RESEARCH ESSAY PROMPT :
In this course, what have you learned about yourself as a learner? What atomic academic habit are you working to build? How is (and will) this atomic habit help you be a more effective student as you continue on your academic journey?
Purpose / Background Information
This semester, we have dispelled many myths about learning and writing in our quest to explore our class’s driving question: “how do I become a more effective community college student”? Now, as we move into this last section of the semester, we have been working to define the “atomic habits–a regular practice or routine that is not only small and easy to do, but also the source of incredible power; a component of the system of compound growth” (Clear 27). We are working on identifying one atomic academic habit that can help us become more effective students.
Breakdown of the assignment: As I approach this assignment, I must write an essay that delves into my OWN personal learning experience in this course AND WRITE THIS ESSAY IN 1ST PERSON USING UTILIZING MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCES.
The essay should answer three questions that relate to my own learning experience:
(1) What have I learned about myself as a learner in this course?
(2) What atomic academic habit am I currently working to build?
(3) How is this atomic habit helping me become a more effective student as I continue my academic journey?
In order to meet the requirements of this essay, I will need to produce a 7-9 page paper that follows the academic process analysis essay framework. To support my arguments and analysis, I must use a minimum of 6-8 sources, with at least 4 of these sources coming from library databases. As Atomic Habits is relevant to the topic of atomic academic habits, I will use it to contextualize my essay. Finally, I must ensure that my essay is polished and formatted in MLA style.
To help me break down the research assignment into manageable chunks, there are several small research and writing assignments due before the final draft:
Draft with at least 4 body paragraphs and the counterargument/concession paragraph due in Module 15
Best draft due in Module 16 by the assigned due date, which is May 21.
As per the rubric for Essay 4, the essay should be written in MLA format and follow the academic essay framework. The essay should have an introduction with a thesis that responds explicitly to the prompt, defines key terms, and engages the reader. The body of the essay should consist of at least five logically and cohesively structured paragraphs that support the thesis. Each paragraph should follow the point/illustration/explanation (PIE) structure and include textual evidence from sources, class readings, and personal experience. In-text citations should follow the MLA 9th edition guidelines.
The essay should also have a logical counterargument or concession paragraph that acknowledges a key point that others might disagree with. The conclusion should reinforce the essay/thesis and offer insights on how the academic habit will help moving forward. Additionally, the essay should have a Works Cited page that includes all sources cited in text and follows the MLA 9th edition for formatting. The essay will be graded out of 150 points, and style and requirements will be the main criteria for evaluation.