Dennis K. Chernin, M.D., M.P.H. is a doctor and author specializing in the fields of holistic medicine, yoga and stress reduction. He is the medical director of two county health departments, and is a lecturer at the University of Michigan Medical School in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine program. He has actively practiced and taught meditation and breathing techniques for thirty years. His teachers were trained in the Himalayan mountains in India, Nepal, and Tibet. Currently, he practices holistic and family medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Besides medical care, he offers patients and students individualized instruction on meditation using chakras, mantras, and the breath.
Training
Dr. Chernin graduated from Northwestern University with a major in cultural anthropology and was elected a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He received both his M.D. and M.P.H. from the University of Michigan. He did residencies in psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and in preventive medicine at the University of Michigan. He is board certified in public health and preventive medicine.
Bibliography
* 1984 - Health: A Holistic Approach (Theosophical Pub House) (November 1984) ISBN 0-8356-0590-6 (co-author)
* 1985 - Spiritual Aspects of the Healing Arts (Quest Books) ISBN 0-8356-0714-3 (contributing author)
* 1991 - Homeopathic Remedies (Himalayan Institute Press) Revised and Expanded edition ISBN 0-89389-177-0 (co-author)
* 2002 - How to Meditate Using Chakras, Mantras, and Breath, Health: A Holistic Approach and Homeopathic Remedies ISBN 0-9714558-1-3
* 2007 - Homeopathic Resource (North Atlantic Books) ISBN 1-55643-608-4
Discography
* 1997 - Homeopathic Resource - (Chiltern Hills Wellness) Interactive CD ROM
* 2002 - How to Meditate Using Chakras, Mantras, and Breath, Health 2 CD Set with Muruga Booker & Perry Robinson (Think Publishing, LLC)
* 2002 - Kundalini Rhapsody with Muruga Booker & Perry Robinson (Think MusArt)
See also
*Alternative medicine
*Homeopathy
Training
Dr. Chernin graduated from Northwestern University with a major in cultural anthropology and was elected a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He received both his M.D. and M.P.H. from the University of Michigan. He did residencies in psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and in preventive medicine at the University of Michigan. He is board certified in public health and preventive medicine.
Bibliography
* 1984 - Health: A Holistic Approach (Theosophical Pub House) (November 1984) ISBN 0-8356-0590-6 (co-author)
* 1985 - Spiritual Aspects of the Healing Arts (Quest Books) ISBN 0-8356-0714-3 (contributing author)
* 1991 - Homeopathic Remedies (Himalayan Institute Press) Revised and Expanded edition ISBN 0-89389-177-0 (co-author)
* 2002 - How to Meditate Using Chakras, Mantras, and Breath, Health: A Holistic Approach and Homeopathic Remedies ISBN 0-9714558-1-3
* 2007 - Homeopathic Resource (North Atlantic Books) ISBN 1-55643-608-4
Discography
* 1997 - Homeopathic Resource - (Chiltern Hills Wellness) Interactive CD ROM
* 2002 - How to Meditate Using Chakras, Mantras, and Breath, Health 2 CD Set with Muruga Booker & Perry Robinson (Think Publishing, LLC)
* 2002 - Kundalini Rhapsody with Muruga Booker & Perry Robinson (Think MusArt)
See also
*Alternative medicine
*Homeopathy
The clinical studies of Educational Psychologists Ference Marton and Roger Säljö looked at how students approached learning and found that they could be divided into two distinct groups, those that took an understanding approach to learning and those that took a reproduction approach to learning (Marton & Säljö 1976). These are more commonly referred to as deep and surface approaches to learning.
In these studies students read a 1,500 word article on which they were questioned by an interviewer. In the interviews students were asked about what they remembered, how they felt about the task and how they approached the task. Analysis of the interviews showed that students could be divided into two groups:
1) Surface learners who focussed on parts of the article to memorise that they might be questioned on.
2) Deep learners who engaged in an active search for meaning.
The laboratory studies of Pask and co-workers came to similar conclusions (Pask 1976). Pask referred to the two different learning strategies that he had found as "serialists" and "holists". Serialists look at the detail and steps in the argument and appear to be a sophisticated surface approach. Holists have a broad focus and see the task in context, using analogies and illustrations.
Brown and Atkins in their review of studies of student learning suggested that the surface approach is not always inferior to the deep approach. Sometimes "'Knowing that' and 'Knowing how' are important." (Brown and Atkins 1990). For them:
Learning can then be conceived as a continuous process of development backwards and forwards between the two orientations.
Learning Approaches and Phenomenography
Marton has also been involved in the development of Phenomenography research, but this should be distinguished from the simpler model of student approaches to learning. Phenomenography aims to produce a detailed understanding of people's experiences and thoughts(in this case the students), whereas his earlier work on student approaches to learning examines how this behavior manifests itself in the approach the student takes.
Learning Approaches vs Learning Styles
It is important to distinguish between learning approaches and learning styles. Students can use different learning approaches for different tasks. These are not inherent personality traits and they are produced by the interaction of the student with the learning tasks. Research by Diana Laurillard confirmed this view by studying the learning approaches adopted by students across a number of different modules with different learning outcomes (Laurillard 1979, Laurillard 1997).
In these studies students read a 1,500 word article on which they were questioned by an interviewer. In the interviews students were asked about what they remembered, how they felt about the task and how they approached the task. Analysis of the interviews showed that students could be divided into two groups:
1) Surface learners who focussed on parts of the article to memorise that they might be questioned on.
2) Deep learners who engaged in an active search for meaning.
The laboratory studies of Pask and co-workers came to similar conclusions (Pask 1976). Pask referred to the two different learning strategies that he had found as "serialists" and "holists". Serialists look at the detail and steps in the argument and appear to be a sophisticated surface approach. Holists have a broad focus and see the task in context, using analogies and illustrations.
Brown and Atkins in their review of studies of student learning suggested that the surface approach is not always inferior to the deep approach. Sometimes "'Knowing that' and 'Knowing how' are important." (Brown and Atkins 1990). For them:
Learning can then be conceived as a continuous process of development backwards and forwards between the two orientations.
Learning Approaches and Phenomenography
Marton has also been involved in the development of Phenomenography research, but this should be distinguished from the simpler model of student approaches to learning. Phenomenography aims to produce a detailed understanding of people's experiences and thoughts(in this case the students), whereas his earlier work on student approaches to learning examines how this behavior manifests itself in the approach the student takes.
Learning Approaches vs Learning Styles
It is important to distinguish between learning approaches and learning styles. Students can use different learning approaches for different tasks. These are not inherent personality traits and they are produced by the interaction of the student with the learning tasks. Research by Diana Laurillard confirmed this view by studying the learning approaches adopted by students across a number of different modules with different learning outcomes (Laurillard 1979, Laurillard 1997).
Canada
Ontario
* "Sudbury Saturday Night" - Stompin' Tom Connors
England
* "London Leatherboys" - Accept (1983)
Japan
* "Paris, Tokyo" - Lupe Fiasco (2008)
* "Tokyo" - Athlete (2007)
* "Tokyo" - Yui (2006)
France
* "Paris, Tokyo" - Lupe Fiasco (2008)
United States
Alabama
* "Midnight in Montgomery" - Alan Jackson (1991)
California
* "" - Scott McKenzie (1967)
* "Santa Monica" - Everclear (1995)
* "Straight Outta Compton" - N.W.A (1988)
Illinois
* "Chicago X 12" - Rogue Wave (2007)
* "Chicago's Finest" - Emmure
Nevada
* "Heaven or Las Vegas" - Cocteau Twins (1990)
* "Reno" - Doug Supernaw (1993)
* "Viva Las Vegas" - Elvis Presley (1964)
Louisiana
* "New Orleans" - Gary U.S. Bonds (1960)
New Mexico
* "Albuquerque" - (1999)
New York
* "New York, New York" - Ja Rule (2004)
* "New York, New York" - Moby (2006)
* "New York, New York" - Ryan Adams (2001)
* "" - Gerard Kenny (1979)
Ohio
* "Cleveland Rocks" - Ian Hunter (1979)
* "Cleveland Rocks" - Presidents of the United States of America (1997)
Texas
* "Amy's Back in Austin" - Little Texas (1994)
* "God Blessed Texas" - Little Texas (1993)
Washington
* "Seattle" - Public Image Ltd. (1987)
Ontario
* "Sudbury Saturday Night" - Stompin' Tom Connors
England
* "London Leatherboys" - Accept (1983)
Japan
* "Paris, Tokyo" - Lupe Fiasco (2008)
* "Tokyo" - Athlete (2007)
* "Tokyo" - Yui (2006)
France
* "Paris, Tokyo" - Lupe Fiasco (2008)
United States
Alabama
* "Midnight in Montgomery" - Alan Jackson (1991)
California
* "" - Scott McKenzie (1967)
* "Santa Monica" - Everclear (1995)
* "Straight Outta Compton" - N.W.A (1988)
Illinois
* "Chicago X 12" - Rogue Wave (2007)
* "Chicago's Finest" - Emmure
Nevada
* "Heaven or Las Vegas" - Cocteau Twins (1990)
* "Reno" - Doug Supernaw (1993)
* "Viva Las Vegas" - Elvis Presley (1964)
Louisiana
* "New Orleans" - Gary U.S. Bonds (1960)
New Mexico
* "Albuquerque" - (1999)
New York
* "New York, New York" - Ja Rule (2004)
* "New York, New York" - Moby (2006)
* "New York, New York" - Ryan Adams (2001)
* "" - Gerard Kenny (1979)
Ohio
* "Cleveland Rocks" - Ian Hunter (1979)
* "Cleveland Rocks" - Presidents of the United States of America (1997)
Texas
* "Amy's Back in Austin" - Little Texas (1994)
* "God Blessed Texas" - Little Texas (1993)
Washington
* "Seattle" - Public Image Ltd. (1987)
Ankhet is a browser-based MMORPG where players (known as Disciples) step into the world of Ancient Egypt. Disciples can fight monsters and answer trivia questions for favour and artifacts in a turn-based system.
Ankhet draws on several BBS games for inspiration, notably Pyroto Mountain, Badde Manors and Tournament Legend of the Red Dragon (TLORD) and was opened for beta-testing by the developers (known as the Oracles in-game) on September 16, 2006.
The Basics
Disciples first join the game as an Initiate at level one. By performing actions such as interacting in the forums, battling enemies, answering the Sphinxes' riddles, and defeating opponents in PvP, they gain Favour and raise their level. The highest-level player in any given path is known as the 'Ankhet'. Although the game has not yet developed an endquest - similar to the Kingdom of Loathing before the quest to defeat the naughty sorceress was added - one of the quests can be completed by slaying the Apep Aeon.
A disciple's attributes include Favour, Anima, Potency, Vitality and Wisdom. Each of them play a role in a Disciple's journey.
*Favour- Experience in the game is known as Favour. One may gain favour through defeating enemies or other players, answering riddles correctly, and posting in the forums. Favour is displayed as a percentage of the total needed to reach the next level. Upon leveling, a player receives a forced increase to maximum Anima, Potency, and Anima regeneration, and may also choose between an increase to Vitality, maximum Anima, or Anima regeneration. Certain levels also bring new abilities, as well as new ranks that allow access to various forums.
*Anima- A Disciple's actions are performed by sacrificing some of their Anima. Anima is consumed for abilities, exploration, and even interactions such as creating a new topic in the forums. Anima can be regained through a variety of ways, the easiest being to wait for Ankhet Rollover (Midnight EST) when every Disciple is brought back to life if dead and regenerates some Anima and Vitality.
*Vitality- Vitality is a Disciple's health. When it runs out, the Disciple is dead and forced to remain in the Underworld until Rollover, unless they are resurrected by another Disciple or manage to complete Anubis' challenge. While dead, a Disciple cannot use most items, skills, perform any quests beside Anubis', or speak in any forums besides the Underworld forum.
*Potency- Potency is a measure of the Disciple's skill in battle. Their odds of hitting and of avoiding their enemies' blows are calculated using Potency. Some abilities used by Disciples will not work if the target's Potency is too far above the attacker's Potency.
*Wisdom- A Disciple's wisdom is a measure of his or her skill in answering the enigmas of the Sphinxes and is necessary in overcoming certain boundaries in Ankhet.
The Gods and Goddesses of Ankhet
The Disciples are able to walk the path of a god or goddess and enjoy their blessing, whether it is power in combat, wisdom in dealing with the Sphinxes, control over their fellow Disciples, or the healing hand to aid their fellow Disciples. In the beginning, the Disciple will have the choice of following one of three gods/goddesses.
; Hathor : The Goddess of healing and mercy. Her abilities will help you regain Anima by answering the enigmas of the Sphinxes and heal your fellow Disciples. She also boosts your defense in combat.
; Thoth : The God of sorcery and secrets. He will increase your maximum Anima capacity and grant you many skills to attack your fellow disciples.
; Sekhmet : The Goddess of glory and war. Her abilities will increase your Potency and allow you to reap Anima from your foes in combat.
There are a number of other gods which can be unlocked through questing or meeting the requirements to convert to that path.
Player Interaction
Player interaction is an important part of the game. Disciples may duel one another, trade items or Anima, or perform other actions that can affect one another. Ankhet has a heavy political side stemming from the use of the Disciples' various abilities, with debates being held within the game's fora. Disciples may monitor each other for appropriate behaviour, acting as judge and jury in the event of a transgression.
A system of in-game messaging, known as Telepath, allows players private communication.
Dominions
Dominions are groups of like-minded Disciples who work together towards common goals. Disciples in Dominions benefit from having a Shrine they can withdraw Anima from, a Vault that they can store items in, and a private forum. Dominions can also be aligned to a God or Goddess and the Dominion and its members will benefit from that God's or Goddess's power. Dominions may also rise in Level, and can gain additional benefits for their members.
Commune
In Ankhet, the forums are collectively referred to as 'Commune'. At first, there are but two fora available: the Halls of Initiation and the Underworld, mentioned earlier as the only forum available to the dead or those who have no anima. More fora may be unlocked by reaching new levels, by joining certain paths, or by joining a dominion. Participation in the fora is required for completing several quests, but is not compulsory.
Ankhet draws on several BBS games for inspiration, notably Pyroto Mountain, Badde Manors and Tournament Legend of the Red Dragon (TLORD) and was opened for beta-testing by the developers (known as the Oracles in-game) on September 16, 2006.
The Basics
Disciples first join the game as an Initiate at level one. By performing actions such as interacting in the forums, battling enemies, answering the Sphinxes' riddles, and defeating opponents in PvP, they gain Favour and raise their level. The highest-level player in any given path is known as the 'Ankhet'. Although the game has not yet developed an endquest - similar to the Kingdom of Loathing before the quest to defeat the naughty sorceress was added - one of the quests can be completed by slaying the Apep Aeon.
A disciple's attributes include Favour, Anima, Potency, Vitality and Wisdom. Each of them play a role in a Disciple's journey.
*Favour- Experience in the game is known as Favour. One may gain favour through defeating enemies or other players, answering riddles correctly, and posting in the forums. Favour is displayed as a percentage of the total needed to reach the next level. Upon leveling, a player receives a forced increase to maximum Anima, Potency, and Anima regeneration, and may also choose between an increase to Vitality, maximum Anima, or Anima regeneration. Certain levels also bring new abilities, as well as new ranks that allow access to various forums.
*Anima- A Disciple's actions are performed by sacrificing some of their Anima. Anima is consumed for abilities, exploration, and even interactions such as creating a new topic in the forums. Anima can be regained through a variety of ways, the easiest being to wait for Ankhet Rollover (Midnight EST) when every Disciple is brought back to life if dead and regenerates some Anima and Vitality.
*Vitality- Vitality is a Disciple's health. When it runs out, the Disciple is dead and forced to remain in the Underworld until Rollover, unless they are resurrected by another Disciple or manage to complete Anubis' challenge. While dead, a Disciple cannot use most items, skills, perform any quests beside Anubis', or speak in any forums besides the Underworld forum.
*Potency- Potency is a measure of the Disciple's skill in battle. Their odds of hitting and of avoiding their enemies' blows are calculated using Potency. Some abilities used by Disciples will not work if the target's Potency is too far above the attacker's Potency.
*Wisdom- A Disciple's wisdom is a measure of his or her skill in answering the enigmas of the Sphinxes and is necessary in overcoming certain boundaries in Ankhet.
The Gods and Goddesses of Ankhet
The Disciples are able to walk the path of a god or goddess and enjoy their blessing, whether it is power in combat, wisdom in dealing with the Sphinxes, control over their fellow Disciples, or the healing hand to aid their fellow Disciples. In the beginning, the Disciple will have the choice of following one of three gods/goddesses.
; Hathor : The Goddess of healing and mercy. Her abilities will help you regain Anima by answering the enigmas of the Sphinxes and heal your fellow Disciples. She also boosts your defense in combat.
; Thoth : The God of sorcery and secrets. He will increase your maximum Anima capacity and grant you many skills to attack your fellow disciples.
; Sekhmet : The Goddess of glory and war. Her abilities will increase your Potency and allow you to reap Anima from your foes in combat.
There are a number of other gods which can be unlocked through questing or meeting the requirements to convert to that path.
Player Interaction
Player interaction is an important part of the game. Disciples may duel one another, trade items or Anima, or perform other actions that can affect one another. Ankhet has a heavy political side stemming from the use of the Disciples' various abilities, with debates being held within the game's fora. Disciples may monitor each other for appropriate behaviour, acting as judge and jury in the event of a transgression.
A system of in-game messaging, known as Telepath, allows players private communication.
Dominions
Dominions are groups of like-minded Disciples who work together towards common goals. Disciples in Dominions benefit from having a Shrine they can withdraw Anima from, a Vault that they can store items in, and a private forum. Dominions can also be aligned to a God or Goddess and the Dominion and its members will benefit from that God's or Goddess's power. Dominions may also rise in Level, and can gain additional benefits for their members.
Commune
In Ankhet, the forums are collectively referred to as 'Commune'. At first, there are but two fora available: the Halls of Initiation and the Underworld, mentioned earlier as the only forum available to the dead or those who have no anima. More fora may be unlocked by reaching new levels, by joining certain paths, or by joining a dominion. Participation in the fora is required for completing several quests, but is not compulsory.