In class - a new working process

Today we worked in a different way than what we usually do. The whole class was to participate in the working process, from administrating, to collecting information, to writing texts about the information, and finally making a test. I was a part of the last group.

Personally I don't have any objections about working like we did. However I can see the disadvantages for some of the groups. The administrating group for instance, were not participants in the learning process. Therefore I can see this way of working as a interesting, and "original" way of learning. If we are going to work like this again I think is important that everyone has knowledge about the subject prior to the class. Otherwise people might be tempted to always choose the easy way out, in other words the administrating group, which will in the long run make their understanding of the subject weaker than the rest of the class. I also believe it is important for people to vary in which post in the process they are - it will teach them more, and keep them interested.

We decided to make a it's learning test. The main reason being that we could make a varied and fun test. (we hope) The test is made up by different types of questions form "match the pairs" to standard test questions, with "write as much as you think is necessary" answers.

Good luck on the test everyone, it's a real nut to crack!

Catcher in the Rye

I started writing my first blog post about The Catcher in the Rye last week, however I decided that I didn't want to post it yet. And boy am I glad I did. For even though I will still post my earlier opinion, I can now explain how they have changed. So here it goes. . .

"I have read a lot of English books, but never one like The Catcher in the Rye. In fear of regretting this later, I still have to say that the book is not quite my cup of tea. Don't take me wrong, I don't hate it. I think one of the main problems is that it is written in a genere I usually don't appreciate as much as others. However I have yet to read the rest of the book before I make up my mind. - And as they say : never judge a book by it's cover, or in this case your first opinion. "

That was my opinion then, with other words I was not very impressed. Now on the other hand, I feel a change in the wind. Even though, as mentioned, I usually don't read books in this genere I have started to enjoy it quite a bit.

It is actually quite interesting - my change of heart. The Catcher in the Rye has grown on me. I have really started to appreciate the unique way in which the book is written. To the people who are reading, or have read the book it will not surprise you when I say it's written in a very "oral" way. In many ways I feel as though the boy in the book is talking directly to me.

I have decided to share a couple of sentences that can better describe my new fascination.

"I hate the movies like poison, but I get a bang imitating them. (....) " I'm the goddam Govenors's son" I said. I was knocking myself out. Tap-dancing all over the place (...) " The leading man can't go on. He's drunk as a bastard. So who do they get to take his place? Me, that's who. The little ole goddam Governor's son. "

- Chapter 4, page 25

""Steak". What a racket. You should've seen the steaks. They were these little hard, dry jobs that you could hardly even cut. You always got these very lumpy mashed potatoes on steak night, and for dessert you got Brown Betty, which nobody ate, except maybe the little kids in the lower school that didn't know any better - and guys like Ackley that ate everything. "

- Chapter 5, page 31

I have decided to share a couple of sentences - at least, with you every blog post on my way. I figured it might help you in understanding my dislikes, and likes in the book.

What I find somewhat amazing about the Catcher in the Rye is that I could easily think that it was written sometime within the last decade. However the book was actually published in 1951, 59 years ago! It almost feels like J. D Salinger could se into the future of at least teen writing. The book is written in such a light tone that almost anyone can follow along without any major troubles. At the same time it seems as though not only teens - like me, are amazed by the book, but also adults.

So long sailors!

My journey towards the summer vacation

What are my goals? What are the areas I want to improve?

No one is perfect, so there is always something everyone wants to improve. However it can sometimes be difficult to point a finger at the exact thing.



Social studies is a subject that interests me a lot. I love the different topics, and appreciate the discussions that follow them. Therefore one of my main goals will be to participate even more.



An other goal will be to get even more involved in the subject. Each subject we talk about leaves me wanting more. I believe that to master the social studies it is important not only to know the basic facts, but also more details in order to feel comfortable, for example at an exam.



Since social studies is about the English speaking world, one of my main goals will be to read more newspapers, especially British and American. That way I can get information that the Norwegian media might not cover.

- keep your head in the game

My Senior Project

I was asked to write a blogg entry about my ideas for my senior project. I went through a whole lot of ideas, from unoriginal ideas like terrorism, to the situation for the innocent people in Afghanistan, to the conflict between Palestine and Israel, and Americas role in it.

However I ended up with what I believe is a quite original idea. Political statements in songs. I have always had a great interest in artist that use the position in society to make a change. Artists are rolemodels, especially for kids, and I do believe that they have a responsibility, and should use there status to educate others. Artists like the Black Eyed Peas, the Rolling Stones, Pink, U2, The Police and so on, are using their fame as a way to educate people about the tragedies in the world, and who is responsible for them.

I remember the first time I heard the Black Eyed Peas' song " Where is the love" it really opened my eyes. Why doesn't everyone use their publicity to light up important issues? I have blogged about the U2 song "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" earlier on this blogg. The song focuses on the crime done against the Irish during the conflict.

In my project I am going to focus on the conflicts the artist write about, and how they try to educate the people of the world about situations that are, and are not covered by the media.

All that is left to say is that I am really looking forward to the project. And to all the artists:

"I take my hat of for you...."

Milk

" All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood"

- Article 1 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Milk is one of the films that has left me with the biggest impression. Harvey Milk was one of the leaders of the gay movement in USA. The film is his story. Harvey Milk was murdered 27th of November 1978.

One of the first thoughts I had when watching the film was: this only happened 30 years ago! So much has changed since then, thanks to people like Harvey Milk. However the film left me with several other thoughts. There are thousands of Milks all over the world today. According to the International Gay and Lesbian Association 85 countries had laws against sex between people of the same gender in 2007.

When watching Milk I noticed that there hardly were any women fighting for gay rights in the 70's. I decided that I would look it up. The result is the same as in many countries today; female sex is not as bad as male sex. Why, I really can't say. 36 of the 85 countries only criminalize male/male sex.

I come from a family, a community, a country that is founded on equal rights for all. However every day I see, read or hear about somebody who is a victim of the opposite. Today 192 countries are members of the United Nations. 192 countries have agreed to all, or parts of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Still 85 countries in the world, many of these whom are members of the United Nations, such as; Botswana, Ethiopia, Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia punish people for loving another human being that is of the same sex as themselves.

So many people preach about equality between men and woman, and discriminate people of other colours. So many people preach about children's rights, but treat gays, bisexuals and lesbians unfair. The word equal means the same. It is about time for the people living in this world to understand that in order to be a fair world, a world that welcomes all, we all need to be; E Q U AL

Check this sight out for an overview of all the countries in the world that criminalize "being gay".

Election day - the winner takes it all

On the day of the election the polling stations are open all day. In the United Kingdom the Election Day is always on a Thursday. People can also vote by post if it is more convenient for them.






The counting of the votes is done by hand, often in a large hall. The prime minister candidates are present in the hall.



The system in the UK is different from the one in Norway. Only one of the candidates can be elected to parliament. There are no extra seats for losers in the House of Commons. Therefore the candidates that did not get the most votes can go back to their normal life.

"The Eagle has landed"

July 20 1969 inhabitants of the world, everywhere were glued to their television screens. July 20 1969 Neil Armstrong was the first man ever to set foot on the moon.

Pictures above: Edwin Aldrin Jr. , Michael Collins and Neil Armstrong.

Apollo 11 was the first human spaceflight to land on the moon. The ship was launched on July 16 1969. The misson commander was the now world famous Neil Armstrong, the pilot Micheal Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Adwin Aldrin Jr.

The mission fulfilled previous President, John F. Kennedy's goal. " I belive that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon, and returning him safely to Earth. "

The landing on the moon was critical. The only message form Huston in this time period was "3 seconds" the amount of fuel they had left. After Neil Armstrong confirmed the landing Huston answered " You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue. We're breathing again"

450 million people listende as Armstrong spoke his words (as he stepped down on the surface of the moon). "That's one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind." 15 minutes Aldrin joined Armstrong, and became the second person on the moon. The two then planted the American flag and began investigating the surface.

I think we can all, (almost anyway) agree that the unanimous opinion is that the moonlanding was a milestone in world history. However what difference has the moonlanding made? I'll let you debate that.

Please let me know your opinion by commenting!