5.08 Free Choice Blog

Reaction:

Do Bystanders Have a Responsibility to Intervene When There is Trouble?

-          I personally see it as a responsibility for bystanders to intervene when they’re witnessing something terrible happening. If I were in a situation, I’d want someone to help me. Although, it does certainly depend on the type of situation you’re dealing with, for example, there recently was an incident in Texas where a fertilization plant burst into flames, obviously nobody is going to jump inside and try to stop the fire seeing as how that is certain death; eventually the plant exploded and damaged the nearby apartment complex, a middle school, and a nursing home. Some people went to help the seniors out of the nursing school because that’s something that’s in their power.

Do You Spend Too Much Time Preparing for Standardized Tests?

-          I believe that students spend too much time on standardized tests in school. I don’t think they measure a student’s abilities seeing as how a vast majority of students stress over these exams and many people tend not to do so well under stress, and some might be afraid of one test that could possibly determine the rest of their lives. I do think some tests are necessary, or else students wouldn’t feel obligated to learn the materials they have been taught.

What Should We Do to Fight Sexual Violence Against Young Women?

-          I personally am not surprised that these cases happened. Rape is a horrific thing and I can only try to understand the victims of such a horrible crime, but there’s not much we can do to fight against sexual violence against young women. Rape isn’t something predictable and there’s no “How Not to Get Raped” guide so there’s not many possibilities to stop this. A possible solution is education, there’s people all around the world who see women as less than a human and believe that they have the right to do whatever they want to them and if they were to be educated on the subject maybe they’d have a change of heart, but sadly many of these customs are deep-rooted into several cultures. Aside from education, the only other solution I could think of is women carrying around pepper spray.

Do You Ever Feel Guilty About What, or How Much, You Throw Away?

-          I don’t feel guilty about how much I throw away seeing as how I don’t really throw away that much as an individual. On average I throw out a few papers, wrappers, and a few lunch trays per week. I’ll be honest; I don’t really consider recycling much even though I know it’s important. I think the dangerous electronic equipment should be stored or reused instead of being left to cause harm. We can still use most of the technology in these machines so why not just reuse it.

Should Computer Games Be Used for Classroom Instruction?

-          I think it’d be something interesting and something to consider. As it is most students are bored during class, so incorporating games to aid in the teaching of students would probably be a good choice. It’s about what is appropriate. Simply because we have access to the technology doesn’t mean we always have to use it. However, for difficult topics that are difficult to engage students in, or need the assistance of imagery or interaction to achieve learning and stimulate critical thinking, then yes.

Summary:

-          The first article dealt with the issue that many people witness crimes and don’t do anything in their power to stop it. Although many times a bystander intervening could possibly cause him or her to lose their life, people should at least alert the authorities. The second article was about how a vast majority of students dedicate huge amounts of time preparing for standardized exams and how it disrupts their natural schedule. The third article was about what people should do to help stop sexual violence against young women. The fourth article was about how we tend to throw away many things, sometimes things that could go to good use or be recycled. The final article was about the consideration of using computer games to aid with the learning of students in a classroom setting. Many students have problems concentrating in class, especially on topics that they have no particular interests in and how the incorporation of computer games could possibly help stimulate the learning experience.

Organizational Patterns:

-          The authors used compare and contrast and a cause and effect organizational pattern. Compare and contrast to provide different statistics from different years, and cause and effect to address the possible effects if certain measures were taken.

Authors’ Intent:

-          The authors intended to provide their audience with reliable, objective, and relatable topics about what’s currently going on in the world.

4.08 Free Choice Blog

Reaction:

Do Adults Who Are ‘Only Trying to Help’ Sometimes Make Things Worse?

-          In many cases adults can make situations worse. Reason being because the societies that we each have lived in are somewhat different. Sometimes they don’t give you enough time to better explain the situation so that they can step in your shoes, instead they assume that they already know what you’re going through because they’re older, but it doesn’t work that way. We can all learn from each other and understand another person’s experiences regardless of their age.

How Often Do You Leave Your “Comfort Zone”?

-          I do have somewhat of an idea of which university I’d like to attend. I personally would not like to study here in Florida, I’d prefer to study somewhere in California. I would definitely be stepping out of my comfort zone if I go out of state to study. I’d be in a completely new environment, alongside people I’ve never seen before, and I’d have to adjust myself to not having family to fall back on.

How Would You Feel About a Computer Grading Yours Essays?
-           I don’t think I would feel too good about a computer grading my essays as in the article it stated that one of the critics said a computer could not measure accuracy, reasoning, adequacy of evidence, good sense, ethical stance, convincing argument, meaningful organization, clarity, and veracity in your essay. I do care weather my teacher reads my essays as I believe my teacher would be able to grade me better than anyone else ,but I don’t believe I work hard just to impress my teacher. It is stated in the article that getting instant feedback has a huge impact on the time it takes to improve your essays. I don’t think this would be the case for me because I don’t think I would have the motivation to improve my essays unless I hear a teacher’s feedback.

Do You Think Child Stars Have It Rough?
-          I think child stars are more prone to public meltdowns because they have to feel the pressure of everyone’s eyes on them. Most kids have the comfort of growing up and making mistakes in private without the world watching them, but child stars aren’t just growing up with their families. As they enter the world of entertainment they must realize that the world will be watching their every move and the world will criticize them when they make mistakes, but that’s what happens when your famous.

Do 'Shame and Blame' Work to Change Teenage Behavior?
-          I’m not fully in favor of an approach like those above. I think the advertising should be addressed to parents. They are the responsible for children’s education. I disagree with people that say “authorities are responsible for providing everything for my child”. I know early pregnancy is a social problem and this one should receive attention from governments. But this kind of discussion is under parent’s accountability.

Authors' Intent:
-           The authors of these articles were providing their audiences with straightforward information about what may possibly relate to their lives.

Style of Organization:
-          The authors tended to use cause and effect organization and chronological order.
Summary:
-          The first article explains how sometimes parents try to assist their children in whatever it is they think they need help in, but when in reality they tend to worsen the situation for their child. The second article is about how everyone at a certain time in their life will be required to leave their comfort zone. Whether it be due to going out of state for college, finding a new job, or simply having to meet new people. The third article is about how people have been thinking about having computers grade essays and the possible effects it may have on students. The fourth article is about how young celebrities have to face the public quite often and how it may impact how they grow up. The fifth article is about how some school boards have been trying to shame certain acts in order to prevent teenage students from doing them. 

3.07 Free Choice Blog

Reaction:

Should Math and Reading Be Taught in Gym Class Too?

-          Schools might use every moment to incorporate math, languages, history, and any other school subject into students’ lives. These subjects shouldn’t be the main focus during gym. Children must have different activities at school and not only paying attention to study but also practicing swimming, athleticism, etc. Teachers might encourage children to study but not in excess.

Can Graffiti Ever Be Considered Art?

-          Graffiti is art; art has a meaning behind it and feelings beneath the paint and so does graffiti. Art serves as a medium for people to convey their message to whoever they wish, and that’s exactly what graffiti does. Artwork gives the place more lively energy and a more positive outlook. Graffiti and artwork have more similarities than they have differences. Graffiti should be considered art work because it has all the aspects to be art work.

How Do You Think Children Should Be Taught About Puberty and Sex?

-          It’s a controversial topic. This should be the parents’ decision seeing as how it’s their choice on how they chose to raise their child. On the other hand, not all parents have a close relationship with their children, and nor girls nor boys want to talk about it in an open way. So, as school as books might assume this change in teaching teenagers about sex. Parents should encourage their children to look out information related to sex in these sources, explain to them not listen to everything they hear in school, and parents should also be honest with their children when they ask questions regarding a topic as sensitive as this because their response could have either a positive or a very negative impact on the child’s perspective of the subject.

Should All Children Be Able to Go to Preschool?

-          Yes, I think children should be able to go to preschool seeing as how they are given somewhat of an introduction, a glimpse, or an example of what’s to come. Preschool is important seeing as how it helps toddlers learn the basics such as letters, numbers, etc.

Did a Newspaper Act Irresponsibly by Publishing the Addresses of Gun Owners?

-          I view this newspaper’s actions as imprudent. This newspaper doing that was an absolute violation of the people’s rights. If someone owns a gun it’s nobody’s business but the owner’s, there is absolutely no reason for the newspaper to publish the addresses of gun owners. This newspaper made complete fools of themselves and definitely soiled their name.

Authors' Intent:
- The authors' intent in these articles is to provide its audience nonbiased information about relatable and controversial topics.

Style of Organization:
- The authors' use a cause and effect organization to incorporate the possible outcomes of whatever topic they're writing about.

Summary:
- A school board was thinking about whether or not reading and mathematics should be incorporated in gym class. The second article is about a topic that has long been debated, graffiti being seen as an art. This is a very controversial topic seeing as how it is a form of expression, but could also be seen as vandalism. The third article is about how children should be spoken to about human growth and development, many parents rather talk to their children about it themselves and not have them be taught in schools, also, some people also believe that speaking to their children early about things like this could help avoid confusion. The fourth article speaks about whether or not all children should be eligible to go to preschool. The last article is about how a newspaper that published the addresses of gun owners and how people were reacting to it.

Free Choice Blog

Reaction:

Do Video Games Make People More Violent In Real Life?

-          I can understand why some people may see violence as a result of video games, but I for one do not believe that violence derives from video games. If that was to be true, we would be seeing millions upon millions of cases regarding violence seeing as how millions of these games are sold. Violence has been around since biblical times – a time where video games didn’t exist – and we see that around that time, there were immense amounts of violence. The methods of torture, murdering, war, etc, were all extremely violent, much more violent than many of the things we see today in our society – and at this time video games weren’t around, so to accuse video games of being the reason why we have violence would be absolutely ridiculous.

Would You Want To Grow Up in the Public Eye?

-          I wouldn’t want to be the public eye, especially growing up. I feel as though constantly being exposed to millions of people that have millions of opinions could mould me into someone I’m not or don’t want to be. I rather live a simple life away from the paparazzi so I as a sole person could better develop my character.

Would You Feel Safer With Armed Guards Patrolling Your School?

-          I would feel safer but at the same time I wouldn’t. It’s strange. I would feel safe in the sense that we’d have trained professionals making sure that my school is a safe haven. Also we’d have more security and less chances of something terrible happening. However, I wouldn’t feel safe seeing as how it’d give me the feeling of being on lock down, or simply shut out from the outside world.

Does Reality TV Promote Dangerous Stereotypes?

-          Reality television definitely promotes dangerous stereotypes. Yes, I strongly agree that reality television shows promote stereotypes. There is typically violence or other stereotypes portrayed in the shows to keep people interested and that gives the viewers the idea that those “type” of people are violent. It really makes people judge others by the way some people from that area are, which we see on television.

Do You Think A Longer School Calendar Is A Good Idea?

-          I most definitely do not think that prolonging the school calendar will in any way benefit anyone. First of all, we’ve all grown accustomed to the way the school calendar is set up and if they were to alter the school calendar that would create a huge disturbance in everyone else’s regular schedule. As it is, students spend majority of their time in school or doing schoolwork so there wouldn’t be a need to extend the schools’ calendar.


Summary:
I read several articles from the New York Times newspaper. There was an article about how video games may be linked to the violence we see today in society, another article was dealing with the idea of children growing up being the center of media attention, they provided examples of several celebrity children and how fame could have possibly impacted their lives. The other article was about safety in schools and if students would feel safer if schools had officers patrolling school grounds during school hours. There was another article that dealt with reality television shows promoting stereotypes, it provided examples such as The Jersey Shore and Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, and how the viewers may get the wrong impression of a specific group of people solely based off of what they had seen on television. The last article spoke about the idea of making the school calendar longer and the possible effects it may have on not only the students but also the parents.

Style of Notes:
For these articles I'd probably use a double-entry journal for note taking so that I can choose what I find to be important and add my own personal reaction to it so that I may have a better understanding of the topic being discussed.

Free Choice Blog

Do Video Games Make People More Violent In Real Life?

-          I can understand why some people may see violence as a result of video games, but I for one do not believe that violence derives from video games. If that were to be true, we would be seeing millions upon millions of cases regarding violence seeing as how millions of these games are sold. Violence has been around since biblical times – a time where video games didn’t exist – and we see that around that time, there were immense amounts of violence. The methods of torture, murder, war, etc, were all extremely violent, much more violent than many of the things we see today in our society – and at this time video games weren’t around, so to accuse video games of being the reason why we have violence would be absolutely ridiculous.

Would You Want To Grow Up in the Public Eye?

-          I wouldn’t want to be the public eye, especially growing up. I feel as though constantly being exposed to millions of people that have millions of opinions could mould me into someone I’m not or don’t want to be. I rather live a simple life away from the paparazzi so I as a sole person could better develop my character.

Would You Feel Safer With Armed Guards Patrolling Your School?

-          I would feel safer but at the same time I wouldn’t. It’s strange. I would feel safe in the sense that we’d have trained professionals making sure that my school is a safe haven. Also we’d have more security and less chances of something terrible happening. However, I wouldn’t feel safe seeing as how it’d give me the feeling of being on lock down, or simply shut out from the outside world.

Does Reality TV Promote Dangerous Stereotypes?

-          Reality television definitely promotes dangerous stereotypes. There is typically violence or other stereotypes portrayed in these shows to keep people interested and that gives the viewers the idea that those “type” of people are violent or whatever else the reality television show is showing. It really makes people judge others by the way some people from that area are, which we see on television.

Do You Think A Longer School Calendar Is A Good Idea?

-          I most definitely do not think that prolonging the school calendar will in any way benefit anyone. First of all, we’ve all grown accustomed to the way the school calendar is set up and if they were to alter the school calendar that would create a huge disturbance in everyone else’s regular schedule. As it is, students spend majority of their time in school or doing schoolwork so there wouldn’t be a need to extend the schools’ calendar.

I took a quiz to determine what type of reader I am and it was totally right. I am a person that enjoys fictional stories. I like the adventure they take me on, the lessons they teach me, and the fact that they're not real. It also said I enjoy comedic stories which is also right. I love to laugh, and having comedy incorparted into writing makes is even better for me. The last book I read was the final book of the Hunger Games series, it is a fictional story that conveys a magnificent message to its audience.

I took a quiz to find out what type of reader I am and it said that I'm a reader that enjoys fiction, and it was totaly right.  I like to escape when I read , I like stories that tell me something other than normal life. As long as it's not real, I'll probably read it.
Comedy is my second favorite genre. I love to laugh, and when I read something, I'd like it to be something that can make me smile. If it has silly ending and a funny plot, it's up my alley.
The last book I read was the final book of the Hunger Games series. I really enjoyed not only the book but the entire series because it was something that wasn't real, it had aspects of it that were realistic yet obviously fictional. It had the perfect combination of each genre and the message it sent out was simply amazing.