Unit 9 Discussion: Most Beneficial Resources

[randyturpin]

Which of the articles, presentations, or resources in Unit 9 has benefited you the most? Why?

[Pastor Dean]

I am a visual learner so the power point presentations were very helpful breaking each section of the research paper down. Also, Dr. Northcutt's presentation of the development of the thesis statement. It has been very helpful to review the process since it has been a while since I wrote a research paper. To say least I am very imtimidated about the whole thing. This has kept me from working on graduate level work at seminary. These resources while be very helpful in the process over all, especially the review once again of Turabian style research. I know if I can master this research presentation style and find a way to proof my work for grammatical errors then I feel like I can succeed at seminary.

[SunnyE]

The article entitled "A Papers" was the most beneficial to me.  It specifically dealt with theological papers.  Also, it seemed more comprehensive, covering everything from grammar and language used in formal writing to choosing a topic, doing research, and documenting sources.  I also liked how the author included examples of what NOT to do, in addition to examples of what to do.  

I like visual representations of how it should look when you're finished, so on the Owl Online writing lab I used their internal search engine to find sample papers.  I am sure I will refer back to that!

I thought this discussion forum might be a good opportunity to ask a question to some of my classmates who are more experienced with writing with Turabian than I am. Do you divide your paper into chapters only when it is a Master's thesis, or even when it is a 12-15 page term paper?  Or does it depend on the professor, meaning I should ask every time?

Thanks for your help!

Sabrina

[SunnyE]

I agree with you, I think writing research papers will be key to being successful.  I have never written a paper in the Turabian format or a theological paper, so I also have learning curve!  I am glad there are resources to help us out!

[Emily Hall]

Pastor Dean,

It helps me if I break writing the research paper down into sections, especially when the syllabus states to write a 15-20 page paper.  I just take it point by point.  Don't be imtimidated, you can do it.  Have confidence in yourself and your work.  

Emily

[Emily Hall]

Sabrina,

I don't have a clue about the chapter question.  I haven't divided any of my papers in chapters thus far and I have gotten good grades.  So maybe you should ask your professor what he/she prefers.  

[Emily Hall]

I enjoyed reading all of the resources.  I feel that each one of them hit on a different topic or at least explained it in a different way.  However, if I had to choose I think the power points were the most helpful to me.   Instead of having to navigate through a website or read a long paper, they just listed the most important points that one needs to know when writing a paper.  By reading all of these sources combined, I feel more confident in starting the writing process.

[Pastor Dean]

Thanks! I will put that to use.

Pastor Dean

[Pastor Dean]

SunnyE,

Maybe  we can get our professors to grade our papers on a bell curve. This would help out don't you think?

Pastor Dean

[Rob Baker]

Two resources that I reviewed for the Unit 9 assignments were particularly helpful to me. First, I enjoyed browsing through the OWL website and reviewing the many PowerPoint examples that are available there. The sheer volume of information will provide excellent guidance throughout the seminary experience. Setting a bookmark for this page would be beneficial to any student so that it can be easily accessed when questions arise. Secondly, I enjoyed reading the article by Michael Gilmour entitled, What Do I Have to do to Get and “A” on this Paper? His elaborations on the restrictions of using the first person were very helpful to me. Without a doubt, this is a shortcoming in my writing! The instruction on the use of colloquialisms was also very beneficial, although I generally am not guilty of using them. His method of highlighting his own mistakes in writing the article was interesting and focused my attention directly on the part of the paper he was referencing. This has been a very informative week that I believe will pay dividends as through the educational process.

[Rob Baker]

I didn't choose Dr. Northcutt's presentation as one of the most helpful for me personally. However, I agree that the information was extremely informative and will, no doubt be referred many times. Thank you for reminding me of its benefits!

[Rob Baker]

We chose the same articles to comment on! I wonder if we have similar learning styles? It would be interesting to know if our learning styles are the same, or whether we just have good taste in writing!

[Kingdom Man]

Brother Rob, I appreciated your input on what part of this process was of great benifit to you. The things you shared assisted me as well.
God bless,
Bill Claypoole ( Kingdom Man )

[Chadrick]

I really enjoyed the article entitled "What Do I Have To Do To Get An “A” On This Paper". It was the most beneficial to me because it dealt specifically with theological writing.  Also, it seemed more comprehensive, covering everything from grammar and language to topics and etc. I also liked how the author included examples of what NOT to do, in addition to examples of what to do. Also the article “The Five-hundred Word Theme” was also helpful as it seemed to simplify how to do correct transitioning.

Also, I hope others took the time to browse the web-sites…they too were very helpful.
I intend on revisiting them often!

[Chadrick]

Emily,
I agree...the power point site was very helpful...and the Good Lord knows we have had plenty to READ! lol

[SunnyE]

(Ha ha.)  Maybe both!

[SunnyE]

Maybe that's an idea!

[SunnyE]

Thanks for answering!  That's really helpful.  :-)

[Rhonda Kinches]

All of the readings and web links will be great tools for accomplishing our writing assignments during the seminary journey.  I especially enjoyed Dr. Northcutt’s “The Five-Hundred Word Theme” because it reminded me of the many graphical presentations used in the business world.  Most companies today are using “Lean Tools” to improve efficiency and eliminate loss.  As a part time student and full time employee, I am continually looking for ways to get the most out of time.  Dr. Northcutt’s tool has a visual work process flow, it was easy to follow, concise, to the point, and all on one page for easy display and reference.  I will be handwriting in additional notes from the other assignments and future learning and feel certain this one page will be used time and time again

[Rhonda Kinches]

Pastor Dean,
I had already posted my discussion and then saw that we both enjoyed Dr. Northcutt's flow chart.  I too am intimidated by the expectations of our required papers but agree with the writer's comments that at the end of the process we'll be improved in someways.  Hopefully, in ways that expand the terrority in which God can use us.