Ok, I know some of you are already "grown up" in the traditional sense. But you are either currently in college or considering it the near future. So what are you working on becoming? Who are you striving to become? And why? What do you have to offer that field? What unique talents or contributions can you offer?
These are all important questions to ask yourself as you progress through your journey. Even after you've completed your degree, you should continue asking yourself these questions. With today's economy and global society, we need to continuously remain on the cutting edge in our fields of work and study.
Now, so you all get a feel for where I come from, I'll answer my own questions:)
What do you want to be when you grow up?
For right now the answer is a teacher. I already am in a sense, as a homeschooling mother. But an accredited teacher with a degree and a "job" would be a really nice addition to my resume. I say this because teaching isn't an end goal for me, it is a stepping stone to a much larger goal...you've probably heard names like Dewey, Webster, Vygotsky, Plato, and Pestalozzi...one day I hope to have my name counted among them. Is that a high goal? You better betchya sweet buttons it is. But is it unattainable? Absolutely not!
Who are you working to become?
For the moment, my main focus is on becoming a college grad. Before completion of my undergraduate degree, I plan to complete a summer research opportunity program (SROP) at either Michigan State or University of Michigan. From there, I hope to continue research throughout and beyond my masters degree completion. I'm working on becoming an influential part of American education.
I've also started a little bit of education related freelance writing. None of this is scholarly, peer reviewed work; however, it is giving me the confidence and helping to improve my talents. I think it will benefit my writing in the long run...it is all online publication work, so as technology advances and globalization increases, I'm sure this skill will transfer into the educational writing sphere.
What do you have to offer the field? What unique talents or contributions can you offer?
First and foremost, I believe the most helpful ability I posses is the ability to remember what it was like to be a kid. All through growing up, my mother told me "remember this, it will help you later". So I did. When I started to learn how to ride a bike. I remember all the tips people gave me, what I thought about them, how I applied them, and what I took away from it all...I'm not saying I have some perfect, photographical/autobiographical memory. Actually, I have had a hard time with my memory. But I work to hold onto the things that really mattered to me, and why they mattered to me in the first place. Because of this, I am able to get down on the child's level (no mater which level that is) and understand them. Thus, I am better equipped for them to understand and relate to me as well.
I like to believe I also have at least a mediocre command of the written language. I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but words come easily to me...because of this, I am able to convey my thoughts to the following generations, and leave a legacy for future learners to glean from.
OK
Now it's your turn.....click comments, then post your answers....thank you!!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Lets Get Interactive
First, I must apologize. I started this blog with great enthusiasm....thinking I could add stuff everyday and offer a wealth of information and resources to me fellow students of life. Unfortunately...this task was a whole lot greater than myself. So....
I decided early on to make this an interactive blog, where fellow students and learners of life could ask questions, share stories, and build a community. But I guess I never really made it formal. So here it is....This is the post to comment on if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Are you a current college/university student?
Are there resources or information you would like to see here? Are there questions you have in a particular field of study? Are looking for a tutor or other study helps? Have you found this site helpful, or could it use some improvements?
Are you a current High School student?
Are you considering college, or continuing your education? What are some of your questions or concerns about continuing your education? Have you considered distance learning? What is stopping you from enrolling in college or university?
Are you a college/university graduate?
Do you have any helpful tips or advice for current college students? What about for future students? Do you have horror stories to tell? How about stories with happy endings? What did you do directly after graduation? How has your career held up through the recession?
Are you a college professor or instructor?
Can you share some tips or helps for current and future post secondary students? Are there certain schools you would recommend for specific career fields? Can you share some humorous stories of your teaching experiences? Do you have some students success stories you'd like to share with current and future students?
I know this isn't a very informative post, but the well has run dry for the past couple of months. Up until this point, I have only been sharing information, experiences, and resources from my own perspective, and I would like to include yours. So please, click on the word "comment" below and share:)
I decided early on to make this an interactive blog, where fellow students and learners of life could ask questions, share stories, and build a community. But I guess I never really made it formal. So here it is....This is the post to comment on if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Are you a current college/university student?
Are there resources or information you would like to see here? Are there questions you have in a particular field of study? Are looking for a tutor or other study helps? Have you found this site helpful, or could it use some improvements?
Are you a current High School student?
Are you considering college, or continuing your education? What are some of your questions or concerns about continuing your education? Have you considered distance learning? What is stopping you from enrolling in college or university?
Are you a college/university graduate?
Do you have any helpful tips or advice for current college students? What about for future students? Do you have horror stories to tell? How about stories with happy endings? What did you do directly after graduation? How has your career held up through the recession?
Are you a college professor or instructor?
Can you share some tips or helps for current and future post secondary students? Are there certain schools you would recommend for specific career fields? Can you share some humorous stories of your teaching experiences? Do you have some students success stories you'd like to share with current and future students?
I know this isn't a very informative post, but the well has run dry for the past couple of months. Up until this point, I have only been sharing information, experiences, and resources from my own perspective, and I would like to include yours. So please, click on the word "comment" below and share:)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The American Constitution
Hip Hip Hooray! Finally a class I can really get into. For the next 9 weeks I get to focus my academic studies on history, and I can't help but share the joy. When I finish the Constitution, I will be moving on to the education system...both of which impact our lives as students greatly, and have served their purposes but are in drastic need of reconstruction. So, if nothing else,these next weeks should be interesting.I'm eager to read what my classmates have to say on each of our topics of discussion. I hope you all will follow through with us as well...who knows, maybe you'll learn something too:)
So, this week my classmates and I are discussing different government systems; unitary, federal, and confederal. Do you know the difference?
Unitary government: a strong national government holds all the power, then delegates responsibilities, rights, and privileges to its states and local governments.
Federal government: a constitution specifies the powers to either state or federal governments, the federal and state departments share some powers, responsibilities, and privileges, but are given their power by the consent of the people they are governing.
Confederal government: a government made up of individual and independent states. The federal government is only granted power the states wish to allow.
These are my paraphrased definitions derived from the text, "American Government; Continuity and Change." But what does that mean? We have always been told that our nation is governed by a federal system, but have the people ever felt like they granted anyone any powers at all. Or has it actually been the contrary; that people have strived to reign in the powers of the federal government, and get them out of our backyards, schools, and churches?
Perhaps our government doesn't quite fit into any of these categories??? Maybe, in an effort to avoid one and create another, our nation has gradually slipped down a slope; merging one with another over time.
View with me this progression...
When colonies were planted on this continent, some 400 years ago, each one began under the rule of another government. The Dutch, French, British, and Spanish were the largest contributors to the growth of a new nation. All of which fashioned their governments on a unitary system model. One monarch, Parliament, or other governing body had supreme power. Even though subordinate states, colonies, or territories had some form of local government, the supreme authority could step in at any time, change laws without notice, tax with no explanation or benefit to the people, and do as they please (even outside of the law they mandated).
As colonies grew away from their mother countries and in unison with each other, they formed a compact. Through this compact, they fought back to earn their freedom, and recognition, as an independent nation of the world. However, they had no clue what they were doing, and no desirable model to emulate. Therefore, they were left to flounder in their own philosophies and ideals. Through this floundering, they created for themselves a confederate system of government.
Remember, each state grew from a colony, and each colony was planted by a different nation and for a different purpose. Therefore, there was no real union to begin with. Only a bunch of teenage boys who thought they knew more than their parents and grandparents, and were smart enough to call on some friends when the bullies came to push them around. ...Ok, so some of them weren't teenagers, but they were all amateurs at governing themselves. Loosely, these boys created a compact of independent states, which they called the Articles of Confederation.
This was the formation of a confederal system of government. One of which all the powers of the nation were allotted to the states, and only those powers deemed necessary were granted to the federal government. When this plan backfired, they did what any teenage boy would do. They fell back on their parents models. They intended to form a democracy, a republic, a representative government, in which the people had the power, the states had authority, and the federal government had what was leftover. Instead, they formed a warped copy of the unitary system, the federal system.
In the federal system, the constitution has supreme power and authority, only congress can change it(therefore they have ultimate power in the nation). The people elect their representatives who then make laws, enforce them, and interpret them as times change. The states, then, are left with what ever the feds don't want to be bothered with. The menial tasks, dirty laundry, policing, and the like. The states, then, are more or less the hands of the federal government, where the federal government is the mind, and the people are its blood.
**Disclaimer**
I am not a licensed or certified history teacher, I have no authority in the field. I am but a student of life, and these ramblings are my own workings through the topic. Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong or mistaken, or join in with your own thoughts on the matter.
Comments are not moderated here, so when you hit "post comment" it shows up right away...please feel free to do so:)
So, this week my classmates and I are discussing different government systems; unitary, federal, and confederal. Do you know the difference?
Unitary government: a strong national government holds all the power, then delegates responsibilities, rights, and privileges to its states and local governments.
Federal government: a constitution specifies the powers to either state or federal governments, the federal and state departments share some powers, responsibilities, and privileges, but are given their power by the consent of the people they are governing.
Confederal government: a government made up of individual and independent states. The federal government is only granted power the states wish to allow.
These are my paraphrased definitions derived from the text, "American Government; Continuity and Change." But what does that mean? We have always been told that our nation is governed by a federal system, but have the people ever felt like they granted anyone any powers at all. Or has it actually been the contrary; that people have strived to reign in the powers of the federal government, and get them out of our backyards, schools, and churches?
Perhaps our government doesn't quite fit into any of these categories??? Maybe, in an effort to avoid one and create another, our nation has gradually slipped down a slope; merging one with another over time.
View with me this progression...
When colonies were planted on this continent, some 400 years ago, each one began under the rule of another government. The Dutch, French, British, and Spanish were the largest contributors to the growth of a new nation. All of which fashioned their governments on a unitary system model. One monarch, Parliament, or other governing body had supreme power. Even though subordinate states, colonies, or territories had some form of local government, the supreme authority could step in at any time, change laws without notice, tax with no explanation or benefit to the people, and do as they please (even outside of the law they mandated).
As colonies grew away from their mother countries and in unison with each other, they formed a compact. Through this compact, they fought back to earn their freedom, and recognition, as an independent nation of the world. However, they had no clue what they were doing, and no desirable model to emulate. Therefore, they were left to flounder in their own philosophies and ideals. Through this floundering, they created for themselves a confederate system of government.
Remember, each state grew from a colony, and each colony was planted by a different nation and for a different purpose. Therefore, there was no real union to begin with. Only a bunch of teenage boys who thought they knew more than their parents and grandparents, and were smart enough to call on some friends when the bullies came to push them around. ...Ok, so some of them weren't teenagers, but they were all amateurs at governing themselves. Loosely, these boys created a compact of independent states, which they called the Articles of Confederation.
This was the formation of a confederal system of government. One of which all the powers of the nation were allotted to the states, and only those powers deemed necessary were granted to the federal government. When this plan backfired, they did what any teenage boy would do. They fell back on their parents models. They intended to form a democracy, a republic, a representative government, in which the people had the power, the states had authority, and the federal government had what was leftover. Instead, they formed a warped copy of the unitary system, the federal system.
In the federal system, the constitution has supreme power and authority, only congress can change it(therefore they have ultimate power in the nation). The people elect their representatives who then make laws, enforce them, and interpret them as times change. The states, then, are left with what ever the feds don't want to be bothered with. The menial tasks, dirty laundry, policing, and the like. The states, then, are more or less the hands of the federal government, where the federal government is the mind, and the people are its blood.
**Disclaimer**
I am not a licensed or certified history teacher, I have no authority in the field. I am but a student of life, and these ramblings are my own workings through the topic. Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong or mistaken, or join in with your own thoughts on the matter.
Comments are not moderated here, so when you hit "post comment" it shows up right away...please feel free to do so:)
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Computer Literacy and College...where am I?
Since my focus usually hovers on distance education and online learning, I thought I'd look for some good stuff out here on computer literacy and techno-know-how..Todd Pheifer has a piece on just that...here...
For some wonderful reason, I can no longer cut and paste bits and pieces in here. As a writer, that pleases me, because I know things are being done to protect my work...but it makes it more time consumming to share other writers' work.
In this article, Todd covers the necessity for today's learner to become comfortable with the technology they will be using to further their education. If you're wondering if your up to snuff enough to make it in an online classroom, it would serve ya well to chack it out.
On that note...Somethings you should probably want to get aquainted with before classes begin, or get any more difficult, are: Power Point, this is software that just about every college student today needs to be comfortable with. Micosoft Office Word...not the one that comes on your computer from the store, the one you actually have to purchase and download...almost every online school out there requires this because it is the program their instructors use. It provides editing tools that allow the instructor to give detail feedback. And...
You tell me..these two are the only I ones I've really encountered so far. But if there is another out there that you know of...let us all in on the secret:)
For some wonderful reason, I can no longer cut and paste bits and pieces in here. As a writer, that pleases me, because I know things are being done to protect my work...but it makes it more time consumming to share other writers' work.
In this article, Todd covers the necessity for today's learner to become comfortable with the technology they will be using to further their education. If you're wondering if your up to snuff enough to make it in an online classroom, it would serve ya well to chack it out.
On that note...Somethings you should probably want to get aquainted with before classes begin, or get any more difficult, are: Power Point, this is software that just about every college student today needs to be comfortable with. Micosoft Office Word...not the one that comes on your computer from the store, the one you actually have to purchase and download...almost every online school out there requires this because it is the program their instructors use. It provides editing tools that allow the instructor to give detail feedback. And...
You tell me..these two are the only I ones I've really encountered so far. But if there is another out there that you know of...let us all in on the secret:)
Friday, May 29, 2009
What Happened to the Featured Writer?
This is a quick note of apology. Some evidence that newbies have a hard time keeping up :)! As I get more accustomed to the blogging world, I know I will get better at this. Until then...I hope you can hang in there with me.
From this point on...no promises or expectations. I will do my best to keep the fresh voices coming...and you will still get the full months worth of air time.
For the next 30 days, we will be enlightened by a college professor and author, Todd Pheifer. I think that one of the best ways to introduce a person (when not face-to-face) is by quoting them. On his profile page at Helium.com, Todd wrote, "I love the word "tenacity", because I believe anything can be accomplished if you have the vision to see it through to completion." I think that is a great mindset for any student of any level.
If there is ever a topic you would like addressed here, let me know and I will do my best to cover it in a timely manner.
From this point on...no promises or expectations. I will do my best to keep the fresh voices coming...and you will still get the full months worth of air time.
For the next 30 days, we will be enlightened by a college professor and author, Todd Pheifer. I think that one of the best ways to introduce a person (when not face-to-face) is by quoting them. On his profile page at Helium.com, Todd wrote, "I love the word "tenacity", because I believe anything can be accomplished if you have the vision to see it through to completion." I think that is a great mindset for any student of any level.
If there is ever a topic you would like addressed here, let me know and I will do my best to cover it in a timely manner.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Math Woes revisited and relieved
Well, once again, after giving it some time and allowing myself a clear mind, I got it.
Those Truth Tables aren't really as hard as I was making them out to be.
Can you believe that my error was an error in reading?.... Ya, go figure...haha
In the text, it explained the order of operations, and listed out a hierarchy to follow. I assumed that since the items were listed in numerical order from 1 to 4, that this was the order you utilize the connectives....My bad!!! It's actually the other way around...haha..
Go figure, that a person who would rather read a 5000 page novel than complete a 4 chapter math lesson, got hung up by misreading something...HA
SO, just like I learned in Pre-Algebra, back in 7th grade, you work the parenthesis first....of course;)
While in th (), you negate anything that has a ~ before it, then plug in the values for the junctions (the carrots...both of them), after that you move on to the conditional (single headed arrow), then the biconditionals (double headed arrow).
It helps if you use different colors, or lowercase then uppercase letters, or some other visual way to show yourself which step you are on. For me, this helped a great deal, because after filling in a column, I got lost, and had to start back at square one, looking over each step, until I figured out where I was. Not everyone will need this, but visual learners will see the benefits.
I wrote the first steps (just the basic truth values for each variable in the statement) in lowercase letters. Then I used capital letters for the second steps. I Underlined these columns so I could spot them more easily when working the next steps. Then I circled those columns so the final connective would be easier to recognize.
Another thing that was tripping me up was the order I put the Ts and Fs into the left columns. I finally ended up looking at an answer to figure it out, because I was utterly lost. Just remember, 4 T's, 4F's, then 2T's and 2Fs 2 times. Then the last column will be Ts and Fs alternating.
I hope there's never a need to have 4 variables, because then I will be searching in the dark again till I find another simple remedy:)
Well, now it's another week, with four new chapters to learn and ponder. I'm sure I'll be back with more woes and what nots. But if not, feel free to comment on this one with any new ones that come up for you!!!
Those Truth Tables aren't really as hard as I was making them out to be.
Can you believe that my error was an error in reading?.... Ya, go figure...haha
In the text, it explained the order of operations, and listed out a hierarchy to follow. I assumed that since the items were listed in numerical order from 1 to 4, that this was the order you utilize the connectives....My bad!!! It's actually the other way around...haha..
Go figure, that a person who would rather read a 5000 page novel than complete a 4 chapter math lesson, got hung up by misreading something...HA
SO, just like I learned in Pre-Algebra, back in 7th grade, you work the parenthesis first....of course;)
While in th (), you negate anything that has a ~ before it, then plug in the values for the junctions (the carrots...both of them), after that you move on to the conditional (single headed arrow), then the biconditionals (double headed arrow).
It helps if you use different colors, or lowercase then uppercase letters, or some other visual way to show yourself which step you are on. For me, this helped a great deal, because after filling in a column, I got lost, and had to start back at square one, looking over each step, until I figured out where I was. Not everyone will need this, but visual learners will see the benefits.
I wrote the first steps (just the basic truth values for each variable in the statement) in lowercase letters. Then I used capital letters for the second steps. I Underlined these columns so I could spot them more easily when working the next steps. Then I circled those columns so the final connective would be easier to recognize.
Another thing that was tripping me up was the order I put the Ts and Fs into the left columns. I finally ended up looking at an answer to figure it out, because I was utterly lost. Just remember, 4 T's, 4F's, then 2T's and 2Fs 2 times. Then the last column will be Ts and Fs alternating.
I hope there's never a need to have 4 variables, because then I will be searching in the dark again till I find another simple remedy:)
Well, now it's another week, with four new chapters to learn and ponder. I'm sure I'll be back with more woes and what nots. But if not, feel free to comment on this one with any new ones that come up for you!!!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Importance of Staying Fit for College Success
Here's a little more on taking care of yourself. As important as it is to get enough sleep, we as college students also need to keep ourselves active and healthy. Even distance learners, who aren't sitting in the classrooms for hours at a time, 3 or 4 days a week, still have to make it a point to get the activity we need to keep our bodies going strong.
Here's Leigh's voice on the subject:
Good health and fitness is important for everyone, but there are special considerations for the college student. Students are faced with issues such as sleep deprivation and poor diets, all of which can negatively impact good health. It's a good idea for college students to remain focused on strong fitness during their school years because it's easy to fall into bad habits... finish reading here.
As a distance learner myself, I find it it difficult to find the time each day, or week for that matter, to put into my health and wellness. I chose a distance program because my life was already busy and full of time responsibilities. I also know, however, that any added activity on a regular basis will improve your overall health. So I watched what I did for a while, then wrote down things I could do a little differently. Before long, I had a list of 10 simple ways to stay fit. I do little things, like sweeping my carpet every once in awhile instead of vacuuming, or walking to the corner store with my kids instead of hopping in the van. A little bit can go a long way, but it wont do much for knocking off already collected pounds, or reducing negative effects you're already fighting. These little things can re-energize you after a few days of sedentary, repetitive work and studying.
As always, enjoy what you are doing, and do what you are enjoying! Best wishes.
Here's Leigh's voice on the subject:
Good health and fitness is important for everyone, but there are special considerations for the college student. Students are faced with issues such as sleep deprivation and poor diets, all of which can negatively impact good health. It's a good idea for college students to remain focused on strong fitness during their school years because it's easy to fall into bad habits... finish reading here.
As a distance learner myself, I find it it difficult to find the time each day, or week for that matter, to put into my health and wellness. I chose a distance program because my life was already busy and full of time responsibilities. I also know, however, that any added activity on a regular basis will improve your overall health. So I watched what I did for a while, then wrote down things I could do a little differently. Before long, I had a list of 10 simple ways to stay fit. I do little things, like sweeping my carpet every once in awhile instead of vacuuming, or walking to the corner store with my kids instead of hopping in the van. A little bit can go a long way, but it wont do much for knocking off already collected pounds, or reducing negative effects you're already fighting. These little things can re-energize you after a few days of sedentary, repetitive work and studying.
As always, enjoy what you are doing, and do what you are enjoying! Best wishes.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Math Woes
Anybody like Math? Any good at it?
I know a few people that could use your help...
and I am one!!
Just proof that even those who seem to have all the answers, or the right questions to ask...
even those who tend to get good grades, can pass tests with ease...
the ones who can research any topic given them, who can meet writing deadlines...
the tutors, the second-time-around students...
the ones who have been in school longer than some of us have been school-age.
We all need a little help once in a while.
I want to let my readers know, that just because I started this blog to help out fellow students, doesn't mean I have all the answers. That is why I started the Feature-A-Writer "program". This blog will serve me as well as my readers, and I think that's what life-time education is all about. I'm on a constant look out for writers with a unique voice, wisdom, or different perspective; who can add some flavor to the monotonous, bland, tired out, 30 pages on a Google search - stuff that is out there. The voices you read here are (will be) different than those you have to dig through to get to.
But you know? One person doing this all on their own is a large feat. One that I'm sure is possible, but not plausible for someone so early in the game. That means I need some help from my readers. I need questions, ideas, tips you've gathered along the way, resources available for online students, a piece of writing to add, or an online published article to refer. Please let me know about it. Drop an email or comment on a post. One way or another, let your voice be heard:).
Now back to the math.....
The class I'm taking right now is called A Survey of Mathematical Methods. Now, I've never been that good at math. I did pretty well up until high school. About that time, I became interested in early childhood education and passionate about writing. I excelled in literature, history, language, and writing. It's almost as if my numbers fell away from my alphabet...sorry, after 9 of years of everyday conversation consisting of a 20-something and a 2-6 year old, I sometimes forget which one I am...and a brick wall went up between them. Now, when I see so many letters and numbers, and added symbols and expressions, I get completely confused.
The other day, I was reading about Venn Diagrams. When I started the chapter, I was like, "OK, easy enough. I remember how to use these, I just taught Lexa about these a few months ago, and I think Allen is starting to get the concept. This oughta be a breeze. I love the text I have, because it has a bot of that history I love, and a touch of the literature that fuels my inspiration. It was interesting enough to keep my mind active. That usually helps a visual/kinesthetic learner. I can see the "lessons" more clearly when my mind is also busy enough to keep me going.
Everything went smoothly. I did the little exercises and got most of them right. I thought I'd zoom through a few pages, and head straight for the review/practice section. I tried a few...
and then checked my answers, because I knew something wasn't right. So, I went back and looked at the sections with the concept...and ended up more confused than when I started. So I tried to redo a couple, and thought I had it. SO I went on to the next few...and checked the answers again... Not only did I get a couple of the new ones wrong, but there were some of the first wrongs, still!
Needless to say that I was frustrated. To make matters worse, I was at work. That's not that big a deal, since work is my friend's house. I watch her two girls. One is 10 and the other is 1. I sit and work on my school work when the baby is napping, playing happily with her toys, or while we are eating lunch or breakfast. The 10 year old is usually working on schoolwork at the same time. Each day, I bring one of my kids with me, so they will be playing with the baby, working on their "school work", or playing with their friend. That means that half of my study time is shared with my tutor/teacher time. So, when I'm frustrated with my work, I have to let it rest. After about 3 or 4 attempts at getting this stuff, over a 5 hour time period, I decided to skip this chapter and go on. If this concept wasn't in the next chapter, I could work n it later.
Sure enough! When I got to work the next day, it just hit me. I spent a couple minutes looking over the explanation section, then hit the review. I tried a couple, and checked 'em. Then I went on to do some more...checked 'em..and moved on. I'm not saying I've got it down, I still had a few errors. But it pretty much makes sense now. I somehow missed the step where you write out the list for each circle and the universal set. Once I had all of the numbers in the right sets, and had it right there to look at, the rest just fell into place.
So, today it happened gain. This time with these truth tables. If I said I was frustrated a couple days ago...I would be understating it today. I'm completely lost! Thankfully the instructor was helpful in providing a little extra guidance for the project we have to complete. Unfortunately, I must have a brick head, because it still doesn't make much sense. What makes which one true, and how do you know if it's false? And what's that sign mean now that it is on that side of the number, or outside the parenthesis? Who slipped that sign in when I wasn't looking, and why is it laughing at me? hehehe
Maybe after some rest tonight, it will just light up like a light bulb....or, one of our readers will leave some helpful advice...who knows???
Until next time....
I know a few people that could use your help...
and I am one!!
Just proof that even those who seem to have all the answers, or the right questions to ask...
even those who tend to get good grades, can pass tests with ease...
the ones who can research any topic given them, who can meet writing deadlines...
the tutors, the second-time-around students...
the ones who have been in school longer than some of us have been school-age.
We all need a little help once in a while.
I want to let my readers know, that just because I started this blog to help out fellow students, doesn't mean I have all the answers. That is why I started the Feature-A-Writer "program". This blog will serve me as well as my readers, and I think that's what life-time education is all about. I'm on a constant look out for writers with a unique voice, wisdom, or different perspective; who can add some flavor to the monotonous, bland, tired out, 30 pages on a Google search - stuff that is out there. The voices you read here are (will be) different than those you have to dig through to get to.
But you know? One person doing this all on their own is a large feat. One that I'm sure is possible, but not plausible for someone so early in the game. That means I need some help from my readers. I need questions, ideas, tips you've gathered along the way, resources available for online students, a piece of writing to add, or an online published article to refer. Please let me know about it. Drop an email or comment on a post. One way or another, let your voice be heard:).
Now back to the math.....
The class I'm taking right now is called A Survey of Mathematical Methods. Now, I've never been that good at math. I did pretty well up until high school. About that time, I became interested in early childhood education and passionate about writing. I excelled in literature, history, language, and writing. It's almost as if my numbers fell away from my alphabet...sorry, after 9 of years of everyday conversation consisting of a 20-something and a 2-6 year old, I sometimes forget which one I am...and a brick wall went up between them. Now, when I see so many letters and numbers, and added symbols and expressions, I get completely confused.
The other day, I was reading about Venn Diagrams. When I started the chapter, I was like, "OK, easy enough. I remember how to use these, I just taught Lexa about these a few months ago, and I think Allen is starting to get the concept. This oughta be a breeze. I love the text I have, because it has a bot of that history I love, and a touch of the literature that fuels my inspiration. It was interesting enough to keep my mind active. That usually helps a visual/kinesthetic learner. I can see the "lessons" more clearly when my mind is also busy enough to keep me going.
Everything went smoothly. I did the little exercises and got most of them right. I thought I'd zoom through a few pages, and head straight for the review/practice section. I tried a few...
and then checked my answers, because I knew something wasn't right. So, I went back and looked at the sections with the concept...and ended up more confused than when I started. So I tried to redo a couple, and thought I had it. SO I went on to the next few...and checked the answers again... Not only did I get a couple of the new ones wrong, but there were some of the first wrongs, still!
Needless to say that I was frustrated. To make matters worse, I was at work. That's not that big a deal, since work is my friend's house. I watch her two girls. One is 10 and the other is 1. I sit and work on my school work when the baby is napping, playing happily with her toys, or while we are eating lunch or breakfast. The 10 year old is usually working on schoolwork at the same time. Each day, I bring one of my kids with me, so they will be playing with the baby, working on their "school work", or playing with their friend. That means that half of my study time is shared with my tutor/teacher time. So, when I'm frustrated with my work, I have to let it rest. After about 3 or 4 attempts at getting this stuff, over a 5 hour time period, I decided to skip this chapter and go on. If this concept wasn't in the next chapter, I could work n it later.
Sure enough! When I got to work the next day, it just hit me. I spent a couple minutes looking over the explanation section, then hit the review. I tried a couple, and checked 'em. Then I went on to do some more...checked 'em..and moved on. I'm not saying I've got it down, I still had a few errors. But it pretty much makes sense now. I somehow missed the step where you write out the list for each circle and the universal set. Once I had all of the numbers in the right sets, and had it right there to look at, the rest just fell into place.
So, today it happened gain. This time with these truth tables. If I said I was frustrated a couple days ago...I would be understating it today. I'm completely lost! Thankfully the instructor was helpful in providing a little extra guidance for the project we have to complete. Unfortunately, I must have a brick head, because it still doesn't make much sense. What makes which one true, and how do you know if it's false? And what's that sign mean now that it is on that side of the number, or outside the parenthesis? Who slipped that sign in when I wasn't looking, and why is it laughing at me? hehehe
Maybe after some rest tonight, it will just light up like a light bulb....or, one of our readers will leave some helpful advice...who knows???
Until next time....
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Leigh and I Urge you to Get Enough Sleep!!
Did you know that staying awake till the wee hours of morning, cramming for that final, can actually hurt your grade more than help it? It is also true that depriving yourself of much needed sleep can cause a whole host of medical problems. If you take your college education seriously, PLEASE rest and take care of your body.
If you don't believe me, read on....
Sleep deprivation has all kinds of negative affects on your body. If you deprive yourself of sleep for extended periods of time it can cause significant problems for you. College students often experience sleep deprivation for a number of reasons and this lack of sleep can eventually impact grades.
College students are often under pressure...http://www.helium.com/items/1276760-link-between-sleep-deprivation-and-college-grades-gpa-lack-rest
This week we will be focusing on taking care of yourself in order to improve your possibility of success in college. Stay tuned for more great advice:)
If you don't believe me, read on....
Sleep deprivation has all kinds of negative affects on your body. If you deprive yourself of sleep for extended periods of time it can cause significant problems for you. College students often experience sleep deprivation for a number of reasons and this lack of sleep can eventually impact grades.
College students are often under pressure...http://www.helium.com/items/1276760-link-between-sleep-deprivation-and-college-grades-gpa-lack-rest
This week we will be focusing on taking care of yourself in order to improve your possibility of success in college. Stay tuned for more great advice:)
Saturday, April 18, 2009
More on college research
So, earlier this week I shared an article from Leigh Goessl on using Wikipedia as a source for college research papers. I thought it would be good to look into some more valuable research advice. Another article by Leigh on research papers offers some tips I think we can all benefit from. Read on...
A week or two into the semester you're sitting in your chair waiting for the day's lecture when your professor suddenly starts handing out information for a research paper you'll have to do this term. You think to yourself "what, so early in the semester"? As the professor begins to verbally give a broad outline of what's expected for this project, you slowly begin to sink in your chair . . . http://www.helium.com/items/688219-a-stress-free-guide-to-writing-college-research-papers
The tips here are especially helpful if you are attending a traditional college. If you are pursuing your degree through distance learning, some of the things may not apply. My couses are set up in 5 week blocks. I am required to complete 2 papers within this time frame, so I don't have the luxury of taking my time or having verbal input and heads-up from my instructors. My brother's courses are set up in 9 week blocks, so he has a little more time and flexibility, but still not the amount available for those taking their courses in the traditional setting with 18 to 20 weeks.
If you're taking your courses online, or through other distance learning methods, Leigh's tips are still relevant, but your focus has to be on time management, and breaking your assignment down into bit sized pieces. Another thing that I cannot stress enough is the value in your syllabus. Look ahead, keep yourself ahead of the game. If you wait until the week a big project is due to start on it, your going to fall behind and risk getting a bad grade on an otherwise perfect paper because you'll turn it in late or incomplete.
A week or two into the semester you're sitting in your chair waiting for the day's lecture when your professor suddenly starts handing out information for a research paper you'll have to do this term. You think to yourself "what, so early in the semester"? As the professor begins to verbally give a broad outline of what's expected for this project, you slowly begin to sink in your chair . . . http://www.helium.com/items/688219-a-stress-free-guide-to-writing-college-research-papers
The tips here are especially helpful if you are attending a traditional college. If you are pursuing your degree through distance learning, some of the things may not apply. My couses are set up in 5 week blocks. I am required to complete 2 papers within this time frame, so I don't have the luxury of taking my time or having verbal input and heads-up from my instructors. My brother's courses are set up in 9 week blocks, so he has a little more time and flexibility, but still not the amount available for those taking their courses in the traditional setting with 18 to 20 weeks.
If you're taking your courses online, or through other distance learning methods, Leigh's tips are still relevant, but your focus has to be on time management, and breaking your assignment down into bit sized pieces. Another thing that I cannot stress enough is the value in your syllabus. Look ahead, keep yourself ahead of the game. If you wait until the week a big project is due to start on it, your going to fall behind and risk getting a bad grade on an otherwise perfect paper because you'll turn it in late or incomplete.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April's Featured Writer: Leigh Goessl
Ok, so April is half over and I'm just now getting to this. But you all know how busy a college mom can get...right, so I hope you forgive me. This month we will be looking into the mind of Leigh Goessl. No matter how hard I try I just can't seem to come up with the right words to use to introduce her. She has over 800 articles published at Helium.com, with over 100 of them focused on education. I think it's safe to say, we can all learn something from her:)!!
The first piece I'd like to share with you is on the pro's and con's of using Wikipedia as a research reference. Before we look at her work I'd like to add my two cents, for what it's worth. Wikipedia is a great reference to get the ball rolling, but it is rarely, if ever, an acceptable source to use in college level writing. You will want to use sources that have been peer-reviewed. We'll talk more about that at another time.
So, without further ado, here is Leigh Goessl on the pro's and con's of using wikipedia to research your college papers:
Your professor just assigned an 8-10 page research paper to be completed before the end of the term. After much consideration you've chosen your topic and constructed an outline, and it's time to get down to business and begin your research. Where to start?
When you enter a few keywords into good old trusty Google, the first in your list of results typically links you to a topic in the Wikipedia website. The search result article also probably offers a wealth of information, and at first glance you're thinking this looks pretty good and you may think you are set for your research.
Not so fast......http://www.helium.com/items/909883-the-pros-and-cons-of-using-wikipedia-to-research-your-college-papers
haha...you didn't think I was going to put it all in here...did ya?
Now click over to the article and finish reading...it really is worth your time!
Oh, and since it took me so long to get this writer of the month going, I will run them from the 15th to the 15th...K?
The first piece I'd like to share with you is on the pro's and con's of using Wikipedia as a research reference. Before we look at her work I'd like to add my two cents, for what it's worth. Wikipedia is a great reference to get the ball rolling, but it is rarely, if ever, an acceptable source to use in college level writing. You will want to use sources that have been peer-reviewed. We'll talk more about that at another time.
So, without further ado, here is Leigh Goessl on the pro's and con's of using wikipedia to research your college papers:
Your professor just assigned an 8-10 page research paper to be completed before the end of the term. After much consideration you've chosen your topic and constructed an outline, and it's time to get down to business and begin your research. Where to start?
When you enter a few keywords into good old trusty Google, the first in your list of results typically links you to a topic in the Wikipedia website. The search result article also probably offers a wealth of information, and at first glance you're thinking this looks pretty good and you may think you are set for your research.
Not so fast......http://www.helium.com/items/909883-the-pros-and-cons-of-using-wikipedia-to-research-your-college-papers
haha...you didn't think I was going to put it all in here...did ya?
Now click over to the article and finish reading...it really is worth your time!
Oh, and since it took me so long to get this writer of the month going, I will run them from the 15th to the 15th...K?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Your Voice Will be Heard!
Do you have something to share with the college world?
Have you found a great place to buy textbooks?
Study tips to pass on?
Tricks for budgeting?
Horror stories of professors?
Anything related to the college experience?
Share your voice here.
Send me links to your online published works, or a copy of your non-published work. For the next 6 months, I will be featuring 1 writer per month.
Drive traffic to your online articles, blog posts, and websites; and help a fellow college student in the process:)
Have you found a great place to buy textbooks?
Study tips to pass on?
Tricks for budgeting?
Horror stories of professors?
Anything related to the college experience?
Share your voice here.
Send me links to your online published works, or a copy of your non-published work. For the next 6 months, I will be featuring 1 writer per month.
Drive traffic to your online articles, blog posts, and websites; and help a fellow college student in the process:)
Here's the line up so far:
For the month of April we will be featuring Leigh Goessl. I met her at Helium.com. She is the Buisness channel steward, and has over 100 articles in the Education channel. Watch for her here!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
First Tips, and a bit of a rant
I will confess that I am a bit of a perfectionist. My friends in high school may have used the terms, "brown noser," "teacher's pet," "geek," whatever. I don't see it that way. I just like to do the best I can and then try a little bit harder. I've always proscribed to the concept that "if it's worth doing, it's worth doing right." I've also always held onto the notion that my time is valuable, so keep it simple stupid.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that if you don't get strait A's and aren't on the teacher's email list, than you are stupid or lazy. I am saying that if you want to take the time to go to college, at least put your best foot forward. Don't drag down the rest of your class because your week got too busy, or your head hurts too much to read the required material.
Something must have happened to cause me to make all of this public, right? Of course. I have been "going to college" for a little over a year now, that would be 13 completed courses. This also means sharing a virtual classroom with about 260 fellow distance learners. And countless hours searching through pages upon pages of poorly written, and sadly researched, discussion questions. I don't understand why some of my classmates are in college. They are not prepared, and rarely seem to be focused on their studies.
So, here are your first tips for college success:
If you are entering the virtual classroom for the first time, take it seriously. This is not a platform to advertise your services or promote your personal business. This is a classroom, where adults meet to expand their knowledge. You are most likely not a recently graduated high school senior, still finding yourself in this life. If you are going to take the time, energy, and money needed to get a college education, do your best and keep up with the class.
If you've been in the virtual classroom for some time, and find yourself struggling, buck up...take the reigns...get on the ball. Whatever it takes. Remember, you are in control of your own destiny. You have to make sure to give yourself enough time to complete the course work. This can mean bringing your text book to the bathroom (for those long visits :)), or toting your laptop to the park with your kids. WHATEVER it takes, do it! Otherwise you are wasting your money and time, and the time of others.
End of rant....I'm out!
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that if you don't get strait A's and aren't on the teacher's email list, than you are stupid or lazy. I am saying that if you want to take the time to go to college, at least put your best foot forward. Don't drag down the rest of your class because your week got too busy, or your head hurts too much to read the required material.
Something must have happened to cause me to make all of this public, right? Of course. I have been "going to college" for a little over a year now, that would be 13 completed courses. This also means sharing a virtual classroom with about 260 fellow distance learners. And countless hours searching through pages upon pages of poorly written, and sadly researched, discussion questions. I don't understand why some of my classmates are in college. They are not prepared, and rarely seem to be focused on their studies.
So, here are your first tips for college success:
If you are entering the virtual classroom for the first time, take it seriously. This is not a platform to advertise your services or promote your personal business. This is a classroom, where adults meet to expand their knowledge. You are most likely not a recently graduated high school senior, still finding yourself in this life. If you are going to take the time, energy, and money needed to get a college education, do your best and keep up with the class.
If you've been in the virtual classroom for some time, and find yourself struggling, buck up...take the reigns...get on the ball. Whatever it takes. Remember, you are in control of your own destiny. You have to make sure to give yourself enough time to complete the course work. This can mean bringing your text book to the bathroom (for those long visits :)), or toting your laptop to the park with your kids. WHATEVER it takes, do it! Otherwise you are wasting your money and time, and the time of others.
End of rant....I'm out!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A Different Kind of College Life
College life! Isn't it grand? Instead of tiny-tees and make-up, I wear my pj's to school. Instead of lecture halls and classrooms, I sit at my computer propped up with pillows. The once cluttered closet is now my study hall, and instead of chatting it up in the halls I converse with my classmates in the cyber world.
This isn't ordinary college life, it's online distance education. I made the commitment to return to school and follow my dreams, even though I thought my life was too busy. I heard the buzz, and caught the fever. My dreams were brought back to life, and now I have tangible goals to achieve.
But don't get me wrong. Just because I can sit at home in pj's to do my classwork, doesn't mean that distance learning is "easier" than attending a brick-and-mortar school. I have to attend class 3 times a week. Sure I can chose when and where I fulfill that requirement, but it is still a requirement. I also have deadlines to meet,and tests to take. And through it all, my only push (drive or motivation) call it what you will, is me.
I take my books and laptop with me to work. I juggle family life, career life, and college life. It's not easy with four kids, a fiance, and all of life's demands. That's why I'm starting this blog. To let the world in on some of my secrets, and to stretch out an understanding hand to those who've walked in my shoes. I've also come to the realization that some people have the wrong idea about distance education. So I would like to share my voice, and do the best I can to clear up those myths.
This isn't ordinary college life, it's online distance education. I made the commitment to return to school and follow my dreams, even though I thought my life was too busy. I heard the buzz, and caught the fever. My dreams were brought back to life, and now I have tangible goals to achieve.
But don't get me wrong. Just because I can sit at home in pj's to do my classwork, doesn't mean that distance learning is "easier" than attending a brick-and-mortar school. I have to attend class 3 times a week. Sure I can chose when and where I fulfill that requirement, but it is still a requirement. I also have deadlines to meet,and tests to take. And through it all, my only push (drive or motivation) call it what you will, is me.
I take my books and laptop with me to work. I juggle family life, career life, and college life. It's not easy with four kids, a fiance, and all of life's demands. That's why I'm starting this blog. To let the world in on some of my secrets, and to stretch out an understanding hand to those who've walked in my shoes. I've also come to the realization that some people have the wrong idea about distance education. So I would like to share my voice, and do the best I can to clear up those myths.
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