Journal 4 (22/03/09)

An article was given us in reading class last Wednesday. The article was from “Time Australia” and was written about the herbal medicine. It describes about different medicine approaching style between Eastern and Western. Eastern practices treat the body as a complex whole instead of trying to heal a specific illness but western medicine approaches diseases in a direct and unilateral way. With this information, I could make sure the difference approaching method between Eastern and Western. Also it was very helpful to prepare the report and get an idea. When I was reading this article, I felt the heavy pressure because of the time limit, but when I finished reading it, I realized that the teacher gave us very important information as a kind of a guide line. I haven’t started to make structure for the report yet, but I drew some outline in my mind to start the report soon.

Journal 3 (15/03/09)

From last week, I have started to research about the herbal medicine for the assignment. I visited Parramatta library last Monday and was able to find some books relating to the topic fortunately, so I applied for a library card and borrowed five books. The next day, I went to the Holroyd library which is in the Merrylands, although it was very busy day because of my mother-in-law’s birthday. I spent about half an hour for finding books which is about the herbal remedies and nutritional herbology. When I found these books I was very pleased, because many of my classmates said to me it is very hard to find the books from any library about the topic because somebody took these books already. Anyway I was lucky, so I could get some books. Especially, in the speaking class, I chose the ginseng as the topic for presentation, so I borrowed a few books about ginseng, which has been used as a herbal remedy in Korea for a long time. Also, the teachers have given us the information about useful internet sites which are reliable. They told us that it is better to use .org, .net, .edu, or .gov. I realize that most internet sites are commercial so it was very hard to find reliable articles from internet, but when I used the databases provided by library, I could find a lot of articles which are reliable and academic. I think I can get enough sources about he topic.
Now, more important task is left. I should make a plan to write the report and try to think critically about herbal medicines. That is the main part of the assignment and one of the things I am concerned about, because critical thinking is unfamiliar to me. So, I need more practice for this ability and should change my way of thinking. It makes me stressed but also it will make me study harder so I can get a good result

Journal 2 (08/03/09)

Last Friday, in the computer class, I learned about basic computer theory which is very useful. I realized that to understand about computer program and its functions is quite important. So I need to get familiar with the terms as CPU, Hz, Ram, Rom etc. I have heard these terms before, but I did not know what they mean exactly. It was very good chance to learn and understand about computer theory not only about terms. I should remember what I learnt, because we are going to do the test next week. Teacher taught us how to use Microsoft Word 2007 which is made recently. I have version 2003 only on my computer. Needless to say in version 2007, it has more developed functions, so I was very interested in learning the various functions. The computer class became my favorite class.

On the other hand, honestly I still feel difficult in writing and speaking. Especially academic writing seems too hard for me, so nearly every day I read English books and study vocabulary to overcome my barriers. I expect to increase my writing skills gradually but it seems to go too slowly and sometimes I feel disappointed. But I will always remember this sentence; “Do not give up!”

Journal 1 (01/03/09)

Much of my last few weeks were spent to struggle to adjust myself to the EAP course which is much harder than my previous course. I found that this course requires a lot of effort and time to study. Also, I need to change the way of thinking so I would better to leave my old style of thinking and to take the new style of thinking. Actually, it makes me very difficult, confused and leads me to low self confidence. In this circumstance, I have to make some decisions to succeed to learn English in EAP course.

First, I will read English books, newspapers and magazines everyday as much as I can. Second, I need to increase vocabulary ability, so whenever I find new vocabulary I will find the meaning of the word and keep it in my brain. Third, I am going to listen to a radio program whenever I drive everyday, it might help me to increase my listening skill. Last, I will keep writing my journal every week. It is quite good chance to build up my writing skill and I can focus on learning English at the same time. When I meet a barrier which makes me shrink, I will make more effort to overcome that difficulty.

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