Abstract This paper discusses how a great number of students with learning disabilities are at high risk for educational failure because they often have difficulty remembering materials covered in school and how their teachers can help these students improve their performance and their long term success through mnemonic instruction. It examines various studies on the topic and reviews relevant literature. It evaluates how the majority of research indicates that using basic phonetic instruction alone is insufficient, especially for students with learning disabilities. When basic skills are taught in conjunction with mnemonic strategies, memory improves because well established pictures in the memory bank to link new information and trigger a strong electrical impulse to help recall the new information. The research studies have consistently shown that mnemonic strategies can be taught to students of all ages and of all levels of learning disabilities. Studies have also shown that when students are taught mnemonics to help them study, they begin to use mnemonics on a regular basis and also begin to make up their own memorization techniques.
From the Paper "The traditional theory of learning, which has been used in the past as a supplement to the mass schooling approach of the early 19th century, is that in order for a student to learn complex skills such as reading, he must first become adept at making sense of the smallest components of the language (for example letters) and then advancing to larger components (for example sounds, words, and sentences). Phonics supporters generally agree that by employing "the direct approach" in regards to instruction, as well as providing an undeviating focus on logical sequencing, students will effectively learn to identify words quickly and consistently, as well as improving their spelling, vocabulary, handwriting, listening, and thinking skills (Share and Stanovich, 1995)."
Tags: children, memory, bank, teachers, phonetic, language, skills
A look at this process, designed to mainstream young people and adults with disabilities into society. Persuasive research paper in favor of inclusion in schools.
1,962 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 10 sources, 1999, $ 62.95
From the Paper "Five and a half million children in schools today can be categorized as disabled. This counts for 11-12% of the school population. Additionally, the US Department of Education spends at least thirty billion dollars annually on special education, which accounts for 22% of total education spending (Staples 64). Inclusion, though not defined by law, is commonly known as the process by which young people and adults with disabilities and/or handicaps are mainstreamed into society. It is an attitude/belief system rather than an action or set of actions. As defined in Richard A. Villa and Jacqueline S. Thousand's book, Creating An Inclusive School, inclusion is "a way of life, a way of living together, based on a belief that each individual is valued and does belong" (6). Inclusion has provoked strong and often differing opinions within both general and special education. Critics disagree with the expected success of inclusive practices. However, inclusive education creates a sense of community, promotes equality in the classroom, and provides strategies to include learning disabled students successfully. Therefore, inclusion is beneficial to all students and must be recognized as educational reform that will result in a successful organizational change toward inclusion."
Paper arguing why it is imperative that efforts of instilling equality are made towards the social treatment of - and educational opportunities for - students of minority backgrounds.
1,145 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, 2000, $ 39.95
From the Paper "Everyday, young American students stand up in schools across the nation and pledge their allegiance to the flag. Over and over they recite the values and traditions of the only country they know. However, some students in these classrooms have come to America from other countries or have different backgrounds. These students are often stereotyped and looked down upon by other students as well as teachers for their different appearances, customs, ideals, traditions, languages, and even mannerisms. It is imperative that efforts of instilling equality are made towards the social treatment of - and educational opportunities for - students of minority backgrounds."
Tags: immigration, issues, melting, mexican, pot, spanish, speaking, theory
Abstract This paper discusses the "Multiple Intelligence" theory, proposed by Howard Gardner and how his theory of the mind could revolutionize education. An in depth discussion is given on each of the "intelligences" as well as the criteria for determining new ?intelligences.?
From the Paper "This new theory, the Multiple Intelligence Theory or MI theory was proposed by psychologist Howard Gardner in 1983. The Multiple Intelligence Theory shatters the conventional theory on the mind and intelligence. Conventional wisdom dictates that there is one intelligence in the human mind. The thought is either you are "smart" or you are ?dumb.? This can lead some people to think that they are ?dumb because they do not have logical skills, or they cannot do math, etc. Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory differs from conventional thought in that the Multiple Intelligence theory states that the human intelligence is made of many different intelligences of different strengths. Different intelligences can be stronger in one person than another, and all people have all of the intelligences. People think and understand in their stronger intelligences while they get confused when trying to understand things in their weaker intelligences. "
Abstract This paper discusses the recent outbreak of school shootings in the United States. The paper focuses on the Columbine Massacre, by going over the events of the day leading up to the shooting. This essay also outlines the parallels between the school shootings with the novel "Lord of the Flies", by Sir William Golding.
From the Paper "In the past four years, violence in schools has, unfortunately, become a very frequent news topic.There have been fifteen cases of school violence everywhere from Bethel, Alaska, where a 16-year old student killed another student and the schools? principal, to Jonesboro, Arkansas where two boys who were 11 and 13, shot and killed four girl students and a teacher. One of the most recent cases of a deadly school shooting happened in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20, 1999. This was probably the most infamous, and the deadliest of all the cases of school violence in U.S. history."
Abstract A debate about whether sex education should be provided by schools. The author looks at the advantages of sex education in school. He argues that parents have less time on their hands to educate their children at home, sex education in schools is not only advantageous but necessary.
From the Paper "Child hood and adolescence are an intricate beginning of a human being's life. Children begin the learning process at a very early age. Young people are very impressionable in mocking and imitating other's behavior. In this day and age, most parents do not have the time, patience, or ability to teach children well standards of living. That is why, all types sexual education need be taught in junior high schools, where children can achieve superior knowledge from qualified adults."
Abstract This paper describes qualitative research and contrasts it with quantitative research. It discusses the characteristics of phenomenological inquiry or naturalistic research.
From the Paper "Qualitative research, broadly defined, means "any kind of research that produces findings not arrived at by means of statistical procedures or other means of quantification" (Strauss & Corbin, 1990, p. 17). Where quantitative researchers seek causal determination, prediction, and generalization of findings, qualitative researchers seek, instead, illumination, understanding, and extrapolation to similar situations. Qualitative analysis results in a different type of knowledge than does quantitative inquiry. Eisner, (1991) points out that all knowledge, including that gained through quantitative research, is referenced in qualities, and that there are many ways to represent our understanding of the world."
Abstract A discussion of the potential and reality, both positive and negative, regarding the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web in the modern classroom. The author defines the Internet, and evaluates its place in the field of Education and instructional technology, as well as how it is affecting society in general. The paper discusses the responsibility of the teacher to understand the Internet, its value in the classroom, and how to incorporate in daily lessons. Includes detailed arguments for and against the use of the Web in the education system, providing many examples for each case.
From the Paper "The human need for current information and knowledge continues to grow as each year passes, and is presently as high as it has ever been. At the center of this basic need is the Internet, "a system of linked computer networks, worldwide in scope, that facilitate the transfer of data" (Hackbrath 192), and the World Wide Web, "a system of Internet servers that support specially formatted documents containing text, graphic, audio, video, and other types of files" (Hackbrath 192). The Internet and the Web have already changed the way modern society lives and functions, and will continue to do so as they evolve further."
Abstract This paper examines the different elements of the teaching profession and suggests that some aspects of the profession make it a science and some aspects make it an art. The paper contends that, while the pedagogical element of teaching is a science, the aspect of teaching most concerned with human interaction is an art. The paper makes use of several sources to support the notion that teaching is both a science and an art.
From the Paper "Teaching clearly makes use of both science and art today. In the past, teaching was much more science than art, and teachers were left largely to their own devices to determine how to reach their students and what to teach. As teaching became a profession, with a course of instruction to prepare teachers, the idea that teaching was a science became more prominent, with the colleges emphasizing this idea as they inculcated teachers into specialized knowledge and methods based on scientific research, including school testing, empirical research into learning styles and processes, and so on."
Tags: learning, guidance, classroom, testing, methods, instruction, individuals, groups
Abstract This paper explains Urie Bronfenbrenner's theory, which suggests that human behavioral development is shaped by one's environment. The theory cites "spheres of influence" to show the relevance of social spheres on behavioral development. The paper includes a diagram.
From the Paper "The value of Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory and subsequent research are of great importance to the field of adult education. The external emphasis of his work has revealed that environmental conditions are of paramount importance, especially during the years of primary education. These factors affect the quality of education children receive and are instrumental in contributing to continuance of education in adult life. His work also reflects how government programs can be very effective in raising educational achievement in even the most underprivileged groups in our society."
Abstract This paper defines and examines the different types of learning disabilities that affect children. The author looks at research studies that compare the achievement of children with learning disabilities like dyslexia with children who are not impaired by a disability. The paper discusses LDs in conjunction with behavioral and emotional disabilities as well. The paper also mentions strategies that may improve the educational goals of children with LDs.
From the Paper "It is not easy to say who is a learning disabled. A lot of arguments have taken place for a certain time in order to classify the learning disabled. According to the term "specific learning disability" means ?a disorder in one or more basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations."
Abstract This paper shows how art is an important part of education that is dying in many public schools. The writer examines how budget cuts often shift priorities to basic subjects leaving children without a formal art education. The paper states that art is a valuable tool that teaches children to communicate and also augments the learning process in subjects such as mathematics and language. Many studies have found that when children are exposed to art, it has valuable effects on their learning process.
From the Paper "When implemented in public schools, art helps raise self-confidence while creating problem solving skills and communication. Unlike math and reading, when children create art they are always successful because there is no right or wrong in art. This gives a child a sense of achievement and success, raising their academic self-confidence. Art also helps children figure out how they want to express themselves, thus building problem-solving skills. Art focuses on making your internal thoughts external images or sounds creating a superior way for children to learn to communicate effectively. When you take all of these factors and apply them to a child's education the result is obvious. Studies show that the cognitive skills and spatial reasoning that art offers are essential for math. The communication of art often helps children become more successful in language classes. When a student becomes involved in an art program, the drop out rate dramatically decreases. Art is an exciting and fun way for students to feel more successful in school."
From the Paper ""The Black Cat" by Edgar Allen Poe is a grotesque short story of a man's conscience. ?The Black Cat combines several themes that fascinated Poe such as reincarnation, perversity, and retribution. This story also carried an implied theme in the superstitious implications of this man's downfall. In this story Poe keeps very strongly to the theme of perversity and superstitions to illustrate the strange conditions that led to the crimes of this "happy man" especially fond of animals? (Poe 103). The theme of superstition is found to be a background motivation to the events and actions performed in the story. Towards the beginning of the story it is first mentioned to us that his wife always tells him "all black cats [are] witches in disguise" (Poe 103). The narrator also mentions that the name of the cat was Pluto. Pluto in "Greek and Roman mythology was the god of the dead and the ruler of the underworld" (Womack 5). The use of this name leads the reader to believe that the cat is somehow responsible for the death that is caused by the narrator himself. This is where the reader is first introduced to the fact that the events of this story could be caused by some superstition and not coincidence alone."
Tags: allen, analysis, critical, edgar, poe, themes, literature, Black Cat
Abstract An opinionated paper concerning the negative effect of school uniforms on students? behavior. This paper includes a lot of research and statistics; as well as quotes from students, administrators and government officials concerning the effects of uniforms on the school atmosphere.
From the Paper "Think of a classroomwhere all of the students have their hands neatly placed in their laps, backs straight, and every eye is on the teacher. This is the picture that some people are trying to paint. But can this picture become a reality? Opposers like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) say, ?Dealing with violence by banning certain colors or sneakers is like dealing with car theft by banning cars.? Both are very good points, but, as a student, I stand by my rights in believing that making students wear uniforms is wrong. Uniforms are not beneficial to students, schools, or the public."
Abstract This paper deals with a review of the literature using guided reading as a tool in the classroom and how it can be used in a classroom. It offers a comprehensive methodology of how to implement guided reading and how to achieve the benefits of this activity. The research is based on a wide variety of sources and provides a good review.
From the Paper "A critical foundation in guided reading is that students read the materials at their instructional levels. During a typical lesson, students discuss both the content and the strategies that they used to make sense of what is being read. Specific attention is devoted to comprehension levels, questioning, before-reading strategies, during-reading strategies, and after-reading strategies."
