Saturday, January 25, 2020

Vocabulary Learning Strategies

Vocabulary Learning Strategies Related researches in China In China, researches on students learning styles have attracted a lot of researchers to this area. The most impressive researches are conducted by Wang Churning (1988) and Hu Xiaoqiong (1997). Employing Reids Perceptual Learning Style Preference Questionnaire (PLSP), Wang Churning (1988) conducted a large scale research in Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. The participants were 490 English major students from freshmen to senior students. Four conclusions were made from his findings: firstly, individual difference of learning styles did exist among English major students. The most favored style was tactile learning style and group learning style the least favored; secondly, the length of learning time could affect students learning styles and students from different grades had the tendency of presenting different learning style preference; thirdly, there were great similarities of learning styles shown by male and female students; finally, learning styles were related to the le arning achievements and visual learning style was always preferred by students who possessed low English proficiency of listening and reading. Hu Xiaoqiong (1997) also employed Reids Perceptual Learning Style Preference Questionnaire (PLSP), with some modifications, to conduct research on 236 students of English major, from freshmen to juniors. His findings further proved Wangs research finding that students preferred tactile learning style most during their learning process. Apart from this, he also stated that students of English major preferred multi-dimensional learning styles instead of a single one. Adopting Keef and Monk Learning Style Profile, Yu Xinle (1997) tested 149 students of English majors from three universities in Beijing. According to his findings, no correlation could be found between learning style preference and gender difference, and no significant learning style preference existed between male and female students. However, sequential learning styles and memory learning styles had significant correlation with English learning achievements. From the researches mentioned above, it could be concluded that researches on learning styles are relatively few and almost all the researches are conducted among English major students, and researches on perceptual learning styles of non-English major students are greatly lacking. Therefore, further researches of perceptual learning styles are extremely needed to be conducted and explored in great detail to non-English major students for their learning style preference. Chapter 3 Literature review on learning strategies The importance of learning strategy as the key variable to influence individual learning difference in the acquisition of second language area is a topic that has drawn the attention of researchers worldwide. The following view of literature will present a brief history of learning strategy from the mid- 1970s to the present. Background of learning strategies Teachers and researchers have long noticed the fact that only seeking for the perfect teaching models cannot assure the success of students language learning. Under the same language input, not all the students can achieve the same success as others; some students obviously learn better than others. Learning is a two-way communication. Teachers and students need to work together. Neither of them can make the final success of language learning with the neglect of the other. Oxford (1990) clearly states that research interest has been shifted from what students learn or acquire to how students gain language, that is to say, from the product or outcome of learning and acquisition to the process of learning and acquisition. In a word, the focus has shifted from teachers to learners, and from learning and teaching results to learning and teaching processes. Researches on learning strategy have started from the mid-1970s abroad. Since then, a great number of researchers have become int.: ested in this area. Researchers, such as Oxford Nyikos (1989), OMalley Chamot (1990), Oxford (1990), Wenden (1991), Nyikos Oxford (1993), Sa-ngiam (1994), Ehrman Oxford (1995), Eugene (2001), Nisbet (2002), Griffiths (2003) and so on, have guided the strategy research direction and have greatly contributed to the theory development. Their general research focus includes: studies on learning strategies employed by good or successful language learners, studies on learning strategy definitions and classifications, studies on influencing variables on learning strategy use and on the application of learning strategy theories to language learning and teaching. With the development of strategy researches, classifications of learning strategies have been constantly enriched and perfected. Rubin (1975) first, and shortly after, Stern (1975) publish their stud ies on the learning of good or successful second language learners, which starts the new threshold of research in second language acquisition (Cited by Oxford, 1990). On the basis of previous researches, Freeman (1991) briefly points out that good language learners have the characteristics of willingness and accuracy and have a strong desire to communicate even at the risk of appearing foolish. They also pay attention to language form and meaning in their conversation. Moreover, they practice and monitor their own speech and speech of others. In the 1990s, researches on learning strategies have achieved great success. OMalley Chamot (1990) and Oxford (1990) propose more impressive classifications of learning strategies that have led to a spate of significant researches in this field. Wenden (1991) outlines the schema of learning strategies that includes cognitive strategies (selecting input, comprehending input, storing input, and retrieving input) and self-management strategies (p lanning, monitoring, and evaluating). Cohen (1998) identifies that strategies consist of language learning strategies and language use strategies and states that the two strategies are the processes consciously selected by learners and can enhance students learning through the storage, retention, recall, and application of information. Another interesting topic related to learning strategies is strategy training. Different names have existed for the application of strategy use to learning, such as learner training, learning-to-learn training, learner methodology training, and methodological initiation for learners. OMalley Chamot (1990) state that learning strategies are not the preserve of highly capable individuals and could be learned by others. Oxford (1990) also emphasizes the teachability of learning strategies. Their views have laid the foundation of strategy training programs. Currently, many researchers are devoting themselves to designing and executing strategy training programs, especially for inexperienced learners. Definitions of different strategies Strategies The concept of strategy derives from the Greek term strategia which means generalship or the art of war. In nonmilitary settings, it means a plan, step, or conscious action toward achievement of an objective (Oxford, 1990). Researchers, such as OMalley Chamot (1990), Oxford (1990), Wenden (1991), Ellis (1994), and Cohen (1998), have contributed greatly to the development and application of learning strategy theories. However, in educational settings, it has been variously described as fuzzy (Ellis, 1994), no consensus (Wenden, 1991), and conflicting views (Cohen, 1998). Certainly, a brief review of literature will indicate the plethora of different terms for strategy, such as techniques, tactics, potentially conscious plans and so on. There is little consensus regarding what a strategy is. Defining strategy is a difficult task and each definition will cause the controversial views easily. Researchers always emphasize this or that aspect of learning strategies when rendering the definition. For example, Brown (1994) holds the view that strategies are referred to as specific methods of approaching a problem or task, modes of operation for achieving a particular end, or planned designs for controlling and manipulating certain information. However, Ellis (1994) proposes that strategies consist of mental or behavioral activity related to some specific stage in the overall process of language acquisition or language use. Cohen (1998) defines strategies as the process consciously selected by learners. From the above definitions, it could be noticed that Brown tends to define strategies just as behavioral actions. However, Ellis emphasizes both the mental and behavioral aspects. Cohen mainly focuses on the element of cons ciousness when rendering the definition, which is not mentioned by Brown and Ellis. The writer would like to define strategies as both mental and behavioral actions consciously selected by learners when solving the problems in this study. Learning strategies and language learning strategies Learning strategies have considerable potential for enhancing the process of learners language learning and help learners know how to learn more meaningfully, successfully and automatically. Same problems exist when researchers define learning strategies. Different researchers emphasize different aspects of learning strategies. For example, Weinstein Mayer (1986) hold the view that learning strategies are the behaviors and thoughts that a learner engages in during learning which are intended to influence the learners encoding process (Cited by Ellis, 1994); however, Oxford (1990) expands the definition as specific actions taken by the learner to make learning faster, more enjoyable, more self-directed, more effective, and more transferable to new situations; Cohen (1998) defines it as the conscious thoughts and behaviors used by learners with the explicit goal of improving their knowledge and understanding of a target language. Language learning strategies are language specific. Thu s the writer of this study is more likely to define learning strategies as behavioral and mental actions consciously selected by learners during learning process. And language learning strategies are behavioral and mental actions consciously selected by learners during language learning process. Classifications of learning strategies Different scholars classify learning strategies from different angles and a large number of classifications exist. In the following part, the more comprehensive and elaborate classifications will be discussed, including OMalley Chamots and Oxfords classifications. OMalley Chamots classification OMalley Chamots classification is based on information processing theory and draws on the work of cognitive psychologists who introduces and develops the concepts of declarative and procedural knowledge. Generally speaking, declarative knowledge can be described as a kind of factual information which is stored in the mind and is related to the question of what they are and procedural knowledge is about checking rules and is associated with the question of how to do. OMalley Chamots research project provides a rationale and approach in cognitive theory for discussing learning strategies in second language acquisition. Cognitive theory has explained adequately how information is stoizd in memory and what processes are entailed in learning. It states that learning strategies are stored in peoples mind in the form of declarative or procedural knowledge. In cognitive theory, learning strategies are represented as complex cognitive skills that follow the same general rules as other form s of procedural knowledge. Learning strategies begin as declarative knowledge and gradually go through associative, and autonomous stages with practice and experience. Cook (1993) further explains this by using Andersons three developmental stages theory in second language acquisition: firstly, in the declarative stage, intensive attention is involved to the new language and deliberate efforts are made to understand the new language; secondly, in the compilation stage, procedural knowledge is acquired and gradually less conscious attention is needed; thirdly, the automatic processing like native speakers is finally formed. OMalley Chamot (1990) illustrate learning strategies as mental and socio-affective processes, emphasizing learner interaction with the language in order to foster acquisition. They present three categories of learning strategies, including metacognitive, cognitive, and social/affective strategies. They point out that metacognitive strategy encompasses executive process that mainly includes planning, monitoring and evaluating strategies. Planning is the strategy used by learners for organizing of the written or spoken discourses. Monitoring is the strategy used by learners for checking ones comprehension during the process of learning. And evaluating is the strategy used by learners for checking the outcomes of ones own language learning. Cognitive strategies involve the direct manipulation of materials to be learned. Strategies concerning cognitive strategy are mental or behavioral aspects. For example, learners can link new information to previously acquired concepts mentally or physically so that they can group the learning items in meaningful categories or summarize the important information. Other frequently used cognitive strategies are resourcing, repetition, grouping, transfer and translation and so on. Social/affective strategies are used when learners interact with ot her persons in order to assist their learning. For example, learners often ask questions for clarification or use some kinds of emotional control to promote their learning. Oxfords classification Almost at the same time, Oxford (1990) offers more comprehensive and full-scale language learning classification. Her classification research on language learning strategies has great influence on second language acquisition. She makes a distinction between what she calls direct and indirect strategies and explains the relationship between them by an analogy of a theatre. Direct strategies consist of memory, cognitive, and compensation strategies. This kind of strategies deals with the new language and is like the performer in a stage play who works with the language itself in a variety ofà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬specific tasks and situations. Indirect strategies comprise metacognitive, affective, and social strategies and are compared as the director who takes the responsibility for the general management of the play. Firstly, three types of direct strategies are discussed, including memory, cognitive, and compensation strategies. Memory strategies are learning strategies that help students store and retrieve new information and mainly include strategies, such as grouping or inferencing, creating mental linkages, and applying images and sounds. Cognitive strategies are strategies that enable learners to understand and produce new language by a variety of different means. Summarizing and reasoning deductively are examples of cognitive strategies. Additional examples includ practicing, receiving and sending messages, analyzing and reasoning, and creating structure for input and output. Compensation strategies are strategies that allow learners to use the language despite their large gaps in knowledge base. Guessing intelligently, using synonyms, and overcoming limitations in speaking and writing are included in this type of strategies. Secondly, indirect strategies include metacognitive strategies, affective strategies and social strategies. Metacognitive strategies are language learning strategies, such as planning for language tasks and setting goals that provide a mechanism for individuals to coordinate their own learning process. Affective strategies are strategies that help learners gain control over emotions, attitudes, motivations, and values. To lower their anxiety, learners can listen to music or make positive statements or reward themselves to become high-spirited or try to take their emotional temperature to concentrate on their learning. Social strategies are strategies that involve interaction between and among learners. When they have classroom collaborative activities, learners could use social strategies to help them to obtain information they need, for example, strategies of asking questions, cooperating with others, and empathizing with others. The classification of learning strategies is still controversial. Oxfords classificatory system is different from OMalley Chamots, but there is similarity between them. For example, both of the two classifications include the category of metacognitive strategy which involves the process of thinking, planning, monitoring and evaluating. OMalley Chamots (1990) classification emphasizes more on metacognitive and cognitive strategies and lesser focus on social/affective strategies. In their classification, they provide cognitive theories to support the classification of their learning strategies. However, Oxfords classification is more comprehensive and offers six types of learning strategies with an emphasis both on direct and indirect functions of strategies. In addition, Oxfords classification addresses the social and affective components, which are less developed in OMalley Chamots classification. Moreover, Oxfords classification system can be measured by her widely recognized Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL). For these reasons, Oxfords classification system and the accompanying strategy inventory are more acknowledged in the academic world and are always approved by researchers who are interested in this field. Related research in China Wen (2003) identifies two distinctive development stages of learning strategies in China. The two stages are respectively named as the budding stage and the full developing stage. The budding stage is from 1984 to 1992, and the full developing stage is from 1993 to 2003. In the former stage, Huang (1984) publishes her postgraduate dissertation An investigation of learning strategies in oral communication that Chinese EFL learners in China employ, which has laid the foundation of Chinese research on learning strategies. In the latter stage, a large number of researchers have made great contributions both in theory and practice in this field. It is worth noticing that researches of learning strategies in todays China have entered the flourishing age. In theoretical aspect, Wen (1996) has put forward the classification system of learning strategies. She classifies strategies into two groups: management strategies and language learning strategies. Management strategies comprise aim estab lishing, planning, strategy selecting, self-monitoring, self-evaluating and self-adjusting. Language learning strategies can be subdivided into traditional and non-traditional strategies. Traditional language learning strategies consist of form-focused strategies, accuracy strategies, and using-mother tongue strategies. Non-traditional strategies are made up of meaning-focused strategies, fluency strategies and mother-tongue avoidance strategies. Based on her classification, many studies are conducted, such as Wen Qiufang and Wang Haixiao (1996a, 1996b), Wen Qiufang (1996c), Qin Xiaoging(1998) and the like. Wen and Wang (1996) conducted the comparatively important research on sophomores of non-English majors and one of their research findings was that correlation existed between learners belief and their choice of learning strategies. There are a large number of empirical studies on learning strategies in different language learning areas. For example, Wu Yian and Liu Runging (1993) investigated the psychology and social-psychology factors that affected students English language learning. According to the results of their studies, the strategy use had no effect on English achievements. Liu Shaolong(1996) chose 7 adult middle school teachers to investigate the influence of background knowledge on learning strategy choice in listening. After data analysis, he pointed it out that background knowledge did have great influence on the choice of strategy use in listening. Hou Songshan (1998) examined the effect of task types and gender difference towards the choice of communicative strategy use. His participants were sophomore students of English major from PLA Foreign Language College. His findings proved that task types could affect the choice of communicative strategy use. Males and females had different choice of com municative strategy use. Wu Xia Wang Qiang (1998) investigated strategy use on vocabulary learning. He conducted research on sophomore students of non-English major students in Beijing Normal Universities. According to their findings, metacognitive and cognitive strategies were frequently used by students when learning vocabulary. And good language learners employed more vocabulary learning strategies than those of bad language learners. Wang Yu (2002) conducted strategy research on sophomore students in Suzhou University. His research findings were that strategies, such as metacognitive, form-focused, meaning-focused, using-mother tongue, and social/affective strategies could account for students different listening abilities to a large extent. Thus, according to Wen (2003), all researches of learning strategies fall into two categories: macro and micro aspects. In macro-aspect, researches usually focus on the general situation of learners beliefs and learning strategies; and in micro-aspect, researches often concentrate on the strategy use in different language learning areas, for example, strategies use in speaking, listening, reading and writing areas. References Brown, H. D. (1994). Teaching by principles: An interactive approach to language pedagogy. N.J.: Prentice Hall. Brown, H. D. (1994). Principles of language learning and teaching (3rd). New York: Pearson Hall Regents. Bailey, B. Onwuegbuzie, A. J. Daley, C. E. (2000). `Using learning style to predict foreign language achievement at the college level. System, 1, 115-133. Cook, V. (1993). Linguistics and second language acquisition. United Kingdom: Macmillan Publishers Ltd. Cohen, A. D. (1998). Strategies in learning and using a second language. New York: Addison Wesley Longman. Decapua, A. Wintergerst, A. C. (2005). `Assessing and validating a learning style instrument. System, 1, 1-16. Dunn, R. Griggs, S. A. (2000). Practical approaches to using learning styles in higher education. Westport, Conn: Bergin Garvey. Eliason, P. (1995). Difficulties with Cross-Cultural Learning Styles Assessment. In J. M. Reid (Ed.), Learning Styles in the ESL/EFL Classroom (pp. 19-33). Boston: Heinle Heinle. Ellis, R. (1994). The study of second language acquisition. New York: Oxford University Press. Ehrman, M. E., Oxford, R. L. (1995). `Cognition Plus: Correlates of Language Learning Success. The Modern Language Journal, 1, 67-89. Eugene, S. S. (2001). `The relationship between learning style and cognitive style. System, 30, 609-616. Ehrman, M. Leaver, B. L. (2003). `Cognitive styles in the service of language learning. System, 3, 393-415. Ehrman, M. E. Leaver, B. L. Oxford, R. L. (2003). `A brief overview of individual differences in second language learning. System, 31, 313-330. Freeman, D. L., Long, M. H. (1991). An introduction to second language acquisition research. New York: Longman. Griffiths, C. (2003). `Patterns of language learning strategy use. System, 31, 367-383. Hauer, P. Straub, P. Wolf, S. (2005) `Learning Styles of Allied Health Students Using Kolbs LSI. Scholarly Journal 3. Johnson, K. (2001). An introduction to foreign language learning and teaching. South Asia: Pearson Education Limited. Lardner, T. (1989). `Rethinking classrooms: Perspectives on Teaching and Learning Styles. English Journal, 8, 88. Malinsky, M. (2001). Matched learning styles of teacher and student. Ann Arbor, Mich.:UMI. Melton, C. D. (1990). `A Study of Chinese Students Learning Style Preferences. RELC Journal,1, 29-44. Nyikos, M. Oxford, R. (1993). `A Factor Analysis Study of Language-learning Strategy Use: Interpretations from Information-Processing Theory and Social  Psychology. The Modern Language Journal, 1, 11-12. Nam, C. Oxford, R. (1998). `Portrait of a future teacher: case study of learning styles, strategies, and language abilities. System, 26, 51-63. Numan, D. (1999). Second language teaching and learning. Boston: Heinle Heinle. Nisbet, D. L. (2002). Language learning strategies and English proficiency of Chinese university students. Ann Arbor, Mich: UMI. Nelson, G. L. (1995). Cultural differences in learning styles. In J. M. ReO (Eds), Learning Styles in the ESL/EFL Classroom (pp. 3-18). Boston: Heinle Heinle. Oxford, R. Nyikos, M. (1989). `Variables affecting choice of language learning strategies by university students. The Modern Language Journal, 3, 291-300. OMalley, J. M., Chamot, A. U. (1990). Learning strategies in second language acquisition. New York: Cambridge University Press. Oxford, R. (1990). Language learning strategies: What every teacher should know. Boston: Heinle Heinle. Reid, J. M. (1987). `The Learning Style Preferences of ESL Students. TESOL Quarterly, 1, 87-111. Reid, J. M. (1995). Learning styles in the ESL/EFL classroom. Boston: Heinle Heinle. Riding, R., Rayer, S. (1998). Cognitive styles and learning strategies. London: David Fulton Publishers. Rossi-le, L. (1995). Learning Styles and Learning Strategies in Adult Immigrant. In J. M. Reid(Eds), Learning Styles in the ESL/EFL Classroom (pp. 118-125). Boston: Heinle Heinle. Sa-ngiam, T. (1994). A comparison of language learning strategies of Thai university students in acquiring English proficiency. Ann Arbor, Mich: UMI. Tian, F. (2003). A Research on Learning Style of Chinese English Learners and Its correlation with Learners Learning Strategies. Unpublished masters thesis, Bei Hang University, BJ. Wenden, A. (1991). Learner strategies for learner autonomy: Planning and implementing learner strategy training for language learners. N.J.: Prentice Hall. Wintergerst, A. C. Decapua. A. Itzen, R. C. (2001). The construct validity of one learning instrument. System, 3, 385-403.

Friday, January 17, 2020

Bright Light Big City

What not to Do: Paper 2, Question 2 With almost every mistake made in life, there are lessons that can be learned from them. They can be minor changes in a person’s character or they can completely alter the way people live their lives. These decisions can be for the better or for the worst as well. In Jay McInerney’s Bright Lights, Big City, the character of You faces these very dilemmas. He made mistakes in his life that have altered the way he works, his social life, and, most importantly, the way he interacts with his family.It is almost as if he is a completely different person who simply wanted to fit into the in crowd. Throughout the book it is evident that the pretender makes his imagination reality, and he cannot keep up with it. This books entire plot should be a what not to do guide for every adolescent who is tempted by peer pressure, because it is a perfect image of what can happen in such a short amount of time, and how quick a person can forget who they r eally are. In the beginning of the novel, You are quoted, thinking, ‘You are not the kind of guy who would be at a place like this at this time of the morning.But here you are, and you cannot say that the terrain is entirely unfamiliar, although the details are fuzzy. ’ (McInerney, Pg. 1) This quote would be one of the first and most major indicators that the character of You is pretending to be something that he is not. Inside the character of You, he knows that his actions and the people he is hanging around with is not the norm or does not fit who he is on the inside: a person with morals and respect for his family. He is pretending to be a person without morals about taking drugs, his actions toward others, or honesty in order to fit into the ‘In’ crowd.As the story develops, the reader gets to learn about You’s relationships, habits, and other personal details that could give hints to his self-destruction. The reader learns that You had recently been divorced from his model wife. They also learn that he is on the verge of losing his job, and his mother had passed away a year ago. However, in my opinion, the people that You began to associate himself with were the ones who changed his morals. After all the stress he had been under, people like Tad Allagash became a sort of easy way out of his situation.Instead of dealing with his stress in a healthy way, he decided to go out into the New York City night life, where he drank excessively and took various drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, and other pills. He managed to be able to avoid his family throughout his character change which included lying to them when he was forced to talk with them. For example, when You is asked about where his wife, Amanda, is by his brother Michael, he responds, â€Å"She’s shopping. † (McInerney, Pg. 157).However later, after being knocked out by his brother, he tells the truth, â€Å"‘Amanda isn’t shopping,’ you sa y. ‘She left me. ’ â€Å"(McInerney, Pg. 159). This transition from deceit to honesty when he is vulnerable shows that the character and morality of You is still inside of him, it has just been masked by the fabricated life that he had been living for the past year. At the end of the novel, You comes to the realization that the life he is living is not who he truly is on the inside, which is a person with morals and character that is above the pseudo life that is around him. ’I just realized something. ’ (You) ‘What’s that? ’ (Tad) ‘You and Amanda would make a great couple. ’ ‘I supposed that means that you get Odysseus all to yourself. ’ ‘Later, Tad. ’† (McInerney, Pg. 177-178). You realized that Tad is one of the main sources for his self-destruction. His attitude towards life and other people have been reflected on to You. You decided that he did not need to put up with his antics anymore and to simply dismiss Tad from his life.Leaving Tad behind begins You’s change for the better and at the very end of the novel, You strives for a familiar yet basic staple from his childhood: that being bread. He smells it in the city and bribes a man to give him some in exchange for his Ray-Ban sunglasses. â€Å"You get down on your knees and tear open the bag. The smell of warm dough envelops you. The first bite sticks in your throat and you almost gag. You will have to learn everything all over again. † (McInerney, Pg. 182). This final paragraph is the start of a new beginning for You.The symbol of giving up his sunglasses for something simple yet familiar shows that he is willing to move on from the events of his past and better himself for the future. In my opinion, the moral lesson in the novel Bright Lights, Big City is to be yourself and to not let the stress in your life open yourself up to people who may alter your morals. This novel is sort of a not to do b ook that shows how easily a person can be changed when they allow stress to overcome their life. Although it is not a true story, It can be taken as precautionary tale.I do not believe the McInerney wrote this novel in order to scare people and say that if events like these happen in your life, you will end up a coke head. However, I believe he wrote this book to show that when people are at certain points in their life where they don’t know what to do, they will turn to whatever is easiest. Although at the time what is easy may seem to work, over time it will end up tearing them apart further. Bibliography 1. McInerney, Jay. Bright Lights, Big City: A Novel. New York: Vintage Contemporaries, 1984. Print.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

English Learning Interest Of Junior High School Students

Zhou Ling Ivy 11110124 Francesca de Lucia Academic writing 6 January, 2015 English Learning Interest of Junior High School Students â€Å"You could draw three girls of different height on the blackboard, tall, short and of medium height. It will attract students’ attention and be easier for them to learn the adjective, medium,† the teacher said after my presentation. I was prepared for the interview of national teacher certificate and attended a training course. The teacher told us that stimulating junior high school students’ English learning interest was so crucial that teachers must bear it in mind. Why it is so significant and how could English teachers stimulate learning interest of junior high school students? Interest is the best teacher. Many famous educators all over the world have proposed their opinions on this issue. Modern American educator Bloom once said, â€Å"Students who have positive affections will study more easily and better, compared with students who lack interest and feel bored with their study materials† (54). The results of the survey show that the correlation between personal interest and academic performance is about 30% (Schiefele 151-82). Confucius, the great educationalist of ancient China, once pointed out that they who know the truth are not equal to those who love it, and they who love it are not equal to those who delight in it (105). Learning interest, as a core component of motivation, would make students take more active participation in study.Show MoreRelatedEnglish Language Vs. 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Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Symptoms And Symptoms Of Depression And Bipolar II Disorder

Now I can see that these were signs I was starting my first depressive episode. I was eighteen and a bit ahead of the curve in terms of onset for both depression and bipolar II disorder. However, I always did like to be early for things so I guess shouldn’t be surprised. Apparently, early onset of symptoms means a poorer prognosis for treatment, but I try to ignore that fun little tidbit of information. Another fun fact, people born in the winter are apparently more likely to develop either bipolar I or bipolar II. A link had also been found between the seasons and what times of the year depression episodes occur for individuals with a bipolar disorder. No one seems to know why. That seemed to be something that comes up again and again, even with all the research, that no one really knows why the brain works the way it does with most mental illnesses. Even when they have tangible, visible differences in brain structures they aren’t sure what’s going on. One artic le I read found that the prefrontal cortex size was larger in individuals with bipolar disorder who had a suicide history without psychiatric hospitalization, but smaller in individuals with a suicide attempt history who had past hospitalizations. The authors went on to explain why this might be, more severe cases or the type of treatment, but they weren’t sure if that was actually the case. It doesn’t make you have a lot of hope for recovery when scientists aren’t sure what your brain is doing. The episode ofShow MoreRelatedThe Cultural Aspects Of Bipolar Disorder1586 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Bipolar disorder like most mental disorders does not discriminate by culture. This research papers primary goal is educate on the cultural difference or similarities in how bipolar disorder manifests itself. The secondary goal of this paper is to establish a generalized understanding of bipolar disorder as to supplement the primary goal. 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