aspects of my writing. Specifically, the reflection on the effort, learning and mistakes made throughout a piece or pieces of writing.

In regards to the threshold concept on failure from the last reading, it is extremely important to remember that “failure is an opportunity for growth” (Carr 63). The second threshold concept that I really connected with focused on practice which is in turn connected with failure, because no matter how many times I fail at something I just need to keep practicing in order to get better. It is important to understand that “practice can refine technique …. With practice, we can create what seems otherwise out of reach or totally foreign, can compose a text - of words or of words and other elements - shaped by and in response to context” (Yancey 64). Practice doesn’t mean you will succeed but when you put in real effort, study your mistakes and strive to learn the chances of success are far higher.

In regards to the threshold concepts from the reading from this week, I really connected with a couple of the theories. Specifically, the Writing is an Expression of Embodied Cognition by Bazerman and Tinberg. Bazerman and Tinberg state that “If cognition assumes complex mental processes at work, then embodied cognition draws in addition upon the physical and affective aspects of the composing process” (Bazerman and Tinberg). I also particularly like the Metacognition Is Not Cognition theory by Howard Tinberg, in which Tinberg states “cognition refers to the acquisition and application of knowledge through complex mental processes” (Tinberg). All of the above concepts have a common tie to my past, specifically to my time as a lacrosse player, and the new concept theory I created.

ELM stands for Effort, Learning and Mistakes. Not only is this applicable to my development as a lacrosse player but is also applicable to my development as a writer, especially because I believe that in order to further develop one’s writing one must truly reflect on the decisions they made that lead to the effort, learning and mistakes they made in the writing in order to develop as a writer.

#writ1133du

Introduction:

The purpose of this primary research was to practice conducting primary research working collaboratively with a group to look at the different methods of transportation of students at the University of Denver. While analyzing the different methods of transportation of our fellow students, we chose to focus on the most common method as well as what other students thought of the different methods of transportation.

Methods:

Our approach to gaining primary research concerning the transport of DU community member’s around campus took the form of three different processes; a survey, an interview with a DU community member, and an observational period of data collection. For the observational research, our group strategically placed themselves in a position on campus to record the frequency of each category of transport, as well as the nature of the participants (for example, we viewed several individuals walking with a dog). Our groups observations took place from 10:50 a.m - 11:50 a.m on Thursday, April 20th, 2017 at the chair circle in front of the library (Latitude: 39.6771, Longitude: -104.96280). The participants for observation included anybody and everybody who traveled past, along, or across each group member's chosen segment of pathway, which were chosen to represent travel around campus (to and from the library, DU academic halls, DU student dormitories). We chose to keep track of additional characteristics, such as walking with a dog or being part of a prospective student tour group, as well as any other details deemed important by our group.

For the survey, we created three different questions on a google forms survey platform. These questions were as follows..

Which method of transportation do you MOSTLY use to get to/from class?

Which method of transportation do you PREFER to get to/from class?

Which method of transportation do you think is most common to get to/from class?

Our last method of primary research was the interview portion, and we interviewed a member of the DU Community, specifically a student at the University of Denver. This student is 19 year old male and is a Freshman at the University of Denver. This student grew up being driven to and from school until about fourth grade, where he started taking the bus. After this and during high school, once the student received his driver's license he started driving to and from school. Currently, this student mostly walks to and from classes at DU. This student believes that most students walk to and from class on the DU campus and the rest either bike, skateboard or use some other device. This student believes that the best method of transportation would be human powered, but understands the necessity for driving under different circumstances.

Results:

The percentage of people who believed walking was the most common way to get to class were right. Walking is the most utilized method of transportation to travel to and from classes at DU. This is significant because the percentage of people who believed walking was the most common method of transportation to class at DU, 83.1%, is the exact percentage of people who predominantly used walking as their method of transportation to and from class at DU, 83.1% according to our survey results. This statistical data is backed by our interviewee because he stated that “I would say a majority walk, while the rest use bikes and other half probably skateboard or some other device”. This same student also has the opinion of “I think all transportation that is powered by humans is the way to go. If you have to drive, then drive, but if not, grab a board and learn” which we believe can be reciprocated throughout a large portion of other students, since 80% of them preferred for a form of transportation that was not via car.

Discussion:

Throughout our primary research, we kept seeing and discussing three main themes: the reality of transportation, the perspectives of transportation, and the preferences of transportation. An extremely strong majority of students who responded to our google survey indicated that the method that they used most often to get to and from classes on the DU campus was by walking, which represents the theme of the reality of transportation. This is similarly reciprocated in the survey question that asks the students which method of transportation do they think is mostly used to get to and from classes on the DU campus, which is interesting because it was the exact same percentage and also represents the theme of the perspectives on different modes of transportation around campus. The third and final theme, the preferences of transportation, is represented in the survey of which the students who completed the survey indicated their preferences in methods to get to and from classes. From our interview, one student showed a preference that it would be more beneficial to focus on human related transportation rather than depending on a car, of which 80% of students agreed in the survey. This is similarly represented on other universities websites which focus on “Green Bikes” which is another method of human transportation rather than a car (Pomona College). This idea is similarly represented on the University of Denver’s website which states “minimizing traffic and pollution in and around campus” (University of Denver). These findings indicate that students and other members of the DU community would rather use methods of transportation to get to and from university buildings that are more ecologically friendly than other methods like a car, which are less ecologically friendly.

#writ1133du

Week 5: Research Journal

Date: Tuesday, April 25th

Time: 9:45 am

Location: Anderson Academic Commons

As I write this section of my research journal, I am sitting at a table in Anderson Academic Center library overlooking the outdoors, including a view of the mountains and a busy street. I think this scenery provides an interesting contrast which is also present in the different sections of my research on media coverage of solo female travelers. From my secondary research, media coverage of solo traveling is usually either complementary or disparaging. Since my last journal entry, I have been thinking a lot about my primary research options. Below, I have added to the questions I think I will be asking for the survey section of my primary research.

Are you interested in travel?

Yes

Other

Are you female?

Yes

Other

Would you consider traveling by yourself?

Yes

Other

Do you think mainstream media influences your view of solo travel?

Yes

Other

Do you think women should travel by themselves?

Yes

Other

Do you think women are safe to travel by themselves?

Yes

Other

Do you think social media influences your view of solo travel?

Yes

Other

I have also started composing some questions that I think I will ask during the interview section of my primary research. Below are some of the questions I have been thinking of.

What is your gender?

Have you traveled alone?

Which countries have you traveled to?

Which countries did you travel to alone?

Did you ever feel unsafe? If so, why? Give a brief example if possible.

What was your favorite part about traveling by yourself?

What was the most important thing you gained from traveling by yourself?

Do you feel you gained independence from traveling by yourself?

Would you recommend your experience to others?

#writ1133du

Week 4: Research Journal

Date: Sunday, April 16th, 2017

Time: 1:45 pm

Location: Dorm Room

As I write this research journal today, I find myself thinking on my previous experiences with different cultures. I find it extremely intriguing how different cultures interact and have developed over centuries to combine and create their own cultures that are still present in the world we live in today. On the topic of research, this week in my writing and research class we started practicing primary research in groups so that once we individually move onto conducting our own primary research for our specific research papers, we are prepared and understand the best ways to receive the results necessary. This has me thinking of the different types of primary research I could incorporate into my research to help me develop my research paper. I think I will use a variety of different types of primary research like a survey, observations, and an interview. For the survey I was thinking of asking some of the following questions:

Are you interested in travel?

Yes

Other

Are you female?

Yes

Other

Would you consider traveling by yourself?

Yes

Other

For the observations, I plan to observe and analyze different solo female travelers with a strong following on social media. Specifically, solo female travelers like the Blonde Abroad, Alex in Wanderland, and Anna Everywhere, including their social media accounts and blogs. As for the interview portion of preliminary research, Dr. KT has given me the contact information for a friend of hers that has done a lot of solo traveling around the world.

#writ1133du

Week 2: Research Journal

Date: Sunday, April 9th, 2017

Time: 10:59 am

Location: Jmac Beach

As I write this research journal to you today, I am sitting outside Johnson-McFarlane hall in a hammock with some of my friends while we are all working on homework for our various classes. I am starting to get really excited about my research paper and the topic of the solo female traveler. I have recently been accepted to an internship program in Madrid, Spain for six weeks over this summer break and I think I am going to accept the position!! This has made me reach out to a lot of some of my new friends that I have made that are studying abroad from Spain in the US at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Many of them are female, and have most likely traveled here by themselves as well as done other solo female traveling before this stage in their life. I think I may either interview some of them on their thoughts on the development of the solo female traveler, as well as the influence social media and mainstream media has on this development. But this decision will have to be made later on once we review different methods of primary research in my writing and research class with Dr. KT. On such a nice day, I have also been thinking about how different cultures influence the presence of solo traveling, specifically of females, in different areas of the world. Because of this, I think I will reach out to some of my friends that are native to different regions of the world, like Australia, Spain, France and the United States of America. More to come soon on primary research!

#writ1133du

Hey there! So our group decided to collect data on the different methods of transportation around the DU campus. Specifically, what types of transportation teachers, students and faculty used to commute around campus. Our many categories were split into four groups: walking, biking, skateboarding/longboarding and other. At this point in the primary research process, we have conducted our survey and observations. The below pictures depict the results.

#writ1133du

Something that I find helpful about writing is that you can always learn something new. My writing teacher once said “I have a freaking Phd in english and I still don’t know everything” which I believe is an accurate representation about how I feel about life. Back on the topic of writing and research, I recently discovered threshold concepts which are the core concepts in regards to writing that transforms the way in which a student views the disciplines which help students understand the disciplines better, allowing them the ability to continuously move forward in their learning and language abilities. After reading more about threshold concepts, I really connected with two specific concepts; one focusing on failure and one focusing on practice. In regards to the threshold concept on failure, I think this one would really hit home for everyone, but specifically me because I strive to be the best I can be in everything I can, and even though this is in terms of writing it can definitely apply to all different areas of life. But it is extremely important to remember that “failure is an opportunity for growth” (Carr 63). The second threshold concept that I really connected with focused on practice which is in turn connected with failure, because no matter how many times I fail at something I just need to keep practicing in order to get better. It is important to understand that “practice can refine technique …. With practice, we can create what seems otherwise out of reach or totally foreign, can compose a text - of words or of words and other elements - shaped by and in response to context” (Yancey 64). Practice doesn’t mean you will succeed but when you put in real effort, study your mistakes and strive to learn the chances of success are far higher. Both of these concepts actually have a common tie to my past, specifically to my time as a lacrosse player. I have been playing lacrosse since I was in second grade, and since that time my teams have always operated under one common saying: ELM. This acronym stands for Effort, Learning and Mistakes. Not only is this applicable to my development as a lacrosse player but is also applicable to my development as a writer, especially because my favorite threshold concepts focused on effort and mistakes which lead to learning and development as a writer and in general. I strive to continue to implement ELM and these threshold concepts both in my writing as well as the rest of my life.

#writ1133du

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