Planning and Goal Setting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Planning and Goal Setting - Essay Example For instance, he may ask that interviews be carried out around campus in a bid to gather certain information. For instance if the principal has heard of several complaints on numerous occasions, in order to have an idea of how many people are discontented, he may ask for data concerning this to be collected so as to enable him to act if need be. This is done mostly while analyzing data collected, mostly through questionnaires. If there was a certain question concerning this, then the campus leader will look at the responses and this will help in determining personnel needs. This article seeks to focus on a fundamental issue- the shortage of teachers and how to get more young people interested in the profession. Although this issue has been raised over a number of years, proper plans have not been put in place. This article outlines plans that have been proposed and implemented over years. For instance; CAPE. Identify the principal competencies and supporting standards involved or implicated in the reading, (e.g., Competency 5 and Competency 6, , including the following standard: Analyze the implications of various factors (e.g., staffing patterns, class scheduling formats, school organizational structures, student discipline practices) for teaching and learning, (Competency 5); Implement effective, appropriate, and legal strategies for the recruitment, screening, selection, assignment, induction, development, evaluation, promotion, discipline and dismissal of campus staff, (Competency 6). Implement old plans instead of making new plans. There are already plans on how to deal with the shortage of teachers; however these plans are usually scrapped for new ones without full implementation. Planning without implementation is an act in futility. The acute shortage of teachers is caused by the modern view of a teacher. A job deemed to be almost ‘menial’.

English Premier League and their Asian focus Essay Example for Free

English Premier League and their Asian focus Essay Club football is now truly globalised. Clubs are no more small community based which are known in that locality, they are now huge organisations owned by the richest businessmen’s of the world. The transfer spend of each club is increasing at a mind boggling pace. Every year clubs are breaking their transfer record fees. The increase in this expenditure has led to clubs being debt laden, with some of the biggest clubs in the world having debts which in normal business prudence would be suicidal. Thus the need for new revenue streams. Thus English premier league clubs set out all over the world to find out new revenue streams, and thus they found and fell in love with Asia. Asia is unique because though they themselves fare poorly in FIFA rankings and have rarely ruled the football world, their passion for football is second to none. In fact there are more followers and fans of English premier league football clubs in Asia than in England. The high growth rate in Asian countries has also resulted in people desiring for more. Thus in certain parts of South East Asia, weekends means EPL and Beer. But Why EPL Why not Serie A, Bundesliga or the la liga The reasons are many. While now La liga biggies Real Madrid and Barcelona have equal presence in Asian market, but still as a whole there is more EPL presence. First is Tv rights and Tv timing. The match timings in Asian countries are rarely real late nights or early mornings. The match timings are convenient. Though mostly it is the English premier league clubs and Football association’s ability to get into the Asian market early. Now every year during the season break in England there is a tournament called the premier league Asia trophy. In 2013 it was won by the runners up of EPL, Manchester City. The ever increasing value of TV rights deals for the EPL in Asia, an area with vast growth potential given the regions enormous and upwardly mobile population. On their trips to Asia, clubs charge appearance fees to play friendly games, and benefit from sales of official merchandise. And they trade on their popularity by signing sponsorship deals involving everything from banks and credit cards to beer, telecoms, airlines, and even tomato juice. The growth prospect is immense and they have just started. The threat though lies with the other big European leagues who are slowly  starting to focus more and more on Asia. Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Ac Milan etc are now increasing their presence in Asia in a bullish manner. Even these countries themselves are getting better in football and have their own club system. Other sports like baseball and basketball also pose a serious threat. Though all said and done Asian love affair of English clubs is still on the growth stage and the potential is immense. As the premier league chief executive Richard Scudamore himself told, Our global fan base is just short of a billion, and half of those are here in Asia, so it (Asia) is a hugely important part of what we do,

Delta Airlines :: essays research papers fc

While sitting in Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport, one cannot help but to notice and feel an overwhelming dominant presence of one particular airline. Delta as we know it today, traces its roots way back to 1924. Huff Daland Dusters was founded as the world’s first aerial crop dusting organization. In 1928 the company became Delta Air Service, and the following year Delta carried its first passengers over a route stretching from Dallas, Texas to Jackson, Mississippi with stops in Shreveport and Monroe, Louisiana. In 1941, the company moved its headquarters from Monroe to Atlanta, Georgia. Although headquartered in Atlanta, Delta is a Delaware corporation (Delaware is the most â€Å"pro-business† state in the US). Delta Air Lines Inc. provides air transportation for passengers and freight throughout the United States and around the world. As of February 1, 2001, Delta (including its wholly owned subsidiaries, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Inc. and Comair, Inc.) served 201 domestic cities in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as 50 cities in 32 countries. With its domestic and international code share partners, Delta's route network covers 218 domestic cities in 48 states, and 131 cities in 58 countries. When analyzing Delta, you do not have to search very far before quite possibly one its strongest attribute rears its head. Based on calendar 2000 data, Delta is the largest U.S. airline in terms of aircraft departures and passengers enplaned, and third largest as measured by operating revenues and revenue passenger miles flown. Delta is the leading U.S. airline in the transatlantic, offering the most daily flight departures, serving the largest number of nonstop markets and carrying more passengers than any other U.S. airline. Delta Air Lines transports more passengers worldwide than any other airline. Through a vast worldwide route system Delta has flown over 117 million passengers, more than any other airline in the world. Delta mainline, domestic and international service, Delta Express, Delta Shuttle, Delta Connection ®, Delta Sky Team and Worldwide Partners operate 6,400 flights each day to over 450 cities in 98 countries. Not only is Delta a beast in the market it wields its power quite intelligently. Along with this momentous market share, Delta has enormous control over some of the nations key gateways. Delta controls 72 percent of the air traffic at Salt Lake Utah. This mid west city is a gateway to most of the key major cities on the pacific coast as well as mid west.

Academic Achievement of Homeschooled Children Essay

These days many American children are schooled at home, with the number growing more and more per year; however, t the same time home schooling has received less attention than other recent changes in the educational system. It could be argued that home schooling may have a much larger impact on educational system, both in the short and long run. This research will basically provide the home school population, its growth and its characteristics. Also, with the beginning of a discussion of the data sources used in the analysis, this research examines characteristics of home schooled children and their families such as those characteristics most relevant for gauging trends in home schooling. Lastly, there will be talked about implications of home schooling for regular schools and a brief conclusion. Therefore, based on all these researches, I am going to research whether or not home-based education cause higher academic achievement than the institutional schooling in U. S. A. Proposal Methods The researchers will use quantitative research regarding the influence of the educational background of parents on the performance of their home schooled children. The performance of the home schooled children will be quantified in comparison with the public school children with also varying educational backgrounds. Survey method—using will be used in order to obtain the more generalized results of the study. Participants will be contacted first through phone to have permission or consent of being part of the study. This part will also inform the family, especially the parents about the research study that will be conducted. According to Timothy Johnson of University of Illinois at Chicago, having an informed consent of the participants is part of the ethics of conducting researches. (Johnson) If the participants agree on being part of the study, mailed questionnaires will be distributed. The group that I propose to study is 75 homeschooled eleventh (11th) and twelfth (12th) graders. The chosen sample size is a significant number in order to study the influence of the educational background of parents on their homeschooled children since 75 is not much of a high number, making it too pricey or having too much effort given on the study, or not too low of a number. Studies were also made regarding the influence of parents on their homeschooled children, but these studies were more focused on the primary education (Grades 1-4, as indicated in the Literature Review), and not on the high school level. This study will further explore if the influence of parent’ educational background will change if the students are at a higher level of schooling. This study will also be limited on eleventh and twelfth graders. The sample size 75 students will be divided into three groups. Group 1 will consist of children that have been schooled at home by parents that have less than a high school education. Group 2 will consist of children that have been homeschooled by parents that have a high school education. Group 3 will consist of 25 children that have been homeschooled by parents. Additionally, 75 public school children also in eleventh (11th) and twelfth (12th) grade will serve as the control group. Group 4 will consist of children that have been schooled in the public school system and whose parents have less than a high school education. Group 5 will consist of 25 children have been schooled in public school and have parents that have a high school education and Group 6 will consist of 25 children that have been schooled in public school whose parents have a college education. These particular groups were chosen to research two key areas addressed in the research proposal. First the area of whether homeschooled children outperform those that are educated by public school. Second this method will attempt to address if the parents education significantly impacts academic achievement in both groups. Eleventh (11th) and Twelfth (12th) grade students were chosen for this research because they are at the end of their respective high school education and one can better assess their overall education. Obtaining the data necessary to conduct the research will consist identifying the test subjects in home school by contacting a home school association within the target state(s) for a mailing list of parents. A small questionnaire will be sent out to ascertain the educational background of parents with return postage and a request that they mail the questionnaire back. This feedback will be divided into the three groups identified to study. At this point, 25 families will be randomly chosen from each group and contacted by the researcher via telephone. If a family elects not to be part of the study group, another family will be randomly chosen from that category. The researchers will continue to distribute questionnaires on families that fit the criteria, until a response is made. Once a telephone interview with the parents is conducted and they have agreed to participate, a paper assessment will be mailed to the family. A return envelope with postage paid will be sent with the assessment. This assessment will be an ACT/SAT style test addressing the four main academic components: Math, Reading, Science, and English. The child or children will have 24 hours to complete the assessment and return it to either the post office or mailbox so that the return envelope can be stamped for that day. This method will put urgency into the test being completed and sent back and may reduce some forms of cheating. While a computerized test was considered, it may not be possible for all children schooled at home to have computer access so a paper assessment was the most versatile method of data collection. The same process will be conducted for the public school children. Eligible families will be identified by contacting the target state(s) Department of Education. Again, a paper questionnaire will be sent asking for data on the parents’ education and a request to return it. These parents will also be contacted for permission. Once consent is given, the assessment will be sent to the family with the same procedure outlined above. In Groups 1, 2, and 3 we can assess the general academic achievement of children schooled at home. We can also measure, to a degree, how much the parents own education impacts the academic achievements of the child or children. The same is true of Groups 4, 5, and 6. In the case of the latter group, parents’ education may not be relevant however it is necessary for the continuity of the study. In order to obtain accurate results, these assessments should be conducted sometime within the school year after the first quarter of either the eleventh (11th) or (12th) grade. Students should be assessed after being accustomed to their routine learning guidelines in their respective schooling. Respondents will also be assured that they will be guaranteed that their responses will be confidential, as also stated in the Code of Standards of Council of American Survey Research Organizations. (Council of American Survey Research Organizations, 2009) In a working paper written for the U. S. Census Bureau, Kurt Bauman pointed out several characteristics that may determine home school trends (Bauman, 2001). However, the purpose of this study is purely to identify academic achievement within both the home school student group and public school student group. SURVEY QUESTIONS: The survey questions will be divided into three parts: basic information, performance section. These questions will be the same for Groups 1, 2, and 3, and Groups 4, 5, and 6. The first part, as the name says, contains all the basic information about the student and the parents. This part will include the educational background of the parents, the reasons for home schooling, what they know about the regulations regarding home schooling of their state, etc. The questionnaire for those that are homeschooled, in order, will provide this series of questions: name, name of parents, age, grade, educational background of parents, number of years being homeschooled, reason/s of being homeschooled, and organizations that are involved in regarding homeschooling. The questions, on the other hand, of those that are in public schools will be the same of the homeschooled questionnaire, except for the last three questions. The next part on the other hand, will include the academic test that will determine the performance of the student. The students will answer questions on subject matters like Math, Science, Reading and English, in order to at least have a grasp about their overall academic knowledge. ETHICS ON RESEARCH The researchers acknowledge the fact that the study can be a critical matter especially for parents since discrimination, especially on educational backgrounds, might be possible. However, it is also an essential for the researchers to keep in mind the ethics of conducting a research as stated by Thomas Watson. First is that the researchers will give privacy to the respondents, meaning they can willingly say or not say information that they aren’t comfortable with. Second, the researchers will ensure voluntary participation—that is, the researchers will respect if they want to be part of the research or not. Lastly, the researchers will maintain confidentiality and non-attribution. The respondents will remain to be anonymous. (Watson, 1996) References Bauman, Kurt J. , Home Schooling in the United States: Trends and Characteristics, (2001). Retrieved April 13, 2010 from the U. S. Census Bureau website: http://www. census. gov/population/www/documentation/twps0053/twps0053. html Literature Review Academic Achievement of Homeschooled Children Does home-based education cause higher academic achievement than the institutional schooling in California? Early studies as well as the more recent studies illustrate that this is indeed possible, as they examine the academic performances of homeschooled students in different locations and with various independent variables. For instance, Belfield and Levin (2005) showed that homeschooled students have better SAT verbal scores than the non-homeschooled students. Although homeschooled students have higher SAT math scores as well, the gap seems to be greater in the verbal scores (Belfield & Levin, 2005). After controlling for 21 independent variables, Belfield and Levin showed that the advantage of homeschooled students over private school students was reduced, but the great gap still exists when the comparison is between homeschooled students and public schools students. Moreover, the scores of the homeschooled students and private school students in SAT are at par with each other, with no group outperforming the other (Belfield & Levin, 2005). According to Basham et al. (2007), whether having at least one or no parent as a certified teacher do not significantly matter on the achievement levels of the homeschooled children, although parents who acquired university degree have homeschooled children who outperform significantly those parents who did not earned a degree. However, Bansham illustrate that regardless of these parental backgrounds, homeschooled children all scored between the range of 80 to 90 percent, as opposed to the average score of 63 percent for public school students, who have parents with university degree and average score of 28 percent of public school students who have parents with no degree. Moreover, around 25 percent of homeschooled students have academic performances better than students above their age-level studying either in public or private schools (Bauman, 2002). This can be seen in grade 1 to 4 homeschooled students. All of them perform better compared to the performance of the non-homeschooled students of at least one-grade level higher (McDowell & Ray, 2000). When it comes to 8th grade, the homeschooled students have academic performances better than non-homeschooled students at least four grade levels higher. All these evidences illustrate that being homeschooled leads to better academic performances despite the children’s background, which would have played negative roles when the children were not homeschooled (McDowell & Ray, 2000). Homeschooling reduce or eliminate altogether the negative effects low family income, low parental educational attainment, large family size, race or ethnicity or even gender would have played if the students were not educated in the home setting (Bansham et al. , 2007, Ray, 2000; Ray & Eagleson, 2008). Not having computers or other materials required by formal schools or not having access to public libraries seems not to matter as much for homeschooled students as compared to homeschooled students as well (Bansham et al. , 2007). All these factors do not affect how the children perform academically either. The academic achievements of homeschooled children cannot be generalized. Researchers doubt generalizations because it is difficult to compare homeschooled children and those who are not. However, despite all the doubts of the generalizabilty of the better academic performance of homeschooled children, more and more studies are producing evidence that homeschooled children achieve better performance against their non-homeschooled peers on various types of tests (Basham et al, 2007). The present study will determine if in California, the same findings would emerge. the scores of the homeschooled students and certain Californian private school students in SAT will be examined to test this. Factors such as socio-economic background, gender and ethnicity will also be tested to determine whether each of them will have a significant relationship with the academic achievement of homeschooled students in California. Homeschooling laws depend on the state where the family is residing—whether be it the requirements of the parents, the testing procedure, etc. In a state like Washington, parents are required to have 45 quarter units of college level credit, complete parent qualifying course, an average of an hour a week meeting with a certified teacher, and a qualification to provide home-based teaching instruction by the superintended of the local school district. (Russell, 2008) The case is otherwise different in Michigan since no law requires for parents or teachers to have certain qualifications in order to teach. ( Home School Legal Defense Association, 2009) According to Home School Legal Defense Association, there are already 40 states that adopted the home school regulations. It is also stated in their website that â€Å"Forty-one states do not require home school parents to meet any specific teacher qualifications. The eight states which require only a high school diploma or a GED are: GA, NC, NM, OH, PA, SC, TN, and WV. DC also requires either a high school diploma or GED. (In TN, there is no qualification requirement for grades K-8 if home school is associated with a church-related school). The remaining state has the following qualification requirements: ND requires only a high school diploma or GED, provided that the parent is monitored by a certified teacher for two years. † There are three states who qualify home school teachers to be â€Å"competent† such as CA, KS, and NY. Having less than GED are considered to be competent in those three states. (Home School Legal Defense Association) References Bansham, P. , Merrifield, J. , Hepburn, C. R. (2007). â€Å"Home Schooling: From the Extreme to the Mainstream. Studies in Education Policy. † The Fraser Institute. Retrieved from http://www. netzwerk-bildungsfreiheit. de/pdf/From_the_extreme_to_the_mainstream. pdf Bauman, K. J. (2002). Home schooling in the United States: Trends and Characteristics. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 10(26). Retrieved from http://epaa. asu. edu/epaa/v10n26. html. Belfield, Clive R. and Henry M. Levin (2005). Privatizing Education Choice: Consequences for Parents, Schools and Public Policy. Boulder, C. O. : Paradigm Publishers. McDowell, Susan A. and Brian D. Ray (2000). â€Å"The Home Education Movement in Context, Practice, and Theory. † Peabody Journal of Education, 75(11), 1-7 Ray, B. D. (2000). Home schooling: The ameliorator of negative influences on learning? Peabody Journal of Education, 75(1 & 2), 71-106. Ray, B. D. , & Eagleson, B. K. (2008, August 14). State regulation of homeschooling and homeschoolers’ SAT scores. Journal of Academic Leadership, 6(3). Retrieved from http://www. academicleadership. org/emprical_research/State_Regulation_of_Homeschooling_and_Homeschoolers_SAT_Scores. shtml Bibliography Home School Legal Defense Association. (2009). Home Schooling in the United States: A Legal Analysis. Retrieved April 30, 2010, from Home School Legal Defense Association: http://www. hslda. org/laws/analysis/Michigan. pdf Council of American Survey Research Organizations. (2009). CASRO Code of Standards and Ethics for Survey Research. Retrieved April 29, 2010, from Council of American Survey Research Organizations: http://www. casro. org/codeofstandards. cfm Home School Legal Defense Association. (n. d. ). Summary of Home School Laws in the Fifty States. Retrieved April 29, 2010, from Home School Legal Defense Association: http://www. hslda. org/laws/Summary_of_Laws. pdf Johnson, T. (n. d. ). Ethical Issues in the Conduct of Survey Research. Retrieved April 29, 2010, from College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs: http://www. srl. uic. edu/seminars/ethicsint. htm Russell, L. (2008, June 12). Washington Homeschool Law. Retrieved April 29, 2010, from Suite 101: http://homeschool-regulations. suite101. com/article. cfm/washington_homeschool_law Watson, T. (1996). Survey and Interview Ethics for Data Gatherers and Respondents. Retrieved April 30, 2010, from Independent Job Analysis: http://www. ijoa. org/imta96/paper64. html

American Home Product Essay

1. How much business risk does American Home Product face? How much financial risk would American Home Product face at each of the proposed levels of debt shown in case Exhibit 3? (Hint: Calculate impact on net income of 10% reduction in EBIT). How much potential value, if any, can AHP create for its shareholders at each of the proposed levels of debt? 2.Construct a simple EBIT-EPS Analysis chart for AHP for each of the proposed levels of debt shown in case Exhibit 3. Give your analysis based upon this chart. 3.What capital structure would you recommend as appropriate for AHP? What are the advantages of leveraging this company? The Disadvantages? How would leveraging up affect the company taxes? How would the capital markets react to a decision by the company to increase the use of debt in its capital structure? 4.How might AHP implement a more aggressive capital structure policy? What are the alternative methods for leveraging up? (Short answer will be OK, no calculation). 5.In view of AHP’s unique corporate culture, what arguments would you advance to persuade Mr. Laporte or his successor to adopt your recommendation? Note: Make sure that you do understand how to find the numbers on Exhibit 3 and Exhibit 4, number 8. Answer: 1.Business risk: Stable annual growth (10~15%) and profit margin (11~12%). Overall low-risk investments; ‘proven’ formulas instead of R&D. AAA Bond Rating. (EBIT 1981 / EBIT 1980) / % increase in sales (EBIT 1981 / (Net Income 1980 / (1 – Tax Rate))) / % increase in sales (EBIT 1981 / (Net Income 1980 / (1 – 48%))) / % increase in sales (954,8 / (445,9 / 52%)) / (4.131,2 / 3.798,5) = 1,02. (954,8 / 857,5) / 108,8% = 1,02. Financial risk: DFL = % change EPS / % change EBIT = (1 + ((3,18 – 2,84) / 2,84)) / (1 + ((954,8 – 857,5) / 857,5)) = 1,120 / 1,113 = 1,006. Higher DFL means higher EPS variability. 0%   1,006 30% 1,090 50%   1,116 70%   1,143 Debt to Capital = total debt / net worth. Higher DtC ratio means higher risk. 0% ïÆ'  0,009 30% 0,429 50% 1,000 70% 2,333 Potential value: EPS goes up as % of debt goes up ($3.18 – $3.49). 0% $3.18 30% $3.33 50% $3.41 70% $3.49 Dividends rise. 0% $1.90 30% $2.00 50% $2.04 70% $2.10 2.EBIT-EPS Analysis Chart Although leveraging decrease the company’s EBIT, it gives more value per share to its shareholders. 3.Recommended capital structure: Most appropriate capital structure for American Home Products is 30% debt to total capital. Several reasons will explain the reason why this structure gives advantage to AHP. The first, as using 30% debt ratio, the company  would be able to be recapitalized; hence, common shares outstanding of 19.8 million can be repurchased. The second, AHP would have advantage to save taxes of 37.8 million dollars and its shareholders benefit by getting more values. Exhibit 2 shows that Warner Lambert company’s debt ratio is approximately 32% and its bond rating is AAA or AA. It means that if AHP uses 30% debt and 70% equity, its bond rating will be same as Warner Lambert; consequently, bond interest to pay will not increase much due to bond rating. Addition to these reasons, AHP would face less risk to compare heavier capital structures. The advantages of leveraging this company: a.Higher value for shareholders. b.Reduction in tax through interest. c.Access to additional capital. The disadvantages of leveraging this company: a.Higher risk to shareholders. b.Lower net income. Leveraging effect: As debt increases, tax decreases. Market reaction: Market will expect higher return and stock price will rise. 4.AHP should use heavier capital structure which means increasing to use more debt instead of relying wholly on shareholders’ capital, which has its limitation as far as the shareholders’ wealth. So, by using debt to finance AHP’s growth (leveraging up), AHP’s capital structure might be more effective and aggressive. Leveraging up may enable AHP in innovating new products, using better technology, and motivating labor. While during Mr. Laporte’s era, the company can only conduct the â€Å"me too† strategy, relying heavily on its marketing prowess. 5.Mr. Laporte stated that his company works in order to increase  shareholders’ wealth. However, using 30% debt to capital would give possibility to save 37.8 million dollars from taxes; thus, its shareholders would benefit from getting higher dividends per share. Also, if the company uses more debt to its operations, it will be possible to repurchase common stocks of 19.8 millions of shares from market, increasing its EPS, thus affecting in rise in stock price.

The Al Qaeda Organization essays

The Al Qaeda Organization essays The label of terrorist organization that Al Qaeda received form the international community is not denied by its leader. Furthermore, the Al Qaeda Manual incorporates the jihad message to its supporters through the incorporation of the religious factor implying the desire of Allah1 to impose Muslim order. It also contains several directives instigating people to fight against the Western world considering it responsible for the death of their people. In such fight they cannot engage using traditional measures such as diplomacy, but military confrontation. Because Al Qaeda is not a state actor, it does not occupy a clear geographical area (it has many affiliates in different countries, different groups that followed its model, some of them are sponsored by them), it does not imply an open fight, but it strikes using various bombings and suicide bombers, whenever they find the way of doing so taking advantage by the flaws in the security systems, the international community finds itse lf in the difficulty of striking back. Osama bin Laden is without a doubt the head of al-Qaeda and the most wanted terrorist in the world. His father, Mohammed bin Laden, was a Yemeni immigrant to Saudi Arabia who started his own construction business coming to the attention of Abdul Aziz, the first monarch of Saudi Arabia. Thus he received a very important project, the renovation of holy Mecca. In 1957, his forth wife, a Syrian woman gave birth to Osama in Saudi Arabia. At the age of 11, bin Laden lost his father in a helicopter accident. Due to his family wealth and their relation with the royal family, he studies economics and management at the kings Abdul Aziz University. One of his teachers, Azzam exercised a great influence on Osama, shaping his religious beliefs. Bin Ladens rise to power was possible due to his wealth that he inherited from his family business. His first actions that draw the international attention represent...

Written Communication Critical Analysis Marion Enterprise

Written Communication Critical Analysis Marion Enterprise Problem Statement Data is important to manufacturing companies like Marion Enterprise. It is necessary in critical areas of the business such as human resource, production and the organization’s inventory. Data is useless without consistent updates.Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on Written Communication Critical Analysis Marion Enterprise specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The research problem is to investigate office ergonomics of the data entry center in this organization. The other issues that will be examined are the establishment of an anthropometric database and possible hazards employees overlook in the data entry center. The study will however major on the first issue. Justification Ergonomics is the science that examines how capable people are taking into account their physical and mental limits in relation to the tools, machines and equipment used in the course of their work. Office ergonomic is a s pecialty that focuses on the environment of the office worker. There has been an increase in interest by people towards the specialty because of an upsurge in the use of computers and disorders associated with them (Wisha Services Division (WSD), 2002). The specialty is critical since some of the signs associated with poor ergonomics such as fatigue and pain reduces the productivity of workers (CBS, n.d). Treatment of disorders occasioned by poor ergonomics in an office environment is costly in terms of finance and time lost whenever an employee takes leave (Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 2013). The worst part is a reduction in the normal pace of work in a department where an employee is based. For this organization, the entry of data will be slowed which may affect the ability of the organization to get real-time data. Topics for investigation The workstation Data entry operators spend many hours during the working days in their workstation. The workstation will be the first ar ea to be investigated for any ergonomic flaws. It consists of the office furniture such as the chairs, tables and computers that the data entry operators use directly as they carry out their work. All these aspects will be examined (Workers Compensation Board (WCB), (2007). The computers used by the data entry operators Computers are the key equipment used by data entry operators (Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc, 2008). They will be investigated to ascertain how ergonomic they are to their users. In the investigation, computer parts such as mouse, keyboard and the monitor will be assessed on ergonomic adjustability.Advertising Looking for proposal on business communication? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Anthropometric data The research will also determine the feasibility of establishing a database for anthropometric data. The data will be useful for management when purchasing equipment for the d ata entry operators after recruitment. Problems related to ergonomics in computer equipment will reduce significantly in the data entry center that will be expanded (National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, 1991). Hazards with sharp edges All the furniture in the data entry center will be examined to establish whether they have any sharp edges that the employees often lean. This action by the data entry operators only appears harmless initially but leads to certain disorders such as slow blood circulation and damaged nerves (Texas Department of Insurance, n.d). Repetitive motions The operational nature of data entry operators will be looked at to assess the possible effect they have on the workers developing disorders. All repetitive motions will be noted so that a possible intervention can be formulated. The intervention will be a scientific one, and its impact in improving the office ergonomics of the data center has to be monitored after periods specified to ensure eff ectiveness Health and Safety Authority (HSE), n.d). Working space The available working space in the data entry center as compared to the staff who works there will be examined. The examination will seek to reveal the sufficiency of the available space. Appropriate recommendations will then be made (Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), n.d). Preliminary methodology and potential resources The research will gather data about all the areas mentioned earlier using the following methods. Interviews will be conducted to the data entry operators on specific areas on different areas of their workstations. Structured written questionnaires will follow the interviews as a way of verifying most of what has been given orally in the interviews conducted. Observations will be made on the workstations and computers and information obtained compared to recommended office ergonomics (University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, n.d).Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on Written Com munication Critical Analysis Marion Enterprise specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The anthropometric data will be sought for reputable databases available online. The results of a feasibility study for setting a company anthropometric database will be determined by the diversity of the staff in the organization. Work schedule The research will be conducted for a period of two weeks. During the first week, data will be collected from the data entry center. The collection through interviews will be done in the first hour of each office day in order for a period of three days to minimize disruptions to normal work. The remaining two days of the week will be used by the research team to gather data with written structured questionnaires. The second week the first working day, the team will observe the workstations of the data entry operators. The other two days will be for analyzing the data, and the last two will be utilized in preparing the rep ort. References CBS. (n.d). The advantages of ergonomics. Retrieved from cbs.state.or.us/osha/pdf/ergo/ergoadvantages.pdf Enviromental Health and Safety (EHS). (n.d) Ergonomic workstations guidelines. Retrieved from ncsu.edu/ehs/www99/right/handsMan/office/ergonomic.html Health And Safety Authority (HAS). (n.d). Ergonomics in the Workplace. Retrieved from hsa.ie/eng/Publications_and_Forms/Publications/Occupational_Health/Ergonomics.pdf Health and Safety Executive (HSE). (2013). Ergonomics and human factors at work. Retrieved from hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg90.pdfAdvertising Looking for proposal on business communication? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More National Occupational Health and Safety Commission. (1991). Ergonomic principles and checklists for the selection of office furniture and equipment. Retrieved from safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/about/Publications/Documents/31/ErgonomicPrinciplesChecklistsForOfficeFurniture_1991_PDF.pdf Occupational Health Clinics for Ontanrio Workers Inc. (2008). Office ergonomics handbook. Retrieved from ohcow.on.ca/uploads/Resource/Workbooks/ergonomics.pdf Texas Department of Insurance. (n.d). Office Ergonomics. Retrieved from tdi.texas.gov/pubs/videoresource/wpofficeergo.pdf University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. (n.d) Data Collection Methods. Retrieved from http://people.uwec.edu/piercech/researchmethods/data%20collection%20methods/data%20collection%20methods.htm Wisha Services Division (WSD). (2002). Office ergonomics. Practical solutions for a safer workplace. Retrieved from lni.wa.gov/IPUB/417-133-000.pdf Workers Compensation Board (WCB). (2007). Office Ergonomics: think detection:think pre vention: think activity. Retrieved from wcb.ab.ca/pdfs/public/office_ergo.pdf

Parable - Definition and Examples of Parables

Parable s of Parables A story, usually short and simple, that illustrates a lesson. The parable is related to the exemplum in classical rhetoric. Parables And The New Testament Some of the best known parables are those in the New Testament. Certain longer works of modern literaturesuch as Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and the fiction of Franz Kafkaare sometimes regarded as secular parables. Biblical Parables The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.(Proverbs 26:7, The Bible) Secular Parables The Blind Men and the Elephant by John Godfrey Saxe There were six men of Hindustan,to learning much inclined,Who went to see an elephant,though all of them were blind,That each by observationmight satisfy his mind.The first approached the elephant,and happening to fallAgainst his broad and sturdy side,at once began to bawl,This mystery of an elephantis very like a wall.The second, feeling of the tusk,cried, Ho, what have we here,So very round and smooth and sharp?To me ’tis mighty clear,This wonder of an elephantis very like a spear.The third approached the elephant,and happening to takeThe squirming trunk within his hands,thus boldly up and spake,I see, quoth he,the elephant is very like a snake.The fourth reached out an eager hand,and felt above the knee,What this most wondrous beastis like is very plain, said he.Tis clear enough the elephantis very like a tree.The fifth who chanced to touch the earsaid, E’en the blindest manCan tell what this resembles most;deny the fact who can;This marvel of an elephantis very like a fan.The sixth no sooner had begunabout the beast to grope,Than seizing on the swinging tailthat fell within his scope;I see, said he, the elephantis very like a rope.So six blind men of Hindustandisputed loud and long,Each in his own opinionexceeding stiff and strong;Though each was partly in the right,they all were in the wrong! MORAL:So oft in theologic wars,The disputants, I ween,Rail on in utter ignoranceOf what each other mean,And prate about an ElephantNot one of them has seen! The Invention of Letters SOCRATES: I heard, then, that at Naucratis, in Egypt, was one of the ancient gods of that country, the one whose sacred bird is called the ibis, and the name of the god himself was Theuth. He it was who invented numbers and arithmetic and geometry and astronomy, also draughts and dice, and, most important of all, letters. Now the king of all Egypt at that time was the god Thamus, who lived in the great city of the upper region, which the Greeks call the Egyptian Thebes, and they call the god himself Ammon. To him came Theuth to show his inventions, saying that they ought to be imparted to the other Egyptians. But Thamus asked what use there was in each, and as Theuth enumerated their uses, expressed praise or blame, according as he approved or disapproved. The story goes that Thamus said many things to Theuth in praise or blame of the various arts, which it would take too long to repeat; but when they came to the letters, This invention, O king, said Theuth, will make the Egyptians w iser and will improve their memories; for it is an elixir of memory and wisdom that I have discovered. But Thamus replied, Most ingenious Theuth, one man has the ability to beget arts, but the ability to judge of their usefulness or harmfulness to their users belongs to another; and now you, who are the father of letters, have been led by your affection to ascribe to them a power the opposite of that which they really possess. For this invention will produce forgetfulness in the minds of those who learn to use it, because they will not practice their memory. Their trust in writing, produced by external characters which are no part of themselves, will discourage the use of their own memory within them. You have invented an elixir not of memory, but of reminding; and you offer your pupils the appearance of wisdom, not true wisdom, for they will read many things without instruction and will therefore seem to know many things, when they are for the most part ignorant and hard to get along with, since they are not wise, but only appear wise. PHAEDRUS: Socrates, you easily make up stories o f Egypt or any country you please. (Plato, Phaedrus, translated by H. N. Fowler) Parable of the Scorpion Theres a story I heard as a child, a parable, and I never forgot it. A scorpion was walking along the bank of a river, wondering how to get to the other side. Suddenly he saw a fox. He asked the fox to take him on his back across the river.The fox said, No. If I do that, youll sting me, and Ill drown.The scorpion assured him, If I did that, wed both drown.The fox thought about it, finally agreed. So the scorpion climbed up on his back, and the fox began to swim. But halfway across the river, the scorpion stung him.As the poison filled his veins, the fox turned to the scorpion and said, Why did you do that? Now youll drown, too. I couldnt help it, said the scorpion. Its my nature.(Robert Beltran as Commander Chakotay in Scorpion. Star Trek: Voyager, 1997) David Foster Wallaces Fish Story There are these two young fish swimming along, and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says, Morning, boys, hows the water? And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and goes, What the hell is water? . . .None of this is about morality, or religion, or dogma, or big fancy questions of life after death. The capital-T Truth is about life before death. It is about making it to 30, or maybe 50, without wanting to shoot yourself in the head. It is about simple awarenessawareness of what is so real and essential, so hidden in plain sight all around us, that we have to keep reminding ourselves, over and over: This is water, this is water.(David Foster Wallace, commencement speech at Kenyon College, Ohio. The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2006, ed. by Dave Eggers. Mariner Books, 2006) Parables in Politics Right now, as [Elizabeth] Warren and [Scott] Brown meet voters, they are telling their stories as political parables, loaded with ideas about opportunity versus just deserts, social investment versus making your own way, fairness versus the free market. The ordinary Massachusetts voterthe kind who doesn’t tune in until the last minutewill have to choose between two story lines. They will talk about it this way: he’s a small-town Wrentham boy who solves problems based on facts, while she’s a leftist ideologue from Harvard. Or they will talk about it this way: he’s a lightweight with a pretty face and a truck; she’s a real person who will fight off the banks and others trying to ruin the middle class. They will assess which one is more likable and sincere. They will (or won’t) be pulled to the polls by more politically motivated neighbors. In such haphazard ways, Massachusetts independents will decide one of the most closely watched and possibl y most expensive races of the 2012 campaign, outside the presidency.(E.J. Graff, Elizabeth Warren: Yes She Can? The Nation, April 23, 2012) Etymology From the Greek, to compare Also see: AllegoryAnecdoteExemplumFableHomileticsThe Little Girl in Lavender Spats by Don MarquisNarration  and  NarrativeVignetteThe Whistle by Benjamin Franklin   Pronunciation: PAR-uh-bul Also Known As: exemplum, fable

Civil Rights and Taxes Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Civil Rights and Taxes - Research Paper Example This is where Civil Rights bridge the Constitution to make certain that those who were previously excluded from the Human Rights that existed, to guarantee they would not be overlooked any longer. The fight for those Civil Rights was a long and difficult road that still to this day remains a struggle because there are always new issues to replace the old. Civil Rights continue to deal with issues of race and religion, as well as, sexual preference and marriage and age discrimination. Overall the arena of Civil Rights is one of social concern it is rarely related directly to economical issues. So it may sound a bit unusual to discuss taxes in relation to the Civil Rights issues, but there is a certain amount of overlay. Taxes were designed as monies taken legally by the government from the citizens to participate in the funding of this country that we live in and enjoy. However, what happen when the taking of those taxes contradict the personal Civil Rights of individuals forcing citizens to financially participate in government endeavors that subverts their Civil Rights? It can happen and may continue to do so. That being said, it is entirely possible for taxes to violate the Civil Rights of the citizens of the United States. When this country was founded it was operated by wealthy, white male citizens. The rights they granted, primarily, benefited them, socially, politically, and economically. They were, by no means, malicious in their construct, but they were self-servingly inclusive. They excluded women. They excluded African Americans who were held in captivity and property for generations, as well as alienating other minority groups throughout time. P.B. Levy in his book â€Å"The Civil Rights Movement† gave a chronological list of all the incredible work done to gain Civil Rights for all the people who live in this country. From the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 to the ratifying of the

Contemporary Trends in the Global Business Environment Coursework

Contemporary Trends in the Global Business Environment - Coursework Example The researcher states that Qantas Company seeks to analyze its environment for a sustainable future in the highly competitive market. Indeed, various trends have characterized the market and it is important for a clear analysis to be made so that the business can evaluate its continued viability. To this end, the company seeks to introduce new flights to Tehran, Iran, which it hopes that the idea will put the company in a better position to beat its competitors like the Fly Emirates that have strongholds in the Middle East. This report assesses the business in terms of the goals it will aim at achieving in the future. Businesses analyze their environments and plan in many ways. Indeed, most of these trends have evolved from the 1950’s to their present form. From a background where planning was considered in the rubric of budget concerns, modern organizations largely embrace scenario-based planning which takes into account the future of the company. Qantas in this perspective u ses a variety of strategies in its environmental analysis. Recent studies into the external environment of the business reveal that it contains three components, including the market, industry and the expansive macro environment. As an important aspect of the external environment, the market defines the clients of the business who make it possible for it to conduct its operations. The market for any business is different from others and specific to the industry. The industry, on the other hand, incorporates all the businesses that are involved in the airline venture. Industries have trends such as the legal requirements for safety, purchases of new planes in the market as well as the increasing need to expand the number of destinations that the company operates. The macro environment, on the other hand, focuses on certain aspects such as political, social or technological issues that affect the business’s operations.

Troubled asset relief program Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Troubled asset relief program - Term Paper Example espread opposition from the public and was quickly billed as ‘the Wall Street bailout.’ There was greater possibility that the implementation of the policy was largely influenced by the US financial sector. Beginning 2005, the housing prices in the US peaked and began to decline. The same trend happened in the value of mortgage-backed securities (MBS). This trend is known as ‘collateralized debt obligation (CDO). The CDO compromised a greater portion of many financial institutions’ asset portfolios. The situation worsened and this lead to the collapse of Lehman Brothers on September 2008. The proximal event led to the introduction of TARP. The Treasury injected approximately $250 billion in TARP program (Cornett, Li and Tehranian 731). The Treasury injected these funds directly into the US banking system through purchasing senior preferred stock and warrants in qualifying financial institutions. In the end, the total available funds were estimated to have amounted to $700 billion. This amount makes TARP the largest program ever promoted by the government of the United States (Garrica, Puddu and Walchli 7). The situation worsened such that on September 2008; Dow Jones Industrial lost 4.4 percent or 504 points. The crisis escalated resulting in more bankruptcies including AIG’s. Hank Paulson, who was the then Treasury Secretary, proposed that TARP be implemented. The objective of the implementation of TARP was to recapitalize the financial institutions with liquidity problems using federal funds. In general, the US Treasury intention was to use TARP in helping banks to improve their balance sheets and increase the robustness of the financial system (Garrica, Puddu and Walchli 1). Paulson introduced legislation to the Congress known as EESA. This legislation was an authorization of $700 billion for the purchase of troubled assets including MBSs from banks through TARP. The announcement of TARP by Paulson on September 19 resulted in many large financial

How the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has made an impact on business Essay

How the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has made an impact on business - Essay Example r example, the Canada’s long standing principles-based stock exchange was replaced with a hybrid rules and principles based corporate governance regime that was modeled in SOX and administered by security regulators (Sibold, 2009). Largely, as Sibold elaborates, the act aims to harmonize the global fiscal management polices by shifting these from the pervious rules based to principles based management, where a global platform on financial management can be achieved. The act largely bases on management through virtues and morals as compared to through rules. However, Sibold (2009) argues that there are possibilities of more executives and editors using the trust and moral trust enhanced by this act to act unethically as compared other previous management through rules. Family owned enterprises according to Sibold portray better performance of family influence that focuses the investments of the firm, and this lessens the moral hazards due to the minority equity claimants and in creasing form values. Therefore, as a profession in financial management or any other related field, the act requires that moral standing, virtues and business ethics have to be more pronounced in an individual to avoid conflict of interest in the workplace, where one is tempted to behave unethically. As a professional in financial management, it would be necessary to integrate both the rule based and principles based approach in financial management to ensure a wider approach to management problems in finances and reduce possible cases of unethical behaviors in managing

Peer Review PowerPoint Presentation Against Death Penalty Essay

Peer Review PowerPoint Presentation Against Death Penalty - Essay Example The paper ought to have introduced the matter as a regulation within the laws of the land that is not conforming to certain standards of the natural laws and that is not achieving any realistic targets as are expected. The body of the document does not present the information in a properly organized and sequential manner. The writer has failed to give the information with in depth explanations and examples covering all the expected and related cases. The body ought to have involved clear illustrations of the practical related issues in the area of concern ensuring that the illustrations of back up the improper effecting of the legislation and how it has directly affected the parties that have suffered from consequences of the implementation of this legislation. The body reports that the execution of the stipulated regulations of the process fails to achieve goals of handling the situation, however it does not provide the best practicable alternative that can solve the issue amicably. The writer just within the body provides his complaints but does not specifically raise the factual issues in relation to the execution of the regulation. The conclusion is very categorical and on point with direct inference on the opinion of the writer minus making a consideration of the opinions of other likeminded individuals and players in the subject area. The conclusion has failed to provide a concrete explanation and illustration in relation to the issues discussed and is very brief. The grammar has no proper polishing in relation to the clear presentation of the topic of discussion in the subject matter. However, the language used is not very professional and legislative as expected in relation to the subject of concern. I expected that the language of use in this paper would majorly be in relation to legislations and the acts of the government stated and clearly explained with the reasons of non-achievement of the

Le corbusier Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Le corbusier - Research Paper Example During his life, he received two prestigious awards for his immense development of human life housing standards (Gans 12). He greatly, influenced urbanization in France through his designs that were used to house important departments for the French government. Moreover, he helped curb the increase of slum dwellings through the designing of ultra modern houses of improved standards (Corbusier 9). He died in August 27, 1965 at the age of seventy-seven after taking a swim at the Mediterranean Sea due to a presumed heart attack. This paper will take a broad look into Le Corbusier history, his remarkable work, and his unique architectural style. It will, also cite his most important architectural works that are used as points of reference in today’s house designing field. Le Corbusier initial publications were in French leading to the publication of the first English translation in 1927 by British author Fredrick Etchells. According to, Etchells mass and volume were relatively the same, which was not the case in the original French version of the book. His linguistic style was also desirable, as his choice of words to describe his designs was difficult to paraphrase even to well educate scholars (Wogenscky 54). Arguably, his designs drew inspiration from nature and the environment at large to bring out its unique characteristics. They involved the use of indefinite shapes and sizes to strike an amazing balance of design. His journals were instrumental in the facilitation of acknowledgement of integral architectural reforms. Initially, he kept his work to himself but after gaining exposure through mingling with other established artists, he saw the need to venture into it commercially. In the end, his expansion took a slow turn due to the hefty financial burden imposed on him. His book collection was on drawings and journals that he had done through his traversing of Europe. Subsequently, he was a prophet in the architectural world as his designs are visible in today’s structures. In other words, he foretold the building of the more than one storey building. In addition, this great architect took notice in the work of engineers who built bridges that connected one area to another. In relation to his designs, the people of the lower class would have a better quality of life through living in better-built homes. Controversially, he disregarded The Gare d’Orsay and the Grand Palais buildings on grounds of them not being recognizable architecture (Corbusier 13). In his words, Paris was becoming wasteland architecture wise. Comparisons what he used to describe his pieces as at some point he compared houses to ocean liners as the only difference between the two would be that one is mobile while the other is not. This led to the invention a staircase design borrowed from the ocean liners concept of access. In many of his journals, he exhibited his keen eye in visualizing houses to other objects for example airplanes. He cited the airplanes ability to stay in the air and its mobility at the same time. This is where he decided to use the concept of suspension from the ground for his designs. In that, possibilities were right before people’s eyes but it was hard for them to read the lines. Over the years, his work was the backbone in the building of many town structures. Essentially, the establishment of various cultural heritage sites in his honor was inevitable due to his contribution to modernization. To date, there are

Peer Review PowerPoint Presentation Against Death Penalty Essay

Peer Review PowerPoint Presentation Against Death Penalty - Essay Example The paper ought to have introduced the matter as a regulation within the laws of the land that is not conforming to certain standards of the natural laws and that is not achieving any realistic targets as are expected. The body of the document does not present the information in a properly organized and sequential manner. The writer has failed to give the information with in depth explanations and examples covering all the expected and related cases. The body ought to have involved clear illustrations of the practical related issues in the area of concern ensuring that the illustrations of back up the improper effecting of the legislation and how it has directly affected the parties that have suffered from consequences of the implementation of this legislation. The body reports that the execution of the stipulated regulations of the process fails to achieve goals of handling the situation, however it does not provide the best practicable alternative that can solve the issue amicably. The writer just within the body provides his complaints but does not specifically raise the factual issues in relation to the execution of the regulation. The conclusion is very categorical and on point with direct inference on the opinion of the writer minus making a consideration of the opinions of other likeminded individuals and players in the subject area. The conclusion has failed to provide a concrete explanation and illustration in relation to the issues discussed and is very brief. The grammar has no proper polishing in relation to the clear presentation of the topic of discussion in the subject matter. However, the language used is not very professional and legislative as expected in relation to the subject of concern. I expected that the language of use in this paper would majorly be in relation to legislations and the acts of the government stated and clearly explained with the reasons of non-achievement of the

Human Resource Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 5

Human Resource Management - Case Study Example The company that is discussed in the case study is the Oceanic Airways. The case is about the human resource management of the company and how the organization has failed to maintain profitability due to a massive failure in managing in its human resource. The case discusses the factors that have led the company to its downfall. The case also gives brief information on the airline industry of Asia. The main focus of the case is on Oceanic Airway’s HR practices. The case presents the failure of the HR department of Oceanic Airways due to many factors. The information about the practices of the company is given and the main players in the organization are also discussed with the comments of the employees. The case study also identifies many problems in the organizational structure of the company. The company is has seen any interference from the government and that is considered one of the main problems of the company. Communication gap was another problem identified. There are other factors like high fuel prices and other economic factors that have contributed to the downfall of the company. These factors are more or less uncontrollable for the organization. The main information is on the human resource management practices of the company and how different human resource department work in order to perform basic functions of recruiting, selecting, training and promoting. The details of how human resource department work is provided in the case. Human resource problems of the company are actually increasing with the day with more and more employees getting disgruntle about the situation. The company has to start to think about its practices and should revamp all its policies in order to satisfy employees and in turn make profits. Employees actually are a source of income for the company especially in times of uncertainty when the airline industry is facing intense competition and fuel prices are fluctuating like anything.

Measure of Contentment Essay Example for Free

Measure of Contentment Essay Down to that moment I had vainly supposed that my creditor had withdrawn or suspended proceedings until I should be quite recovered. I had never dreamed of Joes having paid the money; but Joe had paid it, and the receipt was in his name. What remained of me now, but to follow him to the dear old forge, and there to have out my disclosure with him, and my penitent remonstrance with him, (Page 463) This shows how only Joe can rescue Pip and his identity; Joe represents who Pip should have become. Respect and admiration for Joe is once again won for Pip, as I had never dreamed of Joe paying the money; but Joe had paid it, and the receipt was in his name shows. As a result of this act of Joes, Pip continues to reform into someone with a better identity, an example of which is shown in the passage: What remained of me now, but to follow him to the dear old forge, and there to have out my disclosure with him, and my penitent remonstrance with him, as this shows how Pip is willing to be humble toward Joe, and ask for his forgiveness. By seeking after someone elses pleasure before his own, Pip displays qualities of selflessness, Once Pip has discovered his true identity, he can begin to become someone he is happy and content with, because he cares less about his own problems and so they dont loom as great and as terrible, and he becomes more content. A further lesson Pip must learn in his struggle to find contentment is to control his fantasies, phobias and delusions. A phobia is something psychological, that you fear and therefore try to shut out. Pips phobia that he wont be able to obtain Estella controls him so much that he subconsciously creates fantasies to counter-act his phobias. A fantasy is when you dream of something irrational, or a surreal delusion of something that is exaggerated to fit your expectations of what you want that thing to be. Pip gets trapped by many fantasies in the novel, which prevent him living in reality and achieving contentment. A major fantasy in the novel is that Estella is meant for him, and that Miss Havisham is his benefactress, and this fantasy drives Pip into becoming a gentleman: The beautiful young lady at Miss Havishams, and shes more beautiful than anyone ever was, and I admire her dreadfully, and I want to be a gentleman on her account. (Page 125) This passage is when Pip confides in Biddy why he yearns after being a gentleman, and it shows how Pip has the fantasy that as soon as he is a gentleman, Estella will be his. Later, when he comes into his Great Expectations, he fantasises that Miss Havisham is his benefactress so that he can be fit for Estella, and the fantasy is so strong that he makes himself believe that it is true. A passage that displays this is found on Page 177, when Pip is getting acquainted with Herbert: And as to the condition which you hold your advancement in life-namely that you are not to inquire or discuss to whom you owe it- you may be very sure that it will never be encroached upon, or even approached by me, or anyone belonging to me. In truth, he said this with so much delicacy, that I felt the subject done with, even though I should be under his fathers roof for years and years to come. Yet e said it with so much meaning, too, that I felt he as perfectly understood Miss Havisham to be my benefactress, as I understood the fact myself. This passage shows how Pip has let his fantasy that Miss Havisham is his benefactress delude him, and how he will manipulate things that may not necessarily mean what Pip wants them to mean, to suit him and his fantasies. In order for Pip to progress in life and achieve contentment, he must learn to let go of these fantasies. However, it is apparent that Pip is unable to let go of his fantasies, because he is afraid of what the reality might be. For example, Pip makes himself believe that Miss Havisham is his benefactress and that Estella is intended for him, because if Miss Havisham is not his benefactor, who is, and is Estella still for him? To Pip, the answer to these questions are too daunting to recognize, so he fantasises about the answer that he wants it to be. Therefore, when Pip discovers that in reality, his benefactor is an escaped convict, he is in absolute shock and repulsion. The abhorrence in which I held the man, the dread I had of him, the repugnance with which I shrank from him, could not have been exceeded if he had been some terrible beast. (Page 313) Dickenss cleverly uses language in this passage by repeating the same thing three times in different ways, as each of the parts of the passage that Pip describes Magwitch with all tell of his hatred and revulsion of him, but the build up of these things adds drama to the scene, emphasising Pips shock at the reality instead of his fantasy. Once Pip understands that Magwitch is his benefactor, a reformation begins in Pip, and he becomes a better, happier, more altruistic person. Where I might go, what I might do, or when I might return were questions utterly unknown to me; nor did I vex my mind with them, for it was wholly set on Proviss safety. I only wondered for the passing moment, as I stopped at the door and looked back, under what altered circumstances I should next see those rooms, if ever. (Page 425) This passage depicts how Pip has controlled his phobia of lower class status, because he is willing to help Magwitch and develops a self-sacrificing love for him, because, as it says in this passage, Pip is willing to give up everything that he has ever consciously wanted, which is being an eligible gentleman, for Magwitchs (Proviss) safety. As a result of his self-centred fantasies, phobias and delusions, Pip becomes very selfish and self-concerned whilst he is in London, but when he begins to seek humble forgiveness from Joe and Miss Havisham because his fantasies have been ruined by reality, he becomes less selfish. Selflessness contributes to Pips happiness at the end of the novel, which is part of Pip learning to become like Joe, who demonstrates selflessness throughout the novel. When Pip seeks after others happiness before his own, he becomes more able to grow and develop into a better person: Giving of self makes you unselfish, which in turn makes you happy as you make others happy. This consequences in you being outward looking because you want to look for more opportunities to help others, creating less focus on your own faults and more contentment and satisfaction with yourself. For example, when Pip saves Miss Havisham from the fire, or lends Herbert money for his business, Pip forgets about his own needs and safety. The injury Pip gets as a result of the fire at Satis House does not prevent Pip from wanting to save Magwitch by helping him escape the law and Compeyson by fleeing the country, instead, he wishes he could do more: I felt mortified to be of such little use in the boat,; but there were few better oarsman than my two friends. (Page 426) This shows how instead of dwelling on his own unfortunate circumstances, and the fact that he felt mortified, Pip thinks in a complimentary manner about his two friends: but there were few better oarsman than my two friends. Pip learning how to become less self-centred and dispel his fantasies and phobias partly leads to the level his contentment at the end of the novel. An additional lesson that Pip must learn before he can achieve some level of contentment, and a fundamental lesson for anyone growing up, is learning to listen and take advice from others. There are many points in the novel where Pip is offered good advice, usually by someone of trust or worth to Pip, and he doesnt take it. Once Pip learns to take the advice given to him by those superior to him in experience, he can begin to make better and more informed decisions, which consequences in his being happier, more satisfied and more content. The first major turning point in the novel, of Pip desiring to be and becoming a gentleman, could have been avoided if Pip had listened to this advice given to him by Biddy: Biddy, said I, after binding her to secrecy, I want to be a gentleman. Oh, I wouldnt, if I were you! she returned. I dont think it would answer. Biddy, I said with some severity, I have particular reasons for wanting to be a gentleman. You know best Pip, but dont you think that you are happier as you are? (Page 124) This passage shows how Pip thinks that he knows best, as he speaks to Biddy with severity at not being able to understand why he wants to be a gentleman. When Biddy questions Pip, if he is not happier now, it shows that Pip is striving for contentment, although he attempts to find it in the wrong way, as Biddy cleverly picks up on: Do you want to be a gentleman to spite her, or to gain her over? Biddy quietly asked, after a pause. I dont know, I moodily answered. Because if it is to spite her, Biddy pursued, I should think -but you know best- that might be better and more independently done by caring nothing, for her words. And if it is to gain her over- I should think- but you know best -she is not worth gaining over. (Page 125) Here, Biddy is offering Pip very good advice; that Estella really isnt worth it. However, Pip thinks that he knows best, as Biddy says, and continues to follow the prospect of becoming a gentleman for Estella. If Pip had taken Biddys advice, he would have been able to achieve contentment in his life quicker than he does as he pursues the life of a gentleman, because he would have learned to forget Estella, become apprenticed to Joe, and lived the life of Joe, who is content with his life. However, once Pip is in London, it is a whole new world to him, one that he struggles to cope with at first because of the spectral difference between London and his marsh country home. As a result of this, Pip needs to be taught how to survive in London and he is now willing to learn and listen to the advice of others, which in turn helps him to achieve a degree of contentment. I believe that this is one of the most important lessons that readers today can get from Great Expectations; that in order to achieve contentment, you need to be able to listen to the advice of those that are older, more experienced and more knowledgeable that you are, because they are more likely to know how to best achieve it. The readers can learn from Pips ignorance not to make the same mistakes themselves. Dickens cleverly uses setting throughout the novel to depict different qualities of life, or levels of contentment. The marsh country Pip originates from represents a humble lifestyle, but those that live there, such as Joe and Biddy, and Pip at the beginning of the novel, seem to be more content with their lives than those that live in London, which represents the wealthy, extravagant lifestyle. Dickens uses this irony to show how money and wealth do not necessarily bring contentment, which is a further essential lesson that Pip must learn. Miss Havisham lives in Satis House, which comes from the Latin meaning enough or satisfaction. This is ironic because from the outside, the house represents a life of wealth and grandeur, which people often assume to bring satisfaction, but on the inside, the residents of the house lead a bitter, frozen lifestyle, and Miss Havisham is so unsatisfied with her life that she lives it to wreak revenge on all men. These circumstances are used by Dickens to show how wreaking revenge does not equate to contentment; Pip must learn that if he is to be happy, he must not seek revenge from anyone, even those that have especially offended him. Nobodys life works out perfectly, and Pips is evidently no exception. An example of a situation where Pip would need to learn to forgive and forget is when Mrs Joe, his sister dies. On contemplation, Pip reflects: Whatever my fortunes might have been, I could scarcely have recalled my sister with much tenderness. But I suppose there is a shock of regret which may exist without much tenderness. Under its influence (and perhaps to make up for the want of the softer feeling) I was seized by a violent indignation against the assailant from whom she had suffered so much; and I felt that on sufficient proof I could have revengefully perused Orlick, or anyone else, to the last extremity. (Page 272) This passage discloses Pips thoughts as he moves from feeling bitter toward his sister: I could scarcely recall her with much tenderness, to seeking revenge upon the person that caused his sister anguish: I felt that on sufficient proof I could have revengefully perused Orlick, or anyone else, to the last extremity. It is a successful piece of writing as Dickenss uses pairs of effective adjectives such as shock of regret and violent indignation, which creates more impact on the reader and helps them to empathise with the way Pip is feeling. This then results in the reader feeling more of a connection to Pip as he strives to achieve contentment, and so helps them to learn more from the novel. In conclusion, it believe that Dickens rite-of-passage novel Great Expectations is successful at presenting useful lessons to its readers as to how they themselves can achieve contentment, despite being written in the 19th century. These are portrayed through Pips own struggle to achieve contentment, many of the struggles relating to Dickens own life, such as the issues like overcoming debt, unrequited love, family problems and poor education. Dickens shows in the novel how these things can be overcome, and contentment and satisfaction achieved, through the realisation of moral values, the dispelling of delusions and fantasies, and learning how to respond to people around you. However, despite this, the most important lesson, that comes through the novel, in learning how to achieve contentment in life is living it. Pip says that he was happy at the forge before he went to London, but he was not content (Page 315). Therefore, this suggests that the novel recommends that the best way to gain contentment is to live your life and learn through the experience of it; otherwise you would feel unsatisfied with your experience of life.

Psychoanalysis and Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness Essay -- Heart Da

Psychoanalysis and The Heart of Darkness  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   In Lacanian psychoanalysis, telling stories is essential to the analysand's (re)cognition of trauma. Julia Kristeva refers to the analysand's narrative as an instance of "'borderline' [neurotic] discourse" which "gives the analyst the impression of something alogical, unstitched, and chaotic" (42). She then explores the pleasure (jouissance) that the analysand experiences in the course of Lacan's talking cure. For the analysand, the pleasure is in the telling: "[T]he analyst is struck by a certain maniacal eroticization of speech, as if the patient were clinging to it, gulping it down, sucking on it, delighting in all the aspects of an oral eroticization and a narcissistic safety belt which this kind of non-communicative, exhibitionistic, and fortifying use of speech entails" (42). This notion of pleasure-in-telling serves both as a point of departure in my reading of Marlow's narrative--his own talking cure--and as a means of interrogating the pleasure-in-reading within the narratological economy of desire. In his Freudian interpretation of the Heart of Darkness, Peter Brooks asserts that "we must ask what motivates Marlow's retellings--of his own and Kurtz's mortal adventures" (239). Brooks concludes that the primary motivation is Marlow's search for some kernel of essential meaning at the core of Kurtz's tale. Reading in a Lacanian register, I argue instead that the search for meaning plays a secondary role to the telling of the tale itself. Indeed, as Slavoj Zizek notes, symptoms have no meaning outside the context of the recreated scene of trauma: "The analysis produces the truth, i.e., the signifying frame which gives to the symptoms their symbolic place and meaning... ...tial meaning of being in the world were revealed and every trauma were laid bare, there would be no questions left to ask and no stories left to tell. By not revealing the heart of darkness--which Lacan would argue can never be revealed--Conrad leaves the necessary space for desire in the narrative. Thus, the narratological economy of desire is maintained.    Works Cited Brooks, Peter. Reading for the Plot: Design and Intention in Narrative. Cambridge: Harvard UP, 1984. Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. New York: Dover, 1990. Kristeva, Julia. "Within the Microcosm of 'The Talking Cure.'" Interpreting Lacan. Eds. Joseph Smith and William Kerrigan. New Haven: Yale UP, 1983. Zizek, Slavoj. "The Truth Arises from Misrecognition." Lacan and the Subject of Language. Eds. Ellie Ragland-Sullivan and Mark Bracher. New York: Routledge, 1991.      

Adolescence: Stress, Depression, and Suicide Essay -- Adolescent Behavi

Adolescence is a stage of maturation between childhood and adulthood that denotes the period from the beginning of puberty to maturity. However, many conflicting opinions are raised about weather such a stage of childhood is influenced by stress, depression, and suicide rate. Some people support the optimistic view that says that adolescence is not a period of storm and stress. Others, including me, support an opposite pessimistic view which characterizes adolescence as a period of stress and inner turmoil. Unfortunately, it has been recently proved that depression is a growing problem in today's society and a major contributing factor for a multitude of adolescent problems. This is because , as research indicates, adolescent depression is the result of mood disorders accompanying this period and the high suicide rate that is basically a result of such a depression. By analyzing depression, we will find that depression is a disease that afflicts the human psyche in such a way that the afflicted tends to act and react abnormally toward others and himself. Therefore it comes to no surprise to discover that adolescent depression is strongly linked to teen suicide. Adolescent suicide is now responsible for more deaths in youths aged 15 to 19 than cardiovascular disease or cancer (Blackman, 1995). Despite this increased suicide rate, depression in this age group is greatly underdiagnosed and leads to serious difficulties in school, work and personal adjustment which may often continue into adulthood. However, how prevalent are mood disorders in children and when should an adolescent with changes in mood be considered clinically depressed? Brown (1996) has said the reason why depression is often over looked in children and adolescents is because "children are not always able to express how they feel." Sometimes the symptoms of mood disorders take on different forms in children than in adults. Adolescence is a time of emotional turmoil, mood swings, gloomy thoughts, and heightened sensitivity. It is a time of rebellion and experimentation. Blackman (1996) observed that the "challenge is to identify depressive symptomatology which may be superimposed on the backdrop of a more transient, but expected, developmental storm." Therefore, diagnosis should not lay only in the physician's hands but be associated with parents, teachers and anyone who ... ...that lie in their paths, there are some who find themselves overwhelmed and full of stress. How can parents and friends help out these troubled teens? And what can these teens do about their constant and intense sad moods? With the help of teachers, school counselors, mental health professionals, parents, and other caring adults, the severity of a teen's depression can not only be accurately evaluated, but plans can be made to improve his or her well-being and ability to fully engage life. WORKS CITED Blackman, M. (1995, May). You asked about... adolescent depression. The Canadian Journal of CME [Internet]. Available HTTP: http://www.mentalhealth.com/mag1/p51-dp01.html. Brown, A. (1996, Winter). Mood disorders in children and adolescents. NARSAD Research Newsletter [Internet]. Available HTTP: http://www.mhsource.com/advocacy/narsad/childmood.html. Lasko, D.S., et al. (1996). Adolescent depressed mood and parental unhappiness. Adolescence, 31 (121), 49-57. Oster, G. D., & Montgomery, S. S. (1996). Moody or depressed: The masks of teenage depression. Self Help & Psychology [Internet]. Available HTTP: http://www.cybertowers.com/selfhelp/articles/cf/moodepre.html

My Voice Matters Essay

There’s something marvelous about spoken words that differs from a written speech. Our emphasis, our expressions, every time we express some sort of sound from our thoughts, excreting noise from the depths of our being, that’s our true signature. Since I have such a powerful tool available to myself, I don’t understand why I never fully use it to the advantage. I believe, that since my voices matter, I should make more of an effort to talk to my peers face to face. In my day and age, my generation is known for its dependence to our distraction. I seem to have lost the ability to talk to my peers. Everybody is more confident over barriers, where it is not required to actually reveal one’s face. I yearn to be more interactive and communicative with my peers, but what is it that holds me back? I have all I need in front of me, but my youth is lost in the consolidation of corruption, and the decision is up to me to make the right choice either take the narrow path which leads to accomplishment or the broad path which leads to destruction. Friendship is a prime example of a troubling decision. Having a quantity of friends always bothers me, but finding the quality in people is harder to find. At time it feels as if I’m drowning in a sea of children, each step as I roam as a gadabout to find intimate relationship, but time seems to go and pass through my hand. Experiencing change is adequate to learning a second language or similar to expressive aphasia. Knowing what you want; however, you don’t know how to explain such a thing. I am missing out on the teenage experience of trial and error by taking life on precaution rather than taking risks. Furthermore, it’s not just me wasting my time on desires. I spend so much time on thoughts than pursuing my goals. Everybody is out there with set goals, accomplishing them, everywhere. Why has my voices lost importance? To add on, when I’m simply writing down words out to print, it is impossible to fully express myself. Parts of the words are lost, because one just can’t thoroughly share their emotion through written words. I need to talk to others, face to face. Humans instinctively and subconsciously judge. After I saw my realization I knew in fact I must surmount my barrier on my muteness, casting the burden by the interaction of all that shackles me down from my achievements. I have found my character of a man of compassion, integrity and hope for a brighter future in the world to guide meaning people who has gone through the similar pariah-ism of self-confidence. I was meant for more than that. My voice is important! I’m meant to speak with others, creating a fellowship, a community, with the power of our voice. My voice matters.

Differentiation in the Classroom

Differentiation in the Classroom Brittany Hunt University of Toledo Differentiated instruction in the classroom can be beneficially for every child’s needs to learn to their best ability. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. Whether teachers differentiate content, process, products, or the learning environment, the use of ongoing assessment and flexible grouping makes this a successful approach to instruction. No student learns the same and differentiation is helping each student grow and succeed by meeting each individual needs.Whenever a teacher reaches out to an individual or a small group to change his or his teaching to create the best learning experience possible, that teacher is differentiating the instruction for the student(s). Four characteristics shape teaching and learning in an effective differentiated classroom (Tomlinson, 1995a): 1. ) Instruction is concept focused and principle driven. All students have the opportunity to explor e and apply the key concepts of the subject being studied. All students come to understand the key principles on which the study is based.Such instruction enables struggling learners to grasp and use powerful ideas and, at the same time, encourages advanced learners to expand their understanding and application of the key concepts and principles. Such instruction stresses understanding or sense-making rather than retention and regurgitation of fragmented bits of information. Concept-based and principle-driven instruction invites teachers to provide varied learning options. A â€Å"coverage-based† curriculum may cause a teacher to feel compelled to see that all students do the same work. Related article: Cda Competency Goal # 1In the former, all students have the opportunity to explore meaningful ideas through a variety of avenues and approaches. 2. ) Ongoing assessment of student readiness and growth are built into the curriculum. Teachers do not assume that all students need a given task or segment of study, but continuously assess student readiness and interest, providing support when students need additional instruction and guidance, and extending student exploration when indications are that a student or group of students is ready to move ahead. 3. ) Flexible grouping is consistently used. In a differentiated class, students work in many patterns. Sometimes hey work alone, sometimes in pairs, sometimes in groups. Sometimes tasks are readiness-based, sometimes interest-based, sometimes constructed to match learning style, and sometimes a combination of readiness, interest, and learning style. In a differentiated classroom, whole-group instruction may also be used for introducing new ideas, when planning, and for sharing learning outcomes. 4. ) Students are active explorers. Teachers guide the exploration. Because varied activities often occur simultaneously in a differentiated classroom, the teacher works more as a guide or facilitator of learning than as a dispenser of information.As in a large family, students must learn to be responsible for their own work. Not only does such student-centeredness give students more ownership of their learning, but it also facilitates the important adolescent learning goal of growing independence in thought, planning, and evaluation. Implicit in such instruction is (1) goal-setting shared by teacher and student based on student readiness, interest, and learning profile, and (2) assessment predicated on student growth and goal attainment.Teachers can differentiate at least four classroom elements based on student readiness, interest, or learning profile: * Content- what the student needs to learn or how th e student will get access to the information; * Process- activities in which the student engages in order to make sense of or master the content; * Products- culminating projects that ask the student to rehearse, apply, and extend what he or she has learned in a unit; and * Learning environment- the way the classroom works and feels.Examples of differentiating content at the elementary level include the following: using reading materials at varying readability levels; putting text materials on tape; using spelling or vocabulary lists at readiness levels of students; presenting ideas through both auditory and visual means; using reading buddies; and meeting with small groups to re-teach an idea or skill for struggling learners, or to extend the thinking or skills of advanced learners. Several elements and materials are used to support instructional content. These include acts, concepts, generalizations or principles, attitudes, and skills.The variation seen in a differentiated classr oom is most frequently in the manner in which students gain access to important learning. Access to the content is seen as key. Align tasks and objectives to learning goals: designers of differentiated instruction view the alignment of tasks with instructional goals and objectives as essential. Goals are most frequently assessed by many state-level, high-stakes tests and frequently administered standardized measures. Objectives are frequently written in incremental steps resulting in a continuum of skills-building tasks.An objectives-driven menu makes it easier to find the next instructional step for learners entering at varying levels. Differentiated instruction should be concept-focused and principle-driven. The instructional concepts should be broad-based, not focused on minute details or unlimited facts. Teachers must focus on the concepts, principles and skills that students should learn. The content of instruction should address the same concepts with all students, but the deg ree of complexity should be adjusted to suit diverse learners. Some examples of differentiating process or activities at the elementary level include the following: 1.Using tiered activities through which all learners work with the same important understandings and skills, but proceed with different levels of support, challenge, or complexity; 2. Providing interest centers that encourage students to explore subsets of the class topic of particular interest to them; 3. Developing personal agendas (task lists written by the teacher and containing both in-common work for the whole class and work that addresses individual needs of learners) to be completed either during specified agenda time or as students complete other work early; 4.Offering manipulative’s or other hands-on supports for students who need them; and 5. Varying the length of time a student may take to complete a task in order to provide additional support for a struggling learner or to encourage an advanced learne r to pursue a topic in greater depth. Samples of differentiating products at the elementary level include: giving students options of how to express required learning (e. g. create a puppet show, write a letter, or develop a mural with labels); using rubrics that match and extend students' varied skills levels; allowing students to work alone or in small groups on their products; and encouraging students to create their own product assignments as long as the assignments contain required elements. Items to which students respond may be differentiated so that different students can demonstrate or express their knowledge and understanding in different ways. A well-designed student product allows varied means of expression and alternative procedures and offers varying degrees of difficulty, types of valuation, and scoring. Examples of differentiating the learning environment at the elementary level include: 1. Making sure there are places in the room to work quietly and without distract ion, as well as places that invite student collaboration; 2. Providing materials that reflect a variety of cultures and home settings; 3. Setting out clear guidelines for independent work that matches individual needs; 4. Developing routines that allow students to get help when teachers are busy with other students and cannot help them immediately; and 5.Helping students understand that some learners need to move around to learn, while others do better sitting quietly (Tomlinson, 1995, 1999; Winebrenner, 1992, 1996). Characteristics of a differentiated classroom likely to be responsive to the needs of gifted (and other academically diverse) students are the following: * Teacher sensitivity to the varying needs of learners; * On-going assessment of student progress and modification of instruction based on assessment data; * Multiple learning options at a given time on many occasions; * Variable pacing; Respectful (interesting, important) tasks for all learners; * Use of flexible grou ping (balancing like-readiness grouping, mixed-readiness grouping, grouping by interest, random grouping, whole class instruction, and individual/independent work); * Teacher use of a variety of instructional strategies (learning contracts, compacting, group investigation, complex instruction, interest centers, learning centers, tiered lessons, tiered products, graduated rubrics) that invite varying students to learn in a variety of ways; * Varied modes of assessment likely to give students maximum opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and skill; and * Grading based, at least in significant measure, on student growth rather than in comparison to one another or to an absolute scale (Tomlinson, 1995a). Additional guidelines that make differentiation possible for teachers to attain is key to having a successful differentiated classroom, this includes: * Clarify key concepts and generalizations. Ensure that all learners gain powerful understandings that can serve as the f oundation for future learning. Teachers are encouraged to identify essential concepts and instructional foci to ensure that all learners comprehend. * Use assessment as a teaching tool to extend rather than merely measure instruction.Assessment should occur before, during, and following the instructional episode, and it should be used to help pose questions regarding student needs and optimal learning. * Emphasize critical and creative thinking as a goal in lesson design. The tasks, activities, and procedures for students should require that they understand and apply meaning. Instruction may require supports, additional motivation, varied tasks, materials, or equipment for different students in the classroom. * Engaging all learners is essential! Teachers are encouraged to strive for the development of lessons that are engaging and motivating for a diverse class of students.Vary tasks within instruction as well as across students. In other words, an entire session for students shoul d not consist of all drill and practice, or any single structure or activity. * Provide a balance between teacher-assigned and student-selected tasks. A balanced working structure is optimal in a differentiated classroom. Based on pre-assessment information, the balance will vary from class-to-class as well as lesson-to-lesson. Teachers should ensure that students have choices in their learning. Most classrooms employ single-size instruction. Thus, moving toward differentiated instruction requires considerable change on the part of teachers.Changing habits or patterns of teaching in busy and pressure-laden classrooms is difficult and stressful. Teachers who are helped to understand specific benefits to students and to themselves of differentiated instruction may be more willing to risk the change than those who are not assisted in developing a solid rationale for change, or those who are mandated to change rather than assisted in doing so. The design and development of differentiate d instruction as a model began in the general education classroom. The initial application came to practice for students considered gifted but whom perhaps were not sufficiently challenged by the content provided in the general classroom setting.As classrooms have become more diverse, differentiated instruction has been applied at all levels for students of all abilities. Many authors of publications about differentiated instruction, strongly recommend that teachers adapt the practices slowly, perhaps one content area at a time. Additionally, these experts agree that teachers should share the creative load by working together to develop ideas and menus of options for students. Differentiated instruction is an instructional process that has excellent potential to positively impact learning by offering teachers a means to provide instruction to a range of students in today's classroom situations.