Q This discussion area is for students pursuing Senior Capstone Project Option 1, the Research Report. (Check with your instructor before you begin working here as membership in this group may be assigned.) If you are working on an Option 1 project as your final Senior Capstone Project, please post an complete draft HERE for peer review by your classmates. Post it by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, Week 7 (note date). At the same time, upload a copy to Assignments for your instructor to review. Then, post your formal Peer Review Memos for at least two of your colleague’s Option 1 projects by Saturday, Week 7 (note date). At the same time, upload copies of your peer reviews to Assignments for your instructor to review. Continue your discussions through the end of the week. If two projects have not been posted here for your timely peer review by Wednesday, Week 7, please enter another of the peer review groups and complete a memo on one or two of those options as necessary to meet the requirements of this assignment. Please try to pick projects in the other groups that have not been reviewed yet. Your peer reviews should be thoughtful and substantial. I will visit each study group and evaluate your peer reviews to ensure they meet requirements. If they do not, you will be expected to revise your peer reviews. POSTING PROJECT DRAFTS In order to post your draft: • Use the Start a New Thread button below to create a new topic here. Title your topic post appropriately to create your own discussion forum, i.e., "Research Report ~ Smith" or "Option 1: Smith" • Post your draft inside the message box, as a link or as attachment as warranted by its type. • Orient the class to your project with an introductory statement in the post that explains the option, type of project you pursued and your process. • Be sure to provide at least three discussion questions for your colleagues to answer in response to your draft. See the Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Graded Interim Assignments in our Senior Capstone Project Toolkit for help with this. • Facilitate the discussion on your draft through Sunday, Week 7. RESPONDING TO DRAFT PROJECTS For each draft that you review, complete the following: 1. Review the assignment that the student has undertaken. 2. Review the draft closely. Take note of your colleague’s purpose and target If you have questions for the writer, post them here. 3. Write a MEMO to your colleague that addresses the concerns outlined in the template below (as well as anything else that you think is relevant.) In your memo, use language that is precise and professional (that is, it must not be too casual). Your goal is to tell the writer what you saw as the strengths and challenges of his/her Senior Capstone Project as explained in the draft. Make your comments specific and constructive. This is the required memo format: TO: Student’s Name FROM: Your Name DATE: SUBJECT: Review of <Insert Project Option #> , <Insert Draft Project’s Title Here> General Comments: In your General Comments section of the memo, answer the basic question of how well the draft suggests the Senior Capstone Project addresses the requirements of the assignment for its author’s target audience. List and explain at least 3 specific ways that the draft appears to suggest the Senior Capstone Project will do a good job of meeting requirements for its audience. Then address the following: Purpose: What is the project author’s purpose? It should be clear. How well does the writer achieve his/her purpose? Organization: Does the draft suggest that the organization of the project will be logical and appropriate for this audience? If the writer is making a persuasive argument, does he/she present arguments as well as counter-arguments? Style/Language: Does the style and the language appear like it will be appropriate for its planned audience? Form/Format: Does the draft suggest that this project will be following an organization that is suitable for its type of deliverable and audience? Does the author use headings and sub-headings effectively? Bullets? Tables? Visuals (even a speech could use those)? Confusing Things about Document: In as much detail as you can, list the things that the writer should clarify, define, or re-organize for his/her audience. Suggestions for Revision: Make a bulleted list of other research, resource, and writing suggestions for the author to pursue during final project revisions. For more guidance on creating effective peer reviews, see the Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Graded Interim Assignments. You will be assessed for both how well you execute your Peer Review Memos and for the frequency and helpfulness of your participation in this discussion. Remember, COMM 495: Senior Seminar in Communication Studies is designed to prepare you for the next steps in your professional life. Being a good colleague, sharing information, working collaboratively, presenting information effectively, and managing large projects are among tasks you will find yourself doing in your future work.