Ｑ１：How do you like the weekly writing prompts? Are they interesting or boring? Inspirational or weird? Are they related to your life? Can you suggest anything better and give some examples?
1) I enjoy this blogging activity. This project is generally “free” ( we students have to check the newest task and finish it on time instead of passive learning ), but actually, the teacher offers us an opportunity to learn various things by writing blogs and also makes us self-disciplined.
2) The designed tasks are interesting, inspirational and thought-provoking. Most of the weekly tasks are related to students; thus, I think the assigned topics make it easier for students to reflect on their thoughts. For me, those questions exercise my brain and gradually enhance my critical thinking. Although some tasks are challenging, like “strawberry generation” and “self evaluation”, I try hard to think deeply and write down meaningful reflections as possible as I can.
3) The design of two to four questions every week is appropriate. Additionally, I suggest that diversifying the subjects could be better. For instance, an international important event, a renowned figure, a new invention, a musician, an artist, etc could be subjects of tasks.
Ｑ２：Do you like the two-way online discussion with your key pal? Or do you think we should have more people (like 3~4 students) form a group blog to exchange ideas? Why or why not?
One of the advantages of the two-way online discussion is that it is easier for one to contact the other and remind him or her of carrying out the tasks. On the other hand, if one always discuss with his or her partner, it would be difficult for students to see one thing from different perspectives. From my standpoint, I think a group should at most include 3 students. Too much people in a group would reduce efficiency. However, students can make a comment on any blog at will to interact with others. That is also a way to learn.
Ｑ３：Have you encountered any difficulties during the semester when using blogs to discuss with your key pal, e.g., computer problems or anything?
Generally speaking, I think interacting with my key pal seldom troubles me because she tells me why she responds to me late and later, she posts her comments as soon as possible. Sometimes, we chat online, and thus we become familiar with each other. I believe that the friendship between my key pal and me will become increasingly stable.
Ｑ４：How do you like the project website? Are they friendly enough? Have we left out any important content? How do you like the layout/design?
The design of the project website is creative and user-friendly. So far, I find that content is abundant and nothing is left out. Moreover, I prefer stylish and well-designed things, like the arrangement of the project website, which attracts my attention. Marvelous!
Ｑ５：What have you gained from this blog activity?
I see and reflect on various topics that I have never noticed or paid attention to.
In fact, I benefits considerably from this blog activity:
(1) I learn to be studious, punctual and self-disciplined.
(2) I learn to understand my key pal as well as my classmates’ opinions and thoughts on the blogs.
(3) I learn numerous new words and usage after reading others’ compositions and comments.
(4) I learn how to interact with my key pal online, maintain our friendship,and learn many from her responses and her great insight.
(5) I learn to cultivate a positive attitude toward learning English and become more confident instead of always being afraid of writing English essays.
Ｑ６：If you had an opportunity to start over, would you have done anything differently? If so, how?
First, I hope I could change my learning mode into English mode as possible as I can. Furthermore, I want to apply some writing approaches or principles (e.g. point-by point method & five-paragraph essay) to my compositions to make them well-organized and easily understood.
If I had an opportunity to start over, I would spend more time on word choice, grammar and originality. Also, I have to think quickly and express my ideas clearly and precisely when writing English compositions. All in all, I think my works left much to be desired and I am always willing to improve my English proficiency.
Last but not least, I would like to express my gratitude to my tutor and my key pal. The tutor creates a wonderful space for us to learn English by exchanging our ideas and reflections. Besides, both this long-term blogging activity and the mode of peer learning are innovative. In conclusion, I really enjoy this writing project!
2010年1月3日 星期日
2009年12月25日 星期五
Weekly Task 13 - Reflection
1. Please offer your suggestions as how we can grade your performance better.
My suggestions:
1) Turning in the assignments on time: assessing whether one is self-disciplined and responsible.
2) Interacting with the key pal: assessing the process of sharing different opinions and perspectives with each other.
3) Whether the contents are to the point or connect to weekly topics: to make sure that students meet the teacher’s expectations—Quality is better than quantity.
4) The accuracy of word choice and English grammar: to have a good command of English is an important requirement for students who major in English.
2. Based on the criteria you suggested in Q1, please give a score to yourself and explain how you’ve earned it.
According to the criteria I suggested above, I give myself 8 points.
1) I make it a rule to finish the assignments and turn in them on time every week.
2) My key pal and I have a nice interaction, but sometimes we reply to each other late. I think we have already noticed this problem and we are willing to improve it.
3) In general, my composition and key pal’s responses connect to weekly topics.
Sometimes, we have deeper insight and discuss some interesting things. I love to read and express different opinions on the blog with my key pal.
4) In terms of word choice and grammar, when I am confused about some words or phrases, I immediately look them up in dictionaries to learn or review the usage. Even so, there are still many problems in my compositions. Hope teachers can point out my downside and I will rethink and revise my compositions. Thank you!
3. Based on the criteria you suggested in Q1, please give a score to your partner and explain how she has earned it.
According to the criteria I suggested above, I give my key pal 8 points.
She often replies to my articles in a short time. Moreover, she reads my articles and topics carefully; thus, her comments usually connect to the subjects. After reading her comments, I find some unfamiliar terms and I also see different perspectives. For me, this is a good way of learning. Great! ：）
My suggestions:
1) Turning in the assignments on time: assessing whether one is self-disciplined and responsible.
2) Interacting with the key pal: assessing the process of sharing different opinions and perspectives with each other.
3) Whether the contents are to the point or connect to weekly topics: to make sure that students meet the teacher’s expectations—Quality is better than quantity.
4) The accuracy of word choice and English grammar: to have a good command of English is an important requirement for students who major in English.
2. Based on the criteria you suggested in Q1, please give a score to yourself and explain how you’ve earned it.
According to the criteria I suggested above, I give myself 8 points.
1) I make it a rule to finish the assignments and turn in them on time every week.
2) My key pal and I have a nice interaction, but sometimes we reply to each other late. I think we have already noticed this problem and we are willing to improve it.
3) In general, my composition and key pal’s responses connect to weekly topics.
Sometimes, we have deeper insight and discuss some interesting things. I love to read and express different opinions on the blog with my key pal.
4) In terms of word choice and grammar, when I am confused about some words or phrases, I immediately look them up in dictionaries to learn or review the usage. Even so, there are still many problems in my compositions. Hope teachers can point out my downside and I will rethink and revise my compositions. Thank you!
3. Based on the criteria you suggested in Q1, please give a score to your partner and explain how she has earned it.
According to the criteria I suggested above, I give my key pal 8 points.
She often replies to my articles in a short time. Moreover, she reads my articles and topics carefully; thus, her comments usually connect to the subjects. After reading her comments, I find some unfamiliar terms and I also see different perspectives. For me, this is a good way of learning. Great! ：）
2009年12月12日 星期六
Weekly Task 11 - Learning Activities
1. Based on your preference, what kind of classroom activity do you like most and which one do you like the least?
I prefer activities which are concerning “watching”. Sometimes, it is relaxing and refreshing to learn by watching related videos, movies, etc. On the other hand, I am not good at communicating with others and voicing my opinions; thus, I like “discussion” the least.
2. Can you recall some very fun activity you experienced recently in class? Please describe it.
Last month, Dr. Gina gave our class a task in the computer classroom: choosing a funny video and cooperating with group members to create intriguing lines which correspond to the video. Through this activity, I first learned how to operate the software “Movie Maker”. Although it is not easy to finish the task, I really enjoyed this fun activity.
3. When encountering some kind of difficult knowledge, do you have any strategies to process it?
First, I usually try to find out my problems of learning, including my attitude toward learning and methods of learning. Then, I ask teachers and classmates for help. Moreover, some reference books help me a lot when I have difficulties understanding and absorbing new information.
4. Based on your responses to Q1, Q2, and Q3, can you tell the type of learner you are? Why?
Sometimes, I think I am studious. I usually spare no effort to perfect all the assignments, although the results or the scores are not necessarily good or excellent as I expect. I think I will keep improving my drawbacks and maintain a positive attitude.
I prefer activities which are concerning “watching”. Sometimes, it is relaxing and refreshing to learn by watching related videos, movies, etc. On the other hand, I am not good at communicating with others and voicing my opinions; thus, I like “discussion” the least.
2. Can you recall some very fun activity you experienced recently in class? Please describe it.
Last month, Dr. Gina gave our class a task in the computer classroom: choosing a funny video and cooperating with group members to create intriguing lines which correspond to the video. Through this activity, I first learned how to operate the software “Movie Maker”. Although it is not easy to finish the task, I really enjoyed this fun activity.
3. When encountering some kind of difficult knowledge, do you have any strategies to process it?
First, I usually try to find out my problems of learning, including my attitude toward learning and methods of learning. Then, I ask teachers and classmates for help. Moreover, some reference books help me a lot when I have difficulties understanding and absorbing new information.
4. Based on your responses to Q1, Q2, and Q3, can you tell the type of learner you are? Why?
Sometimes, I think I am studious. I usually spare no effort to perfect all the assignments, although the results or the scores are not necessarily good or excellent as I expect. I think I will keep improving my drawbacks and maintain a positive attitude.
2009年12月7日 星期一
Weekly Task 10 - Self Evaluation & Peer Review
1。 From 1~10 (with 10 as the highest score), how well are you two doing?
Please grade yourselves and give a suggestive score.
2。How and why did you two decide the score?
3。What kind of improvement are you two making in the remaining weeks of the semester?
My key pal and I decide to give ourselves 7.
The score is based on good interaction, communication styles, writing styles and different viewpoints.
Evaluation
1. Advantages of our pair work:
a. Good interaction
b. Responding to each other’s thoughts regularly
c. Expressing similar or different opinions properly
2. Disadvantages of our pair work:
a. Times of discussion are not enough
b. Sometimes, we reply to each other late
We think we can search for related information and share it with each other on the blog. Moreover, we should notice the time limit of each task. All in all, in the long run, we should improve our writing quality as well as quantity. We believe that we will do a better job in the remaining weeks of this semester.
2009年11月28日 星期六
Weekly Task 9 - The Strawberry Generation
Weekly Task 9
1. What do you think about this stigma?
For me, it is interesting to understand the origin and different meanings of “the strawberry generation” as time goes by from the essay. From the author’s perspective, she mentions that “the strawberry generation” not merely exists in youngster’s generation, but other generations as well. I cannot agree with her more. In my opinion, what kinds of traits some people have cannot represent the whole generation. More specifically, it is unfair for those who have characteristics that differ from the stereotype to be labeled “the strawberry generation.” Therefore, viewing someone as “the strawberry” by his or her year of birth is inappropriate.
2. Does the description match your self-identity or -realization?
If not, offer a counter claim.
Frankly speaking, sometimes I am egoistic. Although I seldom consider group interest my top priority, I have no intention of damaging the interests of others. As for the aspect of material living, I don’t want to follow the trend blindly; therefore, I live a life without too much temptation. Moreover, I have seen several pieces of news regarding a hot issue: highly-educated people take jobs that require few professional skills. So far, I have no idea about this condition. Perhaps, there is something wrong with our labor market and even the whole society.
When it comes to the ability of resisting great pressure and frustration tolerance, I think these mental conditions vary from person to person. As for me, I usually find ways to overcome the difficulties, consider failure a stepping stone to success, seldom giving up halfway. Thus, I don’t want to be called “the strawberry generation” owing to such reasons. Last but not least, we young people should strive to redefine the meaning of our generation or “the strawberry generation” instead of being mocked or looked down on.
2009年11月6日 星期五
Weekly Task 6 - Making Mistakes
Weekly Task 6
1. How do you usually look at your mistakes?
I usually take my mistakes very seriously. To tell the truth, I want to be a perfectionist since I think finishing what I have to do and doing a good job are my responsibilities. Moreover, I usually feel a sense of achievement and relief after accomplishing my goals. However, there is a disadvantage of being perfect: I do not dare to try new things or what I am not good at because being afraid of making mistakes.
2. How do you define mistakes?
“We all make mistakes.” I think this saying is true at times, but it can be an excuse as well. As a student, it is not uncommon for me to make mistakes in my studies. Take an experience of Show-and-Tell for example. I made every effort to prepare, trying to feel comfortable on the platform since I believe “Practice makes perfect.”
Nevertheless, the audience found that I was nervous, lacking confidence. Actually, those comments are my drawbacks and also my mistakes. Therefore, my definition of mistakes is that I do something wrong and I do not try my best to avoid putting a foot wrong. Last but not least, a great attitude toward mistakes is that people should learn from mistakes and not be careless or absurd next time.
3. After listening to Prof. Pausch, do you still see mistakes in the same way?
Prof. Pausch’s speech is thought-provoking, which helps me see mistakes from another angle. A quotation from his speech is impressive: “Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us how badly we want things.” I usually feel depressed when failing to attain my objectives, but I never give up. In my opinion, if I cannot overcome difficulties, I will not have a chance to challenge myself and prove that I can succeed. To sum up, never give up whenever you encounter difficulties.
1. How do you usually look at your mistakes?
I usually take my mistakes very seriously. To tell the truth, I want to be a perfectionist since I think finishing what I have to do and doing a good job are my responsibilities. Moreover, I usually feel a sense of achievement and relief after accomplishing my goals. However, there is a disadvantage of being perfect: I do not dare to try new things or what I am not good at because being afraid of making mistakes.
2. How do you define mistakes?
“We all make mistakes.” I think this saying is true at times, but it can be an excuse as well. As a student, it is not uncommon for me to make mistakes in my studies. Take an experience of Show-and-Tell for example. I made every effort to prepare, trying to feel comfortable on the platform since I believe “Practice makes perfect.”
Nevertheless, the audience found that I was nervous, lacking confidence. Actually, those comments are my drawbacks and also my mistakes. Therefore, my definition of mistakes is that I do something wrong and I do not try my best to avoid putting a foot wrong. Last but not least, a great attitude toward mistakes is that people should learn from mistakes and not be careless or absurd next time.
3. After listening to Prof. Pausch, do you still see mistakes in the same way?
Prof. Pausch’s speech is thought-provoking, which helps me see mistakes from another angle. A quotation from his speech is impressive: “Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us how badly we want things.” I usually feel depressed when failing to attain my objectives, but I never give up. In my opinion, if I cannot overcome difficulties, I will not have a chance to challenge myself and prove that I can succeed. To sum up, never give up whenever you encounter difficulties.
2009年11月3日 星期二
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