Success!

This week was our last week together as we prepared for final exams.  While the rain never seemed to end, at least our room stayed cool and we could focus on what we needed to know instead of wishing we were at the beach. 

This year we have strengthened our analytical skills as we discussed a wide range of issues.  Your point of view will change over time as you experience more of life.  The classroom is a safe place to practice developing points of view and sharing them with fellow students.  Don’t ever be afraid to speak your mind, but always take time to gather information and think about your point of view.  Argue and debate out of knowledge.

We have had an exciting year as we travelled the globe via our current events and study of Contemporary World Issues. We had our second Naval War College International Speaker Series with officers from around the world.  You may be interested to know that the Dean of International Students was so pleased with the series that the College has committed to doing it again next year.  You are most welcome to join us…just stop by room 246 for a pass. You will soon find out that the world is really very small...we can see and be in contact with people from all over the globe in a matter of seconds....we can fly to, buy from and sell to any part of the world...and our actions as individuals and a nation affect all.  You are truly COTW: Citizens of the World!

In addition to our international studies we have spent much time thinking and talking about the major internal changes our country is experiencing. We have talked about domestic issues, including the upcoming presidential election and the economic challenges we are facing.  We have seen that issues are never as simple as they appear, and people with good intentions can differ sharply in interpreting what they observe.

Oral Histories

Congratulations again for doing such a good job on your oral history interviews.  This month-long project allowed you to experience history as events that affect everyone in their daily lives.  The stories told by family and friends make the events of the past come alive.  The last of the thank-you notes were mailed yesterday…a nice touch to what I hope you found to be a very meaningful project.

Study Guide

You have a study guide to help you review for the exam.  I would also urge you to use your portfolio and of course read over each blog entry.  By reading the weekly entry, you will have a review of all the classes since our midterm exam.  When doing the study guide, don’t just use the glossary for definitions as that does not put the event, person or term into context.  By using the text to read about the events, you will get a better understanding of the reason why the term is on the study guide.  Be sure to explain the significance of each term, person or event – why we need to know about it.

The study guide also has a description of the exam.  Take time to read it over and make sure to bring the study guide the day of the final…you will get extra points for a study guide that shows you took the time to think about the topics. As always, I am available for extra help before and after school…all you need to do is ask.

Status of Assignment Sheet

This week you also handed in your sheet of assignments.  This is a very useful tool for you to monitor your grades.  All the assignments are posted in the class, all your graded work goes in your folder and since we run on a point system, all you have to do is add up your points and divide by the total number of points offered.  These are your grades and you should take the time to monitor your progress.  As students about to entire your Senior year, you should have a system in place to track your progress.  So at the end of the quarter there should be no surprises…  

A Final Farewell to our Seniors

Congratulations on your graduation!  Walk the stage with pride…and go forth to do good things for one and all!

Last Entry

So it is now time to say good-by and wish all of you a happy and safe summer.  I want to thank my blog editor for keeping my thinking and writing clear, crisp and accurate.  I want to thank my many readers for their comments which always led to a better entry.  But most of all, I want to thank all of my students for a great year.  Your interest, enthusiasm, and questioning have led us to a deeper understanding of our world and how we can contribute to a better tomorrow.