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Include thought process of essays?

9/11/2009 6:12:24 PM

eleanor

15 posts

Include thought process of essays?

Quote

Hi,

After a long summer of not enough studying, I'm finally making a start on my assignments. However, whilst typing up the learning journal with the answers to my thoughts on the units, another question came to mind. Should I be writing about the assignment writing process in the learning journal? For example, I've been re-reading the chapters on Epistles in Fee and Stuart to help with exegesis of 1 Corinthians. Should thoughts on this be included? Likewise, I've also been re-reading the unit notes and another book I found about Bible stuff.

My understanding of these learning journals are that they are meant to show the processes we are going through whilst studying. Since re-reading things and reading round the subject is part of that process, this led me to my current question.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Eleanor

11/10/2009 7:24:49 PM

KathyChapman

17 posts

Re: Include thought process of essays?

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Dear Eleanor,
I've been trying to write all my thoughts and study notes directly onto the computer, because I find it really difficult to copy handwritten notes and I can write quite quickly using the keyboard.

I've taken Creative Writing Courses for several years and we could only submit typewritten assignments. The spellchecker is handy too and extra bits can always be added later, or sentences erased. It's also much easier to keep track of files on the computer, than having pieces of paper everywhere.I'm a bit disorganised!

I'm finding that I have to keep going back and reading the books and notes again, because I'm noticing new things, which I'd not thought of before. I feel like the Access Course is going to keep me busy for quite a time!

I hope you are getting on well with your course and you enjoy the day at College.

Kathy

11/10/2009 8:46:32 PM

eleanor

15 posts

Re: Include thought process of essays?

Quote

Hi Kathy :D
For about half of the first module, I worked the way you do, direct onto the computor, but owing to having to juggle studying around children and work I've started working offline a lot of the time. Without the offline pdf files I don't think I'd have ever got through half as much as I have. It means I can even study whilst my youngest has a bath ;)

What I'm still unsure of (and will ask next month and let you know what they say) is whether to document the thinking process whilst writing the essays. My understanding of the learning journals is that they are meant to sort of reflect the discussion and thinking process that might be involved if one attended lectures. That being the case, maybe assignment thought processes need to be included?

Because of next month, my essays for module 1 have been on hold for some time. I need to get through as much of the Pastoral Theory and Practice module as I can now (and boy, could I share some stories of how God's carved out time for me to get that done this last few weeks!) ahead of December 4th. Given that that day will also have assignments attached to it, I can't see me getting back to module 1 until the New Year!

But this is all such fun! I loved school and seeing God help me get through this 'school' process has been so exciting.

Anyway, I digress!

Until the next time,
Eleanor

11/10/2009 10:35:42 PM

KathyChapman

17 posts

Re: Include thought process of essays?

Quote

Dear Eleanor,
Do you actually print out the pdf files, or do you just store them on the computer?

I took a course a couple of years ago, which involved printing out the course notes and the files grew enormously and were
quite weighty to carry around!

The course notes don't seem to have a printable version, like some on-line sites, where the information is made into fewer pages. I've already got lots of files for my work and storage is a problem! My laptop is nice and compact!

Thank you for responding Eleanor. It's good to share ideas and ways of working effeciently.

Kathy

11/11/2009 12:55:33 PM

eleanor

15 posts

Re: Include thought process of essays?

Quote

Hi Kathy,
I print them and store them in a large file. You're right, quite a lot of paper but I'm very fortunate that I use my dad's printer ;) I did play with printing back to back but have since stopped doing so as the extra space allows room to write my answers directly into the notes.

Having printed the entire module, I then staple it into units. Then when I'm studying with my son in the bathroom (for example!) I only take a small bundle of sheets with me instead of the whole file. I had a new phone for Christmas (yes, I know I'm several weeks early!) which has the bible on it so yesterday, I was to be found studying in the waiting area of our local fiat garage!! My husband had moaned at the prospect of waiting around for an hour or more. For me it was an ideal opportunity to study without so many distractions ;)

A couple of weeks ago I asked for prayer to help me get organised better so as to get more study time in. Hadn't expected an answer like that ;)

Have a good day,
Eleanor

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