Time Strategies

To manage my time in this class, I plan on working ahead.  If I can stay at least a week ahead, that means I won't have to worry too much if I have a really busy day with no time to work on this class's assignments.  I also love the idea of finishing early so I plan to do extra credit frequently.  I really like the Psychology of Checklists article.  I live by the weekly post-it note checklists I make.  It just feels so satisfying once I check everything off and can throw it away!!

 

Checklist (Pixabay)

Thoughts on Class Assignments

Reading over the what I will be doing for the semester was definitely relieving.  I like knowing what I am getting into so I appreciated being able to read an overview of the semester.  I must say that I am most intrigued by the storytelling aspect of this class.  I have never really considered myself creative or good at coming up with stories, so this will be interesting...  This class is definitely different from any other class I have taken in that students are graded on whether or not they did the assignment, rather than the quality.  I like this because I feel like students, like myself, have the opportunity to play around a little and not have to worry about being graded too harshly.  As far as extra credit, I seem to be gravitating more toward the "tech tips" because it seems like it might be helpful in situations outside of class.

"Not Bad" Flickr

Growth Mindset

I had heard of Carol Dweck before this class in many different instances, including other classes.  I had also heard of the growth mindset but I guess I did not associate the two together.  I think I fall somewhere in the middle on the spectrum of growth-fixed mindset.  In school,  I think I definitely lean more toward growth because I know I have a great capacity to learn and get better.  At OU, I have learned that I learn better when the subject matter is interesting to me.  If it is not, it is so much easier for me to tune out.  So, it is difficult to learn and retain when I am in a class that is of no interest to me.  I can see myself excited about learning more about growth mindset.  Maybe it will even influence me to be more optimistic.  For this semester, I really have the same goals I always  do--to work hard, perform well, and learn a lot.  I am taking my senior capstone in Psychology and I am both very excited and very nervous about it!

goofy cat (Cheezburger)

Introduction to LL

Hi there! My name is Logan Lawton and I am starting my senior year here at OU.  I am double majoring in Psychology and Criminology.  The coolest part about my major has been all of the interesting stories my teachers have told.  Also, I have pretty much enjoyed all of the classes I have taken because of my major (once I got past gen-eds of course).  The material is never really dull and I feel like I always learn a lot.  The best class I took last semester was my Juvenile Justice class.  I took it with Dr. Hill, who is just about the nicest man ever.  His lectures were riveting and he also found cool videos to show us that were still very relevant to class material.  From time to time, he brought in speakers to talk to us about all kinds of topics in juvenile delinquency.  I was always excited to go to that class.  I would highly recommend that class to anyone that has the opportunity to take it.

This summer break was a little bit different for me.  I usually get a part-time job so that I have a lot of time to catch up with people I have not seen in a while.  But this summer, I worked from 8-5 every day.  It definitely took some adjusting but it is a lot easier to manage when you enjoy what you are doing.  I got lucky enough to be able to intern with the U.S. Secret Service in Oklahoma City this summer.  I basically process all of the counterfeit money that comes into the office.  But, I have also gotten to do things like go to the gun range, attend presentations, and even go to Portland, Oregon on a temporary assignment.  Fortunately, they are allowing me to continue my internship through this semester.  This kind of leads me into my career goals.  I would love to be able to work at a government agency.  I am not exactly sure what I want to be doing, but I think that is because I would be happy doing a variety of jobs.  So that is really what I have been up to lately!  I’ll save my list of “favorite things” for a later time.  But I will show you cute pictures of my dogs.

 (personal photo of my oldest dog, Sasha)

 (personal photo of my middle child, Sully)

 (personal photo of the baby, Shay)

Storybook Favorites

Zoo Animal History

This specific storybook stuck out to me simply because of the title.  I tend to like animals, especially of the zoo variety.  From the outside looking in, it appeared like I might have a little prior knowledge on the topic of "zoo animals."  The title did a relatively good job of informing me what the storybook was about, though it might have been beneficial to throw in that it was about animals of Hindu importance.  After reading through the introduction, I had a better idea what the storybook was about.  It kept me interested.  I liked the writer’s style and use of questions.  It made me feel like it was an actual conversation.  I enjoyed the overall design, as it was very playful and inviting.  I can see myself doing something similar in my own project.

Darkness Diaries

Upon reading the title of this storybook, I really had no idea what I was getting into.  Of course, I thought it would be somewhat...dark.  This is what caused me to click on the link! I tend to enjoy this type of genre.  Once I read the introduction, I had a general idea of what the stories might be about.  The author gave very brief and vague details.  I assume this is a tactic to get people to continue reading the stories.  Nobody would want to give everything away in the introduction! I liked the design of this storybook.  It is simple, yet visually pleasing.  The design makes the text very easy to read.

The Adventures of Sita

To be honest, I just randomly clicked on this storybook.  I had no idea what it would be about, other than someone named Sita.  I have no idea who Sita is!  Luckily, I was glad I chose this one at random.  I really liked the introduction.  It gave enough information to give the reader an idea of what was going on, but not too much.  This makes me want to keep reading! I liked how the writer gave a quick little summary on each of the stories.  It lets me know what I am getting into.  The design is very aesthetically pleasing to me.  I enjoy the colors and the font.  It's a style I probably would have chosen myself.  I also liked the picture on the introduction page, which I included below.

Sita, the beautiful goddess. Source: Sita

Cancun...my favorite place

I am not one that is very well-traveled so this was not too difficult for me.  Though I have loved many places in the United States, my favorite place I have traveled to is Cancun, Mexico.  The water is so clear and the beach is so peaceful.  It was one of my favorite trips I have been on.  A lot of my joy  could probably have been attributed to the all-inclusiveness aspect of the resort. :)

"Sunrise in Cancun" by Sakeeb Sabakka

Source: Flickr