1101 Journal Topics

J. W. Morgan

Composition 1

Journal Topics

Double space your entries. For each submission, type your name, class, and the journal # in the upper left corner of your paper. Each entry must be a paragraph with a minimum of 10 typed lines, using a 10 or 11 point font. The graded entries become part of your portfolio.

Introduce yourself to me. Included in your entry, tell me how long it has been since you have taken an English course, what you do for a living, what you hope/expect from this class, and any other information you think I might find interesting.

2. Oftentimes our success in a given endeavor depends on our having a concrete goal that we are trying to achieve. Specifically, what is your concrete, long-range goal (3-5+ years from now) for attending college? Why is this particular goal important to you? What sacrifices might you have to make to achieve your long-range goal? What habits might you have to change if you are going to be successful?

3. Long-range goals are more easily achieved if we break down the process with some realistic shorter-range goals. What is your specific goal for this class? Include a statement indicating what grade you plan to earn in this class. Is the grade you hope to earn realistic (hint—think about the grades you have made in this subject in the past). How is this class important to your long-range goal indicated in #2? What sacrifices might you have to make to achieve your goal in this class? Are you willing to make them?

4. Restate your short-range goal for this class. Describe one observable action (someone has to be able to see you do it) that you will take to achieve your goal. Write your observable action down as a resolution: “In Comp 1, I resolve to . . . . . so that I may achieve my short range goal of . . . . “ The more specific and detailed you are in describing your action, the more likely you are of achieving your goal. This entry will NOT be 10 lines long.

5. List someone you know personally whom you admire. Why do you admire this person? What traits does he/she have that you would like to emulate? Why are these traits important to you?

6. Evaluate your performance on Exam 1. Based on your grade, are you on track for your goal for this course? If you are, what concrete, observable actions did you take to achieve your success? If you are not fulfilling your goal, what concrete, observable actions should you avoid and incorporate into your daily routine as you prepare for our next exam?

7. Evaluate your performance on the Examples Essay. Based on your grade, are you on track for your goal for this course? If you are, what concrete, observable actions did you take to achieve your success? If you are not fulfilling your goal, what concrete, observable actions should you avoid and incorporate into your daily routine as you prepare for our next exam?

8. We will be writing our first in-class essay this week. How will you prepare for the assignment (identify concrete, observable actions)? What techniques might you use to lessen any anxiety you might have as you approach this assignment? What to you see as your biggest challenge in this assignment?

9. We are now past the midterm point in the class. Re-read Journal 2&3. How are you doing in terms of staying on track for both your long-range and short-range goals? If you are off track how did you get there (concrete, observable actions)? How might you recover (concrete, observable actions)? If you have stayed on track, how have you done so (concrete, observable actions)?

10. Create a plan for success for the remainder of the semester. Based on your response to Journal 9, create an action plan that will carry you through to the end of the semester. Decide on at least 2 concrete, observable actions that you will employ, and write a statement such as ATo complete the semester successfully, and to remain on track for my long and short-term goals, I will . . . . . This entry will NOT be 10 lines long.

11. Looking forward to next semester, what goals do you have relating to school (identify at least 2)? What goals do you have in other areas of your life (identify at least 2)? Do these goals relate to the long-term goal you identified in Journal 2? How? Has your long-term goal changed? Why?