Abstract This paper examines the research on the effectiveness of teaching in mixed-grade classrooms as compared to single-grade classrooms, with a particular emphasis on academic achievement and an even more specific math performance. The paper investigates the historical and cultural forces that shaped the one-age/one-grade classroom as a way of identifying the underlying pedagogical assumptions about the primacy of single-age teaching in he 21st century.
From the Paper "We are now so accustomed to the idea that students should be segregated from each other along narrow age bands that must of us do not question the efficacy and the rightness of doing so. But, of course, the idea that children should be placed into grades defined by age and separated from their peers is a recent trend in education as we well know. The practice is based as much in historical and social beliefs and circumstances as it is in sound pedagogy, and recently some schools have begun to ask whether single-grade classrooms are in fact the most effective atmosphere in which to teach elementary-age students. This paper examines the research on the effectiveness of teaching in mixed-grade classrooms to that of teaching in single-grade classrooms with a particular emphasis on academic achievement and an even more specific focus on how well students in both kinds of classrooms perform in math. Before looking at how these two types of classroom environments serve their students in the 21st century, it will be useful to examine the historical and cultural forces that shaped the one-age/one-grade classroom to begin with as a way of identifying the underlying pedagogical assumptions about the primacy of single-age teaching."
Abstract This paper examines the concept of multi-age classes to overcome the idea that grade-defined instruction may not adequately meet the needs of heterogeneous groups of children due to differing levels of ability. It looks at the advantages of these classes and analyzes, through a literature review, how this type of classroom measures up in comparison to the traditional, grade-defined classroom and whether it benefits or hinders the learning experiences of students.
From the Paper "Multi-age classrooms often involve activities that promote cooperative learning, in which groups of students of various ages are formed and work on projects together. For instance, a teacher covering a unit on forests may have mixed-age student groups, say ages 6 to 8, work on class presentations, in which 6 year olds make posters of pictures of plants and animals found in the forest, 7 year olds write stories about things that happen in the forest, and 8 year olds discuss how plants on the forest floor grow due to photosynthesis. These groups of multi-age students would then be encouraged to organize class presentations containing the work of students of all ages. This type of learning situation would allow children to grow academically and socially through learning interactions with others of various ages."
Tags: students, grade, teacher, tests, parents, children
Abstract This paper explains that grades signify an end, a final evaluation of a finished piece; however, by not grading, teachers signal that a piece can still be revised, which recognizes that writing is a recursive process that requires various stages of revision. The author evaluates two alternatives to traditional grading: Minimal grading using codes to communicate with students, such as exclamation points to show approval, a question mark to point to an unclear passage or a check to indicate an error, and achievement grading or contract grading, which allows students to receive credit for the work accomplished---the more work students do, the higher their grade. The paper recommends that students as young as first grade should be encouraged to revise their writing in response to teacher feedback, which should focus specifically on student's writing strengths and weaknesses that is the type of feedback they can't get from conventional letter grades.
From the Paper "In too many classrooms, "grades are wages students earn in exchange for their labor." Teachers assign papers as work, students create papers as products and grades are exchanged as currency. Students who enter school with the appropriate skills are rewarded; they know how to write a paper and just have to figure out what the teacher wants to read. Students who lack those skills begin the writing process already at a disadvantage; unless they are explicitly taught how to write, they will continue to receive low grades. It is the students lacking these basic skills -- who view writing as threatening, are unmotivated, or are learning the conventions of English, who we need to advocate for when thinking about the effects of traditional grading."
Abstract Stress is sometimes associated with the perception of having too much to do and too little time. This paper examines the cause and effect of stress in students as a result of the pressure to get good grades. It discusses the psychological and physiological symptoms such as headaches, stomach pains, back pains and dizziness and evaluates the ways students can learn to cope better with their workloads such as tutoring, study groups etc. The paper also discusses the positive side of stress, how it can motivate and help achieve more.
From the Paper "The pressure to get good grades is sometimes caused by parents who want their students to go to a good college or get a scholarship. Sometimes parents needlessly turn their children into "super kids" who believe that they must do everything right. In order to meet their parents' expectations, students are liable to cheat on class assignments or take drugs to help them cope with the stress. Sometimes students become depressed or rebel from the pressure to get good grades."
Tags: academic, standard, grade, point, average, exam, college, scholarship
Abstract This paper studies the impact culture has on the aging process and discusses the concepts of successful aging, productive aging and comfortable aging. The author looks, in particular, at the American culture and how it affects the process of aging and concludes that as the American culture attaches a great deal of significance on financial independence and individualism, these are the factors that will contribute to the behavior of elderly people and their mentality as they age.
From the Paper " It is worth mentioning that every culture has its own behavioral code for every age group, therefore, there are certain stereotypes or standards, which should be met. Analyzing the impact of American culture on the process of aging, disease management and pain control, we must first identify the main features of American mentality. Having West-Indian origins, American culture can be characterized by the fear of aging; probably, it would be better to say the fear of death. Therefore, the elderly attempt to decelerate the process of aging in every possible way, for instance anti-aging drugs or plastic surgery."
Tags:aging concepts, health and mental well-being, independence
Abstract This paper defines and clarifies the debate over different types of aging. Starting with the revolutionary work of Havighurst in the late 1960's and incorporating research from the present day, this paper defines the three central components of aging: physiological, psychological (cognitive), and social. Numerous examples of both successful and unsuccessful aging across all three components are described, and backed by empirical research. No clear "recipe" for successful aging can be given, but this paper is a thorough and modern overview of this facet of psychology as it stands today.
From the Paper "In the late 16th century the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon set out on a quest to discover the fountain of youth. Intruding into uncharted and hostile Indian Territory, de Leon was struck dead by an arrow to his heart, at the age of 47. Today millions of Americans and billions worldwide are experiencing the golden years that evaded De Leon. But does older age necessarily equate to 'golden years'? Since at least the 1960s gerontologists have been developing conceptual frameworks, called schema, to describe ideal outcomes of the aging process. One of the most commonly used terms to describe good old age is "successful aging", often attributed to R.J. Havighurst (1961). This concept lies at the core of the practice of gerontology; the Havighurst article appeared as the first conceptual piece in the first issue of the discipline's prime publication, The Gerontologist. Defining 'successful' aging has been an issue of debate ever since. However, a complete definition must include at least three components: physiological, psychological (or cognitive), and social. It also must be able to be clearly distinguished from the opposite end of the spectrum, namely, 'unsuccessful' aging."
Tags:age, alzheimer, cognitive, development, developmental, geriatric, geriatrics, gerontology, havinghurst, old
Discusses the inevitability of aging and some of the changes that come along with aging as well as optimistic and hopeful philosophy that should be applied to the aging process.
Abstract This paper presents a philosophy of aging that emphasizes hope and commitment. Positive outcome of aged people staying productive, busy and engaged in meaningful ways. Importance of helping older individuals live in dignity in the final stage of their lives.
From the Paper "Aging is inevitable and is accompanied by many challenges and opportunities. Most elderly people, even those fortunate enough to live in advanced countries where high quality medical care is readily available and easily affordable, experience some decline in their physical functionality. Most also experience a series of losses that can include the loss of a spouse or partner, of friends, of an occupation that has helped to define the individual and of a certain amount of autonomy.Even among the healthy and somewhat..."
A discussion and analysis of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) that was signed by Congress in 1967 as a method of addressing the arbitrary policies that many industries had in the country relating to older workers.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 9 sources, 2006, $ 71.95
Abstract This paper presents an overview of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), explaining that it specifically relates to workers of age 40 and older, as Congress believed that this was the age when there was the most evidence of age discrimination. The paper explains that the ADEA directly focuses on a number of issues that affect concerns of age discrimination. These issues include the hiring of employees, the promotion of employees, the salaries of employees and the ability of the company to discharge workers. The paper further explains that the Act discusses the publication of materials for workers that relates to their employment and how these publications may have a direct impact on the interpretation of the ADEA in courts.
Abstract This paper looks at the physical and mental aspects of aging, exploring how people regard old age. This includes how old people feel about being old, what they regret most about old age, what they feel about young people and old age as a state of mind.
From the Paper "While aging takes its toll on the body and there are many effects of aging which we simply cannot escape from, there are also many misconceptions held about aging especially by younger people. For instance, many people believe that when you grow old, there is no potential for growth, learning and being actively engaged in life. While this is true of some people, it is not true for the majority of the elderly who live happy productive lives."
Abstract This essay compares and contrasts two articles that deal with age as an area of social historical concern in terms of their overall contribution to the this topic. The articles to be analyzed are "Cartoons and Commissions: Advice to Junior Farmers in Post war Ontario", by Linda Ambrose and "Renovating the Canadian Old Age Home: The Evolution of Residential Care Facilities in BC 1930-1960", by Megan J. Davies. The essay briefly outlines the content of the two papers and attempts to answer the following questions: What are the major focuses of the authors in respect to the subject of age? Have these focuses changed over time? Which author makes a more substantial contribution to the question of age in social history and why?
This paper is a discussion of how and why economic growth was sparked in the Stone Age, specifically stating that climatic changes, geographic factors, and the growth of settlements with larger populations were the largest factors.
Abstract This paper discusses the economic growth that occurred during the Stone Age and aligns with Marshall Sahlins' view that the Stone Age was a society of affluence, stipulating that an affluent society is one in which material desires are easily fulfilled, as long as the needs of the people are few. The author argues that the primary factor in economic growth of the Stone Age was the climatic change that followed the end of the Ice Age. These climate changes caused food shortages, which in turn necessitated the development of tools for hunting. Later, in areas where geographic conditions were ideal, agriculture developed, which in turn spurred greater economic growth.
From the Paper "The Neolithic Age was preceded by the rise of agricultural activities in several Stone Age communities. In general, the Neolithic period is seen primarily as an economic phenomenon, and its essence is seen as consisting in the new phenomenon of agriculture (Thomas). Of course, this did vary from region to region. By 5000 BC, peasant communities existed in Palestine, Iraq and Iran, and soon thereafter they appeared in India, Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean (Hawkes and Woolley 8). On the other hand, in Europe hunting persisted for thousands of years, and change came much more slowly. Moreover, Thomas argues that the situation was quite different in southern Britain, and possibly also in other parts of Britain, and in Ireland. The point Thomas wishes to make is that 'the Neolithic in Britain was not characterized by a single economic system' (7)."
Tags: affluence, Ice Age, geographic location, food shortage, agriculture development
Abstract This paper studies the problematic age of legal consent in the United States in general and Maryland specifically. It analyzes the importance of maturity in making this decision and argues that maturity and reason is not necessarily decided by age. The author sees that the law seems to divert focus to age rather than to consent. It gives an example of a story about minors having consensual sex but not necessarily willingly. It concludes that children who are immature should be protected from rash decisions in order to make sure they don't get emotionally and physically scarred.
From the Paper "Here's something you probably didn?t know, boys and girls! According to the ?Legal Age of Consent Website,? the legal age of consent in the state of Maryland is fifteen. In layperson's terms this means that before the age of fifteen, even if you want to say ?yes, yes, yes,? a la Meg Ryan in ?When Harry Met Sally,? certain rules and restrictions may apply. This is reasonable, correct? After all, you are minors. You all have certain special legal protections and privileges (Such as making sure your legal guardian gives you bread, McDonald's milkshakes, and board. Such as the fact mall security noticed those platform shoes you just happened to walk out of Delia's with won"t be a part of your permanent record). Why shouldn"t the law also reserve an interest in protecting you from your own potential lapses in judgment so you can better become a happy and healthy adult? The image of a fifteen-year-old-girl dating a college student probably not only seems like a huge lapse to your parents and to the world at large but to many of your own minds as well."
Abstract This paper examines the pros and cons of lowering the legal drinking age from 21 to 18. The author looks at several issues including the issue of binge drinking, and the amount of alcohol consumed among 18 to 21 year olds. The author points out the absurdity by showing that at 18 you can get married, vote, be drafted, assume debt and even buy a gun, but in many states, you cannot drink. The political debate over lowering the drinking age is also examined.
From the Paper "The problems associated with driving and drinking have not decreased due to raising the legal drinking age to 21 years old.Among the "binge" drinkers (those consuming over five drinks at one sitting at least once a week), eighteen percent of students over age 21 classify themselves as heavy drinkers compared to twenty-two percent of those under 21 years of age (Engs 1b). So even though drunk driving problems have decreased over the last two decades, there has been an increase in lower grades, missing classes, getting into fights and vomiting after drinking (Engs 1b). Society's approach to controlling underage drinking is not working and is in fact counterproductive(Engs)."
Abstract This paper compares the rules and theories set forth by St. Augustine to those followed by citizens of the Middle Ages who sought to be chivalrous. It studies both codes which represent the pinnacle of Medieval society. It describes the many classes in the Middle Ages including The Feudal Class, the Religious Class and more. It includes an historical overview of the Middle Ages and the spread of Christianity at the time.
From the Paper "It is interesting to note that St. Augustine's City of God was written in the Fifth Century, which is generally considered to be the onset of the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages gained notoriety and expanded mainly due to the spread of Christianity. St. Augustine's Christian beliefs, coupled with the chivalric code, seemed to serve the theoretical basis for the foundation that the Middle Ages were built on.
"The order of the chivalric code and St. Augustine's rules also show the importance of religion in society. St. Augustine's code begins with the general statement, ?Before all else, dear brothers, love God and then your neighbor, because these are the chief commandments given to us.? This general plea not only serves as the precursor for St. Augustine's code, but would not be out of place if it was written right before the code of chivalry. There are many aspects of the chivalric code which support the general statement made by St. Augustine. They include, "thou shalt be generous, and give largess to everyone" and ?thou shalt love the country in the which thou wast born.? These two elements of the code of chivalry note that commoners should respect their neighbors and the country in which they live."
Abstract This paper reports the findings of an interview with a middle aged widow. Her views on the difficulties she will face as she ages are expressed. Research from the relevant literature on the topic is included.
From the Paper "The interviewee is a 57-year-old female retired teacher. This is her first year of retirement. "Nancy" was a special education teacher who left teaching twice before to pursue other interests. One time she went to work for a publisher, and the other time she left to write a book about special education. She is a widow whose husband passed away about six years ago. She has two daughters, both away from home most of the year. One is in college and the other is in graduate school. She is proud of their accomplishments and feels that she and her husband did a good job of raising them. However, neither show any interest in getting married at this time, and she doesn?t expect to have either sons-in-laws or grandchildren for some time. She reports that this is fine with her and is glad to see them getting a good start in life before they start a family. She herself had these children later in life, at age 32 and 35."
