Blog #2 Reasoning skills being taught in school.

I have decided to write this blog on the question that asks ‘Should reasoning skills be taught in primary school? Why or why not?’ From what I have gathered through life reasoning skills are very important. Although when I question myself on this matter, I have to ask my self how exactly does one learn to reason? From the very start we are expected to reason. With that said since we are expected to reason how do we come to reason?

So it seems that we are not just born with reasoning skills we have to learn these skills. To learn, often means through trial and error. One must not only be taught in my opinion but must also experience. So through my own reasoning I have decided that, yes reasoning skills should be taught as a lesson in primary school.

Really reasoning skills can be such a broad topic, to break it down makes it almost trivial. It is then left to the author to lead you in a direction of their choice. So to further explain reasoning skills I would like to kind-of dissect it in a sense. Basic reasoning skills can be broken down into four categories Storage Skills, Retrieval Skills, Matching Skills and Executive Procedures. These skills are like other skills they can be learned through practice and over time. What I am suggesting is that reasoning skills are not easily broken down. But on a broader subject they are substantial and of high importance.

It is essential when a youth to learn to use your reasoning skills. That is a time when we are challenged highly. We face so many decisions when we are just learning to stand on our own two feet it can be such a trying time. Being able to utilize reasoning skills better prepares our youth with the ability to make better decisions. In this article decision making and reasoning skills are looked at in a informational way. To activate our skills in reasoning while making decisions makes us more in control of the logical and more reasonable outcome.

However, whether or not reasoning can be taught seems to be a debated subject. Often students are asked to debate in order to enable reasoning skills as this article suggests. But unfortunately the student often has the viewpoint before addressing the subject which is not providing a equal debate.

I feel that exercise in these areas is crucial to our education. When we are provided with the knowledge we can turn it into the wisdom needed for success. Therefore using the skills gathered from all the sources around us in a useful and positive way. It is important to provide access to reasoning skills in education because it is a huge part of growing that has been taken for granted. All to often people just assume that we have reasoning engraved in our DNA. In my view it is essential that education is provided so that the skills can be built for a brighter tomorrow.

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Chihiro & Us

Is it Patriotic to Shop?

I have provided links in the blog below. When you see (') surrounding the word body in the text, it is in reference to the hyperlink. Just point your mouse and click, you will then be taken to the link.





In this blog I am going to put forth my view on shopping in the United States. Our economy is based on our spending money, Isn’t it? That’s a question that we all should ask ourselves. When you start to think about it more and more questions arise. Such as, do we really boost the economy when we are buying products from foreign countries? Or, just how can we do our duty as American citizens by shopping patriotically?

Americans are often pushed towards consumer spending. The message is clear and used widely. Headlines read 'Shopping is Patriotic, Leaders Say' Our leaders have spoken so get on with it, right? But if this hasn’t pushed you out to the mall the added 'Freedom Weekend' just might. In Florida freedom weekend was special because is gave the people an opportunity to do their duty and spend.

In this 'article', I found supporting evidence for buying American. I have listed a few points here. Importing is doing nothing to help us. The making of clothing and products in America will provide more jobs and perhaps safer product. Buying American made clothing will permit the economy to prosper, thus help to eliminate U.S. companies having to close down.

Although buying American stock is patriotic, it is not as profitable. 'If you only invest in U.S. stocks, you miss a lot of opportunities' So with this being said the patriotic rule must not apply with stock purchases because the profit margin is less.

Patriotic shopping can be defined as us giving back to America. We as U.S. citizens can participate buy buying American. 'A patriotic shopping guide' also exists for those of us who want to show our commitment. Patriotic Shopping has even been referred to as the 'it' that we can do for our country. Shopping on Veterans Day can be a big way to 'participate while saving money'.

I could go on and on with evidence to support our patriotic duty in shopping. I have never been much in tune with my patriotic duties. In life we often just live in a cocoon but we as Americans do have a duty to support our country. Therefore in keeping up with the times and my fellow citizens I find it a necessity to contribute to our economy. It is patriotic and important to buy American. In doing so we can help increase our chances of a bright profitable future.

Happy Valentines Day

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Pop Culture Survey Questions

1. Until now I had no idea what popular culture was and that I was participating in my everyday life. So in my theory that is how I have decided in a sense. I have taken in our class discussion and the reading materials and now have a grasp on popular culture. I took a look at my actions and decided what was seemingly not needed yet important to so called society.

2. I constantly embrace popular culture in many things I do throughout the day. I start the day with my email. Instead of using a check book I am an online banker. I watch my favorite T.V. shows and utilize my DVR when I am not home often. I also like to buy cool stuff for my girls so that they are with the times.

3. Well this is an interesting question and it has opened some more doors into the idea of popular culture. Such as I have been thinking of laser hair removal for my arms. I don’t like the look of hair on my arms. It makes me wonder if I have this view because of me or because societies beauty ideal.

4. I have not been aware of the influence of popular culture up until now. Now that I have been tossing it around I am starting to notice it more. Although I don’t find it to be so outrageous that I would like to rally against it. I like trends and style and I don’t think I need the common view to show what is right for me. Just because it is in and it’s considered prominent does not make it in my eye ‘not advisable’. I do consider myself more aware now, but the influence has been unnoticed therefore more in my subconscious.

Pop Culture Survey

My life is filled with popular culture. One could say that I eat drink and sleep popular culture. I have compiled a list of popular culture over the last few days, as instructed for my Humanities class and here it is...

• Computer/Internet

• Texting to and from

• Flickr

• Ad’s while surfing the net

• I watched my Direct Tv

• Commercials

• I will tune in occasionally to the Super Bowl as I have bet on the Saints!

• Radio

• Radio Ad’s

• CD’s

• Magazines and the ad’s in it

• Geraldo

• Entertainment Tonight

• News on Fox

• Three movies this weekend

• Previews (adding to my ever growing list of movies to see)

• Bought my daughters new bats for softball

• Treats for my cat (the top brand)

This is my list of things that I have done and will do as my part in popular culture. One thing I would have liked to have done was eat some fast food but I am on a diet. Pop culture is a pretty big part in my life. I really don’t mind it. I know that not all things are needed in life, it’s not like I will die if i don’t have them. But it can be beneficial in many ways such as if I did not have the internet at home I would be unable to post this assignment on time.

Flicker Badge!

Hey ya'll it's so cool! I have been able to add my Flickr badge so if any of you want to view my Flickr page just scroll to the bottom of this page and click on it!

Yay

I am really getting into blogging. I was able to successfully add the tracking tool and am excited to see the progress!

Of course as I stated before everyone will get to see my adorable puppy grow into the mammoth she is sure to be, so here's another picture.