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<Topic 1> Left Vs. Right Which Side Are You On?
In general the left and right hemispheres of your brain process information in different ways. We tend to process information using our dominant side. However, the learning and thinking process is enhanced when both side of the brain participate in a balanced manner. This means strengthening your less dominate hemisphere of the brain. Listed below are information processing styles that are characteristically used by your right or left brain hemisphere. Read the information below to help you understand how your brain processes information. Pay attention to your less dominant style so that you can learn how to improve it.
Linear Vs. Holistic Processing
The left side of the brain processes information in a linear manner. It processes from part to whole. It takes pieces, lines them up, and arranges them in a logical order; then it draws conclusions. The right brain however, processes from whole to parts, holistically. It starts with the answer. It sees the big picture first, not the details. If you are right-brained, you may have difficulty following a lecture unless you are given the big picture first. That is why it is absolutely necessary for a right-brained person to read an assigned chapter or background information before a lecture or to survey a chapter before reading. If an instructor doesn't consistently give an overview before he or she begins a lecture, you may need to ask at the end of class what the next lecture will be and how you can prepare for it. If you are predominantly right-brained, you may also have trouble outlining (You've probably written many papers first and outlined them latter because an outline was required). You're the student who needs to know why you are doing something. Left-brained students would do well to exercise their right-brain in such a manner.
Sequential Vs. Random Processing
In addition to thinking in a linear manner, the left brain processes in sequence. The left brained person is a list maker. If you are left brained, you would enjoy making master schedules and and daily planning. You complete tasks in order and take pleasure in checking them off when they are accomplished. Likewise, learning things in sequence is relatively easy for you. For example, spelling involves sequencing - if you are left-brained, you are probability a good speller. The left brain is also at work in the linear and sequential processing of math and in following directions.
By, contrast, the approach of the right-brained student is random. If you are right-brained, you may flit from one tack to another. You will get just as much done, but perhaps without having addressed priorities. An assignment may be late or incomplete, not because you weren't working but because you were working on something else. You were ready to rebel when asked to make study schedules for the week. But because of the random nature of your dominant side, you must make lists, and you must make schedules. This may be your only hope for survival in college. You should also make a special effort to read directions. Oh yes, the mention of spelling makes you cringe. Use the dictionary, carry a Franklin speller, use the spell checker on your computer. Never turn in an assignment without proofing for spelling. Because the right side of the brain is color sensitive, you might try using colors to learn sequence, making the first step green, the second blue, the last red. Or you may want to "walk" a sequence, either by physically going from place to place or by imagining it. For the first step of the sequence, you might walk to the frond door; for the second, to the kitchen; for the third, to the den, etc. Or make Step One a certain place or thing in you dorm room or study place, and Step Two another. If you consistently use the same sequence, you will find that this strategy is transferable to many tasks involving sequence.
Symbolic Vs. Concrete Processing
The left brain has no trouble processing symbols. Many academic pursuits deal with symbols-such as letters, words, and mathematical notations. The left brained person tends to be comfortable with linguistic and mathematical endeavors. Left-brained students will probably just memorize vocabulary words or math formulas. The right brain, on the other hand, wants things to be concrete. The right brain person wants to see, feel, or touch the real object. Right brain students may have had trouble learning to read using phonics. They prefer to see words in context, to see how the formula works. To use your right brain, create opportunities for hands-on activities, use something real whenever possible. You may also want to draw out a math problem or illustrate your notes.
Logical Vs. Intuitive Processing
The left brain processes in a linear, sequential, logical manner. When you process on the left side, you use information piece by piece to solve a math problem or work out a science experiment. When you read and listen, you look for the pieces so that you can draw logical conclusions. If you process primarily on the right side of the brain, you use intuition. You may know the right answer to a math problem but not be sure how you got it. You may have to start with the answer and work backwards. On a quiz, you have a gut feeling as to which answers are correct, and you are usually right. In writing, it is the left brain that pays attention to mechanics such as spelling, agreement, and punctuation. But the right side pays attention to coherence and meaning; that is, your right brain tells you it "feels" right.
Verbal Vs. Nonverbal Processing
Left brain students have little trouble expressing themselves in words. Right brain students may know what they mean, but often have trouble finding the right words. The best illustration of this is to listen to people give directions. The left brain person will say something like "From here, go west three blocks and turn north on Vine Street. Go three or four miles and then turn east onto Broad Street." The right brain person will sound something like this: "Turn right (pointing right), by the church over there (pointing again). Then you will pass a McDonalds and a Walmart. At the next light, turn right toward the BP station." So how is this relevant to planning study strategies? Right brain students need to back up everything visually. If it's not written down, they probably won't remember it. And it would be even better for right brain students to illustrate it. They need to get into the habit of making a mental video of things as they hear or read them. Right brain students need to know that it may take them longer to write a paper and the paper may need more revision before it says what they want it to say. This means allowing extra time when a writing assignment is due.
Reality-Based Vs. Fantasy-Oriented Processing
The left side of the brain deals with things the way they are-with reality. When left brain students are affected by the environment, they usually adjust to it. Not so with right brain students. They try to change the environment! Left brain people want to know the rules and follow them. In fact, if there are no rules for situations, they will probably make up rules to follow! Left brain students know the consequences of not turning in papers on time or of failing a test. But right brain students are sometimes not aware that there is anything wrong. So, if you are right brain, make sure you constantly ask for feedback and reality checks. It's too late the day before finals to ask if you can do extra credit. Keep a careful record of your assignments and tests. Visit with your professor routinely. While this fantasy orientation may seem a disadvantage, in some cases it is an advantage. The right brain student is creative. In order to learn about the digestive system, you may decide to "become a piece of food! And since emotion is processed on the right side of the brain, you will probably remember well anything you become emotionally involved in as you are trying to learn.
These are just some of the differences that exist between the left and right hemispheres, but you can see a pattern. Because left brain strategies are the ones used most often in the classroom, right brain students sometimes feel inadequate. However, you now know that you can be flexible and adapt material to the right side of your brain. Likewise, those of you who are predominantly left brain know that it would be wise to use both sides of the brain and employ some right brain strategies.
Left Hemisphere Style Right Hemisphere Style
Left Hemisphere Style
Rational
Responds to verbal instructions
Problem solves by logically and sequentially looking at the parts of things
Looks at differences
Is planned and structured
Prefers established, certain information
Prefers talking and writing
Prefers multiple choice tests
Controls feelings
Prefers ranked authority structures
Right Hemisphere Style
Intuitive
Responds to demonstrated instructions
Problem solves with hunches, looking for patterns and configurations
Looks at similarities
Is fluid and spontaneous
Prefers elusive, uncertain information
Prefers drawing and manipulating objects
Prefers open ended questions
Free with feelings
Prefers collegial authority structures
1. Are you left-brained or right brained?
Give some examples to show that you are a left brained person or right brained person.
2. Classify yourself as a left brained or right brained person according to the six brain processing categories.
*Linear Vs Holistic Processing
*Sequential Vs Random Processing
*Symbolic Vs Concrete Processing
*Logical Vs Intuitive Processing
*Verbal Vs Nonverbal Processing
*Reality-Based Vs Fantasy-Oriented Processing
3. According to the article, the right side of the brain is color sensitive.
How do colors influence your life? How do you use colors?
4. What do you think about the brain theories in the education fields these days?
5. Are you familiar with any other brain related theories?
<Topic 2> best deals in July
It is one of the hottest months of the year, but July is only lukewarm when it comes to great shopping deals. So says Mark Di Vincenzo, author of New York Times bestseller “Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon.”
A former journalist known for his aggressive reporting and his ability to simplify complex issues, Di Vincenzo says a smart shopper armed with the right tips can make the most out of what is typically a slow shopping month.
“There are terrific deals to be had in July. You just have to know where to look,” Di Vincenzo says.
1. Swimsuits and summer fashions
Chances are most people have already bought their swimsuits by now. New inventory starts arriving in January, so department stores start marking down their inventory in July. The same goes for summer apparel.
Stores are looking ahead to the fall, so they’re making deep cuts on clothing that you can wear right now while it’s still hot outside and the fashions are still hot as well. Try the major chains – Target, JC Penney – or look around at sites such as Soma, which is boasting select swimwear for up to 30 percent off.
2. Furniture
“July is one of two great months to buy furniture,” Di Vincenzo says.
“Furniture stores lower prices in July to make room for new models, which typically arrive in stores in August. The newer models often have the same frames as the older ones, just with different upholstery and different colors.” (January is the other best month because new furniture arrives in stores in February.)
Di Vincenzo offers a bonus tip here: “Saturday is the busiest day in a furniture store. With all those potential buyers in the stores, many managers will offer better deals (if pushed) than they will on other days of the week. They desperately want those potential buyers to leave with furniture.”
Check out raymourflanigan.com for deals of up to 40 percent off right now.
3. Jewelry
July is one of the six "non-gift-giving months." The gift-giving months are February, May, June, October, November and December, when prices go up in advance of Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas and weddings.
“These months are when jewelers tend to make the vast majority of their profits. The other months– the non-gift-giving months -- are when you’re more likely to see real sales, as opposed to the jewelry that gets marked up and then put on sale. During the non-gift-giving months, you’ll be in a better position to negotiate with jewelers, who are more eager to make sales,” Di Vincenzo says.
According to shopittome.com, online retailers drop their prices up to 48 percent in July. Check out jtv.com for some truly amazing deals this month.
4. Hotels and travel
Di Vincenzo says hotels that typically cater to business clients slash their prices in July, when corporate demand is low. The hotels know they need to lower their prices to fill their rooms. And there are plenty of reasons for you to take advantage of this because July is also one of the cheapest months to travel to certain destinations.
“July is one of the cheapest months to go to Vegas, where it is blistering hot. Vegas often lure tourists with low airfares and inexpensive hotel rooms. The Florida Keys is a place where people want to escape to in the winter for mild weather, and that's when it's most expensive to go. You can find a place to rent for $750 a week in the summer, compared with $1,500 and up during the winter. And the locals say summer is the best time of the year to go boating and snorkeling there.”
5. Computers
If you’re in the market for a computer, it’s best to buy now before the deals dry up in August. The middle of the summer is typically a slow time for computer sales, but things heat up in August when the school year looms and students are looking for new computers. This is an especially good time to buy older models, as new models are usually released in the fall.
Want proof? Check out toshibadirect.com to see the sort of clearance sale prices you can expect this month.
Questions
1. What do you plan to do in July? (Buying something for vacation, booking flight or etc)
2. Let's share tips to reduce vacation budget.
3. Are you fanatical to buy new product? (New electronic devices, New Clothes, New accessory or etc)
4. Let's talk about your experience relate to above article
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Tip 좀 주시면 감사하겠습니다. :)
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전 내일은 전주에 갈 일이 생겨서 불참입니다. 다다음주에 만나요!
감사합니다 ^^
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