LASSI Assessment/ How I Learn

Melynda Phillips

Richards

English 1301

10/1/2014

LASSI Assessment/ How I Learn Essay

  According to the LASSI (Learning and Study Strategies Inventory), a survey to find out how you learn, I can process information, self motivate, find main ideas and manage my time well.  I am also extremely anxious, need to self test, and need more study aids according to the test.  The test also said I have a bad attitude towards college, which I strongly disagree with.

  My positive results basically say I understand what I am learning and I manage to get my work done on time.  To help myself understand material I usually use logic.  When given a difficult math equation, I just have to break it down and make the smaller pieces fit together in a logical way.  As far motivation goes, I do not need any help.  I am motivated simply by the horrifying thought of receiving a bad grade, or not having time to complete a project later.

  Negative effects of my study habits are that I am absolutely anxious all the time and could use more study aids.  I can agree that I am a very anxious person.  I cannot stand the thought of failing, or doing badly in a class.  Sometimes my anxiety slows me down.  I can get so nervous over a test that I am unable to process the question and what I have to do properly.  While my anxiety can cause a lower grade, it also helps motivate me to try hard and really understand my material.  I do not think study aids and self-testing are necessary for me.  I can see why study aids would be beneficial to others, but I find extra studying to be redundant and time wasting.  For others, lack of studying would mean low grades and misunderstandings.

  The LASSI really did not tell me anything I did not already know about my self.  However, it did provide information I did not agree with.  According to the test, I have a bad attitude towards college and do not really care about my education.  In reality, my education is one of the most important things to me, or else why would I waste my time on this test.  I most likely will not take the LASSI again, as it did not prove useful.  I do think the information provided would be helpful if I did not already know how I learned.

"Shattered Glass" Response

  Stephen Glass was a failure when it came to writing reports.  He made up false statements and wove phony tales.  Being a complete manipulative jerk, he also managed to get these stories published. Were his colleagues terrible at the fact checking and editing process that let his yarns slide through? Maybe... Or maybe Glass was just an awful person, who made these people his puppets.
  I feel that Stephen's editors did act appropriately in firing him.  Why should he have gotten a second chance?  He made a huge mistake and knew it.  Maybe if he had owned up to his mistake he could have kept his job, but instead he continued spinning his lie further.  With the knowledge of Stephen Glass's history, I would never employ him, as anyone in their right mind would not, unless, of course, it was to write fictional stories, as it seems he is quite apt at that.  As far as approving Glass to be a lawyer goes, I do not feel that would be a fitting position for him.  Glass's practices as a lawyer would most likely be similar to the practices of Billy Flynn in the musical Chicago.  Sure he could win any given trial, but the win would be through lies and falsehoods.
  I do think Stephen Glass can obtain forgiveness, but never be trusted again.  People can let go of this particular mistake he made, yet I do not think he can be trusted.  There will always be the question of "What if he does this again?".  I do not think he will ever gain trust again.  How can you trust somebody to tell the truth if they have a long history of lying?  You can't, plain and simple, you just can't.

"Weird Al" Yankovic - Word Crimes

Writing Prompt 2: John Lennon Quote

“There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.” ~ John Lennon

  I fully disagree with the majority this quote.  While fear and love are strong "motivating forces", they are not the only motivation in life.  A person can also be motivated to do something from greed, anger, depression, or jealously.  I also disagree with the statement that we have to love ourselves in order to love others.  People should love themselves, but, it isn't always as easy as it sounds.  Some people have a huge heart for others, but, cannot find the same affection for themselves.
  The one part of this quote I do agree with is the comment on fear.  If we remain afraid to take action for something we believe strongly in how can we make the world a better place?  If we are scared how can we survive in the world as it is today?  Fear holds many people back from achieving their goals, helping and loving others, having compassion, and evolving the world into a greater place.

Important Skill for College Group Project

Group 4

Richards

English 1301

9/19/2014

Important Skill for College

There are several methods for studying.  These include visual, kinesthetic and auditory learning styles.  Within each study method there are several ways to apply them.  The same technique will not be useful for everybody; it is important to learn your individual study style. 

Visual learners are those who learn best by seeing. When in class visual learners prefer to take notes and benefit from diagrams, pictures and handouts.  Long lectures could be confusing.  Study methods helpful for visual learners include creating a quiet, organized study area, rewriting notes or written material and using flashcards.

Kinesthetic learners learn by doing. They often have a hard time sitting through lectures and are more successful in a class with demonstrations.  Study skills for a kinesthetic learner include listening to quiet background music, taking frequent breaks, and finding practical ways to apply hands-on learning.  For example, role-playing to understand history, recreating an experiment for science, or using a whiteboard to work on a complicated math problem.

Auditory learners use their ears to gather information. They learn from lectures, oral presentations and verbal instructions.  Study skills for auditory learners include reading aloud to yourself, repeating information being taught and studying with a group.

Understanding your own study style and applying good study habits is essential to a college education. Effective studying will help you make the most of class time, understand your homework, and help you prepare for tests. 

Writing Prompt 1: Franklin D. Roosevelt Quote

"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort." ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

   I partially agree with this quote.  I do believe achievement and creativity can bring happiness; however, happiness can also be reached through the process before achievement.  While completing a goal is always exciting, working towards your goal can be fun too.  For example, if you are painting a picture wouldn't you enjoy the painting you are doing before the picture is done.  Sure, in the end you will have a beautiful picture, but, painting the picture is exciting as well.  While over coming an obstacle is reason for happiness, often the obstacle itself can cause joy.  It can be exhilarating to put the pieces together and watch things fall into place.

Important Tools for Writing

• Subject: In order to write a good essay you must have a subject that you either already know well or can research thoroughly.
• Clarity: You should make your subject clear and easy to understand.
• Supporting facts: You must have at least three facts to support and relate your subject or argument.
• Structure: Your paper must be structured properly with clear sentences and paragraphs.
• Organization: Your paragraphs must be composed of sentences that are compatible together and follow the same thought.  The paragraphs must be in an order that makes sense and flow together nicely.
• Literacy: You must have correct spelling, good grammar, and use the appropriate punctuation to make a paper that can be easily understood.

Resume

Melynda Phillips

myemail@gmail.com

Birthdate:  August  1997

Height:  5 feet 5 inches

Weight:  ??? pounds

Performance Experience

2014	Ballet Ensemble of Texas “Firebird” Creature (2014)
2013	Ballet Ensemble of Texas “Nutcracker” Chinese (2013)
2013-2014	Ballet Academy of Texas Studio Recital
2012-2013	Various performances with LakeCities Ballet Theater, including YAGP Regional Competition, Nutcracker in schools and local festivals.
2010-2012	Performed with the Lake Cities Ballet Theater in “Nutcracker” Rat (2012), Polichinelle (2012), Young Lady (2011), Sleigh Attendant (2011), Toy Soldier (2010)
2012	LakeCities Ballet, Dracula Villager (2012)
2011-2012	Ballet Conservatory Studio Recital
2010-2011	Various performances with Dance Fusion Company, including Six Flags Stars of the Season, Hall of Fame Dance Challenge, National Tap Dance Day and local festivals.
2003-2010	Denton Dance Conservatory Studio Recitals
2006-2010	Denton Arts and Jazz Festival Dance Performances
2003-2009	Performed with Denton City Contemporary Ballet and Denton Youth City Ballet in  "A Gift for Emma” Littlest Angel and Arabian (2009), Butterfly(2006-2009), Mermaid(2008-2009), Flower(2007-2008), Rag Doll and Tidy Elf (2006), Collectors Doll (2005), Scottish Highlander (2003-2004)
2006-2007	Performed with the Moscow Ballet in “The Great Russian Nutcracker” Snowflake

Company

2013-2015:  Ballet Ensemble of Texas, Coppell, TX

2012-2013:  LakeCities Ballet Theatre 2, Lewisville, TX

2010-2011:  Dance Fusion, Lewisville, TX

2008-2010:  Denton Youth City Ballet, Denton, TX

           

Dance Training

2013-Present  Ballet Academy of Texas, Coppell, TX

Ballet	2013-Present	Lisa Slagle, Allan Kenzie, Jenny Johnston, Dallas Blagg, Lisa Hess
Tap	2013-Present	Tammie Reinsch
Jazz	2013-Present	Tammie Reinsch, Lindsey Gillings
Modern	2013-Present	Darrell Cleaveland, Tammie Reinsch

2010-Present  Ballet Conservatory, Lewisville, TX

Ballet	2010-2013	Nancy Loch, Kelly Lannin, Janet Waters, Allan Kenzie
Pre-pointe	2011-2013	Nancy Loch, Janet Waters, Christa Beacham, Kelly Lannin, Allan Kenzie
Jazz	2010-2013	Kerry Dove, Jamie Edgerton
Tap	2010-2013	Kerry Dove, Lacy DeLaGarza, Kiera Leverton
Modern	2010-2013	DeniseClarkston, Shanon Tate

2003-2010  Denton Dance Conservatory, Denton TX

Ballet	2003-2010	Lisa Racina, Jennifer Cobb, Caitlin Becker, Ben Olesen
Pre-pointe	2007-2010	Lisa Racina, Jasmine Jaramillo
Jazz	2004-2010	Hannah Briggs, Jasmine Jaramillo, Hannah Guidry, Jennifer Cobb
Tap	2003, 2006-2010	Rachel Cummings, Jasmine Jaramillo, Jennifer Cobb, Ben Olesen
Modern	2006-2010	Brandy Niccoli, Lisa Racina, Lily Sloan

Workshops

2014	Ballet Austin Senior Intensive
2013	American Ballet Theater Summer Intensive
2012	Ballet Conservatory Summer Workshop
2011-2013	Manhattan Dance Project
2010&2011	Brigham Young University Intermediate Ballet Summer Workshop
2010&2014	Thom Clower Winter Ballet Workshop

Education

2005-Present

Home School Student

Pre-AP classes.  Currently in eleventh grade.