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Masters: RES500-Academic Research and Writing


Reflections of RES500: Academic Research and Writing

Rachael Riggs

National American University

RES500: Academic Writing and Research

Brooks, J

September 2020

Reflections of RES500: Academic Research and Writing

Looking back on the time I spent in the course Academic Research and Writing, I realize there are many things that I have learned and also many things that I have yet to learn. CLOs refer to the course learning outcome expected for each class. CLOs are the key concepts, skills, and knowledge expected to be gained by the course's end. This course has five specific CLOs, which include CLO1: Assess various information sources and their relevance to strategic security research. CLO2: Employ skills to identify potential risks and assess options for preventative, alternative, or deterrent actions for the topic assigned to your degree. CLO3: Illustrate critical thinking skills using APA formats and the ABCs of writing and research for your degree program. CLO4: Demonstrate civic responsibility and ethical use of other sources' ideas, thoughts, and words. CLO5: Communicate with accuracy, brevity, and clarity (ABCs) in an academic essay using scholarly methods. (NAU, 2020)

I have learned the importance of using scholarly approaches to find information and acquire sources for my papers. A reference is only as credible as its sources behind it. I learned the importance of writing with accuracy, clarity, and brevity and better understand why the ABCs of writing are essential. I gained further knowledge in adequately citing my sources and the correct way to present my paper using APA format. (American Psychological Association (APA), 2019) I learned how to use the national.edu library. I also learned which sources are most relevant to my degree and how to find these sources.

I learned through my writing process that sticking to critical points is necessary. I learned this from writing my paper too long and having complications minimizing my information in the essay. One of the things I learned is how to utilize the journal database and search terms to narrow down my search results. I became more familiar with Boolean modifiers as I regularly applied them to my search terms. During this course, I also learned some things about myself. I realized I needed to find a better way to manage my time and not let my home life disrupt my work life. One of the things I got right is finding great sources relevant to my degree. One necessary correction is formatting my APA paper correctly. I have learned that more practice in APA and its layout is beneficial to me.

This learning matters because a security study student needs to have accurate, correct, and applicable sources and understand the need to credit any sources responsibly and ethically. It is also essential to have the ability to present your information with accuracy, brevity, and clarity. It is also crucial for a security student to have advanced knowledge and skills in writing and research.

` What I have learned in this course has helped me better understand how to research correctly and the importance of writing professionally and dependably. I have learned ways to help me in other classes when I require articles or advice, and I now know where to find the information I need. I understand the importance of crediting my source's ideas, thoughts, and words. I have gained a deeper understanding of the entire research and writing process, which will help me throughout my college studies and career.

References

American Psychological Association (APA). (, 2019). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (Vol. 7th ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

NAU. (2020, September). Institutional and Master’s Program Learning Outcomes RES500. Retrieved from National American University: https://online.national.edu/d2l/le/content/64355/viewContent/3310716/View

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