2012 m. gruodžio 5 d., trečiadienis




 Self-assessment

During my English language lessons I did a lot of activities. These were tests on ESP vocabulary definitions, Moodle tests, online exercises, listening exercises, short talks, Power Point Presentation and speaking impromptu in class. So, I would like to evaluate the benefit for me of these activities.

Tests on ESP vocabulary definitions. It was difficult for me, because there were a lot of definitions, which I didn‘t know in my native language. Also, almost each time I didn‘t have enough time for preparation, but despite this fact it was interesting for me anyway, because now I know many new words about psychology.

Moodle tests. I think that these tests were very useful, because I stored new words in my vocabulary, but also, there is a negative side, that those tests for me were boring, because of the required time.

Online exercises. These exercises were similar to Moodle tests, but it was interesting and wasn‘t so difficult. I think this is so, because the whole group was doing exercises. But nevertheless, sometimes it was difficult to find correct answers.

Listening exercises. I did a lot of listening exercises during my english lessons and I can say that sometimes it was very complicated, but sometimes effortless. In my opinion, it was good, because we educated our hearing and maybe in the future it will be easier to understand foreigners.

Short talks. It was probably the easiest activity for me. I was enjoying it, because I improved my english skills such as vocabulary and pronunciation. Also I learned new information about various things such as psychology of laughter or psychology of luck.

Power Point Presentation. This exercise required a lot of time, because I had to know everything about this theme which I have chosen. But despite this fact, I can say that these themes were were interesting, and useful, because I improved my speaking skills and I learned a lot of new facts about stress.

Impromptu in class. It was the most difficult activity for me, because I thought that my speaking skills are not so good and also sometimes I didn‘t have enough time to think what I want to say. Besides this, I can‘t overcome fear talking in front of audience.

All in all, I think that many activities of these were useful for my studies, and I could say that I have improved my english skills and knowledge now. I hope it will help for me during exam.

2012 m. lapkričio 27 d., antradienis



Psychology of laughter
First of all,what is such a thing as laughter? Laughter is a part of human behavior regulated by the brain or it is a sound that can be heard. Strong laughter can sometimes bring an onset of tears or even moderate muscular pain as a physical response to the act. 

Laughter is an universal thing but it depends on age and gender.For example, females laugh more than males because males tend to do the most laugh-getting and not laughing itself. Other reason is because different people find different things to be funny. 

People cannot control what they laugh at and what sounds come from their mouth. Although we might think jokes make people laugh the most, it is known that only 10% of laughter is caused by jokes.Drugs such as cannabis can also create a strong laughter. Also Aristotle confirmed that people laugh at inferior or ugly individuals, because they feel a joy at being superior to them.Most often, people laugh with others but not alone, because laughter is a social phenomenon.

There are several types of laughter:
  •  Snorting:It means  a snob expressing disapproval.
  •  Sniggering: intensive, unsympathetic and immature laughter.
  •  Cackling: loud,  enjoying the misfortune of other.
  •  Chuckling: kind and thoughtful laughter.
  •  Belly-laugh: open and trustworthy laughter.

So, why laughter is beneficial? It makes us feel joy and relief,also it reduces pain and helps us to tolerate discomfort and  it reduces blood sugar levels, increases glucose tolerance in diabetics and nondiabetics alike. It is believed that one of the most essential function of laughter is to bring people together. 

But sometimes laughter can be negatyve thing. There are sadistic, mocking, nervous laughters that reveal the negative laughter. Laughter can be used to keep someone out of group, to humiliate someone that is different and so on.

Finally, I would liko to say that laughter can have a negative side, but even though, it is a brilliant thing,which makes people life easier,more interesting and exciting.

References:


http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200011/the-science-laughter