Monday, September 30, 2019

Alber Bandura

This theory argues that learning occurs by interacting with other people and observing people's actions as well as the consequences of their attitudes and behavior. This essay explores Bandanna's Social Learning Theory as well as how it helps us understand learning in the context of the classroom. Bandeau â€Å"discussed human behavior wealth a framework of triadic reciprocally. † (Shuns, 2012, p. 119). Treadle reciprocally Is delved Into three components: the environment, cognition and behavior (Shuns, 201 2, p. 1 19). These factors are dependent on each other.The environment influences cognition, cognition influences behavior and behavior influences environment. However there is variation in which is the dominating factor. (Shuns, 2012, p. 120). In social learning theory: Learning is largely an information processing activity in which information about the structure of behavior and about environmental events is transformed into symbolic representations that serve as guides f or action. (Bandeau, 1986 as cited by Shuns, 2012, p. 121). According to Shuns (2012), the process of learning can be applied through inactive learning or vicariously.Inactive learning Is performing an action and reacting to the consequence of the action. Observing the reward and punishment resulting from the consequence of a person's actions are how people establish whether they should repeat the action in future or not. Learning vicariously occurs by observing other people's actions without having to experience it personally. If the action performed results in a negative consequence people will avoid performing this action in at a later time and vice versa. (Shuns, 2012, p. 121).For example, in a classroom if a child has not completed their homework ND does not receive punishment from the teacher the child will continue to not complete their homework. When other children observe this they too will not complete their homework because It does not result In a negative consequence. Mo deling â€Å"refers to behavioral, cognitive and affective changes deriving from observing one or more models† (Bandeau, 1978; Shuns, 1987, 1 998: Zimmerman, 1977 observing others and imitating their behavior. (Shuns, 2012).It can be categorized into three key functions, these are response facilitation, inhibition/distribution and observational learning (Bandeau, 1986 as cited by Shuns, 2012, p. 125) People often lack motivation and therefore do not perform skills and behaviors that they have learnt (Shuns, 2012, p. 126). Response facilitation refers to â€Å"modeled actions that serve as social prompts for observers to act accordingly' 126). Response facilitation motivates the person to perform certain behaviors if the observer observes that the model has received a positive outcome (Shuns,2012,p. 126).For example in a classroom if learners observe that a certain pupil is getting praised for answering questions , they too will imitate this behavior. Observational learning i s a core component of Bandanna's theory (Craig, 1992, p. 176) . Bandeau states that people attain knowledge in a more efficient method by observing others. He also states that once they attain knowledge â€Å"they can reproduce it almost immediately' . However , though observational occurs people can choose whether or not to repeat that behavior based on the consequences The behavior one imitates is referred to as a model.It is divided into three models, a live model, in which a person actually performs behavior, a verbal instructional model which would consist of descriptions y talking and a symbolic model which is behavior performed in the media (Craig, 1992, p. 176). Observational learning consists of four components. These are the attention processes, retention processes, reproduction process and motivation process (Craig, 1992,p. 177) In order to† imitate a model† we have to â€Å"pay attention† to it(Bandeau,1971 as cited by Craig 1992 , p. 77). A model has to appeal to a person and capture their interest because then it will enable them to pay full attention to it. If a model does not appeal to a person they will not pay attention and it will negatively affect their earning. For example in a classroom , if learners notice that getting high grades will give you a position of power in school such as becoming a class prefect , learners will pay attention in class so that they are able to achieve this.The second process is the retention process. This requires you to retain what you have previously learned in a cognitive way so that you have the ability to reproduce it when you want to imitate the model. (Shuns,20120,p. 128) â€Å"A modeled display can be stored as an image, in verbal form, or both â€Å"(Bandeau, 1977 as cited by Chunk ,p. 1 28). T is a challenging task to retain information about activities that cannot be adequately described in words therefore imagine coding is essential(Shuns,2012, p. 128).Through rehearsing and cod ing the information that was stored in our memory, there is a higher chance of recalling prior information than that of The third process is production. It involves â€Å"translating visual and symbolic conceptions of modeled events into overt behaviors† (Shuns, 2012, p. 128). This involves reproducing the observed behavior. In order to reproduce it one needs to practice in order to develop the required skills needed. For example in a classroom if A teacher does an example of a mathematic sum on the board; students would have to attempt it several times in order to master the skill of solving it.The last process is the motivation process. It â€Å"influences observational learning† because the motivation encourages a person to interact more with the previous three processes (Shuns, 2012, p. 128). Bandeau distinguishes between the acquisition and the performance of new responses Even though you have observed the model you have the choice whether or not you will imitate the model. Motivation plays a significant role in imitating a model. According to there are different types of reinforcements such as â€Å"direct reinforcement†.If a person realizes they would be rewarded by imitating a mode they will be more motivated to perform that same behavior. (Craig, 1992, p. 178). For example the classroom if a teacher rewards a child for performing their work by praising them and giving them a gold star , other children will observe this behavior and imitate what the child is doing so that they may also be rewarded. â€Å"People attend to a model in part because they believe they might face the same taxation themselves and they want to learn the necessary actions to succeed† (Shuns, 2012, p. 34). In a classroom situation , learners would pay attention and observe what the teacher is doing because they would want to attain the necessary knowledge and skills in order for them to be successful ,this serves as motivation(Shuns,2012,p. 134). Paren ts and teachers are generally considered â€Å"high- status† models(Shuns,2012,p. 135). Younger children will observe teachers as models and in a classroom situation if a teacher exhibits behavior that encourages learning o be a means of acquiring approval and skills , the children will imitate that behavior.If a teacher does the opposite, learners will be discouraged and will not be motivated to learn. (Shuns, 2012, p. 135). Goals, values and self-efficacy play a significant role in learning. (Shuns, 2012, p. 138). Len classrooms if learners and teachers have a common goal such as completing a section of work or if learners have individual goals such as scoring above a certain mark on a test, it enhances â€Å"learning and performance through their effects on perceptions of progress, self-efficacy, and self evaluations† (Bandeau, 1988, 1997; Locke & Lethal, 1990, 2002; Chunk, 1990 as cited by Shuns, 2012, p. 138). T serves as a basis for learners to regulate their wor k and measure themselves against an expected standard. As cited by Shuns, 2012, p. 145). Len a classroom a teacher has to identity students values. This is especially important when teaching students how to set goals for themselves and in promoting self-efficacy. If a learner has this ability they will be able to learn effectively. â€Å"Values can be assessed against external and internal standards† (Shuns, 2012, p. 145). Children may observe some of their peers gaining a retain reward for neat work or completing neat work can be valued because it is how they gain teacher's approval. Shuns, 2012, p. 145) â€Å"Self-efficacy refers to personal beliefs about one's capabilities to learn or perform actions at a designated level† (Bandeau, AAA, Bibb m 1986,1993,1997 as cited by Shuns,2012, p. 146)). Bandeau suggests that there are â€Å"four sources of knowledge† with regards to â€Å"self-efficacy appraisals†(Craig,1992,p. 184). The first is actual performan ce. Succeeding in tasks regularly increases your self-efficacy and vice versa. The second is vicarious experiences. This is when we believe that we can succeed at a task because we see someone who has similar capabilities succeeding at it.The third is verbal persuasion. In a classroom if a teacher praises a student and makes them believe that they are capable of performing a task that student will have a stronger sense of efficacy and will start to believe in what the teacher is saying. The last is physiological cues, wherein we interpret our bodies' reactions to situations as a judgment of our abilities. (Craig, 1992, p. 184). â€Å"The models in one's environment provide an important source of information for gauging self-efficacy. Parents and other influential adults (e. G. , teachers, coaches) are key models in children's social environments. (Bandeau, Barreling, Caper, and Pastorally, 1996 as cited by Chunk, 2012, p. 149). Parents and teachers serve as important influences in children's learning performance and self-efficacy. Students seek appraisal from teachers and if a teacher motivates their learners by praising them and helping them improve by using positive methods, the learners will perform better and they will be motivated to succeed. If a teacher uses negative methods such as punishing a child for not understanding how to complete a piece of work, the learners will view learning as negative and they will not learn effectively (Shuns, 2012, p. 49). Another example would understand the content, if a teacher does not understand the work and does not believe in their capability to teach the work the learners will observe this in a negative way and will not want to learn. This is known as â€Å"instructional self-efficacy'. If a teacher believes that they are capable of teaching the work effectively they will dedicate more time and effort towards planning and caching lessons in more advanced ways.According to Bandeau, teachers who are supported by a dministrators and who have a high teaching efficacy will be more apt at approaching work with motivation and commitment. (Shuns, 2012, p. 150). Social Learning Theory is effective in helping students set goals and motivating them to succeed. In my opinion this theory is extremely effective and it presents models for students that enable them to observe work so that they may perform them later after they have acquired the necessary skills.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Inside These Walls

Farzana Israt Mrs. Maldonado English Honors 1018 May 2018 Inside These Walls Her head was pounding from the sudden blow. Blood was running down the side her face as she began to remember. He had tormented her, degraded her feelings, and took away her financial stability. She felt forever trapped as she was the only one to witness such vile acts. â€Å"There is no one here to see this. There is no one here to save me from what happens inside these walls† she whispered, voice cracking. Victims like this must go through the injustice of not being able to feel safe in their own home or even their own skin. Whether it be inflicting harm for the victim through physical abuse, toying with their emotions through emotional abuse, or financially controlling them through financial abuse, abusers find ways for many women to suffer from domestic abuse in their daily lives. Physical abuse is one of the many aspects of domestic abuse. This type of abuse is most known as it can be seen with one's own eyes. However, physical abuse doesn't always have to happen on the victim. In many cases, physical abuse can happen somewhere near the victim. It shows that â€Å"When a partner is violent near or around you, doing things like punching a hole in the wall, the message is ‘Next time this could be your head'† (Carlson 146). Numerous amounts of people will brush off the incident and believe that it will not mean anything in the future but this sort of act can escalate quickly and leave the victim in shambles. If this message is given, the abuser is releasing their anger on an object physically and it will not be long before the abuser directs their anger on their victim – the one who caused their distress. Once they direct their anger on the victim, it can lead to extreme violence that the victim is not capable of keeping under control. Sam is a victim who had been physically abused herself. She speaks out about one of the stories of her journey with physical abuse:I was at home and I cooked his dinner†¦he came home when the food was on the table. He was like ‘Oh, it's too cold,' so I put it in the microwave and warmed it up. I gave it to him and he said it was too hot†¦and you start to get this worried feeling like ‘It's going to happen. He's going to hurt me.' He threw the plate and smashed it against my head and he started beating me up and kicking me on the floor and punching. (Sam?)This is an example of severe physical abuse. Here, the abuser takes a typical, simple misunderstanding and exaggerates it until it reaches its full capacity. In most cases, those who are in healthy relationships would be able to work this out without it becoming physical. The victim shows that she has the constant worry of not wanting to go against the abuser's needs. Thus, they are always tip toeing around the abuser and the second they do something even the slightest bit wrong, it becomes another heated fight. This instance is just one glimpse of what a day in the life of a physically abused partner must go through. There are always other cases. Some outcomes of physical abuse could even be fatal. This is one of the more extreme cases of physical abuse. It should be known that â€Å"One woman is fatally shot by a spouse, ex-spouse, or dating partner every 14 hours† (â€Å"NCADV†). Many do not understand the significance of homicide in physical abuse and do not link this importance to the fact that it still happens. This statistic shows that those who are in domestic abuse relationships are at a very high risk of being killed by their significant other.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Implication for Managers Essay

The European Model presented a different approach to management that is uniquely different from its counterparts in the United States. The innovative form of management in Europe gain popularity because of the noticeable faster pace of innovation of Europeans as compared with the Japanese. The radical change in Europe is brought about by the tendency of firms from this continent to continuously seek new forms of organization by reforming structures, processes, and boundaries. The distinction of European firms from other countries is there degree of lateral flexibility wherein they can adjust to the differences of cultures, socio-economic, and legal systems across national boundaries. As a result, European firms excel on temporal flexibility that includes innovations that are related to progress, development of technologies, and the changes in social and economic realms over time (Tsutsui, 2001). In relation to this, European firms become more competitive because of the different management style that they implement, which is based on humanizing work in order to develop the needs of people in an organization that is increasingly becoming more nationally diverse. Being the case, the European management style has great implications on managers when it comes to the way they handle the operations and processes of the organizations and most especially on the way they manage employees (Grint, 1997). The Digital Equipment Corporation’s (DEC) is a manufacturing plant in Ayr, Scotland. During the end of the 1980s, DEC decided to respond to the need of American organizations to adapt to the commercial requirements of the European market when it comes to computer technology. The main problem highlighted in the Western-style of management is that it strictly follows the Taylor model of management. Western firms believe that effective management entails that there should a strict distinction among executives and workers. The executives have the responsibility of thinking what the employees should do and workers only have to follow it. In line with this, DEC adopted the â€Å"high-performance work design† in order to address the requirements for new product development, especially in the Far East. Due to the changes in the operation of DEC, the management styles of the organization have to change. The employees of DEC were trained and autonomous work groups were established in order to respond to the need of employees for flexibility and skills acquisition (Armstrong, 2006). The employees of DEC need a supportive style rather than a directive style of management. Being the case, the management style veers away from the concept of mass production and also of Taylorism and point towards the idea that management is a natural process that can actually happen by means of flexible workforce and production organization (Andersen & Taylor, 2005). The change in the management style of DEC has a huge implication on the managers of the organization. The managers of an organization have a pivotal role in the overall operations of the organization namely: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (Lewis et al. 2006). In the case of DEC, managers have to do different tasks during the transition of the organization to a high-performance work design. First, the concept of focus is highly emphasized in the view of management when it comes to influencing the workforce when it comes to selling the development of new products. Second, managers have to give attention to the support of policies. Managers have to encourage employees to develop their skills by means of implementing a reward system. Third, managers have to establish a good and responsible working organization. DEC established work groups wherein each group that is compose of 12 members need to properly accomplish their responsibilities, including clocking in and out individually because flexitime was implemented. Fourth, the management style of the organizations greatly affected the managers because they have to implement a different style of leadership that gives individual support for employees rather than directive coordination. Fifth, project managers also have the responsibility to create new product line and collaborate with other employees in order to get their opinion and help in creating a competitive edge for the product. Sixth, managers have to make sure of engendering ownership when it comes to the process of the organization wherein managers have to gain the participation and enthusiasm of the employees (Jackson, 2002). The responsibilities of the managers of DEC during the transition in the management style of the organization represent the importance and pivotal role of managers. Contrary to the common belief that managers only have to deal with creating new ideas, planning, and managing the finances and other aspects of the company, a different perspective of managers is given by the European model that is exemplified in the case of DEC. Managers are viewed not merely as executive managers but rather leaders that actually inspire, direct, and guide their employees. In a world that is increasingly becoming competitive, managers of different organizations have to learn from the European model that humanizes the way of management (Leavitt, 2005). Managers in this kind of model do not merely relate themselves more with the employees but they are actually making the organization more relevant to the employees. The employees can actually realize the objectives of the company and be participative and enthusiastic enough to take part in achieving these goals rather than merely thinking of it as mechanical work that they have to do in exchange for money. Managers have the capacity to direct the organization towards its success and in doing so, they also have to give importance to development and growth of the employees.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Free Trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Free Trade - Essay Example Free trade also underscores the benefit of the foreign direct investment in Canada, particularly by the United States in their bilateral trade. To cite an example, Alex Rugman (1990) points to the greater stock of US foreign direct investment in Canada than Canadian foreign direct investment in the United States. (p. 78) The impact of this fact offsets the reservations of critics regarding the outward flow of Canadian wealth to other countries. It makes sense to think that because of the larger amount of capital invested, the US firms in Canada demand more labour than those needed by the Canadian firms operating in the US, or the jobs â€Å"lost† when Canadian capital is funneled abroad. Free trade also addresses the issue in regard to tariffs and the concept of â€Å"rules of origin.† It is inevitable to have discrimination in favor of supplies from one country, risking the diversion of lower-cost supplies from another. By reducing tariff levels in multilateral system, free trade can reduce discrimination as well as strengthen cost control. (Barton, Goldstein & Josling 2006, p. 176) The value of the Canadian dollar that accompanied the negotiation and implementation of free trade upset all projections of benefits to Canada†¦ In effect, an increase in the exchange rate of 15 percent is equivalent to imposing a tax on all exports of 15 percent and removing a 15 percent tariff on imports. (p. xvii) Finally, it is important to highlight that free trade agreements in general lead to internal reforms and that all countries that are engaged in them may benefit from it. There is the aspect about raising standards to bolster competitiveness, for example. To illustrate: Since Canadian customers now have better access than ever before to products and services made in the United States, they have become more demanding consumers as they assimilate the American consumer expectations. While

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Enrollment Trends and Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Enrollment Trends and Analysis - Essay Example Moreover, it also gives analysis of calculator use and the strategy assortment by prison inmates taking the official GED practice test in England. The educational experience for any inmate is the main section of the attitude of individual social and physical constraint of the prison (Tregea & Larmour, 2009). The andragogical treatment is the seen as the major influence of inmate mood and behavior within the classroom. Moreover, the advancement of the prevailing inmate willingness for the Federal Bureau of Prisons obligatory GED program that is recognized by the correlation education staff (Alarid, 2013). Execution methods is mainly based on the underlying assumptions within the andragogy ,orientation treatment group in comparison to the corresponding control group for important modification in the context of emotional willingness and GED classroom behavior(Thomas & Thomas, 2008). Bureau of Prisons mandatory education commenced in 1980’s though it does not address issues pertai ning to the motivation. Federal Correctional Institution in Manchester, Kentucky offer mandatory GED program to the prevailing inmates not possessing academic credential. ... earning process when a learner is positively affected within an enrollment program, participation in learning process leading to the job placement (Thomas & Thomas, 2008). The connection amidst either emotion or attitude and corresponding motivation is described in regard to the motivation. Psychologists utilized motivation in describing the way humankind arouse and instigate behavior, give direction or purpose to behavior, perpetual admittance and persistence of behavior and preference to particular behavior. The orientation of the prevailing curriculum is based on the Wlodkowski’s assertion that stipulates that the underlying pleasant emotion is normally conducive to education and include mid joy, hopefulness, affection, inquisitiveness and confidence that is the fundamental contributor to the ethos of learning environment (Tregea & Larmour, 2009). It also concern figuration of the prominent contemporary educational policy advancements within UK and Ireland. The article also stipulates that orientation mainly focus on the contextualization learning that depicts the way GED could benefit them economically during the process of incarceration through increasing them toward higher pay grades or occupational education inside the prison. This display how inmates who took part in the process benefited from the program (Alarid, L2013). Moreover, GED educators have improvised rational determination to ensuring advancement ethos inmates. The student who was oriented to the GED classes was mainly equipped to accomplish more cognitively than the corresponding rheostat group (Tregea & Larmour, 2009). GED test is mainly seen as a peculiar among the standardized tests and it is designed to measure to the underlying educational advancement of adults thereby highlighting numerous

Nursing ethics and law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Nursing ethics and law - Case Study Example However, it is not absolute and may be subject to some limitations as far as allowed by the law and Australian Code of Ethics. In the case study at hand, Maria Garza, a nurse practitioner, is faced with a dilemma relating to this aspect of ethical and legal question. She has a young teen, 15 years, who happens to have become pregnant but would not wish to have her mother, among other people, informed of her status. However, the teenager is equally helpless in the sense that she does not know what she would do about her pregnancy and may need to rely on the mother later, more so when the pregnancy complications sets in. The mother on the other hand appears to have taken note of this and has complained and sought an advice from Garza what the problem could be with her daughter, considering her recent frequent nausea and tiredness. Her mother comes in when the nurse is having a session with the daughter, during which she discloses her suspicion and worries to the nurse. 1.1 Main Issue T he main issue in this case is whether or not to conceal and not to disclose the information about a client (patient) that comes into the knowledge of a nurse in the course of her professional attendance to the client. ... The procedure of delivering the chosen course of action, so that neither the mother nor the daughter is harmed also becomes an issue. 1.2 Legal/Ethical Significant Considerations in the Case A number of ethical and moral considerations come into play in this case. Given that the nurse came to learn of Sandy’s pregnancy in the course of her professional duty, it is imperative as a matter of the law and ethics that she keeps it secret and confidential. As already pointed out, disclosing details of the client without the client’s consent or when the law has not permitted is inconsistent with the fundamental duty of confidentiality owed by a nurse to the patient (client). As a duty of the nurse, the correlative of it is that it translates into a right of the client. The Privacy Act (1988) provides that all personal information pertaining to an individual must be kept in trust and not revealed to third parties. In this case, Sandy’s mother may be viewed as a third par ty. Breach of this duty may be actionable in law. However, under the Privacy Act (1988), the duty of confidentiality and safeguard of privacy by those holding private information is not absolute. A professional or any other entity holding the information may disclose it if it is consistent with the purpose for which the information is primarily held or for the secondary related purposes or where the holder of the information is under a legal duty to make such disclosures. In this case, the essence of digging out Sandy’s health complication was to find out how best to have her medical conditions attended to. Given that her low haemoglobin level is attributed to her pregnancy, her parents will have to

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Starbucks Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Starbucks - Assignment Example Besides the manager himself, there was a separate person attending to other needs and ensuring that orders were prepared exactly as specified by the customers. Yes, it is. The shop’s location is quite strategic, being one of the Starbucks shops most accessible in the area. I suppose that Starbucks should try setting up McFood booths in malls, along the paths or underpasses near it, or in places commonly frequented by people to promote the coffee while selling McFood at affordable costs. The way I see it, I think I do. People just love good coffees all the same, having become second to their nature and stapled to routine, especially before and after work or whenever they would find time to relax with friends. There is a great deal of profiting from consumers with laptops – those often governed by technologies, nowadays – and who would stop by for coffee either to unwind with a gadget playing, reading, or finishing a home-based work. Despite the negative state of economy, people normally find a way to prioritize what they love doing and spend even for expensive drinks. I like the way they treated everyone equally, not discriminating with respect to outfit, appearance, or anything that may allow harmful judgment of one’s class or status in society. At the time, I can feel their respect for every customer, going in and out of the store, as though in keeping up with economic and cultural

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Buying Behavior & Market Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Buying Behavior & Market Analysis - Essay Example It also took a substantial amount of risk because some of the files could be corrupted and it wouldn’t function. Again, the game could refuse to work with my computer. On the other hand, a low involvement purchase needs simple process of evaluation. Buying underwear was simple and it is something I do every now and then. I knew the brand and the size I was going for. In purchasing the computer game, I felt that I needed a better and a recent version of the game I had. I had seen this new version in my friend’s computer and felt that I, too, should have one like that. The next thing I did was to enquire about the game. The price was the first thing to enquire so that I could know if I could afford it or at least needed some assistance. Another thing that I had to know was whether the game could play on my computer, that is the processor and RAM requirement of the game. Lastly I had to enquire if there was a warranty in case the game was not in good condition. After getti ng all the information about the game, I had to evaluate in what terms it was better than the one I had. Another friend of mine had told me about another similar computer game and I had to go and enquire from him and compare the two. Finally I decided to purchase the game. It worked well with my computer and I was completely satisfied with that purchase. In purchasing the underwear, the task was rather simple. ... I purchased the underpants and they were just as good as I had expected. The process of purchasing a computer game is quite different from the process involved in purchasing the underwear. First, it is the time taken in each stage of the process. In a low involvement purchase, the process is quite simple because it involves purchases we do regularly. Most of the time, in a low involvement purchasing, we skip some steps or even rearrange these steps. When a need arises, the next step automatically is searching information about what one needs, however, this step is mostly skipped in low involvement purchasing. This is because one already knows what they want. From there, the decision is made and one goes straight to purchasing. In a high involvement purchasing, all the steps have to be followed and this makes the process longer. One has to take a lot of time in searching for information about the product to be purchased. Also, a lot of time is needed in evaluation of alternatives so t hat one purchases the best product. The other difference between the two purchases is that in the purchase of computer game there was a high risk involved compared to purchasing underwear. The risks in a high involvement purchase are due to the amount of money involved. This is because it is not the kind of a purchase one does every now and then. This is the reason why it is important to take enough time in the process When marketing any product, the essence is to attract and persuade customers to purchase your products. This process is not as easy as it sounds. One has to have the skills needed in order to affect the decision of the buyer. Understanding the customer behavior model is the first step in marketing of any product, be it a low or a high involvement purchase. However,

Monday, September 23, 2019

Enhancing the Quality of Education Provided by School Teachers Essay

Enhancing the Quality of Education Provided by School Teachers - Essay Example The association of teachers’ educators widely acknowledges that the most efficient way to upgrade students learning outcomes depends highly on the quality of teaching. The research that was conducted by the same association indicates that the teacher quality is positively and significantly correlated with learners’ attainment. The same result is also important within-school aspect since it can be used to analyze student results. Education is an essential tool not only for the cultivation of values in students but also thriving and innovative society. This is the primary reason teachers are instructed to encourage self-motivation and proper way of studying among learners and to be a good role model for the students. The quality of education is not only restricted to the class work alone, but it extends further up to economic development. As the competition among nations intensifies due to rapid growth in the global market, the imperative role of education as the key to future success can greatly be felt. Above all, following the structural changes from manufacturing to the service-oriented economy in the past years, it will force educators to establish substantial and genuine human capital to central the top rank of competition. However, this will be influenced by the quality of education offered by the existing schools and teachers. Some of these changes can achieve through enhancing Teacher Education Programmes in order to produce highly trained and qualified teachers.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Islam and the Challenge of Democracy Essay Example for Free

Islam and the Challenge of Democracy Essay Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl is the most prolific of the Islamic thinkers of today’s world. He is a great Islamic jurist and scholar, and is now a Professor of Law at the UCLA School of Law giving the students knowledge of Islamic law, Immigration, Human Rights, International and National Security Law. His Islam and the Challenge to Democracy is the quest to find out numerous questions and varied answers in establishing the relation between the principles so enshrined in Democracy and Islamic political and religious tenants. To propound the relationship between the Islam and democracy is not a straightforward as it involves the deep and thorough understanding of the religious and political structures of the Islamic world and Democracy in its entity. Dr Khaled says that issue of democracy in the Islamic world of today is being hotly debated and there are both pro and anti versions to this issue that compete with each other and the biggest challenge before the advocators is to promote the vision of social justice and faith. The very first section only of his most profile book Islam and the Challenge of Democracy straight forwardly says that he does not believe as what other Muslim advocators say that Islam has given birth to Democracy but various elements of Democracy are very well present in the Islam and we can say that Islam too supports Democracy. In this endeavor, he defied the view of radical Islamists as well as hardened Islamophobes who say that as God is sovereign master of whole Universe, therefore the principles of Democracy do not hold true for the Islamic world. El Fadl poises that there is no doubt of the fact that the God is the sovereign power in the Universe yet this is God who has bestowed upon the humans, the power to envisage the right to form rules to govern themselves in the form of deputies or khulafa. In-fact Islam also believes in a form of government, that gives power to the people, transparency in the decision making through shura’ and there is a toleration for any disagreements and disputes arising out of any rule and rules are accountable to his subjects for any actions. El Fadl believes in the formulation of the basic ethical values, and rights for all human beings on this Earth. He focuses that Islam should formulate the laws through ijtihad on which shari‘ah doesn’t have anything to say. He emphasized on the importance of formulating the maslaha or the ‘public good’ and ahkam al-shari‘ah or ‘expediency laws’ to envisage new thought process to develop the understanding of giving equal rights to every one. He admits that any interpretation of Islamic tenets, which has been construed by Islamic religious heads or Islamic religious leaders cannot be held as mere will of the divine power or God. He vehemently opposes the formation of the Islamic state that has all the rights to form the Shari’ah, because he is fully aware of the fact that no human being can interpret the will of the God or divine power. If this is done, it will lead to misunderstanding or very limited understanding of the link or relation between the Islam and will of God and this in turn would mean trying to become equal to God and that’s the biggest sin. This will further lead to authoritative and oppressive state. He said that although Muslim jurists defined and formulated number of political systems, yet there is nothing specific mentioned in Qur’an about any form that Government wishes to take. But Qur’an does recognize social and political values which form the basis in an arena of Muslim politics. Three values that are so enshrined in the Islamic testament: â€Å"Are: pursuing justice through social cooperation and mutual assistance (Qur’an 49:13; 11:119); establishing a non-autocratic, consultative method of governance; and institutionalizing mercy and compassion in social interactions (6:12, 54; 21:107; 27:77; 29:51; 45. 20)†. (El Fadl, Democracy and Divine Sovereignty, 2) Overall Muslims should form the government that would help in endorsing these values. As he said, â€Å"Qur’an says that God has bestowed all human beings a divine power by making them viceroys of God on this earth: He says, â€Å"Remember, when your Lord said to the angels: ‘I have to place a vicegerent on earth,’ they said: ‘Will you place one there who will create disorder and shed blood, while we intone Your litanies and sanctify Your name? ’ And God said: ‘I know what you do not know’† (2:30). (El Fadl, The Case for Democracy, 3) Institutionally it can be pointed out that the ulama, or Jurists can act as interpreters of the words of God and define what is moral and what acts are immoral for the humans. Every word of them is the voice of the God. But the law of the state demands that no religion can be imposed on the working of the state because laws of the state have been formulated by the humans according to their own whims and state itself. And therefore in his own words, â€Å"Democracy is an appropriate system for Islam because it both expresses the special worth of human beings—the status of vicegerency—and at the same time deprives the state of any pretense of divinity by locating ultimate authority in the hands of the people rather than the ‘ulama†. (El Fadl, Shari‘ah and the Democratic State, 20) Finally he says that educators try to enthuse in the soul of the people the moral values of Qu’ran and induce the society to turn towards will of God. But in this world of today, if a person is morally strong but cannot imbibe by full majesty of God but still believes in the fundamental rights of individuals, still have to be answerable to the will of God. It’s not just the mirage of the El Fadl’s views but also the vision of the several scholars on the most crucial and complex subject, Islam and the Challenge of Democracy. The second section of the book consists of short responses to El Fadl’s essay by several scholars. Nader A. Hashemi says that the most prominent aspect to El Fadl is his belief that Democracy can be possible in Islamic countries, with this he proved false, the wildly held belief that Islam is not compatible to democracy. He further said that this idea has gained immense popularity after September 11. He states that biggest challenge in front of the Islamic nations is the choice that they have to make between the modernization and fanaticism and the future of the Middle East all depends on which of them will go for a longer period. John Esposito espoused that El Fadl indicates complex and multiple manner by which Qur’an can be interpreted by the religious fundamentalists, fanatics and politicians to fulfill their various social and political motives. Jeremy Waldron appreciates El Fadl’s study of the theory of the Islamic democracy. Jeremy says that El Fadl conceptualized in the most articulate way the issue of the Islamic tradition and the way in which he poises about the politics and the rule of law in the milieu of the medieval age and how these thoughts were so prevalent in the early modern thought in the Christian era. Also, how the moral and ethical values in the context of good governance had to struggle to make its place in front of scriptural authority and theocratic rule. The most enduring thing was that these ideas not only grew out of the abased environment but also actually kept on presenting itself by religious ideas and ecclesiastical practices. Muqtedar Khan talks about the â€Å"Pact of Medina†, which was signed between the Prophet and Jews and the pagans of the town. This pact he said could be utilized to give the Islamic world the model for democracy and pluralism. In this pact, all the parties were guaranteed equal rights and equal responsibilities. Echoing El Fadl, he pinpointed that Islam should be made a symbol of ethical values and moral principles and should solve all the problems from the new outlook and new democratic perspective. But Saba Mahmood criticized Fadl on the point of liberalization. She says that very concept of liberalization is full of contradictions and the limitations that follow. She further says that he focused more on rights of individuals than on community as a whole. El Fadl also ignored the human rights violations that follow liberalization, which are most popular in the most liberalized states like United States of America. Even Kevin Reinhart revokes same voice as Saba Mahmood by saying that El Fadl ignored the vital point of what the Western nations learned from their liberalized approach in their relations with the other countries including Islamic nations. The whole liberalized approach depends on polices of Westernized nations and the military interventions of the USA in Islamic countries jeopardized whole concept of democracy and liberalization. William Quandt too said that the absence of democracy in the Islamic countries do not lie in their religion perspective but the problem lies in the presence of monarchical or dictatorial regimes in these countries, which partially or all are backed by the Western powers. In William Quandt views lie the whole thrust of the problem in the Islamic countries. The requirement is the political and structural changes in the Islamic world that would bring about social and economic upliftment from the vision of democracy, which El Fadl, all the intellectuals and scholars agree won’t be welcomed by either the ruling regime or the Western allies. All in all, Islam and the Challenge of Democracy is the most thought provoking book ready to be explored and pondered in every religious and political arena of the Islamic world. WORKS CITED El Fadl, Abou Khaled. Islam and the Challenge of Democracy: Can individual rights and popular sovereignty take root in faith? Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2004.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Critical Incident analysis of a clinical setting

Critical Incident analysis of a clinical setting The purpose of this essay is to reflect and critically study an incident from a clinical setting whilst using a model of reflection. This will allow me to analyse and make sense of the incident and draw conclusions relating to personal learning outcomes. The significance of critical analysis and critical incidents will briefly be discussed followed by the process of reflection using the chosen model. The incident will then be described and analysed and the people involved introduced. (The names of the people involved have been changed to protect their privacy) and then I will examine issues raised in light of the recent literature relating to the incident. My essay will include a discussion of communication, interpersonal skills used in the incident, and finally evidence based practice. I will conclude with explaining what I have learned from the experience and how it will change my future actions. In accordance with the 2002 Nursing and Midwifery Council, the clients details and placement setting has not been disclosed in order to maintain confidentiality. Critical incidents are snapshots of something that happens to a patient, their family or nurse. It may be something positive, or it could be a situation where someone has suffered in some way (Rich Parker 2001). Reflection and analysis of critical incidents is widely regarded as a valuable learning tool for nurses. The practice requires us to explore our actions and feelings and examine evidence-based literature, thus bridging the gap between theory and practice (Bailey 1995). It also affords us the opportunity of changing our way of thinking or practicing, for when we reflect on an incident we can learn valuable lessons from what did and did not work. In this way we develop self-awareness and skills in critical thinking and problem solving (Rich Parker 2001). Critical incidents To be self aware is to be conscious of ones character, including beliefs, values, qualities, strengths and limitation. It is about knowing oneself (Burnard 1992). I am going to use Gibbs (1988) Reflective Cycle. This because Gibbs is clear and precise allowing for description, analysis and evaluation of the experience helping the reflective practitioner to make sense of experiences and examine their practice. Taking action is the key; Gibbs prompts to formulate an action plan. This enables the reflective practitioner to look at their practice and see what they would change in the future, how they would develop/improve their practice. Gibbs (1988) consists of six stages to complete one cycle which is able to improve my nursing practice continuously and learning from the experience for better practice in the future. The cycle starts with a description of the situation, next is to analysis of the feelings, third is an evaluation of the experience, fourth stage is an analysis to make sense of the experience, fifth stage is a conclusion of what else could I have done and final stage is an action plan to prepare if the situation arose again (NHS, 2006). Baird and Winter (2005, p.156) give some reasons why reflection is require in the reflective practice. They state that a reflect is to generate the practice knowledge, assist an ability to adapt new situations, develop self-esteem and satisfaction as well as to value, develop and professionalizing practice. However, Siviter (2004, p.165) explain that reflection is about gaining self-confidence, identify when to improve, learning from own mistakes and behaviour, looking at other people perspectives, being self-aware and improving the future by learning the past. In my context with the patient, it is important for me to improve the therapeutic relationship which is the nurse-patient relationship. In the therapeutic relationship, there is the therapeutic rapport establish from a sense of trust and a mutual understanding exists between a nurse and a patient that build in a special link of the relationship (Harkreader and Hogan, 2004, p.243). REFRENCE ON CONFRONTATION!! Description My reflection is about one patient whom I code her as Mrs. Adam, not a real name (Appendix I) to protect the confidentiality of patients information (NMC, 2004). In this paragraph I would describe on the event takes place and describe that event during my clinical placement. I was on a surgical ward nursing Mrs Adam under supervision of my mentor when during ward round I was asked to remove Ms Adams wound dressing so the doctor can assess the wound, therefore I removed it using aseptic technique and cleansed the wound. I stayed with the patient whilst my mentor attended to another patient. When the doctor arrived from visiting another patient I observed that he came directly to Ms Adams without washing his hands or using alcohol gel and was wearing loose watch and I was concerned this would infect Ms Adams wound. At that moment I was thinking to speak up and say something however I dismissed enough courage to confront the doctor and thought it was too late as the doctor already start ed examining Ms Adams. Feelings In this paragraph, I would discuss on my feelings or thinking that took place in the event happened. I was shocked that the doctor did not wash his hands or use alcohol prior examining Ms Adams especially with all the infection control guidelines and protocols in place. In spite of this I did not have confidence and felt intimidated due to the fact the doctor was more knowledgeable and experienced than I was as a first year student, also I did not want to make him feel uncomfortable. Furthermore I did not want the patient to feel alarmed and worried by challenging the doctor whilst Ms Adams was there. However soon after I had a word with my mentor and told her what I observed and she then recommended that together we confront the doctor, therefore the next day my mentor spoke to him in private and she asked him if before examining Ms Adams whether he washed his hands. The doctor seemed stunned by this conversation but admitted he did not wash his hands. He responded by justifying his actions and saying he was busy and was in a rush to remember. My mentor discussed the significance of infection control and hand hygiene and then the doctor promised her that he would make sure he follows the protocols and cleanses his hands prior examining any patient in the future. Evaluation This event was difficult and challenging for me as I felt disappointment for my lack of confidence in not confronting and challenging the doctor prior him examining Ms Adams, on the other hand I felt content in the way the doctor responded so positive and optimistic. Consequently I observed that doctor has now changed his practice as a result of this incident. I have learnt from this incident the importance of acting assertively with staff members in a sensitive approach in order to safeguard patients health. Analysis Nurses have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the interests of individual patients and Clients (NMC 2004). This responsibility include ensuring that his or her knowledge and competencies commensurate with the task being undertaken. Infection is responsible for increased morbidity and mortality, thus a comprehensive knowledge of infection control precautions and basic microbiology should be a fundamental requirement of all healthcare professionals. Hands must be decontaminated before every episode of care that involves direct contact with patients skin or food, invasive devices or dressings. Current expert opinion recommends that hands need to be decontaminated after completing an episode of patient care and following the removal of gloves to minimise cross contamination of the environment (Boyce and Pittet, 2002; Pratt et al, 2001) Hand hygiene is a crucial factor in the control of HAI because hands can easily transfer micro-organisms from one area or patient to another. Despite strategies promoting hand hygiene there still seems to be difficulty persuading staff to adopt good practice (Shuttleworth, 2004). Doctors are the worst offenders. According to NHS figures, 25% of them fail to follow basic hand-washing procedures, compared with 10% of nurses and 15% of ancillary staff. From The Sunday Times December 21, 2008 Royal College of Nursing (RCN, 2009)Studies show that uniforms may become contaminated by potentially disease-causing bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, Although it has been suggested that uniforms act as are servoir or vector for transmission of infection in hospitals, no evidence is currently available linking the transmission of bacteria to patients (Wilson et al., 2007).However, it is important to note that all clothing worn by all staff (for example, doctors, therapists and cleaners) has the potential to become contaminated via environmental micro-organisms, or those originating from patients or the wearer, and that nurses uniforms are not unique in that respect. This reinforces the need to ensure all clothing worn by staff in all clinical areas is fit for purpose and able to withstand laundering. Advocacy ranges from activities on behalf of patients, such as hand washing and proper identification before treatments, to arguing that an early discharge will harm her patients recovery. According to Arnold and Boggs 2003) assertive nurse is able to stand up for the rights of others as well as for his or her own rights. Some benefits of assertiveness identified by Rungapadiachy (1999) include being respected for being honest and fair, developing a sense of self respect and having the ability to establish good interpersonal relationships with others Becoming more self-aware seems to be a very important concept to nursing practice. Driscoll (2000, p17) states that reflective learning will help you become more self-aware in your clinical practice. As the student nurse caring for Mr Khan under my mentors supervision, this also applies to my own practice as a student nurse. Conclusion In hindsight I feel I should have confronted the doctor at that moment and acted sooner. I also should have made sure the doctor washed his hands prior examining the patient. I realise how I put Ms Adams heath at risk. Following conversation with my mentor acknowledged that I need to develop the confidence to challenge the practice of colleagues, understanding pressures that may be under but ensuring that their practice does not put patients at risk. If a nurse observes a practice or procedure she believes to be wrong, advocating for her patient demands she speak out even if that practice was carried out by her superior. This is not always easy and may have a cost for the nurse. I realise that I need to be supportive to colleagues, understanding the pressures that they may be under, but ensuring that their practice does not put clients at risk. Action Plan My action plan is always to work as part of a team, learn more about how best to communicate in order to contribute to good nursing care. I will aim improve and develop my assertive skills when working with staff members to ensure health and safety of patients is maintained. Therefore I will make this a goal for learning in my next placement and discuss with my mentor to work out strategies for how I can achieve this. If a situation arises again like this particular one I have learned that I have also gained knowledge on the effectiveness communication How does it work out? What happens next time you are in a similar situation?