Week3- Cause&Effect- Rabia's Essay

WHO WANTS FAILURE?
Have you ever heard about a book called “Path to Success”? It’s a grammar book used by mostly students preparing for the YDS [define it] exam. What a strange topic it has, doesn’t it? The path to success has surely many obstacles. In other words, these obstacles lead to failure. If you don’t want to see failure in your life especially as a university student, you have to consider at least three things.[this sentence reads as if your essay is about giving advice/ opinion to the reader; however, our focus is on causes of failure, so your thesis statement must be revised; plus write what these three causes are explicitly in your thesis statement]
Firstly, don’t ignore your lessons [again, keep your focus on the cause of failure, not how to avoid failure]. I mean a student in his first year at the university, usually make a big mistake of not caring for the lectures adequately. Some courses may be easier than you’ve expected. However, it doesn’t necessaraly mean that you don’t have to study at all. [so add here more how students may have problems when they underestimate the courseload...]
Secondly, a new student at the university feels himself so free that it makes him fail. Think about a student in high school. What does he do? He studies a lot for the university enterance [sp] exam. He can’t go out late without his parent’s permission and so forth [time reference! when is this? make it clear this refers to the highschool time]. When this student goes to university, he’ll be free to decide what to do. He won’t have to get permission from someone. No matter how messy his room is, nobody will warn or punish him. In the end because of all these he has to deal with failure. [good, this paragraph is more focused on the factor causing failure]
Thirdly, without family support, success seems far away. Because families act as friends. For instance; when the midterms or finals begin, you may get discouraged. Your family are your angels at that time, ready to stand by you. [ok, but tell the reader how the lack of support from the family may result in failure]
In conclusion, not to fail in your education life you should care about the obstacles including feeling freedom, not having family supports and the lectures. You only need to know what you really want and why are you in the university. Unless you find answer to these questions, failure won’t abandon you [good; you summarised the factors leading to failure and then here you can give now some suggestions and personal advice...].
Rabia,
Your essay has the similar issues as Hatice's. Please also read the comments and feedback I gave on her essay...
Please revise your essay and then you can post it again.

Rabia KARAKURT
070180

Week3- Cause&Effect- Erkan: Steps to My Essay-3

For many students, facing the challenges of university life may be hard to handle. And the scope of challenges at university is beyond the academic requirements. Think of a student who just got into university, left his family for the first time, and struggling to adapt a completely different social and academic environment; it is no surprise why many freshmen go under depression in their first year at university. Since many students fail to adapt university life, let alone the academic requirements, they experience failure in their courses and social life.
The second factor that may lead to failure is the students' misunderstanding of the concept of 'freedom'. After leaving their families and starting to live on their own, some students think taking responsibility of their own lives means 'no responsibility at all'. Complete freedom tempts such students to take it easy when it comes to planning their academic studies and managing their time; that is, due the involvement in non-academic activities there is not enough time left for academic responsibilites. Usually the beginning of the school semester is not very loaded and the students are not aware of the problem, and when they are it is too late to catch up.
Yet another factor contributing to failure is that the financial burden of university forces some students to work while studying. Having to work, in return, may make it difficult for the students to leave enough time for their academic studies. To illustrate, the results of a study (http://www.brockport.edu/career01/upromise.htm) reveals that full-time employment may impair student performance. The study shows that among college students in the U.S. 55 percent of those who work 35 or more hours per week experience the negative effect on their studies. As the students who work usually have less time to spend on their course related work, their performances in the lessons and exams decreases and this leads to failure.
To sum up, [to be continued...have to leave for the FB-Seville match!..]
Time spent: 1 hour [9 to 10 pm]

Week3- Cause&Effect- Erkan: Steps to My Essay-2

Step 4. Thesis:
Among many things, the three major factors that lead to failure among university students are the difficulty adapting to a new environment and life-style, failing to take responsibilty, and financial difficulties.
Step 5. Introduction:
Think about the stressful time you had when preparing for the university; we all had one aim: getting into a university. Every year thousands of students have to go through the same painful process: countless hours of studying, many tests taken, sleepless nights figting over stress of risk of failing the university entrance exam, dreaming about how their lives would change after getting into university, and so on. Entering a university is a dream for many that is difficult to come true. So why is it that many students fail their university courses when their dreams come true? There may be many factors causing failure at university, but among others there are three major issues that lead to student failure: adapting to a new environment and life, managing responsibility of staying on one's own feet, and dealing with financial difficulties.
[time spent: 1 hour - 10 to 11 pm]

Week3- Cause&Effect- Erkan: Steps to My Essay-1

Hi all,
I was wondering how it feels if I put myself in your shoes and try to accomplish a writing assignment; so I decided to get involved in this writing a cause and effect essay: Factors that lead to student failure at university. Here I will post each step I follow when writing my essay.
Step 1. Research about the topic: I did a google search and found a few web sources, like the ones below:
i. http://www.brockport.edu/career01/upromise.htm
ii. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BTR/is_4_22/ai_84599442
Step 2. Analysis: As I read the reasons, arguments and information in the sources I started to have some ideas about what to talk about in my essay.
Step 3. Brainstorming: Now I start to write down whatever comes to my mind:
What factors lead to student failure at university?..
- bad time management (academic and personal responsibilities: too many assignments, cooking, cleaning, etc... )
- difficulty adapting to a different environment; leaving the family
- having to work due to financial reasons
- too much freedom brings problems: bad habits- smoking, alcohol, staying out late, parties, etc..
- what else?..
[Time spent: 2 hours - 8 to 10 pm]
to be continued...

Week 2- Ten Steps to Writing an Essay!

Dear class,
Below is a link to the writing program of the American University, Cairo.
After going over the ten steps briefly, the website continues to elaborate on each step in more detail in the following sections.
Please look at the link, and let us discuss these important steps in class this week (Week 2).
Thanks,
http://www1.aucegypt.edu/academic/writers/

Week 1- Becoming a blog member!

Dear all,
WELCOME to the ELTE104 course! I hope this blog will be a useful tool for us to communicate outside the class hours and contribute further to our course-related activities.
Just to remind you, below are the steps to become a member of our website:
1. Check your gmail. You will see an invitation e-mail from me.
2. Open the e-mail message. The message says: "To contribute to this blog, visit:" Click on the link just below it.
3. When you click on the link, it will take you to the blogger site.
4. Type in your gmail password and click on "accept invitation".
5. Type in your name, which will be seen on the website. Tick "I accept terms of service".
6. Click on "continue". Now you can click on "view the blog", and view the blog.
When you visit the website http://elte104.blogspot.com/ next time, see the top right corner and click on "sign in". Sign in the blog and now you can write a post or comment on the blog.
1. To post a message, click on the "new post" on the top right corner. A window will pop up. Type in a title for your message. And type in your message in the space. And click on "publish" to post the message.
2. To respond to a message posted on the blog, click on the comments/ yorum link just below the post. A window will pop up. Type in your message and click on "publish the comment".
Thank you, and enjoy the experience.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FREUD AND ERIKSON



Firstly,Those two philosophers,Freud and Erikson deal with similar goals for stages of the development but with different viewpoints,whereas Freud and Erikson developed a method for the same target.Their processes are quite different from each other.There are four major differences between Freud and Erikson and also their theories.These are discussed below.
The fist difference is that Erikson’s theory is much broader than Freud’s theory.Because,according to the information in the course pack(Educational Psychology,Educ114),Erikson’s theory is preferred to be used for development of people.From this viewpoint,Freud’s theory is less useful than Erikson’s.The second difference is that Freud has only five stages.When we compare Freud with Erikson,Erikson has three extra stages apart from Freud’s five stages.(Educ114).First of all,Freud’s five stages are;oral stage,anal stage,phallic stage,latency stage and finally genital stage.Whereas,as I said Erikson has more stages.These are;trust-mistrust,autonomy.initiative,industry,identity,intimacy,generaravity and integrity.
The third difference is that Freud was more pessimistic.Unlike him,Erikson was positive and humanist(answers.yahoo.com).For example,Erikson endavoured to solve problems with the positive way.In contrast,Freud couldn’t approach using the positive way to solve problems.He hesitated in approaching the problems but Erikson didn’t.The fourth difference is that Erikson emphasized importance of the individual responsibility.In contrast,Freud emphasized earlier experinces,unconscious motivation (Educ114).It is stated that Erikson encouraged child to do something whatever they want without thinking.In contrast,Freud didn’t do like that.From this viewpoint,Erikson played an important role of development in child’s behaviour.
To sum up,As I said these philosophers aimed to help development of the child’s behaviour.But Erikson is much more successful than Freud and Erikson’s theory is more logical,more useful for the child.So,Nowadays Erikson’s theory is being used for children’s development.

EDUCATION IN WHICH TYPE OF SCHOOL?


In these days education is more important than it used to be.We all realised the importance of
education.We need education for a beter future.And for this future which schools are beter?Private school or state school?In which school education quality is beter?Which school offer us better options than other?Like cost,acedemic etc. These cause some differences and of course similarities between private school and state school.Let’s see some of them.
The first one is teaching differences.Private schools are more flexible.According to the
information in wikipedia ( www.en.wikipedia.org ) “Private schools generate their own
curricullum and specilaized courses.”For example private school may use art in all classes or they take just students who have ability.
They can create their own curriculum and assesment systems.
But state schools do not hae an opportunity like that.They have to use what they have.All state
schools have a general program.Usually basic courses such as English,math,history etc. And
according to the same web source ”Some state schools offer programs in music and art.” And it
continues as a that programs ofcourse not quality enough.They have it just for seem to be choosen.

Second difference is students and teachers.Of course we all should admit that quality of
education is more higher in private schools.Therefore admission of teachers and students is more important.Because to get a job or education private school,you should need a good academic backround.But in state schools there is no obligation.If you are a teacher you do not need a good academic backround.Also graduate degree or etc. is not important too.And education backround is also not important for students .You just need to be in the neighborhood.Students do not need to be hihg intellegent level or interest etc.
And another difference is cost.Private schools are more expensive.And their education budget is not limitted.Therefore they can offer more facilities.They have more opportunities than state
schools.Because state schools education budgets are limitted.They do not have opportunities to make big facilities.They need charity to make big things such as prom,parties etc. for their students.
We should not forget the importance of relationship between students and the personal.
Ross,N.Kenneth;Mahlck,Lars (1990) state that “Educational process refer to the interaction between students and the personal,the curriculum,the course requirement and offering and organization of the educational envirenment as well as co-curricular and extra curricular activities.This interaction will be influenced by various other meditating factors such as levels of parentel and community support and encaouragement.”
It means shortly for our children’s future we should choose the best school.And best school
should include kind of these things.I gave some diffirences to see which one is better.Private schools are better of course.They have all opportunities.But they are expnsive and selective.But the education quality is higher and I think it is worth it!

DİDEM ÇELİK

EDUCATION IN WHICH LANGUAGE?


Do you know why should we educate in our native language or foreign language?Because

education effects all our life.For example; in a ‘job review’ the way that you were educated will

be effective.So when you start primary school;you have to think that will you get your education

in which language because there are lots of differences and similarities between education in

native language and foreign language.

First difference between education in your own language and foreign language;according to a

web site ( www.wfu.edu ) about education in foreign language “Students acquire information

and recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are only avaible through the foreign language.”

That is to say; education in a foreign language helps students to have different point of view

and the writer of “learner-centredness as a language education” Tudor(1996) states a fact

with a question “Does learning a language maket he learner feel good; can it raise his self-

esteem?” So; learning a language effects your all life.It can make a person more qualified than

the others who get their education in their native language.

Another difference is;education in foreign language has more advantages for students.It

improves students’ knowledge about almost everything like current events.Another web site

link (www.gwu.edu) gives some information about these advantages that “Students engage in

conservations,provide and obtain information,Express feelings and emotions and

exchange opinions during communication in languages other than their own.”

It means that education in a foreign language is better than in your own language.Because the

two differences above show that education in a foreign language is more useful than the other

one.On the other hand there are also some similarities.

As a first similarity between education in your own language and foreign language is the aim

of education.Both of them have the same goal for students;prepare a good,quality

future.Educate them for a good life.

To sum up; I can say that there are some specific differences in your education style.Before

starting for your education you should think all differences and similarities because your

education style will effect your learning way,thinking way,your communication way;your all life!

BURCU ÇELİK

VYGOTSKY and PIAGET
Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s theories are related with psychology in education.They have many educational books about their theories.They are very famous pyschologists.Their theories are applied approximately all countries’s education systems.Although they are both very crucial and useful theories in education.There are four major differences between Piaget’s and Vygotsk’s theories.These are social approach and social contexts of learning,view on education,theory of language and teaching implications.
The first difference between two theories is their social approach and social contexts of learning.Although both theories are constructivist.Vygotsky is a social constructivis,he is interested in social approach learning whereas Piaget’s theory does not have this strong social emphasis.For example,Vygotsky’s theory says that social approach is necessary for children’s improvment.However,according to piaget cognitive development is defined as development of ability to think and reason.For instance,cognitive development plays important role in children processes and abilities.I’m stated in the book.(Educational Psychology.EDUC 114fall 2006-07).
The second difference is view on education.Vygotsky believed that education plays a central role.In contrast Piaget believed that education only refines the child’s cognite skills.According to Vygotsky education provides many advantages for children’s cognitive development.I think that Vygotsky’s theory is more useful for children.Education can improve children’s critical and mental thinking so children can find resolution for many problems and conflicts.(Educational Psychology EDUC 114 fall 2006-07)
The third difference is the theory of language.In Piaget’s theory language plays a minimal role however,In vygotsky’s theory language “plays a powerful role in shaping thoughts”(EDUC 114).Vygotsky also believed that young children use language not only social communication but also to plan and guide for their future life but Piaget emphazised young children’s egocentric and nonsocial speech.I think that language is necessary human’s cultural beliefs and value system.For example we can use a word a number of different meanings.(Educational Psychology EDUC 114 fall 2006-07)
The last one is teaching implications.In Vygotsky’s theory,teacher is a facilitator and guide,not director.According to Vygotsky teacher“should be make sure that students are provided adequate tools for learning.Student should be taught how to use tools as computers and resource books”(www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=26240 ).However ,In Piaget’s theory teacher provides support for children to explore their world and to find knowledge.I believe that both Piaget and Vygotsky provided educator with important view on cognitive development in the child I also believe that Vygotsky’s theory stressed the importance of teaching.(www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=26240).
In conclusion as we see two approaches can be explained by the differences in Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s views on learning in education.After evaluating Piaget’s and Vyogtsky’s theories on cognitive development,I believe that we should continue to learn and to discuss their theories especially we should apply their theories in education.These theories are necessary for critical thinking and independent experience.I think that we should apply their useful theories in our teaching.These theories are crucial for education life and daily life.
REFERENCES:________ Educational Psychology coursebook for the EDUC 114 course.North Cyprus.Turkey.
Flannagan,C.(1999).Applying child Psychology to early child development:Nelson Thornes limited Ginsbury.Hayes.N.(1999).a Access to Psychology.5th ed.London.Retrieved January 5
from World Wide Web:http://www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=26240