In a way I’m agitated about the students in this class. I’m not sure if it because I’m older or I want more out of my education or maybe I just try to be an honest, responsible person.
When I signed up to take English 101 I knew it wouldn’t be a class where I had to do hours of memorization or hours of practice to get it down. I knew it would be time consuming and lots of writing. I prepared myself for what was ahead. I had a home life to take care of as well as a 7 week old colic child that I had to bring to class every day and a teaching job 3 times a week. I had a lot to juggle. I’m not saying that the other people in my class didn’t have their own hand full to deal with. What I’m saying is that I feel like I could have learned more and got more accomplished if it wasn’t for some of the people in my class. Actually a good bit of the people in my class.
I feel that those people were lazy and didn’t care if they failed the class or helped their classmates fail. Yes, I said help them fail. Since this is an English class we are all required to work together. Only one person worked to help me and that person wasn’t even required or put in my group to help.
I’m agitated that I did what I was supposed to do and most of the other student didn’t. Case in point: On the very last day of class a student asked about the blogs that was not only discussed at the beginning of class and throughout the class but was posted on the blackboard where you could go and look any time you wanted to. The blackboard had all the information that you needed for deadlines. That student obviously didn’t do and of the blogs because that student complained (once again the teacher explained the requirements for it numerous times) that it was 300 words each. So being that it was the last class day and one 3-4 page paper and a 1 page paper was due with 5 days, six 300 word essays were due as well. If this person would have kept up on it then they wouldn’t be in this predicament. Another example is when the teacher is trying to help you, stop INTERRUPPING to let everyone know what you think and about your life, and let the teacher do her job. Your life is far from relevant in this classroom.
A perfect example of helping your classmate fail is with the blog address. When someone (me) asked 3 times in class and 3 emails for blog address so I can reply to 2 people each week so I get my grade and only two people reply and one person out of the two hasn’t even written a blog in 7 weeks, makes my grade suffer.
For my conclusion, (because I have over 500 words already) this is the laziest class that I have ever been in. This class took the fun out of learning English and made it hard to sit and listen to certain people absurd opinions on what they thought were relevant to the subject being talked about. I think some people just liked hearing themselves talk.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Last paper
I think writing this last paper made me realize how far and how much I learned in this class the past 8 weeks or so. This last paper I wrote was the easiest one yet. I enjoyed writing it more because I felt like I knew what I was doing, instead of all the other papers felt like a semi organized free write. It was a little more difficult because I had to focus on two aspects of my topic but once the free write was over, I had a few points narrowed down. This paper also had the least of comments from smarthinking.com. So I’m hoping I’m applying what I’m learning and finally doing a good job.
I’ve enjoyed this class a good bit. It was a little harder than I expected because I had to bring my daughter with me almost every day. It was usually during nap time when class was and she was not happy a lot of the time. I kept telling myself that we could get through it. I say we because it was her and I that did this class together. I hope that I didn’t bother too many people with her always being there and having to attend to her constantly.
Another thing I hope I didn’t do was get on people’s nerves by always asking questions and clarifying what was being discussed. I have a habit of always asking questions and hearing people sigh behind me. I was shunned in high school by asking questions but now since I pay for my school I feel justified to asking all the questions I want. At the same time I don’t feel guilty for asking these questions. I want to make sure I fully understand what is going on. My grades depend on it if I understand what’s going on.
I hope my grade in this class portrays what I learned and tried to apply in this class. I now think I have some tools to be able to write a decent paper without much help from peer review. This class has taught me how to get an idea to write about, free write, and cluster on it to find main points to write about. This class has taught me to finally write a thesis statement and organize my thought for a better reading. I hope to use all this information in my next writing experiences.
I’ve enjoyed this class a good bit. It was a little harder than I expected because I had to bring my daughter with me almost every day. It was usually during nap time when class was and she was not happy a lot of the time. I kept telling myself that we could get through it. I say we because it was her and I that did this class together. I hope that I didn’t bother too many people with her always being there and having to attend to her constantly.
Another thing I hope I didn’t do was get on people’s nerves by always asking questions and clarifying what was being discussed. I have a habit of always asking questions and hearing people sigh behind me. I was shunned in high school by asking questions but now since I pay for my school I feel justified to asking all the questions I want. At the same time I don’t feel guilty for asking these questions. I want to make sure I fully understand what is going on. My grades depend on it if I understand what’s going on.
I hope my grade in this class portrays what I learned and tried to apply in this class. I now think I have some tools to be able to write a decent paper without much help from peer review. This class has taught me how to get an idea to write about, free write, and cluster on it to find main points to write about. This class has taught me to finally write a thesis statement and organize my thought for a better reading. I hope to use all this information in my next writing experiences.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
My freewrite on Who my favorite teacher is.
Robin Mosely was the best teacher I ever had. She wasn't a school teacher but a fitness instructor. She was an inspiration to me and numerous of other people when it came to fitness. She is a great motivator with high expectations with a soft touch to it.
The qualities about her that I admire the most were her ability to motivate me to the point that I didn't know I could go.
When I met Robin I was 30 lbs overweight and didn't have a clue about being health conscious. I started going to the gym to lose weight but didn't have a clue as to what I was doing. I figured I'd start taking aerobic classes to start off with. My first class, I tripped over my bench in front of everyone. Soon I got the hang of the moves and how to move with the music. The more classes I attended, the more intrigued by the instructors I became. They were like movie stars to me. To get in front of a big group of people and teach a type of choreography and not choke was amazing to me. I wanted the confidence they had as they taught. People talked about them and looked up to them. I wanted that. I wanted to be a leader and a teacher.
I started loving the gym and spent twice a day there. My husband was deployed and I was making quite a bit of changes in my life at that time. Since my husband was gone, I was spending more time at the gym. The more time I spent at the gym, the more classes I took. I started researching what exercises worked best and how to eat better. The more involved I became with learning about fitness the more I felt the call to teach.
One day I expressed to Robin that I was interested in teaching and she said if I wanted to, I could teach the abs portion of her class. I was so interested that I went home and started making routines for a 5 minute abs section. When I gave the okay to Robin that I would do it, I chickened out. I was so nervous, I almost threw up. But Robin continued to reassure me and ask if I wanted to teach that day. For some reason she saw something (maybe potential) in me and continued to motivate me and challenge me to what I now think is the best thing I've ever done. After watching her class after class she became a role model for me. Robin strived to motivate people to care not only about their weight but their health choices. Usually Robin gave out recipes at the end of classes that were easy and healthy. I not only enjoyed the teacher and leader she was but I looked up to the person she was and the lifestyle she lead.
I think Robin is the reason why I became an instructor and the reason why I excelled to the top since I've been teaching. Robin saw the potential in me as a leader and a teacher and pushed me to overcome my fears of teaching and leading a class in fitness.
The qualities about her that I admire the most were her ability to motivate me to the point that I didn't know I could go.
When I met Robin I was 30 lbs overweight and didn't have a clue about being health conscious. I started going to the gym to lose weight but didn't have a clue as to what I was doing. I figured I'd start taking aerobic classes to start off with. My first class, I tripped over my bench in front of everyone. Soon I got the hang of the moves and how to move with the music. The more classes I attended, the more intrigued by the instructors I became. They were like movie stars to me. To get in front of a big group of people and teach a type of choreography and not choke was amazing to me. I wanted the confidence they had as they taught. People talked about them and looked up to them. I wanted that. I wanted to be a leader and a teacher.
I started loving the gym and spent twice a day there. My husband was deployed and I was making quite a bit of changes in my life at that time. Since my husband was gone, I was spending more time at the gym. The more time I spent at the gym, the more classes I took. I started researching what exercises worked best and how to eat better. The more involved I became with learning about fitness the more I felt the call to teach.
One day I expressed to Robin that I was interested in teaching and she said if I wanted to, I could teach the abs portion of her class. I was so interested that I went home and started making routines for a 5 minute abs section. When I gave the okay to Robin that I would do it, I chickened out. I was so nervous, I almost threw up. But Robin continued to reassure me and ask if I wanted to teach that day. For some reason she saw something (maybe potential) in me and continued to motivate me and challenge me to what I now think is the best thing I've ever done. After watching her class after class she became a role model for me. Robin strived to motivate people to care not only about their weight but their health choices. Usually Robin gave out recipes at the end of classes that were easy and healthy. I not only enjoyed the teacher and leader she was but I looked up to the person she was and the lifestyle she lead.
I think Robin is the reason why I became an instructor and the reason why I excelled to the top since I've been teaching. Robin saw the potential in me as a leader and a teacher and pushed me to overcome my fears of teaching and leading a class in fitness.
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Simpsons
When I read this article I was amused and educated all at the same time. I like how the author criticized the Simpsons but obliviously watches it enough to critique it they way he did. My husband and I watch The Simpsons almost every night. I was not allowed to watch this show growing up and I know why watching it as an adult. But it has become a ritual between us to watch this show together. I’m sure we could find something a little more educational but I make the point we are adults and can decipher the good from the bad.
There was a part in this article that made me laugh out loud. The writer was talking about how Otto is a late pot smoking bus driver. It occurred to me that he probably got high but I never thought that in depth about it. He went on to stay that nobody knew Homer’s job title and that he repeatedly got fired and then rehired for no reason. I was also tickled when I read that the show pokes fun at politics, government, and church. I sat back and thought at some of the episode that I had seen and remember the jokes that were directed towards these certain groups. He picked apart the opening credits of the show in such detail that I never viewed it that way. I’ve always understood that Homer was the definition of an irresponsible drunk, and incompetent father. This show has no positive message. But the writer does go on to say that even though the show lacks morals and values, the show shouldn’t be taken seriously.
This article was intriguing to me and I will now look at the Simpsons in a more critical critiquing type of way!
There was a part in this article that made me laugh out loud. The writer was talking about how Otto is a late pot smoking bus driver. It occurred to me that he probably got high but I never thought that in depth about it. He went on to stay that nobody knew Homer’s job title and that he repeatedly got fired and then rehired for no reason. I was also tickled when I read that the show pokes fun at politics, government, and church. I sat back and thought at some of the episode that I had seen and remember the jokes that were directed towards these certain groups. He picked apart the opening credits of the show in such detail that I never viewed it that way. I’ve always understood that Homer was the definition of an irresponsible drunk, and incompetent father. This show has no positive message. But the writer does go on to say that even though the show lacks morals and values, the show shouldn’t be taken seriously.
This article was intriguing to me and I will now look at the Simpsons in a more critical critiquing type of way!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
A new life
Well since we didn’t have any reading this week, I’m going to write about what’s on my mind. I’ve spent the last 4.5 years as a military wife. This has it’s pro’s and con’s. The pro’s are medical is paid for no matter what, I have a roof over my head with no additional bills except what I accumulate and a steady paycheck. I have worked most of the time we’ve been in and we have saved for a rainy day. I think that rainy day may be coming. We are going to be getting out of the military with neither one of us finished with school and a new daughter in tow. To say the least, I sit up almost every night worrying if we’ll make it comfortablely. I wish I could have more reassurance. I have the reassurance that God will provide what I need but I still worry. Why? Because I’m not in control and that makes me nervous. We don’t have jobs lined up or and idea of where to work. It seems as if my husband isn’t that worried. When we do talk about it, I get a “We’ll be fine, God will provide.”
I’m a nervous wreck all the time in my brain. It goes non stop of what we will do and how we will achieve it. Another thing that is extremely hard for me is that I’m not taking into consideration what God’s will is. What does He want me to do? It’s like I ask but I don’t get the answer. Maybe it’s that I’m not listening or even know how to listen. I just wish I knew what was best for me and what God wants me to do so I’m not pulling my hair out trying to figure it out. Or worse, listening to the voice that is not the one I should be listening too. Make sense?
I’m a nervous wreck all the time in my brain. It goes non stop of what we will do and how we will achieve it. Another thing that is extremely hard for me is that I’m not taking into consideration what God’s will is. What does He want me to do? It’s like I ask but I don’t get the answer. Maybe it’s that I’m not listening or even know how to listen. I just wish I knew what was best for me and what God wants me to do so I’m not pulling my hair out trying to figure it out. Or worse, listening to the voice that is not the one I should be listening too. Make sense?
Sunday, April 27, 2008
wanting to do more!
I'm going to vent for a second. I read how to say nothing in 500 words and it gave me a little fire underneath my rear to want to write better. But as I sit and think about what I want to write for my next paper, I draw a blank. Then that makes me feel as if I'm not going to be able to get creative. I feel as if I always think inside the box, kinda like I'm not smart enough to think outside that box. So even though that paper gave me hope, I still don't know how to get creative with writing. I reread the tips that he gave but all his ideas were great but then I try to think of some and..... aww nothing!! It's so fustrating. I really want to be able to write but I feel as if I don't have all of the tools to make the wheels turn in my brain! So not only was this essay very encouraging but discourage as well!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Do I really agree with a great books education?
In Crabtree’s essay he talks about how he thinks that great books education is a better learning experience than a technical school type education. I agree but disagree.
I agree that this type of education is very beneficial when it comes learning different types of skills. I think the more that you know about different types of subjects, the more knowledgably you are in different areas. It does seem logical that if you would get a brooder learning aspect from a great books education. You’ll learn how to write reports and any other official type documents by an English class; you’ll learn how the body works from a biology class; doing some sort of math equations depending on the level of math you took. It’s a well rounded program. I really like the point that Crabtree makes that a lot of job fields are starting to rely on machines with advance technology, therefore replacing the actual people that physically do that job. Because these jobs are adapting to the changes of this world, Crabtree makes a point that employers aren’t interested in the well rounded education anymore. They want someone that knows that particular job back to front.
Being the fact that employers want their future employees to already know the job, it makes it harder for one to pursue a broader education. With most employers not caring that college grads don’t have a wide education level, the student doesn’t think the money spent would be worth it. I loved that Crabtree made that distinction. College is very expensive as it is with out all the extra classes need to be taken for this type of education. Even technical course that are specified for a certain career field is pricy. Plus with technical course out there that teach just what you need to know for the job; most people don’t even care if they learn more. That would take time they don’t think they have and money they don’t have. So I see the pro’s and con’s for the great books education. If you could pay for half of my college time and pay my bills while I’m in college I would greatly consider it.
I agree that this type of education is very beneficial when it comes learning different types of skills. I think the more that you know about different types of subjects, the more knowledgably you are in different areas. It does seem logical that if you would get a brooder learning aspect from a great books education. You’ll learn how to write reports and any other official type documents by an English class; you’ll learn how the body works from a biology class; doing some sort of math equations depending on the level of math you took. It’s a well rounded program. I really like the point that Crabtree makes that a lot of job fields are starting to rely on machines with advance technology, therefore replacing the actual people that physically do that job. Because these jobs are adapting to the changes of this world, Crabtree makes a point that employers aren’t interested in the well rounded education anymore. They want someone that knows that particular job back to front.
Being the fact that employers want their future employees to already know the job, it makes it harder for one to pursue a broader education. With most employers not caring that college grads don’t have a wide education level, the student doesn’t think the money spent would be worth it. I loved that Crabtree made that distinction. College is very expensive as it is with out all the extra classes need to be taken for this type of education. Even technical course that are specified for a certain career field is pricy. Plus with technical course out there that teach just what you need to know for the job; most people don’t even care if they learn more. That would take time they don’t think they have and money they don’t have. So I see the pro’s and con’s for the great books education. If you could pay for half of my college time and pay my bills while I’m in college I would greatly consider it.
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