Hello Students!
Here's a link to a good video introduction to STEM careers... in under two minutes!
Here's a link to a video on why kids aren't interested in STEM jobs. If you have children, it would be helpful to encourage them to pursue a career in these areas since the world will need these professionals and they will earn good salaries!
Millennials (also known as the Millennial
Generation or Generation Y) are the demographic group following
Generation X (born 1965 - 1985), which followed the Baby Boomers like your teacher (born 1945 - 1965). There are no precise dates when the generation starts and
ends; most researchers use birth years ranging from the
early 1980s to the early 2000s.
Here's a link to a story about how the Millenials admire Bernie Sanders, a socialist running for the Democratic nomination for president (against Hillary Clinton).
Here's a link to information about Howard Gardner's Nine Intelligences. Notice that he has added a couple more intelligences: Naturalist Intelligence and Existential Intelligence!
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Monday, October 26, 2015
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Hi Everyone!
I hope you are thinking more about how much you really listen to your friends and family!
Here's a page on Active Listening with a great 3 minute video.
Please watch the video and then read over the text below the video to understand further. Number 4 of the key points is to defer (or postpone or delay) making judgements about the speaker. Judgements often lead to you interrupt your friend (the speaker), but...
"Interrupting is a waste of time. It frustrates the speaker and limits full understanding of the message.
Here's a chart on Active Listening.
Note that a good active listener is always rephrasing or paraphrasing the speaker (repeating in their own words) to demonstrate understanding. An active listener will also ask questions to clarify, or make sure he or she understands what the speaker really means.
I hope you are thinking more about how much you really listen to your friends and family!
Here's a page on Active Listening with a great 3 minute video.
Please watch the video and then read over the text below the video to understand further. Number 4 of the key points is to defer (or postpone or delay) making judgements about the speaker. Judgements often lead to you interrupt your friend (the speaker), but...
"Interrupting is a waste of time. It frustrates the speaker and limits full understanding of the message.
- Allow the speaker to finish each point before asking questions.
- Don't interrupt with counter arguments."
Here's a chart on Active Listening.
Note that a good active listener is always rephrasing or paraphrasing the speaker (repeating in their own words) to demonstrate understanding. An active listener will also ask questions to clarify, or make sure he or she understands what the speaker really means.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Hi Everyone!
Here's a great short video on effective listening skills.
Please watch it and answer these questions:
What are the 4 key points about improving your listening skills?
Do you think about these 4 key points when YOU listen?
How will these skills improve your workplace environment?
How are they connected to emotional intelligence? Remember that emotional intelligence involves "restraint, self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, empathy, hope and optimism" according to the article we read (page 96, lines 52-53).
Here's a great short video on effective listening skills.
Please watch it and answer these questions:
What are the 4 key points about improving your listening skills?
Do you think about these 4 key points when YOU listen?
How will these skills improve your workplace environment?
How are they connected to emotional intelligence? Remember that emotional intelligence involves "restraint, self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, empathy, hope and optimism" according to the article we read (page 96, lines 52-53).
Monday, October 19, 2015
Greetings LINC 7 Students!
In honour of Canada's federal election today, here's a link to a story on Breaking News English about how women in Saudi Arabia are getting the vote. They are also running for office as candidates!
Remember that you can easily change the reading speed by clicking below the "reading box". This link takes you to 200 words per minute (wpm) reading speed but you can challenge yourself by making it 300 wpm.
Canadian Election 2015 (for some real practice reading graphs and charts!!)
Here's a graph of the polling trends (from Wikipedia). Note that the trend for the Liberals has been continuously upward to the high 30s (about 37-38%), while support for the Conservatives has dipped down to the low 30s (about 32-33%).
Here's a website that has made some predictions (projections) about the election results. If you look at the chart, you can see that the Liberals are projected to win between 124 and 161 seats, putting them just below the 170-seat mark required for a majority. Note that 170 is 50% (half or 169) + 1 of the 338 seats. The number of seats (and ridings) in the election is 338, an increase of 30 seats from the 308 seats comprising the House of Commons (= Canadian Parliament) right now.
If this projection is correct, it would mean a LIBERAL MINORITY GOVERNMENT.
Please check out the CBC Poll Tracker to see the latest projections -- updated regularly during this evening! Right now (1 pm PDT), the Liberals have support of 37.2% of Canadian voters.
We will see tonight!
In honour of Canada's federal election today, here's a link to a story on Breaking News English about how women in Saudi Arabia are getting the vote. They are also running for office as candidates!
Remember that you can easily change the reading speed by clicking below the "reading box". This link takes you to 200 words per minute (wpm) reading speed but you can challenge yourself by making it 300 wpm.
Canadian Election 2015 (for some real practice reading graphs and charts!!)
Here's a graph of the polling trends (from Wikipedia). Note that the trend for the Liberals has been continuously upward to the high 30s (about 37-38%), while support for the Conservatives has dipped down to the low 30s (about 32-33%).
Here's a website that has made some predictions (projections) about the election results. If you look at the chart, you can see that the Liberals are projected to win between 124 and 161 seats, putting them just below the 170-seat mark required for a majority. Note that 170 is 50% (half or 169) + 1 of the 338 seats. The number of seats (and ridings) in the election is 338, an increase of 30 seats from the 308 seats comprising the House of Commons (= Canadian Parliament) right now.
If this projection is correct, it would mean a LIBERAL MINORITY GOVERNMENT.
Please check out the CBC Poll Tracker to see the latest projections -- updated regularly during this evening! Right now (1 pm PDT), the Liberals have support of 37.2% of Canadian voters.
We will see tonight!
Friday, October 16, 2015
Hi Everyone,
Here's an excellent TED Talk by Monica Lewinsky, who in 1998 fell in love with her boss, President Bill Clinton. She talks about the damage that is done by cyber-bullying, and the fact that people are profiting when we click on sites that promote scandal and malicious gossip, or invade the privacy of others. She calls for empathy and compassion when using the internet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_8y0WLm78U&feature=youtu.be
Thanks to Peyman for recommending this video!
Here's an excellent TED Talk by Monica Lewinsky, who in 1998 fell in love with her boss, President Bill Clinton. She talks about the damage that is done by cyber-bullying, and the fact that people are profiting when we click on sites that promote scandal and malicious gossip, or invade the privacy of others. She calls for empathy and compassion when using the internet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_8y0WLm78U&feature=youtu.be
Thanks to Peyman for recommending this video!
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Greetings LINC 7 students!
Here's the link to Breaking News English. It's a wonderful website for learning English at many different levels.
I'd like you to read story #6 (the last one on the home page). It's called:
More People Die From Selfies Than Shark Attacks
The reading starts at 200 words per minute, but you can adjust the reading speed to challenge yourself!
If you want to stop the words, just place the cursor (of your mouse) on the scrolling page and it will stop for you. When you take the cursor off the page, the scrolling will continue...
When you've read the short article, try this fill-in-the-gaps exercise. Use the words at the top to fill in the blanks. You can check your answers by clicking on the box at the bottom. If your answer is correct it will change to bold letters in the text.
Please try to read at least 3 of these short articles using the speed-reader on the website.
Here's a link to Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech from 1963 in Washington.
This is a great example of using repetition for rhetorical (speaking) effect:
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every
hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and
the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh
shall see it together."
Have a great weekend everyone!
Here's the link to Breaking News English. It's a wonderful website for learning English at many different levels.
I'd like you to read story #6 (the last one on the home page). It's called:
More People Die From Selfies Than Shark Attacks
The reading starts at 200 words per minute, but you can adjust the reading speed to challenge yourself!
If you want to stop the words, just place the cursor (of your mouse) on the scrolling page and it will stop for you. When you take the cursor off the page, the scrolling will continue...
When you've read the short article, try this fill-in-the-gaps exercise. Use the words at the top to fill in the blanks. You can check your answers by clicking on the box at the bottom. If your answer is correct it will change to bold letters in the text.
Please try to read at least 3 of these short articles using the speed-reader on the website.
Here's a link to Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech from 1963 in Washington.
This is a great example of using repetition for rhetorical (speaking) effect:
"....And so even though we face the difficulties of
today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American
dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out
the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal.'
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of
former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the
table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state
sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be
transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a
nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of
their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day,
down in Alabama, with its
vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of
"interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black
girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and
brothers.
I have a dream today!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Hello! Great discussion today on the causes and consequences of the "niqab issue"! You are definitely thinking critically about this topic!
Here's a link to an article from the Globe and Mail about Canada's middle class (43%) vs. America's middle class.
Here's a great Macleans article about the middle class and it includes a Net Worth Calculator!
Here's the link to the video clips of Harper and Trudeau in Parliament (from The Canadian Press).
Here's a link to an article from the Globe and Mail about Canada's middle class (43%) vs. America's middle class.
Here's a great Macleans article about the middle class and it includes a Net Worth Calculator!
Here's the link to the video clips of Harper and Trudeau in Parliament (from The Canadian Press).
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Hi Everyone,
Tomorrow we'll be discussing the two articles about wearing the niqab that I gave you today in class.
I want you to be thinking critically when you read and when you discuss this controversial issue!
Here's the link to the first article.
Here's the link to the second article.
Here's a third article from The National Post (another national paper and a reliable source).
In this story, Harper is quoted as asking: “Why would Canadians, contrary to our own values, embrace a practice that is not transparent, that is not open and, frankly, is rooted in a culture that is anti-women?”
What do you think?
Bring your critical thinking to class Wednesday!
And here's the link to a Wiki-how page on critical thinking. It describes three methods to improve your own critical thinking:
1. Honing (sharpening) your questioning skills
2. Adjusting your perspective
3. Putting it all together
Critical Thinking is the art of using reason to analyze ideas and dig deeper to get to our true potential. Critical thinking isn't about thinking more or thinking harder; it's about thinking better. Honing your critical thinking skills can open up a lifetime of intellectual curiosity. But the journey isn't all rosy. Critical thinking requires a lot of discipline. Staying on track takes a combination of steady growth, motivation, and the ability to take an honest look at yourself, even in the face of some uncomfortable facts.
Tomorrow we'll be discussing the two articles about wearing the niqab that I gave you today in class.
I want you to be thinking critically when you read and when you discuss this controversial issue!
Here's the link to the first article.
Here's the link to the second article.
Here's a third article from The National Post (another national paper and a reliable source).
In this story, Harper is quoted as asking: “Why would Canadians, contrary to our own values, embrace a practice that is not transparent, that is not open and, frankly, is rooted in a culture that is anti-women?”
What do you think?
Bring your critical thinking to class Wednesday!
And here's the link to a Wiki-how page on critical thinking. It describes three methods to improve your own critical thinking:
1. Honing (sharpening) your questioning skills
2. Adjusting your perspective
3. Putting it all together
Critical Thinking is the art of using reason to analyze ideas and dig deeper to get to our true potential. Critical thinking isn't about thinking more or thinking harder; it's about thinking better. Honing your critical thinking skills can open up a lifetime of intellectual curiosity. But the journey isn't all rosy. Critical thinking requires a lot of discipline. Staying on track takes a combination of steady growth, motivation, and the ability to take an honest look at yourself, even in the face of some uncomfortable facts.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Greetings Goal Setters!
Hello LINC 7 Goal-setters!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW6cZHScH3U
Think about your goals as you plan your "Lifelong Learning" essay (5 paragraphs).
Please bring in your outline
to class tomorrow because I want to give your some feedback BEFORE you
start to write your complete essay over the long weekend!
Here’s the link to
the short video we watched in class on “Setting SMART Goals”:
Here’s the link to an excellent fun video (11 minutes) on goals and planning your future career path. It's called “Exploring Your Career Path” (from
IQmatrix.com):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW6cZHScH3U
Monday, October 5, 2015
Hi Everyone!
Don't forget: tomorrow we meet in room 3620. We have switched classrooms with another class which is bigger and needs more room.
I thought you might find this article interesting after our discussion about cell phone use and addiction. It's called
Don't forget: tomorrow we meet in room 3620. We have switched classrooms with another class which is bigger and needs more room.
I thought you might find this article interesting after our discussion about cell phone use and addiction. It's called
Cell phones slowing down service in restaurants. Wait times have doubled because customers are too busy with their screens
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Hi LINC 7 students!
I have been thinking about our discussion about willpower vs. addiction.
Here's an interesting article from the online version of Psychology Today, a popular magazine/ website that deals with issues of psychology. The article is titled "Does Willpower Play a Role in Addiction Recovery?"
Here's the opening paragraph: "By now, the research is clear: Addiction is a chronic brain disease, not a matter of willpower. This means that, contrary to old stereotypes, people who become addicted to drugs or alcohol are not weak, immoral or tragically flawed."
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/where-science-meets-the-steps/201211/does-willpower-play-role-in-addiction-recovery
For another point of view, here's Kelly McGonigol, the author of a book called The Willpower Instinct. She talks about how willpower can help us to get what we want in life ("your biggest goals and your highest values"). Kelly divides willpower into three aspects: Won't Power; Will Power and Want Power.
The video is divided into sections where she discusses different questions. One of the most interesting answers is at seven minutes and thirty seconds (7:30), where Kelly talks about the importance of self-compassion.
At 11:35 in this video, Kelly discusses using willpower to overcome an addiction to technology. This answer is about two minutes long and worth watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzVoQkPswRk
NOTE: We may be changing classrooms next week. A full-time teacher needs a larger classroom for her larger class, so I want to help. I'll let you know if we are going to make a change.
I have been thinking about our discussion about willpower vs. addiction.
Here's an interesting article from the online version of Psychology Today, a popular magazine/ website that deals with issues of psychology. The article is titled "Does Willpower Play a Role in Addiction Recovery?"
Here's the opening paragraph: "By now, the research is clear: Addiction is a chronic brain disease, not a matter of willpower. This means that, contrary to old stereotypes, people who become addicted to drugs or alcohol are not weak, immoral or tragically flawed."
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/where-science-meets-the-steps/201211/does-willpower-play-role-in-addiction-recovery
For another point of view, here's Kelly McGonigol, the author of a book called The Willpower Instinct. She talks about how willpower can help us to get what we want in life ("your biggest goals and your highest values"). Kelly divides willpower into three aspects: Won't Power; Will Power and Want Power.
The video is divided into sections where she discusses different questions. One of the most interesting answers is at seven minutes and thirty seconds (7:30), where Kelly talks about the importance of self-compassion.
At 11:35 in this video, Kelly discusses using willpower to overcome an addiction to technology. This answer is about two minutes long and worth watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzVoQkPswRk
NOTE: We may be changing classrooms next week. A full-time teacher needs a larger classroom for her larger class, so I want to help. I'll let you know if we are going to make a change.
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