We think in pictures

May 7th, 2015

A few days ago in class we were talking about describing things. This lead me to a very common explanation people use when they talk about words.

When you want to remember words, it’s best to use pictures and ideas combined, not just the words.

We don’t ‘think’ in words. We think in images, flashes, feelings.

When someone says a word like ‘elephant’, you don’t think about those letters, but you see an elephant. That elephant may be different based on your idea of elephant though!

That’s okay, too.

Just remember to keep in mind images when you are explaining or need to explain things and to use them to help you remember, too.

elephant-idea-cropped

Avengers 2 is coming finally!!

April 30th, 2015

Many people who know me know I really like super heros, especially comic book heroes and even more that I like Marvel heroes.

I think lots of people like super heroes for many different reasons, but maybe mostly because we want to have super powers or at least dream about having them!

This week the new Avengers movie is finally opening.

I am looking forward to seeing it though I might wait until it is released on DVD so I can watch it at home with my family.

I think I like Wolverine the best of the super heroes. He ages very slowly, is really strong, heals from almost any wound, and is a great fighter and loyal friend.

Who is your favorite super hero? What powers do they have that you wish you had?

 

Leave your answer in the comments below!

Spring Kickoff and April 17th whiteboard drawings

April 19th, 2015

Finished up week one and it was a good week. Lots of fun with the new students, and catching up with student who have been in previous classes of mine.

I also started doing these doodles on the whiteboard for class just to have an image to show for when the OHC was on. This has morphed into me doing different drawings every week, and now into trying to do a different quick drawing for each of the four classes.

I’m not sure how long I will or can keep this up, but for now I will give it a shot.

Usually I just make a circle and then see what comes of it – so I don’t always have a clear idea of what I’m trying to draw. I usually just go with it, but occasionally I will start one over.

Anyway, they’re not great, I’m an English professor, not an artist, but I thought I would share them for fun.

Here are the ones from last Friday:

Spring Semester of 2015 is starting!

April 16th, 2015

Tomorrow is the last day of the first full week of classes, and everything is going really well so far! Yeah!

Friday is Web English class.

Break time was great, but now it is time to get back to school.

I’m so happy to have back some of my old students and to get to meet so many new students.

Let’s have a great semester every body!

My house has been invaded

January 14th, 2015

Some students from Aichi Shukutoku University are invading my house this evening.

This will not be good for my diet …