I do not yet have any solidified expectations for this class, but from skimming over the syllabus, I would say that learning more about grammar sounds like it could be interesting if the lesson is presented in a reasonably digestible manner. Grammar is a rule set, but that many people use it without even fully understanding how or why it works the way it does. Perhaps understanding and deconstructing how grammar works in English can be a useful tool in figuring out more about language in general.
I tend to overthink when writing, and that causes me stress when the writing also must be done under a time limit. High School gave me some training to do that, but I feel that my own anxieties regarding the topic have made me avoid writing independently. Looking back, I’ve come to the conclusion that said unwillingness has been hampering my continued growth as a writer. I think something as small as getting some general writing advise from time to time could help tremendously.
When it comes to time management, the calendar app on my computer can be used as a way to keep up with tasks and plan ahead. Besides the calendar app, using text documents for note-taking also helps with generally remembering lessons, and taking a couple of minutes after class to go over what the immediate concerns are seems like it could help sort out time management issues before they happen. By the end of the semester I want to maintain a good grade-point average, and I want to get better at writing. That last one’s a simple goal, but the simplicity of it does not take away from its importance. Writing ability is vital in academics success, so investing in my writing ability is the same as making an investment in my future.
I agree with you, learning grammar helps us learn more about the language in general. I hope you won’t get stressed anymore while writing after this class. I also use the calendar app from my phone to keep track of my assignments.
I can relate when it comes to overthinking while writing. Even writing my blog post, I wrote, deleted, and rewrote the same lines, just barely making the deadline. I don’t know if you’ve learned to manage the stress and anxieties when it comes to writing, but if you have, please do share some insight.
I never realized how helpful it is using the calendar app on my computer rather than my phone. I recently added my Zoom appointments to my calendar and that ten minute alert is SO helpful when I’m focused on completing an assignment between classes.
I hope you reach all your goals and have a successful semester!
I definitely relate to the overthinking during writing. Whenever I write an assignment, it ends up becoming a rant. Or a brain dump of everything I know on the subject. The biggest thing that helped me with that was using an outline, or dumping ideas before starting my essay or assignment. That helped a lot.
Hi Aiden,
Grammar, as I see it, is a toolbox that once you master, you can use to your own ends. Mastering the tools of the language give you power to express your nuanced thoughts with clarity and precision. I hope this semester gives you some additional confidence in that area.
The good news is that for the most part you won’t be writing within tight deadlines for this class—you’ll have at least a week generally to complete a piece of writing, and if we do some in-class writing, it will be low stakes, ungraded work.
I’m glad you have devised a plan for managing your time this semester. I encourage you to stick with it, and to add in rest and exercise periods so it isn’t all work all the time.