further discussion?

I felt that the concept of general claims could be further discussed a little more. Since it’s such a broad topic, and the book and some sites involved in explaining general claims can only do so much, learning it on my own was a challenge. It took me a little longer to grasp the concept of using general claims, as well as identifying general claims, more than it did with the other concepts that we learned. It was probably because I based it more on what was said in the book rather than outside sources. The book didn’t do such a great job in explaining it. I felt that it was just going in circles with its explanations in that chapter. I was more confused than enlightened, that’s for sure. I think what got me to understand the concept more was reading other peoples’ entries on the subject. But I did have to wait until someone posted their entry on the concept before I wrote mine. X]

It’s funny. The one concept that got me confused is the one concept that I found the most fascinating.

favorite? least favorite? improvement?

My favorite thing about this class was that it was at a learn-at-your-own-pace basis. I’ve taken online classes before, and I felt that when I took that one I felt pressured to be on top of all lectures, then come into take a final every 3 weeks or so. This class, however, felt a lot more eased than the online class I took before. It’s probably because I enjoy writing more than I like being lectured on a subject.

My least favorite thing about this class would have to be the time limit that’s given for quizzes and exams, but more specifically the quizzes. I felt that 35 minutes isn’t enough. I like to take my time when it comes to answering questions, then be able to go back and check all my answers before submitting. I know a handful of people who like to do this as well, but if a time limit is given, it makes them feel a little too pressured to just finish, rather than do their best on a quiz or exam. Maybe DO have a time limit, BUT make it at least an hour and fifteen minutes for quizzes and exams. That’d help out a lot.

The only thing I would change to improve this class is the time limits on exams and quizzes, because of the reasons above. Overall, I enjoyed this class. It was definitely an experience blogging for a grade. haha :)

what i learned this semester is...

I learned a few things this semester while taking this class. Overall, I learned how to be more specific when it comes to coming up with arguments. Not only that, but to also be careful of giving fallacious arguments. These were two things that had the biggest impact on me this entire semester because it was something I’ve grown used to doing for all the years I’ve been writing (and talking too, I suppose). I like that fact that I will be able to call out people that use words such as, “a lot” and “all” in their statements though. I’ll be able to ask them, “So did you really mean every single one of them did it? Or are you simply saying ‘a lot’ because it’s easier to describe? If that’s the case, then did you know your claim is considered vague in an argumentative standpoint? No? Oh, well now you know.” I was so fascinated by this chapter about general claims because people unintentionally use “a lot” in their statements, but they don’t know it makes their statements/claims weaker and vague, rather than strong and straightforward.