Kindergarten Education Act Essay

On January 20, 2012, Republic Act 10157 also known as Kindergar ten Education Act, was being approved. This Act is in relation with the Millennium Development Goals on achieving Education for All (EFA) by the year 2015. Wherein the policy provide an equal opportunities for all children to avail of accessible mandatory and compulsory kindergarten education that effectively promotes the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and skills stimulation and values formation to sufficiently prepare them for formal elementary schooling. It is prerequisite then, for the children that they will pass through kindergarten, the first stage of elementary education system before going to Grade 1. It is also stated in this Act that the Mother tongue-based multilingual education (MTB-MLE) will be implemented as the medium of instruction to kindergarten pupils. Reaction: Kindergarten before is somewhat optional to acquire. And not all have the privilege, the capacity, the money and the chances to take this formative stage in education. With or without it, when a child reaches the age of formal schooling, he can start his elementary education. The R.A.10157, Kindergarten Education Act, is a one good feat in bridging the gap of literacy and economic stability of our country. Though it is quite long way yet to see its effectiveness but what matters is a step forward has been made towards a better future. With this Act, every child of our country will have an equal right to be molded during his formative stage in life regardless of who or what he is in the society. Kindergarten is of great aid in shaping and building young ones a strong learning foundation in preparation for their next step to their formal education. With proper trainings and programs for teachers in honing their skills in teaching, right approaches such as using the MTB-MLE, and strategies and appropriate learning tools, kindergarten students would be much ready to take the challenge of leveling up to the next ladder of their formal elementary education. Being a language teacher myself, I personally experienced and still experiencing the effect of teaching many, but not all, fresh high school students with a meager elementary education foundation. No matter how much teachers will be pointing fingers to who’s who is to be blamed, it boils down to one factor†¦ inadequate knowledge foundation of students. With this R.A. 10157, I believe it is of great help in patching the hole of the crisis. With a good start having a strong foundation in education, the process would then continue as they level up their knowledge and eventually our country will produce more equipped, effective and productive men and women of the society. Recommendation: Whatever policies, programs and projects of our government such as this R.A. 10157 if it is closely monitored and supervised properly by the concern agencies and people behind it, nothing will put into waste and that the common goal will be achieved†¦to build a stronger and a more productive nation.

Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers Essay

Abstract This study explores teacher education programs and preservice teacher dispositions. The study examined the dispositions of two sections of a reading methods course populated by preservice teachers. A dispositions checklist was used to collect data in three phases and from two audiences. The findings of the study strongly suggest that preservice teachers have a positive view of their own dispositions as well as their peers’ dispositions. The study also shows that the perception of preservice teachers’ dispositions of themselves differ greatly from the perception of the instructor of the course. Implications from this study suggest further development of practices that surface disposition and strategic use of data to improve teacher dispositions within teacher education programs. Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 3 Introduction As the push for effective teachers persists, many teacher education programs, and professional development administrators are left speculating about the part dispositions perform in effective teaching. Johnson & Reinman (2007) sought to explore the definition of dispositions as teacher professional judgment and professional action in the moral/ethical domain of adult cognition. By assessing beginning teacher judgment both quantitatively and qualitatively, convergence between predicted and observed patterns was found in addition to congruence between teacher judgment and action. Based on the findings of convergence and congruence, implications for teacher education and development are made. They mirror what Jung (2009) found in the study of teacher technology. Jung studied technology teacher dispositions and found education significantly increased competence level and disposition measures. The study also found there are no statistically significant differences in technology proficiency level in terms of age or gender, female and older students should be strongly encouraged to use technology without fear of failure. Since the major difference in the technology disposition score was due to the male students’ stronger selfconfidence level toward technology, teacher educators should pay attention for female students to be more self-assured through repeated contact to the technology experience. Jung made the following recommendations: (1)The importance of technology should be stressed frequently and intensely throughout the curriculum. (2) Future teachers should see successful role models continuously for adopting technology. (3) Numerous technology literacy and integration classes, and other forms of technology education need to be included in the curriculum- to make them competent and perceive themselves technologically competent. (4) Future teachers Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 4  should be exposed to the experiences, which repeatedly connect the value of technology with their career, which enable them to see and to experience the value of using technology and living with technology, which let them frequently use technology for their learning, problem solving, and future instruction. Disparate to the literature on some dispositions, the dispositions cited in the teacher education literature (e. g. , INTASC) have almost no illuminating value and very little significance presently. This conclusion comes from an examination of the cited teacher dispositions in  terms of Underwood’s levels of meaning in the behavioral sciences and shows that these dispositional paradigms are little more than labels for particular behaviors. Although the construct, disposition, in teacher education may be redundant now, it is not entirely inadequate as it may provide a pilot hypothesis for further investigations (Murray, 2007; Windschitl, 2003). The implications from the previous studies provide the groundwork for exploring teacher dispositions. In order to effectively investigate this, a definition for dispositions by our governing bodies must be identified. â€Å"NCATE now defines Professional Dispositions as: Professional attitudes, values, and beliefs demonstrated through both verbal and non-verbal behaviors as educators interact with students, families, colleagues, and communities. These positive behaviors support student learning and development† (2007). Institutions take their own stab at defining dispositions in many ways. The National Association for the Education of Young Children states in order to enact and examine surface disposition: â€Å"All teaching staff evaluates and improve their own performance based on ongoing reflection and feedback from supervisors, peers and families. They add to their knowledge and increase their ability to put knowledge into practice. They develop an Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 5 annual individualized professional development plan with their supervisor and use it to inform their continuous professional development†. The National Association for the Education of Young Children also states that disposition is defined through: â€Å"All teaching staff continuously strengthening their leadership skills and relationships with others and works to improve the conditions of children and families within their programs, the local community or region, and beyond. Teaching staff participate in informal or formal ways in local, state, or regional public-awareness activities related to early care by joining groups, attending meetings, or sharing information with others both at and outside the program (2005)†. The University of West Georgia surfaces disposition through its conceptual framework. â€Å"The Conceptual Framework is the rationale and organizing principle that guides the curriculum for Developing Educators for School Improvement. The Conceptual Framework is grounded in research, knowledge, and experience that describe what undergraduate and graduate candidates should know and apply to foster transformational systemic change. Our Conceptual Framework incorporates the standards and principles established by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC), and Specialized Professional Associations (SPAs). The following beliefs give credence to our professional commitments—the 10 descriptors used to describe the qualities and dispositions that we feel educators must possess to positively impact school improvement—and provide further delineation of the Conceptual Framework: Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 6 1. Decision Makers: We believe that candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills when making decisions that will influence effective transformational systemic change. 2. Leaders: We believe that candidates should be able to demonstrate effective leadership skills to initiate and facilitate transformational systemic change. 3. Life Long Learners: We believe that candidates should seek continually to improve their knowledge, disposition, and skills to influence transformational systemic change. 4. Adaptive: We believe that candidates should be able to demonstrate flexibility and strategic planning appropriate to a wide variety of learners for effective transformational systemic change. 5. Collaborative: We believe that candidates should be able to develop skills to work effectively with various stakeholders involved in the educational process that will bring about transformational systemic change. 6. Culturally Sensitive: We believe that candidates should be able to develop awareness and understanding of individual and group differences when diagnosing and prescribing transformational systemic change. 7. Empathetic: We believe that candidates should be able to develop the sensitivity for individual, family, and institutional needs that will embrace transformational systemic change. 8. Knowledgeable: We believe that candidates should be able to demonstrate general knowledge inherent in a liberal arts curriculum, advanced knowledge in content areas, and specific knowledge in professional education for the implementation of transformational systemic change. Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 7 9. Proactive: We believe that candidates should be able to advocate for the removal of barriers that impede life long learning and hinder transformational systemic change. 10. Reflective: We believe that candidates should be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills in the diagnosis and prescription for transformational systemic change. According to Merriam-Webster (2010), disposition is defined as a â€Å"prevailing tendency, mood, or inclination b : temperamental makeup c : the tendency of something to act in a certain manner under given circumstances†. Katz (1985) defines disposition as â€Å"the notion of disposition was defined as an attributed characteristic of a teacher, one that summarizes the trend of a teacher’s actions in particular contexts† (p.301). Now that the definitions for this context have been identified, let us examine what the research says about them. What Does Research Say about Disposition? The arena of literature on dispositions in the field of teacher education is one of great concern. In light of the fact that our professional organizations and accrediting bodies are constructing disposition requirements for graduate and undergraduate levels, universities are now being required to provide concrete evidence as to how dispositions are being addressed. At the same time, teacher education programs are continuously providing opportunities for reflection in induction, courses, field and clinical placements. If we are considering reflection in action as Schon (1987) defines it, we must marry this concept with teaching dispositions. Within action, reflection has the ability to surface. This study seeks to examine this relationship within the coursework through three points of view: the students themselves, their view of each other and the instructor. In the context of this study, the researcher defines preservice teacher as â€Å"a teacher education student working to attain an. Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 8 undergraduate degree in education or initial certification after receiving a four-year degree in another field†. Disposition Origin â€Å"The study of dispositions had its roots in the 1960’s when Arthur W. Combs began a series of studies on the personal perceptions of effective helpers, which he called perceptual characteristics† (p. 96). Teacher education programs over the last 30 years have been implicit and explicit in including them in their conceptual frameworks. In issues of accreditation, dispositions play an important role in the making of teacher candidates. Similarly, Giovannelli (2003) stated that dispositions serve as an accurate measure of teacher effectiveness. On the other hand, Beyer (2002) stated that accreditation mandates, such as dispositions, emphasize a â€Å"technical-rational† approach to teaching and ignore â€Å"social, philosophical, and political understandings† needed by educators† (p. 96). The major teacher accrediting bodies have battled with this for a while now. McKnight (2006) states, â€Å"Where as before NCATE held college of education faculty accountable for proving each preservice teacher had mastered certain knowledge and skills, new policies and standards now dictate faculty must generate evidence as to whether the teacher candidate is the right sort of person† (p. 213). National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has been criticized regarding the dispositions that are highlighted in its’ standards. They should be assessed at the college level, or taught in a manner that would guide the teacher candidate to alter his or her already established dispositions. Time and opportunity may be in question. There is also the concern of whether dispositions towards virtues such as social justice, caring and honesty, which NCATE standards present as attractive, will fall short of leaving a mark on teacher candidates. McKnight (2006) found, â€Å"These dispositions have been reinforced in the general process of schooling, as Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 9 part of the hidden curriculum and academic achievement discourse, according to those who analyze schooling from a critical lens (e. g. Bowers and Flinders 1990; Cherryholmes 1988; Doll 1993; Zeichner 1991, p.214)†. Presence of Dispositions In order to be aware of the facilitation of dispositions, preservice teachers must be open to interaction and experience in the learning and teaching environment. This would denote presence. Raider-Roth and Rodgers, (2006) defines this â€Å"engagement as ‘presence’- a state of alert awareness, receptivity and connectedness to the mental, emotional and physical workings of both the individual and the group in the context of their learning environments and the ability to respond with a considered and compassionate best next step † (p.266). The authors also hold that reflective teaching cannot be compacted to a set of behaviors or skills, but is a practice that requires presence. â€Å"It requires self-knowledge, trust, relationship and compassion† (p. 266). Research from past studies confirm that the relationship between teacher and student is a cornerstone in student achievement, motivation, engagement and in their ability to depend on what they know (Midgley & Urdan. , 2001; Pianta, 1999; Roeser Eccles & Sameroff. , 2000; Rodgers, in press; Raider-Roth, 2005a,b). This research illustrated that the quality of these relationships is not a light or surface factor of schooling; it is a critical feature of learning. What allows this relationship to burgeon is intricate and calls upon the mental, physical, emotive and related capital of the teacher†. If this is the case, preservice teachers must be prepared and primed for such a relationship. â€Å"Maxine Greene (1973), lifting the semantics of Merleau-Ponty, wrote on ‘wide-awakeness. ’ Through the act of reflection the human being confronts and becomes aware of ‘his relation to his surroundings, his manner of conducting himself with. Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 10 respect to things and other human beings, the changing perspectives through which the world presents itself to him† (p. 269). Teacher educators anticipate this permeating exchange in the classroom. Schulz (2003) and Heshusius (1995) illustrated a similar position when they articulated the power of listening. Schultz, categorized listening at the crux of what it is to teach, defined listening as â€Å"an active, rational, and interpretive process that is focused on creating meaning† (p. 118). As with other thinkers and practitioners mentioned here she saw the teacher’s job as one of attentiveness. Attending to students in this manner, implies becoming deeply engaged in understanding what a person has to say through words, gesture, and action. â€Å"Listening is fundamentally about being in relationship to other and through this relationship supporting change or transformation† (p. 270). Transmission of Dispositions Oftentimes, dispositions are aligned with skills. For example, critical-thinking skills include the ability to create justification for via analysis, evaluation, and interpretation in reasonable, effective, careful, and serious ways, but these skills are powerless if certain dispositions are not in place. Attending to concepts and enacting these skills requires openminded and prejudice-free dispositions. â€Å"Thinking skills rely on disposition to imply knowledge transfer within domains and the impetus to apply those skills (Harpern 1998; Wright 2002)†. There are multiple approaches to this. The author suggests: â€Å"Creating learning experiences for students that foster the development of dispositional commitments including incontrovertible and democratic rights of liberty, opportunity, and dissent, as well as freedoms of participation, inquiry, expression, and worship, are mush easier to prescribe than enact. Developing these dispositions is central to the charge Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 11 of democratic education: creating widening and enlarging experiences (Barton and Levstik, 2004; Dewey, 1916)†. Instead of attempting the edification of dispositions via transmission of instruction, learners can instead appropriately surface them habitually when students have continued exposure to various kinds of learning experiences Reinforcement of Dispositions Battalio and Morin (2004) share that teachers react to reinforcement similarly as students do. In this case, strategies that engage disposition need to be reinforced. A teacher who meets with accomplishment with a strategy will more than likely use the approach at another opportunity. If the success is a lasting one, then the teacher gets consistent confirmation about the usefulness of his or her practice. Regrettably, the reverse is also true. If a teacher uses a strategy that does not appear to operate, he or she is likely to employ the approach again. Achieving enduring change is often slow and seemingly unresponsive to initial positive interventions. Teachers need to be capable and ready to interpret preliminary intervention outcomes in the full framework of the student’s milieu while also resisting the temptation to follow subjective appraisals of the intervention’s effectiveness. The authors describe such teachers as having high personal teaching efficacy (PTE; Guskey & Passaro, 1994). This high personal teaching efficacy springs from a candidate who has the opportunity to explore and develop teacher dispositions for such behavior. Problem with Dispositions Due to concerns with the students’ communication to the instructor, and the nature of the language in that communication, the question of disposition arose. This is based on Schon’s definition of reflection in action. Reflection-in-action is defined by Schon (1987) as the ability of Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 12 professionals to ‘think about what they are doing while they are doing it’. Schon views this as a fundamental skill. He emphasizes that the only way to manage the ‘indeterminate zones of (professional) practice’ is through the ability to think on your feet, and put into operation previous experience to new situations. Students often equate a score on an assignment of project with a positive teaching disposition. This is not an automatic correlation and is often misinterpreted in various areas; student-instructor communications, classroom discussions, instructional conversations, group assignments, presentations, field placements and lesson planning; as well as the instructional environment at large. In this particular case, dispositions manifest themselves in all of the previously mentioned areas in this course. Because of a cohort of students in the first block of the program from the previous semester experienced major problems with maintaining the teacher dispositions as indicated by the College of Education’s Conceptual Framework, the instructor soon discovered that a more explicit system for aiding students in surfacing and monitoring their own dispositions was critical. The next semester the instructor taught the course and took a proactive approach to the situation. She instituted a simple instrument that served a three-pronged purpose: to engage students in assessing themselves, each other, and assisting the instructor in assessing the student’s disposition as well. The review of literature and the instructor’s concerns of developing the â€Å"whole† teacher raised an essential question. How and under what conditions do preservice teachers assess dispositions in terms of themselves, each other, and in the eyes of the instructor? Methodology Research Questions 1. To what degree do preservice teachers assess their own dispositions? Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 13 2. To what degree do preservice teachers assess the dispositions of their peers? 3. To what degree does the instructor assess the dispositions of the preservice teachers in the reading methods course? Population The sample consisted of forty-seven students enrolled in two sections of the reading methods course instituted in the first of four methods block courses in the undergraduate teacher education program at the university. There were forty-three females and four males. Thirty-six were early childhood education majors, eight were middle grades education majors and three were special education majors. The study was voluntary and this population, and its sequences through the methods course blocks, was appropriate for this study because this is the structured progression of the undergraduate teacher education program. Convenience sampling was utilized (Salkind & Rassmussen, 2007). Though convenience sampling has been stated in the literature not to be as strong a method as others, this method is essential to the study because of the nature of the candidates to this institution’s program. If these candidates are to continue in the program as a cohort, monitoring them will be essential to teacher quality and program expectations. Measurement Measures The Likert Scale is an ordered, one-dimensional scale from which respondents choose one option that that most appropriately supports their view. There are usually between four and seven options. An advantage is that questions used are usually simple to understand and show the way to consistent responses. A disadvantage is that limited options are presented; with which respondents may not completely agree. Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 14 Construction of measures The instrument was a 4-point likert scale with three major response categories: satisfactory, areas of concern, and not observed. With in the category of satisfactory were two response subcategories: exemplary performance and expected performance. Within the category of areas of concern was below expected performance. Finally, there was the category of not observed. This makes for four responses in total. Exemplary performance was rated as a three, expected performance was rated as a two and below expected performance was rated as a one. The dispositions being assessed were belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. Within the category of belonging were samples of descriptors. Descriptors included: relates easily, positively, and tactfully with others, is friendly, courteous, and professional; actively seeks opportunities for personal and professional growth; appropriate professional appearance and personal hygiene. Within the category of mastery were samples of descriptors. They were: demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and reflection; exhibits an interest in and a commitment to teaching and learning; responds with a positive attitude when receiving feedback. Within the category of independence were samples of descriptors. Descriptors included: demonstrates initiative and positive attitude; is responsible, reliable, dependable, & well organized (meets deadlines, reliable, prompt, attends classes, appointments, meetings, etc. ), and demonstrates flexibility and adaptability. Within the category of generosity were samples of descriptors. They were willingly, actively and cooperatively participates in collaborative situations; shares ideas and concerns, and appreciates multiple perspectives. There was also an open-ended comments section for those responses that students felt were important to the survey but not included in the checklist (See Appendix A). Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 15 Procedures The instrument was administered twice to the students and completed once by the instructor. The students completed the checklist based on their observation of themselves at the middle of the semester. The students then completed the instrument anonymously on a group member at the end of the semester. Finally, the instructor completed the disposition checklist on all of the students at the end of the semester. Each checklist was submitted the day it was completed and all of the data were compiled ten days after the last checklist was collected. Though this was a mixed methods study, the research chose to address the quantitative aspect of the study at this time. Results The data was subject to descriptive statistical analysis, by way of percentages. Self-Reporting In the category of belonging disposition, all of the participants rated themselves as displaying satisfactory performance; with 39 (83%) reporting exemplary performance and 8 (17%) reporting expected performance. In the category of mastery disposition 27 (57%) of the participants rated themselves as exemplary performance, 17 (36%) reported expected performance, and a small percentage; 3 (7%) rated themselves an area of concern-below expected performance. In the category of the independence disposition, 100% rated themselves as satisfactory in the area with 25 (53%) of them rated as exemplary performance and 22 (47%) at expected performance. Finally, in the disposition of generosity, 39 (83%) of the participants rated themselves with an exemplary performance and with 8 (17%) of preservice teachers rated themselves with expected performance (See Appendix B, Table 1). Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 16 Figure 1. Number of Students 50 40 30 20 10 0 Exemplary Expected Below Expected Not Observed on gi ng M as te ry In de pe nd B el Peer Reporting In the category of belonging, 40 (85%) of the participants rated their classmates as exemplary performance with 5 (10%) of the students citing expected performance. Five percent of the participants rated their peers in the area of concern-below expected performance. In the category of mastery, 39 (83%) of the participants rated their peers at exemplary performance. Fifteen percent of participants rated their peers with expected performance and a small percentage of participants reported 1 (2%) of their peers at an area of concern-below expected performance. In the category of the independence, 39 (83%) of the participants rated each other with exemplary performance in this area. Of the preservice teachers, 5 (10%) were rated by their peers as meeting expected performance. Seven percent of the participants rated each other in the category of belowexpected performance. In the category of generosity, 41(86 %) of the participants rated each other with a score of exemplary performance. Seven percent of participants rated their peers with expected performance. Finally, 3 (7 %) of the participants rated their peers below expected performance (See Appendix B, Table 2). G en er os ity en ce Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 17 Figure 2. Number of Students 50 40 30 20 10 0 Exemplary Expected Below Expected Not Observed er y nd en ce gi n B el on. In de pe Instructor Reporting In the category of belonging, the instructor rated 12 (25%) of the participants as displaying exemplary performance. Fifty-seven percent of preservice teachers were rated as displaying expected performance. Seventeen percent of the participants were rated belowexpected performance. In the category of mastery, the instructor rated 7 (15%) of the participants as exemplary performance. Thirty-two percent were rated as expected performance and a smaller percentage; 25 (53%) of the participants were rated as below expected performance area of concern. In the category of independence, 9 (19%) of the students were rated as displaying exemplary performance. Twenty-five percent of participants were rated as having expected performance and 26 (55%) of the participants were rated as below expected performance. In the category of generosity, the instructor rated 7 (15%) of the participants as exemplary performance and 33 (70%) at expected performance. Fifteen percent of the participants were rated at area of concern-below expected performance (See Appendix B, Table 3). G en er os M as t ity g Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 18 Figure 3. Number of Students 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Exemplary Expected Below Expected Not Observed on gi ng M as te ry In de pe nd B el Figure 4. Comparison of Students’ Scores 3. 5 3 Mean Score 2. 5 2 1. 5 1 0. 5 0 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31 34 37 40 43 46 Number of Students Reported by instructor Reported by self Reported by peer Discussion This tool provided three views of major disposition categories. The most marked difference was between the instructors view of the participants’ disposition of independence (Figure 4). The discrepancy solicits questions about the definition of independence based on objectives and the context provided by the program’s conceptual framework. It is possible that the proactive descriptor could be part of this definition. G en er os ity en ce Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 19 Mastery was another disposition that elicited conversation and conflict. This, like independence, was controversial as well. Participants tended to view completing assignments as mastery whereas the instructor looked at issues of quality. Belonging was a disposition that was actually consistent across all three reporting groups. This disposition is critiqued because it sets the stage for collegiality; an essential part of teacher life. Generosity was also consistent across all three reporting groups. This disposition too, is critical for planting seeds of empathy; a descriptor in the university’s conceptual framework. As far as limitations are concerned, the research acknowledges a few of them. First of all, of the university’s descriptors are not discreetly measured or assessed. Secondly, the number of students is a relatively small number. Third, these students are in the first methods block of the teacher education program. The researcher questions what this data would reveal if the students were assessed towards the end of the program. Conclusion The study found a significant difference between the instructor’s view of the student’s disposition and their view of themselves. The research found this to be of importance and planned to examine this phenomenon qualitatively. Independence was the one disposition where students were actually aligned with the perception of that disposition with the instructor. Implications This small, yet informative study delineates three relatively important points. First, we must make the importance of dispositions explicit in each course, not just listed in the course objectives. It must be surfaced in the courses and monitored qualitatively and quantitatively. Secondly, we must teach students how to surface dispositions and understand the total Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 20 commitment associated with the conceptual frameworks of each institution’s teacher education program. Third and finally, we must continue to create and fine tune a more concise process for creating banks of comparative disposition data in our accreditation and institutional reports that inform a dynamic curriculum. As issues of teacher quality and student performance continue to avail, we must make the examination of the potential and power of disposition a part of the deliberate conversation. Disposition & Early Childhood Teachers 21 References Battalio, R. , Morin, J. (2004). Constructing Misbehavior: The Efficacy Connection in Responding to Misbehavior. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions. Vol. 6. 251-254. Barton, K. C. , and McCully, A. W. (2004). History, identity, and the school curriculum in Northern Ireland: An empirical study of secondary students’ ideas and perspectives. Journal of Curriculum Studies Vol. 37, 85-116. Beckham, L. ; Julian, K. ; Roberson, T. ; Whitsett, G. (2007). First Year Teachers’ Reported Levels of Functioning on Selected Professional Dispositions. Education. Vol. 128. 95102. Beyer, L. E. (2002). The politics of standardization: Teacher education in the USA. Journal of Education for Teaching, 28, 239-246 PD. Bowers, C. A. , & Flinders, David J. (1990). Responsive teaching: An ecological approach to classroom patterns f language, culture, and thought. New York: Teachers College Press. Cherryholmes, C.H. (1988). Power and criticism: Poststructural investigations in education. New York: Teachers College Press. Combs, A. W. ; Avilz, D. ; Purkey, W. (1971) Helping Relationships-Basic Concepts for the Helping Professions. Allyn and Bacon, Inc. Boston, MA. Dewey, J. (1916). Democracy and education. New York: Free Press. Doll, W. B. (1993). A postmodern perspective on curriculum. New York: Teachers College Press. disposition. (2010). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved January 17, 2010, from http://www. merriam-webster. com/dictionary/dis.

Definition Methods Of Data Collection And Analysis Dissertation

Definition Methods Of Data Collection And Analysis - Dissertation Example The study will involve both secondary review and primary survey to gather the required data (Bergman, 2008). The secondary data collection method in this study is necessary to give us the current position about the earlier studies carried on the topic. The literature search will be conducted for relevant articles published between 2000 and 2014. The comparative studies that reported such outcomes as error rates, radiologist productivity, and departmental productivity will be selected. The retrieved studies will be examined for quality and risk of bias (Hammersley, 2012). On the other hand, the primary survey using semi-structured interview will help carry out a fresh study using the shortfalls in the literature review to help balance the weakness of the literature. The primary survey will be the focus on such workflows as filmless with speech recognition, filmless with manual transcription, the film with manual transcription, the film with speech recognition. This is also necessary as it will incorporate the development that has taken place in the execution of the previous studies so as to remain updated. Two surveys will be submitted to the candidate sites. Here, the first survey will be used to determine the suitable available data for follow-up. The subsequent survey will request data for report turn-around times, report volume and full-time equivalent staffing levels (Bowling, 2009). Data will be gathered and stored in a Microsoft Access Database for the subsequent statistical analysis to be performed in Excel. The regression and correlation analytical tools will be used in analyzing the data gathered.

History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

History - Essay Example Moreover, by understanding the dynamics of a young king guided and directed by a team of time tested advisers, the reader can come to the understanding of what it truly next to the of Pharaoh and to what degree and extent King Tutankhamen was ultimately in control of his own Empire or to what extent the viziers, generals, and advisers ultimately contributed to the key decisions that ran the structure. To document was something of an extraordinary figure not necessarily due to the fact of what he accomplished during his brief reign but due to the fact that he was the descendent and son of Pharoah Akhenaten. This is of importance due to the fact that Akhenaten (formerly known as Amenhotep IV), was most notable for having started a cult of the sun. As such, Akhenaten was something of a controversial figure due to the fact that he deviated from the traditional understanding of the Egyptian deities and promoted cult of the sun as well as built a new capital for the religion which minimize d importance of Luxor. Many individuals have pointed to the fact that Akhenaten’s enemies, in retribution for diminishing the role that traditional addiction religion had within the lives of the people, had in fact taken vengeance upon King Tutankhamen and ultimately have to him murdered. Although this is unproven, strong speculation exists as well as circumstantial forensic evidence that helps to point to such a conclusion. Ultimately, King Tutankhamen ascended the throne at the age of nine. According to tradition, he married immediately upon taking the throne. It has been able to be determined by scholars that came to document along with his wife, his half-sister Ankhesenpaaten, had to stillborn daughters. However, besides this, the two of them had no further children. Pharaoh served as the supreme leader of all of Egypt for approximately 9 to 10 years. In approximately the year 1323 BC, King Tutankhamen died. Whether this death was the result of natural causes or if Phelps play was involved is of course the fundamental question that continues to entertain and confound modern-day Egyptologists, forensics experts, and specialists of various other fields. Due to the young and tender age of which King Tutankhamen ascended to the throne, the reality of the situation demanded that he have a team of skilled and powerful advisers in order to maintain his grip on power. However, maintaining such advisers may very well have been a causal factor that ensured King Tutankhamen’s early demise. Immediately upon Tutankhamen’s death, Vizier Ay took the throne and directed the affairs of Egypt for a further 3 years until his own death. At such a time, it was General Horemheb who ultimately assumed the title of pharaoh (though he was not of royal blood). As has been mentioned previously, and appreciation for an understanding of Tutankhamen’s father’s creation of and believe in the sun cult was a cause for great irritation for many within Egy ptian society. Although it cannot be definitively stated that General Horemheb was responsible working to doctrines that, he is a likely culprit due to the fact that he

Zedong and Xiaoping Different Ideology and One Same Goal Essay

Zedong and Xiaoping Different Ideology and One Same Goal - Essay Example The turbulent period which has shaped China is brimming of reformists like Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. Mao Zedong, born into a peasant family in Shaoshan, Hunan Province, is an advocate of Karl Marx and his idea in communism and the proletariat. Along with Zhou Enlai, Zhu De and Lin Biao, Mao Zedong was a founder-member of Chinese Communist Party (CPP) when it was established in 1921 (bbc.co.uk). Mao’s ushering into Marxism could be attributed to his devoted reading of Marx’s â€Å"The Communist Manifesto† while he worked in the University Library (bbc.co.uk). His early political career with CPP laid him in the Koumintang Nationalist Party as a political organizer. When Chiang Kai-Shek emerged as the new leader of Koumintang, after the death of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, he launched an â€Å"anti-communist purge†. Consequently, Mao led his followers and the communist Red Army in the legendary 6,000 mile retreat â€Å"Long March† to Northwest China â€Å"to establish a new base† (â€Å"Mao Zedong†). When Mao gained the upper hand after defeating Chiang in a civil war in 1949 (the year Mao proclaimed the founding of People’s Republic of China), he set out to â€Å"reshape Chinese society.† ... nd set out to reform and bring about economic growth and development which freed estimated â€Å"170 million peasants out of extreme poverty† by the early 1990s. Among the socio-economic reforms brought by Deng was the abolishment of rural agricultural communes tantamount to a condemnation of Mao’s Great Leap Forward: the giving of permit to city dwellers for them to start small-scale businesses, allowing ordinary Chinese citizen to buy consumer goods, the imposition of tough population controls that included forced abortions to limit families to one or two children, and inviting foreign investors to the country (â€Å"Reformer with an Iron Fist†). Deng also criticized Mao’s Cultural Revolution when it shut down schools and suck the student population â€Å"into the ubiquitous Red Guards† (â€Å"Reformer with an Iron Fist†). Although Deng’s affiliation with the left is as staunch as Mao’s, the two are at odds when it comes to ec onomic development. Mao’s tact ensconced in Great Leap Forward is juxtaposed by Deng’s liberalization of trade, commerce and industry in China. Mao’s personality exemplifies conservatism at a time when changes brought by the West trickles in Japanese soil and other countries in Asia. Mao headed China in manner somewhat regressive and insulated from the Western influence and urbanity. On the other hand, the progressivist and pragmatic brand of leadership which could be influenced by France – where he also developed in himself the idea of capitalism – Deng brought about urbanization and industrialization in China. It is interesting to note that Deng who is a central figure in CPP had suffered 3 overthrows in 1933, 1966 and on 1978 by his fellow revolutionaries when he attacked Mao’s ideology. Known to be a â€Å"capitalist roader†

Legal Rights Afforded to the Accused Research Paper

Legal Rights Afforded to the Accused - Research Paper Example Miranda rights apply to custodial interrogations and since John is held in police custody he qualifies for these rights (Roberson, Wallace and Stuckey, 2007). Ideally, John is an illegal immigrant and as such is expected to face the due process of the law and similar protection provided in the constitution like other United States (US) citizens. He should therefore be accorded help if unable to communicate in native language by being given a translator. If the police officers fail to advise John of the fundamental rights provided in the constitution, any statements made by John may therefore be suppressed if challenged in a court of law meaning that such incriminating statements may not be used against John during his trial. Some procedural steps that must be taken include booking John for the crimes he has been arrested for. His personal belonging are then taken, photographs and fingerprints taken in order to confirm his identity and establish if there are other warrants of arrests issued before (Kempinen, 2006). John should then be arraigned in court before a judge and at this point the judge will decide if there was a need for the arrest. During the arraignment, a judge also decides the amount of bail or if the suspect would be released on recognizance. Nevertheless, considering that John is not a citizen, the immigration department should put him on hold meaning that even if a bail is allowed, he would not be freed without posting an immigration bond. The immigration will then wait from his case to complete and then commence deportation proceedings against John. Preliminary hearing is mainly used to assess adequacy of evidence against a suspect in order to make a decision whether to go to a full trial. On the other hand, a grand jury is where a group of citizens listen to evidence presented to determine if a full trial should commence. Both preliminary and grand jury allows evidence which gives the prosecutor enough evidence to charge the

Globalization and Economic Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Globalization and Economic Development - Essay Example However, extra legal means of bringing products into a country normally result to an increased in smuggling activities. These practices will eventually corrode if not slowly disintegrate the economy of the country. â€Å"Corrosion in the system of trade relations does not produce a blow-up from one day to the next. When nations find the rules too constraining and no longer appropriate to their needs they find ways of flouting them. The effects tend to be more subtle and show up over time in a gradual retreat from the cornerstone principles of multi-literalism and non-discrimination† (Rodrik). Trade in a globalized economy provides equal opportunity for all players as provided for by the WTO and the GATT. Goods can now be produced in another country without too much impact on the price and in fact can be lowered since products from another country can be produced or assembled locally and be given the same benefits as that of the local brand. Adverse effects of short cuts and ot her extra legal means of trading is not only avoided but governments earn the advantage of taxing the goods. Healthy trade between countries are assured by the WTO and GATT for member nations providing equal opportunity for the products with that of the local products. ... However a move towards ensuring that making each country a member of WTO and compliant to GATT, BASEL and other UN directives remains a challenge. WTO and other agreements prevent several archaic trading imperatives that existed and accepted in the better part of the last century. These trading practices sometimes result to war or conflicts because of its predatory nature. Equal opportunity is given to all players that wish to transact with the other WTO members preventing favouritism and preferential treatment. Globalization in its purest form makes it more efficient for trade to be concluded by moving manufacturing plants to where the market is. Long are the days where waste in the manufacture, shipment and distribution of goods are left not only to normal market forces but also to the devices of the elements and environmental factors because of the lag in shipment and distribution. Positioning for better prices due to a more efficient manufacturing process within the country where the market is if not where the actual raw materials are manufactured will also be more competitive. A more sustainable manufacturing process that will safe guard the environment if not reduce carbon emission. Corporate strategy that could include reduction of operating expense while increasing the level of quality is due to globalization. Technology as an enabler of globalization makes it easier for company to monitor and manage their remote facilities or offices that could be on the other side of the globe. In sum, decrease operating cost, immediate response to market forces that dictate price and supply under an economic environment that do not discriminate between local and imported products when it comes to tax will make the global economy more prudent. Another

Keynesian Liquidity Preference Framework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Keynesian Liquidity Preference Framework - Essay Example Apart from this optimistic approach there will be some negative characteristics of high money supply like, it will hike the inflation rate up to an optimal level (Fontana 31). Let's say the treasury printed so much in Federal Reserve Bank (FED) which made every American a millionaire, after the retirement of everyone, there would be no more workers or servants left to do the biddings which urges the industries to attract people by raising their wages. This of course is the essence of inflation; so persistency in spending the money would be required to overcome the circumstances which may arise due to higher money supply and we can say that it's a best cure of recession. A recession will change in depression if a "Liquidity Gap" occurs in it. A liquidity gap is when people hoard money and refuse to spend, no matter how much the government tries to expand the money supply. There are ample reasons why people hesitate to invest the money; it can be a consumer loss of confidence on the ec onomy probably due to stock market crash or the law and order situation in the country, natural disaster like earthquake or hurricane are also the major cause which abate the spending of the money in the country, although saving is a good thing but it is not viable if spending and investment are not on an adequate level. You know "Wars are good for economy" (it must astonish you) almost all the economist agree that World War II cured the great depression because the U.S finally began massive spending on defense. Social Programs are much more preferable over the ways to avoid depression. The success of Keynesian economics can be evaluated by having a glance over the recession periods. In U.S, before the World War II, eight recessions worsened into depression which happened in (1807, 1837, 1882, 1893, 1920, 1933 and 1937) and since world war II there have been nine recessions under Keynesian policies happened in (1945-46, 1949, 1954, 1956, 1960-61, 1970, 1973-75, 1980-83, 1990-92) and not a single recession turned into a depression. Richard Nixon who was the 37th president of the United States (1969-1974) once declared that "We are Keynesians now" shows the importance of Keynesian Liquidity Preference Theory. As mentioned earlier savings is a must for the economy. According to Keynes saving is equal to investment; means every dollar which is saved is ultimately utilized as an investment in the economy (Keynes 150). Now the concept of money supply and price level effect comes into place; if the economy reaches on an optimal level then people become less interested to invest and under this influence price level increases because the income level also increases. In liquidity preference framework, Keynes (211) states that the money demand can be equated with the term Marginal Efficiency Unit (MEU). Keynes further apprises that nothing will induce the people to invest money if they are on a consensus that the economy is on its peak point from where the prices of the commodities begin to rise and result in increasing the inflation rate up to a vulnerable position (Handa, 511). The industry which badly gets hurt from this jeopardous situation is the banking industry because

TMA01 Prometheus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

TMA01 Prometheus - Essay Example There is no poetry, no artistic liberty, and certainly nothing to spark a discussion of his exploits thousands of years later. However, in most accounts, he is a Titan, a giant man or god who attempted to overthrow Zeus, and is the brother of the equally unfortunate Atlas. His personal lasting mark is strangely a side-effect of both his compassion for mankind and his contempt for the gods: bringing fire to the human race. This single act would solidify his martyr status, as he would spend an eternity at the bottom of the pecking order. Zeus sentenced him to survival. Zeus was not known for his mercy; this survival entailed being chained to a rock and eaten by an eagle, which is an animal widely acknowledged to symbolize justice and, ironically, equality. Beyond that, he shares a semi-divine status with Hercules, the demigod who would later release him from his torturous sentence. After this escape, his name was selected to grace the sky as one of the moons of Saturn (Dictionary.com, LLC, 2010). Hesiod’s account of Prometheus fits neatly into the tale of Thegonia, the birth of the gods. Hesiod sought to accommodate the many tales of the development of the gods and of Greek mythology through the production of one cohesive narrative. In particular, there is a constant war between the perspectives of the gods, men (who are represented as having a characteristic kinship with animals), and of the multitudes of characters in between the two extremes. Unlike many writers before him, Hesiod also cast off the ulterior motives of establishing a divine role in human authority. By his reasoning, the gods had a hierarchy as headed by Zeus and granted little importance to the affairs of men- unless they defied godly commands or desires (Vickery 1966, pp. 86-87). As an embodiment of the human spirit of defiance, brothers Atlas and Prometheus would defy the gods and be made martyrs. What makes them iconic is their status as a party between men

Economics of Race and Gender Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Economics of Race and Gender - Article Example It is because this discriminatory attitude is deeply rooted in one’s subconscious and it will take years of relentless struggle to wipe out this unethical approach from the society. It is emphasized by the movie’s director that even in the present competitive age, countless people still view, treat, and assess others on the basis of their cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. The distinguished feature of this riveting movie is that it shows a mixed pot while taking care that the element of interest lasts till the end of the story. One finds the lives of various characters from entirely different racial backgrounds intertwined in such a way in this movie that everyone crashes or bumps into each other. Basically, every character in this movie has a different racial background and the individual interactions among them are portrayed in such a manner that the viewers cannot help but appreciate the reality and significance of the pervading discriminatory notions in the society. Each furious and provoking incident is tried to be presented as realistically as possible and that is an effort which is too conspicuous to ignore if this movie is scrutinized deeply. The movie starts with a car accident involving a female detective and an Asian woman, who start fighting each other and exchange racial insults straight-off. The way this incident is portrayed is too heart-touching and a sudden idea dawns on the viewers that the world is no yet free of unjustified biases despite many tedious efforts. This incident is then followed by a row reflecting racial biases between a Persian man and a gun shop owner, who refuses to hold any transaction with the Persian man owing to his religious background . Finally, the Persian man had to leave the gun shop seriously infuriated, while his daughter Dorri endured verbal sexual insults from the shop owner. After that, the scene between the district attorney, his wife and two black car hijackers also plainly shows paranoia, suspicion,

Shah News Essay Example for Free

Shah News Essay Identification of Problem A small newsagent named Shah News has decided to diversify, and begun to rent digital media to the public. It began as a small experiment, to see if it would work out in his current local area. To his advantage, it has become very popular because of two main reasons; because his newsagent is situated on a main road with most property being residential, and the fact that he has a highly respected reputation with the local area (mainly because of his competitive pricing of groceries, confectionary and cosmetics). He has already built a sizeable customer database, and currently he is just using a larger alternative to a notebook to store information on members and his media. He is already expending his media collection, as his member base gets larger too. He has discovered that it is possible to store information in database format on a computer, from seeing such set-ups in similar rental stores e.g. Video Box and Red Rose (incidentally, there is a Video Box branch 15 minutes walk down his main road, and a Red Rose branch another 10 minutes walk further on). He has a computer system at home, however seeing the low prices of such computers adequate for the job, he is confident to buy a new computer system purely for his computerised database. A computerised database system would be a perfect fit for his situation. It would certainly be better than the method he is currently using. Problems with his current system are too many to list, mainly because it is such an old fashioned way. Such main problems are: * Although he hasnt realised, he is not conforming to the Data Protection Act because his data is not secure i.e. it is all in a large tabulated notebook. This could be serious for him if his member database grows, and in future time, he is checked up by authorities. * It is long winded to create a member, because he has to write out details by hand, and also write a membership card by hand. Currently, he is just assigning consecutive numbers to members, as their Member IDs. This shouldnt have a big problem with implementation of the new system, as he can still keep his current member database intact without reissuing of new cards (eliminating cost of more cards and most importantly, eliminating unneeded hassle). * His media database is also in a separate tabulated notebook, where he is simply assigning numbers to all media to create media IDs (and media multiples). Again, this can be eliminated by means of creating a digital database. Also, the chances are that there will be more media than members. Therefore, if he did keep the notebook, he would have large problems finding media (as it isnt in alphabetical order because he is randomly and constantly adding new media in a top-down fashion). Again, this is unneeded hassle. Time is more valuable than money, because if he has a queue, he can process customers more quickly (meaning less aggravation for customers, as they want to be in and out of the shop in as smallest time possible, thus meaning longer lasting customers, leading to more rentals in future). It would be a worthwhile investment for him to have a digital system created. Identification of Prospective Users The primary user for the system will most probably be Mr. Shah himself, as he works in the shop full-time. Other possible users are family members who occasionally help out (as it is a family-run newsagent) be. Secondary Users of the system could possibly be of the following type of people: Administrators can administrate and debug the system, to keep it in operational order. Also, they can perform tasks such as installing software upgrades for the system, or recovery if the system fails. However, since this is no large store or national name, itd be appropriate to train a member of the family (possibly Mr. Shah himself) to be an administrator. Staff working in the newsagent (if Mr. Shah has to hire anyone for temp/permanent work because reliability of family help drops). The system isnt permitted for usage by members of the public because it must comply with the Data Protection Act; meaning that the data must be secure. Only permitted peoples of the newsagent will have access to the system. Now, although nobody else will have access to the system because it is a smallish shop, a password-entry system must still be implemented because the software has to comply with the Data Protection Act. Identification of User Needs and Acceptable Limitations The primary users will be the Staff working at that particular branch. As they will be working full days (maybe part time staff too), they will want a system that: Is extremely efficient and smooth-running. Tasks that need to be performed can be completed without hassle and in as less time and operation as possible. Has a very simple user interface, and is not heavy on the eye. The user will not have to operate different devices simultaneously i.e. keyboard and mouse. The system will be functional from keyboard usage solely. (similar to a till or an EPOS outlet). The media database will have to change to a digital database. This will simplify the whole rental process to, as each media will have a unique ID. Even multiple films will have different IDs, for example; there are 4 copies of the DVD-Video The Matrix, each one having IDs of MATRIX01, MATRIX02, MATRIX03 and so on. When a rental process takes place, the ID of the media that is to be rented, is assigned to the members account. As an integral task, that particular media ID is deleted from the database of media available for rent. When the rental period is over and the media is returned, the ID is unassigned from the members account, and also is put back onto the list of available media for rent. The system has to be able to accomplish tasks such as: The ability to add new members to the user database. The ability to view/edit/delete member details with ease. All members will have a unique ID, although itll be impractical to have members remember their ID. Therefore, maybe a membership card system should be implemented. This can truly authenticate a member from a non-member as an added advantage to the company. The ability to add new media to the database, and assign to it a unique ID. The ability to create rentals by assigning media IDs to member accounts. Also, the attached ability to mark that media ID as rented out. The ability to delete rentals from a member account. Also, the attached ability to mark the media ID as available for rent. The ability to view available/rented media in summarised form, and also to delete media that is not available for rental anymore. If media is rented, then the ability to view the details of the member whom it is rented to. The ability to notify automatically when a members rental period is expired i.e. overdue. The ability to create weekly reports for aid in analysis of the business. However, only managers will be able to view this information. (password required). In considering this system, there are limitations: The system will have to be made within a certain budget, and a certain time period. It must meet the required objectives, and at the very least, the essential objectives. It must also comply with the Data Protection Act, and to ensure members that their data is secure. Realistic Appraisal of the Feasibility of Potential Solutions The Original System: Advantages * Currently, everyone who works in the media-lending department are familiar with this system. This eliminates extra costs and time for training, which would be needed for a new system. * Can be expanded to cater for a larger member/media database easily with no hassle. Disadvantages * The system is slow and sluggish because media/member information needs to be found using a manual approach. * With the paper database for the media and members, there is a bigger chance of files and records getting mixed up, or even lost. * If there is a disaster e.g. a fire, then the paper database will be destroyed. This will be disastrous to the business because there is no back-up of the member/media databases. Also, insurance claims for the media (if destroyed also) could be unsuccessful because Mr. Shah will possibly have no other evidence of what media he possessed. * Theoretically, the member data isnt fully secure (to comply with the Data Protection Act) because it isnt being stored in a safe; the data-book is left under the counter. A new, revised, fully digital system through a programming language approach, using Delphi: Advantages * The program can be very precise to the required specification and objectives. * Can do the required tasks with great efficiency and speed. * Some small tasks are automatically completed by aid of the system. For example, when media is rented, it automatically gets put under a rented media group to avoid it being rented twice by the software. * All files are digitally stored, therefore consuming less paper resources. * Multiple copies of the databases can be kept easily for backup purposes. The backup must be securely stored in order to comply with the Data Protection Act. Disadvantages * It can prove costly to have the system made, as it will be a bespoke system, and not an off-the-shelf software program. * It can prove even more costly if it needs to be modified or upgraded, as only the programmers can modify it (they have the source code), and they can charge a large fee for this. * It could take a long time to develop, and one of the limitations is the that it takes to develop the system. * It will be non-compatible with other software, and could require some training for the prospective users, therefore inflicting more cost on the business. * It can be prone to bugs, because it wont have been fully 100% checked (not like software that is on the market i.e. off-the-shelf software). A New System In A Database Approach Advantages * It will be much easier and user friendly to operate the database (and the application), as users will hopefully be more familiar with database applications. * It can be made to a much smaller budget, as less time and programmers are needed on the job. * Complicated searches can be carried out (queries), and reports can be made with ease and speed, as these functions are specialities of a database application. * Can still do the required task very efficiently, with speed and accuracy. Possibly more speed, as the database application will be specially optimised for this. * Files are again, digitally stored, therefore consuming less paper resources. * Easier to modify the database application, for creating add-ons and making more features, as there is no source code, and advanced programmers arent needed. This is a job that Administrators could do. * The system will have no bugs (if any), compared to possible bugs of a programming approach. This will be because of the fact that the database program will be an off-the-shelf piece of software. * Multiple copies of the patient/equipment database can be kept for backup purposes. Also, these backups will most likely be compatible in other database applications (making consideration for upgrading the database application in the future). Disadvantages * The system can take more memory (hard disk space, as well as RAM), as the database application has high demands for these memories. * The application might not be as precise to the specification as it could have been with the programming approach. * Although the branches will have a PC and peripherals, database applications are demanding on RAM and hard drive space, therefore it is possible that the PCs will require upgrading if the specification isnt up to the job. Thus meaning, more cost for the company. * The company will have to buy a version of a database program for every PC. This could be expensive, because as well as paying for the bespoke database, they have to pay for the program that runs it. Justification of Chosen Solution It seems clear that the manual system is out of the question. Too many disadvantages eliminate this possibility. A fully digital system has many more advantages and possibilities. The second issue, is of how the system will be made; either through a database approach or a programming language approach. It appears that the Delphi approach and the database approach seem to be on the same level as each other, in terms of advantages and disadvantages.

Time and Landscape Essay Example for Free

Time and Landscape Essay A landscape where we live in can influence who we really are as we grow up with it and it allows us to understanding more about ourselves with our constant interaction with the landscape. However it is possible that we are not able to connect with the landscape, because of our incompatibility with it, hence it has no impact or influences upon us. Sometimes we adapt ourselves to a landscape and we learn from it, but due to unforeseeable circumstances, we change to a different environment and we have to evolve our mentality in order to be able to comprehend a new landscape. Through time, we can have a better understanding about ourselves as we bond with the landscape and we tend to eliminate any ambiguity that exists between ourselves and the landscape. A landscape where we grow up in provides us sentimental values and it is these values that provide us with thoughts to reflect on during tough times, due to the significance of the landscape. What we are able to learn and decipher from a certain landscape is different to others because no two man would ever see a same vision from a same angle and any attempt to share thoughts would create an undercurrent of hostility towards each other. It is these landscapes that can provide us memories that are so deep that we are not willing to let go of it and we hold on to it to death. This notion is explored through Rachel Perkins’ film One Night The Moon through the physical dominance of sky and the mountain ranges, where we learn about the landscape and also the mental struggle of its inhabitants. In One Night The Moon , the story explores a theme of loss, whereby the loving child Emily Ryan. It is also possible that we live in a landscape for a long period of time and we start to fight against it. People often abide their traditions as they learnt it from their ancestors which have passed in down from centuries ago. These traditions are contained within a landscape which influences them to have those traditions. The constant evolving of the world have forced a certain groups or individuals to alter their traditions, but they are still who they really are in the sense that their sense of belonging deeper down heir hearts are the same. Aboriginals in Australia may have had their land invaded by white settlers, but they still live in their own little communities. Although they have lost some of their cultures, but the memory of it is still within them because it was their interactions with the Australian landscape in the past that influenced them deeply, thus engraving those memories in their hearts. They may have physically lost the battle trying to keep the landscape they own, but they will never lose the mental battle because memories and imagination allows individuals to convert things that are completely different to something in which they understand. This is similar in One Night The Moon because even though Albert worked for the police he will never be able to forget his landscape from the past because it is in his blood. Xxxxxfinish this paragraph. Our actions portrays who we are, but ultimately it is the landscape in which we live that influences who we are and subsequently transforms us to project our true emotions. Landscapes not only influences us , but it also helps to create memories. However sometimes we do disagree with a particular landscape and we try to repel from it, but what we are unaware of is the firm recollection that they provide to us in our hearts and it makes forgetting a certain landscape something hard to do.

Why Software Engineering Is Important Information Technology Essay

Why Software Engineering Is Important Information Technology Essay Software Engineering is the discipline providing methods and tools for the construction of quality software with a limited budget and a given deadline, in the context of constant requirements change. It involves the elicitation of the systems requirements, the specification of the system, its architectural and detailed design .In addition, the system needs to be verified and validated, a set of activities that commonly take more than 50% of all development resources. Testing techniques and tools, at different levels (unit, integration, and system) are needed. Software development being a human intensive process, management and quality control techniques are also required to run successful projects and construct quality systems. In most systems, including telecommunication systems, software is the overriding component in terms of cost and complexity. Good software engineering practices and tools can therefore make a substantial difference, even to the extent that they may be the driving force of the project success. What is the role of SE in Telecom and System engineering? Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field of engineering that focuses on how complex engineering projects should be designed and managed. Issues such as logistics, the coordination of different teams, and automatic control of machinery become more difficult when dealing with large, complex projects. Systems engineering deals with work-processes and tools to handle such projects, and it overlaps with both technical and human-centered disciplines such as control engineering and project management. System engineering deals with all aspects of computer-based system development. Software engineering is a part of system engineering. System engineering is to identify the roles of hardware, software, people, database and other system elements involved with that system which is going to be developed. Software engineering is to tell the practicalities of developing and delivering useful software. From its beginnings, software engineering has helped shape modern systems engineering practice. The techniques used in the handling of complexes of large software-intensive systems has had a major effect on the shaping and reshaping of the tools, methods and processes of SE. Before software can be engineered, the system in which it resides must be understood. To accomplish this, the overall objective of the system must be determined, the role of hardware, software, people, database, procedures, and other system elements must be identified, and operational requirements must be elicited, analyz ed, specified, modeled, validated, and managed. It is these activities that are the foundation of system engineering. During system design, developers define the design goals of the project and decompose the system into smaller subsystems that can be realized by individual teams. Developers also select strategies for building the system, such as the hardware/software platform on which the system will run, the persistent data management strategy, the global control flow, the access control policy, and the handling of boundary conditions. The result of system design is a clear description of each of these strategies, subsystem decomposition, and a deployment diagram representing the hardware/software mapping of the system. SECTION A: Question 5: Hypothesize a rationale for the following design decisions: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The ticket distributor will be at most one and a half meters tall. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The ticket distributor will include two redundant computer systems. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The ticket distributor will include a touch screen for displaying instructions and inputting commands. The only other control will be a cancel button for aborting a transaction. Answer: The ticket distributor will be at most one and a half meters tall. Every person can purchase the ticket including children and people with short height. The ticket distributor will include two redundant computer systems. Alternative In case if machine fails to work. Ticket distribution not to be interrupted. For data backup. To achieve a high level of availability. The ticket distributor will include a touch screen for displaying instructions and inputting commands. The only other control will be a cancel button for aborting a transaction. Enable substantial modifications to the interface. To enhance interactivity. Easier interface easily used by anyone. To let users stop their transactions any time. Question 7: Specify which of the following decisions were made during requirements or system design: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The ticket distributor is composed of a user interface subsystem, a subsystem for computing tariff, and a network subsystem managing communication with the central computer. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The ticket distributor will use PowerPC processor chips. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The ticket distributor provides the traveler with an on-line help. Answer: First and second lies in system design decision while third one is requirements design decision. Question 9: A passenger aircraft is composed of several millions of individual parts and requires thousands of persons to assemble. A four-lane highway bridge is another example of complexity. The first version of Word for Windows, a word processor released by Microsoft in November 1989, required 55 person-years, resulted into 249,000 lines of source code, and was delivered 4 years late. Aircraft and highway bridges are usually delivered on time and below budget, whereas software is often not. Discuss what are, in your opinion, the differences between developing an aircraft, a bridge, and a word processor, which would cause this situation. Answer: Requirements are non-sequential i.e. a new requirement may invalidate prior  requirement. No visible progress at end of day. Non-deterministic demands results in change of design. Many bridges and aircraft are simply refinements of other existing artifacts. This reduces the proportion of the  overall effort that is dedicated to design. Budget changes with every single change in requirement and with increased number of refinement cycles. Use of mature technologies and well defined processes in case of bridges, airplanes, etc. Innovative piece with no precedence.

Viewing Terrorism through Social Psychology Essay -- Psychology

Acts of terrorism are becoming increasingly common in today's society. From the frequent suicide bombings in Israel, the recent violence in the Russian village of Beslan, to the attacks on the world trade centers on September the eleventh of 2001 that so violently shook the world; terrorism is rarely far from our minds. Terrorist groups have a variety of aims, acts of revenge, politics, but by far the most common, and arguably most disturbing reason for these actions is religion. It is exceptionally important that we can learn to understand the forces that drive people to commit such wanton acts of destruction, and social psychology can help us to do that. Social psychology is a diverse field of study, it is "the scientific field that seeks to understand the nature and causes of individual behavior in social situations" (Social Psychology, Baron and Byrne). In social psychology we study the social factors which influence the individual to carry out certain actions, thus it is invaluable in studying terrorism. Social psychologists study both the immediate social context (the influence of whatever group we are in the immediate company of) and the wider social context (the effects of family, culture etc) both of which have great effect on personality, belief and behavior. An example of the effect of the immediate social context are the experiments carried out by Stanley Milgram. Milgram carried out a series of social psychology experiments into proximity and willingness of humans to cause pain to others using an electrocution device. The test also involved however the use of an authority figure to issue orders to carry out the electric shock. Milgram put volunteers in pairs and assigned one the role of teache... ...e understanding, to change an attitude so vastly of a devout person into a vicious killer it takes a depth of belief that no experimentation can understand, it goes beyond measurement and scale. Social psychology can indeed help us to understand terrorism, but I does not tell the full story, in the words of David Hume (A treatise of human nature) "this difficulty is to hard for my understanding." References David Hume: A treatise of human nature (Penguin Classics, 1969) L.B.Brown: Psychology and Religion (Penguin Education,1973) Baron and Byrne: Social Psychology ( Mark Juergensmeyer: Terror in the mind of God (University of California press, 2000) Roy F Baumeister: Evil, inside human violence and cruelty (W.H. Freeman and company, 1997) The Holy Bible: Mt 10:34 John Radford and Ernest Govier: A textbook of Psychology (Sheldon press, 1980)

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I read A tree grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. The story takes place in the summer of 1912 in Brooklyn New York. Johnny and Katie Nolan met very young in 1900. Soon, after six months of meeting, and getting married they have their first child, Francie Nolan who is eleven when the book begins. Later they have their second and last child Neely Nolan. As Francie grows up she begins to lose her innocence through a tree-throwing ritual and an encounter with a sex offender who was shot by Katie. Her father drinks more and more and becomes worthless. Katie then becomes pregnant with a third child, Annie Laurie. Johnny dies on Christmas day, which was five moths before his daughter was born. Francie stops believing in God the Christian faith and begins to do poorly in school. Francie and her brother work after finishing middle school in order to help out Katie. She can only afford to send one of he kids to school so she decides to send Neely, and Francie continues to wor k which allows them to live a little easier.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  World War I begins in America and this causes the world to change. Francie finds her first love, however he leaves to marry his Fiancà © before going to war. Francie is left with a broken heart but soon she meets a another boy. Then, Sergeant McShane asks Katie to marry him and she accepts. He has enough money to support them fully without hardship, and allowing Francie and Neely to go to college. They move out of their apartment the day before the wedding while Francie gets ready to leave for college.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I feel that Betty Smith relates to many other early 1900 writers in America. She brings forward the realities and struggles of poverty that many other writers have written about. In almost every chapter and character, Smith addresses the hardship of poverty, which gives the reader a feeling of how life was in the early 1900s. I feel that Scott F. Fitzgerald’s writing in his book The Great Gatsby is similar to Betty Smith’s writing because this book is all about the tragedies that are associated with excess money. This gives two sides of two different worlds in America around the same time. However, both writers write about the positive aspects of the two different money backgrounds and the negative aspects.

Non-Racist Attitude in Mark Twains The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Non-Racist Attitude in Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn As we look into issues of racism in the South we have to look at the time and setting of this book. It’s before the Civil War and during slavery when black people were property and not people. Twain’s intent on writing is to show the adventures of Huck and his close friends, and not on the issues of slavery. He does however tell the truth about slavery and the issues that surround it. This book does not display racist issues toward anybody, but does a great job in telling the life of a runaway slave, Jim, and a white boy, Huck. For example, the story introduces Jim as an illiterate, childlike, not very bright and extremely superstitious black man growing up in the South during slavery. This would be a typical description of most men of his age growing up at that time, and not just a black man. For people to think this book is about racism, they are totally looking at and understanding this book from the wrong point of view. In addition, in chapter fifteen Jim is totally worried that he might have lost Huck in ... Non-Racist Attitude in Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Non-Racist Attitude in Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn As we look into issues of racism in the South we have to look at the time and setting of this book. It’s before the Civil War and during slavery when black people were property and not people. Twain’s intent on writing is to show the adventures of Huck and his close friends, and not on the issues of slavery. He does however tell the truth about slavery and the issues that surround it. This book does not display racist issues toward anybody, but does a great job in telling the life of a runaway slave, Jim, and a white boy, Huck. For example, the story introduces Jim as an illiterate, childlike, not very bright and extremely superstitious black man growing up in the South during slavery. This would be a typical description of most men of his age growing up at that time, and not just a black man. For people to think this book is about racism, they are totally looking at and understanding this book from the wrong point of view. In addition, in chapter fifteen Jim is totally worried that he might have lost Huck in ...

Narrative and Narration Essay

Narrative and narration in films are the way in which the audience follows the plot. The difference between narrative and narration is only really clear when both are understood properly. Narrative is basically the way we see all the events in a film unfold. E.g. ‘Blair Witch Project’. A group of film students go into the woods to film a documentary about the myth of the Blair Witch. What we see is the people film everything that they do. We see (in a nutshell) them get lost, get scared and then looking at a wall. Narration is the process through which a film conveys or withholds narrative information, the way the story is told. Narration concerns the actual arrangement and presentation of the story in the film, the way the film distributes story information in order to achieve specific effects. E.g. in the ‘Blair Witch Project’ the story conveys the idea that there is ‘something’ out there, but it withholds all the information on the thing by never showing anything out of the ordinary. Once these two are understood we have to look into the two other effects to do with narration. These two are omniscient and restricted narration. Omniscient narration is where the audience is subjected to information from many sources such as ‘Lock Stock and two Smoking Barrels’. The film switches from one character to the next all the time, thus we never get to know one character more that any other. Plus it gives the audience more information than any of the characters, so we have an advantage over them all, which creates a feeling of suspense because the viewer is on the edge of their seat wondering if a certain character will find out a specific piece of information. Restricted narrative is where the film conveys the narrative to the viewer via one character. E.g. ‘Get Carter’. In this film we get almost all of the information from Jack Carter. He is in almost every scene. The advantage of this is that you know everything Jack knows, also everything that he doesn’t know. This is used in the British gangster genre film because is ads mystery to the question what will happen to our man (Jack  Carter) next. Tzvetan Todorov’s theory of narrative structure is a very simple way of explaining filmic narrative. The following is a point from the theory followed by an example of this from the film ‘Armageddon’. â€Å"A state of equilibrium†. Everything in the world is fine. People getting on with their run of the mill lives. The main star is seen grafting on an oil rig. â€Å"A disturbance of that order by an event†. NASA discover a big ass rock coming to earth at an enormous speed. We also see New York get hit by a meteor storm which emphasises the enormity of this event because the rock was able to squash such big and strong city like New York. â€Å"A recognition that the disorder has occurred†. NASA devises a plot to stop the rock ending all life on Earth, by sending a bunch of drillers to land on it, dig a hole, set of a nuclear bomb and come home heroes. â€Å"A return or restoration of a NEW equilibrium†. The rock is blown to shreds and th e world is saved, so that now everyone can continue grafting for pittance just like before. The new equilibrium is emphasised by the shot of the wedding at the end with the photo of the people who died during this event, so there is less characters so its different from the original equilibrium. This new equilibrium is necessary or otherwise there would be no difference between the start and the end of the film so it would be pointless to watch it if nothing interesting has happened in the main event. So when a film is viewed in this way we get a better understanding of the plot because we realise that its not a straight linear concept, but a circular one. Otherwise how do we get back to the equilibrium if it goes straight. But it can also be argued that it is not a circular process because its not going back to a equilibrium like before but back to a new equilibrium so effectively its going in a linear structure. The narrative in the film is driven by attempts to restore equilibrium. But Todorov’s theory does not end there. Oh no. Todorov also argues that narrative involves a transformation. The characters or the situations are transformed through the progress of the disruption. E.g. Halloween. In this film Laurie Strode starts out as a geeky teenager who is more concerned with her lessons than boys. â€Å"Shit, what, I forgot my chemistry book†. â€Å"Hey Laurie I just got you a date with that boy you like. Oh no please tell me you didn’t. I sure did. OK th en you gotta ring him on  the morning and cancel the whole thing†. But then at the end of the story (which concludes at the end of the sequel Halloween 2) she is a much stronger character. This is emphasised with the character in Halloween H20 where we see how much she has moved on from geeky teenager to a confident, strong, energetic mum. Vladimir Propp believes that the characters in a film have a narrative function in the text. Characters are there to help provide a structure for the text. He found eight basic characters who perform a certain function. Following are the eight characters and with examples of their counterparts in some famous films. The HERO. In ‘The Matrix’ Neo is the person who on a quest for something gets drawn into a world of UN-reality and comes out the unlikely hero after being trained to realise the truth. This is a common action/thriller genre film technique, because it helps the audience feel related in a way to the hero because you realise that it could happen to anyone of us. This is used in ‘Enemy of the State’. Will Smith is the usual nothing and ends up learning how to outsmart the American Government, which are so hard to outsmart apparently. The VILLAIN. In Halloween the villain is the maniac killer Michael Myers. As with most horror films at least the villai n (a killer more times than not) is a psychopath. E.g. ‘Friday the 13th’, Mrs Voorhees is the shock killer, her son was killed in the opening of the film. ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’. Freddie Kruger is the mysterious killer who slashes people up in their sleep. In ‘Night of the Living Dead’ zombies are the weird dead things that try and kill everyone. In ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ its a family of freaks that lure people in and then kill’em. These are the films that scare people. The Villains that shock people are the ones that you cant see. Such as the devil in ‘The Exorcist’ or the witch in ‘The Blair Witch Project’. The reason why the films worked was because the viewer was taken into a world of un-reality and this scared people. It let them be witness to what reality would be like in a unreal society. But more recent horror attempts such as the ‘Scream’ trilogy and ‘Children of the Corn’ use real people as the freaks who go on killing sprees. This kind of film scared film fans because it gave the impression that anyone can turn into homicidal maniacs. These film’s wer e not as praised as the old fashioned films by big horror fans such as myself because  it tries to play the audience into believe something which is already happening in the world, whereas most people go to see films to get away from reality, the new sort of horror film just shows you real life situations. The DONOR. In my view the donor in 90% of films is the narrative. The reason being that in most films the plot is for the good guy to defeat the bad guy. This can be by arresting them, killing them etc., but it doesn’t really matter. The donor provides the object for the hero to go for, or the heroes goal, and this in most films is the neutralisation or stopping of the bad guy. So when looked at like this we see that its the films presentation that provides the goal for the hero. The DISPATCHER. The dispatcher in a film is the person who sends the hero on their way. In the film ‘The Lion King’ the dispatchers are Nala and Moustapha. The reason why it’s these two is because they persuade Simba to go after Scar and regain his kingdom as the king. These are one of the key characters in the story because if it wasn’t for them the hero would no nothing to try and fix the situation. The FALSE HERO. The false hero in the film ‘The World Is Not Enough’ is the character Electra. She appears to be on the side of the hero (James Bond) but then turns against him. She provides him and M with informati on that appears helpful to their cause but we then realise that its part of a trap, between her and the bad guy. This character is very important to the flow of a film because it provides the viewer with a reason to then go on and hate that character, because we relate to the hero and as that person has screwed the hero we therefore feel that she has screwed us to. So in a way it personalises the character with the audience. The HELPER. The helper in a film is the person that seems knowledgeable in a certain aspect of the plot and then goes onto help the hero. The helper in ‘Halloween’ is Sam Loomis. This character is usually a person who for some reason knows the actions of the bad guy. In the case of Sam Loomis he is the doctor of Michael Myers. This helps him know what the killer will do next. He tells the sheriff that the killer will return to Haddonfield to try and kill his one surviving relative Laurie Strode. If it wasn’t for this character the hero would have no chance of stopping the bad guy because he knows absolutely nothing about it. Its also the same in ‘E nemy of the State’. The helper Gene Hackman (Brill) is the person who knows all about surveillance, the US governments capabilities, so therefore can help the hero (Will Smith) overcome the  challenge that the narrative of the film has set out. The PRINCESS. The princess in a film is the sexual reward for the heroes good work. The princess in ‘Armageddon’ is played by Liv Tyler and is the reward for the partial hero’s (Ben Afflleck) hard work in saving the planet from total destruction. The princess character is very important to the conclusion if the film because it is possible for the men to relate to it. The way is that the typical family picture in the world today still is that man goes out to work, women cleans the house and kids go to school. The man comes home from work and gets some sex for all his work, just like the hero in the film. Also like in ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’, Angelina Jolie is the reward for Nicholas Cage’s efforts at stealing 50 cars in one night. The FATHER. The father in ‘Armageddon’ again is Bruce Willis. The role of the father is to reward the hero for a job well done. In ‘Armageddon’ the reward for good work is being able to live with the fathers daughter, because the father rewards him for good work by staying on the rock and choosing to die himself. The father in the film also acts as the man with all the knowledge that holds the group together. In ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ the father Auto (Robert Duval) acts as the all powerful, all knowledgeable person who’s been there before and therefore is the person who can guide all the younger ones in the right direction. All of these eight points of characters carry the film. Not just one but all of them. When looked at in greater detail Propp’s theory we realise that its the way we sub-consciously look at the characters that makes the viewer thank anything of a certain film. In conclusion narrative and narration are the key elements that make a film what it is. All the above theories are vital, when it comes to reading a film in detail. These theories are useful because they make us view the film in a different way than you normally would. They help you to understand what the importance of certain characters and effects are. They help the viewer view key elements in totally different ways and to understand them in a much deeper detail than before. E.g. When I first saw ‘Halloween’ I saw Sam Loomis as an old doctor who seems a bit crazy upstairs. I thought his importance in the film was minimal and that he was only there to involve a British dude; and now when I watch the film I can realise how important his character is to Laurie Strodes quest to kill the Shape. If it was not for  him no one would have any idea of his intentions and that he would return to Haddonfield. So basically you’re decision as to weather you like a film or not can be identified by breaking down the certain aspects of a film down into questions. I.e. How do the films narrative functions effect you’re overall perception of the film.? How does the films narration effect the way you perceive the film. When you look at Todorov’s theory of narrative structure how does your view of the film change from the one you had of it before you compared it to the points Todorov makes in his theory? How does Propp’s theory of characters and narrative function make you look at the characters when you also look at the eight points outlined in his theory? All this along with all the stuff to do with camera movement, use of sound, use of lighting, use of Mise-en-scene and the way the plot is portrayed all help you understand a film in a deeper way than before.