Abstract This paper examines the process of inclusion within the public education system. The author explains that there are exceptional legal, educational, and developmental issues that encourage the inclusion process.
From the Paper "Inclusion in the public school system is a mandatory process, influenced by both the American Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendment. The inclusion process, however, can be seen to encourage democratic education in that all students ? regardless of disability ? are allowed to receive comparable education. Legal, educational, and developmental issues support this thesis."
Tags: disability, disabled, education, needs, special, student, students
Abstract This paper combines research and theory on a number of relevant topics on children's play and highlights the implications for practical application in Early Childhood Education focusing on ages three through six. The theme of the paper focuses on the role of the adult in children's play and the responsibility of adults to understand children and their play. The author addresses an assortment of issues related to the development of play in early childhood.
From the Paper "General intelligence and cognitive growth is indicated by three mental skills: (1) the ability to differentiate what is relevant from information that is irrelevant to a given purpose, (2) increased skills in using fewer signals to create more information, and (3) higher levels of thought. This means that the child needs a number of different cognitive abilities, including memory, reasoning, abstraction, and understanding of language. Play behavior contributes to these skills in several ways. At a minimum, play reinforces cognitive development with the respect to representational competence, operational development and problem solving. language development is closely associated with cognitive development and play has an important role in the child's use of language."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed discussion about whether or not parents influence their children's sexuality. The writer uses several sources to determine if a child's sexuality is influenced by parents or if the child is born predisposed. The paper examines how parents should approach the topic of sex with young children, and how to set guidelines for the future.
From the Paper "Our sexuality is an important part of who we are. As we grow and develop we discover what our sexuality is and how it benefits us throughout our lifetimes. The influence that parents have on their child's sexuality begins at a very young age. The types of play that we encourage as well as the types of toys that we provide all work to influence the child's sexuality. As the child matures we continue to have an impact by the guidance they are given. Young teens who experiment with flirting and physical affection are learning about their sexuality. How parents react to such exploration has a great influence on the continuing development of the sexuality components for the teen. Even as adults we continue to grow and develop our sexuality but it all begins as a baby."
Tags: sex, children, teens, maturity, behavior, preschool, communication, childcare, development
Abstract This paper compares Piaget's theory of cognitive development to the social learning theory. This paper examines Piaget's child development theory that mains that children have ability to construct meaningful concepts and representations all through a series of various stages. In addition, it analyzes Bandura's theory which contends that children learn new behaviors by observing other people and model their own behavior and develop their own beliefs and standards that eventually impact their progress in the educational system. The author concludes that these do not contradict each but rather complement each other.
From the Paper "In recent years, the field of education has been transformed by intensive theoretical and practical research into the ways that children develop the cognitive capacity for handling complex learning tasks. Some researchers have focused more upon the natural, or biological, aspects of cognitive development, which can be generalized across all human cultures; others, more upon the social aspects, which are culturally conditioned. The challenge for educators in the UK is now to integrate this vast body of theory and research into curriculum and classroom practice. Most researchers in the field agree that a Piaget-derived developmental learning theory must be augmented by some appreciation of the way that concrete social interaction guides and shapes children's acquisition of skills. A pedagogical approach drawing at once upon developmental and social learning theory may be the best way to achieve society's educational aims, while at the same time encouraging creativity and exploration on the part of children. While it would not be possible to exhaust this topic in a short paper, I propose to briefly consider the theories of Piaget and Bandura in the context of children's development of the ability to handle language (in particular, in the area of literacy)."
Abstract This paper discusses the pros and cons of teaching solely in English in the United States. The author explains how the advantages convince us that we should adopt instruction in English nationwide in order to live up to our reputation as a land of equality among our residents. The paper also discusses how teaching in languages alienates English speakers from non-English speakers.
From the paper:
"In the United States, we residents are well known for our diversity and ability to accept many different things. The battle over the most effective way to teach our children has resulted in an ongoing debate between teaching in the English language or bilingual education. Not only has bilingual education been a failure in many parts of the country, but also a waste of precious financial resources. The prevailing language in the U.S. is English, and it has worked well to keep the country united. With a high number of diverse cultures cohabitating, the assortment of languages has served to promote ethnic elitism. Those who do not speak English fluently are incessantly among lower social classes."
Tags: bilingual, children, education, spanish, teach, class, melting, pot, u.s.
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of divorce in our society. The author looks at the affect of divorce on different aspects of the children and their lives, at home and at school. It also looks at the affect on the child's health and well-being. Another area examined is the couple getting divorced, and the different factors that played into their decision, and the affect it has on them as individuals.
From the Paper "Children of divorced parents have a higher risk of mental, emotional, and physical problems. This does not mean that every child from divorced parents will have each and every one of these negative effects. It simply means that they have a higher risk. They may not develop any problems, but then again they may develop numerous problems. It all depends on the individual himself and how he/she deals with the difficult situation. The parents have a lot to do with the effects their divorce will have on their child. They have to deal with it like adults and keep the child in mind. The parents are also greatly affected by their divorce, even if it was in their best interest."
Abstract This paper defines home schooling, explores the issues of quality education between parents and schools, describes what is involved in home schooling, the social aspects of home schooled children, and beliefs expressed by home schooling parents.
From the Paper "Recent studies show the amount of Home schooling families is rising annually by 25 percent. According to Jenny Murphy, a staff writer at Speakout.com, ?About 1.5 million U. S. children are being taught at home. That's about 2 percent of all U.S. school aged children.? Home schooling educators say there are many reasons why Home schooling is becoming popular; however, dissatisfaction with an inadequate school based education is the leading cause. Furthermore, Home schooling educators argue that public and private schools do not focus on religious or moral values, and children in public schools have a lack of positive socialization. Dana Hawkins, a CNN reporter comments, ?In fact, this year's Florida Education Department Survey found that 61 percent of parents ranked dissatisfaction with the public school environment and instruction as the primary motivation for home schooling topping religion, listed by 21 percent for the second year in a row.? Traditional teachers take on a very different view. They argue that no matter how devoted a parent is to their child's education, there are certainly some things that a Home school setting cannot provide. For instance, a Home school setting cannot provide a variety of classes that are available at public and private schools, and Home school educators cannot provide the variety of socialization skills and experiences that traditional schools offer. In addition, traditional teachers feel that a Home schooled student's education may suffer because the appointed educator may not be qualified to teach materials correctly."
Abstract This paper provides a thorough examination of training procedures for new employees and refresher courses for existing employees. It tackles issues such as the objective and need for training, types of trainees in different work conditions and provides examples of different training methods. The writer states the obvious advantages of having a well trained team for better production.
From the Paper "Training has become the most important feature of a successful organization. The need of proper training was felt when the organizations started falling apart due to tiny mistakes of its employees. Training is necessary because it improves profitability and/ or more positive attitudes towards profit orientation. Enhances the job knowledge and skills at all levels of the organization. The work force gets a high morale. Due to proper training employees can identify with organizational goals, corporate image gets improved. Training fosters authenticity, openness and trust. A boss an the subordinates get to work in a better environment and relationship. Training aids in developing leadership skill, motivation, loyalty, better attitudes and other aspects that successful workers and managers usually display. The quality of work is also increased and so is the productivity. Its cost effective as well, it cuts costs in different areas e.g. production, personnel, administration etc. it develops a sense of responsibility to the organization for being competent and knowledgeable. Labor management is also improved, as workers instead of feeling ignored, feel taken care of which develops a sense of loyalty"
Abstract This paper takes a brief look at the controversy surrounding IQ tests. The writer claims that these tests do not truly measure a person's intelligence and that too much emphasis is placed on them. He also claims that too many factors can influence the result of these tests and provides research to show that their importance should be limited.
From the Paper "There are few issues in psychology which have attracted more attention, debate and controversy than intelligence testing and measurement. Such is the importance of IQ testing that the future of most individuals' educational and career prospects rely, to an enormous extent, on their performance in these standardized tests. Although the influence of IQ tests was previously limited to the area of child development, the use of all types of intelligence testing has become increasingly common throughout society. A great many colleges and universities have adopted them to evaluate prospective entrants, and most employers, especially the military, public authorities and the nursing profession include some form of IQ test in their selection process. As a result of this widespread use, the original IQ test developed by Alfred Binet in 1904, has had to evolve in order to measure skills other than academic ability."
This paper gives an evaluation of the theoretical claims, empirical evidence, and practical consequences associated with the concept of the critical period.
Abstract This paper studies the critical period hypothesis which suggests that languages cannot be learned after the age of twelve. However, an evaluation of evidence from many different sources suggests that this is not accurate. It examines sources such as: Studies of second language learning methods, wild children studies and the theories of Noam Chomsky and Stephen Krashen. Factors which make it easier for children to learn language, such as parentheses, are also discussed.
From the Paper "The "critical period" hypothesis cites a commonly observable phenomenon, the fact that children find language learning much easier than adults, and learn language remarkably quickly, to claim that language learning is more difficult, or impossible after puberty. The concept of "critical periods" was initially introduced in the study of animal behaviour, where it was noticed that certain behavioural responses only emerged when stimulus was given within a particular time frame. This concept has been applied to many species, including humans, with regard to the development of specific emotional responses such as stress. In 1967 Lenneberg proposed that this concept also applied to human linguistic development, seeing language as a response, and exposure to language as the stimulus. There are two versions of this hypothesis: the "strong" version, which claims that no language acquisition is possible after puberty, and the "weak" version, which maintains that language learning will be much more difficult. A distinction is often made between "language acquisition", the way in which children unconsciously learn their native tongue, and "language learning" which implies formal instruction, and Lenneberg maintains this distinction himself."
Abstract This paper briefly examines the advantages and shows the importance that this topic be taught and instructed by trained professionals in order for the exercise to have the most benefit. Advantages listed are teaching healthy living habits, better concentration in lessons and higher self esteem.
From the Paper "The evidence is clear that physical education needs to be an important part of education at the elementary school level. It needs to be taught by trained physical education teachers who understand the need to instill a love of an active lifestyle and who have access to adequate materials and equipment to do their jobs well. This will enrich the quality of their lives because a variety of vital activities are part of their life, and it will help them establish and maintain good physical health. All children should be included in such a program, including those with physical limitations (Kalakian, 2001)."
Tags: sport, education, physical, excercise, children, school
Abstract This paper studies the implementation of technology in the school system and the obstacles that it has to face. It discusses the progress of technology and where we stand today in respect to it. It discusses several articles and research on the subject and their conclusions including Cooley's seven helpful tips. It concludes that technology implementation in education is crucial and it is necessary to do so immediately.
From the Paper "The changing state of education is need of solutions to timeless questions about teaching and learning by reason of this century's boundless technology and its impact on society. More than any period in recorded history, today's technology has transformed daily life, particularly the lives of the many fascinated by it. The American educational system is included in that list. Its sense of direction has not been spared from the chaos and distress that accompanies this unprecedented era. Many educators await the promise of technology's power to guide them and to lead improvements in the educational system. Any reasonable success, however, should bring to us great change. Today, learners have the choice to attend a traditional classroom or the virtual classroom."
Abstract The paper lists the negative effects of being a high school NBA basketball player, such as the distraction from tertiary education and the professional risks involved. It explores the uniqueness of high school NBA drafts and explains its recommendations to defer entry into the NBA draft for a few years after high school.
From the Paper "Today's sports world is almost surreal with its multi million dollar contracts; the treatment of the stars the adoration of the fans and other aspects make becoming a sports star a once in a lifetime adventure. It is something that young boys dream about and fathers secretly hope in the back of their minds, can happen to their child. Because of the increasing size of contracts and the sponsorship opportunities that go with the game, students now are often opting to leave high school and turn pro. "
Abstract This paper is a study of how students in elementary schools with widespread computer usage in the classroom exhibit improved motor skills, enhanced mathematical thinking, increased creativity and earn higher scores on tests that involve critical thinking skills and problem solving ability.
From the Paper "Over the last few years, technology has advanced rapidly and there have been hundreds of published studies investigating its effect on education and indicating the benefit of a variety of technology-rich educational environments for learners. Some of the current literature supports the idea that a variety of technologies can be powerful components in accomplishing educational goals, particularly for elementary school students. Students are able to "develop a broad, deep, and creative understanding of community, culture, economics and international politics, past and present, and acquire the social skills to work across differences and distances" (Riel, 1993) by providing "an array of tools for acquiring information and for thinking and expression [allowing] more children more ways to enter the learning enterprise successfully. "
This paper is an analysis of the " No Child Left Behind Act of 2001" (NCLB Act) that would provide all children with equal education opportunities, no matter what their economic situation.
Abstract This paper examines the affects of the "No Child Left Behind Law" on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that was originally passed in 1965. The paper defines the new law and then examines how it was supposed work. Some of the topics discussed include discussion of Title 1 with great detail about whether or not the law will be implemented as it was intended, paying close attention to the weaknesses in the legislation. The paper looks at individual states' compliance, the question of funding in middle schools for extra reading programs and the challenge of getting the information out about the law and the schools' rights under it. The author also points out it should assist in the improvement of the quality of educators and hold low-performing schools accountable and demand improvement. The law will also mean big changes in testing policies for elementary and middle schools, changes in the state accountability systems and increased state and local government involvement in the education systems in order to monitor compliance with the new regulations for funding.
From the Paper "While a determined band of educators, advocates, and their philanthropic clique have pushed hard over the past decade and a half to improve the achievement and development of young adolescents, federally funded programs have practically ignored these students. Title I funds touched them infrequently, focusing chiefly on elementary school grades. Vocational education funds were for high school students. Safe and Drug Free Schools, Gear Up, and fractions of other programs helped students in the middle grades a bit, but no federal money supported their core academic learning."
