Please give as full an explanation as possible of your CURRENT knowledge of the ocean, its processes, and human impact on it.
As of now, I have a relatively basic understanding of the ocean, its processes, and the human impact on it. I’m aware of basic ocean ecosystems, as well as some basic ocean processes such as currents and how plate tectonics interact with the ocean. I’m aware that humans are overfishing and trashing the ocean, but that’s about it.
Below are the student learning outcomes for this class. How comfortable do you feel with those objectives at this point in time?
Explain the theory of plate tectonics and how it relates to the formation of undersea floor structures.
I’m aware of the theory of plate tectonics, but I don’t have a full understanding of how it relates to the formation of undersea floor structures.
Reconstruct the major circulation patterns of the dominant ocean circulation systems, atmospheric circulation systems, and analyze their interrelationships.
I’m relatively uninformed on major circulation patterns and would be unable to reconstruct them.
Describe the principles involved in the formation of tides and waves and evaluate their effects upon oceanic coastal processes.
I would be unable to describe the principles involved in the formation of tides and waves and their effects on coastal processes.
Summarize the major physical properties of the oceans and evaluate how they affect the marine life communities.
I think I could summarize a few physical properties of the ocean, but I’m not too knowledgeable, and wouldn’t be able to evaluate how they affect marine life communities.
What is your SMART goal for this class?
My smart goal for this class would be to attend every in-person meeting, stay up to date with my assignment due dates and deadlines, and not fall behind. Set aside the proper amount of time to ensure I can get all my work done.
If this were a graded class, what would your (realistic) goal be, based on your current life situation and expectations?
My realistic goal for this class if it was graded would be to receive an A or B, I think this is a reasonable and achievable goal, the hard part for me is just the time management aspect.
What are some specific steps/plans that you are taking to achieve your goals?
I plan to keep an organized planner with all my assignment due dates to ensure I keep up with the class and stay on top of things. Showing up to every in-person meeting would also greatly help me stay on top of my work.
As you know, there are some specific student learning outcomes that are expected for this class. What are some ways you can think of to assess your growth in this class? This obviously will take some creative thought...take your time.
A few ways I can think of to assess my growth in this class is to compare my reflections and the various stages of growth of my website. Aside from that, I think once we get learning it’ll be easy to look back and see just how ignorant I was of these particular processes.
What are your thoughts as we go into this semester regarding the idea of ungrading?
I think it's a very unique idea and I’m excited to give it a try, as I’ve never had a teacher with this philosophy before.
What are you looking forward to and what are you nervous about?
I’m looking forward to learning more about the class and I won’t lie I’m a little nervous of all the group interactions, but I think it’ll be a good experience.