Projects

Welcome to the projects section of Pierce's Eportfolio, where I showcase my English assignments that demonstrate the effective application of the learning outcomes. My aim is to provide readers with a clear understanding of these outcomes through practical examples.

Multimodality

One of my most recent texts that I have experienced multimodality with has been in biology class. My professor utilized the ability to integrate videos into the chapter lesson as well as speech and writing. My professor used images and videos to try and help myself and my peers visualize the content that she was teaching. I think that incorporating different ways of displaying information helps the reader/viewer to get a better understanding of the topic and be able to visualize the larger picture easier. The idea of multimodality has the goal of creating an easier understanding of a topic and to have a positive effect on the learners experience. Some people are much better visual learners while others must read to comprehend information

Why?

I found this text to be important and  valuable towards my research as it illustrates the idea of multiples ways of writing. Everyone's brains work differently and a large step in improving everyone's education starts with adapting to people's learning strengths. For some, audible education is the most effective while others may need a quiet room to read over the text in hopes they understand the information better. I think this is really going to link back to my research on how discourse communities are a part of a resident assistants job because RAs use all forms of communication to relay information.

Discourse Communities

Discourse communities are one of the most important and influential components of writing. Over time many have delved into the idea of discourse communities trying and share information on the topic so writers can take advantage of discourse communities to improve their pieces and be more efficient in spreading information. Swales discuss the required 6 rules for discourse communities as follows " A discourse community has a broadly agreed set of common public goals. A discourse community has mechanisms of intercommunication A discourse community uses its participatory mechanisms primarily. A discourse community utilizes and hence possesses one or more genres in the communicative furtherance of its aims to provide information and feedback among its members.

Why?

This text is important to my research as it is an explanation of what discourse communities really are. The author talks about how discourse communities are used to create a safe commonplace among people with similar interests or goals. The author discusses the different variations of discourse communities and how information is spread within the community. Swales is known as one of the founders of the ideas of discourse communities and his article contains a lot of valuable information on the topic from an expert in the subject. Discourse communities create a sense of togetherness and family just as a Resident Assistant would try to replicate among their residents

Contributing Knowledge

This method took me right to the source of my research topic. I personally asked the resident assistant on my floor questions about how he is making our building a discourse community. I interviewed him one on one to ask all the questions I had for him. The time that I spent with him was valuable because he broke down the different types of discourse he was using as well as the additional activities he does to help create a community of people with similar goals and likes. My RA discussed how he puts flyers on the resident’s rooms when the information he has is important but not urgent whereas if he has urgent and important information, he will write it in the online group chat for the entire floor. He also discussed how he sets up events in hopes of creating community and bringing everyone together to socialize and share any ideas they have towards each other or the building. 

Why?

This source is very useful towards my research because it ties all my sources' different ideas together with a real life firsthand example. This source helped to answer my questions through example, I was able to see how he puts a flyer together, what information he makes sure to include and where he puts it for the right audience. I think this will be one of if not my most valuable source because I can return for more information if needed and I am constantly being exposed to ways he is utilizing discourse to spread information and create community. 

Incorporate learning outcomes

Explore how you can integrate learning outcomes into your own work. By understanding and applying these outcomes, you can enhance your projects and achieve better results. Get inspired and start today!