I. One possible subject that would be interesting to look into would be many people's hesitation to delve into philosophical texts. Philosophy sadly is the target of more than a few jokes and seems to have received a reputation as "useless" from many people... why is this? Why do people not become more involved in philosophy and all it has to offer?
II. Another topic that might be interesting to examine would be the question of why do a great many students seem uninterested in their studies? From personal experience and seeing everything I have going through school to this point many people exert the least amount of effort required in order to squeeze by. Education is something vitally important is it not? What causes students to be uninterested? What processes are at work here?
III. A final topic that seems appealing and relevant would be looking at the impact of new technological advances and how they will come to impact our lives. Looking to the work of Ray Kurzweil brings thoughts of technological advances and their impacts to light. Is important to stop and "reflect on teh effects and outcomes of technology," says Ray. A paper doing just this might be successful.
Wachau, Austria
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Paragraph Revision
The system that is currently in place has had it’s structure dictated by standardized tests, and this is why the system has serious short-comings. This system is oriented towards preparing students for a test, rather than concentrating on the big picture of teaching skills such as synthesis of information, and channeling creativity into productive areas. Performance on a test becomes inconsequential once one is immersed into the real world and an entirely different skill-set is needed. Education must be rethought, so that it is is applied on a personal level, because once this happens the natural desire of any child to learn will take over and the teacher will only need to guide their desire to learn, rather than try and force-feed the students information. Studies conducted by Sugata Mitra show quite clearly that students have a very natural drive to learn. If a system were implemented, where students natural desires to learn could be elicited, success of education would grow exponentially each year. Mitra stresses incredible education occurred in his tests when, “I set the children up with material and... then I left.”₇ In addition to this insight, Sir Ken Robinson has likewise critiqued the education system, he believes that “creativity is as important in education as literacy,” and that in, “our education systems, mistakes are the worst things you can make.”₈ By conditioning students to think that mistakes are unacceptable, Sir Robinson believes that we “destroy this capacity [for creativity and innovation].”₈
Fixed:
The system that is currently in place has had it’s structure dictated by standardized tests, and this is why it has such serious short-comings. This system is oriented towards preparing students for a test, rather than concentrating on the bigger picture of teaching skills such as synthesis of information, and channeling creativity into productive areas. Performance on a test becomes inconsequential once immersed in the real world, where an entirely different skill-set is needed. Education must be rethought so that it is is applied on a personal level, rather than on a standardized level. Once this happens the natural desire of any child to learn will take over, and the teacher will only need to guide their natural desire to learn, rather than try and force-feed the students information. Mark Twain once said, "I never let my schooling interfere with my education." Once standardized testing receives less emphasis schooling won't be a hinderance to a child's education.
Studies conducted by Sugata Mitra show quite clearly that students have a very natural drive to learn. If a system were implemented, where student's natural desires to learn could be elicited, success of education would grow exponentially each year. Mitra stresses incredible education occurred in his tests when, “I set the children up with material and... then I left.”7 Clearly education must be changed to take advantage of a student's natural urges. In addition to this insight, Sir Ken Robinson has likewise critiqued the education system, he believes that “creativity is as important in education as literacy,” and that in, “our education systems, mistakes are the worst things you can make.”8 By conditioning students to think that mistakes are unacceptable, Sir Robinson believes that we “destroy this capacity [for creativity and innovation].”9 These insights are vital points to focus on, and to hold in mind.
Fixed:
The system that is currently in place has had it’s structure dictated by standardized tests, and this is why it has such serious short-comings. This system is oriented towards preparing students for a test, rather than concentrating on the bigger picture of teaching skills such as synthesis of information, and channeling creativity into productive areas. Performance on a test becomes inconsequential once immersed in the real world, where an entirely different skill-set is needed. Education must be rethought so that it is is applied on a personal level, rather than on a standardized level. Once this happens the natural desire of any child to learn will take over, and the teacher will only need to guide their natural desire to learn, rather than try and force-feed the students information. Mark Twain once said, "I never let my schooling interfere with my education." Once standardized testing receives less emphasis schooling won't be a hinderance to a child's education.
Studies conducted by Sugata Mitra show quite clearly that students have a very natural drive to learn. If a system were implemented, where student's natural desires to learn could be elicited, success of education would grow exponentially each year. Mitra stresses incredible education occurred in his tests when, “I set the children up with material and... then I left.”7 Clearly education must be changed to take advantage of a student's natural urges. In addition to this insight, Sir Ken Robinson has likewise critiqued the education system, he believes that “creativity is as important in education as literacy,” and that in, “our education systems, mistakes are the worst things you can make.”8 By conditioning students to think that mistakes are unacceptable, Sir Robinson believes that we “destroy this capacity [for creativity and innovation].”9 These insights are vital points to focus on, and to hold in mind.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Teachers: Go Straight to Jail, Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200.
Merit-pay questions mount: Will teachers lose their jobs? Their careers? Is the bill legal? " McClatchy
I have examined an article on merit-based pay for teachers. The article essentially covers the issue in it's relation to the Florida education system, which is attempting to use the merit-based system for paying it's teachers. The article goes through the various levels of he issues. It touches on the concerns that many teachers have; many fear the implications of the new system effecting their tenure, or job security, their wages currently, and some feel that this bill is degrading to them. The article addresses these concerns and the answers are as follows, the teachers already having tenure would be covered to an extent, new teachers however would have an annual contract and could be fired at any time. The wages of teachers already teaching would not change but all raises in the future would depend on the new system.
The article then addresses the issue of how the actual teacher assessment would be carried out. The system would focus mainly on 'student achievement' which would be assessed through tests of the students. Other methods that would go along with this main method would include evaluation of teaching habits, classroom techniques, discipline, &c.
The article itself is heavy on all aspects of rhetorical devices. The initial worries of teachers and the implications of the new system are very heavy on the pathos. The teachers are very clearly worried about their livelihood. The teachers are having a very emotional reaction to the proposal, and empathy makes the reader feel what they feel. "They fear it would cut their future pay, strip away their job security and blame them for the failings of students and parents." This shows the emotional anguish of teachers, the helplessness in the face of this proposal.
The article similarly uses logos in it's discussion of how the plan might be used in it's assessment of teachers. The article lays out the logical structure of the assessment in the hopes of convincing the readers of the rationality of the assessment methods in determining the quality of the teachers. The article illuminates the plan to have teachers on annual "probationary" contracts, as a logical way to eliminate teachers who are found to be "bad" as they call them. This is an attempt to show the logic behind the proposed system, and it's goals.
The article also raises heavy ethos. There are many critical ethical issues tied in with the arguments over merit-based pay. For example is it ethical to be able to assess teachers every year and to have the ability to fire teachers on the spot if they do no meet assessment standards? The article addresses the legality of the bill. The bill itself is a direct violation of the Florida constitution, guaranteeing workers, "collective bargaining for wages and benefits as a fundamental right." This in particular is an important point to consider in the issue as it is one that very well may make or break the entire bill.
I believe that this article brings up quite a few important points on the topic of merit-based pay, and I will certainly want to include the moral/legal issues in the article. It is certainly a good source for my paper.
I have examined an article on merit-based pay for teachers. The article essentially covers the issue in it's relation to the Florida education system, which is attempting to use the merit-based system for paying it's teachers. The article goes through the various levels of he issues. It touches on the concerns that many teachers have; many fear the implications of the new system effecting their tenure, or job security, their wages currently, and some feel that this bill is degrading to them. The article addresses these concerns and the answers are as follows, the teachers already having tenure would be covered to an extent, new teachers however would have an annual contract and could be fired at any time. The wages of teachers already teaching would not change but all raises in the future would depend on the new system.
The article then addresses the issue of how the actual teacher assessment would be carried out. The system would focus mainly on 'student achievement' which would be assessed through tests of the students. Other methods that would go along with this main method would include evaluation of teaching habits, classroom techniques, discipline, &c.
The article itself is heavy on all aspects of rhetorical devices. The initial worries of teachers and the implications of the new system are very heavy on the pathos. The teachers are very clearly worried about their livelihood. The teachers are having a very emotional reaction to the proposal, and empathy makes the reader feel what they feel. "They fear it would cut their future pay, strip away their job security and blame them for the failings of students and parents." This shows the emotional anguish of teachers, the helplessness in the face of this proposal.
The article similarly uses logos in it's discussion of how the plan might be used in it's assessment of teachers. The article lays out the logical structure of the assessment in the hopes of convincing the readers of the rationality of the assessment methods in determining the quality of the teachers. The article illuminates the plan to have teachers on annual "probationary" contracts, as a logical way to eliminate teachers who are found to be "bad" as they call them. This is an attempt to show the logic behind the proposed system, and it's goals.
The article also raises heavy ethos. There are many critical ethical issues tied in with the arguments over merit-based pay. For example is it ethical to be able to assess teachers every year and to have the ability to fire teachers on the spot if they do no meet assessment standards? The article addresses the legality of the bill. The bill itself is a direct violation of the Florida constitution, guaranteeing workers, "collective bargaining for wages and benefits as a fundamental right." This in particular is an important point to consider in the issue as it is one that very well may make or break the entire bill.
I believe that this article brings up quite a few important points on the topic of merit-based pay, and I will certainly want to include the moral/legal issues in the article. It is certainly a good source for my paper.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Issues that Rouse Passion
http://news.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/06/17/merit-based-pay-for-teachers/
Merit-based pay is an incredibly important issue that impacts everyone in society.
http://www.wired.com/medtech/drugs/magazine/16-04/ff_kurzweil?currentPage=all
The idea of technology and it's implications on human life, existence, and what it means to be human in general. This exigence was spurred by seeing Ray speak last Tuesday...
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3711/is_200305/ai_n9238722/
Examining what effect violence in the media is having on our minds is another topic of major concern. Many believe that violent media causes aggression, while many others believe it is the other way around...
Which topic to choose I wonder...
Merit-based pay is an incredibly important issue that impacts everyone in society.
http://www.wired.com/medtech/drugs/magazine/16-04/ff_kurzweil?currentPage=all
The idea of technology and it's implications on human life, existence, and what it means to be human in general. This exigence was spurred by seeing Ray speak last Tuesday...
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3711/is_200305/ai_n9238722/
Examining what effect violence in the media is having on our minds is another topic of major concern. Many believe that violent media causes aggression, while many others believe it is the other way around...
Which topic to choose I wonder...
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sentimental Design
There is something inviting about the book. The crisp pages of the new book, the off-white with the newly printed letters. The new book calls to you, it beckons, open and enjoy it says. there is some sort of simple joy in the turning of a page the light press it takes to press down the page before one continues. The book is compact in most cases, the paperback is the perfect size to enjoy while reclined in a comfortable chair. The book is light, and in lamplight the pages seem warm, reflecting the yellow light of a lamp. When used in combination with a bookmark the design is genius; simply pick the book up and one can pick up where the story was left off. The image of a book is one of sentiment, there is some strange emotion attached to it. A sense of tradition and loyalty.
There is a sterility about this object. The sentimentality of the book is all but gone. Certainly there are attempts to conjure up this emotion, with the faux aged pages, the clever programming, but the emotion is absent. The design is one of a modern age. There is the characteristic curvature of the actual device. Metal and plastic give it a durability and heaviness the book does not have. The polished surface of the screen reflects light and is hard to the touch, sometimes cold and sometimes hot. The turning of pages is more of a presentation than an action. The animated effect of a turning page intending to simulate a book yet something is missing. Somewhere in the metal, the processors, the ingenious ingenuity the heart of the book is lost. Some think that the two are interchangeable, and on the surface they do seem to be. There is something powerful in the simplicity of a book that even cunning technology cannot replace.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Critique of Basterds.
Everyone knows Tarantino. Who doesn't? After all the man has been tremendously successful with the Kill Bill series, and with Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, and finally with his latest project, Inglourious Basterds. This film follows in the tradition of Trantino's style and is one of the best cinematic experiences, of the year, or ever.
The film is immensely successful because it conforms to Tarantino's usual film style, which is very much the film-making that American's have come to expect from a good film.
There are two key components to the appeal that come hand-in-hand in Tarantino's movies. Both of these components relate to the striking visuals presented in the films. The movie makes use of I. wonderful and imaginative cinematography and II. use of incredibly vast amounts of graphic violence. Both these components are present in his latest, Inglourious Basterds. The cinematography features the unique stlye that has come to define Tarantino movies. It is gritty and old fashioned and yet at the same time it works in modern imaginative shots. The violence similarly adds to the striking impression the already vivid visual side of the movies has. The contrast of the vast amount of blood against the otherwise bleak backdrop add aesthetic brilliance. This scene in particular illustrates both the extreme violence, cinematography, and dialogue.
As can be seen, particularly from the bar scene, the dialogue that goes back and forth between characters is a major reason Inglourious Basterds should be deemed such a masterpiece. The dialogue in the movie is both witty and ingeniousely written. The film in particular is known for it's brilliant dialogue. A major component of this dialogue naturally brings me to the issue of actors. The film features perfect actors and extraordinary performances particularly by Brad Pitt and his attempts to speak Italian, and by Christoph Waltz (an Austrian actor) who won an Oscar for his performance.
Another key component staying on the subject of audio is the soundtrack. Tarantino in all is films loves to include tracks reminiscent of the Western movies that are his inspiration. Inglourious Basterds is the same. He includes these types of themes in the backdrop of his WWII movie and surprisingly it works. Tarantino adds his own unique flair to this reimagining of a WWII story. This film is without a doubt a Tarantino success.
The film is immensely successful because it conforms to Tarantino's usual film style, which is very much the film-making that American's have come to expect from a good film.
There are two key components to the appeal that come hand-in-hand in Tarantino's movies. Both of these components relate to the striking visuals presented in the films. The movie makes use of I. wonderful and imaginative cinematography and II. use of incredibly vast amounts of graphic violence. Both these components are present in his latest, Inglourious Basterds. The cinematography features the unique stlye that has come to define Tarantino movies. It is gritty and old fashioned and yet at the same time it works in modern imaginative shots. The violence similarly adds to the striking impression the already vivid visual side of the movies has. The contrast of the vast amount of blood against the otherwise bleak backdrop add aesthetic brilliance. This scene in particular illustrates both the extreme violence, cinematography, and dialogue.
As can be seen, particularly from the bar scene, the dialogue that goes back and forth between characters is a major reason Inglourious Basterds should be deemed such a masterpiece. The dialogue in the movie is both witty and ingeniousely written. The film in particular is known for it's brilliant dialogue. A major component of this dialogue naturally brings me to the issue of actors. The film features perfect actors and extraordinary performances particularly by Brad Pitt and his attempts to speak Italian, and by Christoph Waltz (an Austrian actor) who won an Oscar for his performance.
Another key component staying on the subject of audio is the soundtrack. Tarantino in all is films loves to include tracks reminiscent of the Western movies that are his inspiration. Inglourious Basterds is the same. He includes these types of themes in the backdrop of his WWII movie and surprisingly it works. Tarantino adds his own unique flair to this reimagining of a WWII story. This film is without a doubt a Tarantino success.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Willard Preacher Outline
1. Opening Scene:
- Description of Willard during class change
- Description of the preacher and his attempt to preach to people during class change.
2. Illustrative quote to end the scene:
- I have an excellent quote that is perfect to illustrate why people thinks the man is crazy (no I won’t share it now).
3. Nut Graph:
- I will at this point break down why it is important that we not just think of the preacher as a nutcase.
- I will share some facts about Gary and what he does. (give him a more relatable perspective)
- People might be surprised to see what he’s like as a person, when he is not preaching, I hope to show this at least a bit.
4. Background:
- I will delve very briefly into the start of a preacher at Willard
- I will talk about “bro” Cape the first preacher.
- I will talk about how his style differs from Gary’s style.
5. Supporting Information 1:
- I will at this point hone in on what effect the preacher has on the students.
- I will examine first the perspective of people alienated by him.
- Quotes will include negative comments made about him.
- All of this will serve to show if he is a negative influence on students.
6. Supporting Information 2:
- In this section I will explore what positive impact he has on students.
- I have quotes about people who are inspired by Gary
- I will explore those who argue for Gary online in “forum wars”.
- This section will focus on people who support his preaching, and maybe a bit of those who simply see him as a humorous icon at University Park.
7. Supporting Information 3:
- This section I will focus on the man himself.
- I will use some quotes from and interview with Gary.
- I will show his dedication to what he feels he is called to do.
- I will consider his motives and beliefs and show Gary as a man who simply has a calling he believes is important.
8. Conclusion:
- Through reading this piece I hope that Gary is not simply some lunatic preaching “damnation and hellfire” on the unsuspecting students of PSU. I will attempt to show how he is a very down-to-earth, and intelligent person who simply has very strong beliefs. Certainly some might question his methods, but he is making an impact, he is getting noticed, he is getting through to some people.
- Description of Willard during class change
- Description of the preacher and his attempt to preach to people during class change.
2. Illustrative quote to end the scene:
- I have an excellent quote that is perfect to illustrate why people thinks the man is crazy (no I won’t share it now).
3. Nut Graph:
- I will at this point break down why it is important that we not just think of the preacher as a nutcase.
- I will share some facts about Gary and what he does. (give him a more relatable perspective)
- People might be surprised to see what he’s like as a person, when he is not preaching, I hope to show this at least a bit.
4. Background:
- I will delve very briefly into the start of a preacher at Willard
- I will talk about “bro” Cape the first preacher.
- I will talk about how his style differs from Gary’s style.
5. Supporting Information 1:
- I will at this point hone in on what effect the preacher has on the students.
- I will examine first the perspective of people alienated by him.
- Quotes will include negative comments made about him.
- All of this will serve to show if he is a negative influence on students.
6. Supporting Information 2:
- In this section I will explore what positive impact he has on students.
- I have quotes about people who are inspired by Gary
- I will explore those who argue for Gary online in “forum wars”.
- This section will focus on people who support his preaching, and maybe a bit of those who simply see him as a humorous icon at University Park.
7. Supporting Information 3:
- This section I will focus on the man himself.
- I will use some quotes from and interview with Gary.
- I will show his dedication to what he feels he is called to do.
- I will consider his motives and beliefs and show Gary as a man who simply has a calling he believes is important.
8. Conclusion:
- Through reading this piece I hope that Gary is not simply some lunatic preaching “damnation and hellfire” on the unsuspecting students of PSU. I will attempt to show how he is a very down-to-earth, and intelligent person who simply has very strong beliefs. Certainly some might question his methods, but he is making an impact, he is getting noticed, he is getting through to some people.
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