Abstract KenzaburoOe's novel entitled "A Personal Matter" is a personal narrative of the travails that he and his family went through during post-World War II Japan, a period wherein the country's citizens are experiencing suffering as a result of their nation's defeat in the war. This paper discusses an emergent theme that dominates the novel, which is the fatalistic attitude that the protagonist of the novel, Bird, assumes. Remarkably, the novel illustrates Bird's shift from being fatalistic to being an individual in control of himself and the course of his 'fate.' The discussion in this paper analyzes how this transition happens in "A Personal Matter," and how, through the theme of fatalism and concept of destiny, Oe's novel reflects Japanese society at a time when society is still struggling from a downfall politically and economically, to the detriment of the country's people. In effect, this paper argues that Bird's transition from being fatalistic to being a decisive individual reflects his eventual subsistence to asserting his control over his life, trusting and being himself in the midst of complexities in life that he faces.
From the Paper "These insights about Bird's transition from being fatalistic to decisive become apparent when accounts of his previous behavior and attitude about his son's health problems are analyzed. In the first chapter of the novel, it is evident that Bird is at a crossroads, experiencing internal struggle as he seeks to reconcile his want to become free and live life as a bachelor and need to become a good father and husband for his family. Oe characterizes Bird as a stubborn and happy-go-lucky individual, whose ultimate goal in life is to travel in Africa, and is currently experiencing the distress of being a "family man": "Was he being forced to say good-by, in spite of himself, to the single and final occasion of dazzling tension in his youth? And what if I am? There's not a thing in hell I can do about it!" (3). This last utterance by Bird demonstrates his fatalistic attitude in life, where he passively accepts life as fate presents it to him, an individual who believes that can do nothing to change his fate, since it is already pre-determined."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the book, "A Personal Matter", by KenzaburoOe. Specifically, it discusses how the name "Bird" represents the characteristics of the main character and describes how his name corresponds to the actions he takes throughout the novel. It looks at how "Bird" is the perfect name for a character that flits from person to person, flies away when times are hard, and dreams of migrating to Africa to get away from his troubles at home. Bird is not ready for fatherhood or a family, and so he abandons the "nest" for revelry and excess until he finally takes responsibility for his actions and sheds his childhood nickname forever.
From the Paper "Many of Bird's characteristics match those of the birds he is named after, from his appearance to the way he takes flight after he leaves his baby at the new hospital. He is flying away from his troubles, and acting as if he ignores them, they will disappear on the wind. This not only represents how Bird is like his namesakes, who fly away on the wind, it shows how immature he is, and how he may be 27 years old, but he is really still a boy. He would rather fly away than take responsibility for his "vegetable" son, and the only thing that gives him pleasure is running away from responsibility. Even his movements mimic that of a bird. He is often tentative, awkward, and gawky, just like an ungainly bird on land. He even reacts to adversity like a bird ? regurgitating up his whiskey like a bird regurgitates dinner for their young."
Abstract The idea of madness is one which many writers have explored. By becoming mad, people are granted leave of social, moral, and political expectations. In essence, they become free because as they take leave of their senses, they are shown the societal exit door and enter a world of their own creation. Madness, however, is not a free ticket to a different reality, it comes with a very dear price. For, by leaving logic behind and becoming ruled only by emotion, rather than making things better, events will inevitably turn for the worse. It is the purpose of this paper, then to explore the theme of madness as it appears in Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Abstract This paper discusses George Miller's 1979 film "Mad Max" and its relevance to Australian character and identity. It looks at the physical and social infrastructure depicted and the film's vision of the horrors of the world's overly dependence on costly oil fuel. The paper contends that the universal aspect of the film's hero--Mel Gibson's Max--is as significant as the movie's expression of Australian identity.
From the Paper "George Miller's film Mad Max pays homage to aspects of Australian national character constructions of gender and identity and culture. However though some critics including Lorraine Mortimer position the film as emanating from an imagined nation-community ..."
Abstract This paper examines a 2004 Wall Street Journal article on mad cow disease, and how companies, especially fast food companies, are responding to the possibility of tainted meat. It uses the example of McDonald's.
Tags:mad cow disease, mcdonald's fast food industry, marketin
Abstract This well-researched paper defines the collaborative teaching method as an approach which is geared towards all students at various levels and abilities with the main goal being the optimum maintenance of a heterogeneous classroom. This paper details the background to this particular teaching concept which is an all inclusive methodology and philosophy intended to provide a consistent education potential for all students. This paper discusses the appeal of collaborative teaching while also detailing the common characteristics of this particular method including the atypical relationship that is formed between the teacher and the student. The writer contends and explains that one of the main advantages to this particular teaching style is the flexibility and openness that this method offers. This paper also examines the published reports which claims that not enough research has been done on the issue of inclusive and collaborative learning to definitively determine its effectiveness.
Table of Contents:
Introduction: Universal Design
Definition: Inclusive Classrooms and Teaching Collaborative Teaching Definition
Legal Aspects
Collaborative and Inclusive Aspects of a Universal Design Environment
Conclusion: Advantages and Disadvantages
Bibliography
From the Paper "An important aspect of the collaborative classroom is the sharing of authority - which is an aspect which also has raised concern among many educators. The theory is that, while previously the teacher would set all tasks and work assignments, in a collaborative or inclusive teaching environment the students are invited to participate. They can for example, "... set specific goals within the framework of what is being taught, provide options for activities and assignments that capture different student interests and goals, and encourage students to assess what they learn." The teacher would then guide the student, and suggest areas for further research and learning. The teacher is therefore seen more in the role of mediator and facilitator than a traditional authoritarian figure. This approach has a number of decided educational advantages. For example, mediation from teachers in this environment assists the strident to connect to the new information provided through his or her personal experiences - making the learning process more relevant."
Tags:teaching, curriculum, student, teacher, research
Abstract The foreign language requirement has long been a component of formal education. The paper shows that several different methods exist for teaching foreign languages, including submersion and various levels of immersion teaching. In addition, foreign language teaching can be either language-driven or content-driven. This paper compares and contrasts the different methods of teaching foreign languages through immersion and submersion.
From the Paper "The language programs of the United States are based on Canadian French-language programs developed in the 1960's (Fortune and Tedick par. 3). Immersion, when used in teaching foreign languages, is the process of teaching the student using the language being taught for all or most of the school day."
Abstract An examination of the difficulties and strategies involved in teaching English grammar, especially to grade-school and high-school students. The paper emphasizes the different teaching theories of people such as Theodore Hipple, Arno Jewett, and Alan Puves.
From the Paper "Modern grammar usage is ever changing as new methods once thought incorrect are now becoming acceptable. One way in which future English teachers can help students to see, understand, and learn from their mistakes is through grammar portfolios. Generally, a student may have many grammatical errors in a first draft of a piece of writing. If a student is able to see incorrect and corrected mistakes, he or she is more likely to improve his or her future pieces of writing more efficiently."
Abstract This paper examines public education systems and the need for effective teaching. It states that education and the process of acquiring it is not a simple teach-learn process. The author uses the ideals of Paulo Freire, who declares that it is more important to know that education is not merely teaching others but it is also a process through which one learns. The paper describes that the dilemma is not the willingness to learn but it is the national education systems that have modernized and have integrated too much internationalized educational modules to the culture's identity.
From the Paper "Education reforms in the modern age has become a means to struggle against time. For the Latin American especially, the struggle was between conservatism and progressivism. A nation torn by its ancient roots and the desire to join in with modern day progressivism, the people are still in turmoil whether acceptance of modernism is the only way to achieve their goal. The root cause is inherent in the approach the people takes. Despite gaining independence in several areas, public education and its creation is still debatable among the gentry as well as the government. Proponents for education like Paulo Freire, declare that it is more important to know that education is not merely teaching others but it is also a process through which one learns as well."
Abstract This is a paper on the topic of education or teaching as a profession. The paper shows the two sides of the argument, where many say that teaching is not a profession, while others argue that it is. The paper concludes that teaching is a profession, but it is more of a craft-profession.
Abstract Summary: The overall theme is teaching as reflective or examined practice in the context of social and historical events. Each of the books is concerned with the philosophy of teaching and the structure of teacher education in the postindustrial age. Mattingly examines teacher professionalism in the nineteenth century and relates the issue to the present time. Usher and Edwards remind us that education is undergoing profound changes because of postmodernist thought.
Abstract This work examines and investigates all available peer-reviewed literature in relation to medical ethics teaching and most specifically in terms of the skills required of a teaching assistant in this initiative.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Methodology
Introduction
Review of the Literature
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Specialized skills are required of the teaching assistant if they are to be effective in their effort in a course of medical ethics. Effective teaching skills of a teaching assistant begin with knowledge of the area of study as well as being informed of the curricular goals in that study. The study of medical ethics is an area that is critical in obtaining correct and up-to-date knowledge in order to avoid medical malpractice which is a costly mistake should it occur in the physician's practice."
Abstract This paper discusses the teaching of phonics to ESL learners. According to this paper, it's imperative that classes in pronunciation are complemented with lessons in phonics. The method used to teach a small child how to speak, is the same method that should be implemented with ESL learners.
From the Paper "Why a phonics lesson should follow a pronunciation lesson when teaching ESL English The pronunciation lesson teaches the learner how to say the word. This basic ability is a prerequisite for learning the associated phonics. The ability to speak must come first, followed by the ability to recognize or write the associated phoneme/s down. In the same way, we do not teach children to write prior to their learning to speak. Why the teaching of phonics is especially important when working with ESL learners Written English has a high level of complexity, with many different ways to render the same phoneme, many rules pertaining to the rendering of phonemes, and many exceptions to the rules."
Abstract This paper, written from a religious Catholic perspective, describes the basic principles of Catholic social teachings and analyzes how these principles are applied to current social issues. Much of the paper is based on William J. Byron's work "Ten Building Blocks of Catholic Social Teaching." The paper lists the ten fundamental social principles of Catholicism, which Byron also cited in his book. The paper includes numerous quotes from the Christian Bible which are intended to support various social outlooks.
From the Paper "The very essence of the meaning which gives definition to each of these categories is based on one very specific statement of Jesus Christ when he commands that his children are to "love their neighbor as they love themselves" which is the 'golden rule' and the statement in which Jesus Christ states that the greatest commandment of all is to "Love ye, one another..." (Holy Bible, New Testament) This specific category is critical in the social teachings of the Catholic Church and in fact stated is that "...the transformation of social relationships that responds to the demands of the Kingdom of God is not fixed within concrete boundaries once and for all." (Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, 1979) An example brought to mind the account of Jesus healing on the Sabbath and assisting men with removing their oxen from a ditch on the Sabbath as well. While there are those in the crowd who taunt him about breaking the Jewish law of not laboring on the Sabbath Jesus relates to the crowd that certainly the needs of his fellow man stand higher than even the primary 'ten commandments of God, the Father. Therefore, the teaching is one of collaboration, flexible ministry in a growing and changing world. The church is effectively rendered helpless to 'go yet into the world..." and to "make ye disciples of all men..." which is called the "Great Commission" and commanded by Christ if they do not have genuine love for their fellow man because to go into that world at this time in the history of mankind is a prospect filled with the unknown in terms of both physical and spiritual safety. Therefore the church must remember to convey to followers that the only set and fixed law might be viewed as a simple reflection by humankind of the love which 'is' God. This task has been "entrusted to the Christian community..." and therein God's love either finds root and grows or falls by the way. This is called the 'Great Commission' within the Christian faith and is a process described as "...a quest for the seeds of truth and freedom sown in the vast field of humanity." (Cf. John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Redemptor Hominis, 11: AAS 71, 1979) The primary social teaching of the Christian faith and the Catholic Church social teachings are principles, which have as their basis very words of Christ who has revealed to humankind that the very essence or character of God is 'Love'. (1 John 4:8) as he brings his children to the understanding that "the fundamental law of human perfection, and consequently the transformation of the world is the new commandment of love." (Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, 2004) "
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the profession of teaching. The paper reports from a personal perspective, openly reflecting the opinion of the writer. According to the paper, classroom observation is probably the most effective tool a student teacher can use to compare and contrast what he or she thought teaching would be like with what it is actually like in an every day setting.
Outline:
Introduction
Diversity
From the Paper "In the preschool setting there is an automatic diversity in abilities because children are at different levels based on their age and their developmental growth(Womg, 2004)."
"As I was observing both the inclusion classroom and the regular education classroom I was struck by the willingness of students to learn new things . Both settings provided a benchmark opportunity for me to develop lesson plans that I could compare with the teacher's plans and each time I found that my plans fell short of expectations with the students(Safer, 2003)."
"As I began to realize that I was expecting less than they were capable of I realized that some of my preconceived notions about the teaching profession were coloring my viewpoint."
