Among the most evident findings that I have been able to derive from my own development as a writer is that refinement, rather than quality in a draft meant to be preliminary, enhances writing performance. In my previous experiences within educational environments, I considered writing to be a process which ought to come together quickly, such that when it did not, this represented a problem that called for correction. The current course establishes that quality writing is the result of a process that is characterized by a contemplation process that is realized in a sequence described by drafts, revision, and refinement.

The second major skill that I have been able to develop is that of writing with an audience in mind. Whereas before my writing has been centered on my own message, I am now becoming conscious of how that message is going to be received as well as what the audience needs in order to properly interpret my message, which is particularly important within research-based writing.

Additionally, I have learned to use sources more effectively. Now, I do not quote for the sake of submitting an assignment but also think of how I can use the sources to add depth, contrast, or support my claims. Doing source work efficiently, together with synthesizing the use of the sources within my discussion, has improved my claims because it has increased their coherence. For instance, when it comes to longer assignments such as literature reviews, they require synthesizing different sources.

Lastly, the process of reflecting itself brought numerous benefits. The need to reflect on my own decisions forced me to examine the reasons for organizing my text in a particular manner, as well as monitor my own thought process development throughout the writing process. Even though this assignment entailed a tremendous amount of learning, the most essential lesson that I acquired, as well as plan on applying for the remainder of my educational pursuits, is encompassed within the process of writing that includes planning, writing, revising, and reflecting.

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