class reflections

My knowledge of the ocean is limited, hence why I'm taking this class. All I know about about plate tectonics is that they directly affect the ocean floor when they shift causing the marina trench, for example. They can also collide and cause earthquakes. I have no knowledge in the circulation patterns or atmosphere circulation systems. I'm hoping to change that as the semester progresses. The only knowledge I have on tides and waves, is that high tides can erode cliffs and rocks and that the moons gravitational pull is what causes waves. Besides that, I don't know much about tides and waves. As for the physical properties of the ocean and its impact on marine life, I know our ocean contains the right salt content and temperature for the organisms to thrive. If us humans, were to change any of that it would be detrimental to the oceans population.

My goal for this class is to expand my knowledge in every aspect the ocean includes. I'll know I've completed this when I can talk about an ocean topic without extensive research beforehand. In order to reach this goal I have to dedicate a decent amount of time a week to complete all the needed assignments. As well as watch and read outside sources to better understand everything. I plan to accomplish my goal by the end of the semester. I would like to go into next semester prepared and with knowledge already embedded into my brain. If this were a graded class, a realistic goal grade-wise for my current situation, would be anything above a B-. The only way I can think of to assess my growth would have to be these initial, mid-term, and final report, as I'd be able to tell how much I've actually learned. Regarding the ungrading system, I like it. It relieves the fear of failure off my shoulders. I'm able to go into an assignment knowing if it's wrong, I'll only receive genuine feedback on how to better myself. Rather than just a big "F". It made me a bit nervous at first because I tended to procrastinate in the past, and not having a deadline or grades might make me slack off but in reality, it just motivated me even more. I'm excited to learn as much as I can while also building a respectful community between me and the students, as well as with my professor.

Abstract

Introduction/ background

I'm going to school to become a marine biologist. Oceanography is one of the classes i chose this semester. I've been only recently interested in marine biology. Although it's a new passion of mine, it's still a great passion of mine. I love to expand my knowledge on the world around.

Goals/objectives

• come to every class. 95% of the time

• Expand my knowledge on oceanography .

• Get my projects/ E-portfolio done on time and presentable.

• Work as a team when put into groups with classmates

Methods

Looking back on my goals in my intial reflection, I am learning and using outside resources to better understand everything. I think weekly, I put in 6 hours towards this class. Which isn't enough, I need to put this class at a higher priority like my other classes. I can see myself kind of falling behind and it's stressing me out a bit, but I have to set new rules and expectations for myself. I have not missed a single class and I do feel like I'm present in every class. I retain the information discussed in class. I have found that I am not that up-to-date with lecture videos and outside work, so I am a bit unprepared for the quizzes, which stresses me out. I need to change the level of importance I give this class, and give it more time and effort. I need to watch all the videos and do my own separate research.

(Preliminary) Results

I have made it to every class and have put effort into my E-portfolio.

Weaknesses

• Oceanography

• I don't give it enough time to study/work throughout the week

• I procrastinate the projects required for the SLOs

• I don't give this class the same importance as my other classes, so the lecture videos don't get watched

• I haven't put my entire effort

Strengths

• I am very creative and expressive with my E-portfolio/ projects

• I make it to every class and I participate in class discussions

• I work well when put into groups during class

• I'm very passionate about my goals and what I need to do in order to accomplish them.

(Preliminary) Conclusions

• Oceanography

• I think so far in the semester, I'm enjoying this class. It's interesting and quite informational. I think i need to put more effort into everything I do to really kick it off strong. I've also showed up to every class and tried to stay up-to-date. If I were to grade myself, I'd give myself a B. The effort is there but I can do better to bump it up to an A. Other than my own time management skills, I don't think there's any cons to the class!

Abstract

This semester was great! I really enjoyed the class and all the knowledge I was able to acquire. I accomplished all the goals I had in place for myself and had opportunities for great group discussions and projects. The professor was a wonderful instructor and kept me motivated! I've earned knowledge, teamwork, new friends, social skills, public speaking skills, and and overall excitement and deep interest for the ocean.

Introduction/background

I'm going to school to become a marine biologist. Oceanography is one of the classes i chose this semester. I've been only recently interested in marine biology. Although it's a new passion of mine, it's still a great passion of mine. I love to expand my knowledge on the world around

Goals/objectives

• come to every class. 95% of the time

• Expand my knowledge on oceanography .

• Get my projects/ E-portfolio done on time and presentable.

• Work as a team when put into groups with classmates

I believe I did meet all my goals and objectives that I had placed for myself.

Methods

Looking back at my mid-term reflection, I did follow through with putting in more time and research into the class and giving it more time and importance. I turned in a couple things late but I put all my effort into them and I believe the research I did paid off. I've learned quite lot and can retain all the information acquired. Towards the end, I was spending 8-10 hours a week on this class.

Conclusions/discussion

This semester has been full of many great things. Out of all the assignments, I only missed one. I made it to class every single time on time and I was present in the classroom. I interacted and retained a lot of information discussed in class! This class didn't only give me oceanography knowledge but it also helped me practice my teamwork and public speaking skills. One of the most astonishing things for me is reflecting back to my lack of knowledge on ocean topics in my initial reflection. I knew almost nothing at the start of the semester. Now looking at everything I've learned I can say, I know all the resources the ocean provides us and how our use of those resources impact the ocean and its marine life, I know how plate tectonics affect certain places of the ocean, such as the mid-Atlantic ridge and subduction zones like the Cascadia fault or the Marianas trench, I know how waves and tides function and how plate tectonics create tsunamis, and I know how our air and water circulates to keep our planet functioning. Most of all I've learned how important the ocean and its systems are for us. I, now, have more of an immense love for our ocean. My presentation on the Mariana's trench has to be my biggest accomplishment. It was my first presentation in years and the feedback from the professor and fellow students really made an impact. If I were to give myself a grade I'd give myself a B+ or A. I think Dr.Cooper would agree as well. I've put my all into my projects and I've interacted in the classroom. I also have learned a lot in all the topics. The knowledge I've learned, the public speaking opportunities, the teamwork practice, making new friends within the classroom have all impacted my life. Meeting such a laid back, understanding, wonderful professor like Dr.Cooper has also impacted my life. This was a wonderful class to take for my first semester here at VVC.