WA-HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got a "B" in chem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1) What are you most looking forward to next semester?
OK so i had to say im sorry for doing this post late. no excuses but i have been effing busy. Next semester im actually looking forward to my BI 111 (biology) class. I dont believe in evolution so i cant wait to debate the issue in class or lab

2) What advice do you have for incoming Freshmen next Fall?
Just push through it there is no excuse why you cant do the work given. It really isnt alot. Most professors will be accommodating to your needs. They really do want you to learn and they will help you any way they can!!!!!

I DONT WANT TO WORK 54 HRS IN 3 AND A HALF DAYS ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Oh well... see everyone in class after it, on monday ;)
Have a great week-end!

lu lu lu i got some apples, lu lu lu i got a blog too

BLOG #5 - due by midnight 11/4/09
CONGRATS! You made it over "slump time" and now things should start to go smoother and be less intensive as the semester wraps up.

1) What are you most stressed-out with at the moment? Why? Is your body re-acting to this stress? Devise a plan to deal with it. (Who do you turn to when you are stressed?)
Ok! So right now Im not stressed about school so much. Its kind of a combination of things. The holidays are coming up and I need to find some cheat flights, I work alot (40 hrs or more a week) and I go to school so I dont sleep much, and finals are coming up fast. But!!!!! Thats not too bad, Im just super tired all the time and we are at the tail end, so I just got to buck-up and push on through. The only plan I have for dealing with the last part of the semester is to, w/o stealing from a certain corporation, JUST DO IT! My support system is probably the most solid for me though. I have a great family, wonderful girl-friend, and a loving GOD that carries me and pushes me toward greater things that I couldnt possibly complete w/o Him. So when people ask me how I can stay up for three days straight, and dont understand how i do it... thats how!!!!

2) READ the following excerpts from last year's UN100 on how they approach studying and retention of information from textbooks. These are extremely successful and their grades are reflecting it.

If you haven't cracked your Anatomy textbook especially, you are doing yourself a great disservice! "Steps that I take include skimming over the chapter, analyzing the preview & questions about the chapter, read headlines and depict the bold terms in context. When I do a reading assignment, the very first thing I do is flip through the pages and look for visuals that would enhance my comprehension of the chapter. I read the preceeding paragraph or overview of the chapter and try to answer the questions as I follow along in the context..then look up bold terms to understand their definitions. By knowing the highlighted words, it's easier to understand what the chapter is actually about. When I cover all these necessary steps, it is easier for me to complete a reading assignment and feel prepared for an upcoming quiz or test.

"COMMENT: WOW!"

First I read the title, subtitles & objectives. I find that it's helpful to highlight them just to help reinforce the idea of what I'm learning. I quickly (and sometimes subconsciously) review in my head anything I might already know about the subject; that way I can try to find a connection of my previous knowledge to what I'm going to learn. If I think anything in the piece will be important for me to know or find quickly in the future, I take notes on the side about it or underline/highlight it. When I'm finished with the piece I look it over (my notes & highlighting) to help keep the main ideas fresh in my mind.

"COMMENT: Brain-based research reveals that eliciting previous knowledge allows the brain to retain information more effectively. Nice!"

I glance through the entire chapter and skim through the main paragraphs and read the first sentence. I always look at and read the objectives of every chapter. They come in very handy towards the end, that way you know if you have successfully completed the reading. I try to be as active as possible during reading because it helps me comprehend the information easier and this way I am retaining the information more than once.

"COMMENT: Active learning (taking notes in margin/highlighting )is way more powerful than passive learning (just reading). "

If I am doing a reading assignment such as the Chemistry one provided I found it helps a lot if I put it into my own words because the scientific terms can be confusing. I highlight what is important and then write notes in a notebook. I also write the page # down next to what I took notes on just in case I want to refer back to the page. Sometimes I have to read the more complex articles more than once or at least until I can filter them into my own words.

"COMMENT: Wow! Putting reading excerpts into your own words helps the brain to create a connection and therefore, retain the information longer. Writing the page #'s in your notes is something I never thought of doing before but what an efficient way to re-visit info! Yes, sometimes you will have to read more than once. A lot of students are lazy and won't do this - good for you!

1) Pick a classmate's Blog and read one of their entries. Leave one comment on it. (You'll see where you can click "Comment" at the end of it - you must be logged in as yourself to leave a comment). At the bottom of this, you will find a complete address list of everyone's sites.

I commented on Don's blog.

2) Write Blog #4 on your own page, answering the following: What do you have in common (academically, personally, etc..) with the classmate whose Blog you chose? Did s/he offer any useful information you will most likely use in the future?

I wrote on Don's blog. While Don has some years on me, we do have very much in common. We are on the side of the elephant and take a very conservative back-ground. While he liked my previous blog and i meant every word in it. There is something i lack when writing sometimes. He is very straight forward and gets to the heart. Sometimes we as people need that, while i know that words and views spoken that way might hurt at first... especially directed towards a certain person or idea. That is the kind of writing that, if not for its style, we might not be a nation. It sparks ideas and revolution. Like I said on his blog, if not for him writing what he did I never would have wrote what I did... Kudos Bud!!!

BLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOgggggggggggggggggg

What do you feel this course (UN100) should focus on? What do you need help in, specifically?Please write at least one paragraph focusing on your specific academic needs.

So, I understand that this course is supposed to prepare a freshman straight out of high school for life in the college setting. That being said there should be some room for separation in a certain area, the area of the non-traditional student. If that student is anything like me, or the others in this class, than let me see if I can smooth some things out here. As a student that has not just come out of high school and has held a full-time job for over 8 years, there needs to be a class oriented to Us! This is what i think some of my fellow students are trying to voice. Some of us are older than the demigraphic that this class is actually targeting. Make no mistake, the teaching is great. Kelly you are down to earth and you know exactly what is need to make this endeavor easier, plus you are easy to understand, talk to and a good advisor. You as well Maggie.
I belive what Im getting at is there should be a structured class for non-traditional students to learn how to reintegrate themselves into a learning/school environment. Speaking from experience its rough to get back into school and balance a full-tme job and have a family life, especially if we have kids. I believe that the help we as non-traditional students need, and what this class should focus on for us, or maybe what NMU should do for us, is design a class for the non-traditional student and the special needs we have. Just a thought, see ya'll in class. -Josh

Blog Dos

Ø Describe your ideal Instructor/Professor.
Plain and simple... I like the ones that teach. However that brings up a great other point you have to again be active in your learning and give the professors feedback. although they should be willing to do anything to help you LEARN (not profess).








Ø “I knew it when I studied it, but I forgot it on the test.” How can students study differently to prevent this from happening?

Most students that I have seen study, study, study, study... they never take a break and keep loading themselves up with info until they are full to bursting. I suggest, study for an hour on one thing (i.e. the periodic table) and get it down, heck... even had a buddy or girlfriend/boyfriend help quiz you. Then take a good break. Chillax and put your feet up, let your brain recharge, then quiz 2 more times once with your eyes closed and once with your eyes open. That way one you visualize it and two you can think it. Also you can go back and see what needs work and what doesnt!

Ø How do you study for quizzes/tests?







See the above question. It also helps to make flash cards... lots and LOTS of flash cards... SERIOUSLY... Im not kidding.













Ø What do you have trouble with on quizzes/tests?

I mostly have trouble absorbing the test at first. Meaning its a little daunting getting the test in front of you at first but i take some deep breathes and go for it!


Finally - Do you feel as if there is any healthy fast food available to consumers? If so, where and why? Give specific examples of products.. Please be honest and support your opinions.
Ok seriously, there is a little place right around the corner from me, it goes by the name Jimmy Johns. the place is flippin, with a capital "F", awesome. They are always baking their soft and delicious bread, you get amazing topping like alfalfa sprouts, avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion, put on right in front of you and the meat, especially the roast beef, is cut fresh at every shift. I can say that its the truth, but its my opinion (hahaha) that Jimmy Johns is one of the more healthy quick eateries around these-here-parts!

Blog #1 09/09/09

Ø List your own quote, favorite saying, song, or other expression of your feelings today.
-"Thats no moon... its a space station."- Obi-wan Kenobi. this staement is true now more than ever because i havent been in school for about 8 yrs and while its exciting its pretty dang overwhelming =/






Ø A.List initial observations of your new environment.Ø B.List initial observations of your classes.

A.
1) This place is big. I've never been to a university before.

2) Mostly that I can see... The teachers really do care about the students, and that they do learn something.

3) There's an effing coffee shop in the library. *SWEET*

4) There's tutoring for just about everything.

5) Parking sucks no matter where you go.

B.
1) I'm sometimes one of the oldest people in my class. Ex. HP200 there is a handful of people that are really my age, most everyone else is about 6 or 7 yrs younger than me.

2)Class sizes arent too big. except for anatomy... i mean holy crap that class is freaking GINORMOUS.

3) Most of my classes are grouped in the same area, so when Im carrying all those books Im not giving myself back problems.

4) Its crazy how a two hour long class can fly by, especially when you do learn something!

Ø A. What observations have you made about other students?Ø B. About your instructors?

A.
1) Most of the people do want to learn. But there are still those ones that flippin annoy me and dont do their work. Why pay for something that you arent going to try hard at????

2) Mtn. Dew is a staple, and everyone (mostly) drinks it up here!!!!!! LOVE IT!

B.

1) Some actually have personalities, its pretty great. If your a fan of the Big Bang Theory than you'll like this. my anatomy lab instuctor is the epitomy of the character Sheldon... Awesomeness!!!!

2) Definitely call you Ph.D. Professors doctor. i dont know about you but I've been warned enough and i dont want to make that mistake

Ø What do you think will be your biggest challenge(s) academically this semester?

My biggest challenge is going to be getting back in a rythmn with things. After being out of school for so long and juggling a job and daily life I HAVE to make time for studies. Whether we like it or not the decisions that we make now dont just affect us, they affect our future, and that is something I'd like very much to not screw up.







Ø Reiterate a term or concept you learned in Anatomy this week.

-As Dr. Froiland said, "This book is a good one and easy to read, BUT it make a great anchor."-

There are so many different types of cells. From squamus, cuboidal, transitional epithilium, and glandular. Its amazing to see (in my own opinion, take it for what its worth) how God can form such a complex machine that has so many parts that do things we couldnt even fathom, even when its our own bodies!

Ø List a few pleasant events that happened during your first weeks at NMU.

I learned that I can do this!!!!!!





Ø List habits you already possess that make you successful in college.

I can take pretty fantastic notes... not to toot my own horn or anything because Im humble... and awesome. ;D





Ø List habits (timewasters?) you can change or modify, or need to lose.

1) Ive already unplugged my xbox360 from the wall for every day but fri. and sat.

2) Sometimes I procrastinate and that can really hurt me. Not that I dont get work done, I just hate feeling rushed to do things.

Ø Explain how you determine what to write down in notes during lectures.
Ok... So most teachers write down what info they want you to have. and if they dont i just use my discretion, also that Carrol Method is pretty cool.






Ø Based on your first readings in the TCB text, describe the differences between Active Learning & Passive Learning (reading, note-taking, etc..)

First of all i cant just go by and let someone just read to and expect me to take the information for what its worth... NO WAY... i was brought up as an active learner. I never take things at face value, I like to dive in and find things out for myself. I take my own notes and read them back to myself, make my own flash cards and draw visuals if I need to. If I dont understand something when I read it Ill go back and read it over again, atleast 3 times. Mostly... I try to over-achieve but not at the expense of my sanity or my family!!!

That being said. active learning is the process of getting yourself envolved in your own education (whether in school or not) and by ACTIVELY be involved with your education you retain information better and take pride in what you are accomplishing.





Ø Based on your first readings in the BT text, list TWO of favorite quotes and explain why they "speak" to you.







Ø Finally, name one goal (personal, academic, etc..) you have for yourself next week.

- I want to finish finding a loan to pay the rest of school off!!!!!! ( also, I would like to pass my Anatomy test next week)


Posted by MmeSimon at 10:39 AM 0 comments