While in Europe, I visited many different places. Two of those places I visited are Paris, France and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Both are very unique to themselves but also have distinct similarities. Paris and Amsterdam are very contrasting cities but they both make a great place to visit.
Paris, France is a classy city. It’s one of the world’s major global cities because of its influence in entertainment, fashion, the arts, and much more. There are many historical and popular landmarks throughout this major city. The first one to pop into your head is the Eiffel Tower designed by Gustave Eiffel. This once radio broadcasting tower stands 1,050 feet tall. The Avenue des Champs-Elysees, the main street of Paris, is one of the most expensive strips of real estate in the world. Its luxury shops and restaurants make it a very popular place to be.The Musee du Louvre, the Louvre Museum, is one of the world’s largest museums located on the bank of the Seine River. The Louvre is home to the Mona Lisa, its most popular attraction. Paris includes many more tourist attractions that millions come to see every year. Something unique to Paris is the cuisine. The city is lined with luxurious restaurants specializing in the deliciousness of French food.
Amsterdam is not known for its so called “classiness” as Paris is. It is a major cultural city full of numerous things to do and see. There are a lot of museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. Those museums house paintings by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and many other famous painters. A famous historical place in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank house. This house, now a museum, tells the story of Anne Frank and how she kept a diary while hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Amsterdam is also known for its canal system. You can get almost anywhere in the city by boat. The canals also provide for boat tours for tourists. The Dutch food is also distinct in Amsterdam. Although there are hundreds of restaurants, the food is very unique to the country itself.
Despite the cultural differences mentioned above, Paris and Amsterdam have some similarities. They are both capitals of their country, making them a huge tourist stop. The history of the cities and the landmarks in them is incredible. The history really comes alive once you set foot in those cities. Paris and Amsterdam are also similar in what they use for transportation. Bicycles are used everywhere in Europe, but are especially evident in these large cities. Trains, metros, tram, and buses are also major ways of public transportation.
Since these two cities are in different countries, they’re obviously going to be culturally different. However, both cities include things that would spike anybody’s interest. Despite them having a lot of differences, Paris and Amsterdam are both equally enjoyable.
Monday, April 23, 2012
iPods in Study Hall
Imagine a typical study hall. There are some students studying, others chatting. There is also a large variety of other noises such as students coming and going, the rustle of papers, the muffled buzz of the lights, and the eerie tick of the clock reminding you of the time that’s slowing by. With all these distractions, how are we able to focus? I’m not sure, but I do know that music would cancel out all these background noises. Even though iPods are thought to be a distraction, could they actually be preventing distraction?
Certified teacher Elona Hartjes said, “Listening to music helps improve productivity. Why? One reason is because music acts like white noise in the background preventing students from noticing every other little noise that usually distracts them.”
All students have different study methods. Some have to sit in complete silence, but for others, music does the trick. The only way to accomplish homework is to have music playing. That music could block out the possible distractions that occur in the classroom daily. Some students get distracted quite easily by things as little as a pencil dropping on the floor, the clicking of a pen, or the constant flipping of papers. “Noise” they’re used to listening to could block out all those distracting noises to accomplish more in one time period.
An article written by Professor William Klemm in Psychology Today said, “Listening to music activates sound-to-meaning neurons in the brain, which jumpstarts other portions of the brain that allow for faster learning.” In other words, music triggers something in the brain that could possibly quicken the learning process. Along with blocking out distractions, music could also be helping you learn.
There are a lot more things you can do on an iPod besides listen to music. I sort of understand where the teachers are coming from in this situation. I agree with them on the fact that there should be no iPods in class because of obvious chances of cheating or distracting other students. I think it’s different in study hall though. Study hall is a class period chosen by the student to be a “free” time during the school day. Yes, some students wish to actually study during study hall but most take it as a time to take break from the stressful school activities. Music helps that time become more productive in a sense that it keeps everyone occupied and helps those who are studying.
“Listening to music helps improve productivity,” So why not? Study hall should be a free time for the students to sort of unwind and be comfortable. Having iPods in study hall would allow music listeners to focus and get more accomplished.
Certified teacher Elona Hartjes said, “Listening to music helps improve productivity. Why? One reason is because music acts like white noise in the background preventing students from noticing every other little noise that usually distracts them.”
All students have different study methods. Some have to sit in complete silence, but for others, music does the trick. The only way to accomplish homework is to have music playing. That music could block out the possible distractions that occur in the classroom daily. Some students get distracted quite easily by things as little as a pencil dropping on the floor, the clicking of a pen, or the constant flipping of papers. “Noise” they’re used to listening to could block out all those distracting noises to accomplish more in one time period.
An article written by Professor William Klemm in Psychology Today said, “Listening to music activates sound-to-meaning neurons in the brain, which jumpstarts other portions of the brain that allow for faster learning.” In other words, music triggers something in the brain that could possibly quicken the learning process. Along with blocking out distractions, music could also be helping you learn.
There are a lot more things you can do on an iPod besides listen to music. I sort of understand where the teachers are coming from in this situation. I agree with them on the fact that there should be no iPods in class because of obvious chances of cheating or distracting other students. I think it’s different in study hall though. Study hall is a class period chosen by the student to be a “free” time during the school day. Yes, some students wish to actually study during study hall but most take it as a time to take break from the stressful school activities. Music helps that time become more productive in a sense that it keeps everyone occupied and helps those who are studying.
“Listening to music helps improve productivity,” So why not? Study hall should be a free time for the students to sort of unwind and be comfortable. Having iPods in study hall would allow music listeners to focus and get more accomplished.
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