Tackling Stress May 7, 2008

Photo By Silver

One of the less creative ways to make lunch table conversation: “I’m so stressed..” Also,one of the most oft-repeated words on campus. As is inevitable stress is a very natural part of life here: caught between endless quizzes, social events, gossip sessions, extracurricular activities, essays and mid-terms, adrenaline levels are constantly running high.

You might have found it easier to switch off before coming here, to put everything aside.

Read a book. smell the flowers.

However once you get into the mindset of constantly planning (and putting off) things the idea of just letting go becomes harder than ever. Its a common feeling to have your thoughts race ahead of you: things someone said, a spam war, deadlines, endless to-do-lists, a world of laundry stay: these stay with you even when you’re in the shower, listening to a song you like and cuddled in bed with your favourite pink bunny called Mr Whiskers (just improvising)

I came up with a list of things you could to once more learn to SWITCH OFF and not become a WORKAHOLIC:

- Take a few moments off before going to bed to think about your day- It helps.

- Once in a while put you work aside,regardless of how guilty you might feel and watch a sitcom you enjoy. (Gilmore Girls!)

- Get off campus! There’s a world outside the bubble: Experience it!

- Keep a check on your diet: Eat Healthy.

- Exercise if you can: Trust me you need those mood-elevating endorphins.

- Try Progressive Muscle Relaxation if you feel nervy, or before an important presentation.

- Once in a while pour your heart out to someone you trust. No one can be self-sufficient all the time.

- Do something for someone else. I know it sounds nuts- but it’s effective.

- Deep breathing: It works like a charm.. Never underestimate the power of long, deep breaths.

- Pamper yourself: get a manicure, put on a smelly mud mask, paint your nails- and guys could alternately watch movies with lots of blood and gore and pig out on chips. (or whatever it is that guys do)

- Pray.. Once in a while it’s good to know that Someone’s watching over you. If you’re an Atheist, just take a few minutes to be grateful for your health, having enough food, the roof over your head, etc.

- Have a happy place- I know this sounds clichéd and disgustingly cheesy but it calms you down. It could be any place: your bedroom at home, the IRC(?), campus green, a field of daisies, next to someone you really really like. Whatever.

If the stress level or other issues, however, seems to get overwhelming, you can always consult the Counseling Center which is located in Reimer Lüst Hall, Rooms RLH 125 (Dipl. – Psych. Frank Haber), RLH 126 (Group Room), and RLH 127 (Dr. Amina Özelsel). They will also give you advice, if you have trouble coping with academic requirements.

Criticizing the Faults May 6, 2008

So you’ve been at Jacobs for a month, and suddenly you realize: This is not the Utopia you signed up for!

Photo from DRA studio

Well, of course not, it’s a real place, and it will naturally have its faults. But this is where the beauty lies: Everyone, from the Administration over the Management to the Professors, cares about your views and your criticism. They really do.

They want to integrate you into the university, not assimilate you.

So if something crosses your path were you think “I have a much better Idea on how this should be done to create an optimal learning environment” then go have a chat with the responsible person. If you don’t like how your Prof handles things, talk to him about it! The people here might not be able to apply your every wish, but they will listen to what you have to say, explain their position and try to find the most productive solution for all. This is a very young university, and you can help shape it.

In some cultures criticizing legitimate authority is not polite, but these ones are open to constructive criticism so let your voice be heard. Remember that constructive criticism is not an attack or an insult, it’s offering ideas for improvement. Just make sure you word them as such.

Classroom Culture: do you not talk enough in class? May 6, 2008

Have you ever had the feeling that you do not contribute enough in class?

Are your classmates verbally outstripping you even though you are all doing the same readings?

Are you cautious to contradict your professors or published works of academia?

WHY???

The case is not that some people are less intelligent than others, there are in fact influences from our background which influence the way we learn and the way we question what we learn. So don’t lose hope! Just because you do not immediately rip a reading to shreds does not mean that you have not understood or appreciated the text. Culture plays a major role in shaping people’s beliefs about learning and their consequent behavior. Learning beliefs are not innate but products of socialization.

What do people think they gain from learning?

What does it take to learn something?

Is there a joy in learning?

Is there a difference in perception of teachers by those who learn well vs. those who do not?

Allow us to outline two basic philosophies concerned with these questions

Western (European-American) learning:

influenced by Socrates’ ideal that the best learner is one who develops and uses his mind well to inquire into the world

-finely differentiated mental functions to understand the world, develop personal skills and realize personal goals

-personal passion is intrinsic in learning

-image of good teacher is one who arouses interest, explain clearly, use effective instructions and organize activities

-less patience and attention to detail, originality and individuality are important

-understanding is seen as a process of sudden insight

-importance of verbal expression: speaking assists learning

Eastern learning:

Chinese learning is especially influenced by the ideals of Mencius and Confucius that to be a quality learner, one must become a more virtuous person.

-also value efforts to achieve understanding of the world, but mental understand alone is not central to their beliefs.

-the main purposes of learning are to perfect themselves morally and socially, to achieve mastery of material and to contribute to society.

-personal passion is important but not intrinsic.

-emphasized respect for knowledge and teaching authorities.

-learning aims at breadth and depth of knowledge, its application to real life situations and unity of ones knowledge and moral character.

-image of a good teacher is one who has deep knowledge, is able to answer questions and is a good moral model.

-diligence and persistence are important

-memorization and repetition

-Confucius: speaking is an act of committing oneself to one’s claim; if one is unable to back one’s claim with action, one should remain silent.

From the contrast of these two philosophies stems an important observation

How Eastern students are perceived in the West:

- more quiet and receptive, lacking a challenging attitude toward authority

- more solitary and contemplative learners, the last step of learning is verbal interaction and discussion with others.

- some students were found to get frustrated when teachers expect them to engage immediately in questioning and analysis

So, remember this when you attend your first classes at Jacobs, since most Professors here come from a Western background and tend to support a Western classroom culture. But also remember: Your Profs are here to help you. They’re all approachable and friendly, so if your unclear about anything or worried about your behavior in class, just talk to them. Communication is key.