Abstract This paper discusses the novella "AptPupil" by Stephen King, noting how the author explores different aspects of unnatural desire and relates these to themes of corruption and parasitic behavior. It explains that the young man, Todd, is drawn to his neighbor, the old man Dussander, and for the boy there is a mixture of desire and curiosity in this attraction. The paper contends that the boy wants to know more about the old man's past, and their relationship becomes one of mutual parasitism only possible because of the underlying desire that motivates both.
From the Paper "In the novella "Apt Pupil," Stephen King explores different aspects of unnatural desire and relates these to themes of corruption and parasitic behavior. The young man Todd is drawn to his neighbor, the old man Dussander, and for the boy there is a mixture of desire and curiosity in this attraction. The boy wants to know more about the old man's past, and their relationship becomes one of mutual parasitism only possible because of the underlying desire that motivates both. The boy himself is presented first as the all-American boy peddling his bicycle down the street of an average American town, and this normality contrasts with the events to follow and with the odd attraction Denker (a name used by Dussander) has for him. The man the ..."
Abstract This paper examines how King represents the theme of childhood in his fiction as a platform of discovery for growth and how this growth, in turn, shapes the child's character profoundly. The writer discusses the journey of similar aged characters in "AptPupil" and "The Body". In the conclusion, the paper shows that, for Stephen King, the theme of childhood is important not so much as a value itself but as a platform for growth to another stage of maturity.
From the Paper "One of the most common themes in literature is the growth of an individual from youth and innocence to maturity. Thus, when the theme of childhood is depicted in famous works such as Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the focus is often not so much on childhood itself but on the discoveries and experiences the main characters make that point the way towards maturity. This essay will argue that this approach to the theme of childhood can be seen in two texts from Stephen King's collection: Different Seasons. As will be seen, while in "The Body" the story focuses on a journey - told in retrospect - that symbolizes growth and an end of innocence in the primary character, in "Apt Pupil" the progress is not healthy growth but a movement towards evil and corruption."
This paper is a complete research study focusing on the absorption of immigrant pupils from the former Russian Union into Israeli schools. Extensive literature review included.
Abstract This paper explains that the research is designed to examine if Israeli pupils and immigrant pupils perceive the school atmosphere and immigrant integration differently, and if immigrant and Israeli pupils differ in the intensity of their relationship in their grasp of school atmosphere and integration. The research involved 303 junior high school pupils, aged 12-15, in two schools; one school had a majority immigrant pupil population, whereas the other had relatively few immigrants. The author reports that pupils evaluated themselves in terms of their adjustment to school, their attitudes towards immigration, and the degree to which they identify with the State of Israel. The paper reports that the greater the number of immigrants in a school, the greater their sense of power, to the point where they are unwilling to pay the price for friendship with Israelis.
Table of Introduction
Theory and Literature Review
Immigration to Israel
Key Approaches to Immigrant Absorption
Immigrants? Encounter with Israeli Society
Adjustment and Psychological Difficulties in Emigration
Adolescence as a Period of Change and Transition
Culture, Government and Family in the Former Soviet Union and its Impact on Adolescent Adjustment
Adolescent Attitudes towards Emigration
Parent-Adolescent Relations during Emigration
The Education System
Priming for Absorption and the Reality
Organization of Teaching and Integration Activities that Create Difficulties for Immigrants in Israeli Schools
Various Coping Mechanisms Adopted by Schools for Immigrant Absorption
Social Integration with Peer Groups in Israel
School Atmosphere
Research
Method
Research Population
Research Tools
Research Hypotheses
Research Process Description
Research and Findings
Interviews with Staff Members
Analysis of How School Copes with Immigrant Absorption based on Four Parameters
Summary ? Diagnosis of Coping Mechanisms
Discussion
Summary
From the Paper "The education system and schools were chosen to bear the brunt of this task of merging the communities because pupils spent so much time there and because of the school's influence in teaching language, the curriculum and teacher activities as well as peer pressure. The merger was formulated and implemented in the education system via the curriculum and teachers via full assimilation, discipline, adoption of the norms, rules of behavior and values held by the majority by the minority in order for the latter to resemble the former."
Abstract This paper analyzes the importance of formal assessment in the classroom. The author provides information from several sources, finishing with the conclusion that formative assessment in school is a vital tool enabling both teacher and pupil to work together reflexively within the shared project of managing the pupil's learning and development.
From the Paper "As Hargreaves and colleagues point out, 'educational assessment fulfils diverse purposes which cannot be captured properly in any single assessment strategy, only in a wide range of assessment strategies': a range which includes summative, diagnostic and formative procedures (Hargreaves, Earl and Ryan, 1996: 115). Diagnostic testing helps determine the stage of development and ability of pupils at a point in time, and therefore helps the teacher pitch their teaching. Summative testing, on the other hand, indicates to external bodies (e.g. universities, employers etc.) the overall attainment of the pupil, by a point in time, and plays a key role in determining the pupil's future. Both diagnostic and summative testing therefore play important roles in helping pupils to learn, but neither of them are designed specifically for helping pupils learn for themselves. It makes sense, therefore, for this discussion to focus its attention upon formative assessment - designed specifically for helping pupils to learn - while at the same time recognising that both summative and diagnostic assessment can be used formatively.
"Whatever the apparent goals of assessment, the implicit approach to the subject being taught, to the pupil and to learning itself, are revealed by the approach taken to assessment, as John Rudge illustrates in what he calls the 'easy path':"
Abstract This paper explains that the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and the arbitrage pricing theory (APT) both depend on the identification and quantification of risk vis-a-vis a given financial device or product and thereby a financial product's volatility. The author points out that the primary assumption of the CAPM is that there exists a relationship between risk and the expected rate of return (ERR) and this relationship is then factored into the pricing structure of financial securities. The paper relates that APT is a model that relies on the integration of several factors at once rather than bundling all factors into a single beta. The paper concludes that the APT is the model of preference because the APT is the only valuation model, which can account for the full spectrum of market and asset-specific factors that can affect price and risk determination within the context of the global economy.
Table of Contents:
Overview
The Capital Asset Pricing Model
The Arbitrage Pricing Theory
From the Paper "There are several weaknesses with the CAPM, which has limited its effectiveness in the financial services industry. The most prominent of these weaknesses is that it is primarily a single-factor risk assessment method which relies on a single covariance to the overall financial market the security is traded in. This single covariance is the CAPM's beta which is effective in ideal market conditions but when extra-market factors affect change in the market or to the industry in which the security functions, this single-factor aspect becomes less accurate because it cannot accommodate such variance."
Tags: identification quantification risk, rate of return, integration
This paper reviews the treatment of the American Indian, or Native American, in revisionist Western films: Kevin Costner's "Dances with Wolves" (1990) and Michael Apted's "Thunderheart" (1992).
Abstract This paper discusses revisionist Westerns Kevin Costner's "Dances with Wolves" (1990), a film sensitivity to cultural differences and to the importance of Native American culture and Thunderheart (Michael Apted, 1992), which enters a more modern Indian community. The author points out that Costner still made major errors in depicting the history and culture of the Lakota Sioux tribe portrayed in the film. The paper continues that "Thunderheart" tried hard to elevate the Native American but a stereotype emerged in this film that the Native American is in some way a mystic more in touch with supernatural and spiritual forces than the non-Native population would be.
From the Paper "The film did more than revive old stereotypes in new forms, though, and it fails in terms of its accuracy on a number of counts. One problem faced was to recreate the language of the Lakota dialect spoken by the Sioux tribes in the 1860s. The film producers hired Doris Leader Charge, a 60-year-old teacher at South Dakota's Sinte Gleska College and one of only a few thousand Sioux still fluent in Lakota. Leader Charge translated the script and served as a dialogue coach during production. She also played a small part in the film. However, as Seals points out, the men in the film generally speak Lakota in the feminine form, a result of having the script translated by a woman who did not make allowances for the differences. Seals states that a number of Indian leaders were angry about this error and found it maddening in a film that claimed to be authentic. Seals does note, though, that the film managed authenticity in other ways, such as the way the ruling elders' council was handled. The film was correct in its use of the Pipe, which is the sacred Canupa of White Buffalo Calf Maiden, who founded the buffalo culture nineteen generations ago. The Pipe Keeper and others asked that the film not depict the smoking of the pipe, but it does so just the same."
Abstract This paper studies how a hypothetical stock broker managing a diverse stock portfolio would evaluate the risks and return on his clients' various investments. The paper provides a valuation and analysis of individual securities and a valuation of CAPM and APT models to estimate the value of securities; discusses possible problems related to the models; explores diversification and selection of a portfolio of securities; and details the risks and returns of the portfolio.
Development of a Basic Model
Some Problems
Diversification
Portfolio Selection
Risks and Returns
From the Paper "What does a reliable fund manager have to do today to ensure that his clients will obtain a realistic picture of the risks and returns of investing in his portfolio? The first part of the investment decision process involves the valuation and analysis of individual securities, which is referred to as security analysis. The valuation of securities is a time consuming and a difficult job. First of all, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of the various securities ad the factors that affect them. Secondly a valuation model is applied to these securities to estimate their price or value. Value is a function of the expected future returns on a security and the risk attached. Both of these parameters must be estimated and brought together in a model. For bonds, the valuation process is relatively easy, because the returns are known and the risk can be approximated from currently available data. Interest rates are primary factor affecting bond prices, but no one can consistently forecast changes in these rates. The valuation process is much more difficult for common stocks than for bonds because the investor must deal with the overall economy, the industry, and the individual company; both the expected return and the risk of common stocks must be estimated. The secondary major component of decision process is portfolio management. After securities have been evaluated, a portfolio should be selected. Having built a portfolio, the astute investor must consider how and when revising it. If the investor pursues an active strategy, the issue of market efficiency must be considerated; if prices reflect information quickly and fully, investors should consider how this will affect their buy and sell decisions. Even if investors follow a passive strategy, questions to be considered include taxes, transaction costs,and maintenance of the desired risk level, and so on."
Abstract This paper discusses the application of advanced information technologies in urban transit in the United States. It discusses the establishment of the Advanced Public Transportation Systems (APTS) Program to promote these applications. The paper then describes the purpose of these systems and how they will improve urban transportation services.
From the Paper "Public transportation planners and operators face increasing pressures to stimulate patronage by providing efficient and user-friendly service. Within the context of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Advanced Public Transportation Systems (APTS) and Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) are designed to collect, process, and broadcast real-time information to transit users via emerging navigation and communication technologies (Mishalani et al., 2006)."
"One of the key elements and requirements of APTS/ATIS is the ability to estimate transit vehicle arrival and/or departure times. With quickly expanding APTS-related technologies (e.g., Global Position Systems [GPS], Automatic Vehicle Location Systems [AVLS] and Automatic Passenger Counting [APC] systems), ATIS could provide timely vehicle arrival and/or departure information to en-route and pre-trip passengers for managing their journeys (Brown et al., 2001)."
Abstract This paper first discusses Anaximander, born in Miletus around 610 BCE, when it was the richest and most powerful Greek city in Asia Minor. This paper explains Anaximander's scientific achievements, which included the creation of the first Greek world map, the first Greek celestial globe, the vertical pointer of a sundial and a spherical model for the heavens with the earth at its center. The author reviews Anaximenes of Miletus, living in the second half of the 6th century, who was Anaximander's successor and pupil; he taught that air was the origin of all things and that the breath of life with the human soul.
From the Paper "Anaximander wrote a book, already lost in antiquity, quoted by the ancients under the title "On the Nature of Things". In it was contained a description of his map and celestial model as well as an account of the functioning of the world and its development. Beginning from a first principle called the Boundless or Infinite (to apeiron), he describes how "something capable of generating Hot and Cold was separated off ... and a sphere of fire from this source grew around the air in the region of earth like bark around a tree. When this sphere was torn off and enclosed in certain rings, the sun and moon and stars came into existence" (D-K, 12 A 10). These heavenly bodies are "wheel-like, compressed masses of air filled with fire, which exhale flames from an orifice at one point" (D-K, 12 A 17a)."
Abstract Today the mentally retarded, along with other disabled residents of America, are encouraged to live full lives, as well as be educated to the best of their ability. Over the past years the styles, methods and pedagogical strategies for teaching profoundly mentally retarded people have changed dramatically in some areas and remained stationary in others. This paper looks at the history of teaching these special pupils. It examines how these methods have changed and how their needs are catered for in the present educational system.
From the Paper "The assessments for students include many tests including standardized IQ tests, achievement tests and vocational assessments. The IEP team then convenes to determine the goals for the school year that the student will try and achieve. The goals are listed in the IEP along with any accommodations that will be needed for the student to attain each goal at the percentage of success that the team has targeted. The accommodations can range from special books and technological assistance to having an aid to assist in their getting through the class each day."
Abstract In this article, the writer analyzes two pupils and looks at their different learning needs. Through a series of questions, the writer looks in depth at the learner's background and learning needs and styles of the respective individuals. The writer notes that when looking at language as a social instrument it is necessary to consider the different social groups and what a person's speech can reveal about their circumstances and individuality and the way that communicative events accomplish their objectives. The writer concludes that assessing learners' styles is central to ensuring individuals may learn quickly and efficiently. The paper is written from a personal point of view.
Outline:
How Information is Gathered, Equal Opportunities and Potential Disabilities
Impact of Literacy and Numeracy on Learners
Methods used to Obtain the Information
What are we trying to achieve?
What do you find easy?
What do you find difficult?
Do you have any learning difficulties that you are aware of?
How the Information is used to Develop the Group's Learning
From the Paper "There are a number of common misconceptions related to number associated difficulties. Family attitudes and peer group pressure can be negative simply because some see it as socially acceptable to have low numeracy skills. Being that numeracy is also often viewed as difficult or boring; it may be assumed that those with difficulties are simply being lazy or idle."
"Limited number attainment can however, seriously restrict individuals within the community. They may experience difficulties such as telling the time, calculating prices and handling change and estimating and measuring such things as car speeds.Those with limited number attainment may also find it hard to remember telephone numbers or use telephone books for example."
Abstract The paper describes an observed teacher session and what the author learned from the observation. The paper further discusses the benefits of well-structured lessons and the necessity of a good rapport between the teachers and pupils.The paper also highlights the values of the cognitive approach vs. the psychomotor approach method and the results achieved applying these teaching methods. The paper stresses the importance of motivation and control.
Outline:
Delivery of manual handling awareness
Aspects of accommodation
Appropriate aims & objectives
Interaction with students
Motivation and control
Assessment of learning
Overview
From the Paper "These were verbally related to the students via the lesson plan. The aim of the lesson was to enable all the students to understand the fundamentals of the moving and handling procedure, lifting techniques, and how to use them correctly, and also diagrams on what parts of the body were involved when moving and handling either a person or an object correctly. I found the teacher to be very clear and informative, delivering constructive guidance throughout the session."
This paper is a personal essay comparing two versions of the film, "Cape Fear", a first film in 1962 directed by J. Lee Thompson in the style of Hitchcock, and the second in 1991, directed by Martin Scorsese.
895 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, 2004, $ 31.95
Abstract This paper relates that the first "Cape Fear"s? technical uses of camera angles caused many film critics to call it "Hitchcockian", but this broad designation neglects another: Hitchcock's use of suspense and his simultaneous embrace of the grotesque. The author believes that American director, Martin Scorsese, shares Hitchcock's use of humor; but technically, Scorsese is less apt than Hitchcock to use sharp camera angles. Scorsese's camera is more apt to linger, as well as to jump-cut. The author contends that the second "Cape Fear" is more horrific than the first film because the modern viewer of the 1990s and beyond is so much more apt to identify with the difficulties and complexities exhibited by the characters, as opposed to the more 'perfect' setting that is intruded upon in the first film.
From the Paper "This is not to deny the impact of J. Lee Thompson's unique style. Scorsese and J. Lee Thompson differ from each other in that the earlier filmmaker was always apt to cast a mythological tone to his use of narrative. In contrast to both Hitchcock's suspenseful humor and Scorsese's suspenseful characterization and brutal view of common humanity, Thompson prefers to view the world as a morality play. Thus, the starkness of good and evil in the film is not due to the filmmaker's naivet?, but the way he reads "Beauty and the Beast"s? influence on the modern day justice system. "
This paper argues that, because not all kids are created equal, the educational system of tracking as represented by the core curriculum approach should be abolished.
Abstract This paper explains that, by schooling low-ability pupils and high-ability pupils together, the low-ability pupils may wrongly come to understand their position in the hierarchy as a reflection of individual worth and most often do even worse academically than before. The author points out that many European schools do not employ tracking and yet their students as a rule perform better than American students. The paper stresses that, if a child runs into problems, only a careful analysis of his own personal case can ever hope to resolve the difficulties rather than imposing a core curriculum that is the same for every child.
From the Paper "Nor will dividing an individual class into ability groups necessarily alter relative performance. This method, while having the advantage of keeping the students together at least on a social level, still divides them when it comes to learning. If the teaching method used with each group is identical, the division into groups will only benefit that group for whom the teaching method is most suited. A "head start" reading program in pre-school for example, will benefit high-ability students but will likely do nothing for low-ability students who need more attention or cannot keep up with the pace. At the same time, students who flunk out of such a program will then be behind their peers. In other words instead of being on the "fast track," they will be on the road to underachievement. Once a bad apple, always a bad apple."
Tags: character, low-ability, high-ability, mathematics, research
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that inclusion presents dilemmas in principle because the real human right, that all pupils receive a good education, is easily confused with something else, that all pupils receive the same education. The writer maintains that inclusion also creates dilemmas in principle because it represents an intensification, and not a resolution, of a dilemma that has always been inherent within mainstream education - how to impart a single education to children who are different from one another. Finally, the writer notes that inclusion also presents dilemmas in practice for a host of reasons to do with implementation at school governance and individual classroom level for which high-sounding statements about 'community', 'infinite potential', 'inclusion' etc. offer no guidance. The writer concludes that in this context, the religious education (RE) teacher has a duty to use the unique capacity of RE to capture the unique potentials of pupils whose particular challenges can only be appreciated over the long-term by a vigilant and caring class teacher.
From the Paper "As well as presenting dilemmas - and conflicts of interest - in principle, there is a vast range of practical dilemmas arising from inclusion of which the following represents the tip of the iceberg. Where pupils present severe behavioural problems, for example, schools are faced with the dilemma of using resources for in-class support or using them to support intensive withdrawal work. Eventually, some schools face the dilemma of struggling to control pupils with extreme behavioural difficulties or excluding them altogether. Schools face a dilemma of diverting resources from mainstream education only to plough them into projects designed to cope with behavioural difficulties that could perhaps be treated more cost-effectively - without the diseconomy of small scale - beyond the individual school.
"A further dilemma that arises from the attempts to implement inclusion within school is that of developing systems, structures and procedures of enabling inclusion to occur. In the schools studied by Clarke and colleagues, the most common form of technology was in-class support."
