Reaction Reports

Guidelines

Structure of the report
  • First half: identify one idea in the paper that you feel is a major contribution or a major limitation, explain it, and discuss why it is important
  • Second half: describe one idea of yours that builds on the paper and expand on that idea as much as possible (why this is an interesting extension, why it is doable, how can it be done)
Reports are limited to one page of text
  • This limit is indended to force you to write concisely (and to reduce overall workload)
  • Try to utilize the page well: the more you elaborate on your thoughts, the more complete the report will be.
Focus on depth, not breadth
  • I am not interested in seeing three major contributions/limitations and ten new ideas, each of which is described in one sentence. I want to see just one, explained well.
  • Your report is not meant to be a summary, or an abstract of the paper.
  • It is not meant to show me that you skimmed the paper.
  • I want to see how you think, and how you can express an opinion or idea in a clear, concise, and well-justified manner.
Email me your report before the beginning of each class
  • This is important. I want to see your thoughts before the paper is discussed in class with the whole group.
  • Text, PDF, MSWord, Apple Pages formats are all acceptable.
Examples of some good reaction reports

 
 

Site last modified on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
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