4. Research Aftermath

I just finished the longest assignment of the year: the 10 page research paper.

This was actually an assignment I was pretty excited about, but as I wrote it I gradually became less excited. Although it ended up being fairly challenging and stressful, I did learn a lot of things from doing this.

1. Research Strategies.

One research strategy that really worked and I was glad I did was the annotated bibliography. Through completing this assignment, I was able to organize all of my sources and it gave me a great place to start my research. After knowing what sources I was going to use, I felt that my argument had a specific direction it was going and then it became easier to create my thesis.

2. Goals for the next assignment.

I am a procrastinator. I procrastinate many assignments and it is my biggest downfall. This assignment was no different- I waited way too long to begin. I should have given myself a week to write it so that I would have been less stressed. So, for my next assignment, I want to work on getting things done early and not procrastinating so that I can have less stress in my life.

3. Highlights from my research.

Despite much controversy in my argument that music classes should be implemented in schools, I was pleasantly surprised to find that many people are starting to change their opinions on this topic. Though there was still many people opposed to this, there were many that were saying that it is a substantial part of school curriculum. It was definitely the highlight of my research to see that improvements are being made in this subject matter.


All in all, I am glad that this paper is done, but grateful for the experience in writing it and for the things I learned along the way.

3. Getting Ready For That Research Paper

Statement:

I am studying music integration in the elementary classroom because I want to find out the positive effects it has on an elementary student's learning in order to help my readers understand the necessity for this integration in the classroom.

Audience Statement:

My audience is against music integration in the classroom.

My audience is parents because they feel that music integration is not necessary and can be a distraction/waste of time for their children.

My audience values a great, enriching education for their children.

My audience most fears that their child will fail to succeed in their education.

Audience Counterarguments

1. Music integration is a distraction and does not help enrich my child's learning experience.
2. Music integration takes away valuable time that my child's teacher could otherwise use for a real education.

Enthymeme

What are the consequences of music integration on an elementary child's educational experience?

2. Serve in Your Home

As I snuggled into my couch on Saturday morning, attentively listening to General Conference, I was really touched by all of the speakers. However, one speaker's words in particular really stuck with me. "Begin service in your own home and within your own families."

When she said these words, I realized how important this aspect of service is and how often it is overlooked. She went on to describe that many young adults are so focused on how they can change the world in big ways, but what they don't realize is that the most powerful way to change the world is in their own home. This is so true, as our families are a sacred unit that can help us to learn and to grow. If we show love towards those in our homes and serve them when possible, we are likely to show love to those around us in the world and serve them as well. That is why this is the most powerful way we can serve.

Sister Oscarson's talk really struck me and motivated me to list some ways that I can serve my family (aka my husband). . .

1. Make an effort to not complain when he leaves the kitchen a mess and help him to clean it instead.

2. Show my love by leaving nice notes for him and doing one little act of service for him each day (like packing him a treat in his lunch).


All in all, Sister Oscarson's talk really had an impact on me and really encouraged me to want to serve my husband (family) whenever I can. Though there are only two items on my list so far, I know that, by starting with these small acts of service, I can make a big difference in my family and in our marriage.