Composition Class Portfolio Workshop II: Drafting the Cover Letter

Reminder: What is the portfolio? Pay attention to the requirements in your specific class! The portfolio is an evidence-based argument regarding your fulfillment of the course outcomes Every part of the portfolio sh0uld be designed to help you prove to your audience (your writing instructor) that you have done an outstanding job fulfilling the four outcomes

Reminder: What is in the portfolio? Pay attention to the requirements in your specific class! Portfolios (almost) always have the following parts: A Critical Reflection A “Compendium” of all short and major assignments done during the quarter 3-5 Revised Papers that serve as the “evidence” that you have fulfilled the outcomes

Reminder: What is in the portfolio? The Critical Reflection/Cover Letter includes: An Introduction Critical Reflections (organized by paper or by outcome) A Final Reflection The introduction is sometimes assigned as your reflection on your writing before the class. The Final Reflection is sometimes assigned as a forward looking—thoughts about how the skills from the class will transfer to future endeavors. Some instructors give out other specific requirements for the portfolio!

Reminder: What is in the portfolio? The Compendium includes: All the sequence related work (Short and Major Assignments) All assignments must be completed and included to pass the portfolio!

Reminder: What is in the portfolio? The Revised Papers include: 3-5 Revised assignments (including at least one major assignment)

Drafting the cover letter: “To do” list Try to show a sample of your cover letter to your TA Go to office hours or bring it to your conference Maybe even e-mail (but check with your TA first! This is a busy time of the quarter for everyone! Be honest about your strengths (and weaknesses) Revise your papers to help you write a stronger cover letter! Give yourself multiple days to work on this project Consider breaking the project into manageable “chunks” If you can, write your critical reflections early so you can revise!

Drafting the cover letter: “To do” list Do NOT focus only on the cover letter…REVISE! Remember your most important audience is your instructor. Every outcome is important, but some TA’s may give more weight to different outcomes. This may be your first chance to demonstrate Outcome 4!

Drafting the cover letter: “To do” list Keep the outcomes with you as you write Double check with your instructor to avoid misunderstanding For example: Don’t confuse your ability to rhetorically analyze your situation for your ability to analyze someone ELSE’s situation For example: Make sure you share your instructor’s understanding of terms like “primary” vs “secondary” materials, what counts as a “meaningful conversation” across texts, what is an appropriate citation style, etc.

Drafting the cover letter: “To do” list Take your time to read any cover letter examples your instructor gives you! Take notes on strengths. Ask your instructor questions you have as soon as possible! Make use of things you have already done in class! Writer’s memos? Assignment reflections? Assignment revisions? Peer review? Feedback from your instructor? Canvas discussion threads? Assignments that had a metacognitive component?

Drafting the cover letter: “To do” list Consider sharing what you have written with a friend in class Make sure that your critical reflections ALSO demonstrate the outcomes! Keep them organized Quote, summarize, and paraphrase yourself Read and re-read your reflections before submission

Submitting the portfolio (For e-portfolio submission): Double check to ensure that your instructor can access your files!