Abstract This paper examines why it is necessary to learn algebra. It shows its everyday uses and importance. It uses some basic examples such as calculating the miles per gallon of a car, and solving a calendar riddle.
From the paper:
"Algebra is simply the branch of mathematics in which the operations and procedures of addition and multiplication are applied to variables rather than specific numbers. It is also probably the subject about which schoolchildren are most likely to ask the question: What good will this ever do me when I get out of school. This paper puts forth three different answers to that eternal question of what good will algebra do me?"
This paper discusses the factors that determine if the impact of divorce on children and parents is positive or negative and how extensive the impact is for the children.
Abstract The following paper explores the psychological impact the high rate of marital breakdown have on children and how these effects impact on society. The marital breakdown addressed in this paper is between heterosexual couples. To examine this topic a review of literature has been conducted. A comparison of children living in intact families and children living in divorced families has been completed to demonstrate the similarities and differences. This paper also discusses the effects on members of society of the high divorce rate and the positive outcomes of divorce.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Mediators of Divorce
Economic Effects of Divorce
Effects of Conflict on Children
Effects of Absence of Non-Custodial Parents
Effects of Remarriage
Long Term Effects of Divorce on Children
Effects on Society
The Positive Consequences of Divorce
From the Paper "Some children experience an easier adjustment to divorce while others display difficulties for a long period of time. Factors have been identified that ease the adjustment for children. These conditions include supportive interactions with family members and friends, having effective coping strategies and accessibility to any needed mental health interventions (Cooney, Hutchinson and Leather). The effects of divorce can be lessened also if the parents act without hostility, if children's relationships with their parents are continuous, and if the children's financial needs are provided for by the parents (Thompson and Amato). Thus, reducing life stresses will moderate the impact of divorce on children."
Abstract This paper explores the changes that role of the teacher has undergone throughout history. It also assesses the new challenges that teachers today face in the light of new technology and current social and cultural issues.
From the Paper Teaching is one of the world's oldest professions. It originated with the elders of the tribe explaining natural phenomena and the tribal customs to the young. Mass public education emerged in the 19th century. Teaching has under gone massive changes since that time. Today, society relies on teachers and educational institutions to provide the basis for a functioning society. Schools now have to plan and provide for a diversity of cultures and learning styles. Physical, social and emotional needs of students also need to be addressed. These accelerating social and cultural changes within the educational system continue to have a vast impact on the working lives on teachers.
Abstract An exploration of the impact that the cultural and social backgrounds of students has upon the probability of a student experiencing success at school. The challenges that the cultural and social diversity of students poses to teaching and teachers is also explored.
From the Paper Harris (1996) suggests that schools? institutionalised practices create educational advantages or disadvantages for students. It is predominantly students from low socio-economic backgrounds who choose or are channelled into the non-academic streams, thus limiting their chances of entry into tertiary education and ultimately professional careers. Hatton (1994) and Malin (Hatton, 1994) describe how schools can systematically disadvantage groups in society. Hatton reveals ways in which underprivileged families or those not from the middle class do not always comprehend their rights as parents in pursuing grievances. Malin states that intelligence and standardised academic achievement tests are culturally biased and she appeals for teachers? pedagogy to be more sensitive to cultural differences.
Abstract The writer presents the advantages of establishing a firm study routine for students when managing the load of school work and explains that this forms excellent habits for later life. The paper also gives practical advice for planning a schedule to assist in time management.
From the Paper "To prevent wasting time, we must be able to set a well-defined goal, organize around priorities, and keep on track. One of the primary benefits of a time management program for studying is that it eliminates (or at least reduces) procrastination and a haphazard approach to school work, two characteristics that are typical of many students. Establishing a firm study routine has numerous advantages for individuals. First, a study routine keeps time from slipping away. Next, a study routine takes advantage of the fact that once a habit or routine is formed, it has a momentum of its own."
Tags: school, student, time, management, routine, schedule
Abstract The paper defines a cochlear implant as a device which converts sound waves into electric signals and thus allows the hearing impaired to hear at a greater level than a hearing aid provides. The paper discusses the effects that cochlear implants have on childhood development, focusing on children from one to four years of age. The paper explores the issues of speech recognition/language, academic concerns, social ramifications and family relationships.
From the Paper "The University of Michigan performed the largest study ever on Cochlear implants and released the findings in January of last year. Researchers found that children who are implanted with cochlears before the age of four are able to achieve high levels of speech recognition and language skills. Dr. Paul Kileny establishes that research shows ?a significant difference in speech recognition between those who got their implants between the ages of 2 and 4 years, during the critical language development period, and those who received them later.? He concluded that people who receive the implant early in life get the greatest benefits."
Tags: deaf, American, Medical, Association, sign, language
Abstract A discussion of effective managing and controlling of the classroom environment. Without effective classroom management, the quality of teaching cannot be ensured. This is the reason for which experts give considerable attention to this issue and it is considered to be one of the primary factors which contributes to the quality of education. The three main issues are: organization of classroom activities, effective communication and monitoring of classroom activities. Teachers must be aware of the reasons that lead to poor performance among the students or create misbehavior in their attitude.
From the Paper "While considering the issue of classroom management, it is important for the instructor to respond effectively to the problems that occur during the conduction of the class. Furthermore, the instructor should also make sure that an effective strategy is adopted to prevent the frequent occurrence of problems so that class discipline is maintained. Moreover, it is also necessary for the teacher to have a clear vision of his goals and objectives, which he or she wants to accomplish. The structure of the course to be taught should be base on these objectives. In the absence of a clear vision, the instructor will not be able to effectively manage the course and this will affect his/her quality of teaching as well as the performance of students."
Abstract The paper shows that many parents today seem to have lost their ability to support the education of their children. It shows how many claim they lack the time, interest, and/or financial resources to get involved, but teachers can be trained to reverse this trend and encourage parental involvement.
From the Paper "Schools need desperately to implement programs for parents that teach them how to get more involved in their child's education. Research has unmistakably shown that student achievement improves as parental involvement increases (Kelly, 1994). By training teachers how to encourage parents to more actively participate in their children's education, we are taking the first step towards creating a more positive attitude towards learning that could ultimately help teachers achieve their goals of providing a top quality education without unnecessary distractions such as excessive discipline."
Tags: family, learning, school, students, teachers, training
From the Paper "This research will examine David Tyack's The One Best System, which is a history of the development of universal public education in the United States over the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The research will discuss the manner in which he develops the pattern of his ideas about American public education, as well as the quality of the assumptions he brings to his study, the logic of his argument, and his use of evidence to substantiate his ideas, with a view toward identifying implications of conclusions that he draws.
The principal thesis of The One Best System is that the persistent, programmatic centralization and consolidation of schools and school districts in the US in conformity with the emergence of a corporatist political economy have been beneficial in some important ways but far from universally helpful to the.."
Abstract Discusses importance of parental involvement in a child's education. Influence of parents on child development. How parents influence the environment that children are raised in. Impact on student achievement. Quality of home life as critical to educational success. Children's need for parental support. View of teachers and parents on the necessity of parental invovement.
From the Paper "Introduction
There is an old saying: "It takes a village to raise a child". In today's society of multiple marriages, relationships, step- and half-families, family reunions can indeed look like a village. Yet, in these families, as well as in other, smaller, nuclear families, or in single parent families, the most important aspect is whether or not the parents are involved in the development of their child.
Contrary to recent articles and books by Judith R. Harris indicating otherwise, because of their dependency on the adults in their lives, children will always be effected by their parents (Azar, 2000). After all, "parents are a child's first and most important teachers" (Fuentes, Cantu, & Stechuk, 1996, p. 16). The question is, however, how will they be effected and to what degree. For this reason ..."
Abstract Based on a substantial amount of empirical research conducted on second language acquisition, it has been theorized that learners are best able to achieve the critical skill of learning a second language at some point fairly early in their maturational development. This claim is known as the "critical period hypothesis," which postulates that there is some maturational period for language learning that maximizes one's degree of proficiency in the language beyond that of other maturational periods. This study examines whether the critical period during which children are best able to learn English as a second language is before six years or age. To this end, the study compares the English proficiency levels of two groups of eighth grade ESL learners, a group that had begun to learn English before they were six years of age and a group that had begun to learn English after six years of age. Because the nature of language required in school is complex, a fairly complex assessment was made of English proficiency, namely English proficiency was assessed using the Quick-Start in English Written Language Assessment (QSE). The study shows that there are higher proficiency levels for those children who learned English before six than for those children who learned it after six years of age.
Table of Contents:
The Problem
Background
Problem Statement
Significance
Limitations
Null Hypothesis
Review of the Literature
Introduction
Critical Period Hypothesis and the Best Age of Second
Language Learning: The Pertinent Research
Conclusions
Subjects, Materials and Methods
The Setting
Subjects
Materials
Methods
Methods Used To Obtain Permission To Conduct Research
Data Gathering Methods
The Findings
Conclusions and Recommendations
References
Appendix A
Letter Mailed From Researcher to Supervisor
Appendix B
Letter From Supervisor
Appendix C
Letter Sent to Mark's Middle School Principal
Appendix D
Letter received from Mark's Middle School Principal
From the Paper "While many claims have been made as to what precise age/age group constitutes the critical period, some recent research conducted in Germany, Doll (1996) stated that this critical period takes place during kindergarten or first grade. In other words, the period occurs sometime before the child is six years of age. What is interesting about Doll's findings is that they are in conflict with the majority of the earlier research in the area; this research tending to show that the critical period for effectively learning a second language is between the ages of eight and ten years (Bialystok, 1997)."
Abstract Because of revolutions in knowledge and information technology and the demand for learning to be more meaningful, schools are changing their structures and teachers are changing with them. One of the most useful tools in modern education is technology and the use of computers. This paper investigates the use of computers and the internet in the classroom as a way of increasing motivation and attention in students. The paper proposes a literature review and research proposal to obtain answers to the following questions:
What effect does the use of technology in the classroom have on the students? interest in the curriculum?
Does the engagement in computer activities improve the concentration span of the students?
Is there a relationship between the use of technology and improved academic performance in elementary school students?
From the Paper "One of the other important ways for teachers to improve their competence with using technology in the classroom was brainstorming with other teachers. Koszalka (2001) agrees with Renwick on this in her study that examined the hypothesis that teachers involved in a listserv discussion about integrating web resources would have a more positive attitude towards using the web resources. The study was conducted with K-12 public school teachers from six states assigned to a treatment group where they participated either in a small or large discussion group on a listserv and a control group. All the participants filled an attitudinal survey. The results showed that the teachers in the treatment groups had more positive attitudes regardless of the group size."
Abstract This paper looks at both sides of the argument about whether the teaching profession should be defined as an art or a science. The paper presents theories in support of both opinions, but concludes that the teaching profession would benefit most if it would to be defined as both an art and a science.
From the Paper "The issue of whether teaching is an art or a science is framed wrong, for teaching is both an art and a science. The pedagogical element of teaching is a science, involving learning material and how to impart that material as bet as is known. The aspect of teaching that is most concerned with human interaction, with the guidance of students and the control of the classroom, is most certainly an art. Different analysts have selected one or the other as the essence of teaching, seeing teaching as an art or a science while often failing to see that teaching at its best is really a combination of the two."
This paper discusses Benjamin Franklin's "An Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" and Frederick Douglas's "A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas, An American Slave".
Abstract This paper explains that the experiences that changed both Franklin and Douglas had to do with the importance of education in enabling people to better themselves. The author points out that Franklin's education came when he worked as an apprentice printer with his brother during his teens. The paper relates that Frederick Douglas's life story tells a much bleaker tale and shows even more the ability of one man to use his wits and his natural talents to pull himself up by the bootstraps.
From the Paper "Indeed, it was because of the fact that he had such great access to books through his induction into the printer's trade that he was able to foster his love of books and learning and to begin to develop his persuasive rhetorical skills that would aid him not only in writing, but also in oratory. Without this love of books and learning being instilled in him Franklin could have never become the great thinker, speaker, author, and statesmen that he was to become."
Abstract This paper presents arguments on both sides for and against home-schooling. It explains the benefits of parents being the main educators for their children, but also cites reasons, such as social development of the children, being affected. The paper concludes, however, that home-schooling could be the best option for specific people and that the system produces well-balanced children. Includes a thorough annotated bibliography and many sources attached at the end of the paper.
From the Paper "Each year more and more home schoolers are rising to the top of their fields and are being regarded as choice recruits for major colleges and universities across the country. Studies have proven that overall home educated children are more mature, well-balanced, and more confident than children educated in the public school system. What appears to be crucial to their success is the one-on-one relationship with the parent-teacher and the opportunity to learn as they are ready."
Tags: education, parent, teacher, social, development
