Today is technically the last day of classes. However, my last day of classes was Thursday. It does not feel like the last day at all. I feel like I'm going to wake up tomorrow at eight o'clock, as usual, and go to all my classes. I really can't believe it is over.
Today was my last day of work too. We had a little graduation for all the kids. It was really cute. I was happy because they all seemed to really enjoy it. We gave them each a diploma and an award. Also, since the parents were invited we had donuts, coffee, and juice for everyone. It was a lot of fun.
This semester went by so quick. I learned a lot, and I can't believe I'm already done with my freshman year in college. Time goes by way too fast.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Ipods...
I have had an ipod for about two years, but the last time I used it was about a year ago. So, the other day I decided to charge it, update the songs, and put it to use again. I am so happy I did this. It really makes walking by myself go by so much quicker. It even makes the walk more fun. While I was listening to it on the subway one thing I noticed was that so many people had them. This is because they really are so convenient. It is a little tiny device that can hold up to 1500 songs that you simply download from your computer. Using an ipod is so much easier than a portable CD player. A CD can only hold about eighteen songs. Therefore, when listening to a portable CD player your options are limited. However, with an ipod you have a huge variety or songs to choose from; without even switching a CD. The best part is that it is so simple to use. As a matter of fact, it is pretty self explanatory. I figured the whole thing out in about two minutes without even looking at the directions.
Another great thing about an ipod is that there are also games on it. This can make time go by so much quicker if you are sitting by yourself waiting for something. It is better than playing games on your phone because the battery on an ipod does not die as quick.
As time goes on they are coming up with more things for ipods. For example, they have speakers, ways to hook it up to a car, and many other things. An ipod really is a very useful device. I really enjoy using mine because it is so convenient to carry around since it is so small.
Another great thing about an ipod is that there are also games on it. This can make time go by so much quicker if you are sitting by yourself waiting for something. It is better than playing games on your phone because the battery on an ipod does not die as quick.
As time goes on they are coming up with more things for ipods. For example, they have speakers, ways to hook it up to a car, and many other things. An ipod really is a very useful device. I really enjoy using mine because it is so convenient to carry around since it is so small.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Second Spring Concert
I went to the spring concert last night too. However, this time I did not stay for the whole thing because I had something else I had to do. I stayed until after Ciara performed. The concert did not have as many people as the first night. I think that is because the people that were playing the second night weren't as well known, and because of all the chaos the night before.
I was kind of disappointed with Ciara. She performed really well. It really looked like she put a lot of energy into the show, but she did not sing very well. She barely sang at all the whole time. Her voice was in the background and she would talk the words to the audience. The good thing was her connection with the audience; she really seemed into her fans. I think it is important for a famous person to be like that with her fans because it makes the performance so much better. It gets the crowd really into what the performer is doing.
I heard that the rest of the show went really well. The other bands supposedly did a really good job too. However, I don't think I would have enjoyed it because I do not really listen to the type of music that they play.
Next year I hope the concerts go good too, and that they have good people both nights. And of course, I hope it is as organized as it was the second night this year.
I was kind of disappointed with Ciara. She performed really well. It really looked like she put a lot of energy into the show, but she did not sing very well. She barely sang at all the whole time. Her voice was in the background and she would talk the words to the audience. The good thing was her connection with the audience; she really seemed into her fans. I think it is important for a famous person to be like that with her fans because it makes the performance so much better. It gets the crowd really into what the performer is doing.
I heard that the rest of the show went really well. The other bands supposedly did a really good job too. However, I don't think I would have enjoyed it because I do not really listen to the type of music that they play.
Next year I hope the concerts go good too, and that they have good people both nights. And of course, I hope it is as organized as it was the second night this year.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Spring Concert
Last night was the spring concert. It was fun, but the beginning was so hectic. The workers made a mistake and they confused the lines. The people that had tickets were confused with the line that didn't. I was so frustrated because I was waiting online for almost three hours, and the people that did not even have tickets were barely waiting online. They even got into the concert before me, and I had my tickets for almost a week. The thing that really pissed me off the most was that the workers of the concert didn't even have the decency to say sorry to us about the mistake. They were getting mad at us, and told us that we had to calm down. I think they could have been a lot nicer about the situation. It was very cold last night and we waited for almost three hours for no reason because they told us all to move some where else, and the whole line got disorganized. The worst part was that I was pretty much in the front of the line, and I lost my spot. However, that really doesn't matter because I still had good seats at the concert.
The concert was really good. You could really tell the people put a lot of time and effort into it. It turned out to be really good. They said there were over two thousand people there. I just wish that it was a little more organized.
The concert was really good. You could really tell the people put a lot of time and effort into it. It turned out to be really good. They said there were over two thousand people there. I just wish that it was a little more organized.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Spring Fling
Today I went to the spring fling on the great lawn. It was a carnival, and a lot of fun. It was perfect weather for something like that too. I went on a couple of the rides they had. The only thing that bothered me was that they ran out of a lot of stuff. I got there at two and they already ran out of all the food vouchers, and it was suppose to end at five. They said they only had one thousand vouchers. I thought that was pretty dumb because there are so many more than one thousand students in the school. Overall, I did have fun. It was very enjoyable to be outside on this really nice day, and the carnival was fun. The lines were really long to each thing, but it was still fun. I just hope that next year they are smarter and get more vouchers this way they can actually last the whole time.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Interview with Teddy Vega
Interview with Teddy Vega (He went to a single sex school.)
If you had to make the decision again to go to a single sex high school; would you make the same decision?
No, because it is more social if you had girls.
What was one way you benefited from going to a single sex school?
I became closer with my friends.
What was one disadvantage of going to a single sex school?
There were no girls
Did going to a single sex school have a negative affect on your social life, and in the way you interacted with members of the opposite sex?
Yes, very much.
Did you feel more or less stress on doing well in your schoolwork knowing that the opposite sex was not with you?
Less stress, I did not feel as if I had to impress anyone.
If you had to make the decision again to go to a single sex high school; would you make the same decision?
No, because it is more social if you had girls.
What was one way you benefited from going to a single sex school?
I became closer with my friends.
What was one disadvantage of going to a single sex school?
There were no girls
Did going to a single sex school have a negative affect on your social life, and in the way you interacted with members of the opposite sex?
Yes, very much.
Did you feel more or less stress on doing well in your schoolwork knowing that the opposite sex was not with you?
Less stress, I did not feel as if I had to impress anyone.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Six Flags Great Adventure
I just ordered my Six Flags season pass for this year. I get one every year. It is really good because it is only ninety dollars, and every time you go it is free because you have this pass. The best part is it pays for itself in less than two visits because a regular admission ticket is fifty five dollars. So, since I go a lot each year it is definitely worth it.
I'm happy it is opened again. I go there a lot every year with my friends because it is only about an hour away from my house. I find it really fun because I really enjoy going on roller coasters. However, I have been on almost every roller coaster there about (at least) ten times each, but I still have a lot of fun every time I go.
One thing I do not like about Six Flags is waiting on the really long lines; to get on one ride usually takes about three hours. There is no way to go on all the rides in one day. The lines are really frustrating; especially during the summer when it is extremely hot out.
Out of all the rides at Six Flags there are two that I refuse to go on: the ferris wheel and free fall. This is because I am afraid of heights and for these two rides you can clearly see how high up you are. I went on the ferris wheel at other places a couple of times, and I absolutely hated it, but the thing I hated even more was when we were at the very top my friends decided to shake it to scare me.
My favorite rides at Six Flags are: El Torro, Medusa, and Nitro. This is because they are both very smooth, and are not over extremely fast. When I wait in line for these rides it really does seem worth it.
I really like going to Six Flags every year. Even though I go a lot I never get sick of it. However, I still I hope I get to go to other amusement parks too this summer.
I'm happy it is opened again. I go there a lot every year with my friends because it is only about an hour away from my house. I find it really fun because I really enjoy going on roller coasters. However, I have been on almost every roller coaster there about (at least) ten times each, but I still have a lot of fun every time I go.
One thing I do not like about Six Flags is waiting on the really long lines; to get on one ride usually takes about three hours. There is no way to go on all the rides in one day. The lines are really frustrating; especially during the summer when it is extremely hot out.
Out of all the rides at Six Flags there are two that I refuse to go on: the ferris wheel and free fall. This is because I am afraid of heights and for these two rides you can clearly see how high up you are. I went on the ferris wheel at other places a couple of times, and I absolutely hated it, but the thing I hated even more was when we were at the very top my friends decided to shake it to scare me.
My favorite rides at Six Flags are: El Torro, Medusa, and Nitro. This is because they are both very smooth, and are not over extremely fast. When I wait in line for these rides it really does seem worth it.
I really like going to Six Flags every year. Even though I go a lot I never get sick of it. However, I still I hope I get to go to other amusement parks too this summer.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Schools almost over...
I really can't believe school is almost over. This semester went by extremely fast; I feel like it just started. Actually, I feel like this year just started. It feels like yesterday that I was nervous about moving into my dorm room. I remember it so clearly. I barely went to sleep the night before. I was so scared to meet my roommates. It's so funny how much has changed since then. Now my roommates are some of my best friends. Plus, now I cannot imagine living home for four months straight. It is going to be so different to be around my parents and sisters constantly; instead of my roommates. It is actually nice being at school and waking up with your friends around you all the time. The bond you form with people you live with is different than a regular friendship. You begin to know everything about each other, and even wear off on each other. I often find myself doing or saying things my roommates would normally say. Honestly, if I could I would stay here for the summer.
Of course, I miss my friends from home. However, I do see them often because I am able to go home a lot since I do not live very far. They can also easily visit me which is nice.
I can't believe I will be going home soon, and that there are only around three classes left for all of my classes. I feel like school just begun, and now it is almost done. In a way I hope my next couple years in school go by this quick, but in a way I don't because I don't want it to be over so soon.
Of course, I miss my friends from home. However, I do see them often because I am able to go home a lot since I do not live very far. They can also easily visit me which is nice.
I can't believe I will be going home soon, and that there are only around three classes left for all of my classes. I feel like school just begun, and now it is almost done. In a way I hope my next couple years in school go by this quick, but in a way I don't because I don't want it to be over so soon.
Functional sex differences in the human brain
Since the advent of functional MRI scans in the late 1980's, scientists have been able to study what areas of the brain are active when people engage in particular activities. These studies have shown that women and men process information, listen, read, and experience emotion in very different ways. We'll consider three examples: language, navigation, and emotion.
Language. Neuro-radiologist Joseph Lurito asked female and male volunteers to listen to a John Grisham novel. He mapped what areas of the brain "lit up" in each volunteer while they were listening. His findings, released in November 2001, were striking. Women use both the right and left hemispheres in processing language; men use only the left hemisphere.
Navigation. Psychologists have found that females and males use different strategies when they are navigating. Ask a woman how to get to a friend's house, and she may tell you something like, "Go down Elm Street till you see the McDonald's. Then make a left, go past the hardware store and the Exxon station, then you'll see the elementary school. Make a right just past the elementary school and go about another block till you see a split level house painted lime green, with these unbelievable fuchsia shutters and trim, can you believe it? It looks like a gingerbread house after the mold has gotten to it. That's their house." A man, giving directions to the same house, might say, "Go south on Elm Street about two miles, then turn left so you're heading east on Duke Street. After one mile on Duke Street, turn south again onto Scottsdale Boulevard. Their house is the fourth from the intersection, on the left." See the difference? Women typically navigate using landmarks that can be seen or heard. Men are more likely to use abstract concepts such as north and south, or absolute distance.
http://www.singlesexschools.org/research-brain.htm
Language. Neuro-radiologist Joseph Lurito asked female and male volunteers to listen to a John Grisham novel. He mapped what areas of the brain "lit up" in each volunteer while they were listening. His findings, released in November 2001, were striking. Women use both the right and left hemispheres in processing language; men use only the left hemisphere.
Navigation. Psychologists have found that females and males use different strategies when they are navigating. Ask a woman how to get to a friend's house, and she may tell you something like, "Go down Elm Street till you see the McDonald's. Then make a left, go past the hardware store and the Exxon station, then you'll see the elementary school. Make a right just past the elementary school and go about another block till you see a split level house painted lime green, with these unbelievable fuchsia shutters and trim, can you believe it? It looks like a gingerbread house after the mold has gotten to it. That's their house." A man, giving directions to the same house, might say, "Go south on Elm Street about two miles, then turn left so you're heading east on Duke Street. After one mile on Duke Street, turn south again onto Scottsdale Boulevard. Their house is the fourth from the intersection, on the left." See the difference? Women typically navigate using landmarks that can be seen or heard. Men are more likely to use abstract concepts such as north and south, or absolute distance.
http://www.singlesexschools.org/research-brain.htm
Monday, April 16, 2007
Interview with Kristina Smirnova
Interview with Kristina Smirnova (She went to a coed high school.)
If you had to make the decision again to go to a coed high school; would you make the same decision?
Yes, I would make the same decision.
What was one way you benefited from going to a coed school?
I learned life lessons having to deal with both sexes. I was able to experience real situations with everyone; not just girls.
What was one disadvantage of going to a coed school?
There was a lot of romantic drama between the two sexes that people got caught up in. This had a negative affect on their schoolwork.
Did going to a coed school make you feel as if you had to impress the opposite sex in the way you looked, or in your performance in school?
In a way yes because when you go to a coed school there is a lot of attention and pressure from both sexes; not just one.
Did you feel more or less stress on doing well in your schoolwork knowing that the opposite sex was constantly with you?
It did not make a difference to me. The opposite sex had no affect on my school work.
If you had to make the decision again to go to a coed high school; would you make the same decision?
Yes, I would make the same decision.
What was one way you benefited from going to a coed school?
I learned life lessons having to deal with both sexes. I was able to experience real situations with everyone; not just girls.
What was one disadvantage of going to a coed school?
There was a lot of romantic drama between the two sexes that people got caught up in. This had a negative affect on their schoolwork.
Did going to a coed school make you feel as if you had to impress the opposite sex in the way you looked, or in your performance in school?
In a way yes because when you go to a coed school there is a lot of attention and pressure from both sexes; not just one.
Did you feel more or less stress on doing well in your schoolwork knowing that the opposite sex was constantly with you?
It did not make a difference to me. The opposite sex had no affect on my school work.
Interview with Andrew Velez
Interview with Andrew Velez (He went to a single sex school.)
If you had to make the decision again to go to a single sex high school; would you make the same decision?
I would probably decide to go to a coed one because there I could make more female friends, not saying I don’t have a lot already, but during my years in high school I was around guys a lot, and a little more female exposure would have been better
What was one way you benefited from going to a single sex school?
Well I believe that if I went to a coed school, I wouldn’t have focused on my work as much as I did in my high school, I also developed a strong friendship wit my other classmates, something I don’t think would have happened with girls in the picture.
What was one disadvantage of going to a single sex school?
Too many guys, even though I made friends with them, it was a bit annoying going to school everyday and seeing nothing except males.
Did going to a single sex school have a negative affect on your social life, and in the way you interacted with members of the opposite sex?
No I don’t think it had a negative effect on my social life, and it affected me, because I was a little more pressed to talk to girls, when I wasn't in school.
Did you feel more or less stress on doing well in your schoolwork knowing that the opposite sex was not with you?
Less stressed; because if there were girls there, you wouldn’t want to appear stupid to them, so I think I would try a little harder.
If you had to make the decision again to go to a single sex high school; would you make the same decision?
I would probably decide to go to a coed one because there I could make more female friends, not saying I don’t have a lot already, but during my years in high school I was around guys a lot, and a little more female exposure would have been better
What was one way you benefited from going to a single sex school?
Well I believe that if I went to a coed school, I wouldn’t have focused on my work as much as I did in my high school, I also developed a strong friendship wit my other classmates, something I don’t think would have happened with girls in the picture.
What was one disadvantage of going to a single sex school?
Too many guys, even though I made friends with them, it was a bit annoying going to school everyday and seeing nothing except males.
Did going to a single sex school have a negative affect on your social life, and in the way you interacted with members of the opposite sex?
No I don’t think it had a negative effect on my social life, and it affected me, because I was a little more pressed to talk to girls, when I wasn't in school.
Did you feel more or less stress on doing well in your schoolwork knowing that the opposite sex was not with you?
Less stressed; because if there were girls there, you wouldn’t want to appear stupid to them, so I think I would try a little harder.
Interview with Amina Brown
Interview with Amina Brown (She went to a single sex high school.)
If you had to make the decision again to go to a single sex high school; would you make the same decision?
Now that I went to a single sex school I would have definitely made the same decision, but beforehand I saw it differently because I wanted to be around boys.
What was one way you benefited from going to a single sex school?
It was definitely a learning experience. It taught me to be around girls and deal with all types of attitude. It also helped me to stay focused because if boys were there I know I would have been distracted. Another advantage is that I did not have to do my hair all the time. I did not have to worry about what I looked like at all. I looked like a bum all the time.
What was one disadvantage of going to a single sex school?
One disadvantage was being around girls all the time. I had to deal with their attitudes.
Did going to a single sex school have a negative affect on your social life, and in the way you interacted with members of the opposite sex?
No, not at all. I still talked to boys. Actually, there was a boy school right down the block from me that we interacted with all the time.
Did you feel more or less stress on doing well in your schoolwork knowing that the opposite sex was not with you?
I felt less stress, but if they were there they would have been a distraction in the classroom because they always made me laugh and not pay attention.
If you had to make the decision again to go to a single sex high school; would you make the same decision?
Now that I went to a single sex school I would have definitely made the same decision, but beforehand I saw it differently because I wanted to be around boys.
What was one way you benefited from going to a single sex school?
It was definitely a learning experience. It taught me to be around girls and deal with all types of attitude. It also helped me to stay focused because if boys were there I know I would have been distracted. Another advantage is that I did not have to do my hair all the time. I did not have to worry about what I looked like at all. I looked like a bum all the time.
What was one disadvantage of going to a single sex school?
One disadvantage was being around girls all the time. I had to deal with their attitudes.
Did going to a single sex school have a negative affect on your social life, and in the way you interacted with members of the opposite sex?
No, not at all. I still talked to boys. Actually, there was a boy school right down the block from me that we interacted with all the time.
Did you feel more or less stress on doing well in your schoolwork knowing that the opposite sex was not with you?
I felt less stress, but if they were there they would have been a distraction in the classroom because they always made me laugh and not pay attention.
The news...
Today I heard about the shooting in Virginia Tech. When I first heard it I really did not believe what I was hearing. I could not believe that about thirty people were killed and a little less than thirty were in critical condition. I can not even imagine that happening. This is considered to be the worst shooting in history.
I just really don't understand how someone is capable of doing that. How can someone plan on killing people like that? This whole situation really had an impact on me. I guess it is because I realize that it is something that can happen. The people it happened to were people exactly like me; they were college students. The students were doing their daily routines just like I would do. It's so shocking. It is something that will never be forgotten. It is all over the news, and the main conversation going on. Everyone is shocked by this horrible incident. I could not believe something this tragic can happen. I hope nothing like this gets repeated. It seems like something that would only be seen in a movie. I'm still in shock over it and I heard about it so many times in one day. It really is so upsetting. No one deserves to die or become injured over that. It is not right at all.
I just really don't understand how someone is capable of doing that. How can someone plan on killing people like that? This whole situation really had an impact on me. I guess it is because I realize that it is something that can happen. The people it happened to were people exactly like me; they were college students. The students were doing their daily routines just like I would do. It's so shocking. It is something that will never be forgotten. It is all over the news, and the main conversation going on. Everyone is shocked by this horrible incident. I could not believe something this tragic can happen. I hope nothing like this gets repeated. It seems like something that would only be seen in a movie. I'm still in shock over it and I heard about it so many times in one day. It really is so upsetting. No one deserves to die or become injured over that. It is not right at all.
Final Draft of Proposal
When choosing a high school, one decision that has to be made is whether to go to a coed or single sex school. There are many discrepancies on whether a single sex school is more beneficial for students or not. I went to a coed elementary school; however, for high school I decided to go to a single sex school. I do not regret going to either of these schools. I truly enjoyed them, but I do not know if this really is the best choice for teenage boys and girls; there are many controversies about it. During my research project I will try and discover whether a coed or same sex school is favorable for teenage boys and girls. Is going to a single sex school beneficial for boys, but not girls? Or is it the other way around? Should young adults really be in an environment without people from the opposite sex? Is it okay for boys or girls to only be interacting with members of the same gender during most of the day? The next problem is that sometimes it can be difficult to socialize and interact with people of the opposite sex if they are not around you constantly. Therefore, does going to a single sex school have a negative affect on a person’s social behavior? There are many questions that need to be answered before a person makes a decision on whether or not they would like to go to a single sex school.
By doing this paper I would like to find out all the answers to these questions. I would like to discover which gender is more affected by going to a single sex school. Also, I would like to learn how a single sex school affects the personalities of each sex. In order to show the class my results I will write a research paper. The paper will discuss some results that psychologists obtained from this study. It will also demonstrate how going to a single sex school can have an impact on a person’s personality, and on how the students may act during class. One thing that I found very shocking is that going to a single sex school can even change a person’s performance in school.
In order to make my research project possible I will have to acquire a lot of information about single sex schools, and the affect it has on the students that go to them. Since there were many research projects done on this topic, I will study those projects. Then, I will discover what the results were. Next I will record, discuss, and compare the different conclusions that were found. Finally, I will interview a couple different people that went to coed schools, and a couple people that went to single sex schools. This will help me clarify what I found from the research other people have done. I will keep all the information I find in my commonplace book on my blog. This will help me stay organized because all of my information will be in one place. In order to make this research paper possible I will need to spend most of my time on the computer and interviewing people to obtain the information I need. Also, if I find any articles in a newspaper or magazine I will cut them out and place them in my plastic folder that I have for this class. This folder and my commonplace book on my blog will help me organize my information for this research project. It will also help me have easy access to all my information at any time since it will all be in one place.
By doing this paper I would like to find out all the answers to these questions. I would like to discover which gender is more affected by going to a single sex school. Also, I would like to learn how a single sex school affects the personalities of each sex. In order to show the class my results I will write a research paper. The paper will discuss some results that psychologists obtained from this study. It will also demonstrate how going to a single sex school can have an impact on a person’s personality, and on how the students may act during class. One thing that I found very shocking is that going to a single sex school can even change a person’s performance in school.
In order to make my research project possible I will have to acquire a lot of information about single sex schools, and the affect it has on the students that go to them. Since there were many research projects done on this topic, I will study those projects. Then, I will discover what the results were. Next I will record, discuss, and compare the different conclusions that were found. Finally, I will interview a couple different people that went to coed schools, and a couple people that went to single sex schools. This will help me clarify what I found from the research other people have done. I will keep all the information I find in my commonplace book on my blog. This will help me stay organized because all of my information will be in one place. In order to make this research paper possible I will need to spend most of my time on the computer and interviewing people to obtain the information I need. Also, if I find any articles in a newspaper or magazine I will cut them out and place them in my plastic folder that I have for this class. This folder and my commonplace book on my blog will help me organize my information for this research project. It will also help me have easy access to all my information at any time since it will all be in one place.
Final Draft of Reflection Paper
During elementary and high school, writing was never my favorite thing. I always preferred answering Math questions or doing work that had a definite answer. However, this class let me see writing a little differently. It showed me that the more you write, the better you can get. Also that it does not matter what you write about, as long as you write. It even showed me that I didn’t have to go digging for information in a library in order to find research for a report. The first report I wrote in this class was about tanning. Doing this report really taught me about my writing. It showed me what I needed help with, and what I should try and focus on while writing.
The first thing I learned I needed help with was the flow of my report. I have to focus more on how to get all my thoughts and information to go together. For example, I need to get the paragraph before to go with the one after. In order to do this I should add transitions from paragraph to paragraph. Another way to improve the flow of the paper would be by combining more sentences in order to get the writing to go together better. For instance, I should add conjunctions to make two sentences into one. This will help me with my writing, which will make the report easier for the reader to understand, and will help the reader become more interested in what the writer is discussing in the paper.
Another thing I learned from writing the paper on tanning is that I should provide as many examples as possible when writing. This gives the reader a better idea of what is going on in the paper. It will provide the reader with more vivid explanations about what they are reading.
From writing that one paper on tanning I learned about the strengths and weaknesses I possess as a writer. Now I know what I should focus on for my next paper. I am very happy we were able to revise the paper. Moreover, that we were able to acquire input from classmates and from the professor on how we can improve it. I never had the opportunity to do this before in a writing class, and I definitely benefited from it.
The first thing I learned I needed help with was the flow of my report. I have to focus more on how to get all my thoughts and information to go together. For example, I need to get the paragraph before to go with the one after. In order to do this I should add transitions from paragraph to paragraph. Another way to improve the flow of the paper would be by combining more sentences in order to get the writing to go together better. For instance, I should add conjunctions to make two sentences into one. This will help me with my writing, which will make the report easier for the reader to understand, and will help the reader become more interested in what the writer is discussing in the paper.
Another thing I learned from writing the paper on tanning is that I should provide as many examples as possible when writing. This gives the reader a better idea of what is going on in the paper. It will provide the reader with more vivid explanations about what they are reading.
From writing that one paper on tanning I learned about the strengths and weaknesses I possess as a writer. Now I know what I should focus on for my next paper. I am very happy we were able to revise the paper. Moreover, that we were able to acquire input from classmates and from the professor on how we can improve it. I never had the opportunity to do this before in a writing class, and I definitely benefited from it.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
A study done showed...
June 2005:
In June 2005, researchers at Cambridge University released results of a four-year study of gender differences in education. The researchers investigated hundreds of different schools, representing a wide variety of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, seeking to identify strategies which improved performance of both girls and boys while narrowing the gender gap between girls and boys. What makes this study really unique is that the researchers did not merely observe and document what they found; they then intervened, and attempted to graft those strategies onto other, less successful schools. A total of 50 schools were involved either as "originator schools" (schools which had successfully improved student performance while narrowing the gender gap) or "partner schools" (less successful schools onto which the "originator" strategies were grafted). One of those strategies was single-sex education. These researchers found that the single-sex classroom format was remarkably effective at boosting boys' performance particularly in English and foreign languages, as well as improving girls' performance in math and science. Here is how Dr. Sax (director of NASSPE) summarized the report in his newsletter to NASSPE e-subscribers (if you would like to be on our e-mailing list, please send us an e-mail):
The full report contains many fascinating insights from students and teachers. Consider this comment from one of the boys in the single-gender class: "We don't just do war poems and Macbeth, we do Wordsworth too. It's a challenge, in a way, which Mr J sets us to show the girls we're capable of doing it, but I couldn't talk about these things if there were girls there!" (p. 85)
"Interviews with [these] 'non-macho' boys suggest that these boys did not feel exposed in single-sex classes. . . .Such boys told us - without exception - that they felt at ease and comfortable, that they did not experience bullying or aggressive behaviour from other boys, and that they were not intimidated by the atmosphere in all-boys' classes." (p. 86)
Returning to grades and test scores: There are three categories of evidence:
1. Major nationwide studies, involving tens or hundreds of thousands of students, in countries such as Australia or the United Kingdom where single-sex public education is widely available;
2. "Before and after" studies, examining a particular school or schools before and after the introduction of single-sex classrooms. Because these studies usually involve no change in resources -- the facilities and student-teacher ratios are the same before and after the switch -- the school serves as its own control;
3. Academic studies, in which investigators study coed and single-sex schools while attempting to control for extraneous variables
http://privateschool.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=privateschool&cdn=education&tm=11&gps=234_1048_796_430&f=00&su=p532.8.150.ip_p554.2.150.ip_p284.5.420.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.singlesexschools.org/
In June 2005, researchers at Cambridge University released results of a four-year study of gender differences in education. The researchers investigated hundreds of different schools, representing a wide variety of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, seeking to identify strategies which improved performance of both girls and boys while narrowing the gender gap between girls and boys. What makes this study really unique is that the researchers did not merely observe and document what they found; they then intervened, and attempted to graft those strategies onto other, less successful schools. A total of 50 schools were involved either as "originator schools" (schools which had successfully improved student performance while narrowing the gender gap) or "partner schools" (less successful schools onto which the "originator" strategies were grafted). One of those strategies was single-sex education. These researchers found that the single-sex classroom format was remarkably effective at boosting boys' performance particularly in English and foreign languages, as well as improving girls' performance in math and science. Here is how Dr. Sax (director of NASSPE) summarized the report in his newsletter to NASSPE e-subscribers (if you would like to be on our e-mailing list, please send us an e-mail):
The full report contains many fascinating insights from students and teachers. Consider this comment from one of the boys in the single-gender class: "We don't just do war poems and Macbeth, we do Wordsworth too. It's a challenge, in a way, which Mr J sets us to show the girls we're capable of doing it, but I couldn't talk about these things if there were girls there!" (p. 85)
"Interviews with [these] 'non-macho' boys suggest that these boys did not feel exposed in single-sex classes. . . .Such boys told us - without exception - that they felt at ease and comfortable, that they did not experience bullying or aggressive behaviour from other boys, and that they were not intimidated by the atmosphere in all-boys' classes." (p. 86)
Returning to grades and test scores: There are three categories of evidence:
1. Major nationwide studies, involving tens or hundreds of thousands of students, in countries such as Australia or the United Kingdom where single-sex public education is widely available;
2. "Before and after" studies, examining a particular school or schools before and after the introduction of single-sex classrooms. Because these studies usually involve no change in resources -- the facilities and student-teacher ratios are the same before and after the switch -- the school serves as its own control;
3. Academic studies, in which investigators study coed and single-sex schools while attempting to control for extraneous variables
http://privateschool.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=privateschool&cdn=education&tm=11&gps=234_1048_796_430&f=00&su=p532.8.150.ip_p554.2.150.ip_p284.5.420.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.singlesexschools.org/
Three Reasons for Choosing a Single Sex School
Three Reasons for Choosing a Single Sex School
Your child's happiness is one of the most important factors in selecting a school. Here are three reasons why a single sex school might prove to be the best choice for your son or daughter.
1. Competition
Boys tend to soften their competitive edge and become more collaborative in a single sex setting. They can just be 'boys' and not worry about what the 'girls' might think.
Girls drop their shyness and begin to take risks in a single sex setting. They become more competitive. They embrace sports like field hockey and soccer with gusto without worrying about appearing like tom boys.
2. Academics
Girls relax enough to feel comfortable exploring non-traditional subjects such as mathematics, advanced sciences, computers and technology, wood-working and so on. Boys participate in choirs and orchestras and learn Latin in single sex settings. These are just a few examples of how children will break out of their stereotypical roles and behavior when they are left to their own devices. Single sex education has a delightful way of encouraging children to be fearless, to be curious, to be enthusiastic - in short, to just be themselves.
3. Socialization
Boys have always felt a need to impress girls in the classroom. Girls usually feel as though the boys are always teasing them. Surely there is enough time in college and in later life to deal with social and other kinds of intercourse? I feel very strongly that children are subjected to an avalanche of pressures from every quarter to become adults before they are ready to do so. They grow up too quickly. Let them be children for a few more years. Single sex education with its gentler, more controlled social outlets is just the ticket for many children. Maybe it's right for your child.
http://privateschool.about.com/cs/choosingaschool/a/singlesex.htm
Your child's happiness is one of the most important factors in selecting a school. Here are three reasons why a single sex school might prove to be the best choice for your son or daughter.
1. Competition
Boys tend to soften their competitive edge and become more collaborative in a single sex setting. They can just be 'boys' and not worry about what the 'girls' might think.
Girls drop their shyness and begin to take risks in a single sex setting. They become more competitive. They embrace sports like field hockey and soccer with gusto without worrying about appearing like tom boys.
2. Academics
Girls relax enough to feel comfortable exploring non-traditional subjects such as mathematics, advanced sciences, computers and technology, wood-working and so on. Boys participate in choirs and orchestras and learn Latin in single sex settings. These are just a few examples of how children will break out of their stereotypical roles and behavior when they are left to their own devices. Single sex education has a delightful way of encouraging children to be fearless, to be curious, to be enthusiastic - in short, to just be themselves.
3. Socialization
Boys have always felt a need to impress girls in the classroom. Girls usually feel as though the boys are always teasing them. Surely there is enough time in college and in later life to deal with social and other kinds of intercourse? I feel very strongly that children are subjected to an avalanche of pressures from every quarter to become adults before they are ready to do so. They grow up too quickly. Let them be children for a few more years. Single sex education with its gentler, more controlled social outlets is just the ticket for many children. Maybe it's right for your child.
http://privateschool.about.com/cs/choosingaschool/a/singlesex.htm
Survey for People that Went to a Coed School
If you had to make the decision again to go to a coed high school; would you make the same decision?
What was one way you benefited from going to a coed school?
What was one disadvantage of going to a coed school?
Did going to a coed school make you feel as if you had to impress the opposite sex in the way you looked, or in your performance in school?
Did you feel more or less stress on doing well in your schoolwork knowing that the opposite sex was constantly with you?
What was one way you benefited from going to a coed school?
What was one disadvantage of going to a coed school?
Did going to a coed school make you feel as if you had to impress the opposite sex in the way you looked, or in your performance in school?
Did you feel more or less stress on doing well in your schoolwork knowing that the opposite sex was constantly with you?
Survey for People that Went to a Single Sex School
If you had to make the decision again to go to a single sex high school; would you make the same decision?
What was one way you benefited from going to a single sex school?
What was one disadvantage of going to a single sex school?
Did going to a single sex school have a negative affect on your social life, and in the way you interacted with members of the opposite sex?
Did you feel more or less stress on doing well in your schoolwork knowing that the opposite sex was not with you?
What was one way you benefited from going to a single sex school?
What was one disadvantage of going to a single sex school?
Did going to a single sex school have a negative affect on your social life, and in the way you interacted with members of the opposite sex?
Did you feel more or less stress on doing well in your schoolwork knowing that the opposite sex was not with you?
Class Cancelled
It is raining outside, and since I hate the rain I didn't even want to walk outside and go to class. However, I still did. I walked all the way to class in the pouring rain and became soaked. Then as soon as I got there I noticed the class only had around seven other people in it, and for this class this is weird. Yet, I still managed to think positive; that I did not walk all the way there for no reason. I thought that people were just late because of the rain, but after waiting about fifteen more minutes noone else was showing up. My class was cancelled. Normally I would be happy by this, but since I walked all the way there and became completely wet and cold I really wanted to have class. I did not want to do all that for no reason. Unfortuanately, I did. I walked all the way there to be disappointed because almost noone else was there.
The thing that makes this situation even worse is that I have a class right after the one that just got cancelled, and since it is still raining I do not want to walk back and forth. So, I have nothing to do for about an hour and a half. I really wish the teacher e-mailed all his students ahead of time saying that class was cancelled. This would have beneffited everyone; esspecially the commuters that traveled all the way here from very far away.
The only good thing that came out of my class being cancelled is that I was able to get the notes that I missed from the day before while I was waiting for the teacher. However, this was not worth waking up early and walking in the pouring rain because I know I could have got the notes at another time.
The thing that makes this situation even worse is that I have a class right after the one that just got cancelled, and since it is still raining I do not want to walk back and forth. So, I have nothing to do for about an hour and a half. I really wish the teacher e-mailed all his students ahead of time saying that class was cancelled. This would have beneffited everyone; esspecially the commuters that traveled all the way here from very far away.
The only good thing that came out of my class being cancelled is that I was able to get the notes that I missed from the day before while I was waiting for the teacher. However, this was not worth waking up early and walking in the pouring rain because I know I could have got the notes at another time.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Easter...
Today is Easter Sunday, and I am doing the same thing that I do every year. My parents woke up really early so they could start cooking the HUGE meal they make. Then many people from my family come over and we have dinner together. We usually start eating at three. I really enjoy it because I get to see some of my family members that live about five hours away, and we get to spend time together. I do not get to see them often because it is hard to find times that are convenient for everyone with work and school to travel all the way there and back, so when I do see them I am very happy. Also when we are together we all have a lot of fun together and really enjoy ourselves. We all laugh and talk at the table.
This year my mom made salad, raviolis, ham, stuffed mushrooms, and a bunch of other stuff. The meal ends up being around five courses and lasts forever. Then we have dessert which my family brings a bunch of different things to have. Plus, my mom made cheesecake and has a couple other things. After having Easter at our house we usually have enough food for another two weeks.
I really like spending the time with my family, and I am happy to be home for this little break.
This year my mom made salad, raviolis, ham, stuffed mushrooms, and a bunch of other stuff. The meal ends up being around five courses and lasts forever. Then we have dessert which my family brings a bunch of different things to have. Plus, my mom made cheesecake and has a couple other things. After having Easter at our house we usually have enough food for another two weeks.
I really like spending the time with my family, and I am happy to be home for this little break.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Project Autobiography
My research project is on single sex schools. I would like to gain knowledge on the positive and negative effects of same sex schools on males and females. I do not believe that the results will be identical for both genders. Maybe same sex schools will be beneficial for girls, but not for boys. Another thing I would like to discover is whether or not a single sex school has a negative affect on an individual’s social behaviors. There are a couple of different reasons why I chose this topic, and why I would like to acquire this information.
The first reason I chose this topic of single sex schools is because I went to a single sex high school. It was my decision to go to this school, but for some of my friends it was their parents or guardians compelling them to go. They believed it was the best thing for their children because they thought it would give their child the best opportunity for them to work to their full capability. However, I would like to know if the parents were really making the best decision for their children.
I enjoyed going to my high school, and the fact that it was a single sex school. Since there were no boys I was able to go to school everyday without worrying about what I looked like. Most of the time the girls in my school did not wear make up or do their hair, while girls that I saw at coed schools got completely ready every morning. Besides the benefit of not worrying about my appearance I was also able to form great friendships with the girls in my class. Without boys around us all the time we were able to talk more about ourselves and things we all may have in common. For example, we were able to have conversations about our boyfriends or about personal issues without worrying about a boy over hearing. Of course there were times I wished I went to a coed school where I would be able to have things like homecoming, boy sports teams, and even boys in the classroom to make jokes, but when I think of all the good times I had with my class I definitely would not change my decision.
There is one time that stands out in my mind that made me notice a huge difference in going to a coed and going to a single sex school. This was my Junior year of high school when my boyfriend and I broke up. We were together for a long period of time; therefore, I was very upset. I did not even want to go to school the next day, but I had to. When I got to school that morning I thought I was going to get asked many questions on what happened and why we broke up, but this did not happen at all. My whole class baked brownies, cake, and cookies to make me feel better, and to help me get my mind off of it. They did not ask me questions because all they were worried about was making me happy. The only things they would say are “boys are stupid” and “don’t worry about it.” They did not expect me to explain anything to them until I was ready. This really gave me the opportunity to fully appreciate my decision of going to a single sex school because I know this would not have been able to occur in a coed school.
The next reason why I chose this topic is because my little sister is trying to choose what high school she would like to go to. Even though I believe going to a single sex school benefited me and helped me mature, I would like to know if this would be the best option for her. Therefore, I will try and obtain as much information as possible to facilitate her decision.
When I tell a person that I went to a single sex school it usually results in them having a shocking facial expression. Then, it commonly leads to a controversy on whether a single sex school is beneficial, and they soon ask why I wanted to be in a single sex environment. Hopefully, by doing this project I will learn more about single sex schools, and how they affect males and females. This will help me explain to others why I wanted to be in this type of environment for high school. It will even help me assist others while they make their decision on what type high school to go to; a coed or single sex school.
The first reason I chose this topic of single sex schools is because I went to a single sex high school. It was my decision to go to this school, but for some of my friends it was their parents or guardians compelling them to go. They believed it was the best thing for their children because they thought it would give their child the best opportunity for them to work to their full capability. However, I would like to know if the parents were really making the best decision for their children.
I enjoyed going to my high school, and the fact that it was a single sex school. Since there were no boys I was able to go to school everyday without worrying about what I looked like. Most of the time the girls in my school did not wear make up or do their hair, while girls that I saw at coed schools got completely ready every morning. Besides the benefit of not worrying about my appearance I was also able to form great friendships with the girls in my class. Without boys around us all the time we were able to talk more about ourselves and things we all may have in common. For example, we were able to have conversations about our boyfriends or about personal issues without worrying about a boy over hearing. Of course there were times I wished I went to a coed school where I would be able to have things like homecoming, boy sports teams, and even boys in the classroom to make jokes, but when I think of all the good times I had with my class I definitely would not change my decision.
There is one time that stands out in my mind that made me notice a huge difference in going to a coed and going to a single sex school. This was my Junior year of high school when my boyfriend and I broke up. We were together for a long period of time; therefore, I was very upset. I did not even want to go to school the next day, but I had to. When I got to school that morning I thought I was going to get asked many questions on what happened and why we broke up, but this did not happen at all. My whole class baked brownies, cake, and cookies to make me feel better, and to help me get my mind off of it. They did not ask me questions because all they were worried about was making me happy. The only things they would say are “boys are stupid” and “don’t worry about it.” They did not expect me to explain anything to them until I was ready. This really gave me the opportunity to fully appreciate my decision of going to a single sex school because I know this would not have been able to occur in a coed school.
The next reason why I chose this topic is because my little sister is trying to choose what high school she would like to go to. Even though I believe going to a single sex school benefited me and helped me mature, I would like to know if this would be the best option for her. Therefore, I will try and obtain as much information as possible to facilitate her decision.
When I tell a person that I went to a single sex school it usually results in them having a shocking facial expression. Then, it commonly leads to a controversy on whether a single sex school is beneficial, and they soon ask why I wanted to be in a single sex environment. Hopefully, by doing this project I will learn more about single sex schools, and how they affect males and females. This will help me explain to others why I wanted to be in this type of environment for high school. It will even help me assist others while they make their decision on what type high school to go to; a coed or single sex school.
Proposal
When sending your child to school one decision that has to be made is whether to send them to a coed or single sex school. There are many discrepancies on which one of these is more beneficial for students. I went to a coed elementary school; however, for high school I decided to go to a single sex school. I do not regret going to either of these schools. I truly enjoyed them, but I do not know if this really is the best choice for teenage boys and girls. There are many controversies about it. During my research project I will try and find out what really is favorable for teenage boys and girls. Is going to a single sex school beneficial for boys, but not girls? Or is it the other way around? Should young adults really be in an environment without people from the opposite sex? Is it okay for boys or girls to only by interacting with members of the same gender during most of the day? The next problem is that sometimes it is hard to meet and become friends with people of the opposite sex if they are not around you constantly. Therefore, does going to a single sex school have a negative affect on a person’s social behaviors? There are many questions that need to be answered before a person makes a decision on whether or not they want to go to a single sex school.
I would like to find out which gender is more affected by going to a single sex school. Also I would like to discover how a single sex school affects the personalities of each gender. In order to show the class my results I will write out a research paper. In addition, I will show a short video based on the results that psychologists obtained from this study. In the video I will make a script and show a single sex classroom with girls and then boys. Next, I will show a coed classroom. This will show how being around the opposite gender has an impact on a person’s personality. The viewer will be able to see what it is like in a single sex classroom and a coed classroom, and how it can change the way males and females may act. It can even change a person’s performance in school. I will be making a video because I think it will be clearer to the viewers since they are seeing it instead of just reading it. If someone sees something first hand I think it gives them a better understanding of what it is like to experience it than just reading a paper about it. Another reason why I am making the video is because I think it will make the topic more interesting to the audience.
In order to make my research project possible I will have to acquire a lot of information about single sex schools and the affect it has on the students that go to them. First, I will research what tests have been done by other people, and what their results were. Then I will interview a couple different people that went to coed schools, and a couple people that went to single sex schools. I will keep all the information I find in my commonplace book on my blog. This will help me stay organized because all of my information will be in one place. I will need to spend most of my time at home on the computer to find the information, or just by talking to people. Also, if I find any articles in a newspaper or magazine I will cut it out and place it in my plastic folder that I have for this class. This folder and my commonplace book on my blog will help me organize my information for this research project. It will also help me have easy access to all my information at any time since it will all be in one place.
I would like to find out which gender is more affected by going to a single sex school. Also I would like to discover how a single sex school affects the personalities of each gender. In order to show the class my results I will write out a research paper. In addition, I will show a short video based on the results that psychologists obtained from this study. In the video I will make a script and show a single sex classroom with girls and then boys. Next, I will show a coed classroom. This will show how being around the opposite gender has an impact on a person’s personality. The viewer will be able to see what it is like in a single sex classroom and a coed classroom, and how it can change the way males and females may act. It can even change a person’s performance in school. I will be making a video because I think it will be clearer to the viewers since they are seeing it instead of just reading it. If someone sees something first hand I think it gives them a better understanding of what it is like to experience it than just reading a paper about it. Another reason why I am making the video is because I think it will make the topic more interesting to the audience.
In order to make my research project possible I will have to acquire a lot of information about single sex schools and the affect it has on the students that go to them. First, I will research what tests have been done by other people, and what their results were. Then I will interview a couple different people that went to coed schools, and a couple people that went to single sex schools. I will keep all the information I find in my commonplace book on my blog. This will help me stay organized because all of my information will be in one place. I will need to spend most of my time at home on the computer to find the information, or just by talking to people. Also, if I find any articles in a newspaper or magazine I will cut it out and place it in my plastic folder that I have for this class. This folder and my commonplace book on my blog will help me organize my information for this research project. It will also help me have easy access to all my information at any time since it will all be in one place.
Wireless Internet...
I'm finally home for Easter break which I am pretty happy about. However, the one thing that is annoying is that my family just got some new type of internet, and now I do not have wireless when I come home. This bothers me because I can't be in my room on my computer anymore. I have to be right next to my sister's computer. Therefore, when we are both on the computer we have to be right next to eachother on the same desk, which is very aggravating because my sister and I are very different. We get along, but she is the complete opposite of me. For example, we both like very different types of music, and we both do different things for fun. So, if we both want to listen to music when we are on the computer it sometimes results in an argument. I can't wait until we get the wireless internet fixed for my laptop. It will make things so much easier.
The next problem with that is that I already have three computers in my house that are all connected by wire, and one other laptop that the wireless works on. So, if I add my computer to that I am nervous that the connection will be slow if all the computers are online at the same time. I hope the amount of computers does not affect how quick the internet is.
My main concern right now is that all of this is fixed by the time I come home for summer break. This is because I think that this will get very annoying by the second week of summer if it is not taken care of.
The next problem with that is that I already have three computers in my house that are all connected by wire, and one other laptop that the wireless works on. So, if I add my computer to that I am nervous that the connection will be slow if all the computers are online at the same time. I hope the amount of computers does not affect how quick the internet is.
My main concern right now is that all of this is fixed by the time I come home for summer break. This is because I think that this will get very annoying by the second week of summer if it is not taken care of.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Reign Over Me
This weekend I saw the movie Reign Over Me. I really liked it a lot. It was based on someone who lost his whole family on 9/11. He lost his three daughters and his wife on a plane. The man lost himself when he lost his family. He did not want to remember loosing his family, so he would act like it did not happen. Then one day he ran into his old college roommate. This changed him. His college roommate gave him the opportunity to open up. He even tried to get him to get help to make him feel a little better about the whole thing.
I think this movie was more appropriate than the movies Flight 93 and World Trade Center. This is because I think those movies came out too early, and were too graphic. This movie was more about the hard time the man had to go through when he lost everything on 9/11; not about the actual incident. Another reason why I liked it is because more people can relate to it. It does not have to strictly be about 9/11.
I think this movie was more appropriate than the movies Flight 93 and World Trade Center. This is because I think those movies came out too early, and were too graphic. This movie was more about the hard time the man had to go through when he lost everything on 9/11; not about the actual incident. Another reason why I liked it is because more people can relate to it. It does not have to strictly be about 9/11.
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