It's entirely unrealistic to assume that a person has only one way of learning. As people, we take in information from multiple areas, using all our senses to give ourselves a better understanding of what is being taught. Some people are able to hear instructions and perform without fault, others learn visually, by using written instruction. We favor what suits us best, which varies from person to person. However, no one is strictly limited to a single way of understanding. A person inclined towards a visual method of learning can be supported by auditory instruction, for example. People who limit themselves to one style often struggle if they don't grasp a idea quickly, because they are dependent on it. However, people who process information in two or three ways are better prepared for learning, because they have more chances to grasp a concept.
In my case, I am a kinesthetic learner. I find that I remember things easily by doing them or incorporating a motion to help me remember. But I also depend on visual stimulants to supplement the learning process. In most cases, I do not rely as heavily upon reading/writing and aural methods, however, those methods might be used in certain situations when visual aid is not available.
Knowing how I learn allows me to shore up any weakness that I might have in classes. In Kinesiology 165 I know that it's better to take organized notes on the textbook and PowerPoint lectures than merely listening to the professor talk. During English 100, I will be looking through Quick Access Reference for Writers for helpful hints and rules that I can bookmark. Unless I am constantly writing, English will probably be the hardest subject to learn, because I will have to rely on visual and oral help, rather than my strength. Now that I know what I lean towards, studying becomes easier and things start to make sense.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Letter of Intoduction
My name is Stephen Allen and I am from Sacramento, CA. I came to Humboldt in order to study Kinesiology, get away from home and experience a different way of living. I have chosen to major in Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science, primarily because I feel that health should be the foremost concern in our mind. I take living a healthy lifestyle very seriously, and it's my goal to make others aware of the benefits. Studying Kinesiology would allow me to find new ways to improve on health for myself and others around me.
English has never been my strong point, probably because I don't have enough practice at it. However I always give it my best shot and if I'm wrong, hopefully I can learn from it. The story of my writing experience is a sad one, because I never wrote anything until sophomore year of high school. I struggled through English my junior year, writing papers that were poorly put together. I found that one of my biggest weaknesses is that I do not convey my thoughts easily. In addition, I tend to add unnecessary words and half formed ideas, which makes everything confusing for the reader. My senior year was spent analyzing poetry, and I never wrote a single paper. Now, my goal is to get past that handicap and hopefully English 100 will be able to help with that.
Contrary to my feelings about writing, I thoroughly enjoy reading. Reading has always been one of my strongest skills. In the fourth grade I was reading at the level of a freshman in college and it has improved with time. To get lost in a good book is one of my greatest loves, because it's a great way to relax and take my mind off stressful thoughts.
In addition to my odd relationship with reading and writing, my views concerning English are mixed. On one level I feel that it's a crucial element in sharing ideas or furthering an education. There are many benefits to using proper English. One can show an employer how much he or she knows and the how they will benefit the company, for example. It is crucial that we can communicate and share thoughts. But at the same time I feel that deep involvement in the subject is not necessary. Much of the general population is not concerned about structure or grammar. I feel that it is useful, but not crucial, to living everyday life. As long as one is able to communicate accurately their thoughts to another, I am not sure why deep study in this subject is essential. Whether it be required by a college, high school or work, the ideas are more important than how it's said or written.
I'm a determined person and despite my feelings about English, I will try my best because that's the only way to improve.
English has never been my strong point, probably because I don't have enough practice at it. However I always give it my best shot and if I'm wrong, hopefully I can learn from it. The story of my writing experience is a sad one, because I never wrote anything until sophomore year of high school. I struggled through English my junior year, writing papers that were poorly put together. I found that one of my biggest weaknesses is that I do not convey my thoughts easily. In addition, I tend to add unnecessary words and half formed ideas, which makes everything confusing for the reader. My senior year was spent analyzing poetry, and I never wrote a single paper. Now, my goal is to get past that handicap and hopefully English 100 will be able to help with that.
Contrary to my feelings about writing, I thoroughly enjoy reading. Reading has always been one of my strongest skills. In the fourth grade I was reading at the level of a freshman in college and it has improved with time. To get lost in a good book is one of my greatest loves, because it's a great way to relax and take my mind off stressful thoughts.
In addition to my odd relationship with reading and writing, my views concerning English are mixed. On one level I feel that it's a crucial element in sharing ideas or furthering an education. There are many benefits to using proper English. One can show an employer how much he or she knows and the how they will benefit the company, for example. It is crucial that we can communicate and share thoughts. But at the same time I feel that deep involvement in the subject is not necessary. Much of the general population is not concerned about structure or grammar. I feel that it is useful, but not crucial, to living everyday life. As long as one is able to communicate accurately their thoughts to another, I am not sure why deep study in this subject is essential. Whether it be required by a college, high school or work, the ideas are more important than how it's said or written.
I'm a determined person and despite my feelings about English, I will try my best because that's the only way to improve.
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