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Learning and Development, 2008. This paper discusses the interaction between learning and development. 2,564 words (approx. 10.3 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 77.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer notes that teaching school-aged children is an involved and psychological process, involving a variety of problems that must be overcome in order to ensure success. The writer discusses that the underlying principles of this issue were initially expressed in three simple yet specific theoretical positions: the assumption that processes of child development are independent of learning; that learning is development; and that the relationship between learning and development subdues the conflicts of the other two principles by joining with them. However, the writer notes that more recent thinking has trended in a different direction - toward the notion of various levels of development relative to learning. The writer concludes with the opinion that no schoolchild can adequately be taught unless the curriculum focuses on zones of proximal development.
Outline:
Introduction
Early Thinking on Child Learning
Theoretical Position 1: Child Development Processes are Independent of Learning
Theoretical Position 2: Learning Is Development
Theoretical Position 3: The Relationship Between Learning and Development Counters the Extremities of the Former Two Principles by Joining Them
The Zone of Proximal Development Position
Conclusion
Reference List
From the Paper "Such thinking seems to suggest that the human mind is not, as was once thought, a complex combination of general capabilities including observation, attention, judgment, memory and so on, but rather an extensive, largely independent set of separate capabilities. Learning does not affect one's overall ability to focus attention on subject matter, but rather it improves ones ability to focus better on the learnt matter.
"This thinking, made famous by Thorndike, has been opposed by both Koffka and the Gestalt School, proponents of the third theoretical position. Rather, these latter critics propose that learning is never specific, but is interactive and general. Learning of a specific operation, the researchers attest, stimulates a structural network of a kind that can be applied to other forms of learning. Learning is not simply the process of habit, acquiring skills, nor based on simple identity: it is complex."
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Working Mothers and Child Care, 2008. This paper explores whether leaving children in a child care facility is detrimental to a baby's attachment to its mother. 1,892 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 60.95 »
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Abstract The paper discusses the concern of new mothers that leaving a baby in a child care facility will diminish its ability to recognize its mother. The paper explains that those who select a good child care facility have little reason for concern about attachment. The paper looks at the sociological research that has proven that high-quality child care is beneficial for babies and young children and does not diminish attachment to the mother.
From the Paper "Many new mothers have deep concerns that returning to work shortly after giving birth and leaving their baby in a child care facility every day could have a detrimental effect on the baby's ability to recognize its mother. They have a tendency to believe that frequent contact with their baby is necessary in order for a mother-child bond to form, develop, and be maintained. Consequently, they wonder if child care is always bad for babies and young children.
"I can offer reassurance in response to these concerns, for many sociological studies have been conducted in order to identify the influence of childcare on babies and young children, and most of these studies indicate that there are no negative effects. For example, Bengt-Erik Andersson's (1992) research and analysis of this issue indicates
that child-care is beneficial for babies. He studied socioemotional behavior such as attentiveness versus distractibility, impulsivity and short temper, assertiveness, and interactions with others, and none of his study results "indicated negative effects of day-care during infancy.""
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"Criticism and the Public Arts", 2008. This paper defends the course "Criticism and the Public Arts" as a beginning point in understanding how to apply academic methods of study to all aspects of art and communication. 2,140 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 66.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that "Criticism and the Public Arts" is a course that talks about art in society and about what is and is not accepted in society. The author points out that these issues need to be given a stronger academic treatment because the subject matter is not what decides whether a course of study is sufficiently rigorous but rather the methodology applied. The paper relates that a critique of public art is not merely a compendium of what one likes or does not like but instead necessarily includes an assessment of the appropriateness of the public art and of the complexities of communication. The author stresses that public art involves a number of decisions that can be characterized in theoretical terms and analyzed empirically as part of the process of developing an applicable theory.
From the Paper "Critic Ruth Slavin begins by considering the writing that supports public art, noting that it stresses two different but complementary ideas: 1) public art is considered to stand in a direct, unmediated relationship with the audience; and 2) public art is seen as an exercise in cultural democracy. Slavin is clear about the supposed result of this as she writes that "the placement of art outside the normal venues of the gallery and the museum becomes an important tool for enlarging the possibilities for participation in the fine arts." However, Slavin further finds these to be "liberal good intentions" often faced with "public incomprehension and hostility."
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Caribbean Culture and Cultural Imperialism, 2007. A discussion on whether the Caribbean society is too receptive and diverse for its own good. 1,633 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 53.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines the Caribbean culture and at how its dynamic polyglot, diverse nature - and its ability, and even willingness, to accommodate different cultures and ethno-social traditions - has actually made it vulnerable on a number of profound levels. It explains that the Caribbean nations have shown a marked inability to throw off the cultural, linguistic and educational encrustations of the European nations which took over the region generations ago and which re-shaped their new fiefdoms in ways that effectively did away with pre-European values, codes, religions and dialects. The paper also looks at how many Caribbean young people attend English or French schools and prepare themselves for entry into a "global village" that is controlled by the very ethno-racial groups which turned their own lands "upside-down" in the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries. In essence, the paper shows that by looking at the fragmented nature of the Caribbean world and by looking at the impress of foreign language upon its peoples and formal structures, a region is revealed that has lost much of its ability to marshal its forces against external imperialistic forces. The writer believes that the Caribbean must start doing a better job of privileging its indigenous traditions and dialects or it will finally, ineradicably, lose them forever.
From the Paper "Many observers are of the view that the Caribbean is a melting pot; that it is a place wherein European and non-European types "creolize" and thereby shed their different historical-national identities in favor of one that is "West Indian" in nature. This argument, however, has been vigorously challenged by others who assert that the Caribbean is really a collection of different regions which have their own unique, distinctive features. Simply put, while there may be regional similarities vis-a-vis food, music, dance, dress and a host of other elements, there are many more (or at least as many more) differences as there are similarities (Allahar, p.1-2). Simply put, Allahar appears to be to arguing two things: firstly, West Indian/Caribbean is diverse; secondly, despite this diversity, the region has certain societal features that distinguish it from other regions and which bind together its disparate elements."
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Article Reviews: Teaching Literacy, 2008. This paper reviews two articles about teaching literacy: Duke et al's 'Authentic Literacy Activities for Developing Comprehension and Writing' and Mary F. Heller's 'Telling Stories and Talking Facts'. 2,170 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 67.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that authentic literacy is broadly thought of as reading and writing in a personal narrative format. The author relates that Duke et al in their article 'Authentic Literacy Activities for Developing Comprehension and Writing' reported on their study involving 26 second and third grade teachers to investigate the development of students' ability to comprehend and compose informational and procedural texts in science. The author points out that this research confirmed that language skills acquisition improves in an authentic context rather than through de-contextualized or abstract learning. The paper also tells about a study by Mary F. Heller reported in her article 'Telling Stories and Talking Facts: First Graders' Engagements in a Nonfiction Book Club', which investigated the nature of responses of a small group of girls to see if these responses were grounded in facts learned from the readings or were narrative in nature.
Table of Contents:
Authentic Literacy Activities
Nonfiction Book Club
From the Paper "Authentic literacy activities as described in this article offer many advantages to a classroom teacher. We all wish to make our classes as interesting and relevant to our students as we possibly can. This definition of authentic writing and reading gives us a way to do this. Most all of us can recall how boring it seemed to mindlessly do worksheets or endless lists of practice exercises. By adding a "real" audience and a "real" purpose can make a writing assignment more meaningful or fun. Whether in graduate school or second grade, most of us would rather understand "why" we have to do an activity." Authentic literacy activities, as defined in this article, help students to understand that "why. Children can see how the skills they are learning are used by adults. In an age where students are subject to a great deal of test-preparation activities, doing something "real" might also be a welcomed break for teachers and students.
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School Prayer and the Constitution, 2008. This paper examines the state board of education's "Moral and Spiritual Training" curriculum. 1,014 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 35.95 »
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Abstract The paper analyzes the "Moral and Spiritual Training" school program proscribed by the state board of education, to determine whether it violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The paper examines three prior decisions by the Supreme Court and contrasts these decisions to the present facts.
From the Paper "Rarely is there a clearer statement of intent and direction than in the establishment clause of the First Amendment, which states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. . ." (Constitution, 1999, First Amendment). The first clause of the First Amendment, also known as the "establishment clause," is often interpreted as prohibiting the federal government from setting up a church, passing laws that aid one or all religions, or forcing acceptance or disbelief in a religion (Black, 1979, p. 490)."
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Development and Life Span, 2008. This paper discusses aspects and stages of human development. 2,454 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 74.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer notes that A. Grob, F. Krings and A. Bangerter describe human development in terms of an interaction between biological, socio historical, and social factors, as well as individual developmental tasks. Further, the writer points out that they also view the overall purpose of development as the person constructing his or her own biography by formulating personal projects and goals. The writer maintains that along with physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial aspects of development, growth and development consist of developmental tasks and, even though they are interrelated, one task must be successfully mastered before the next can be begun. The same is true for the key aspects of development because barriers to development can interfere with growth and adaptation in later stages of the life span.
From the Paper "Ongoing conflict and a subsequent divorce can cause the child also to be conflicted so that they do not have the emotional capacity to cope with the event. Academic work will suffer and their entire personality development may be affected. The results of such an event can continue into adulthood so that the former child becomes insecure about the idea of marriage and has trouble with relationships in general."
"The child's growth and development at any life stage can be influenced positively or negatively. With the young child, the environment and family context determine not only the child's physical and cognitive development but their future healthy adaptation as an adult. In terms of cognitive development, for example, if the child is not given the stimulating environment or the motivation to learn, they will not feel that they are capable of learning."
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On School Culture and its Impact on Leadership, 2008. A discussion of the school culture in Canada. 4,814 words (approx. 19.3 pages), 20 sources, APA, $ 123.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses school culture in Canada and its impact on leadership. The paper explains that a good deal now discussed on leadership and school cultures, as institutional cultures, arrives from the United States where newcomers face different social hazards and divisions. The paper suggests that by exploring a number of American sources that refer to a slightly different reality, can nonetheless offer ideas of usefulness to Canadian educators. The paper notes that, whereas it is often heard that the teaching profession suffers from low morale or that some schools seem beyond redemption, a model of developing leaders in school settings and leadership capacity for teachers has been a strong focus of American and also British studies in education of the last years.
Outlook:
Introduction
The 'Culturally Proficient' School
On Leadership
Teachers as Leaders
Cultivating a School Culture of Diversity
American Examples - Schools that Learn
Back to School Culture
Conclusion
From the Paper "In some locations, there needs to be awareness of historical mistrust that may exist concerning members of one community vis-a-vis another, a factor appearing often in American materials with respect to a now long gap between 'white' Americans and those of African descent that may still be seen, in some corners, occupying two worlds apart. The most usual scenario reported in the United States involves all-Black schools where mainly non-Black teachers are natural authority figures and as this authority becomes entwined with other resentments imbedded in a culture obtained in the home or neighbourhood. The answer is not in seeing that teachers are Black or purple or green, but in discussing what a 'white' teacher may symbolize, the teacher perhaps volunteering what nameless African American youths in numbers can mean to non-Black persons alone."
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Observing Children Play, 2008. This paper applies Piaget's theory of stages of play in the observation of a young child. 1,334 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 44.95 »
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Abstract The paper discusses Piaget's theories about what we can learn from formal play observation. The writer observes a young child at play and comments on her play, using Piaget's developmental theories of stages of play, namely functional play at a younger age followed by symbolic play at a later age.
From the Paper "Piaget believes that children's play is very important, because as they play, they develop cognition (Wyly, 1997). When we talk about cognition, we mean the mental process in which people gain knowledge by looking at things, or reasoning about them, etc. Children do a lot of this when they are playing. This is why observing play is an important way to learn about child development. For in play, the child interacts with the environment and learns how to control and understand the environment. For example, the child learns to throw objects, and from this the child learns about the weight and feeling of objects, and about gravity. The child also learns about cause and effect - for example, when the child shakes its rattle, a sound comes out. From this, the child learns that the rattle sound is caused by shaking the rattle (Wyly, 1997)."
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Alternative School Experiences, 2008. This paper provides a personal analysis of experiences regarding participation in an alternative school program. 2,238 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 69.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer discusses ideas regarding an alternative school program such as how the program is conceived and how it can be improved. The observation is based on personal experience of participating in a program when the writer worked for an alternative school called Boys Republic High School. The writer was an instructional aide and in that job helped the teacher manage the class. The writer had to know how to control the behavior of the students and counsel them in order to help them. The writer concludes that in order to have a successful classroom and work well in this type of environment, it is necessary to be strong, firm and have a positive attitude.
Outline:
Introduction
Concrete Experience
Observation/Reflection
Abstract Conceptualization
Active Experimentation
From the Paper "Having the chance to work with delinquent students was an amazing experience that I will never forget, and from this experience I learned a great deal about how to cope with different kinds of students and how to help them understand important lessons. I stayed at this school for four years, working as instructional aide inside the English classroom. I loved the school and the job, and most of the kids are delinquents coming from juvenile hall. I never had a problem with them, maybe because I respected them and they respected me, too. I saw many problems inside the classroom; for example, there was racism in the school. I saw a fight inside my class because one white guy called another a Negro. I had to call security, but the next day, both kids came to apologize to me. Sometimes some kids would come to talk to me and they would start crying over their problems. Some do not even know who their parents are, and some had only a single parent. I learned a good deal, and I wish to report on the three abstract concepts that I learned in particular."
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Gender, Education and Income, 2008. This paper examines the effect of educational attainment on the gender wage gap in Canada. 1,307 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 44.95 »
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Abstract The paper presents research that shows how there is a definite gender, education and income disparity in Canada that is deteriorating. The paper points out that these inequalities are more persistent in rural Canada and among non-white women and immigrants.
From the Paper "Even though the educational disparity between women and men has almost disappeared, there is still an income gap between the two, with women earning up to 50 to 84 percent as much as men. The research for this paper confirms this finding. When the research looks at non-white women, women who are immigrants, and women who reside in more rural areas, particularly Alberta, the education/income distances grow wider."
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Teaching Language Arts, 2008. This paper is a discussion by a science major on issues of teaching language arts presented through a professional portfolio. 3,500 words (approx. 14.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 98.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses four aspects of a professional portoflio addressing language arts teaching: promoting interest in a book, a double-entry journal, evaluation of student writing, and selecting professional resources. The paper also refers to a proposed five-year plan towards professional development so that language arts become more familiar and includes questions the author believes are important regarding future teaching practice, particularly in the preparation of classes.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Four Aspects of a Professional Portfolio
Module I - Promoting Interest in a Book
Module II - A Double-Entry Journal
Module III - Evaluation of Student Writing
Module IV - Selecting Professional Resources
Three Big Ideas for the Future
I - Assessing Students
II - Promoting Listening Skills
III - Writing Strategies
Five-Year Development Plan
Questions to Ask Myself
From the Paper "The student should feel that he or she can err on the side of English using words of one syllable, as long as the meaning is cogent, as opposed to feeling that he or she must use the latest phrase or terminology learned. There needs to be reinforcement, too, of the world as often without 'Spell check' and towards appreciation for what a person knows how to write by hand, spotting errors in time, or what might be expressed differently to better effect. Students learn that there is more to writing than word processing, in effect, as it is an intensely creative activity."
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