Thursday's Thesis Writing: How to Start Thesis Research (?)

Thesis Skeleton: How to Start Thesis Research


Dr. A was generous enough to spend his lunch meeting with me at the student union and discuss this upcoming adventure in thesis writing. I'm eager to graduate with my Masters degree but actually haven't really grasped the concept of thesis research. After our lunch, I think the concept is clearer but Dr. A admitted he prefers to approach the thesis research process backwards from the norm. Not surprising if you know him.

My (Current) Formula for a Thesis Research paper by Josh Flores

Broad Topic - Boring Stuff = ([Specific Topic / Subject) + Purpose] + Research Question x Free Writing / Time

For example, if my Broad Topic of interest is Composition and I narrowed it down to the stuff that wasn't boring, I'd choose Memoir Writing and divide this by a specific subject to study. In this instance, I'd want to look at authors I enjoy reading that have written engaging memoirs. Dr. A and I discussed Hemingway as an example and his memoir A Moveable Feast.

Now we add a purpose for studying this narrowed topic and subject. I would want to study the benefits to student writing. This is where it gets interesting!

We start adding Research Questions to guide our writing and dedicate time to the writing and research that begins to grow on its own watered by my genuine interest. In my career field, I'd develop lesson plans using memoir writing as a tool for improving and then assessing student writing in secondary education.

Eventually, through a lot of free writing, I'd develop a statement to fully narrow my purpose. I'm not really going to use memoir writing. Dr. A suggests focusing on a real need in my field. While working with teachers I've been able to recognize a need for improving student writing and research skills.

In conclusion, my life has purpose.

Purpose: Improving student research writing and assessment using authentic pedagogical strategies and incorporating multimedia models in the form of professional documentaries.

Onward to the next step...

Wednesday's Weight Loss - Suck-It, Wii Fit!

Wednesday's Weight Loss UPDATE:
Wii Fit Can Suck-It!


I hate using the Wii Fit. The principle behind that device is great, but it always makes me feel bad about myself. My self-esteem is naturally low enough. I don't need a plastic robot from Japan to guilt me about years of over-indulgence on Nintendo products instead of competitive sports.


Even when I was at my previous best health - a robust 175 - the Wii Fit board would groan and squeak out an "Ouch!" whenever I set my foot on it. Stupid plastic white-devil! This is because the board uses a BMI scale to judge you and your fitness level. Even though I'm tall for a Mexican (5' 9"), my BMI requires me to be under 169 pounds. I've rarely broken 170! And that required round-the-clock diligence that was time-consuming, frustrating and highly inconvenient to having a life!


As of yesterday, Tuesday, May 17th, 2011, I have maintained a normal BMI for a week! The following chart shows my overall progress since starting the 4HB program. Each picture is from the iFitness iPhone app

I started slowly adding step from the Four Hour Body since January.

Suck it, Wii Fit!

I haven't entirely jumped into every detail of the 4HB plan. I've gone at my own pace and slowly added easy steps into my daily routine. I've had tremendous results and have more time to spend wedding planning, working on projects and writing. It's made great improvements in my stamina. I've been enjoying those at Mix-Martial Arts class. 

I still love Nintendo, but as far as their exercise program, that condescending, plastic white-devil can suck-it!

Thanks, Timothy Ferriss!

Tuesday's Teacher Feature - Joe Rogan: advocate for authenticity in the our education system

Joe Rogan: advocate for authenticity in the our education system

Joe Rogan

For the record, he never stated he was an advocate for authentic classroom practices but I'd wager he would based on the comments made on his 105th podcast.


If you haven't listen to it yet, why not? If you're not subscribing to his podcast, quit wasting space on your iPhone and go subscribe now: The Joe Rogan Experience.


Joe's podcast follows the great principle of George Iles - "Whoever ceases to be a student has never been a student." In academic jargon, this is known as the life-long learner.

Specifically, the 105th podcast is special to me because Joe expresses similar sentiment about educators that I've been hung up on since becoming one. Take a listen here and then you'll understand why the very need for books like the one below is so offensive to me. 

Yes, I understand we don't do it for the money. I get it, but it doesn't help the under-appreciated role teachers have in society when we're working part-time jobs between grading papers and professional development or (and this is the worst-case scenario) must choose to quit teaching and move to an administrative position in order to make enough money to sustain a family.

Go subscribe to The Joe Rogan Experience already! Evolve your perspective!

If you really want an education on modern philosophy, also check out Adam Carolla's podcasts.

Shouldn't the REAL educators be livid about this?

Macho Monday - Quotes from a Professional Fighter

Manly Monday Quote - Oscar De La Hoya says...

Via Twitter

Okay so try and ignore the obvious punctuation mistakes in his tweet, Oscar makes a valid poi... nevermind. As a literacy teacher, I must address the punctuation first.

What Oscar meant to say is:

"People try and grow from their mistakes. Why not try and not make them in the first place?"

We can excuse the Golden Boy for the unnecessary apostrophe because it's difficult to tweet while wearing boxing gloves. Forgetting the question mark on his question can't go ignored.

Anyway, I like the point he makes as our society is heavy with A-for-effort awards and over-glorifying mediocrity. Maybe effort isn't enough to merit praise. Some good old-fashion shame, like the kind my parents raised me with, could help to eliminate mistakes.

I'd like to think my healthy fear of making mistakes helped me be more reflective and organized. I had to predict worse case scenarios and be prepared to accommodate accordingly. Whether at school or work, this has proven helpful as I've seen first hand how poor planning can be disastrous.

The same theory applies to professional fighters. They over-prepare during training in order to dominate with easy in the ring. The same goes for school; over-study and the exams are easy. The same applies to the work force; over-prepare and be ready for a promotion.