MEMO

To:
From:
CC:
Date:
Re:

I am writing this memo to reflect on my progress in achieving the course learning outcomes and overall course
experience.

Course Learning Outcomes

With the help of group in-class assignments, I learned to analyze the context, audience, and purpose of a
communication situation to deliver messages. I understood the importance of active listening skills which was
a new topic for me. Writing assignments including job advertisements, staffing announcements, written
warnings, etc. helped in understanding the communication process. I learned to organize and design
documents using various templates provided for assignments. The class and textbook taught me when and
how to use headings, paragraphs, and lists. With the help of Joanna's course materials and Grammarly, I
learned to write error-free sentences with no grammar mistakes. Clear and effective written communication
skills are necessary in the business world and I learned them through this course.

Completing assignments and course learnings instructed me on how to use research and documentation skills.
Assignments taught the use of appropriate style and tone choices for building a brand voice. Class activities
helped in the use of rhetorical strategies for persuasive message writing. Reading materials and assignments
helped to learn and use inclusive languages. In-class activities and communication through visual assignments
helped in the effective delivery of the presentation. Presentation plays an important role in the business
environment and I realized that with the help of this course. Through the assignments and class lectures, I
realized the importance of plain-style writing. All these learnings will be helpful for my future HR career.

My Progress
 Goal 1 - Learn to cite resources properly
 Goal 2 - Focus on grammar and spelling
 Goal 3 – Learn to analyze assignments and class works

When I finished my academic integrity course, I realized the importance of citing. To help me achieve my goal
of learning to cite, I used the KPU online library website. In every class, Professor taught proper citation
methods, and class activities helped to learn citation. I frequently reviewed the citation videos and materials in
the HRMT language development program and the KPU library to recollect the learnings. KPU library
introduced citation generators such as BibMe and Citation Machine, which I always used to check my citation
skills. I learned to cite properly by doing all of these activities. I am planning to continue this method for my
next semesters. I will continue using library resources to learn citing images and paragraphs which I am not
good at by the end of next semester.

In the first month, instead of my 20-word goal, I learned 10 new business-related words, and I failed to meet
my goal. So, beginning next semester, I will learn 5 business words each month to expand my vocabulary. I
used WriteAway to help me with two assignments and I got good marks. I was unable to complete a course
that I had planned to take. So, my new strategy is to finish that course in the next semester by managing my
time. I always used Grammarly and auto-correction tools to help me improve my spelling and grammar. I was
unable to attend any of Joanna's classes, so I am planning to schedule a meeting for next month to learn more
about effective writing skills. By finishing this, I will be able to complete my goal by the end of the next term.

Before beginning to write the assignments, I always read the guidelines and rubrics. When I had a doubt, I
clarified it by contacting my professor and classmates. I didn't have much time to revise some assignments, so
I'm planning to manage my time next semester. I always reread assignments to ensure that I understand them
and that I didn't miss anything while writing. Analyzing rubrics and guidelines helped me focus on the content,
so I am planning to use the same strategy next semester. By effectively managing time and starting
assignments on time, I will not have any difficulties completing assignments in the coming semester.

Overall Course Reflection

The three most valuable things that I learned from this course include:

 Plain style language writing

 APA citation
 Organizing documents

I understood the importance of plain style writing in a business context. In all the assignments I tried to follow
this simple style. Learning to cite a source properly helped me to identify plagiarism as unethical. Paraphrasing
and citing became easier after understanding APA citation methods. In the business world, organized
documents are needed. With proper formats, I learned to organize documents such as business letters,
emails, memos, etc.

I was very scared to speak in front of others in English. But in this class, I got several opportunities to
communicate with classmates. Group activities helped me to overcome my fear and I became confident while
speaking. I tried to connect with some of my classmates even after the class and that also helped to improve
my communication skills. I wish I had completed some of my assignments earlier to get enough time to revise
the work. My assignments would have been better in that case.

I participated in all in-class group activities and contributed my ideas to the activities. I missed two classes
partially and couldn’t participate in activities on that day. I tried to share my ideas in class and I believe I was a
good listener. For me, it was a good experience because the classes were interactive. The blended format was
helpful because I find it hard to come to class every week. The number of assignments could have been
increased because each assignment carries more marks. Sometimes providing examples of assignments will be
easier. This method can be used to help students.

Thank you for this wonderful learning experience and your guidance throughout the semester.