Reflection

Through the process of the ISU assignment I have learned a lot about myself as a learner and about the importance of Canadian literature.
I feel I have always been a strong reader, but this assignment really helped me learn how to analyze a text as I went along. The journal entries forced me to stop reading and to really think about what had happened in the novel so far. I benefited in the end in that I had a lot of research already done from different points in the novel. This assignment also helped me evolve my writing abilities in a similar way. The ISU required me to use information from several sites including, reviews, biography's and of course the book itself. I feel that the ISU really helped my research skills as well as my ability to pick and chose the best information and to use it appropriately.
I appreciated the broadness of the assignment as well. Given the opportunity to select any reputable Canadian novel gave me the choice to pick a novel I really enjoyed, and to enjoy the assignment. This resulted in me spending more time on the project.
I was very shocked when beginning this assignment to hear that no where in the curriculum does it insist that students be exposed to a Canadian author; what a shame! As a Canadian, I feel that it is important to take pride in Canadian authors, just as we take pride in our hockey teams and actors. My sense of Canadian identity has changed because I realize the number of wonderful Canadian books that exist, and why it is so important for Canadians to embrace them.
Through the reading of Crow Lake, I have discovered just how large the impact of loss can have on people, and how long the impact can be felt. I feel I have an enhanced knowledge of family dynamics and the crucial role that they play in everyone’s lives.
Through the process of the ISU I have come to learn that writing down my ideas comes much easier to me then communicating them orally. I have also come to learn that pulling the book out of my hands and writing a response is a very worthwhile activity.
I enjoyed the ISU very much, and found I preferred it very much to past ISU’s.