Feedback Focus!

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This post is about staying focused and not getting side tracked in order to provide reliable and constructive feedback to your classmates and others in general. There were many tips provided for this. Here are a few

1) Reading Out Loud:
 This first technique guides us to read out loud in order to not get distracted while reading this. In my experience I found that this allowed for me to stay focused and really pay attention to what I was reading! I also found my speech to be more clear when reading out loud which was a nice surprise. I also thought that this worked better when I was reading to someone, because if I knew that someone was listening to me I felt more responsible to stay on track.

2) Copy and Delete: 
For this technique you are required to post the article that you are going to be reading and delete each paragraph that you complete and in its place add a your comments about the said paragraph. I did not like this technique at all. For longer articles I could see myself easily getting confused. Especially since I like to refer back to the beginning of the article sometimes to help me really understand what the article is saying. This is especially important to me if I am reading a long argument. Also, I prefer annotating to with sticky notes and colorful pens!  

3) Use a Timer:  
For this last and final technique you set a timer for 10 minutes and read until the time is up. Once the given time has ended you will need to jot down some notes from your reading. I thought this was a fun technique, but I found that I was more concerned about how much time I had left rather than about what I was actually reading. This made it very difficult to concentrate. I don't recommend this if you don't work well under pressure. 

An Animation Emphasizing Focus, Source: socialanxietyinstitute.org

After trying out all three of these techniques, I think it would be best if you simply chose to read something that interested you. This way you will be more likely to stay focused. I think that this would allow for you to be able to give better feedback as well! My favorite technique was reading out loud though! I just like reading out loud to be honest. I hope that you try out these techniques for yourself, and let me know whether you enjoy them or not! Have fun! 

Reading Notes, Sita Sings the Blues Part B

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I think that the narrators are my favorite part of this short film. I really do enjoy their commentary, and most of the time they are saying exactly what I am thinking! For example when they debate on Rama's actions when he is telling Lakshmana to take Sita to the forest and abandon her. I don't understand why he is constantly questioning his wife? This truly does bother me even if it is an old and cultural book I hope that this doesn't showcase the current opinions of the people living there as well. First the agnipareeksha and now this exile. I don't understand how Rama finds this to be fair. 

Sita's Exile, Source: nirmukta.com

Another thing is, how is Sita still so devoted to Rama? Towards the end when she was singing to Rama's picture I almost started yelling at my computer screen. Personally, at that point I would be annoyed at my husband not sad that he had me left in the forest. ALONE. I could go on and on about these two parts, but it won't change a single thing. I suppose it all depends on the society and culture that you grow up in. After all, they play a huge part in the way that you think and the what your opinion is. I think that Rama is not being fair at all. Sita is constantly suffering for mistakes that she didn't make. 

Otherwise, I did really enjoy the animation film and I thought that Nina did a wonderful job! I am incredibly happy that she put the film on public domain for all to see, because it is truly a wonderful work of art. It can also teach us so much about Indian culture. That's it for this time! I'll see you guys next week!  

All Information has been from the video and notes on this link, Sita Sings the Blues. 

 

Reading Notes, Sita Sings the Blues Part A

Hello World!!

I thought that it would be incredible to see the Ramayana from an entirely different perspective. I was impressed with how this movie looked, and once I began it was hard for me to stop. I feel that adding songs and variations through the story gives it an entirely new twist. I adore that it's presented in a way that captures you attention as well as your heart. I believe that it would also allow for more children to learn and appreciate the story especially since it is done in a kid friendly format. It would allow for them to learn from a young age, and that could very possibly leave a lasting impact on them. It could also go on to become something they would share and teach to their kids.

My favorite part of the movie so far is when Sita sings! That's right. She SINGS! I'll admit that it is an incredibly small part of the story, but I think that it is purely admirable to me how the Nina Paley chose a song that worked in Sita's favor. I also really enjoyed the narrators with their opinions! I never thought about why Sita didn't just escape with Hanuman! I think that would have changed a lot of things! It would be so interesting for Sita to not be waiting for Rama but to be able to find her own freedom with Hanuman. I wonder if she would still have to prove her innocence to Rama if that were the case. Would he still doubt her if she had found her way back to him? Maybe this would have made way for more focus on Hanuman instead, but would Rama be of any importance had Sita found a way to get out of the situation before Rama found her? The one argument brought up so many questions for me! I think it will be fun to explore them! 

Hanuman Gives Ring to Sita, Source: www.exoticindiaart.com

All Information has been from the video and notes on this link, Sita Sings the Blues.