Abstract This paper discusses the issue of home schooling by, first, presenting the history of home schooling and describing the different reasons why people choose to home school. It examines the social ramifications of home schooling, as well as how it affects family life.
From the Paper "The number one reason given by parents is they want to retain responsibility for raising their children. Most home school parents feel as thought they are allowed to maintain control over what their children are learning and retaining. The second largest reason is because of their religious beliefs. Parents who desire a strong religious foundation and values training see home schooling as a way to express these beliefs without the influence of state run schools (Rozen, 2000)."
Tags: education, responsible, alternative, religious
Looks at the internal and external influences on the state of being gifted, the controversies of Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) programs, and the resulting implications for instruction.
Abstract This paper examines a wide range of the issues associated with gifted education. It looks at the gifted programs available, the criticisms of these programs, the difficulties faced by children deemed to be gifted, some of the factors that may affect gifted children, and some of the more promising options and strategies available for working with gifted children.
From the Paper "Gifted education programs, often referred to as GATE (gifted and talented education), range from providing accommodations within the regular classroom to clustering all of the gifted students into a tracked program. Many are surprised to learn that gifted education programs fall under the special education umbrella. It is designed to meet the special needs of a specific group that, in spite of their innate talents, often flounder in the regular classroom. However, some argue that gifted programs siphon the top performers from the other classrooms, leaving the regular programs devoid of positive role models. The argument continues that while the gifted students receive extra funding, enriched curriculum, and the best teachers, the regular program students are stuck with watered down curriculum and low expectations. This brings us to the classic nature versus nurture question on what sets apart a gifted child from a "regular" child. Educators must understand the internal and external influences on the state of being gifted and the resulting implications for instruction."
Abstract This paper discusses how middle childhood is a time of great psychological and physiological change. It explains that the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical abilities developed during this time prepare children for the difficulties of adolescence. As such, it concludes that proper psychological and physiological development during middle childhood is essential for the healthy transition into young adulthood.
From the Paper "Middle childhood is a time of dramatic psychological and physiological changes. Children undergo a variety of emotional, intellectual, and social changes that help equip them for the entry into adolescence, and also develop more complex motor skills. Failure to master psychological or physiological skills appropriate to middle childhood can often lead to pathologies like conduct disorders, attention deficit disorders, or motor skill deficiencies that limit children's physical abilities. Teaching children in middle childhood must incorporate both the psychological and physical needs of this age. When coupled with the need to represent a multicultural classroom, this can be a difficult challenge for teachers. In the physical education classroom, teaching traditional games and sports of different cultures gives students the opportunity to develop complex motor skills, and develop important social skills."
This paper presents Virginia Avenel Henderson, a noted nurse and academic, who helped shape the nursing profession in the 20th century by writing a number of works and influencing the development of nursing standards.
Abstract This paper explains that Henderson, born in 1897 in Kansas City, Missouri, attended the Army School of Nursing in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1921 to become the first full-time nursing instructor in Virginia. The author points out that Henderson was instrumental in pushing for the inclusion of psychiatric nursing in educational programs in Virginia. The paper stresses that Henderson offered a developmental model of nursing in 1961 based on the assumption that the patient is always a person who requires help to achieve independence.
From the Paper "Henderson's life covered all of the major dates in the development of modern nursing as a practice; she contributed to the development of the profession and continues to do so as others follow in her footsteps. She encouraged research in nursing, and nursing research only began with Florence Nightingale at the end of the Nineteenth Century as she observed conditions during the Crimean War and noted significant evidence which led to reform. Early research was directed primarily at improving nursing education and nursing services, and this was because early leaders were usually responsible for both areas at a time when there were significant knowledge gaps. In the earliest period, medicine was still only semi scientific."
Abstract This paper examines how, in the United States, "bilingualism" is a term that goes far beyond the use of more than one language and how the bilingual child in the American classroom commonly summons forth the image of a child who speaks English poorly, has difficulty learning and keeping up with his peers in school, and needs remedial classes. It discusses how English as a second language (ESL) programs are essential for the bilingual and/or multilingual students and how the bilingual learner in the American classroom deserves the same opportunities as those provided to native English-speaking students. It shows how decade's researchers and educators alike have argued about the best ways to teach ESL, and although many have disagreed on the methods employed by most ESL programs, few can argue about the importance of such programs in the American educational system.
From the Paper "For the most part, studies conducted to date on classroom interaction and English as a second language learning (ESL) began their examinations into second and foreign language learning from this more traditional perspective. However, ?they cross disciplinary borders and draw on theoretical insights and empirical evidence found in areas outside of what has generally been considered the main purview of the ESL field. Their findings join our interests in reconceptualizing second and foreign language learning using a broader, sociocultural perspective of language and learning with practical concerns for nurturing classroom communities of successful second and foreign language learners.? "
Abstract This paper looks at the controversial topic of inclusion in the classroom. The paper looks at arguments that favor inclusion and hold that it is beneficial to students, as well as the arguments that oppose inclusion and contend that it is difficult to achieve and may be detrimental to some students.
From the Paper "There are several inclusion programs in the United States that have shown great promise. One such program, at a high school in Virginia, was highlighted in an article published in The Washington Times. The article explains the many benefits of the inclusive classroom. This inclusive class is a Dance through Cultures course at George Mason High School. "
Abstract This paper explains what critical thinking is and how vital it is, both within the workplace and in everyday life. The writer defines critical thinking as a rational way of thinking that attempts to understand and interpret information to find real meaning. The paper then shows how decision making is a large part of critical thinking and refers to the conclusion of the critical thinking.
From the Paper "It is interesting to note that while critical thinking must involve decision making, decision making does not have to involve critical thinking. For example, I can make any decision without thinking rationally about it. I can choose to leave my job and move to Rome without critically assessing whether this is an appropriate decision. I can choose to accept that Pepsi must be a great drink because Britney Spears drinks it and decide never to drink anything else. These are decisions but without being considered decisions, they are not critical thinking."
Abstract Discusses the purpose of a dual-language program, providing an historical overview since 19th century and examining the immigration backlash, English-only programs, the Bilingual Education Act of 1968 and Equal Educational Opportunity Act of 1974, and the importance of bilingual or ESL (English As A Second Language).
From the Paper "English as a Second Language (ESL) or Bilingual Education has been a part of America's educational history since America's educational conception. Bilingual Education is defined as a dual-language program designated to provide equal ..."
Abstract Discusses the new roles of students and teachers, the need for students to play an active role in self-directed learning activities, the importance of time management, and the need for a teacher/facilitator to provide support and a positive environment.
From the Paper "With the increasing use of the Internet as a means of delivering education, the roles of teachers and students are being redefined in the online learning environment (Bates, 2000; Wade, 1994). In this setting, students play an active role in their ..."
Abstract Discusses the impact of issues on day-to-day work and six sources of the law relating to administration of school affairs. Cites controversial education topics, including sexual harassment, freedom of expression, and discrimination.
From the Paper "Legal issues confront secondary school principals every day and it is to court decisions that these administrators must turn to gain up-to-date information about legal liability issues impacting upon their ..."
Abstract Examines the demographic shift in the U.S. from a society dominated by whites rooted in Western culture to a global society with a variety of racial and ethnic minorities. Discusses the challenges of diversity to education.
From the Paper "Almost from its inception, the United States has been undergoing demographic transitions. Still, although it has always been a multicultural society composed of different cultures from numerous parts of the world, its peoples have always been joined as ..."
Abstract This paper examines the advantages and potential difficulties of using computers in the elementary, middle school, and high school classroom as an educational instrument.
From the Paper "However, education experts have found that children learn best when they are stimulated through participatory learning activities where their minds are constantly stimulated. Towards this, many companies have produced educational software designed to include the children in more participatory learning activities."
This paper discusses mentors, persons who provide support, encouragement, and a consistent way of challenging another person to successfully reach their potentials.
Abstract This paper explains that the one common objective of mentors is to help the other person succeed and do well in something that they would not normally do by themselves. The author points out that the way a mentor goes about supporting the mentoree is wholly at his or her discretion. The paper stresses that mentors always leave a special mark with their peers, which later helps them get through their own obstacles.
From the Paper "Mentors ultimately help shape the ideal person that one strives to become and are not limited to helping one overcome any obstacles they may face. In various occasions, mentors provide one with tasks to challenge the mind to widen its thought horizons and open the door to a new world of assessment. In the reading selection, "Look at Your Fish", Scudder was faced with the obstacle of looking at his fish and closely examining it. His teacher Agassiz gave him this task because he knew that it would be hard for Scudder to examine the fish entirely. He really had to see the fish in order to succeed Agassiz? test. Beyond the test is a very important lesson to learn. That is, learning through application is the best way to achieve full understanding of any concept."
Abstract This paper discusses how pedagogy and andragony are two theories/definitions that outline the tenets of child and adult learning. It looks at how they are based upon the belief that children and adults learn differently and how instructors should consider these differences in their teaching strategies. It discusses reasons why adults learn differently from children, and it also explores how assumptions about andragony can be the reason behind a student's participation in adult education.
From the Paper "Andragogy is a term that Malcolm Knowles made popular. Chris Lee (1998) stated that ?Knowles discovered that "andragogy" had been coined by a German teacher in 1833, was reintroduced by a German social scientist in the 1920"s, and then was more or less forgotten until 1957, when it was picked up by adult educators in Europe" (p. 35). Andragogy is the theory and practice of aiding adults in the learning process. This adult learning theory is self-directed by the student, and the teacher simply facilitates the learning process. There is a casual relationship between the student and instructor, and there is mutual consent regarding the specifics of learning activities and evaluations."
Abstract Though there is opposition to the need for college-educated police officers on the grounds that there is a wide gap between classroom theory and street reality, this paper argues that it is evident that education can bring many important benefits, such as a more positive image of the police as protectors of justice and peace. It claims that higher education will help provide improved relations with the communities served, problem solving skills using human relations and behavioral management techniques, and an organizational structure that will optimize available resources.
From the Paper "The police force in any country has a vital role to play in terms of achieving its intended mission of crime prevention, protection of life and property and apprehending violators of peace. The police force, therefore, are the upholders of justice and peace, and to that extent, it is they, more than anyone else who need to practice an underlying code of ethics that is true to the spirit of democracy: ??the mission "to protect and serve" is not so simple"require distinct and separate skills" ?artistry of police work lies in the ability to handle explosive situations without resorting to force.? (Delattre, 1989, p. 25-26) The practice of justice in police work does not only involve overt criminal acts but various types of community service including assisting the sick and injured or defusing domestic tension and violence. Now, the fact is, even if the police force have ingrained humane values and ethics, such situations require specialist and varying skills. Besides the necessary knowledge and skill base required to perform their duties, the police are increasingly under pressure to deliver a wide range of services using limited human and financial resources, which requires optimization through applying management principles and techniques. It is, for these reasons that the role of education in policing begins to assume importance."
