February 6, 2011
- What have you learned and/or re-learned in the last 4 weeks of our sessions? (Specifically identify the concepts, principles, and skills in public speaking that you have learned and/or re-learned). (15 Points)
a. The reflection covers well all the concepts, principles, skills discussed in the last 4 weeks.
b. The response is written logically and clearly and free of grammar and spelling errors.
c. The concepts learned and/or re-learned manifest in the student’s performance during class discussions and learning activities?
Early on tin the semester an overview of the course was established. It gave an idea of what the course will be like. It also gave an idea of what would be required of us throughout the semester.
Another thing we learned was a to choose a speech topic. It helps to recognize likes and dislikes. By identifying personal morals the speech topic can then be based off of that.
Making speech outlines is a good way to organize information. It is a good way to collect thoughts and become more familiar with the topic. It is ideal to work toward the mastery of the topic before presenting.
Engaging in the learning process is the best way understand new material. It is a requirement of the class to participate. The activities are fun and very educational.
Watching experienced speakers and other students is beneficial. It allows the observers to recognize the good along with recognizing the mistakes. Everything including, body language, tone, topics, and much more teaches something.
Citing sources is another topic that we covered in class. We learned how to mention the source within the material to give validation to our information. The proper way to cite a source at the end of the presentation was also introduced. It is important to give credit to others where is it due.
Not taking credit for others work is included in ethics; plagiarism is not acceptable. Ethics also includes avoiding ethnocentrism and egocentrism. Egocentrism is using I and me. It is also important stay away from racism.
2. Have your learning techniques, time management, and learning attitude been effective in this course? If yes, why do you say so? If not, why do you think so? (5 points)
Please, note how you will be graded:
a. The response is written logically and clearly and free of grammar and spelling errors.
b. The response reflects the student’s behavior, communication attitude and accomplishments in the last 4 weeks.
The learning techniques are very effective. The engagement in class is very helpful. Sometimes it is slightly uncomfortable to participate and speak in class, but to learn it is necessary to be pushed out of my comfort zone. If I am always comfortable in a situation then I will never grow as a speaker.
Time management has not been a problem in the class so far. I accredit that to the organization of the class. If I am ever unsure of the assignment I could easily refer to angel. The course calendar and layout of the assignments presents everything in a straightforward manner.
I am trying to keep a positive attitude. Even though I am not the most confident speaker, I am trying to improve with each assignment. The homework helps to prepare us for speaking in class. I spend a lot of time on the assignments and I hope that that reflects.
3. Are your instructor’s teaching style and approach, as well design of learning lessons and learning activities effective and able to help you learn and/or relearn things in speech communication? WHY do you think or say so? (5 points)
Please, note how you will be graded:
a. The response is written logically and clearly and free of grammar and spelling errors.
b. The response should help the student in deciding for a late drop.
I think that the most valuable thing that I am learning in class is to open up. The teaching style requires students to be involved. I get extremely nervous when I have to speak in front of the class. In the interpretive speech, and the narrative I found myself stuttering and feeling very anxious while speaking. I feel myself rushing to finish and then realizing after I am done that there was more I could have added. I am trying to stop letting my nerves get the best of me.
The learning activities are very effective. It was very helpful to start out reading something that I did not write. The design of the learning lesson gives many opportunities to face my fear through the activities. It is impossible to communicate with the class or any other group of people if I cannot stand in front of them and speak.