Final Reflection Blog

Two transformative learning experiences

First, I have a better understanding of social construction of gender values. Initially, I didn’t realize how we unconsciously formed typical impressions about what men and women should be like before. However, when I watched the video from Sharpe and Wade and the speech from Kilbourne, I finally discovered that those things we take for granted can be explained by those interpretations. Also, I am shocked by the fact that advertisements utilize sexuality and regard women as objects to attract more attention. Those phenomena strengthen my understanding of social perceptions on gender values.

Moreover, I learnt how to be a better communicator and reader. Specifically, I found that not only articles or books are readings for us to look through, but media, such as podcastS and films also serve as great reading sources. I develop the skill of acquiring knowledge from diverse kinds of sources. Additionally, I become more engaged in reading, especially when I start to ask questions during reading and make annotations on important points to help me better understand those materials.

Two problems & plans for future

There are also numerous problems I struggle with throughout the quarter, but time issues and writing issues contribute to the biggest obstacles. Firstly, I didn't arrange my time well, especially for doing writing assignments. It has been so many times that I didn’t start to do it until the last minute. Even though most of the time I submitted it on time, I failed to do so several times. It’s a behavior of procrastination and I am trying to overcome it. In particular, I am going to regard the due date before the actual deadline for future assignments and force myself to do it ahead. Also, the time issue contains the problem of spending too much time on certain assignments because I will spend a lot of time thinking about how to begin with the words and organize the writing, which reduces my studying efficiency. I attempt to set up a time limit to create a stressful environment for myself to do it more efficiently.

Furthermore, I have difficulties composing my essays or other explanatory writings. For example, it is difficult for me to express my thoughts in English sometimes. Otherwise, it may not be easy for the audience to understand my words. This is what I should improve my skill of English expression. Moreover, I am not good at making the essays coherent and focused. It often occurs that I distract my content from the main idea or the connection between sentences is not natural. It suggests that I should reflect more about my written essays and improve it through revision.