Music Monday – “Land” Map Assignment: Self Assessment

Posted on May 29, 2023 by Kirsten under Communication, Core Competencies, English 12, Grade 12, Literary Studies 12, Personal/Social, Self-Assessment, Thinking, Uncategorized

Curricular Response

After analyzing and discussing the lyrics of the songs with the class, I was able to have a decent understanding of what the two songs meant in a literal and figurative sense. It was an essential part of this assignment to express symbolism through literal/figurative images that represent the whole meaning of one or both songs. I challenged my abilities as an artist to incorporate symbolism into my images as well as use compelling lyrics that sort of match the images to reinforce the meaning represented in the map assignment.

Core Competency Self-Assessment

This assignment in some ways was different from a “typical” assignment for English class. Myself, I did not face many challenges or obstacles. However, from another person’s perspective, I can see why this assignment might have seemed difficult to them at first. This assignment required complex ways to think – creatively, critically, and perhaps visually. A possible challenge could be lacking the ability to differentiate the meanings between literal and figurative elements. At one point, I misunderstood part of the assignment thinking that each quote had to align with a literal/figurative image when it didn’t have to. The lyrics and images didn’t have to be directly connected to each other but rather connected to the theme(s) of the songs as a whole.

Math 12 Foundations Self Assessment

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Kirsten under Communication, Core Competencies, Math Foundations Self Asessment, Personal/Social, Self-Assessment, Thinking

My progress in this course grew exponentially. Certain areas displayed a proficient understanding, such as the graphing and finance units. However, there was an improvement to be made in the Venn diagrams and counting units. I found those units to be the most difficult because there were a lot of steps and terminology thus my test scores were lower. Though, that doesn’t matter to me because it’s what I’ve taken away and learned from the units that are essential. Next year, I am not taking mathematics of any kind but I can apply what I’ve learned to real-life situations. (e.g. finance)

I set personal goals prior to this course because math is the subject I wanted improvement on. I aimed to get an A (90% or above) and higher test scores. By doing this, I used FLEX and CENT TIMES to ask for help and feedback. I didn’t reach my goal of finding any strategies to regulate my study habits because I couldn’t actually find what worked for me – it’s either I know it or I don’t. Studying times usually consisted of rereading my notes or redoing the same questions over and over again. When I faced any challenging situations, I always asked for help if necessary whether it was from my teacher or from my peers.

I felt I have improved in the participation portion of this course. I am able to contribute my ideas and answers to the class even if they were wrong. I also found myself asking questions during lessons if I needed any clarification. I can definitely use this strength in my next educational endeavor, therefore I expect that I will be making connections and asking questions during discussions at university.

Show and Tell Presentation Reflection

Posted on January 10, 2023 by Kirsten under Communication, Core Competencies, Digital Literacy, Fear Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, Personal/Social, Self-Assessment, Thinking

Curricular Response

The greatest strengths of my presentation included engagement from the students within the classroom, a neatly displayed powerpoint, and keeping summaries of the FNAF lore concise. I was able to keep the students engaged by showing videos that would possibly scare them and by asking questions about what they personally thought about the game. Because FNAF has been dragged on for so long since most of us were kids, engagement was high regarding comments and personal experiences of the game.

Next time, if I were asked to complete an assignment like this again where there is lots of leeway and choice of what I would like to discuss, is to focus more on preparation. Though it’s a topic I have excellent knowledge of, I still have to rehearse and ensure I understand what I’m saying and if an audience will too. Lack of preparation will lead to rambling and unnecessary information that will be given. If I were to drag the presentation on for longer, I will have to focus more on the engagement aspect such as asking more rounded questions and perhaps more visuals.

Core Competency Self-Assessment

FNAF was the topic I wanted to discuss because I’ve been a huge fan of the game series for as long as I can remember. This was an opportunity to do more research on the lore because frankly I only had a general idea of how the games work. The show-and-tell presentation gave me a better understanding of the story behind the games but to also share it with the class who might’ve had the same level of curiosity as me.

The strategies I used for collecting relevant information for my show-and-tell presentation were information from people I know who love the game just as much as I do and watching tons of videos on the topic. I chose videos that were concise and easy to follow that break down the lore as much as possible. With the information I’ve gained, I was able to draw my own conclusions as this is a theory-crafted game.

Anatomy and Physiology 12 Core Competency Self Assessment

Posted on January 2, 2023 by Kirsten under Elective 1, Grade 12

My pig dissection – this photo shows the first two incisions of the pig revealing parts such as the esophagus and salivary glands.

Core Competency

The pig dissection involved the experience of communication and attentive listening. Before we began the lab, we were required to watch and listen to a demo the day before. The demo included a step-by-step procedure of dissecting the pig, where specific organs are, and how to safely use the lab equipment. The dissection of the pig was not easy, so communication among our peers was necessary. An oral quiz was required to present our learning in front of the teacher. Because my partner and I failed the first time, we ensured to communicate our ideas with other classmates so that both of us were successful in the oral quiz. Next time, I aim to improve my preparation for the oral quiz and ask for help and feedback if necessary.

Critical thinking played a significant role during the dissection as well. Not only did we have to cut the pig open, but we had to learn the parts with respect to the digestion unit. Resources such as online, the lab book, and worksheets were provided that helped to draw conclusions about the digestion system of the pig. It was difficult because the diagrams hardly looked anything like they did in real life. We solved this problem by using real-life evidence which was the other pig dissections within the classroom.

It was important to have social awareness and responsibility while doing this lab. We were lucky enough to have pigs of our own to dissect and were given the privilege of using the lab and its tools to encourage a fun way and visual way of learning. A key component of the lab was ensuring that we were to demonstrate respectful behavior such as using the tools properly, using class time wisely, and using this opportunity to learn with our classmates.

Critical and Reflective Thinking

Posted on October 19, 2022 by Kirsten under Core Competencies, Grade 12, Self-Assessment, Thinking

In foundations of math 12, the topic that I felt I understood well is the investment unit, which is the first unit of this course. It was easy to follow and understand. The topic is composed of concepts such as interest, simple interest, compound interest, portfolios, and how to use a TVM solver.

One thing I would like to learn more about in this course is how to do taxes, pay bills, and write cheques, simply all of the things I would need to know how to do when I’m living independently.

This course has changed my thinking about using my money wisely on expenses that are necessary and being open to other options that would fit my situation best, whether that is renting, leasing, or buying. Paying back loans as soon as possible won’t result in severe debt. Furthermore, if credit cards aren’t used the right way, they could be a dangerous form of payment.

I prepared for the tests by reading over my notes and doing the chapter reviews that were provided. I also used my time to go over several of the same questions we went over in class until I understood them. I asked questions during class to ensure I was on the right track while doing my homework.

Life Sciences Reflection

Posted on June 24, 2022 by Kirsten under Grade 11, Life sciences 11, Science 11

I enjoyed many aspects of this course including labs, dissections, and group-related work. I found myself learning best during labs and dissections because I was provided visuals that kept me interested since they were very hands-on. However, there were things I did not enjoy as much as the other parts of the course, including showing videos online and excessive note-taking. I like to think that I learn better when the teacher teaches the concepts then I am aware of what to study for tests and exams. Because of covid, we didn’t get to partake in different learning opportunities like field trips. In this course, I was able to improve my ways of studying efficiently whether that was studying with a friend or making flash cards. Some recommendations I have for how this course was taught is to do more collaborative/group work instead of notetaking as one main way of learning. If I had the chance to do this course again, I would review everyday because bio is very high in academics and there’s a lot to memorize.

English 11 Poetry Reflection

Posted on May 30, 2022 by Kirsten under #Poetry, Core Competencies, English 11, Grade 11, Thinking

My Poem

In English 11, I created a poem about my wired earbuds an essential object in my everyday life.

Curricular Competencies Reflection

The overall purpose of the poem is to showcase how an object on a smaller scale can significantly impact our lives and make us happy. In this case, the object that holds great value to me is my headphones. My intended audience for this poem is people who find joy in listening to music or people who find their headphones being a source of comfort. Some elements of this poem that personally relate to me are how the headphones are able to make me feel a certain way through music. For instance, when I find that I’m in difficult situations or I want to shut out the world around me, my headphones are always in reach as a form of escapism from reality. Listening to music has been a constant thing for me especially when I’m alone or doing something that I love such as drawing, painting, or even studying. To make this poem engaging, I decided to listen to different types of music while creating it to see how it makes me feel. From there, I was able to emphasize my emotions knowing how different the experience would be without the headphones in my ears. Another way I made it more engaging was by using different senses in my poem to make the object come to life. Using poetic devices such as personification, I was able to give the reader a visual of how headphones and music can make one feel.

Creative Thinking Core Competency Reflection

I chose this topic for my poem by listing out small-scale objects and things that make me happy. I resonated with my headphones the most because I find that I use them in my everyday life no matter what I’m doing and where I am. I formed my own original ideas to create this poem by thinking about my own personal experiences with them and incorporating them into the poem. Some strategies I used that helped me stimulate my imagination, as mentioned before, were listening to my own music and recognizing how it makes me feel. I personally think what makes my poem unique and innovative is that it doesn’t clearly state what the object actually is until the end. Moreover, before it was clearly stated, I wanted to create a visual representation of these headphones by pulling out examples of experiences that one can go through while listening to music with their headphones, whether they’re feeling negatively or positively. However, my poem lacks multiple poetic devices and that could be improved and played with if I had the chance to do this again.

Inductive and Deductive Exploration: Is Water Wet?

Posted on May 26, 2022 by Kirsten under Uncategorized

Question and Investigating: Critical and Reflective Thinking

No, water itself is not wet but can make objects wet!

To answer this controversial question, the definition of wet is essential. Wet can be defined as a condition of water coming into contact with a solid object, thus it can be described as wet. Using deductive reasoning, it’s clear to say that the surface of water isn’t wet. It’s impossible for water to ‘wet’ itself, hence why water and other liquids are considered wetting agents. If you were to put something in water, that gives it the wet characteristic. If you add water to water to perhaps ‘wet’ it, you only get more water.

However, my opinion may be debatable and an error in assumption or reasoning. Others can argue against this and state that water is in fact wet! Based on science, there are water molecules on the surface of water and if those molecules touch, it is therefore wet because the molecules are wetting each other!

Then again, this is a controversial topic that can result in countless of arguments whether it’s through inductive or deductive reasoning. I personally think that water isn’t wet. Next question!