CODES 121 Class Portfolio

Your Goal Grade
Highlight the header for the column below to indicate which grade you plan to work toward in the course. Meeting the basic requirements for your chosen letter grade, according to the table below, is mandatory.
| A Work | B Work | C Work |
– Misses two classes or fewer, or makes up excused absences – Misses no CODES & College labs, makes up excused absences – Completes all readings on time and annotates them thoroughly – Contributes deeply to discussions – Meets all assignment and draft deadlines or has approved extension – Work shows engagement, care, effort, and growth – Abides by the CODE of Conduct and classroom norms | – Misses three classes or fewer, or makes up excused absences – Misses one or fewer CODES & College labs, or makes up excused absences – Completes and annotates most readings – Often participates in discussion – Meets all assignment and draft deadlines or has approved extension – Work shows care, effort, and growth – Abides by the CODE of Conduct and classroom norms | – Misses four classes or fewer, or makes up excused absences – Misses two or fewer CODES & College labs, or makes up excused absences – Completes most readings – Sometimes adds to discussion – Completes all major assignments, meets most draft deadlines, and turns in x – Meets minimal expectations on assignments; shows some growth – Abides by the CODE of Conduct and classroom norms |
First-Week Introduction
I selected these five goals because they challenge me to develop in areas which I recognize as being critical for school and for life. They challenge me to think, to speak well, and to collaborate well with others. The thing that I most eagerly anticipate doing will be sharing my ideas because I like to share my ideas in new, creative ways. The one that will be the hardest will, most likely, be stepping outside of the comfort zone in problem solving and experimenting in new directions. In order to have a successful semester, I will attempt to be organized, open-minded, and willing to risk if it will allow me to grow in the end.
Midterm Introduction
During the first half of the semester, I’ve learned a lot about how to organize my ideas and communicate them more clearly. I enjoyed being able to share my thoughts in different ways and hearing how other people approached the same topics, it showed me there’s not just one way to make an argument and to be open minded. The biggest challenge I faced so far was the disagreement I had with my CODES 121 professor. That situation pushed me to stand up for myself while still trying to remain respectful, and it showed me how important healthy communication really is.
I think I’ve done a good job at meeting goals like engaging with different perspectives and getting more confident when presenting my ideas. I want to keep building on that by improving the flow of my writing so it feels more natural and put together, sometimes I can miss the mark. One goal I still need to work on is being comfortable collaborating more in group settings. I usually like to work on my own, but I know teamwork is important in not only this class, but every class, so I’m going to focus on being more open and intentional when working with others in the second half of the semester.
Final Introduction
This semester in my 121 Transdisciplinary Codes class pushed me to think differently about how I learn, communicate, and work through problems. I set goals to stay organized, be more intentional in my writing, and approach assignments with a flexible mindset, and I feel like I met those goals more consistently as the semester went on. One thing that surprised me was how much collaboration the class required. I had to connect with my project partners in ways I hadn’t done before. Moving forward, I want to remember that I do my best work when I plan ahead, ask questions early, and give myself time to revise. Strategies like breaking big tasks into smaller steps, keeping track of my progress, and reviewing expectations before starting assignments will help me continue developing these skills in future courses.
Course Goals
Goal 2b (25%)
Critical and Creative Thinking
I can challenge myself to venture out of my comfort zone when it comes to assignments and learning. Rather than taking the safe approach, I need to try things that will force me to think outside the box and get creative. I know that’s the only way that I’m going to be able to learn, and I’m open to trying even if it means mistakes are included.
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| I will try new approaches and push myself beyond my comfort zone. | I will include: – Screenshots of me reaching out for help, showing I asked questions instead of staying stuck. – Proof of attending office hours to show I tried a new approach and sought real guidance. – My completed scrollytelling project as the final result of stepping outside my comfort zone. – A brief reflection on what I learned from collaborating and taking risks. – A simple before/after comparison showing how the project improved once I pushed myself creatively. | These examples show I can think outside the box and learn through mistakes. |





Goal 8a (25%)
Oral Communication
I can learn to convey forceful and effective means of expressing myself in such a manner that people hear me correctly. Whether speaking, putting pen to paper, or presenting, I hope the presentation I offer is enjoyable and suitable for what occasion. Presenting ideas and presenting myself to move forward is what I comprehend.
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| I will practice outlining before I write so my ideas flow in a logical order. | I will include: – Peer feedback on my presentations – Instructor comments on my delivery – Written evaluations from classmates – Feedback on how well I expressed my ideas – Comments noting my growth as a presenter | The chosen example will show smooth transitions, clear structure, and ideas that connect well. |





Goal 8b (15%)
Written Communication Communication
I can learn to express myself clearly and professionally through my writing. Whether I’m emailing a professor, explaining a question, or communicating a concern, I want my words to be thoughtful, respectful, and easy to understand. Writing is another way I present myself, and I aim to make sure my communication reflects who I am and what I’m striving toward.
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| I will practice expressing myself clearly in writing and speaking. | I will include: – Emails I wrote to my professor – Messages to my professor – Emails asking questions or explaining concerns – Written exchanges with my professor | These examples show I can deliver my ideas effectively for different occasions. |



Goal 9b (10%)
Problem Solving Skills
I will look at issues from different viewpoints and not just at the original solution. I would rather look at a number of solutions, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and think about which path I am taking. If I can be adaptable and innovative in solving issues, I am confident that I will excel in the program and in life.
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| I will look at problems from different angles and consider many solutions. | I will include: – Creating a script for a project – Completing an assignment with more than five options | These examples show I can be adaptable and creative when solving issues. |


Goal 12c (25%)
Collaboration
I am able to hold myself responsible by doing the work on my own and achieving goals and deadlines which I myself set. I would like to prove myself responsible and that I’m responsible for things getting accomplished. If well-organized and well-disciplined, I will positively contribute to the program.
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| I will stay accountable and contribute to group goals. | I will include: – Pictures of me meeting with project partners – Screenshots of group discussions or planning sessions – Feedback from classmates on our presentations – Feedback from our professor – Reflection on our group process | These examples show I am organized, reliable, and able to work well with others. |




