My experience of History 300 has presented me with a new and very different appreciation of the study of history. In saying this I must acknowledge the overwhelming feelings I experienced at times with my research and class work. This has brought a greater appreciation in me for those who study and research history. With this being said I must say that my experience in this class, although sometimes overwhelming, was very enjoyable and I got a great deal out of my research in studying disabled individuals. I have also identified some areas that must be identified and improved as I move closer to a professional career as a teacher.
In looking at my commitment to the course there are a few areas where I believe improvement could have been made. My class attendance was generally good but I did miss two classes which, because the class only met once a week, put me behind. Along the same lines I did find myself falling behind the assigned readings at the beginning of the semester, with completion of the reading and assignments coming after the assigned date of completion. I did however devote a proper amount of time to study and research within this class. At times I would have to say that I was a bit inconsistent in my research putting research off at times.
I found the classes very informative and interesting. It was especially constructive being able to hear one anothers topics and make suggestions to help in others research. I must say it was extremely helpful receiving the advice of my fellow classmates and being able to see their progress in their papers. I thought my participation during these sessions to be strong.
I believe I also made steps in improving the way I attacked writing papers. This paper needed to have more organization then any other paper then I have ever attempted. With all the research gathered I needed to develop better methods of organizing my material and the result of that was better organization in my thoughts that are expressed in the paper. When first attempting the writing of my paper I tried to jump in head first and it proved to be very difficult but once I slowed down and began to organize my thoughts and materials I found the paper had better flow.
Overall I found this class to be very helpful in my advancement as a student and my future as a teacher. I realize I must improve with elements of my professionalism (timeliness) and with skills in organization. Although I believe I have performed satisfactory in this course I must admit that I could have done more to fully reach my potential in this class. Even with this being said the experience was very enjoyable.
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