Blog Post #7

In looking at the evolution of fairy tales told throughout the centuries, they do indeed reflect the cultural norms and values of the time; however, there are some fairy tales whose norms and values have stood the test of time and the essence of their message has not changed since their inceptions. In looking specifically at most recent adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, the Disney company kept the essence of the main character, Belle, while adding on more independent attributes. As compared to the more traditional princesses like Snow White and Cinderella who both modeled the “damsel in distress” archetype, Belle was one of the first times a woman who was more than her looks premiered to mass audiences. Belle’s love for reading shows the importance of female education and could potentially encourage more young females to read. Especially as young girls all around the globe are still at a disadvantage of obtaining an education as compared to their male counterparts, Belle’s desire for knowledge, though questioned by the norms of her society, are an inspiration that females should be pushed toward education just as much as males are. Another possible impact of Belle’s more egalitarian modeling on young audiences is the importance of seeking understanding and offering acceptance to those that are different than them. This shows to young audiences that there is more than meets the eye and no matter the difference, it is important to understand the story behind a person to truly understand them. In looking at Belle from Beauty and the Beast, she’s served as a positive influence to many as both a promoter of egalitarian values and an intelligent, independent woman in a world that so desperately attempts to put her down.

https://www.ldsdimension.com/media/articles_400/rescuing-the-damsel-in-distress-61.jpg

This image was chosen to reflect the “damsel in distress” archetype described above. Belle from Beauty in the Beast juxtaposes this classic archetype as she is actually the one to save the Beast.

 

Blog Post #6

In looking at myself academically through the three key aspects of Self-Determination Theory, I can easily see several ways in which autonomy, competence, and relatedness are satisfied. This psychology class and other online classes allow a high amount of autonomy for students. With this class, my education and learning pace are completely in my own hands. Other than set due dates, I create my own schedule to study and complete assignments. I am free to learn the material whenever and however. For competence, this is seen in doing these weekly blog posts as well as when taking tests. These blog posts provide a way for me to express my understanding of the topic being learned through a personal lens. Tests, when studying is done beforehand, are a true marker of my competence in the course as both textbook information and conceptual application are tested. Blogs satisfy my need for competence each week and tests add to satisfying that need. Although this class does not really satisfy the need of relatedness since it is online,  this need is met academically in my Child Psychology class. In that class, I am provided a sense of belonging as I am taking the class with friends. We often hold review sessions together and we are able to help each other out. I find purpose in helping my friends with the material and reminding them about upcoming due dates. Through the several classes I am taking at ODU now, my needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are very well-satisfied.

“Dead Computer”

The image above is a picture my friend sent to the group chat we have for our Child Psychology class. It relates to the blog post when discussing how my need for relatedness is satisfied. After this image was sent, the other group members and I quickly responded to it by offering to send him the notes we had taken.

 

Blog Post #4

When taking the first exam of this course, this was actually my second exam of the day. I am also in Professor Muth’s PSYC 304 class, and because the schedules are strikingly similar I decided to take both that class’s test and this class’s test right after each other. Despite the situation not being ideal, it turned out for the better that this exam was second. On the other test, I did not achieve my ideal grade. In not wanting to repeat my mistakes from that test, I made sure to stay more focused on this test. Prior to taking the test, I had added onto the notes provided to me and I took some time reviewing them. Similar to the other test, I was unaware there was a review sheet provided for the exam, so, in hindsight, I should have done the review sheet a couple of days before the test opened on Blackboard. Most of the exam questions I missed were definition questions rather than application questions. In the future, I need to have a better understanding of the terminology. Conceptually, I understand, but when it comes to straight definitions, my knowledge is lacking. I did well in concentrating on my exam despite a lively environment around me, but I should definitely look for another place that is quieter and free from distractions to achieve an ideal testing environment. I received an A- on the test. Although this is a decent grade, I would still prefer to get an A. Hopefully in identifying the weaknesses in my test taking, I will be able to achieve the grade I want.

This photograph was chosen for two reasons: 1. I wear glasses and 2. it is representative of the focus I had on the test despite my environment. When doing any schoolwork, I should maintain this focus throughout and not allow little distractions to hinder my academic success.

 

Blog Post #2

I personally believe that I am the type of student that typically understands things quickly, but because of this it has caused my to become lazy. My current level of confidence as a student is relatively low as I often take on a lot at one time and optimistically believe that I will stay on top of it. It’s been proven in the past that this is not the case and I end up procrastinating to the last minute. My intellect provides me with some assistance in getting my tasks done and I am a good test-taker, but homework is usually what ends up being my downfall. I think the biggest factor to increase my confidence levels as a student is to take the initiative with my education, stay determined, and buckle down to truly accomplish the tasks I have set out to do. As stated above, I am unfortunately a lazy student. In taking responsibility for the assignments I must accomplish and material I need to study, I can see myself excelling as a student.

My self-efficacy results showed that I 100% believe that ability can grow with effort and that I 77.5% believe in my own ability. Looking at these results, I am not surprised. In relation to my task accomplishments, I know that if I make the effort to do a certain task, it will get done and be done well. My belief in my own ability is still relatively high, but I know that my biggest hindrance is that I procrastinate when tasked to do something. Overall, I have a high self-efficacy. I don’t believe that I am the worst student in the world nor is it extremely difficult for me to grasp academic concepts.

“Efficacy Results”

This image clearly illustrates my viewpoint on the type of student that I am. I value hard work and know that I can personally accomplish anything as long as I dedicate myself to it. My lower belief in my actual abilities are due to the lack of responsibility to regularly achieve the tasks set forth for me to do.

 

Blog Post #1

The course objectives broadly focus on the interactions between different cultures. These course objectives can be applied in not only focusing my studies, but further into my daily life as I continue to foster relationships with others. My expectations for this course include prompt grading, constructive feedback, and a constant line of available communication. From this course, I hope to gain a positive experience from this class where I learn about other cultures and the interactions, synthesis, and evolution of these cultures. The strategies I intend to implement to ensure my success in this course are to lessen procrastination, set aside scheduled times to focus solely on this class each week, and consistently check my email and Blackboard for the latest updates.

“FIND D7 Winter Classics”

I selected this image as it relates to the interactions between cultures. The original image is from my student organization when we played flag football against other co-recreational teams from other Virginia universities. Broadly speaking, the different people in this photograph come from different backgrounds and cultures. As they huddle together during this game, the interactions come to light. Each have a different role and serve different purposes, but all come together to play the same game for the same outcome. Each member of the team supports each other and seeks to better each other throughout the duration of the game.