One comment from Saturday particularly resonated with me, which was when Dr. Sokol suggested that the peer review process is circular with respect to better reading = better writing = better reading. While I have always considered myself to be quite comfortable with writing processes, I did not think to consider that reviewing the work of colleagues could better my own craft…and, in retrospect, it seems so obvious. In addition, the value of a rubric by which to measure writing effectiveness offers definite direction and clarity in both the reading/peer review and writing/construction of writing assignments.
I am quite defensive of my writing, and take criticism of my work fairly personal…perhaps because I am the son of an English teacher and received spoonfuls of proper writing technique along with my peas and carrots…something I have been able to work on and compartmentalize this semester. I look back to my first paper, just knowing I had little, at best, to improve upon…cue the ego bubble burst. Seven weeks later my style has completely transformed and I feel much more confident working within the confines of APA and all of its scholarly subtleties. Goal achieved.
