Throughout first semester, I have learned a lot about my old study habits and its flaws. Personally, I never had a problem with my study habits until this year when I discovered just reading over my notes over and over again wasn't going to cut it. Not only in Humanities, but also in my AP Psychology class, my old study habits has inhibited me to earn the grades I desired. I have been able to improve my study habits to learn more efficiently.
As Mr. Allen said today, you can't just "look it over" and expect to earn a good grade. Especially with the connect the dots assignments, I learned that the process of connecting the terms helps you understand the material on a whole new level. This process pushes you to genuinely understand the material, rather than just recognizing the terms. Thinking beyond the definition of the term or who the philosophers were enabled me to really dive into the material.
With my old study habits, I would only have been able to recite the definition of a term or what a philosopher was mainly known for. After practicing the connecting the dots assignments, I am able to fully explain the terms into deeper levels. I am able to compare and contrast two different philosophies and philosophers and dive into a full out philosophical conversation. I have gotten to really engage in the book after connecting the dots because it helped draw myself into the book to learn more and more.
However, in order to engage in the book, I had to take on Mr. Allen's optional assignment of annotating, especially the more efficient technique. In previous years, all I did for annotations were underline random sentences I assumed were significant; this was of no assistance.
Progressively, I learned how to annotate in a way that would best benefit me when it comes to remembering the information for future tests. I began to draw circles, boxes, arrows, and more. These symbols and margin notes eventually became an outline of the major events or information I needed to know. Although I may not be able to remember everything I annotated, the annotations enable me to find what I am looking for with great ease.This new skill of annotating has really enabled a more efficient way of processing the ocean of facts about philosophy rather than an unorganized, meaningless array of lines.
Overall, the process of analyzing Sophie's World with these two assignments has become a more manageable task. Not only was I able to understand the book more, I was able to set a stable foundation of skills for my future, such as college. These skills will continue to assist me beyond the class of Humanities.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Monday, December 12, 2011
An Inconvenient Truth: I Am Not a Monkey
Ever since I was in elementary school, my science classes basically said that mankind came from monkeys. As a Christian, you can see where conflicts may occur when I learn about evolution. Thinking about the theory of evolution honestly makes me furious. I don't get angry at the fact that it sounds so bizarre as other people might think, I get annoyed at the fact that evolution can sometimes make so much sense to me, but that would disprove my belief in Christianity to a certain extent.
Some people simply tell me that there's no wrong in believing in both evolution and Christianity; I can't. Consciously I am convinced that I lean towards Christianity, but I don't know what happens subconsciously. All of the scientific evidence to prove the theory of evolution makes it more plausible and so much easier to believe. I think the idea of scientists making evolution more difficult to deny with all the evidence really infuriates me.
If I were to agree that evolution is true, then that indirectly means I am denying Christianity, because according to the bible, Adam and Eve were created, not from monkeys, but from God. Evolution toys with my faith in Christianity causing it to grow more and more unstable, which for some reason drives me crazy, even though I am not a very devout Christian. My mind just can't settle to accept that these two completely opposite ideas, both, may be true.
Another thing that bothers me about this topic is that non-Christians point out that the idea of believing a supreme being is completely unrealistic. I agree that it sounds a little iffy, but the idea that mankind came from monkeys is just as crazy. What's even worse is that I can't argue because I sometimes lean more towards evolution.
I have personally experienced phenomenons that proves, to me at least, that Christianity does exist. My own mother passed away, and re-obtained her life after praying! There has been incidents on the news where two kids who never met, both passed away and went to heaven, and came back to life. One of the kids drew an image of Jesus, and the other kid was able to pick out that exact, same picture from a collection of other pictures. The fact that evidence of Christianity does exist and people fail to believe these miracles, but believe that we came from monkeys drives me nuts.
Kind of like riding a seesaw, going back and forth, I find myself not being able to stick with one finite decision. The theory of evolution simply brings stress upon me due to all of the debate and "what if's" and "but's." The only way to come to terms with it in my opinion is to avoid heavy conversations or debates about this topic. If not, I get too angry and can't help but get too caught up with it and potentially blow up on someone.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Metacognition: Get Organized "Did I Always Have That?"
Everyday my mom would constantly nag me to organize my desk. I would subconsciously nod my head in agreement, but I would just continue with what I was doing at that moment. When we were assigned to organize something for homework, I figured I'd organize my desk to kill two birds with one stone.
As I scanned the things on my desk, I began to think of how I can organize all of the random items. Each individual items were completely different so I had no idea how to organize my desk. What's even worse is that almost every object I picked up, I asked myself, "did i always have that?" It seemed like there was no possible way to do this task.
Something I noticed about my thinking process was that, the second I was stumped, I would have a complete brain fart. My thinking process and mind would just stop and draw a blank. I realized that this isn't the first time this has happened to me. This project has made me realize that my thinking process is quite underdeveloped. My creativity and ability to go beyond and think outside of the box is extremely limited. As a direct consequence, in everything I do at school, I tend to be the last one to complete it compared to my peers.
Although I wish that my thinking process was a lot more efficient and quick, I do appreciate that I am able to work on a task for a long period of time without taking breaks. My mind simply would not let me take a break from organizing my desk, even though it took me quite a while. The hardworking ethic that has been engraved into my head has subconsciously helped me throughout all of high school in my academics.
After completing the project, something I didn't know before was that I am a total slob living in a pig pen. Before I started the project, I was dreading it. During the project, I was dreading it. But after I had finished and saw how clean my desk was, I was quite satisfied and proud and even flaunted my desk to my mom.
As I scanned the things on my desk, I began to think of how I can organize all of the random items. Each individual items were completely different so I had no idea how to organize my desk. What's even worse is that almost every object I picked up, I asked myself, "did i always have that?" It seemed like there was no possible way to do this task.
Something I noticed about my thinking process was that, the second I was stumped, I would have a complete brain fart. My thinking process and mind would just stop and draw a blank. I realized that this isn't the first time this has happened to me. This project has made me realize that my thinking process is quite underdeveloped. My creativity and ability to go beyond and think outside of the box is extremely limited. As a direct consequence, in everything I do at school, I tend to be the last one to complete it compared to my peers.
Although I wish that my thinking process was a lot more efficient and quick, I do appreciate that I am able to work on a task for a long period of time without taking breaks. My mind simply would not let me take a break from organizing my desk, even though it took me quite a while. The hardworking ethic that has been engraved into my head has subconsciously helped me throughout all of high school in my academics.
After completing the project, something I didn't know before was that I am a total slob living in a pig pen. Before I started the project, I was dreading it. During the project, I was dreading it. But after I had finished and saw how clean my desk was, I was quite satisfied and proud and even flaunted my desk to my mom.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
iMedia: Michael Jackson: Man in the Mirror
In Michael Jackson's song "Man in the Mirror," he talks about how he wants the world to change. One thing that is different from all of the other people that desire a better world is that Michael Jackson if he wants to see a difference in the world, he has to be start with himself. His lyrics really spoke to me and got me thinking.
Personally, I think this is a very humble and mature approach to creating a better world. When I think about all of the times I criticized the flaws and faults of this world, I realized that I completely disregarded the fact that I, too, have to change. If I continually watch as a spectator, I will receive no satisfaction because nothing will change; I'll have a better chance if I, myself, changed in the ways I want the world to change.
If everyone realized this idea and began to change themselves first, civilization on planet Earth would be a far better place, especially the United States of America. Foreign countries look down on America and its views and cultures. As a people, we are known to be selfish, stuck up, and full of pride.When each individual progressively changes their ways of life, America as a country would have such a far more popular and likable reputation.
One other aspect of this song I really appreciate is the verse "I'm gonna make a change, for once in my life. It's gonna feel real good." This verse really says not only could you make a difference in the world, but it will "feel real good." Giving the needy assistance has an outcome, a reward. That reward is feeling good for doing a good deed.
This song is very important to me, not only because the catchy tune, but because its deep meaning. I honestly feel that this song should and could be the revolution to how humanity should be. Rather than saving up money for that car or that iPod, use the money to help the needy. Give the money to the people who truly need our assistance opposed to showering ourselves with luxuries, which only provides for temporary satisfaction and feeds the greedy hunger within us. If you want to see change in the world, start with you.
Michael Jackson: Man in the Mirror
Personally, I think this is a very humble and mature approach to creating a better world. When I think about all of the times I criticized the flaws and faults of this world, I realized that I completely disregarded the fact that I, too, have to change. If I continually watch as a spectator, I will receive no satisfaction because nothing will change; I'll have a better chance if I, myself, changed in the ways I want the world to change.
If everyone realized this idea and began to change themselves first, civilization on planet Earth would be a far better place, especially the United States of America. Foreign countries look down on America and its views and cultures. As a people, we are known to be selfish, stuck up, and full of pride.When each individual progressively changes their ways of life, America as a country would have such a far more popular and likable reputation.
One other aspect of this song I really appreciate is the verse "I'm gonna make a change, for once in my life. It's gonna feel real good." This verse really says not only could you make a difference in the world, but it will "feel real good." Giving the needy assistance has an outcome, a reward. That reward is feeling good for doing a good deed.
This song is very important to me, not only because the catchy tune, but because its deep meaning. I honestly feel that this song should and could be the revolution to how humanity should be. Rather than saving up money for that car or that iPod, use the money to help the needy. Give the money to the people who truly need our assistance opposed to showering ourselves with luxuries, which only provides for temporary satisfaction and feeds the greedy hunger within us. If you want to see change in the world, start with you.
Michael Jackson: Man in the Mirror
Friday, November 4, 2011
Best of Today
In class today I really liked how we spent the whole day watching Youtube videos that students chose. Originally I thought it was just a time to relax; it was quite the opposite. Watching the wide variety of videos, I realized how different and unique each individual student is. Everyone's perception of beauty and creativity was displayed through the video they chose.
This activity made me wonder about what events in their lives influenced the students and how it defined their interests in life. I came to the conclusion that there was an endless amount of possibilities of how each student appreciates things. For example, one of the students chose a video clip of the Jackass crew. Although some people see stupidity, the student that chose the video sees art within their bizarre actions.
After the period was over, I really connected the experience to my own knowledge and beliefs. I believe that a person should be open to all sorts of ideas because it will benefit them not only as a person, but also in the artistic perspective. Personally, I would like to use this activity more often; whenever I am with friends, this activity can help everyone to know each other on a deeper level by merely showing Youtube videos they think is interesting. Such a simple idea can take one so far.
This activity made me wonder about what events in their lives influenced the students and how it defined their interests in life. I came to the conclusion that there was an endless amount of possibilities of how each student appreciates things. For example, one of the students chose a video clip of the Jackass crew. Although some people see stupidity, the student that chose the video sees art within their bizarre actions.
After the period was over, I really connected the experience to my own knowledge and beliefs. I believe that a person should be open to all sorts of ideas because it will benefit them not only as a person, but also in the artistic perspective. Personally, I would like to use this activity more often; whenever I am with friends, this activity can help everyone to know each other on a deeper level by merely showing Youtube videos they think is interesting. Such a simple idea can take one so far.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
iMedia: John Mayer:Heart of Life
John Mayer's song Heart of Life really portrays that life isn't always what you expect it to be. Life is blunt; life throws you down. But people tend to focus the hardships in their lives, completely disregarding all of the great things going for them; not to mention the people they have in their lives.
This song really spoke out to me because I've had a number of personal struggles just like everyone else and it really altered my outlook on life. Being a natural pessimistic, this song encourages me to look forward to the good things in life, which balances out the share of bad events in life. Helping me realize that the things I look forward to in life are so amazing, as a result, I began looking at the hardships as stages in my life to help me become a stronger version of myself.
Not only did I start looking forward to the good things in life, I began to appreciate my friends more. The song explains that the "circle of your friends will defend the silver lining" and "love turns the whole thing around." These lines helped me realize that I can't do everything on my own. Without the love of my family members, I would not be here today. There's one more thing I realized. My friends' roles were to make me laugh, spend time with me, and another that I ceased to realize - take care of me.
By personifying life, John mayer sings that the "heart of life is good" and has good intentions. The idea of live having good intentions can really affect our culture today especially with the high rates of depression, including the teenage population. If somehow as a culture we can incorporate this idea into the minds of society, people of all ages will pursue life with a completely different attitude. If the people unsatisfied with their lives were able to understand this concept, they will be able to comprehend what life is about.
Not one single person on this planet can endure life without their loved ones, including friends. People will be able to understand that not only do they need their loved ones, but their loved ones need them.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Comments
In Andrew's blog, he decided to connect the concept of creativity and humor, specifically in the show "Whose Line is it Anyway?" He explains how the skill of creativity can help a comedian's talent of entertaining his or her audience by making the skit original. The more creative a comedian is, the wider the spectrum of his or her skit can be. The cast of "Whose line is it Anyway" all have their own unique sense of humor. Since creativity has no limits, the variety of humor is endless in the show, which is why the show was so successful. The show is full of surprises and keeps you on your toes. Without creativity, the variety of humor will not be what it is today or maybe even cease to exist.
In Kevin's blog, he explains the concept of Yin and Yang. Kevin explains the basic meaning of Yin and Yang, which is the balance of all things, and how it is required in our society. Using the United States of America's Government as an example, he demonstrates how the balance of powers between the actual government and the people make up what our society is today. With the power of Checks and Balances, we as a society, are able to function efficiently. Maintaining a balance in everything we do may be difficult, however the outcome of maintaining a balance benefits us as humans. Receiving an equal amount of both Yin and Yang helps us grow and strive for goals in life. Knowing the counterpart will always give you the upper hand in life. Balance is what keeps the world functioning.
In Kevin's blog, he explains the concept of Yin and Yang. Kevin explains the basic meaning of Yin and Yang, which is the balance of all things, and how it is required in our society. Using the United States of America's Government as an example, he demonstrates how the balance of powers between the actual government and the people make up what our society is today. With the power of Checks and Balances, we as a society, are able to function efficiently. Maintaining a balance in everything we do may be difficult, however the outcome of maintaining a balance benefits us as humans. Receiving an equal amount of both Yin and Yang helps us grow and strive for goals in life. Knowing the counterpart will always give you the upper hand in life. Balance is what keeps the world functioning.
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