9

I wasn't doing enough reading in my life, so I decided to do this project so I could give myself that time to read.

The benefit of this project is to be more well read which translates into more interesting conversation, better writing, etc.

Reading is fun.

I'll keep working on it for sure. The summer is usually my HUGE reading chunk because I have lots of downtime. And over the course of my life, I will continue to read as well!

8

I don't think people will be very interested in my station unless they've also read the books that I went over. I'm fine talking to people though so I'm not anxious about it. I don't have any concerns about explaining my project to visitors either.

I'm proud of all the reading I got done. I wish I had chosen an activity which would be more fun to present though. 

Since I'm not to excited about the presentation aspect of this project, I'm not to particular about who comes to see it.

#6: Maintaining Motivation

     With typical longterm projects, I tire VERY easily. I usually procrastinate, and then do them all in one day right before they are due in order to maintain focus. I can't just tackle a little bit at a time.

     It's different in terms of 20 time 1) because I have a designated time set for myself, and 2) because I am doing something that I don't have to be motivated to do. I've been interested in every book that I've read so far, so I feel just as motivated as when I started and I've never wanted to change my goal.

     The only thing I dislike about 20 time is the blogging process, but I just force myself to get them over with, so it's my own self-control that motivates me to do these blogs.

#7: Measuring Learning

    My work pretty much exactly meets my expectations. I've thoroughly enjoyed everything that I've read. The only thing I was surprised about is how slowly I actually read. When I read in my free time, I always do it in large chunks: I might spend a whole weekend day reading, so I never measure the speed of my reading because I've never read in such short spurts.

     There's no way to measure how much you learn by reading books. Except for the Ernest Hemingway book, all of the other books I chose were fiction. So I've been learning new writing styles and vocabulary except I don't notice it because it's so gradual.

     The evidence of change I have so far shows up in my own writing. In terms of evidence to present at the 20 time showcase, I haven't actually started on that yet. But I can power through quickly with it. Maybe I'll designate my next 20 time period for writing the reviews for the books.

    In terms of challenges and triumphs, I think they're all more subtle and would be more about myself as a reader than anything else.

Post #5: Refining or Goals

The goal of three books seems realistic still. I finished my first book today, which was a short term-goal. I will finish my next book by May 10th, and then my third book by June 10th. Perhaps I should be writing reviews/choosing excerpts as I go, but I don't really want to do that right now, honestly, and I am a successful procrastinator!

I am confident that I will get this done and that's what matters!

Post #4: Finding the Balance

I have been reading consistently both during Thursday class and at home. This process has made me realize how slow of a reader I am, but I know I will be able to get through my goal of three books by the end of the semester. It's hard because I feel pressured to use my free time studying for the SAT's etc. instead of reading but because I m enjoying my books, it isn't hard to do.

I am focusing on the small steps at this point, because I like reading and am dreading having to do the "show something based off of your reading" part. I have to do that, but I'll just push it off until the end of the project.

Post #3: Gathering Resources and Staying Organized

My 20 time project doesn't require many outside resources to stay organized. My only requirement is to make sure I have finished three books by the end of the semester. On my calendar at home, I have a star marked at the 10th of each month to make sure I have finished a book by then. That is my only outside resource that I need.

With the extra time, I plan to create something to show I have read the books. This could be either writing reviews for each book, or selecting my favorite excerpts from each book. This doesn't require any outside resources either. 

Planning

1. My longterm goal is to read three books by the end of our eleven weeks.

2. First I have to choose a book that I want to read, read it, choose another book, read it, choose another book, and then read it.

3. I will be reading some parts in class and some parts outside of class. How much I read outside of class depends on my workload and how much free time I have.

First Post

I’m really looking forward to this 20-time project. Even when I have time to read, sometimes I choose fun books over good quality books, even though I enjoy both. I think this structure will help me both read better books and set aside more time for myself to read in general.  I always borrow books from friends, and never return them. Now, I have a pile of books on my bedside table that I’ve been trying to get through, but haven’t had the time to read. And now I will!