This paper assesses the federally legislated education initiative, No Child Left Behind and argues that, while there are some shortcomings to NCLB, it has produced a generally positive impact.
Abstract This essay assesses No Child Left Behind (NCLB), an act developed by federal legislation that authorizes programs intended to improve academic performance through new standards of accountability by schools, school districts, and states. The author makes the argument that, while there have been inconsistent findings regarding NCBL's effectiveness, the act has stimulated the adolescent to greater academic achievement by involving various forms of competition, while motivating students to identify with the school, to excel over self and over other schools.
Outline:
Overview of the NCLB Act
Mandates of the NCLB (2002)
Mission Viejo High School and District Scores
How Teachers and School Districts Meet NCLB Demands
Impact of the NCLB on US Adolescent Education
From the Paper "Another means by which teachers and school districts meet NCLB demands consists of incentives and resources provided by law. Annual testing is done against standards, and achievement results are analyzed and reported. Technical assistance is provided. As of 2006, highly qualified teachers were provided for core academic subject areas, along with highly qualified aides (Ruiz, 2002). The law also provides support for students with special needs or who have difficulty meeting the standards. The law also provides scientifically proven programs and strategies to help teachers and school districts to meet the standards. Funding for the same purpose to districts and states has amounted to one billion dollars. That money is used for teacher professional development, reading readiness programs for preschool children, and education technology (Ruiz, 2002)."
Tags: education initiatives, federal legislation, achievementminoritiesmotivation
Abstract The author of this paper states that motivation and learning have long been inter-related and continues by positing that the two concepts are mutually interdependent since how much a person learns depends on how much the person is motivated and studies and, the more the person learns, the higher the motivation to study further. To put it in less complex terms, students who enjoy school life and show a willingness to make the most of the school environment are more likely to learn. In the paper, the author discusses various theories of motivation. This is followed by a discussion on research pertaining to the area of teacher expectancy and its effects. Finally, the writer attempts to arrive at some practical suggestions, which teachers, reflecting upon their own classroom practices, might find useful to enhance student motivation in the classroom. The paper includes one table.
Contents:
Introduction
Theories of Motivation Person-as-machine theories - psychoanalytical and behavioural theory
Person-as-Rational-Thinker - cognitive theory of achievementmotivation Attribution Theory
Self-efficacy Theory and Self-worth Theory
Achievement Goal Theory
Cognitive theory and the primary school child
Teacher expectations - theory and research
Factors affecting teacher expectations
Teacher behavior toward high- and low- expectancy students
Teacher expectations and motivation - personal experience and classroom practice
Motivation and teacher expectations
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "At this point I'd like to share some of my own personal experience. My interest in this area arose from the fact that I experimented with my expectations during the past scholastic year. I don't know if it is the case elsewhere, but at our school, on the first day, it is common practice for teachers to exchange information about their students. Since I teach the higher class, in primary school, I am always on the receiving end and listen to my colleagues' evaluations of my new students, their family history and other details. To be honest I find this practice unnerving. I would have seen my students for barely a couple of hours and would like to form my own impressions of them.
"Last October, I decided to pay attention to their comments in so far as to delineate those students whom other teachers classified as low-achievers or not motivated. I then embarked on a mission to try to convey to these students high-expectations. There was a girl I particularly targeted. She was very creative but I knew she had achieved poorly the previous year and had not shown much involvement in class. As I started to expect more out of her and gave her support and encouragement, her attitude changed completely. By the end of the year she was one of the average students as regards achievement tests and her project work was so good that we held an exhibition which featured primarily her work."
Abstract This paper examines certain theories that make people work harder to achieve their goals. This paper shows that our behaviors, particularly our desire to strive to achieve a goal, are influenced by several factors and that these factors can be manipulated to control behavior. The author examines the idea that a person's perception of his ability to achieve success is more important than his actual ability to do so.
From the Paper "A manager who constantly threatens with punishment and tells his employees they are worthless and lazy can expect nothing more than to have worthless, lazy employees. If he tells his employees that they are the best in the business, then he can expect no more than the best efforts that his employees can give. Involving the employees in decisions and letting them make suggestions will give them a more internal locus of control. Setting reasonable goals and giving positive encouragement to achieve them will make them want to do even more than expected. Applying the principles of expectancy/value theory and attribution theory can cause employees to be self-motivated into achieving ever-greater levels of success."
Abstract The paper takes a look at how a company has created an intense and competitive work environment in which each employee is remunerated based on his performances but this is not embraced by all staff members, as they feel reticent to the idea of not having a stable and guaranteed income.The paper discusses how the company implements its program and how it fails to satisfy its employees.The paper also talks about how these failures could be resolved e.g. by introducing motivational strategies, which would in turn satisfy both the management as well as the employees and thus individual goals and corporate goals would be achieved.
From the Paper "The organization depends directly on the performances of the staff members; in other words, the company's profits are given by the numbers of contracts signed. Keeping this in mind, it would be implicit that the management placed an increased emphasis on motivating their employees. The motivational philosophy forwarded by the top management revolves around an increased employee on the job satisfaction, which would in the end result in increased performances and consequently, higher corporate profits. However the philosophy is generally good, the actual implementation is rather poor. In this instance, the operational management seems to be more focused on the performances of the staff members, rather than their on the job satisfaction. And whenever an employee is unsatisfied with the working conditions, the management pats them on the back, ensures them they do a great job, that they are a valuable asset to the organization and maybe throws in a modicum of salary raise."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses motivation as an important factor that decides the outcome of learning. The writer provides a brief overview of the subject of motivation in the context of its effect on the learning outcome. In the process, the writer studies some real life examples to illustrate how motivation greatly shapes success. The writer concludes that motivation is the single most important factor that decides the learning outcome of children. Further, the writer notes that even among adults, motivation is the vital characteristic that drives them to develop new relationships, continue to learn and accumulate knowledge, adapt new strategies and increase their leadership potential.
Outline:
Thesis
Introduction
Motivation Motivation (Extrinsic and Intrinsic)
Theories of Motivation (Three Theories)
Reasons for Lack of Motivation Improving Student Motivation Real Life Examples
Helen Keller
Benjamin Franklin
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "According to the Attribution theory, the motivation level of students is largely determined by three factors namely, internal- external, Stable-unstable and controllable-uncontrollable. If students ascribe their failure to external or uncontrollable factors then motivation levels are considerably low. This is important because parents and teachers have considerable impact on students in terms of their expectations and the self-belief of the students. The Goal theory on the other hand revolves around what students perceive as the main reason for their achievement. Ability goal orientation and task goal orientation are the two different perceptions in the goal theory of motivation. In the first case students' view competence and display of skills as the motivating factors while in the latter self-improvement and knowledge accumulation are the main motivating factors. Studies have revealed that students with 'Task goal orientation' have better learning outcomes in terms of the quality, as they exhibit greater willingness to learn from their peers without any prejudice."
Abstract Motivation is probably one of the most important factors affecting a student's learning progress and achievement in school. This paper examines Carl H. Rinne's 1998 article, "Motivating Students Is a Percentage Game", in which the author identifies the root cause of motivation. The paper critiques the article, showing its important points, as well as its failures.
From the Paper "When a teacher introduces innovation and experimentation in the classroom, he can easily capture students? interest. By doing the same tasks differently, he removes the air of boredom that generally permeates regular lessons and makes the student sit up and take notice. But novelty can only be used as the first step, which must be backed up with some other technique in order to sustain interest. The author believes that novelty can soon wear off and thus requires the help of other techniques. However it can play an important role in attracting students? attention."
Abstract This study aims to investigate what critical factors are necessary for staff and faculty to adopt in the classroom to raise achievement among multicultural students. The study includes qualitative analysis of factors contributing to student achievement so that a grounded theory can be adopted with regard to what factors truly influence student success. A survey methodology is proposed to analyze what factors teachers and students feel contribute to achievement in and outside the classroom.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Significance of Study
Preliminary Literature Review
Methods
From the Paper "There is a large body of evidence, which suggests that cooperative learning is useful in encouraging student interaction in the classroom and impacting student achievement (Vaughan, 2002). The extent to which cooperative learning can aid multicultural students however has not been thoroughly investigated; in fact, cooperative learning is believed to be of most use in small settings of heterogeneous population groups (Vaughan, 2002). It is based on principles including group accountability, collaborative skills and group processing as well as positive interdependence (Vaughan, 2002). The extent to which these skills can be translated to multicultural populations has yet to be examined in greater detail (Banks, 2001)."
Abstract This seven-page research paper will present a critical analysis of the article "Perceived purposes of sport among recreational participants: The role of competitive dispositions" by the renowned author Todd A. Ryska (2002). While examining the article for it's content, theme and approach, the paper will highlight the role of competitiveness, motivational goals and how the achievement theory of motivation influences the sportsman's perception thereby evoking his various emotions and bringing a change in the personality in general and behavior as well as performance in particular.
Abstract This paper examines how music education requires different motivating concepts than other areas of the curriculum. The paper explains that this difference is evident because the student of music presents specific factors that are particular only to music learning. For example, by high school age the music student has generally experienced some type of vocal or instrumental training prior to entering a high school program. Those students that are new to music education must be evaluated, as well as motivated in different ways. Students in a music education program may also desire to work toward a career in music, while other students may only possess a slight interest in music. The paper also explains that, while each music education program is different, one primary element that remains the same is the student and that awakening the student's desire to achieve goals is essential to music education today.
Abstract This paper points to the literature that explains how and why some students become motivated to do well in school and others do not. The paper refers to Albert Bandura's important work in psychology, in particular his learning tool of "self-efficacy," which measures confidence and reinforces positive goal-setting as a way of building the power of motivation within one's own self.
From the Paper "This aspect of self-efficacy carries over into a student's writing abilities; and a writer with a "strong sense of confidence" may excel while writing an essay because there will be less apprehension over the quality of what the writer is trying to express. The writer may have some doubts about whether the essay is going to be strong enough (or not), but self-efficacy provides the "resiliency in the face of adversity," Pajares explains.
"That means, once a student has confidently said to himself, before launching into a project, that he can do this (self-assessment is a big part of motivating one's self), there is resilience (a resistance to giving up when the writing gets a little tough) that pushes the student on. After all, he has said out loud or perhaps written down his confident belief that he can complete the assignment, and the echo of that promise to himself is powerful, if of course it was sincere in the first place."
Abstract The paper states that employers and employees have expectations from each other: Employers have standards of the type and nature of work that they can expect from their employees and the employee expects to be financially rewarded so as to maintain his standard of living. The paper concedes that a good relationship is achieved only when these needs are balanced and there are no perceived discrepancies. Further, the paper continues that employers hire individuals based on the skills and the capabilities that they can bring to complete a given task, with the understanding that an individual who is constantly growing and developing, is an asset for both the company and society as a whole.
Outline:
Discussion
The Role of Organizational Culture and Structure
Effectiveness of Performance Management and Appraisal System
Conclusion
From the Paper "Different organizations use different methods to evaluate employee performance and determine how rewards are handed out. Some of the factors that are evaluated at the employee review stage are--knowledge of work, quality and quantity of work performed, cooperation and team involvement, problem solving, communication, problem solving and attendance and punctuality. The goal of conducting a review is to judge in an un-biased manner if the performance of the employee matches the goals and objectives of the organization.
Organizations use performance measurement in different arenas--from financial planning to contingency planning and management to quality issues. (Presswire, 2004) Performance measures can be used by organizations to understand and analyze the issues facing the organizations and provide viable solutions for the issues. (Barrington, 2004) A brief review of some of the most common performance review methods are discussed below along with the effectiveness and the shortcomings of this concept in general."
Abstract This paper attempts to explore the capacity of minors in the United States to form contracts, to break contracts and their legal liabilities for doing so. The paper touches on issues including the rights of other parties to such a contract and the concept of emancipation of minors. The paper defines minors and age of majority and also presents a historical context.
From the Paper "The law of contracts is concerned with the rules governing legal agreements. Contractual capacity is the minimum competence required by law for a party who enters into a contract to be bound by it. Certain persons are not considered to have sufficient capacity to be bound to or by contracts they may sign. A minor is normally deemed not to have such capacity. A minor is a person who does not have the legal rights of an adult."
Abstract This four page undergraduate paper examines crime statistics, which indicate that minorities commit more crimes and are arrested more often by law enforcement authorities. The writer notes that statistics can be misleading. The writer further points out that crime is more prevalent in minority neighborhoods because of poverty, drugs, and despair, but statistics tend to exaggerate minority crime rates because minorities are targeted more often for attention and arrest than whites.
From the Paper "Malley notes that racial profiling is a recent law enforcement strategy that enables police officers to stop and question African-Americans or other minorities, simply because statistics indicate that minorities commit more crimes."
This paper addresses how the advent and the history of minorities in sporting events has actively promoted the gradual acceptance of minorities in society as a whole.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, 2002, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper addresses how the advent and the history of minorities in sporting events has actively promoted the gradual acceptance of minorities in society as a whole. However, this paper also examines how sporting events has actively served to decrease social stereotypes in many respects but also has served to encourage these stereotypes in several prominent and avoidable ways.
Tags: SPORTS / POLITICAL ISSUES (INTERNATIONAL, OLYMPICS, DRUG TESTING), minorities sports public
Abstract This paper provides a literature review on the subject of asthma in racial and ethnic minorities. The review focuses on the risk factors that contribute to greater asthma prevalence and poorer asthma control and treatment in racial and ethnic minorities.
Outline:
Introduction
Asthma Prevalence, Morbidity, and Mortality
Factors Contributing to a Higher Prevalence of Asthma in Minorities Disparities in Asthma Control and Treatment
Conclusions
From the Paper "Minorities, the poor, adult women, and children under the age of 18 are disproportionately affected by asthma (ALA, 2007a). According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (2007) African American children had a 17% prevalence of asthma, compared to 12% in Non-Hispanic Whites, 10% in Hispanics, 10% in Native Americans, and 6% in Asians. In adults however, Native Americans had the highest rates of asthma, with a 16% prevalence compared to 11% in African Americans, 10% in Whites, 8% in Asians, and 8% in Hispanics. Puerto Rican adults had a higher prevalence of asthma than most races, with an 11.6% prevalence (CDC, 2004). This fact is masked by the lower rates of asthma in other Hispanic subgroups.
Regardless of age, African Americans were more likely to be hospitalized and to die because of asthma complications compared to all other races, even when taking into account the higher prevalence rates of asthma in this group. Compared to Whites, African American children were 4-5 times more likely to be hospitalized due to asthma, while African American adults were 3-4 times more likely to be hospitalized, and they were also five times more likely to use the emergency department (ED) to seek asthma care (KFF, 2007). African Americans were disproportionately represented in deaths due to asthma even when socioeconomic status was accounted for --they represent only 12.1% of the population, but they account for 25% of all asthma deaths (ALA, 2007a)."
