Well, today I read the chapters on Vocabulary and how important it is. You really use vocabulary for everything you do. You need it to communicate with others, to write and to read and understand what you are reading. Vocabulary is not one of my strengths.... it is definitely something I would like to improve on. So, I decided that while reading the chapters on vocabulary, that I would write down and look up some words that I did not know the meanings of. Here are some of the words I looked up and their definitions:
polemical - of or involving dispute or controversy
dearth - an insufficient quantity or number
contumacious - stubbornly disobedient; rebellious
factoid - something resembling a fact
plebiscite - a vote by the electorate determining public opinion on a question of national importance
hegemony - the dominance or leadership of one social group or nation over others
heuristic - a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem
pluralism - a social organization in which diversity of racial or religious or ethnic or cultural groups is tolerated
(I found all definitions for these words using a google search)
I am going to try to keep up the practice of looking up the meaning of words I do not know the meaning to. I think that it will help me understand what I am reading more than I understand it now. I also think it will give me the ability to build my "working" vocabulary when I am communicating with others.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Chapter 2 -TFY - Word Preciscion: How Do I Describe It? - Exercises
“TFY”: Chapter 2 – Word Precision: How Do I Describe It? – Exercises
Word Boundaries Exercise – Page 51
Saved – Malcolm X Exercise – Pages 68 – 71
1. Why do you think Malcolm X could be so confident and articulate as a hustler, yet have so much difficulty writing “simple English”?
I think that Malcolm X was confident and was able articulate well as a hustler, because that is all about “street” talk. He could use slang and speak loosely. He had difficulty writing simple English because it needed to be more proper. On the street, as a hustler, I’m sure the level of vocabulary was not very high, or did not come across as very educated language. When he wanted to read or write, he wanted it to be more educated.
2. What do you think of his practice of copying out every word in a dictionary?
I think that is great! He had the time, so he did it. This is how he was able to learn. For myself, when learning new words, I need to read them, write them and say them out loud. This is exactly what Malcolm X says he did. If I had the time or patience, I would love to do something like he did. I think it is a great way to educate yourself.
3. Why did Malcolm X find it so empowering to learn new words?
I believe Malcolm X felt less than or uneducated prior to learning new words. He was uncomfortable with the fact that when he tried to read a book, he did not understand most of what he was reading. When he tried to write a letter, it was all slang words he used. So when learning new words, this educated him and would obviously make him feel empowered.
4. What motivated him to read in his cell in semidarkness late through the night?
Once he learned and was able to understand what he was reading, it became a passion or almost like a drug to him. The more he read, the more educated he became and the more empowered he felt.
5. Why do you think Malcolm X wanted other to hear his story?
I think Malcolm X may have wanted people to hear his story so they know where he came from as far as education and where he took himself. He wants people to know it is possible to learn and understand no matter where you come from. I think he also wanted to share with people, that knowledge is power.
Word Boundaries Exercise – Page 51
Saved – Malcolm X Exercise – Pages 68 – 71
1. Why do you think Malcolm X could be so confident and articulate as a hustler, yet have so much difficulty writing “simple English”?
I think that Malcolm X was confident and was able articulate well as a hustler, because that is all about “street” talk. He could use slang and speak loosely. He had difficulty writing simple English because it needed to be more proper. On the street, as a hustler, I’m sure the level of vocabulary was not very high, or did not come across as very educated language. When he wanted to read or write, he wanted it to be more educated.
2. What do you think of his practice of copying out every word in a dictionary?
I think that is great! He had the time, so he did it. This is how he was able to learn. For myself, when learning new words, I need to read them, write them and say them out loud. This is exactly what Malcolm X says he did. If I had the time or patience, I would love to do something like he did. I think it is a great way to educate yourself.
3. Why did Malcolm X find it so empowering to learn new words?
I believe Malcolm X felt less than or uneducated prior to learning new words. He was uncomfortable with the fact that when he tried to read a book, he did not understand most of what he was reading. When he tried to write a letter, it was all slang words he used. So when learning new words, this educated him and would obviously make him feel empowered.
4. What motivated him to read in his cell in semidarkness late through the night?
Once he learned and was able to understand what he was reading, it became a passion or almost like a drug to him. The more he read, the more educated he became and the more empowered he felt.
5. Why do you think Malcolm X wanted other to hear his story?
I think Malcolm X may have wanted people to hear his story so they know where he came from as far as education and where he took himself. He wants people to know it is possible to learn and understand no matter where you come from. I think he also wanted to share with people, that knowledge is power.
Chapter 2 -TFY - Word Preciscion: How Do I Describe It? - Summary
“TFY”: Chapter 2 – Word Precision: How Do I Describe It? – Summary
This chapter is an overview of how to choose and use words, how to understand what you read and it describes critical reading. When you are reading or writing, realize that an accurate use of words improves your thinking. Words help us to communicate with others, experience and perceive. It is very important that you understand what you read. If you do not know what the definition of a certain word is, you should look it up in a dictionary. In writing, you can use a dictionary or thesaurus to assist you in your word selection. You also need to use and understand the connotation of words when you are reading or writing. The connotation will tell you how to feel or what to see. The first part of critical reading is to be receptive and objective as well. You need to be able to ask questions and challenge what you are reading. Keep an open mind and try to understand other points of view.
This chapter is an overview of how to choose and use words, how to understand what you read and it describes critical reading. When you are reading or writing, realize that an accurate use of words improves your thinking. Words help us to communicate with others, experience and perceive. It is very important that you understand what you read. If you do not know what the definition of a certain word is, you should look it up in a dictionary. In writing, you can use a dictionary or thesaurus to assist you in your word selection. You also need to use and understand the connotation of words when you are reading or writing. The connotation will tell you how to feel or what to see. The first part of critical reading is to be receptive and objective as well. You need to be able to ask questions and challenge what you are reading. Keep an open mind and try to understand other points of view.
Chapter 2 - CRCB - Developing Your College Vocabulary - Exercise
“CRCB”: Chapter 2 – Developing Your College Vocabulary – Exercises
Learning Journal – Page 33:
In your journal, write down how you currently learn new words. Do you believe you have a good system for learning and remembering words? Di you write down words you don’t know? Do you look them up in a dictionary? Do you believe that a better vocabulary will improve your reading and grades? Do you believe that a better vocabulary will ultimately help you land the job of your choice?
My system for learning new words is pretty much non-existent at this point. I know that vocabulary is not one of my strengths. When I read the student journal entry written on this page as an example, I completely identified with what was said. I always feel like, there are so many words that I do not understand the meaning of, so how am I supposed to take up more time looking all of them up??? I do believe that having better vocabulary will improve my reading, grading and even help with landing a job. I think having a good foundation when it comes to vocabulary presents confidence. I will make a better effort to look up the meaning of works I do not understand.
Learning Journal – Page 34:
In your journal, write down what you have just learned about the importance of learning textbook vocabulary.
Learning new vocabulary is very important because it will improve your reading skills as well as listening comprehension. When you learn new vocabulary, you are able to understand the words, not just know how to pronounce them. In college, courses build on each other, so you need to know the basics first before you can move on.
Exercise 2a:
Read the following sentences. Using the context clues, decide which of the answer provided for each comes closest in meaning to what word that is italicized, and circle the appropriate letter. Underline the context “clues.” The first one is modeled for you:
1. The child was able to assuage his irate father with a smile and a small kiss on his cheek. A grin slowly replaced the father’s angry frown.
B. Soothe
2. She was so overcome with joy by the birth of her baby that she was able to say nothing other than that the whole experience was simply ineffable.
C. Incapable of being expressed in words
3. Most of us eventually reach our goals, but life’s path to success is often a circuitous one.
C. Marked by roundabout or indirect procedures
4. The preacher took a pedagogic approach with his sermon, hoping that those attending would learn something meaningful from it.
A. Instructional
5. Although teaching is not a lucrative profession, I know that I wouldn’t want to do anything else. Helping others learn is far more important to me than money.
C. Well paying
6. Buying a lottery ticket is a very capricious way to plan for your future. The chances of winning are 1 in 10,000,000.
D. Unpredictable
Exercise 2f – Page 43-44:
Write the appropriate prefixes in the spaces here and then provide two words using each prefix. The firs one is modeled for you:
1. A prefix that means “good” or “Well” is bene. Two words: benefit and benediction
2. A prefix that mean “out” is ec or ex. Two words: exit and ecstasy
3. A prefix that means “skill” is techn. Two words: technician and technique
4. A prefix that means “bad” is mal. Two words: malnutrition and malignant
5. A prefix that means “against” is anti. Two words are: antidote and antibody
6. A prefix that means “half” is semi. Two words: semicolon and semicircle
7. A prefix that means “after” is post. Two words: postpartum and postmortem
8. A prefix that means “many” is multi. Two words: multidimensional and multicolored
9. A prefix that means “more than usual” is hyper. Two words: hyperventilate and hypertension
10. A prefix that means “before” is ante. Two words: ante partum and ante mortem
Learning Journal – Page 33:
In your journal, write down how you currently learn new words. Do you believe you have a good system for learning and remembering words? Di you write down words you don’t know? Do you look them up in a dictionary? Do you believe that a better vocabulary will improve your reading and grades? Do you believe that a better vocabulary will ultimately help you land the job of your choice?
My system for learning new words is pretty much non-existent at this point. I know that vocabulary is not one of my strengths. When I read the student journal entry written on this page as an example, I completely identified with what was said. I always feel like, there are so many words that I do not understand the meaning of, so how am I supposed to take up more time looking all of them up??? I do believe that having better vocabulary will improve my reading, grading and even help with landing a job. I think having a good foundation when it comes to vocabulary presents confidence. I will make a better effort to look up the meaning of works I do not understand.
Learning Journal – Page 34:
In your journal, write down what you have just learned about the importance of learning textbook vocabulary.
Learning new vocabulary is very important because it will improve your reading skills as well as listening comprehension. When you learn new vocabulary, you are able to understand the words, not just know how to pronounce them. In college, courses build on each other, so you need to know the basics first before you can move on.
Exercise 2a:
Read the following sentences. Using the context clues, decide which of the answer provided for each comes closest in meaning to what word that is italicized, and circle the appropriate letter. Underline the context “clues.” The first one is modeled for you:
1. The child was able to assuage his irate father with a smile and a small kiss on his cheek. A grin slowly replaced the father’s angry frown.
B. Soothe
2. She was so overcome with joy by the birth of her baby that she was able to say nothing other than that the whole experience was simply ineffable.
C. Incapable of being expressed in words
3. Most of us eventually reach our goals, but life’s path to success is often a circuitous one.
C. Marked by roundabout or indirect procedures
4. The preacher took a pedagogic approach with his sermon, hoping that those attending would learn something meaningful from it.
A. Instructional
5. Although teaching is not a lucrative profession, I know that I wouldn’t want to do anything else. Helping others learn is far more important to me than money.
C. Well paying
6. Buying a lottery ticket is a very capricious way to plan for your future. The chances of winning are 1 in 10,000,000.
D. Unpredictable
Exercise 2f – Page 43-44:
Write the appropriate prefixes in the spaces here and then provide two words using each prefix. The firs one is modeled for you:
1. A prefix that means “good” or “Well” is bene. Two words: benefit and benediction
2. A prefix that mean “out” is ec or ex. Two words: exit and ecstasy
3. A prefix that means “skill” is techn. Two words: technician and technique
4. A prefix that means “bad” is mal. Two words: malnutrition and malignant
5. A prefix that means “against” is anti. Two words are: antidote and antibody
6. A prefix that means “half” is semi. Two words: semicolon and semicircle
7. A prefix that means “after” is post. Two words: postpartum and postmortem
8. A prefix that means “many” is multi. Two words: multidimensional and multicolored
9. A prefix that means “more than usual” is hyper. Two words: hyperventilate and hypertension
10. A prefix that means “before” is ante. Two words: ante partum and ante mortem
Chapter 2 - CRCB - Developing Your College Vocabulary - Summary
“CRCB”: Chapter 2 – Developing Your College Vocabulary – Summary
This chapter covers how important learning, understanding and building your vocabulary really are. When you learn new vocabulary, you can understand what you read better, as well as be able to communicate and listen better. You can increase your academic skills and increase your chance of landing a job you really want. There are many different ways to learn the vocabulary words you do not know. Some examples are: using context clues, word analysis, writing in your textbook, creating word maps (mind maps of words), understanding the denotation and connotation, journaling and the card review system. Take some time and look words up in the dictionary to learn their meaning. This chapter really hit home for me because vocabulary is not a strength of mine. I do always feel there is not enough time to stop at every word I don’t know and look it up. Now I know that I can write the word in a journal and take the time to look it up later. This chapter will be beneficial to me because I plan to spend more time looking up and understanding words I do not know.
This chapter covers how important learning, understanding and building your vocabulary really are. When you learn new vocabulary, you can understand what you read better, as well as be able to communicate and listen better. You can increase your academic skills and increase your chance of landing a job you really want. There are many different ways to learn the vocabulary words you do not know. Some examples are: using context clues, word analysis, writing in your textbook, creating word maps (mind maps of words), understanding the denotation and connotation, journaling and the card review system. Take some time and look words up in the dictionary to learn their meaning. This chapter really hit home for me because vocabulary is not a strength of mine. I do always feel there is not enough time to stop at every word I don’t know and look it up. Now I know that I can write the word in a journal and take the time to look it up later. This chapter will be beneficial to me because I plan to spend more time looking up and understanding words I do not know.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Chapter 13 - Reading Beyond The Words Summary
“Critical Reading”: Chapter 13 – Reading Beyond The Words - Summary
This chapter has been about the six different levels of critical thinking. Those six levels are: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The chapter helps you to further explore each of these levels. In each step you must ask yourself certain questions and acknowledge certain concepts or facts. In following these six steps, or levels, you will be on the road to becoming a better critical thinker.
This chapter has been about the six different levels of critical thinking. Those six levels are: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The chapter helps you to further explore each of these levels. In each step you must ask yourself certain questions and acknowledge certain concepts or facts. In following these six steps, or levels, you will be on the road to becoming a better critical thinker.
Chapter 13 - Reading Beyond The Words Exercises
“Critical Reading”: Chapter 13 – Reading Beyond The Words
Learning Journal (pg. 435):
Based on what I just read, I think the word taxonomy means a list of six levels of thinking for teachers to use as a curriculum guide and a way to test students. In other words, taxonomy is Bloom’s way of describing or characterizing critical thinking.
Exercise 13a:
1. B – Your proposal is the work of a fool with one eye and half a brain.
2. C – Employees present is a partner in making a decision that affects us all.
3. D – Because it can lead to a win-win solution.
Exercise 13b:
1. According to Nietzsche, Christianity and science are foes because Christianity is based on faith and putting that faith and your life in the hands of God. Where science relies more on mankind and what we can do for ourselves and for others.
2. A couple of ways the author distinguishes between Christianity and science is he shows that Christians pray to God and ask for assistance from above when they are sick or at a time of war. The sources of the power of science enable people to see a doctor when sick or follow generals and join battalions at times of war.
3. People of faith and people of science of not always see eye to eye. Starting from the beginning of Christianity, people were only followers of God, not only in their time of need, but for all time. Nowadays, science is a much stronger force in our society, and people rely on it more and more.
Exercise 13c:
1. 10x / 5 = 120 x = 60
2. x + 76 = 1102 x = 1026
3. 98x / 7 = 14 x = 1
Learning Journal (pg. 447):
Analysis level of thinking is when you pull apart facts or concepts and look at every detail for a better understanding and to help you draw a conclusion of why something is or isn’t. I look at the application level as being more structured with rules so to speak. The analysis level is more based on skill in a way. You need to be able to look at a fact, dissect it and then able to put it back together with your understanding and in your own words.
Exercise 13d:
1. I think the author’s main point in this passage is there is a lot of ideas/ concepts in the world today that we as people are sometimes forced to accept, while other concepts, such as faith/ religion, are pushed under the rug due to the possibility of offending someone.
2. The author uses examples such as anal sex, a textbook called, “Heather Has Two Mommies”, and the Ten Commandments.
3. I feel the author may be a little bias. I feel he does not agree with certain sexual acts or preferences, while being make to feel forced to accept them. While being forced to accept the concepts he may not want to, ideas like religion are not to be spoken of. It’s almost as if this author is questioning people’s morals these days. Phrases to support my thoughts are as follows:
“It means being forced to accept as normal those behaviors and lifestyles that are absolutely abnormal.”
“For instance, we can’t teach the Ten Commandments. In fact, we can’t even post them in the classroom. Why? Because their origin is religion, and that (God forbid!) might offend.”
4. I am not sure that I think the author committed any fallacies in this passage. I don’t see this passage as being entirely factual, but more what the author perceives to be true. This is more his opinion.
Exercise 13e:
1. Linguists and biologist have similar ideas. Both are trying to learn more about the “living” while still here, and to figure out how to prevent extinction.
Reading Practice 2: “Call Me Crazy, but I Have To Be Myself”
1. B – A condition marked by moods that swing between elation and depair.
2. A – She would like to share her bipolar experience but doesn’t want to scare people.
3. D – The author feels the need to be honest with people about her condition.
4. A – Analysis
5. D – To integrate both sides of herself
6. If I were bipolar, I think I would pick and choose who I would tell and whom I would not tell. Unfortunately there is people while will judge you, so you have to be smart about who you share your personal stories with. At the same time, you can’t let everyone’s opinion of you bother you. You just have to be yourself. And that is how I would integrate both sides of myself into society. I would just be myself.
7. I think people with mental illnesses wake up everyday with a huge challenge. They need to be able to “overcome” their illness daily in order to be a functioning part of society.
8. Yes. I think it was wise of this author to write her article in a national magazine. For her, the most important thing was to be honest and let people know her “true” self. Some consequences could be having people judge her or look at her differently, while others will embrace her and learn from her story.
9. Some reasons why this author has kept her psychiatric history quiet all this time is because of embarrassment, shame, worry of what others will think. Also, she has always just wanted to be accepted and considered a “normal” part of society.
10. Reading the title and heading of this essay helped me to see that this story was going to be about a woman with bipolar disorder that wanted to voice her story, but still be seen as “normal.”
Learning Journal (pg. 435):
Based on what I just read, I think the word taxonomy means a list of six levels of thinking for teachers to use as a curriculum guide and a way to test students. In other words, taxonomy is Bloom’s way of describing or characterizing critical thinking.
Exercise 13a:
1. B – Your proposal is the work of a fool with one eye and half a brain.
2. C – Employees present is a partner in making a decision that affects us all.
3. D – Because it can lead to a win-win solution.
Exercise 13b:
1. According to Nietzsche, Christianity and science are foes because Christianity is based on faith and putting that faith and your life in the hands of God. Where science relies more on mankind and what we can do for ourselves and for others.
2. A couple of ways the author distinguishes between Christianity and science is he shows that Christians pray to God and ask for assistance from above when they are sick or at a time of war. The sources of the power of science enable people to see a doctor when sick or follow generals and join battalions at times of war.
3. People of faith and people of science of not always see eye to eye. Starting from the beginning of Christianity, people were only followers of God, not only in their time of need, but for all time. Nowadays, science is a much stronger force in our society, and people rely on it more and more.
Exercise 13c:
1. 10x / 5 = 120 x = 60
2. x + 76 = 1102 x = 1026
3. 98x / 7 = 14 x = 1
Learning Journal (pg. 447):
Analysis level of thinking is when you pull apart facts or concepts and look at every detail for a better understanding and to help you draw a conclusion of why something is or isn’t. I look at the application level as being more structured with rules so to speak. The analysis level is more based on skill in a way. You need to be able to look at a fact, dissect it and then able to put it back together with your understanding and in your own words.
Exercise 13d:
1. I think the author’s main point in this passage is there is a lot of ideas/ concepts in the world today that we as people are sometimes forced to accept, while other concepts, such as faith/ religion, are pushed under the rug due to the possibility of offending someone.
2. The author uses examples such as anal sex, a textbook called, “Heather Has Two Mommies”, and the Ten Commandments.
3. I feel the author may be a little bias. I feel he does not agree with certain sexual acts or preferences, while being make to feel forced to accept them. While being forced to accept the concepts he may not want to, ideas like religion are not to be spoken of. It’s almost as if this author is questioning people’s morals these days. Phrases to support my thoughts are as follows:
“It means being forced to accept as normal those behaviors and lifestyles that are absolutely abnormal.”
“For instance, we can’t teach the Ten Commandments. In fact, we can’t even post them in the classroom. Why? Because their origin is religion, and that (God forbid!) might offend.”
4. I am not sure that I think the author committed any fallacies in this passage. I don’t see this passage as being entirely factual, but more what the author perceives to be true. This is more his opinion.
Exercise 13e:
1. Linguists and biologist have similar ideas. Both are trying to learn more about the “living” while still here, and to figure out how to prevent extinction.
Reading Practice 2: “Call Me Crazy, but I Have To Be Myself”
1. B – A condition marked by moods that swing between elation and depair.
2. A – She would like to share her bipolar experience but doesn’t want to scare people.
3. D – The author feels the need to be honest with people about her condition.
4. A – Analysis
5. D – To integrate both sides of herself
6. If I were bipolar, I think I would pick and choose who I would tell and whom I would not tell. Unfortunately there is people while will judge you, so you have to be smart about who you share your personal stories with. At the same time, you can’t let everyone’s opinion of you bother you. You just have to be yourself. And that is how I would integrate both sides of myself into society. I would just be myself.
7. I think people with mental illnesses wake up everyday with a huge challenge. They need to be able to “overcome” their illness daily in order to be a functioning part of society.
8. Yes. I think it was wise of this author to write her article in a national magazine. For her, the most important thing was to be honest and let people know her “true” self. Some consequences could be having people judge her or look at her differently, while others will embrace her and learn from her story.
9. Some reasons why this author has kept her psychiatric history quiet all this time is because of embarrassment, shame, worry of what others will think. Also, she has always just wanted to be accepted and considered a “normal” part of society.
10. Reading the title and heading of this essay helped me to see that this story was going to be about a woman with bipolar disorder that wanted to voice her story, but still be seen as “normal.”
Friday, January 23, 2009
Journal Entry
Well, I have been sitting here for quite some time today completing assignments for this class. I just wanted to write a short journal entry about mind mapping.
I can see how mind mapping can be useful. I see mind maps as another way to do a summary for the chapters that we are reading in our books. I know they have many more uses, but that is the most useful I see for them so far. I am not sure YET if I will attempt to use mind maps for other classes or even personally... we will just have to see. Interesting concept though. That's all for now!
I can see how mind mapping can be useful. I see mind maps as another way to do a summary for the chapters that we are reading in our books. I know they have many more uses, but that is the most useful I see for them so far. I am not sure YET if I will attempt to use mind maps for other classes or even personally... we will just have to see. Interesting concept though. That's all for now!
Chapter 1 - Observation Skills Summary
“Thinking For Yourself”: Chapter 1 – Observation
Summary of Chapter
I believe this chapter in the book was trying to explain how to be a better observer. This chapter gave many different exercises to test you. The exercises were testing your ability to observe and how you observe. Some of the exercises also tested your ability to push past your being impatient and to force you to control yourself; to make you sit and observe for a little bit longer. This chapter is trying to teach you how to slow down and dig deep within yourself to see how you think. By looking at yourself and the way you think could help you to become a better observer. You need to evaluate how you observe and change it to make it better. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. If you take your time and carefully observe the details of an object, person, place, or situation, you can solve problems or have more insight. Observation is a process of sensing, perceiving and thinking. If you take the time to learn this process, the rewards for yourself can be powerful.
Summary of Chapter
I believe this chapter in the book was trying to explain how to be a better observer. This chapter gave many different exercises to test you. The exercises were testing your ability to observe and how you observe. Some of the exercises also tested your ability to push past your being impatient and to force you to control yourself; to make you sit and observe for a little bit longer. This chapter is trying to teach you how to slow down and dig deep within yourself to see how you think. By looking at yourself and the way you think could help you to become a better observer. You need to evaluate how you observe and change it to make it better. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. If you take your time and carefully observe the details of an object, person, place, or situation, you can solve problems or have more insight. Observation is a process of sensing, perceiving and thinking. If you take the time to learn this process, the rewards for yourself can be powerful.
Chapter 1 - Observation Skills Exercises
“Thinking For Yourself”: Chapter 1 – Observation
Exercise 1: Discovery Exercise: Comparing Our Perceptions
I am looking at a picture of four men standing in front of a large white tent. One man, who is standing in the middle with his arms out to either side, is very tall and skinny. He is wearing a black hat, black buttoned jacket with a white shirt and black tie. He is also wearing black shorts, black tights and black shoes that are a little dusty from the dirt on the ground. Then there are two men on either side of this tall man. Each man is standing underneath the tall man’s arms. These two men are short and appear identical. They both look like they are dressed as matadors, also wearing black hats with silver trim and dangling silver circles. One hat has a feather attached, while the other has 2 pom-pom balls. The final man appears to be a dwarf, or little person. He is standing to the left side and a little in front of the tall man. The little person is wearing a tall black hat, with a white shirt and tie, a pianist jacket, black pants and shoes.
Exercise 2: Observing a Cube
1. What happens to the cube as you observe it?
The cube looks like it becomes three-dimensional as I continue to observe it.
2. How does observing feel as you do it?
I can feel myself concentrating on the cube and observing every angle of it. I also noticed myself wondering how long I should stare at this cube for.
Exercise 3: Observation and Insight – Observing Cartoons
“New Software To Boost Your Productivity” Cartoon:
I noticed that this is supposed to be software for computers, but the cartoon also mentions Y2K. Y2K was supposed to be a huge computer problem in the year 2000. People were speculating that computers were going to have major problems because of the year change. So, I perceive these ads in the cartoon to be contradicting. They are trying to sell you products for computers, but the products seem to guide you away from the use of computers. I am not sure that I completely grasp the concept of this cartoon. That uncertainty makes me feel confused.
“Tree/ Barcode” Cartoon:
I notice in this cartoon that there are barcodes on the trees, the rocks and the water. The only conclusion I can come up with as to the meaning of this cartoon is that everything is for sale. Trees are cut down and made into products and are sold. Rocks are available for purchase and water is also bottled and sold. Again, like the previous cartoon, I am unsure that this is definitely the meaning of this cartoon. Again, this leaves me feeling confused.
“What Do You See” Cartoon:
I believe this cartoon shows how different people (or animals in this case) see things differently. The solider sees acres available for war games. The realtor sees acres available for commercial and or industrial building. The artist sees the beauty of the land and wishes to paint the scenery and the deer sees home. I think this cartoon is a perfect example of observation and different points of view. When I read this cartoon and understood the meaning, I felt a sense of satisfaction and relief.
Exercise 4: Reading: “Look at Your Fish”:
1. Why did Agassiz keep saying “Look at your fish”? What was he trying to teach Scudder?
I think the reason Agassiz kept saying to look at the fish was because he wanted Scudder to really concentrate and take his time in observing the fish. He was trying to teach him that sometimes when you observe something, you judge or conclude too fast and you may miss some observations.
2. How would you describe the stages in Scudder’s process of looking? What happened at each stage?
I think that each stage of Scudder’s process of looking at the fish forced him to concentrate and focus more as each stage progressed. I also think that at the beginning of each stage, he became frustrated as he thought there was nothing more to observe.
3. How did Scudder change personally in the course of his “trial”?
I think Scudder changed by now realizing he needs to take his time to pay attention to the details of what he is observing.
4. Explain why you think Agassiz’s method of teaching was either effective or wasteful.
I think that Agassiz’s method of teaching was effective in this story. I think that Scudder has to go through the process of observation and all the stages in order to make him a better observer. Scudder was able to go through the motions of this trial himself, knowing after each stage there was something more to be seen. Scudder learned to take his time and look with his eyes in search for detail.
Exercise 1: Discovery Exercise: Comparing Our Perceptions
I am looking at a picture of four men standing in front of a large white tent. One man, who is standing in the middle with his arms out to either side, is very tall and skinny. He is wearing a black hat, black buttoned jacket with a white shirt and black tie. He is also wearing black shorts, black tights and black shoes that are a little dusty from the dirt on the ground. Then there are two men on either side of this tall man. Each man is standing underneath the tall man’s arms. These two men are short and appear identical. They both look like they are dressed as matadors, also wearing black hats with silver trim and dangling silver circles. One hat has a feather attached, while the other has 2 pom-pom balls. The final man appears to be a dwarf, or little person. He is standing to the left side and a little in front of the tall man. The little person is wearing a tall black hat, with a white shirt and tie, a pianist jacket, black pants and shoes.
Exercise 2: Observing a Cube
1. What happens to the cube as you observe it?
The cube looks like it becomes three-dimensional as I continue to observe it.
2. How does observing feel as you do it?
I can feel myself concentrating on the cube and observing every angle of it. I also noticed myself wondering how long I should stare at this cube for.
Exercise 3: Observation and Insight – Observing Cartoons
“New Software To Boost Your Productivity” Cartoon:
I noticed that this is supposed to be software for computers, but the cartoon also mentions Y2K. Y2K was supposed to be a huge computer problem in the year 2000. People were speculating that computers were going to have major problems because of the year change. So, I perceive these ads in the cartoon to be contradicting. They are trying to sell you products for computers, but the products seem to guide you away from the use of computers. I am not sure that I completely grasp the concept of this cartoon. That uncertainty makes me feel confused.
“Tree/ Barcode” Cartoon:
I notice in this cartoon that there are barcodes on the trees, the rocks and the water. The only conclusion I can come up with as to the meaning of this cartoon is that everything is for sale. Trees are cut down and made into products and are sold. Rocks are available for purchase and water is also bottled and sold. Again, like the previous cartoon, I am unsure that this is definitely the meaning of this cartoon. Again, this leaves me feeling confused.
“What Do You See” Cartoon:
I believe this cartoon shows how different people (or animals in this case) see things differently. The solider sees acres available for war games. The realtor sees acres available for commercial and or industrial building. The artist sees the beauty of the land and wishes to paint the scenery and the deer sees home. I think this cartoon is a perfect example of observation and different points of view. When I read this cartoon and understood the meaning, I felt a sense of satisfaction and relief.
Exercise 4: Reading: “Look at Your Fish”:
1. Why did Agassiz keep saying “Look at your fish”? What was he trying to teach Scudder?
I think the reason Agassiz kept saying to look at the fish was because he wanted Scudder to really concentrate and take his time in observing the fish. He was trying to teach him that sometimes when you observe something, you judge or conclude too fast and you may miss some observations.
2. How would you describe the stages in Scudder’s process of looking? What happened at each stage?
I think that each stage of Scudder’s process of looking at the fish forced him to concentrate and focus more as each stage progressed. I also think that at the beginning of each stage, he became frustrated as he thought there was nothing more to observe.
3. How did Scudder change personally in the course of his “trial”?
I think Scudder changed by now realizing he needs to take his time to pay attention to the details of what he is observing.
4. Explain why you think Agassiz’s method of teaching was either effective or wasteful.
I think that Agassiz’s method of teaching was effective in this story. I think that Scudder has to go through the process of observation and all the stages in order to make him a better observer. Scudder was able to go through the motions of this trial himself, knowing after each stage there was something more to be seen. Scudder learned to take his time and look with his eyes in search for detail.
Where Do You Stand?
Where Do You Stand?
Where do you stand with regard to critical thinking?
I believe that critical thinking is the action or ability to take facts and draw a conclusion from those facts. I believe that critical thinking is your ability to think for yourself.
FEET: What do I stand for as a foundation of critical thinking?
I believe my foundation for critical thinking is probably average. I think that every person does critical thinking in their everyday lives, sometimes without even knowing it, or realizing it, including myself. I believe that my “average” foundation of critical thinking can be improved. There is always more for improvement.
STOMACH: What upsets me about critical thinking?
What upsets me about critical thinking is that a lot of people judge prior to hearing or seeing all the facts. I think that judging others is wrong, especially before you have all the facts.
HEART: What do I love about critical thinking?
I love that I have the ability to think for myself; to listen to facts and come up with my own conclusion.
HANDS: What do I feel about critical thinking?
I feel that some people do not fully understand the process of critical thinking. Some people may not be honest, while others do not have an open-mind, therefore missing some key characteristics of critical thinking.
EARS: What do I hear about critical thinking?
I hear different interpretations of the definition of critical thinking from different people. Critical thinking takes on different meanings to different people.
EYES: What do I see about critical thinking?
I see that when I do a little research, I find that critical thinking has different characteristics. Some of those characteristics are rationality, self-awareness, honesty, open-mindedness, discipline and judgment.
BRAIN: What do I think about critical thinking?
I think that we can all learn to become better critical thinkers.
Where do you stand with regard to critical thinking?
I believe that critical thinking is the action or ability to take facts and draw a conclusion from those facts. I believe that critical thinking is your ability to think for yourself.
FEET: What do I stand for as a foundation of critical thinking?
I believe my foundation for critical thinking is probably average. I think that every person does critical thinking in their everyday lives, sometimes without even knowing it, or realizing it, including myself. I believe that my “average” foundation of critical thinking can be improved. There is always more for improvement.
STOMACH: What upsets me about critical thinking?
What upsets me about critical thinking is that a lot of people judge prior to hearing or seeing all the facts. I think that judging others is wrong, especially before you have all the facts.
HEART: What do I love about critical thinking?
I love that I have the ability to think for myself; to listen to facts and come up with my own conclusion.
HANDS: What do I feel about critical thinking?
I feel that some people do not fully understand the process of critical thinking. Some people may not be honest, while others do not have an open-mind, therefore missing some key characteristics of critical thinking.
EARS: What do I hear about critical thinking?
I hear different interpretations of the definition of critical thinking from different people. Critical thinking takes on different meanings to different people.
EYES: What do I see about critical thinking?
I see that when I do a little research, I find that critical thinking has different characteristics. Some of those characteristics are rationality, self-awareness, honesty, open-mindedness, discipline and judgment.
BRAIN: What do I think about critical thinking?
I think that we can all learn to become better critical thinkers.
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