Feedback Strategies

Be a Mirror: Give Readers Feedback That Fosters a Growth Mindset

I liked this article because there are five qualities of feedback that they mention for growth mindset - be specific, focus on what the reader is doing, focus on the process, make sure it can transfer, and take yourself out of the feedback. I find it interesting how it is using the content of the piece to comprise the feedback. 

Preschoolers and Praise: What Kinds of Messages Help Kids Grow?

I agree with this article. It is important to obtain a growth mindset. When faced with challenges and failures, it is important to view them as a learning process rather than an unconquerable obstacle. The way feedback is said, it encourages a type of thinking by the reiteration of the feedback. Words have power.  

Feedback - Image Source

Topic Research: Parvati

For my project, I think I would like to focus on Parvati. Parvati is a strong woman who knows who she loves. It is interesting to read all the stories about her and Shiva with all the variations. They are the definition of a power couple

Shiva Parvati
In this story, Parvati pursues Shiva. Although, Shiva was not interested into Parvati. Shiva disguises himself to test Parvati's love to  him. Convinced, they get married and defeat Taraka.

Shiva the Fisherman
During this story, Shiva cursed Parvati to be born as a fisherwoman. Shiva becomes a fisherman. In his attempts to win Parvati's hand in marriage, he defeats a shark who was wrecking havoc in the village. It seems like Shiva's courting antics continue in many lifetimes.

Karttikeya
Krattikeya is the son of Parvati and Shiva. He is known as the Hindu god of war. He is also the brother of Ganesha. He was the first born of Shiva. He was born to defeat the demon Taraka.

Shiva and Parvati - Image Source

Week 3 Story: The Golden Gazelle

The Golden Gazelle

Maricha was desperate.

She wanted to have Rama for herself. She deserved Rama, not Sita. Although Rama assumed that Maricha was out to kill Rama, that was far from true. Maricha had young love, the type of love that made girls bully boys. Rama misunderstood. Unsure of what to do, Maricha ran deep into the forest until she stumbled upon a clearing. In the clearing, there was a small fountain with one center spew. Maricha sobbed into the fountain filling it with her tears. A lighted figure appeared in front of her.

“Hello Maricha, my name is Raven. I would like to present you with an offer,” said Raven.

“Yes?” replied Maricha.

“How would you like to get rid of Sita?”

“I would very much like that.”

“Then listen to my plan.”

Raven turned Maricha into a beautiful golden gazelle. As the golden gazelle grazed the grass, Sita beheld it. Immediately she knew she wanted the gazelle in the palace grounds. Rama so in love with Sita could not refuse her request. Just like a lion on the hunt, Rama ran after the gazelle. As Maricha ran in the forest, deeper and deeper, she started to become afraid. She did not want to become someone else’s property, especially not Sita’s. But if all went according to plan, Raven just needed Rama far away from Sita.

When Raven sensed that the gazelle and Rama were out of the vicinity, he began his plan. Raven had been planning ever since he first laid eyes on Sita 5 years ago. For the first time in 300 years, he fell in love due to her beauty and grace. With Rama out of the picture, Raven was able to capture Sita with no trouble.  

(The Golden Gazelle - Image Source)

Author's Note: Sita becomes enamored by a golden deer. She requests that Rama obtain it for her. Because Rama loves her, he tries to get the golden deer, falling into Ravana's plan. Ravana wanted to kidnap Sita. While, Rama was hunting the golden deer. he realized how unnatural the deer moved. He came to the conclusion to kill the golden deer rather than capture the deer for Sita. Unfortunately, while Rama killed Maricha, Maricha cried out imitating Rama. Sita went to seek out Rama, Ravana kidnapped her.

Bibliography: "Ramayana - The Golden Deer" from Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie. Web Source.

Reading Notes: Ramayana PDE Part B

The Golden Deer

Main Character:
Maricha
Rama
Sita

Summary:
Sita becomes enamored by a golden deer. She requests that Rama obtain it for her. Because Rama loves her, he tries to get the golden deer, falling into Ravana's plan. Ravana wanted to kidnap Sita. While, Rama was hunting the golden deer. he realized how unnatural the deer moved. He came to the conclusion to kill the golden deer rather than capture the deer for Sita. Unfortunately, while Rama killed Maricha, Maricha cried out imitating Rama. Sita went to seek out Rama, Ravana kidnapped her.

Setting: 
In the forest of Tataka

Story Idea: 
I would want to tell the story in the Maricha's point of view. There must have been a reason to why Maricha decided to join forces with Ravana. There is two sides to each story. How did Maricha feel when Rama tried to kill him? I could only imagine what was going through his mind when he managed to escape alive.

The Golden Deer - Image Source

Bibliography: "Ramayana - The Golden Deer" from Indian Myth and Legend. Web Source. 

Reading Notes: Ramayana, Part A

Ramayana: Part A

Main Character:

Dasharatha

Rama

Sita

Lakshmana

Manthara

Summary: It would seem that Dasharatha, a mighty king, is unable to bear any sons from his three queens, Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. In a desperate attempt, he performed the Ashwamedha, a horse sacrifice to the gods. Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Indra came and promised that four sons would be born. The sons - Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna - had the marks of Vishnu. One day, Rama and Lakshmana set out on a quest with Vishvamitra. Visgvamitra told Rama a legend of a king named Ayodhya, who could not have children like Rama's father. Therefore, he asked the gods for their graces. He was granted Asamanja. Sagara tried to do a horse sacrifice, however the horse ran away. He sent his sons to find it, only to be reduced to ashes. Ayodhya, son of Asamanja, found the horse and helped complete the sacrifice. Rama found a holy wood which broke Ahalya's curse and brought he back to life. Rama falls in love with Princess Sita, whom their past avatars, Vishnu and Lakshmi, were also in love. The King uses this opportunity to conduct a competition between the two men. The successful suitor wins the hand of his daughter. The challenge is to bend the bow of Shiva. At the wedding of Rama and Sita, Rama's other brothers were able to find suitable brides from Janaka's family. King Dasharatha must make a choice between which son should carry the royal blood line. The house servant comes to find out that Rama was chosen and is unpleased. 

Setting: Hindustan

Story Idea: I would want to tell the story in the different points of views of the three wives to Dasharatha. I could only imagine the amount of drama that would occur in the royal household. It would be a Hindu version of the TLC Sister wives. Each mother would, of course, believe their son is the best regardless of what they have done. It would be interesting to see how each wife defends their son. Especially since one of them was able to convince the king to banish Rama. 

Ramayana - Image Source

Bibliography: Reading Part A. from PDE of Ramayana Indian Epics: Images and PDE Epics. Web Source. 

Tech Tip: Quote

Inspired by the holiday coming up, I decided to do something Valentine related. I did not think I would love Canva as much as I do! I am currently feeling to bias to try other quote makers. I love how versatile and how much options are available for free. It makes images look professional for ads, the whole works! 

(Love - Canva) 

Fake Social Media Tech Tip

Since I do not have a Twitter, I find this simulation appealing. I did not think all the tech tips would be as fun and as knowledgable as they are. I am always amazed on how much there is on the Internet and it just grows. 

(Tweet - Twitter Simulator) 

Einstein Tech Tip

It is crazy on how much websites there are! I did not know this existed but I know that this won't be the last time I will be using it. I think every time one of these images are created, Einstein is looking down all happy, for he will never be forgotten with all of these pictures of him floating around. I wonder who thought of this. I would like to say thank you for your contribution to society. 

(Einstein Lesson of the Day - Image Source)

Tech Tip Cheeseburger

I love memes. I don't think I could ever get enough memes. I was also wondering for the longest time where all the cool cat memes from the class was coming from...

(Meme - Cheezburger)

Google Timer Tech Tip

I never knew Google had a timer. I always went to a separate website or I pulled out my phone. Now that I know, I think I will be using Google more since it is so convenient. I use a timer to limit my time on studying or doing certain subjects. Sometimes I become so immerse in an assignment or task that I could spend hours on one course when I really need to divide my time up wisely. For example, I have been doing epics of India way too much compared to my other classes, but it is because I consider this fun work! I also use a timer to time my breaks, if I don't, time flies and before I know it, it is bed time.

Google Define Tech Tip

I always knew that I could search the definition of a word on Google, but I did not know I could search the etymology! I think that is one of the best things technology has to offer, information at our fingertips. Sometimes I go to google to look up synonyms of words to reduce my redundancy. As I have entered my harder science courses, I have found myself looking up the words to see if I can make any connection to better understand the subject.

I decided to look up what my name meant. It was anticlimactic.

(Chelsea - screenshot)

(Ton - screenshot)

Typing Game Tech Tip

I thought the typing game Ninja Cat was very fun. It was also very nerve wrecking with all the sound effects. I am the type of person who is not good under pressure. It was also hard to defeat the dinosaurs because the text was too short. I am better typing continuously because I have context clues on where the other letters on the keyboard are, but pausing ruins my momentum. I liked Ninja Cat the best because I love ninjas and I love cats. I would rate my typing skills as a 6 or 7 on a scale of 10. This is because I have a lot of room for improvement but I am definitely not the worse. I would love to improve my typing skills. 

Typing Test Tech Tip

My first site that I used to test my typing skills was Typing Test. I have not heard of Key Hero since today.  I have always enjoyed playing typing games. I do prefer Key Hero over Typing Test. Typing Test uses the same passage, so it is easier to have muscle memory with the tale you type. However, I like that Key Hero regenerates a new paragraph to type. I also like Key Hero (58 WPM) better because I got a better score as opposed to Typing Test (49 WPM). I do wish to improve my typing speed. I believe my typing skills have improved within the last year. I would agree that good typing and good reading skills are important in any setting. For instance, I have a friend who types slower than I do and it takes him twice as long to finish his English papers than I did.

Tech Tip: Announcements email

I think the announcements page is super helpful, especially for me. I am not as organized as I would like to be. I think the announcements keep me on track to where I need to go. I always look at the announcements to see what needs to be done. It is a smart idea to have everyone on the same page. It is also very convenient when any new updates of changes are made to the announcements, that an email is sent. This is a nice feature to ensure I do not miss anything!

Tech Tip: Text to Voice

I will admit, the voice-to-text tool was odd. However, it is growing on me. It is a way to listen to what you wrote. Personally, I tend to skim proofread over my writings and this tool makes it easier to read slower and more carefully. I do not normally use voice-to-text tools because I would much rather listen to my music than critic my writing. I do think I will use it in the future to read over any important works that I may have.

Tech Tip: Word Counter

This is a very helpful extension. Depending on the subject, I can write too much or too little. It is a hassle to copy and paste the document onto Word, so this is a super easy shortcut that I think everyone should utilize. It makes the writing process a little quicker so you can focus your time on something else rather than copying and pasting from one site to the next.

Word Count: 73

Tech Tip: Canvas Notifications

I did not discover Canvas notifications until about last year. They were the best thing that ever happened to me! Sometimes I would forget assignments or things I needed to do, but when my phone or email pinged with a notification, I was reminded. I love the notifications because it tells me when a grade has been put in. I am an impatient person, so I can't wait to see my grades. I set up my notifications to send when a change has been made to canvas from my app and email. I doubled my notification so I would ensure I would not miss anything. I think this is a super useful tool!

Tech Tip: Canvas Calendar

I have not been one to use electronic calendars, so this was my first time really utilizing it. It is such a useful tool, I do not know why I didn't use it before! It is a great way for me to glance at my schedule and see exactly what I have planned. I was able to put my class, work, and study schedule. Along with that, I started putting my meeting times and hang outs with friends on there. I am feel more organized and less flustered with daunting tasks that lie ahead.

Tech Tip: Canvas Mobile App

I downloaded the Canvas app on my iPhone. I had no problems with the download. I think this is one of my most used apps. It is a super and convenient way to stay updated on canvas. I love it!

(I love Technology - Image Source)

Feedback Thoughts

I have never known how to give effective feedback or how to receive feedback to my advantage. The most productive feedback experiences I had was advice on physiology. It was to do a little of the coursework rather than wait for the day before the test to study. Although the feedback is intuitive, it was helpful to hear it from a professor. 

6 Bad Mental Habits That Sabotage Your Success

I find that I do many of these bad mental habits without realizing it. I believe it is important to identify the problems in order to address and fix the problems. My most trouble area is second-guessing myself. But, I am working on all of these areas slowly, but surely. 

The Psychology of Comparison and How to Stop

One of the quotes in the article reminds me of what my mom says to me, "Look down to feel better, up to feel worse." It is important to realize how fortunate you are, and it is difficult to do so if you focus on things you don't have. I think an important tip for success that was mentioned in the article is to focus on the goals and plans rather than comparing with others. Rather than focus on other's bests, focus on personal bests. Because in the end, it is only you at the finish line. 

I think these articles are eye opening. It makes me realize that I am still growing as a person. In order to receive feedback, it is best to be receptive of the information. I take feedback too personally, so I have become more receptive and opened to new ideas.

(FOCUS - Image Source)

Topic Brainstorm: 4 Possibilities

I am definitely gravitating to the love stories between the gods.

My first possibility is Shiva Parvati. This is a tale about two lovers, Shiva and Parvati. At first, Shiva is not interested in Parvati but he is curious. Parvati is stubborn and wants to win Shiva's love, however a hermit, Shiva in disguise,  tries to convince to give up her quest. But she is unwavering. In the end, they marry and defeat Taraka. If I chose this topic, I would like to learn more about the love story and how they defeated Taraka. If I was going to this story, I think a diary entry from Parvati and Shiva would be interesting. It would be like the chapters in the book "Flipped" where the perspectives are alternating.

My second possibility is Indra and Shachi. What seems like another love story, it is about the Lord of Heaven and his devoted wife. From what I know, Indra is a King of gods. I would further like to know who Shachi is since she won his heart. Who was the person to steal the most eligible bachelor? I am not sure how I would present this story, perhaps a diary style like the first one, or try to do it like The Bachelor style where someone gets a rose in the end.

My third possibility is Kacha and Devayani. The title of the piece is Kacha and Devayani: Star-Crossed Lovers, which gives me a Romeo and Juliet vibe. I am interested in this topic because I love the idea of star-crossed lovers. I would like to retell it in maybe a Shakespearian way or a playwright like Romeo and Juliet. I would like to learn more about the couple since I am unfamiliar with their names.

My final possibility is Vasavadatta the Princess, who captures the heart of a Kshatriya. A Kshatriya is a social class in Hindu society. Kshatriya is the highest class consisting of the ruling and military elites. It is said to be a classical romance story, which I love! It would be interesting to read more about the romance. If I were to retell the story, I would do it in the King's perspective since it seemed he was the one courting the princess.

(Love - Image Source) 

Week 2 Story: The Tiger and the Princess

The Tiger and the Princess

One day, the princess and her guards were on a trip around Central India to visit a small village to aid in their rural town. Going through the dense forest, she heard a mighty roar. Tired from walking for two full days, they decided to rest in the center of the forest. In the morning, the guards were no where to be seen. The princess was scared that whoever roared the day before was out to get her. Suddenly, she saw a bear! The bear was the criminal behind the missing guards for it had been a while since he had a full meal and he was ready for dessert. In the face of the bear, the princess began to cry hysterically. The princess saw a flash of orange and black. In a blink of an eye, the tiger pounced on the bear and saved the princess. The princess thanked the tiger for his kindness. The tiger decided to escort the princess to the rural village and back home considering the forest was a dangerous place to travel alone. Throughout the trip back to the palace, the princess started to fall in love with the tiger's kindness and bravery. She did not see him as the ferocious animal like every one else did. 

As she was at the border of her palace, the guards spotted her and the tiger. When the king was notified of the tiger, he ordered an immediate dismissal of the beast. When the princess and tiger arrived at the double doors, there was the guards aiming their swords at the tiger. The king swept his daughter away, examining her from head to toe. “I am so glad you are safe from this beast!,” the king exclaimed. “Father, the tiger saved me. I would like him to live in the castle with us,” the princess said. "Nonsense,” replied the father. 

The tiger was taken to the dungeon. 

The princess told the father that the guards was killed in the dense forest of central India and begged her father to release the tiger. From then, the king's mind began brewing a plan. He let the tiger free, but kept a watchful eye on him. One day, the princess was laying on the tiger's shoulder, when suddenly the tiger yawned. The king saw from afar and thought the tiger was going to eat his daughter! The king finally had a reason to dismiss the tiger on the account of attempted snacking of his daughter. The tiger was sentenced to exile in the forest of central India. The king did not know that was the tiger's true home, since the princess and tiger kept it secret. The king assumed that the forest was a dangerous place for anyone since his deceased guards. 

The tiger went to the forest. 

Every year, the princess visits the rural village. She always walks through the dense forest. 

(The Princess and Her Tiger - Image Source)

Author's Note:
The main characters in this story was a turtle, king, and boys. In the story, the king placed some fish within a lake along with a turtle. Since the young princes of the village had never seen a turtle before, they assumed he was a demon. When the turtle was ordered to be killed, the king felt that the best punishment would be something that the king, himself, was afraid of. He suggested to throw the turtle into a river. The turtle acted horrified at the thought. However, after the punishment was done, the turtle was safe and sound.

Bibliography: "The Turtle and the King." from Jatakas Tales by Ellen C Babbitt. Web Source: Sacred Texts.