Me Like To Learn With Brain....

I feel I learn best when information is passed to me in an orderly fashion within a sequential and logical framework. I am able to quickly understand new languages and appreciate the nuances of  a particular article. Details of information are fascinating to me and I am able to process by analysis an verbalization any auditory and visual information with ease. However, this very attention to detail can prove a hurdle to my learning process because at times the overall picture is not clear to me as I am too focused on the details. I also find it difficult occasionally to connect and empathize on an emotional basis to a character or the theme of what I read. I understand that learning is best achieved by utilizing all sensory-motor modalities and both hemispheres of the brain. Therefore, it is my intention to learn by stimulating the left hemisphere through sequential processing while simultaneously engaging the right lobe by listening to classical music. I am hopeful that through this, my learning process and focus will increase exponentially.

I need to develop my gestalt aspect of my brain whereby I can utilize the unlimited potential of the human mind to the utmost, realizing that most of us only use 5 percent of our brain during our waking hours. I wish to double my learning process by outsourcing another ten or fifteen percent and to complement the left and right side of the brain in order to achieve maximum learning capacity.

In order to achieve the above, discipline is essential. It is crucial that I try to curb the exclusivity of the usage of the left brain by including the right lobe in any learning procedure. In other words, while engaged in solving logical-mathematical problem, the right hemisphere of my brain should also be occupied through exposure to auditory stimulus. Secondly, realizing that, under duress, I tend to be distracted by details, I need to develop the habit of seeing the bigger picture at all times. Lastly, I need to loosen up and be more spontaneous, and put greater trust in my instincts.

I would like my teachers to know that I appreciate all the hard-work they have put in to assist me in becoming a better student. To me, studying is fun and I enjoy the challenges and intellectual stimulation provided by the school environment. Knowing  my weaknesses will help me to identify and overcome them, knowing my limitations enables me to work within my comfort zone but allows me the occasional indulgence of venturing out. As I evolve physically and mentally, I would like my teachers to know that their contribution and influence will add polish the final product.

Lit. Circles for Dinner, Again, Mom?

Working together with a classmate helps to put many things in perspective and develops within us a sense of friendship and collaboration towards achieving a common goal. Frequently during our discussions, I catch myself surprised by Dhabitah's point of view, perhaps even more so because she can relate better to the heroine, Charlotte Doyle as they are both female and in the same age group. For instance, I found it difficult to understand her decisions which, to me, are based purely on her emotions. Dhabitah pointed out that sometimes we have to rely our intuition rather than base our actions on logic alone. I finally realized this to be true as the story unfolded because Charlotte quickly realized who she decided to side with, which turned out to be the correct decision. Moreover, having a friend to discuss with helps my train of thought and pushes me to try harder as I feel compelled to contribute my share of the project. Dhabitah's answers allowed me to gauge my own understanding and input, helping to let me see where I stand in this project. Finally, in my own small way, I believe that by working together, we managed to achieve more and in shorter time, than by working independently.

There were many challenges along the way before we finally managed to collaborate constructively. Firstly, we have not ever worked together and there was that initial awkwardness that comes about before trust can be established. In a way, this connected us to the story, where Charlotte Doyle had to develop the trust and vice versa. Once we got going, I learned to put aside some of my prejudices concerning girls as Dhabitah proved to be a worthwhile partner. Again, upon reflection, there is a similarity and connection in the story whereby Charlotte abandoned many of her ideas concerning the working class. My partner's cheery attitude and warmth assisted greatly in helping create a conducive and friendly working environment in which we worked together as a team. Lastly, I had to forsake my natural competitiveness and share my knowledge and insight to a fellow classmate because we were to be graded together as a unit. In oversoming these challenges, I have learned a little bit about Dhabitah and a bit more about myself.

To me, this novel is more complex and has more twists and turns than the previous book, " Call It Courage ". Initially, I found the narrative, from a spoilt girl's point of view and written in old-fashioned English, to be a chore to read, much less gain any insight. However, as the plot thickens in Chapters 10 to 14, I begin to find myself getting more immersed in Charlotte Doyle's unfortunate situation. I can see now, that she became what she is because of the circumstances and because of her upbringing. It must have been a challenge being a young girl, alone, in a man's world, more so, amongst "brawny, rough-hewn sailors". Caught in between the two opposing forces, Captain Jaggery on one side and the crew on the other, Charlotte must have been feeling extremely isolated with no one to turn to for advice. Her writings provide me with the understanding that she is resourceful, principled and resilient because in the face of danger she is able to outthink everyone else. As the novel unfolds, I find myself developing a reluctant admiration for the main character.

Lit. Circles Make The World Go Round.....

1. How did your group's discussion help your understanding of the novel?

The novel centered on the adventure of a thirteen- year old girl who in overcoming her difficulties, found strength within herself. In a way, it was a voyage of self-discovery. The group managed to relate to her feelings and fears as most of the members fall within the same age range. Moreover, over discussions, some members voiced out their opinions that the plot was a little weak and haphazard in certain areas, especially the circumstances that led to Charlotte boarding the Seahawk without a chaperon. This helped me to understand that not everything that author wrote should be taken completely at face value. The writing of the narrative was deliberately old-fashioned which the group found difficult to follow, which reassured me because I felt the same way too. These discussions helped me understand that there are many points of views and that different people may see different things even though it is the same book that is being discussed.

2. Connections that you made during your discussion?

Based on the above, I found it  difficult to relate and connect with the heroine because she presented herself at the beginning of the book as being spoilt, over-protected and pampered.

She was also very proud of her social standing and looked down on the lower classes. Even though some of the girls in my group readily embraced her character, I, for one, did not. In a way, I was in the minority, who believed that she could have saved herself a lot of trouble by being truer and more honest. However,  it was only in Chapter 2 when she was facing difficulties that I felt some sympathy for her. I felt connected in her feelings of hopelessness in a new strange and dangerous place. I can also sense the fear that Charlotte felt as did the rest of the group when we discussed Chapter 2. 

3. Predictions

We all agreed that by Chapter 2, the story's setting and drama was becoming very absorbing!

The group felt that the author threw in plenty of warning signs indicating danger, for example, when the porters left on hearing the captain's name. Based on her own admittance right at the beginning that she has become a changed person, I too predict that Charlotte is going to confront her worst fears in the following chapters. We felt that the author is building up suspense in  the story by making Charlotte feel completely alone and miserable. From here, I believe that the heroine will be tested to the utmost and that she will overcome unimaginable crises.