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.
When you look at the methods you suggested you would use for this class, are you actually following them? If so, are they working?
Honestly, I have not been doing a very good job at following the methods I had set for myself in the initial reflection. I have not kept up on being organized and honestly I’m a little disappointed in myself for falling so far behind.
How often have you been present in class? How focused on what is happening in class have you consistently been?
I cannot lie I’ve had to miss a few classes and its made me feel extremely guilty each and every time. When I do show up I honestly feel I’ve been focused on class, but I need to put in a better effort and try to better my time management skills.
How many hours a week do you typically spend on this class? When thinking about your progress in this class, do you feel it is enough?
I bit off a bit more than I could chew this semester and its becoming painfully clear that I haven’t been giving this class the required amount of time and work that it deserves.
We discussed the fact that this class was meant to help you practice a variety of skills useful to any future, not just oceanography. Which do you think you have had most practice with due to class?
I’ve always been a bit shy and felt uncomfortable in social interactions especially after the pandemic. I have really enjoyed interacting with my fellow classmates in this class as it helps me get over a lot of the anxiety associated with social interactions.
Now that you have had a chance to contemplate your focus, time, and performance in this class, is there anything that you are planning to change for the rest of the semester?
I plan to get into gear and quadruple my efforts, especially since I’ve fallen behind its incredibly important to work extra hard to ensure that not only I catch up to our current work, but also take the extra time outside of class