Humanistic Studies Essay

Frankly speaking, talking about religion could be very demanding. Somehow it didn’t quite come off. Since belief is a personal matter and each of us and everyone else have different perspective. Therefore, the definition about it could have never been the same, one to another. Eventough they hold the same belief.

Perhaps the reason why religion was invited is quite simple. Some people said it was existed because human is a spiritual creature, other may say it was created since human need something to be a stepping stone in order to live their life. Nobody knows what was exactly became the reason behind it.

As for me, I did not really pay attention on those problems. I put it on the back of my head, and step forward. Since, it was only a part of history. Sometime the past is important, still today has bigger part in this lifetime. Believing in God it was felt like a natural thing. I do believe in Him, maybe even more than anyone I knew.

There are many things I did to believe in Him. One of them goes to the church every Sunday. The other things with spreading love to everyone, not only the one I loved like my parents, brother, families and friends but also the one which I did not get along with. Doing His commands was one of priority as well as written on the bible. Everything I do, I did it for Him. My work, task, homework and other things, it was not for my sake but for Him.

The God I know, The One I always believe is The One written on the bible. The one who has thoughtful heart, caring hand, and never left me alone. He is very kind and always welcomes everyone who searches for Him. Instead of punish me of blaming me for my mistakes, He keep forgiving me. He knows me best, He gave me everything even before I asked for it and realize I already have it. He is full of justice, He knows the best thing for me and others. I need more than word and more than an essay to explain about Him.

I capture the present of Him when I pray to Him everyday, when He answered my prayer, When I stay in the church.  When I am down and all my soul so weary, and when troubles come and my heart burden me. Somehow I know He is there sitting next to me, I felt everything will be just fine. By reading verses day after day, my troubles become as weight as feather. Even when I wrote this essay and sharing my thought with you, I know He is here.

I know there might be someone who do not believe in me, and someone who will. But, nothing in this world could change what I believe in Him. May God bless you.

Fifth Post Technology and Language Learning

Frankly speaking, I was so happy to get back to Technology Language Learning class. I had already lost my count about how many times we missed this class. That time, the class atmosphere was a little different. Unexpected things happened, like the surprise cake for Mr. Teguh, the upcoming task deadline, etcetera.

            In order to make web 2.0 we had to know more about some online blogs. We also need to know each blog strengths and weaknesses. I discovered some blogs that I had never heard before. Like, weebly, wix, wiki how, etcetera. I found it interesting that some new blog sites are made, while the old ones still exist. I wonder what they did to make it lasting longer. Perhaps one thought that using the new blog might be more complicated and took time to learn than the old one.

            Checking every blog and trying to discover the strengths and weaknesses was pretty interesting. Started by open every blog page, and find the criteria needed take some time, still it worth doing. I found out some new blog sites have such colourful background, animation, and picture, it would definitely take learners interest. Somehow the data size is bigger than the old one. I guess nothing is perfect even blog sites.

            My group and I were planning to create a web 2.0 dedicated for learners. We try to enhance four skills and different level of English. We took kingdom theme since lately kids has been crazy about online games like that. Still, we have not decide which sites we would used  to make it real. Hopefully we could find it as soon as possible, and start working on it.

Fourth Post Technology and Language Learning

You will never know until you hear yourselves. In late seventies, listening comprehension once believed as the best way to learn language for second language acquisition learners. By listening, students at that century were expected to be able to speak better later, understand sentences they heard, have a good writing and reading skills and also enjoy the learning activities. Supported by Krashen’s Hypothesis, The Natural Approach and Total Physical Response were applied in the language classroom.

            The Natural Approach consider that, there is an order in language learning. Listening and reading come first, speaking and writing skills later. As one learn language unconsciously, the language input itself does not have to be too much, students should study at their pace. Learning setting, would encourage students to feel confident, motivated, and relax. Drill and practice learning software is also one implementation of this approach.

            On the other hand, Total Physical Response believe that motor activities  would make learning easier. Learning by doing means, students remember more by taking actions. Few years ago, there was a spelling bee competition in America. The winner, Akeelah memorized difficult words spelling using this approach. She spelt x-a-n-t-o-f-i-l, skipping cheerfully. She could memorize more than hundred words spelling in a day. Latest game developments, introduce wii nitendo and kinect xbox as kinestatic game consoles, which require users movement to play it. While playing, gamers are also learning languages.

            Some websites dedicated for learners was developed recently. The content of the web was created to help learners develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Teachers could also bring it into the class. Last but not least we should remember pedagogy first, technology second.

Third Post Technology and Language Learning

These days many countries have been trying to apply for language learning in the classroom. New software, machines, and computers had been invented over years, it does give such an opportunity to apply it to enhance learning quality. Computers can be applied for teaching in language class. There are four ways to implement it among other are use only one computer in class, teaching in the computer network room, self access learning and distance learning.

            Some electronics stuff could support computers using like PDA, mobile phone or Ipod. With PDA students could learn new phrases, in connection with internet to search any information needed and watch videos. While mobile phone could use text messages to achieve subjects materials. What is in now is Ipod, it is said as new version of PDA. Students could easily learn languages, such as English, Spanish, France, and etcetera. They could use it for searching vocabularies, pronunciation learning, and test their understanding with doing some quizzes available.

            In Japan distance learning become so popular. You do not have to attend the class when you can watch your teacher giving explanation right from your phone in Shinkansen. Some websites are also dedicated for learners. There are drills and exercises, course content, and discussion forum, which will help you learn. It helps students become self access learners and tandem learners at the same time.

            There are many things that should be matter on developing visual and content design of the web for learners. Like brevity, comprehensibility, legibility, consistency, etcetera. We have to pay attention to those things because learning from the computer is not the same with learning in the classroom.

            Pedagogy first and technology second, the one who should control technology using in the class are teachers. With good quality content and good pedagogical support, technology could help teacher to reach the learning objectives.

Fourth e-reflection

Fourth e-reflection

Published on Rabu, 12 Oktober 2011 in Natasha Kezia

            Lately I have been thinking, how important model of instructions in teaching and learning activities. By applying the right model for teaching a subject, the material will be delivered clearly, and make student understand it easily. Teacher could use Lecture Discussion Model for teaching basic concept, like grammar, mathematic formulas, music interval, etc. While group interaction model will help student understand the use of the concept in real life situation. Like how to make dialogue using simple past tense, how to count population census in statistic data, etc.

           We could also combine two or three models of instructions. Applying lecture discussion method for introduce the lesson, and using group interaction model for the activities will not be a problem. What matter is, students could take in the material well, and reach the learning objectives. Make use of different models, would make some topics become more interesting.

            A question raised in class before, about what would you do if there is a student refused to do the problem written in the white board or come in front of the class to share her idea. If I was the teacher, I would encourage her to do it, and told her it will be fine whether she make mistake or not. Because doing mistake in learning is acceptable. Later on, I will keep doing the same thing to her. I believe she will get use and do it well. A well-trained habit would produce mastery and skills (Wongso, 2005).

Third Essay

American is super power, is a big country, it is also secular country. There are many immigrants from all over the world. In America everybody is living their dream. In conducive situation, everybody could make their dream come true. It is really a melting pot country. They do not consider differences as a weakness. The government treats everybody equally. What matter was one has to have good character. Eventough they prefer white to black in old times, three years ago Barrack Obama was chosen as the first black American to stay at White House. This reflect that multiculturalism could be synergized to achieve better goal. Like Abraham Lincoln once said if you want to see someone character give him power. By giving many tribes equal opportunities, a country can become big.

            Nowadays it is time to change. People tend to build boundaries among their relatives and friends instead of work hand in hand one another for a better future. Post modernism riot is good for nobody. It makes people lost their jobs, children come off worse their parents, no tourist would visit such territory. What a loss. While other countries getting more and more develop, such things  would be major backwards.

            Majority is not everything. In America Jews have strong influence on economy, even minority could actively participate in strengthen national economy. We can always find China Town nearly everywhere, even in America. That show similar environment condition will not produce the same culture for granted (Susilo, 2009). One still remember that Persipura is Indonesian football champion, our brothers from Irian Jaya used to play football better. We have one world boxing champion from Central Java, Chris John. That shows us even a minority could participate for the country. Success does not belong to majority only. If they can do it, we can do it too as well.

            Canada is multicultural and rich country. They have two first languages, France and English. One area use France, while other use English. With such big difference they could work with each other as a nation. We can learn from Canada, how they handle their differences and make it as an advantage to make their country important. Indonesian is in process to become an important country in Southeast Asia. One should make and work together with more friends from different background. Many hand makes light work. As a nation we have to work together. 

Third PETA e-reflection

  I found latest PETA session interesting. I discovered four models of instructions, every model has an unique way to make students pay attention. It gave me new ideas, how should I teach my studentss in the next couple years. Those models of instructions are Guided Discovery, Direct Instruction Model, Lecture Discussion Model and Group Interaction Model.

            Our pupils do not easily recall what we inform them, they build their own understanding out of their limited experience (Petty, 2004). That is why it is important for teacher to apply the right model of instruction to teach a lesson. If we gave the wrong assumption about the model, our students would get the wrong idea.

            In my point of view the most stimulating model of instruction is Guided Discovery. Because this model encourage students to be creative, active, and share their ideas. It willl help students to develop their own creative thinking and understanding about the subject had been taught, not only remembering it. It also build our students interest. This model is a good way of teaching, unfortunately misconception applying it in the classroooms make teacher use it rarely.

            Model of instructions gave variation in teaching and learning process, and help students reach the main objectives of learning.

            

Resource

            Petty, Geoff. Teaching Today. United Kingdom: Stanley Thomes Ltd, 2004. Print.

Humanistic Studies Second Essay

        

        Thinking of everyone was born without choosing their own names first.  Being born in this world is nothing but an amazing grace. I was born in 1992, in  Jakarta and given such a beautiful name. It is said that my mother was the one who gave my first name Natasha, she always has admired a beautiful Germany actress Nastassja Kinski, hoping her baby will be beautiful as her she gave my first name Natasha, the English name for Nastassja. My last name had been given by my uncle. He always wanted to have a daughter and name her Kezia since he already has three sons, wishing someday God would generously give him a daughter, then she will be his dearest child. According to the Holly Bible,  Kezia was Job dearest and prettiest child.

            Based on trusted sources, my first name Natasha comes from Latin language which meant princess of Christmas, while my last name Kezia comes from Hebrews language which meant sweet cinnamon, a kind of a tree or woman. So  we could conclude that my name means the sweetest princess cinnamon at Christmas.

            I really love my name, and I think it really such an appropriate name and fit me best. Since I do love Christmas, the most magical moment in the year. Having such a name related to Christmas make I am feel blessed, closer to Him, and always believe my life would be magical, beautiful and beyond expectation. Your life is a precious treasure and you are more meaningful than you know (Sharma, 2004). And also I love the smell of cinnamon even the serenity you get by sitting under the tree. Nothing could fit and describe me properly better than my name. That is suprising how name could explain who you are like a coincidence.

            If it is possible I don’t think I would like to change my name. There are thousand names in this world, lot of unique, prettier, and more meaningful names. Sometimes it feels good having such a beautiful name, that sounds better . Frankly speaking, name does not matter so much to me. Eventough I was born with different name, nothing would change, it is still me. Who we are that matter. I have already been satisfied with mine now, it is already a part of myself. Once again the name that matter, but who I am and what I do in my life.  It is not about having what you want, it is about wanting what you got.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four Ways in Which Technology Enhances Language Learning

Theresa Dold on 12/6/10

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In the past, language learners faced a considerable number of obstacles that were practically insurmountable without constant practice and contact with native speakers. Nowadays, insufficient classroom hours, weak context for language learning situations and the lack of authentic input are all becoming things of the past. Technology is constantly changing and enhancing the learning landscape, especially for motivated students and creative teachers who embrace its power. This article discusses four particular ways in which technology can be used to enhance L2 learning.

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1. Increased Time on Task

Question: If the average university student spends 240 hours in the language classroom over a four-year period, and the Foreign Service Institute of the US Department of State estimates that English speakers need 575-600 hours of study to achieve a low-advanced rating in a Category 1 language (i.e. Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch), what is missing? Answer: Approximately 360 hours of language instruction and exposure. For students of a Category 4 language such as Mandarin Chinese, 500 hours merely guides you to a mid-intermediate level. Needless to say, learners at every level of any language must spend more time practicing the L2.

Technology provides a way to minimize common classroom limitations such as short class periods. For example, when the student/teacher ratio acts a limiting factor, technology can step in and lend students access to authentic language produced by native speakers of various origins. Videos, podcasts and other media give students the option to rewind and review material over and over again. Mobile apps such as FlashCardz for iPhone allow students to become more autonomous learners outside the classroom and to capitalize on individual learning styles. Indeed, technology creates opportunities to spend increased amounts of time on language learning tasks.

2. Contextualization

Today’s technologies – by imitating and constructing associations, sounds, sights and social settings – also provide L2 learners with language in context. When we are able to link a language to a context (to an experience), we have a better chance of recalling the linguistic information to which we were exposed. To this extent, multimedia serves the important purpose of combining everything from audio and video to static pictures and texts to create contextualized learning environments. E-mails, spreadsheets, and word processing are other examples of “contexts” that can and should be applied to language teaching because they help students form associations.

3. Authentic Chunks

According to many experts, the best way to retain vocabulary in one’s L2 is to learn the small phrases, or chunks, in which native speakers often use the lexical item(s) of interest. Many classrooms focus too heavily on individual parts that ultimately become isolated from real speech. Technology, however, is able to compensate by making learners aware of the ways in which certain lexical and grammatical elements are grouped together. At Voxy, we try to draw learners’ attention to such chunks and collocations by highlighting them in our online texts.

Image: Macmillan Dictionary Blog

4. Additional Input and Intake

Researchers have started to indicate that input – the exposure to both spoken and written samples of a language, whether comprehended or not – is no longer enough for students. This input, they say, must be converted into intake: the comprehended input that helps to further develop students’ linguistic systems. Technology provides a way not only to increase language input but also to enhance the process of converting input into intake.

Imagine the process of gathering online information for an upcoming presentation. This process requires that one access, read and sift through large amounts of information (input) in order to choose what is most important. For language learners, it is precisely this process of consciously and purposefully filtering through large amounts of input that ensures the input-to-intake conversion. A simple worksheet assignment hardly has the same effect.

For a more in-depth discussion of the ways in which technology enhances language learning, take a look at this comprehensive technology module for language teachers created by Dr. Orlando Kelm of the University of Texas at Austin.

Photo: Cult of Mac

source

voxy.com/blog/2010/four-ways-in-which-technology-enhance-language-learning/

Second PETA e-reflection

We need to know Benjamin Bloom taxonomy in order to have a full understanding of new topics, and be able to apply it in new situations. Studying is only finish for a given topic once all the competences in the taxonomy are attained. Bloom taxonomy is worth mastering, we can use it for understanding a new topic, write down an essay, and also conduct it in learning and teaching process. The taxonomy comes in six parts which could be also noticed as competences, that is the ability to recall, clarify, or as assignment that a teacher could schedule like class activity, an essay, a project, etcetera.

            As a teacher, prepared lesson plan before teaching will help the teaching process become much easier. Lesson plan telling us about what comes next and whether we are on goals to end the class in time available. It will also help us to manage the material in the class, later we could change it if there is something left or need to be added in the previous plan. It is expected that we could adapt the lesson plan to respond our student needs.  

            I remember from my previous school observation, there is a school which taught their first grade until third grade students using thematic method. I think it’s really helpful for student to learn the subject using thematic method. Professor Yohanes Suryo even use thematic for science learning. He has proved it as a good way to teach complex subject. Even though not many school has used thematic, I think it could be use as one alternative method in teaching and learning process.

Second Post Technology and Language Learning

It goes without saying, that technology has become part of our life. People are trying to figure out how could it supposed to use in education lately. Technology is positively give lot of advantages, every school does their best to provide newest technology in their classroom. Teachers use it at for teaching and learning processes, supporting the lesson they delivered.

            In language classroom technology is also applied. Overtime, research discover many electronics teaching aid, started from the simple until the complex one. Nowadays teacher could use Microsoft Power Point instead of blackboard, listening files instead of native teachers, etcetera. Most people think using technology at classroom is a must. Actually, the main point here is how to use technology to help students learn and reach the learning objectives. Until now there is no measurement, which show how effective technology could help teaching and learning process.

            In  recent years, technology has developed faster than what people expected. The same holds good for why some research show people brain structure has change trough the adaptation in the latest technology. In this case, we can conclude that our student way of thinking and learning is also change as well. That is why it is important for teacher to  update to the latest technology. They attempt to use it as teaching aid. It is a good idea to use it as an alternative methods to deliver the subject. But we must be careful to use it as the only main method to teach, learning could also be fun even without technology. For example in the village at Papua where access to technology  is limited, the teacher who taught Papua students has an interesting way to teach. That situation help us to reconsider, what is the main  benefit of applying technology in classroom. Using it as teaching aids, alternative way of teaching or just to following ages evolution. 

            As we could not use this technology forever (Riordan, 2010).  No matter how good and sophisticated the technology we use in teaching and learning processes, there always be a good teacher behind.