SELF-ASSESSMENT

ESP DEFINITIONS TESTS: These tests were quite difficult tasks in English lectures. It was difficult to learn by heart all the words from modules. First was very hard to learn full definition, but later I learned how to shorten them. It helped me a lot to do better achievement.

MOODLE TESTS: It used to take a little time to make, but Moodle tests were good and easy way to get a good mark. Also, it is good way to revise learned material.

ONLINE LISTENING PRACTICE (listening, T/F, synonym matching, gap filling). I enjoyed doing listening because it was interesting and I could improve my listening skills. Most difficult for me was gap filling, because sometimes was hard to catch correct word to fill in the blank. Moreover, others task difficulty depends on record quality, how fast speaker is and how attentive I am.

TRADITIONAL LISTENING (to cassettes or CD): I do not feel any need to separate this from online listening practice because it is very similar. I have the same difficulties as doing online listening.

ONLINE EXERCISES FROM FELDMAN‘S COURSE BOOK:  Online exercises from Feldman's course book were like Moodle tests. It was good to revise just learned information and use it practically. Also, we work as a team and sometimes this make it more difficult to choose right answer and focus on task.

POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS: I found this task interesting, but also stressful. The process of making presentation was interesting but presenting it caused me a little stress. Moreover, I have learned how to do it in correctly way and I can use this knowledge in future presentations.

SHORT TALKS: This activity is not hard, but I am not very good at grammar and pronunciation . In addition, I am afraid to talk to audience, so I always forget what I wanted to say.

SPEAKING IMPROMPTU: I don’t think that I improved my speaking impromptu skills. I haven’t spoken very much at lecture, because I need more time to think what I could say or sometimes it is hard to add something what wasn’t said yet.

References:

http://you-count.co.uk/what-we-do-for-you/self-assessment/

Psychology of stress

Stress can be a reaction to a short-lived situation, such as being stuck in traffic or it can last a long time if person is dealing with relationship problems, or other serious situations. Stress becomes dangerous when it interferes with persons ability to live a normal life over an extended period. They may feel tired, unable to concentrate or irritable. Stress can also damage their physical health.

Stress has powerful effects on mental functioning, mental and physical performance, interpersonal encounters, and physical well-being. Some researchers reported that 50-80% of all physical disorders have psychosomatic or stress related origins.

There are four major classifications or types of stress and I would like to describe them. First is frustration - stress due to any situation in which the pursuit of some goal is removed. Frustration is usually short-lived, but some frustrations can be source of major stress. Second type would be conflict - two or more incompatible motivations or behavioral impulses compete for expression. When faced with multiple motivations or goals, person must choose and this is where the problems or conflict arises. Studies have indicated that the more conflict a person experiences, the greater the likelihood for anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms. Third type would be change - life changes are noticeable alterations in one's living circumstances that require adjustment. Some researchers found that big changes like death of a loved one are very stressful, small life changes have tremendous effects. Forth would be pressure - expectations or demands that one must behave in a certain way.

On the other hand, sometimes, stress is normal. Some stress is good for person - it keeps him alert and protects him in times of danger. Feeling a bit stressed about exams is normal - it may help people to focus their energy into revising well. Prolonged and unwanted stress, however, may lead to mental and physical health problems.

In conclusion, stress is serious problem and there are many techniques, which can help to reduce stress like relaxation techniques. People should seek to control stress before it becomes to harmful for them.

References:

http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/psychology/stress/revise-it/what-is-stress

http://www.apa.org/topics/stress/index.aspx

http://www.alleydog.com/101notes/stress&health.html

 Picture:

http://blogs.thenews.com.pk/blogs/2012/04/18/how-do-you-deal-with-stress/

Summary

In the article “The mystery of memory” Steven Rose introduces our memory possibilities. Author explains scientists work at memory and types of memory.

                     

                      Firstly, Rose points out the difference between remembering names and remembering how to do something practical. Furthermore, the writer describes a test which shows that people find it easier to recognize things when they see them than to recall them.

                 Secondly, the writer describes an ability (photographic memory) that human grow out of. Moreover, Rose attempts to explain the way the human brain stores memories.

                      Thirdly, author lists methods people use to try remember what someone is called.

Finally, Rose describes the problem scientists are currently working on in this area.

References:
Longman. "Focus On Advanced English C.A.E.", Series editor Sue O'Connell, 2007.

Psychology of obsession

An obsession is a persistent, unwanted thought or idea that keeps recurring. For example, double-check that the iron is unplugged or your car is locked but if people do it twenty times a day, it may be a psychical disorder.

                      At its worst, obsession is like an iron mask that permits people to gaze in only one direction at one thing. People may become obsessed with a person, a place, a goal, a subject - but obsession amounts to the same thing in all cases: addiction. When an obsession happens, a person feels uncomfortable, anxious and the need to neutralize or put right such obsession.

At first, like all addictions, obsession is intoxicating. Obsession makes people feel powerful, capable, and purposeful. But also like all addictions, with time obsession unbalances person. They often begin to neglect parts of their lives that they shouldn't. If allowed to become too consuming, obsession causes them to devalue important dimensions of their lives and tolerate their atrophy and even their collapse. But even if their lives remain in balance, if the object of their obsession is taken away from them they find themselves devastated and often convinced they've lost their last chance at happiness.

Further, we have to acknowledge that it's hard, if not often impossible, to achieve something great without being just a little bit obsessed with it. In fact, when properly harnessed, the increased energy, drive, determination, and resiliency obsession brings can be highly adaptive. Obsession, when made to serve us, can bring out our most capable selves, motivating us to find the creativity and ingenuity to solve incredibly difficult problems. Obsession, in short, can lead us to greatness.

In conclusion, people who have obsession should seek to control it. People can make their obsessions work for them rather than work them over. And they can learn to let them go when the time comes. But the most important thing is to notice them and try to find the cure in time, before it becomes a serious addiction.

References:

Robert S. Feldman. Understanding Psychology. 9th Edition. McGraw- Hill, Inc. 2009.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/201004/obsession 

http://pierre-khazen-psy.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2007-09-18T00:12:00-07:00&max-results=2&start=2&by-date=false 

 Picture:

http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/o/obsession.asp 

Psychology studies at Mykolas Romeris University and abroad

                 There are a lot of universities where you can study psychology, but I would like to talk about Mykolas Romeris and Edinburgh universities.

                 Bachelor’s degree in Psychology offered by the Department of Psychology at Mykolas Romeris University is a full time 3,5 year undergraduate programme targeted to the students who have secondary education or high education certificate. It gives students a comprehensive general coverage of the central topics of psychology. Courses provide students with the knowledge of research, theories, and their applications in psychology. The program also gives an opportunity for some specialization through the optional courses. Mykolas Romeris University offers accommodation for international students on campus – at student residence hall “Student house”- the twelve floor modern building.. Rooms are shared by two or three students. If you want to continue your studies you can choose from Social psychology, Law psychology and Organization psychology at Master’s degree.

             The program in The University of Edinburgh lasts four years. You will have the opportunity to learn from researchers who are leaders in their field, and a particular strength of university teaching is the key element of experimental/practical work thought the course. Psychology at Edinburgh has close links with a wide variety of other Schools such as Biological Science, Education, Informatics, and Social and Political Studies. All freshers from outside Edinburgh are guaranteed an offer of university accommodation, with certain conditions. Accommodation ranges from the catered to self-catered, the modern to the traditional. Masters programmes in psychology at university are Cognition in Science & Society, History and Theory of Psychology, Human Cognitive Neuropsychology, Individual Differences, Psychology of Language, Psychological Research.

                  In conclusion, The University of Edinburgh offers more opportunities to continue studies at master degree than Mykolas Romeris University. But the main psychology program disciplines in both universities are quite similar.

References:

http://www.mruni.eu/en/current_students/accommodation/

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/edinburgh

http://www.psy.ed.ac.uk/psy_students/undergraduate/index.php

https://www.mruni.eu/en/prospective_students/degree_programmes/

http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/degrees?id=0,10&cw_xml=subject.php

Pictures:

http://www.visitscotland.ch/scotland-universities/edinburgh-university.html/attachment/05-08-2005

http://www.dorichhousegroup.eu/members_mru.html