Each semester, students enrolled in College Writing 151, Introduction to the Principles of Professional Writing, complete course evaluations on which they address their experiences in the course. The following comments are from the most recent students' final course evaluations available:
"This class helped me become more aware of my weaknesses and also gave me tools to strengthen them. I recommend this course to all the underclass students I know. Its teaching helped me understand how I could become a more effective writing. The group project also helped me realize my own strengths and weaknesses regarding my writing skills and working in a group environment."
"I start to question myself when I write after taking this class. I expect a higher quality of my work. I am already recommending the class to some of my friends who are interested in improving their writing skills. The class is a lot of work, but it's totally worth it."
"I learned a variety of writing elements and principles to guide my future writing. I learned how to better edit, read, and compose documents. All exercises were useful and helped highlight key writing concepts. This class teaches you a skill and puts it into practice. It is very useful for students transitioning from college to the working world. I particularly enjoyed the résumé and job sections."
"I am a more effective writing as a result of my work in this course. I am now aware of the importance of considering the audience I am targeting. I am also aware of the ways to properly structure documents. Students can learn a lot if they are willing to take criticism-understanding that it isn't personal (i.e., an attack) but a way to help them."
"I learned to write on a professional level. I realized in writing professionally and in my résumé I have made many mistakes, and the course helped me change that."
"Best course I've taken @ UCB as well as the most applicable/useful for the future. [Aspects most worthwhile include] the résumé and job application/cover letters in the job unit. [Aspects not worthwhile include] I'd say dealing with lazy group members, but I learned from that, too."
"Before this class, I wasn't even aware of the style principles. Now I know the impact you attitude, positive emphasis, wordiness, etc. can have on a document."
"I got more confident in writing memos and letters as well as always trying to keep in mind the writing strategies. The materials presented in the course were very useful for everyday communications and working in the project gave students a sense of real life writing."
"I heave learned how to be more concise and accurate when writing."
"I found the professional communication principles inspiring. I think everyone should learn these principles. The course has been a great help in starting my pathway to a successful career.
"I am more aware of knowing what my message is when writing, and the group projects shows people their communication skills."
I am now able to 1) apply writing techniques such as you attitude, active voice, positive emphasis, ext., 2) write in a professional business manner, and 3) write persuasive and informative messages. The only reason I didn't give this class a '7' out of seven on the overall evaluation is because it has too much work compared to other 3-unit classes."
"I have learned to pay attention to nuances in writing to get the right message across."
I find that my writing has improved, particularly in professional situations. For example, I feel more confident in writing letters and emails at work. Two thumbs way, way up! I would recommend the class, but I would also make sure students realized what they were in for. The course requires a lot of work that some people may not be willing to put into the class.