My advice in writing a scientific paper.

For anyone that has never written a paper and are in a situation that they have to write a scientific paper I would say research and more research. Factual research too. You should not just look for your thoughts on the subject; you have to keep your mind open. Prewriting is one of the best tools in writing a paper. You are able to gather your information and figure out what you should use. Use the outline to put what you want into paragraphs. Last and not least don’t give up. It may be that you did not gather enough research and need to look more into the subject. This is why the outline is good; you can see where you are at. Give yourself a set schedule during this process. Of course allowing time for further research if need be. Believe in yourself that you can do it.

How I feel now that it is almost done!

I am trying to feel confident about what I am doing with my paper. Revising has shown me many things to improve on. I want to write something that is great and worth a second read to someone however, I am pressed for time and this is getting to me. I said this in DB and I am going to say it again, you have to prepare and follow the steps. I think this is what is driving me to nervousness and uncertainty. I realize now the process is not a difficult thing to do. I really liked my choice topic and I think I could have written a great paper if I would have followed every step the way it should have been done. Next time I will remember this experience and I will put forth my best and stay focused.

Will this last?

I like being able to express my feelings on different things as I have been doing in my blog. I think I will continue with it after this course is complete. Blogging will help me release anxiety in the future. I will think of an idea and put it out there for whomever to read it. If I am lucky, I will get feedback. The internet is such a wonderful tool to use. The world has access to what you think and you can speak your mind, of course by the rules. I would not abuse this opportunity o communicate with millions of people from all over. Just think of the things you can gain from this experience. I think it is great for a shy person. :)

Peer review

I think that peer review is a good thing in the learning process of any subject. It gives you a different perspective of what you already have of something. This then opens your mind further for more ideas. When I am at work and I come across something new I try a seek out someone that knows about it and have them explain further. This is after I have formed my ideas so when I approach them I start by “this is what I know”. There are times I am way off form the truth and times I am right on it. I know this is not peer review from class but it gives you an idea of what I am trying to state. You can learn more from peer review if you open up and listen to another’s idea.


My mind tells me it is good to have peer review do but my feelings are scared to get hurt. I do not feel the nervousness too often but when I do it hits hard. I can say you just have to go for it. How can I expand what I know if I am not receptive to learning another way?