Independent learning log #5 By Valerie

Independent Learning Log #5

Link: http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20160531-how-to-induce-sleep-without-drugs

What I did:

For the last independent learning log, I decided to do research on problems that are affecting society, namely sleep deprivation.This is because many of my friends and family members suffer from sleep deprivation due to heavy workloads and I wanted to find out some ways to reduce the chance of sleep deprivation.  I went to do research on it and came upon this BBC website.

What I learned:

Nodding off-

Inducing-

Neuro-linguistic

Summary

In summary, 45% of the world’s population are affected by sleep problems which threaten their health. Some of these people consult sleep doctors/clinics, where they coach participants the effective ways of sleeping which are specially suited to their lifestyle.For sleep-deprived parents or professional athletes seeking peak performance, the sleep coach is essential for everyone. Sleep coaches charge different rates, depending on location and experience, but costs 70-130 euros an hour in Europe.

One of the points that was mentioned in the article is that sleeping does not need to be done in a controlled environment, such as your bedroom, but can be done anywhere such as in your office. The national Sleep Foundation also says that a 30 minute nap can help make you feel more alert and improve your performance.

Another method of a better sleep is called inducing sleep, by which the person thinks of his/her ideal state of relaxation.

Another method that can help improve your sleep is a willingness to change. A sleep coach is not able to change a person’s sleeping state if the person is not willing to change for the better. For example,there was a woman who could not fall asleep and would wake up in the middle of the night frequently. She thought that since the sleep doctor was certified in neuro-linguistic programming, the sleep doctor could easily help her fall asleep. But that was not the case, as Coaching is about change, which requires self-development and one has be ready to change their thinking.

Independent learning log #4 By Valerie Tan

Independent learning log #4

What I did :

In English SSP, we used to use this online platform called Vocabulary.com during SSP sessions to improve our range of vocabulary words. Since I have not attended SSP for a long time, I decided to re-try the exercises and recap on some vocabulary words.

What I learned :

I learned that there are so many words in the English language and I always learn new words everyday. Some of the words I learnt are

1. Tumultuous- making a uproar or making a lot of noise
2. Ramify - Branch out
3. Expediency-The quality of being convenient and practical
4. Precept - A general rule or a warrant/writ

Independent Learning Log #3 by Valerie

Independent Learning Log #3

http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/keep-calm-when-crisis

What I did

I went to Asia news and wanted to research on murder cases. I searched under Singapore section to find an article which summarized the famous CNU related cases. Even though no murder was involved, I still found the content of the article very interesting, hence chose this article.

What I learned

Tensions-mental or emotional strain.

barricaded subjects-Any individual who is reasonably believed to be a threat to commit serious bodily injury or death to hostages, 

Simulation-the action of various agents or forms of energy (stimuli) on receptors that generate impulses that travel through nerves to the brain (afferents).

Innate-inborn; natural.

Summary

In summary, the article began with a case where a man locked himself inside a room armed with a knife, and threatened to jump out of his nine storeys flat. The Crisis Negotiation Unit was in charge of this case, and the CNU is made up of officers trained to handle cases involving hostages, barricaded subjects, and suicide cases. According to the CNU officers, they have to stay on their toes for every investigation as every negotiation is different. Hence, they have to be alert and on standby around the clock. This amount of hard work requires officers to have served a minimum number of years accumulated on the police to apply to the CNU. They not only must have served a minimum number of years, but they have to undergo various tests, psychological screenings and simulation exercises. An example of one of the cases is an elderly woman that was trapped with her chopper-wielding son in an HDB flat. The CNU finally ended the negotiation by barging into the flat and arrested the man. This is only one of the many examples the CNU carries out.

Independent learning log #2 By Valerie

Independent learning log #2

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/painting-on-a-cup-of-coffee

What I did:

I went to the lifestyle section of the Straits time and happened to chance upon an article regarding latte art. I have a great liking for craft and art, hence this article caught my eye. It was very interesting to find out how the many skilled baristas are able to ‘draw’ on coffee

What I learned:

Words I did not understand:

Latte- A coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk

Etching-a print produced by the process of etching.

Summary

Basically, the article is about various baristas and latte artists who won various awards for their outstanding latte art. Most of them have been baristas for about five years and have gained a lot of experience to become professional latte artists. The latte artist that caught my attention is Mr. Eugene Lim from MavRx Coffee Apothecary. This is because he creates his designs depending on the weather. For example, on a rainy day, Mr. Kim will draw a teddy bear holding an umbrella and on a sunny day, he will draw a teddy bear with sunglasses. On Fridays, he will draw the teddy bears holding banners that say ‘TGIF’ and draw various characters based on the special occasions such as Christmas.To me, this idea is very creative, and I find the teddy bears he draw really cute, yet very challenging and difficult to draw. This also allows the customers to relate to the weather or special occasion, making the customer feel that the coffee is very personalized, and brightens up their day. In conclusion, I admire these baristas a lot as they are very talented, and it requires a lot of skills to master the art of latte art. Even though their jobs may seem simple, they put a lot of effort into to prepare 1 cup of coffee which I find very admirable.

Independent Learning Log #1 By Valerie Tan

Independent Learning Log #1

Date: 28 May 2016

What I did:

I went to the National Geographic website to find an article and happened to see a article that caught my attention. I am generally interested in World War 2 and its effect on the world and this article is talking about the effects of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

What I learnt:

I learnt that the atomic bomb has very dertremental effects in Hiroshima and has killed thousand of people.

Summary:

The people who were affected by the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima did not want an apology from the President of United States, Mr Barack Obama. The bomb was released to hasten the the end of World War 2, hence the leaders had to make a hard desicion to drop a atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The people who survived have suffered many long-term effects, even until this day. Despite Japan and USA coming to peace, some people think that President Obama has not done enough to make up for the damage caused. Yet, some people think that the fact that President Obama made a trip down to Hiroshima has given an example to the world of how we should behave, and they should improve relationships to eliminate nuclear weapons entirely.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/05/obama-visit-hiroshima-atomic-bomb/