Prof. vK | ENG1101-D149 | Fall 2024

Week 5: Starting unit 2

Hi class! The agenda is below. But first, here are some useful links:

For Wednesday, 9/25

  • Complete unit 1 assignment by midnight, and email to evonklemp@gmail.com as a PDF

Homework for Monday, 9/30

READ AND ANNOTATE:Schools are Killing Curiosity” from The Guardian 

WRITE: Blog Post (at least 300 words): 

What is something you were interested in when you were a kid? Are you still interested in that topic? How did asking questions help you learn more about that topic?

If so, how has your curiosity changed and grown over the years? And what role did the educational system play in your curiosity (good or bad)? 

If you are not interested in this topic anymore, what do you think happened to that interest? Do you remember the specific time you LOST interest?  What did you become interested in instead (and why?) 

THINK: Start thinking about a topic you are interested in, something you might want to know more about.  This can be something heavy, like police brutality, or it can be something that seems on the surface more light-hearted, like ballet.  The only criteria is that you are actually curious about it.  
This may seem like strange advice, but it can be helpful to go for a walk and think about topics you’d like to write about. Come home and jot down a few notes. By (day 12) you will be expected to have some idea of a topic you’d like to research, even if it’s a bit vague.

14 Comments

  1. Liz

    Hi I am Liz

  2. adrianf

    Something that peaked my interest as a kid was how to stop the addiction of smoking. My parents were both smokers and I tried to stop them from doing it. I learned in school and online that smoking was bad for you so I told them to stop. I told them that you have to give me 20$ every-time you smoked to try and incentivize them to stop smoking. That barely worked and when they did say “Okay I’ll give you $20” they never gave it to me. I asked myself why they couldn’t stop smoking, why did they start smoking and what are ways to stop it. Later on in life I stopped bugging them about it but realized, it’s hard to stop something that you’re so used to do. I realized the reason they’re doing it is because of habit and stress.

    Over the years, I realized that smoking is still terrible and bad for you, but ultimately it’s up to the person to fully quit and stop smoking. I can help them quit but I can’t fully stop it. I felt like I lost interest towards this topic because luckily, my parents smoke less and don’t do it everyday.

    I feel like my interest of stopping smoking has lowered a lot as I got older because people have developed ways to reduce smoking like nicotine gum, patches, and many other things. Smoking is still a huge problem but I feel like my interest has stopped due to my parents not doing it as much anymore.

  3. jessica

    One thing I was interested in was becoming a vet. This was because growing up I had always wanted a pet dog, but my mom would always be against it. She would always put an excuse as to why we could not have a pet in the apartment. Some excuses were that the house was not big enough, other excuses would be I was not old enough to take care of a dog properly. Once we moved out of the apartment and into a house the excuse would be that the owner did not allow pets in the houses. I believed that becoming a vet would fill the void of not being able to have a pet while growing up.

    This was until I had a close friend that would tell me about her mother’s experience as a vet. The harsh treatment dogs and cats had to go through to be saved. The numerous times she had to put down a pet for health reasons, and the pressure she would sometimes feel into trying to save a pet while their owners waited. While I was told this by my friend my interest changed rapidly. I am not a person that would be able to handle these situations professionally since I’m sensitive. Asking my friend about these experiences really helped me acknowledge that wanting to become a vet is not only “rainbows and sunshine” with the animals it is also going through hardships of letting them go.

    Although the school system like teachers and advisors did try to motivate me that it is part of life and I would be able to handle it, I let the idea go since I did end up having a pet dog after many talks with my mom and convincing that I can take care of my pet. After some time, my mom did learn to love my dog and even looks after him when I can’t.

  4. Dominick

    For some reason, I was interested in superpowers as a kid. When I was younger I used to watch a few shows with people that had superpowers or “bionics”,  my favorite one was Lab Rats on the Disney channel when I used to see it I thought it was real and wished I had superpowers.  But now I’m no longer interested because I realized it was all fake and stupid. When I Asked more questions about whether or not superpowers were fake the Majority of the answers I received were no and that they didn’t know themselves. My curiosity changed and grew over the years because as I got older I started seeing it in more shows and I thought there’s no way all these different people have superpowers and it started to click to me that it wasn’t real. I also started watching behind-the-scenes videos and seeing how fake everything was and thought my whole childhood was a Lie. The Education system played a good role in my curiosity because It showed that anything can be fake. For example, I used to read a lot of fiction novels in school, and I’ve seen some of the craziest fake stuff happen which helped me realize that superpowers can be fake. The main reason why I  believed it so much is because of how real they looked on TV I used to sometimes  I would try to reenact what I had seen which was embarrassing. The reason why I am no longer interested in this topic is because I’ve now grown up and realized that it’s nonsense and impossible. I lost interest specifically around 4th grade once I found out the truth. After that experience, I became more interested in the behind-the-scenes parts of shows and seeing how everything is orchestrated and what everything looks like. 

      

  5. Renee a

    Growing up, I was very interested in becoming a vet. One summer, when I was around 7, I visited my mom’s hometown. She was born and raised in Caircou, Grenada. We stayed at my aunt’s house for about a month. There, she had a backyard full of young puppies. I named them Milky, Oreo, and Spikey. During my month there, I had grown strong attachments to the puppies, and it hurt me to leave. That was all I could think about once I got back to New York. I drew pictures, read books, and preferred shows about puppies. My favorite show at the time was ‘Too Cute: puppies”, which was a whole show dedicated to the raising of puppies. I would try to stop at every single pet store. I couldn’t get enough.

    As I got older, my curiosity grew stronger, and I decided to watch an hour-long vet trainee video on YouTube. At this time, I was only around 10, so the things I saw disturbed me. The vet was putting down animals and stuff that I’d never heard of. Once reality got to me, I realized that being a vet is much more than just adoring animals. I quickly noticed that I wasn’t cut out for something like that. My obsession slowly faded with age, and I never got the puppy I dreamed of. When I went back to Grenada, I learned that my aunt had sold all three puppies.

    Since I liked more of the look and the better side of animal care, I thought of doing animal grooming or dog walking. Around this time, I was about 12 or 13. I had two friends with dogs, and I still never owned one myself. My friend Zaniyah asked me to watch her dog for two days while she went away to visit family over the holidays. While I was taking care of her dog, he grew incredibly sick and defecated everywhere. After this incident, my house smelled terrible for about a week. At that moment, I grew sick of taking care of any pet of any kind, regardless of what it was.

  6. joey

    When I was a kid, I was very interested in Computers. I loved them–I wanted to know everything about them, their inner workings, how to break them, build them back up, literally everything. It’s not something that I’m still interested in now, though. It wasn’t something that I asked questions about, it was more like I wanted to figure out everything on my own, which might’ve played into my disinterest, but I think that’s okay.

    I think my interests just shifted. I saw that I was better at writing, that making characters and stories gave me more fun than playing around on computers, and it slowly influenced me to move further and further away from computers and my love for them. I don’t remember exactly when I lost interest, but I know that when I got more interested in writing I spent a little less time on the computer. Seeing that I was better at that, I thought that maybe, just maybe, I could make it a career. That dream of making a career out of writing, turned into wanting to become an Author. Since then, it’s something that’s stuck with me, and it’s not something I plan on letting go of for a while.

  7. Jesenia Pineda

    As a kid, I really liked science, especially chemical reactions, they fascinated me. I loved mixing different substances and watching them react, like magic happening right in front of me. Questions like why baking soda fizzes with vinegar or how fireworks explode in colors drove my curiosity. Science felt like a hands-on mystery waiting to be solved.

    But as I grew older, school slowly drained that excitement from me. My interest in chemical reactions was limited to memorizing formulas and balancing equations. Instead of engaging experiments, I got lessons delivered in monotone voices, with no room for creativity or discovery. Science became about tests, not exploration.

    The turning point came in high school, where even the teacher seemed to care very little about the subject he was teaching. I realized I was no longer excited about the subject. 

    Looking back, I know my curiosity could have grown with a different approach, like passionate teachers. It’s clear to me now how much of a role teachers and the educational system play in shaping our passions. They can either ignite a lifelong interest or, as in my case, extinguish it. While I may not have continued with chemistry, the desire to learn and explore hasn’t left me. Instead, I’ve found it in areas where curiosity is still celebrated.

  8. Nigel

    When I was a kid, I was fascinated by the stars and the vastness of space. The night sky, with its twinkling stars and mysterious planets, always captured my imagination. I would spend hours gazing through my small telescope, trying to identify constellations and wondering about the possibility of life on other planets. This interest in astronomy was fueled by countless questions I had about the universe. I would ask my parents, teachers, and anyone who would listen about black holes, supernovas, and the potential for extraterrestrial life. Asking questions was a crucial part of my learning process. Each question led to a new discovery, and each answer sparked even more curiosity. I remember reading books and watching documentaries, trying to quench my thirst for knowledge. My curiosity was insatiable, and I found joy in the endless possibilities that space exploration presented.

    Over the years, my curiosity has evolved. While I am still fascinated by space, my interests have broadened to include other scientific fields such as biology and environmental science. This shift was partly due to the educational system, which exposed me to a wide range of subjects. My teachers played a significant role in nurturing my curiosity by encouraging me to explore different topics and think critically about the world around me. The educational system had both positive and negative impacts on my curiosity. On the positive side, it provided me with the resources and opportunities to learn about various subjects. On the negative side, the rigid structure and standardized testing sometimes stifled my creativity and made learning feel like a chore rather than an adventure. However, the support of inspiring teachers helped me navigate these challenges and maintain my love for learning.

  9. Nathan

    When I was a kid, I was really interested in art. I loved drawing and painting, spending hours creating colorful worlds on paper. The process of bringing my imagination to life fascinated me. I remember asking endless questions about different techniques, styles, and materials. This curiosity drove me to explore various art forms, from watercolor to collage, helping me discover what I enjoyed most.

    As I grew up, my interest in art evolved. I began to appreciate not just the act of creating, but also the history behind different movements and artists. I became curious about how art reflects culture and society, which led me to study art history more deeply. This shift in focus showed me how interconnected everything is and how powerful art can be as a form of expression.

    The educational system played a significant role in shaping my curiosity. In elementary school, I had enthusiastic teachers who encouraged creativity and exploration in art classes. Those positive experiences fueled my passion. However, as I moved to higher grades, the emphasis shifted more toward standardized assessments and less on individual creativity. This sometimes stifled my enthusiasm, as I felt pressured to conform to certain styles or techniques rather than exploring my own.

    Despite these challenges, I found ways to nurture my curiosity outside of school, joining art clubs and even finding communities outside of school. Those experiences reinforced my love for art and allowed me to connect with other like-minded individuals. Overall, while the educational system had its ups and downs, my curiosity helped me navigate through and keep my passion alive. Today, I still find joy in creating and learning about art, but I approach it with a deeper understanding of its significance in our lives.

  10. Alison

    When I was a kid, soccer was more than just a sport it was a way of life. I spent countless afternoons kicking a ball around with friends, imitating my favorite players, etc. Back then, my curiosity about soccer was insatiable. I wanted to know everything. I asked questions like, “How do players bend the ball like that?” And “Why do some teams play better together than others?” These questions fueled my desire to watch more matches. I learned about different tactics, player roles, and how teams could use strategy to outsmart their opponents. Asking questions wasn’t just about understanding the game it deepened my appreciation for its complexity.

    Today, my passion for soccer is still alive, but it has evolved. As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more interested in the nuances of the game. It’s not just about the goals anymore it’s about the teamwork, the tactics, and the mental toughness required to perform under pressure. I find myself fascinated by how teams prepare for matches, how coaches adjust their strategies, and how players handle the physical and psychological demands of the sport. Growing up took away my interest in playing it but not learning more about it. Even today my favorite pastime is watching soccer games.

  11. Al

    I used to be interested in astronomy as a kid. My interest arose from the first time I saw the stars, and still remains. I can still remember the scene vividly and there’s a lot I’d do to see the stars the same way I saw them back then. I didn’t really ask questions, but I did do a lot of reading. My knowledge wasn’t exactly cohesive since it was what I gathered from different articles and videos, but I was having fun. 

    My curiosity has dampened over the years. This is for a variety of reasons, but the main being the passage of time. It’s hard to stay interested in the same thing for so long when it doesn’t yield any results other than short term satisfaction. The education system has both helped and hurt my curiosity, but the effect is mostly negative. The combination of long school days, assignments, and tests meant that I had little to no energy left afterwards. I had a negative attitude towards ‘learning’ because of school and how tedious it was, and that repelled me from my previous hobby of reading articles and watching videos on astronomy. In 12th grade, I took astronomy as a class. I chose it because I was willing to give astronomy another chance since my interest hadn’t completely faded. I hated the daily homework, but other than that, I found it fascinating. It wasn’t as interesting as it was before since we followed a lesson plan or whatever, but it was better than nothing. 

    I wouldn’t say I’m completely disinterested in astronomy, but I think I’ve moved past it, which is a shame. I probably lost interest around middle school which was where I became frustrated with how tedious and monotonous everything felt. I substituted my interest with sulking in my room, basically spending my days rotting. I still find it fun to read up on new discoveries, but it’s not a staple like it used to be.

  12. Malik Olalekan

    When I was a kid, I was interested in literature books, I used to spend a lot of time reading hundred-page story books at school or at home, it was a thing of interest for me and my time, I learnt a lot of values, lesson, grammar and there it helps me broaden my vocabularies and word usage. Growing older I lost interest in the activity, I was more engaged in other activities which I consider more fun, I was more interested in physical activities or social ones, I did not also have enough time maybe due to schoolwork or studying for unrelated subjects.

    As a kid I was interested in social and cultural diversity, I lived in a diverse country where there were so many different cultures and language around me, I wanted to experience new cultures, international cultures and I also had a question of why there are so many different languages and why the world is not unanimous. I was not exposed as I wanted to in those moment and right now, I would say I am not really interested in this anymore.

    I also had a question about why some people have to suffer, why some people had to be poor and have no privilege, I knew banks can bring enough money for everyone and asking question from teachers about the topic made me understand how the society and how economics work, there have to a lower class and an higher class, the value of money is within the scarcity and having to work and look for it.

    My curiosity has diminished over the years, I used to be interested in almost every topic, wanted to know why a thing is happening, how, etc. It is normal not to stay interested in something for a very long time.

  13. Malik

    When I was a kid, I was interested in literature books, I used to spend a lot of time reading hundred-page story books at school or at home, it was a thing of interest for me and my time, I learnt a lot of values, lesson, grammar and there it helps me broaden my vocabularies and word usage. Growing older I lost interest in the activity, I was more engaged in other activities which I consider more fun, I was more interested in physical activities or social ones, I did not also have enough time maybe due to schoolwork or studying for unrelated subjects.

    As a kid I was interested in social and cultural diversity, I lived in a diverse country where there were so many different cultures and language around me, I wanted to experience new cultures, international cultures and I also had a question of why there are so many different languages and why the world is not unanimous. I was not exposed as I wanted to in those moment and right now, I would say I am not really interested in this anymore.

    I also had a question about why some people have to suffer, why some people had to be poor and have no privilege, I knew banks can bring enough money for everyone and asking question from teachers about the topic made me understand how the society and how economics work, there have to a lower class and an higher class, the value of money is within the scarcity and having to work and look for it.

    My curiosity has diminished over the years, I used to be interested in almost every topic, wanted to know why a thing is happening, how, etc. It is normal not to stay interested in something for a very long time.

  14. ostap tymchenko

    1) What is something you were interested in when you were a kid? Are you still interested in that topic? How did asking questions help you learn more about that topic?

    Something that I was interested in when I was a kid is definitely drawing. I would draw all the time, and it’s what I wanted to do. I still draw now, but it’s not what I focus on, and I have other hobbies and interests that are more important to me.

    2) If so, how has your curiosity changed and grown over the years? And what role did the educational system play in your curiosity (good or bad)? 

    When it comes to asking questions on the topic, I would say it’s not so much of a thing in drawing, it’s definitely more of a doing thing rather than a learning thing, where you gain experience through participating. That said, I still gained experience through asking questions about drawing and what can be done with it. I think when you’re a kid drawing, you don’t really understand what can be done with it, and having adults show you cool paintings and drawings experienced people make can be really mind-blowing.

    3) If you are not interested in this topic anymore, what do you think happened to that interest? Do you remember the specific time you LOST interest? What did you become interested in instead (and why?) 

    I do think that I lost interest, earlier on it was the center of everything that I did and all the adults in my life definitely thought that art was what I was going to do for the rest of my life (Which is very silly), but that’s also not the full story as I still often draw and at times I draw more often then I used to. It’s simply not the focus of my attention anymore. And I think it’s natural that as you discover new things you gain new interests and other things become more important in your life. At the time drawing is what I picked up because that is what I had on hand, now I’m interested in computers and that’s not really something I could have been interested in without a computer. Why I became interested in specifically computers and programming is hard to say, There are many reasons why I like it. Maybe it’s the problem-solving, maybe it’s the hyper-optimization of my workflow, I don’t really know to be honest.

    =============================================

    4) THINK: Start thinking about a topic you are interested in, something you might want to know more about. This can be something heavy, like police brutality, or it can be something that seems on the surface more light-hearted, like ballet. The only criteria is that you are actually curious about it.  

    This may seem like strange advice, but it can be helpful to go for a walk and think about topics you’d like to write about. Come home and jot down a few notes. By (day 12) you will be expected to have some idea of a topic you’d like to research, even if it’s a bit vague.

    For my essay, I’ve already decided to focus on the focus of high vs low level programming languages in introductory computer science classes. I’m personally of the opinion that CS is oversimplified in 101 classes and that teaching should be more low level. 

    I’ve started the essay, and I’m currently about two pages in and still looking for sources.

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