Jamal Murchison

Ms. Linda Hofmann

English 102
February 28, 2014

Mid-term Letter

Outside of Class
Going through the work I have done, I am not satisfied with it at all. My satisfaction is
based upon the amount of time I have invested. My schedule has been so busy that I have had to
rearrange my schedule to insure that all of my assignments receive the amount of attention that is
necessary. So, I would have to say that my first assignment (Introduction to Ms. Hofmann) and
my last assignment (Post-Library) were my best. The Introduction to Ms. Hofmann
established/started the semester off for me. Coming in I was prepared for a good semester. As
semester progressed, the work load increased. I also got busier. Early on in the semester, I
missed two days. Those two days also set me back. The snow days did as well. My last
assignment (Post-Library) was good as well. The work was better because I had come to the
realization that I really have to do better. The Working Knowledge assignment was also very
helpful in establishing a background for the Inquiry Project. All of my work needs to be revised
to insure that it is up to my standards due to my drop off.
At the moment, my in-class peer group consists of Regina Chen, Jessica Hailey, and
Basma Metwally. I am the only guy in the group. Its ok though. I think I represent the men well.
Overall the group is really culturally diverse. Regina is from China, Basma Metwally is Muslim,
and Jessica Hailey is Hebrew. That gives us a chance to give responses based on our
backgrounds. I find it quite enjoyable. As I stated earlier, I can give/offer the male perspective on
topics. I can also give comments as a Missionary Baptist. As it relates to the whole class, I prefer
to keep quiet and take everything in. Im more of an observer. I like to take the information in
and then act or give my opinion.
Inquiry Project Work
Time researching and gaining knowledge has prepared me for a commitment to my topic.
I am confident in the topic I have. Over the next week I will be researching to be sure that I my
topic is solid and has a sufficient amount of information. When researching, you wont find
every detail about a topic. The information you do gain should not sound like a report whenever
it is presented. Several of the questions asked about my topic have been similar: Where is
Tailored Education present? What countries are you most like to find it in? Are you comparing it
to something? Those are just a few, but they were very helpful. In the past, whenever I did
research, I just threw information at my audience. This paper I feel will raise questions and
awareness. As a risk, I could compare/research traditional education and tailored education. As a
result of presenting this information, it could possibly help to make changes in the education
system in the state or the country. Who knows? I really see that I cant just throw facts at the
readers. I want to get them engaged and thinking about the topic that I choose. I definitely dont
want to bore the reader, so Im thing of ways to keep them interested.
Thinking ahead
If there is anything I could ask, it would have to be: Is there ever any bad information in
research? To accompany that question I would ask: Has there ever been a limit on the amount of
research you can do? The last question I would like to ask: Is there a key to better research any
topic? /How can I become a better researcher? After break, it is my goal to attend every class. I
also plan to put more effort into my assignments. Before break I put a plan together so that I can
have better time management. One of the things I really want to do good on is my inquiry
project.