# data[].attributes.headline
Week 8 the reason I didn't attend seminar

# data[].attributes.subject
Week 8 the reason I didn't attend seminar

# data[].attributes.body
The previous posts can support that I have done all the research for seminar, hence can prove I didn't skip the seminar on purpose. The reason I didn't make it to seminar is too personal, hence I would prefer not to say.

# data[].attributes.headline
Week 6 synthesize notes into supporting ideas

# data[].attributes.subject
Week 6 synthesize notes into supporting ideas

# data[].attributes.body
This is the way I make notes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In today's busy education world it's easy to get caught up in the activities of day-to-day teaching and leave no time for self-reflection. But self-reflection is an important part of what can make you a good teacher and can be hugely valuable. It gives you the time to think deeply about your teaching; about what you do in the classroom, why you do it and why it works, enabling you to identify any changes and improvements you could make.

Why should I self-reflect?

Teaching is one of the most meaningful careers around. Teachers are educating future doctors, scientists and professionals. Self-reflection can help you recognise the progress you made in a lesson, whilst simultaneously allowing you to consider improvements that you could make.

"Follow effective action with quiet reflection, from the quiet reflection will come even more effective action"
Peter F. Drucker

We learn by experiences and mistakes. But, unless we question ourselves about what our experiences mean and think actively about them, research has shown that we won't make any changes. Self-reflection enables you to move from just experiencing, into understanding.

Self-reflection:

Encourages a level of self-awareness and consciousness about practice

Enables you to identify areas for improvement and also areas where you are strong

Allows you to recognise what works and what doesn't with students

Enables you to think deeply about students reactions to your teaching

Self-reflection is something that we all do both naturally, at an almost subconscious level, and purposefully. Normally, when we think about our actions or practice, what we see is not actually a true reflection of reality but one that is slightly skewed. Some people will self-reflect and think "I'm pretty much perfect" and others will think "I'm rubbish". Neither of these thoughts are likely to be entirely true, although elements may be.

When is a good time to self-reflect on teaching?

It's difficult to self-reflect on your teaching as it's happening, because there will be a hundred other things going on in the classroom at the same time that need your immediate attention. So, logic dictates that waiting until later to reflect is more beneficial. Let's consider the four modes of thinking:

1. Technological - Technological thinking uses knowledge gained from an external source and relies on practice that has already been proven as effective e.g. a teacher adopting general policies that are part of their school's culture.

2. Situational - Situational thinking focuses on information that is embedded within a specific context and moment of time e.g. a teacher responding to student behaviour as it occurs. Situational thinking is quick and responsive; action is taken immediately.

3. Deliberate - Deliberate thinking occurs when the teacher seeks more information than that which the immediate situation provides e.g. by looking back on the lesson after it has ended, asking students for their opinions, discussing the lesson with colleagues. Teachers who want to better understand why the lesson went the way it did would utilise deliberate thinking.

4. Dialectic - Like deliberate thinking, dialectic thinking aims to gain greater understanding of a situation, but dialectic thinking has the goal of generating solutions and making improvements.

Technological and situational thinking are both reactionary, whereas deliberate and dialectic thinking are self-reflective. They can only take place after the lesson has ended, when you are feeling open-minded and ready to consider why the lesson went the way it did and able to think carefully about how to make changes and improvements.

Self-reflection becomes a hugely powerful way of improving practice when we can objectively reflect. To do this we must see ourselves as we appear to others, the only way to do this is to use video. Now not many people like what they see on video out of a sense of embarrassment. But once the cringing feeling passes there's no more powerful way to identify strengths and weaknesses; identify areas for improvement; set measurable targets; track improvements; and see through fresh eyes how students respond to you.

How do I self-reflect?

Ask yourself questions that challenge your assumptions; how effectively am I performing? What are my strengths and areas for improvement? How can I improve these areas? What improvements have I made in this lesson and what do I need to do now? How will I know I have made improvements?
For more advice on what to look for when you watch yourself teaching, click here >
As mentioned, video can be a great way to aid reflection. Since you can only self-reflect effectively once you have left the lesson environment, it could be easy to forget exactly everything that was going on at the time. Video can help provide you with an objective perspective; helping you to notice things you may not have otherwise remembered. Videos can also become resources that you can re-visit and watch again to gain deeper insight into the lesson. Discover powerful tools for video reflection and feedback here >

Developing a habit of self-reflecting will lead to a natural process of evaluation; you will become accustomed to asking yourself these questions and because self-reflection is a cyclical process, once you start to implement changes in your lessons, the reflective and evaluative cycle will begin again.

Self-reflection is not about focusing solely on the negative, it also enables you to think about what you do well. It gives you a structured method for also considering what is positive about your teaching.
Want to make self-reflection as powerful as it can be? Download our free practical for advice and tips today >

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In today's busy education world it's easy to get caught up in the activities of day-to-day teaching and leave no time for self-reflection. But self-reflection is an important part of what can make you a good teacher and can be hugely valuable.

# data[].attributes.body
Our group Brainstorming topic is about organizational behavior, and our method is mind-map drawing.

# data[].attributes.body
Government can’t consistently acquire public debt without knowing the fundamental problem of the country, otherwise, not only does the authority can’t solve the original issue, the public debt will then become another burden to the country. Take Jordan for example.

1.Jordan heavily relied on public debt in order to accelerate the economic development,

but on the contrast and the economic growth is still staggering and the public debt has gone beyond acceptable levels. The public debt has taken account for 85.9% of GDP.

2. The research conducted by Tawfiq Ahmad Mousa & Abdullah M Shawawreh also had found that there is negative relation relation between total public debt and GDP especially the external debt on economic growth. Ahmad Mousa, T. and M Shawawreh, A. (2017).

# data[].attributes.body
When the debt is approaching a critical level, investors usually start demanding a higher interest rate. They want more return for the higher risk. As interest rates rise, it becomes more expensive for a country to refinance its existing debt. In time, more income has to go toward debt repayment, and less toward government services. Much like what occurred in Europe, a scenario like this could lead to a sovereign debt crisis. Amadeo, K. (2019)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The public debt is how much a country owes to lenders outside of itself. These can include individuals, businesses, and even other governments. The term "public debt" is often used interchangeably with the term sovereign debt.

Public debt usually only refers to national debt. But some countries also include the debt owed by states, provinces, and municipalities. Therefore, be careful when comparing public debt between countries to make sure the definitions are the same.

Regardless of what it's called, public debt is the accumulation of annual budget deficits. It's the result of years of government leaders spending more than they take in via tax revenues. A nation's deficit affects its debt and vice-versa.

Don't confuse public debt with external debt. That's the amount owed to foreign investors by both the government and the private sector. Public debt affects external debt, because if interest rates go up on the public debt, they will also rise for all private debt. That's one reason businesses pressure their governments to keep public debt within a reasonable range.

In the short run, public debt is a good way for countries to get extra funds to invest in their economic growth. Public debt is a safe way for foreigners to invest in a country's growth by buying government bonds.

This is much safer than foreign direct investment. That's when foreigners purchase at least a 10 percent interest in the country's companies, businesses, or real estate. It's also less risky than investing in the country's public companies via its stock market. Public debt is attractive to risk-averse investors since it is backed by the government itself.

When used correctly, public debt improves the standard of living in a country. That's because it allows the government to build new roads and bridges, improve education and job training, and provide pensions. This spurs citizens to spend more now instead of saving for retirement. This spending by private citizens further boosts economic growth.

Governments tend to take on too much debt because the benefits make them popular with voters. Therefore, investors usually measure the level of risk by comparing debt to a country's total economic output, known as gross domestic product (GDP). The debt-to-GDP ratio gives an indication of how likely the country can pay off its debt. Investors usually don't become concerned until the debt-to-GDP ratio reaches a critical level.

When it appears the debt is approaching a critical level, investors usually start demanding a higher interest rate. They want more return for the higher risk. If the country keeps spending, then its bonds may receive a lower S&P rating. This indicates how likely it is the country will default on its debt.

As interest rates rise, it becomes more expensive for a country to refinance its existing debt. In time, more income has to go toward debt repayment, and less toward government services. Much like what occurred in Europe, a scenario like this could lead to a sovereign debt crisis.

In the long run, public debt that's too large can act like driving with the emergency brake on. Investors drive up interest rates in return for greater risk of default. That makes the components of economic expansion, such as housing, business growth, and auto loans, more expensive. To avoid this burden, governments must be careful to find that sweet spot of public debt. It must be large enough to drive economic growth but small enough to keep interest rates low.

On February 11, 2019, the total U.S. debt surpassed $22 trillion. That makes the debt-to-GDP ratio 106 percent. That's based on the third quarter 2018 GDP of $20.6 trillion. But the public debt was a more moderate $16.2 trillion. That made the public debt-to-GDP ratio 78 percent. According to the World Bank, the tipping point is 77 percent.

Perhaps that will make the owners of the U.S. debt insist on higher interest rates. The largest foreign owner of the U.S. debt is China. The next largest owner is Japan. Both countries export a lot to the United States and thus receive a lot of U.S. dollars as payments. They use those dollars to purchase Treasurys as a safe investment. The largest domestic owner is the U.S. taxpayer through Social Security.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The public debt is how much a country owes to lenders outside of itself. These can include individuals, businesses, and even other governments. The term "public debt" is often used interchangeably with the term sovereign debt. Public debt usually only refers to national debt.

# data[].attributes.body
Professor Teresa Ghilarducci warns that high debt levels can leave little room to maneuver.Fueling a large federal deficit before a recession is a truly dangerous behavior. Interest payments alone will take up higher share of the budget as the debt ratio grows. And as the authority continues to increase interest rates, the share of interest will grow even faster, leaving little room to increase spending, which is known as common solution to economic down term, when the next recession comes. Ghilarducci, T. (2018).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
National debt is now 105% of GDP. Should we worry? Debt alone is not a problem. During WWII, war-related debt was at a all-time high: 118% of GDP. And, debt levels naturally rise in recessions.

So, not all debt is bad. But economists worry when borrowing fuels consumption and not investment. Increase debt to build schools, railroads, health systems, create anti-recession spending, and to fight fascism. Good debt makes us richer. But debt used to cut taxes for corporate stock buybacks and affluent household spending, which yields little research and development and other productive investment is bad debt. Bad debt makes us poorer.

And high debt levels can leave little room to maneuver. The IMF predicts that among rich nations, only the U.S. will increase its debt-to-GDP ratio in the next five years, the wrong direction during an economic expansion. During an expansion, especially the current nearly record-setting long one, debt should be falling, not rising. In Q3 of 2008, the government had collected revenue from the booming economy; the debt-to-GDP ratio was a low 64%. When the Great Recession hit, the government had room to borrow to finance our fiscal lifesavers, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ( ARRA) and TARP, which helped keep the deep recession from turning into a global depression.

Government deficits before a recession are even more dangerous. Fueling a large federal deficit before a recession is a big mistake. If the economic downturn hit now the government would have less ammo to fight it. Interest payments alone will take up an ever-higher share of the budget as the debt ratio grows. And as the Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates, the interest share will grow even faster, again leaving little room to increase spending when the next recession comes.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issues a monthly report on deficits and debt. Compared to fiscal year 2017, the deficit for the first 11 months of the fiscal year rose by $222 billion, an adjusted 22.8% over last year. A steep rise in the deficit while the economy is growing will cause debt to rise even more in the next recession and eventually fuel increasing tax rates while boomers are retiring.

Although rolling back last year's tax cuts would make economic sense, politics may prevent tax cuts ever getting repealed- President Obama left over 80% of George W. Bush's tax cuts in place. Without healthy revenues, federal spending cuts and a national recession could erode federal and household investments in human and physical capital and infrastructure.

Why is the deficit spiking during an economic expansion? Mainly because of the Republican 2017 tax cuts. Although income and payroll taxes have kept pace, the tax cuts sharply reduced revenue coming from capital gains and corporate tax receipts, and that is creating a revenue gap.

But the biggest red warning light on the spending side is the rising net interest on the public debt. Using our precious income to pay off past debts - especially if the debt wasn't used for investment -- leaves less for future investment and help during a recession. Driven both by the overall increase in debt and rising interest rates, CBO writes that "the government's net interest costs are projected to more than double as a share of the economy over the next decade."

Former Forbes contributor Stan Collender called the debt-causing tax cuts among the most fiscally irresponsible in modern history. Yet Republican majorities in Congress -- hoping to influence the fall elections - are proposing another $2 trillion in tax cuts.

We can afford to reverse the tax cuts now and we should before the recession. Forbes contributor Jeffrey Dorfman argues tax revenue to GDP is a better measure of national capacity than debt. In 2016, the U.S. took 26% of GDP in taxes, compared to 31.7% in Canada, 33.2% in the United Kingdom, and 37.6% in Germany. The economics and math for stabilizing the economy is known and easy - raise tax revenue during an upturn, take on good debt, and cap increasing interest payments. But last year's tax cuts aimed to repeal the laws of math and economics and ignored the goal of stabilization.

All in all, the 2017 tax cuts created bad debt and more economic risks. When the next recession hits, we all will pay the price.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why We Should Control The Federal Debt Before The Next Recession

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Good debt makes us richer. Explode the deficit and debt for corporate and rich households tax cuts they don't use for research and development or productive reasons; bad debt make us poorer.

# data[].attributes.body
Our final seminar topic is Camila's "The issue of government debt is fiercely contested across the political spectrum. Outline the main arguments for and against a government acquiring more debt? To what extent does a governments debt pile have a negative impact on its populace?"
I think this topic is slightly similar to my first topic, which was also talking about the government debts, but in different discuss aspect. Overall, I consider it a great seminar topic, despite the fact that the topic is a bit complex compared to other groups'.

# data[].attributes.headline
Week 1 seminar supporting news (first topic)

# data[].attributes.subject
Week 1 seminar supporting news (first topic)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
US President Donald Trump insists the US will still build a wall along its border with Mexico, despite ending the longest-ever US government shutdown without securing funds for the project.

On Twitter, Mr Trump said the deal to temporarily reopen government was "in no way a concession" on the wall.

The bipartisan agreement announced on Friday covers just three weeks.

Mr Trump indicated he might trigger another shutdown or declare a national emergency if his demands are not met.

The Republican president has vowed to reject any budget unless Congress includes $5.7bn (£4.3bn) to fund his signature campaign pledge.

The Democratic Party, which controls the House of Representatives, has flatly refused.

US shutdown: Reasons why Trump blinked

Trump official mocked over shutdown remark

US flight delays amid federal shutdown

In a tweet on Saturday, Mr Trump said negotiations between Democrats and Republicans would start immediately but would not be easy because both sides were "very dug in".

In recent weeks Mr Trump has taken a hard line against thousands of migrants arriving at the US southern border.

"The case for national security has been greatly enhanced by what has been happening at the border and through dialogue. We will build the Wall!" he tweeted.

How did the shutdown end?

On Friday, the Senate and House unanimously passed a bill to temporarily end the shutdown, after which President Trump signed the bill into law.

Following the votes in Congress Mr Trump tweeted that his decision was not a concession but was "taking care of the millions of people who were getting badly hurt by the shutdown".

Most US media saw President Trump's move as yielding to political pressure after the unprecedented 35-day shutdown.

'A stinging defeat': US media on shutdown

Speaking in the White House Rose Garden, Mr Trump said federal workers affected by the political standoff, whom he called "incredible patriots", would receive full back-pay.

Mr Trump also said he would not yet resort to "a very powerful alternative" - an apparent reference to declaring a national emergency.

Analysts say this could divert military funding towards building the border wall but would provoke constitutional uproar and legal challenges.

How bad was the shutdown?

On Friday, about 800,000 civil servants missed another payday amid the five-week closure of about a quarter of the federal government.

Earlier, hundreds of flights were grounded or delayed at US airports because of unpaid air traffic controllers calling in sick.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted arrivals for about an hour at New York's LaGuardia Airport.

Flights were also delayed at Newark Liberty International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport because of staff shortages, the FAA said.

Meanwhile, thousands of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees failed to show up after they were ordered to return to work unpaid, the Washington Post reported.

The Trump administration recalled 26,000 IRS workers this week to handle the looming tax filing season.

Trump's border wall - in seven charts

How the US shutdown is biting

But about 14,000 of them did not come back as of Tuesday, IRS officials told members of Congress.

In a video message to agents on Friday, FBI Director Christopher Wray said: "I'm about as angry as I've been in a long, long time."

Of the shutdown's effects on his agency, he said: "It's mind-boggling, it's short-sighted, and it's unfair."

His remarks came after an FBI report this week revealed its resources were at "breaking point".

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
US President Donald Trump insists the US will still build a wall along its border with Mexico, despite ending the longest-ever US government shutdown without securing funds for the project. On Twitter, Mr Trump said the deal to temporarily reopen government was "in no way a concession" on the wall.