Blog 10

 Pick a course objective and explain what it means to me

One of the course objectives that stands out to me is: “Manage sophisticated writing and research projects, planning, documenting, completing, and assessing work on time and within the constraints of the project. To achieve this outcome, you will practice time management and organization during individual and collaborative assignments throughout the semester.” I interpret this objective as not only a guide for becoming a more skilled writer and researcher but also as a way to develop strong project management habits that are useful both inside and outside the classroom.

This objective highlights the importance of being deliberate and strategic in our academic work. Writing a research paper or completing a large project isn’t just about putting words on a page; it’s about planning ahead, breaking the work into manageable steps, and adjusting when challenges arise. It also requires documenting sources carefully and assessing our own progress to ensure we’re staying on track. I see this as a chance to develop real-world skills like time management, organization, and accountability—skills that are valuable no matter what career path I choose.

To feel like I’ve truly met this goal, I expect to improve my ability to work steadily over time rather than procrastinate. I want to be able to plan a project from start to finish, setting deadlines for myself and sticking to them. I also hope to become more confident in managing multiple sources of information, whether I’m summarizing an article or integrating quotes into my writing. It’s not just about finishing assignments—it's about finishing them with a sense of control and purpose.

I also expect to learn how to assess my own work in a more structured way. That might mean checking my writing for clarity and organization, or using rubrics and feedback to revise and strengthen a draft. Collaborative assignments will give me the chance to practice these skills with others, which adds another layer of planning and communication. In those settings, I’ll need to coordinate with my peers, divide responsibilities fairly, and meet shared deadlines.

Overall, this objective is about much more than writing better papers—it’s about becoming a more effective student and thinker. By the end of the semester, I hope I’ll be able to look back at my work and see not just the finished products, but also the thoughtful process that led to them. If I can manage my time well, stay organized, and reflect honestly on what I’ve produced, I’ll know that I’ve met this goal.