Abstract The paper explores the dynamics of the blended family, with a focus on the children of the new family unit. The paper discusses the stages and process of "blending" a new family and examines the counseling of blended families in crisis. The paper shows how the success of the new family depends on their ability to form a cohesive group and establish boundaries. The paper concludes that more research needs to address the significant characteristics of the blended family so that family therapists can develop programs that are only available for the nuclear family.
Outline:
Social Dynamics of the Blended Family
Stages to Becoming Blended Counseling Blended Families in Crisis
Discussion and Recommendations
From the Paper "According to the 200o US Census, approximately 52-62% of all marriages end in divorce (US Census Bureau, 2001). These numbers are staggering when one considers that out of every 100 marriages 43% involve a previously married spouse. Nearly 60% of all remarriages will end in divorce (US Census Bureau, 2001). In 2001, 5.4 million children lived in a blended family consisting of one biological parent and either a stepparent or adoptive parent (Kreider & Fields, 2005). In every case, it would be easy to say that both parties had the best intentions in mind when they made the decision to marry, but something went wrong. These statistics highlight the importance of family counseling in the attempt to help families work out their problems, or help them cope when a relationship ends."
Abstract This paper explains that blended learning describes learning or training events or activities where e-learning is integrated into traditional forms of training by using many methods and resources that are derived from multiple information sources. The author points out that the unstructured learning environment, which characterizes blended learning, allows students to learn in the way that best suits them. The paper relates that on-line learning can be used in all grades but this use varies greatly depending on the grade and the teacher's own abilities to maximize the use of the computer and the Internet.
Table of Contents:
What is Blended Learning?
Characteristics of Blended Learning
Blended Learning K-12
Conclusion
From the Paper "Blended learning must take place in both an on-line and off-line setting. The dual setting of on-line and off-line learning are combined to administrate the sharing of content, establishing and continuing communication, and stimulating interaction. The web enhances learning in that it aids in the pragmatic goals as well as augmenting the pedagogical goals. Another feature is that there is both structured and unstructured learning. Unstructured learning can take place on-line through both synchronous and asynchronous conversations (ie. on-line chats and also message boards)."
Abstract This paper first defines and explains blended learning and then looks at blended learning in the academic classroom and in corporate settings. The paper discusses its advantages, particularly the differentiated instructional methods of blended learning. The research supporting blended learning is explored in the paper.
From the Paper "Differentiated instruction is one of the clearest advantages of blended learning. This allows curriculum to be custom designed to meet the needs of each student according to deGula. Differentiated instruction allows for custom designing delivery of instruction based on student needs. Students' learning styles, interests and abilities can all be factored into the curriculum. An educator then decides the curriculum content, activities, and learning environments that best serve individual students' needs. Blended learning makes all of this possible. It alters the learning environment for students though and as such, teachers have to be masters of various technologies and flexible enough to put together individualized curriculums."
Tags: education, corporate training, school business learning curriculum, differentiated instruction
Abstract This paper reviews literature which looks at arguments for and against the idea of joining the role of nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist. Arguments for suggest that the result would be an acute care clinician who integrates the clinical skills of the nurse practitioner with the systems knowledge, educational commitment and leadership abilities of the clinical nurse specialist. The paper shows that those against the idea argue that primary care practitioners play a critical role which would be diluted if blended with the other role. The paper shows that ultimately, the reasons for such a blending are more convincing than the reasons for not doing so.
From the Paper "Mick & Ackerman (2000) as well find that the two disciplines, while often blended, remain distinct at the same time, with a continuing differentiation between the two distinct practice roles. At the same time, the authors call for more emphasis on the blended roles in academia as a way of making the blended role work better. Until now, they note, the institutional value of the roles was depicted as consisting of educated technicians. There was no view that some would choose to move beyond the role of technician to scholar, but the advent of the blended role shows a broader acknowledgment of the influence of the medical model on all nursing roles."
Abstract This paper studies blended and step families, exploring their potential benefits and unique obstacles. The paper stresses the importance of counseling prior to remarriage, particularly when children are involved.
From the Paper "From adoption and surrogate parenting to increasing rates of remarriage and same-sex parents, the number of diverse family constellations in United States society continues to grow. Such constellations offer enormous benefits as well as ..."
Abstract The writer of this paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the books "Atonement" by Ian McEwan and "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien. The writer discusses how each author uses fiction to deal with reality. The paper's author says that reality is the backbone of both of these very different war novels, but contends that they both utilize reality in very different ways. Briony, the central character in "Atonement", retreats from the reality of what she thinks she has seen and creates an alternate fictional reality that blends her Cinderella dreams with reality. O'Brien, in his collection of short stories based on his own experiences in Vietnam, reshapes reality with fiction because Vietnam was a horrible experience that cannot be forgotten, and the only way to survive such a horrible experience is to blend reality with fiction so the result is easier to accept.
From the Paper "From an early age, Briony has showed an interest in writing, and even at 13, she understands many of the elements of fiction, which also help her replace reality with fiction in the very real story of Robbie and Cecelia. McEwan writes, "A crisis in a heroine's life could be made to coincide with hailstones, gales and thunder, whereas nuptials were generally blessed with good light and soft breezes" (McEwan 7). Thus, there has always seemed to be an element of unreality in Briony's life, so it would be natural for her to blend reality with fiction to create the most important story of her life. A literary critic writes, "McEwan debates fiction and fact in this historical panorama covering six decades of the twentieth century. Beginning in prewar Britain and concluding with the millennium, Atonement is a study of before and after, cause and effect, crime and punishment" (Stovel 114). Indeed, it is a novel of atonement, and so, it may have more in common with O'Brien's novel than might appear at first glance."
Abstract This is a detailed paper that combines the results from 15 studies to determine how stepmothers and stepdaughters tend to interact, as well as what factors indicate the likelihood of successful or unsuccessful blended family adjustment.
From the Paper "Research on blended families reveals that the stepmother-stepdaughter relationship has a superimposed emotional factor not present in the natural parent-child relationship, or any other blended dyad. This superimposed factor is the existence of the "wicked stepmother" myth throughout oral history. A quick look at traditional fairy tales provides a grim picture of the abusive, jealous stepmother and her long-suffering stepdaughter. Women can be seen as good surrogate mothers, but only when referred to as something other than ?stepmother.? For example, the term "foster mother" or "adoptive mother" is associated with women's unselfish, generous desires to care for orphaned children; however the term "stepmother" has connotations of neglect and abhorrence."
Abstract This is a summary of the article "Expecting dirt but saying dart: The creation of a blend memory." In order to study expectancy strategies in word recognition and reading text, another form of evidence other than predictability would be helpful. This study therefore emphasizes the use of postpriming measures.
Abstract This study examines the efficacy and advisability of blending theology and psychology in Christian counseling. Through both a quantitative and qualitative approach, the study concludes that Christian counselors and their patients are best served by approaching the profession through this integrative collaboration. Included with the study is a survey instrument of five pastors/Christian-counselors active in the profession.
Abstract
Introduction
Review of Related Literature
Methodology
Data Analysis
Summary, Conclusions & Recommendations
From the Paper "Tumultuous legal arguments, for instance, surround such issues as prayer in school, the appearance of the word, "God," in our pledge of allegiance and a historical representation of the Ten Commandments on the property of a state government building. Most succinctly, governments - federal, state and local - are allowed to do nothing that will further the acceptance of a state religion, or stymie the furtherance of another religion."
This paper researches the implications of the 1973 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex (VI) requirements on the sulfur content of fuel oil.
Abstract This paper explains that the MARPOL Annex VI protocol is concerned with the prevention of ship-source air pollution in the form of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and other air-borne pollutants, but a number of challenges remain in terms of its effectiveness and enforceability, which are the subject of this study. The author points out that the research showed that the maritime industry continues to be the largest unregulated source of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions and represents serious long-term challenges to providing viable ozone standards in coastal regions. The paper concludes that any option that involves extensive re-blending or refinery processing changes, which will almost certainly produce a marine fuel substantially different in quality than the industry standard for the past 50 years have, will be costly and therefore driven largely by economic forces. Tables.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of Problem
Research Questions
Research Methodology
Review of the Literature
Background and Overview
Operational Aspects of a Sulphur Limit on Marine Fuels
Analysis and Discussion
Implications, Effects, and Challenges Faced by Operators, Owners, Authorities on the Low Sulphur Cap
Invest in Residue Desulphurisation (RDS)
The Availability of Low-Sulphur Fuels in the Future
Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendations
Summary
Conclusion
Recommendations
From the Paper "Article 211 of the 1982 LOS Convention provides the general guidelines for vessel-source pollution; for example, Article 211(3) requires the port state to notify others, through the International Maritime Organization (IMO), of requirements to be met before a vessel is permitted to enter the port state's territorial waters. Today, the IMO has around 160 members and is headed by a secretary-general, who serves a four-year term and oversees a Secretariat staff of approximately 300--one of the smallest UN agency staffs. All members are represented in the Assembly, the IMO's primary policy-making body, which meets once every two years. The Council, originally consisting of 24 members but subsequently increased to 32 (a 1993 resolution suggested an increased membership of 40, but it remains unratified); the Council meets twice each year and is tasked with governing the organization between Assembly sessions."
Abstract The paper discusses the possibilities of using ethanol as an alternative fuel in vehicles. It examines the chemical composition, procedure of preparation and blending, as well as the pros and cons of using the substance, from an economic, environmental and practical point of view.
From the Paper "Any biological feedstocks that contain certain amounts of sugar or any material that can be converted into sugars such as cellulose and starch can be used to produce ethanol. Some examples could be sugar and sugar cane. Starch containing feedstocks such as corn can also be converted into sugar. A plant is significantly composed of a substance called cellulose which is a form of starch that can also be converted into sugar but with greater difficulty compared to the regular starch."
Abstract This paper describes the negative implications of divorce on children. The author explores issues such as growing up in a single parent or blended household, sharing holidays and living part time with each parent. Potential long-term effects and issues with adjustment are noted as well. In particular, the paper examines existing research that has shows how children are affected by the communicative aspects of divorce.
Outline:
Preview
Financial Support
Emotional Well-being
Communication Quality and Satisfaction with Parents and Peers
Adjustment in Adulthood
Discussion and Conclusions
References
From the Paper "The days of mom, dad, a dog, 2.5 children and a white picket fence have been replaced by an increasing number of single parent households due to the steadily increasing divorce rate since the 1970's (Price & McKenry, 1988). Divorce can be defined as the, "legal dissolution of a socially and legally recognized marital relationship that alters the obligations and privileges of the two persons involved" (Price & McKenry, 1988, p. 7). When two parents find it impossible to live together even for the sake of a child, they come out of the situation with a solution: divorce. Children are left to be divided and shared between the two parents who refuse to play nice. The parents are left with a solution; they no longer have obligations to each other. But the children are the ones left to suffer for they are then forced to live with one ill-equipped parent who now has to juggle raising a family, tending to the house, and to managing the financial responsibilities all alone. Some people see this as a growing concern, whereas others take the position that children are resilient and fully able to adapt to changing situations and lifestyles."
Tags:blended families, single parent, divorce, single mother, marriage, step parents, step siblings, delinquent
Abstract The paper compares and contrasts these two Renaissance interpretations of the Madonna and Child. It looks at the differing stylistic elements and discusses why the paintings are significant works of art for their timeframe. The attempt to blend the real world with the spiritual is explored and the painters? different techniques in their quest to achieve that blending are studied. The paper concludes with a concise summary of the similarities and the differences between these two paintings.
From the Paper "Raphael spent several years in Florence where he produced seventeen images of the Virgin Mary and Child. During that time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were his primary teachers, which would account for his stylistic rendering of the Madonna and Child. The Small Cowper Madonna, which was done in oil on wood and was completed around 1505, reflects the innovations that he learned form his years with Leonardo. He mirrored the Florentine method of painting that concentrated on intimacy and simplicity of the setting."
This paper discusses the ideal man and women as presented in Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Birthmark".
Abstract This paper states that, when looking at gender definitions, the context dictates the ideal characteristics for men and women. The author relates that Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" shows the victory of the physical over the intellectual man, while applauding the ideal woman who craves such physicality. The author believes that Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Birthmark" pits two opposite types of men against each other representing the ideal man as a blend of the two, while representing the ideal woman as a complicated blend between intellect and beauty.
From the Paper "Each man is diametrically opposed to another male influence in his respective stories, and these opposition figures represent the physical portion of the male that is lacking from both Ichabod and Aylmer. Ichabod is opposed by both the father of his love interest, and by a competitor for Katrina's love, Brom van Brunt. Brom is the ideal of masculine strength and carries with him a certain wild frontier quality. He is a braggart, a sportsman, and a swaggering daredevil wrapped into one. Katrina's father represents the town of Sleepy Hollow; he does not look beyond his own borders, cares little if any for education, and wants to keep his town continuing the way it is, free of outsiders and outside ideas. Aylmer is opposed by his scientific assistant, Aminadab."
