Kant Theory and Justice Essay

Immanuel Kant concerns himself with deontology, and as a deontologist, he believes that the rightness of an action depends in part on things other than the goodness of its consequences, and so, actions should be judged based on an intrinsic moral law that says whether the action is right or wrong – period. Kant introduced the Categorical Imperative which is the central philosophy of his theory of morality, and an understandable approach to this moral law. It is divided into three formulations. The first formulation of Kant’s Categorical Imperative states that one should â€Å"always act in such a way that the maxim of your action can be willed as a universal law of humanity†; an act is either right or wrong based on its ability to be universalized. This belief is part of the â€Å"universal law theory† and states that to determine if an action is essentially â€Å"good† or â€Å"bad,† one must essentially imagine a world in which everyone performed that same action constantly, and imagine if this would be a desirable world to live in. If not, then it is not okay to perform the action. He believes that this â€Å"universal law† lives within us; it is not something that is imposed on us from the outside. For example if one kills oneself out of self-love, it is logically contradictory because self-love refers to respect for one’s self as a rational being and rationality is based on objective (undistorted by emotion or personal bias). So, one can never justify suicide. The maxim of killing oneself cannot possibly exist as a universal law. The second formulation states that one must â€Å"treat humanity whether in thine own person or in that of any other, in every case as an end withal, never as means only. † For example, if I were to lie to a girl so that she would choose to go out with me then I, in effect, use her. Kant would say that I treated her as a means to achieve my end, and he specifically prohibits manipulating or deceiving a person for the purposes of achieving a personal end. According to Kant, only people are valuable as ends. Any action that disregards this is in clear violation of Kantian morality, and purports to reduce an individual’s autonomy; this consequently undermines a person’s rational capability and reduces him/her to a thing. This implies that if someone robs you and takes your wallet, he is treating you as a thing and not as a person. The third and last formulation requires that one sees oneself as the source of all moral law. This simply emphasizes the fact that the moral agent is the one who chooses to act morally. This third formulation tells us to imagine ourselves as the sole lawmaker in a society, and to choose the best possible set of laws that the society of rational beings would live by. Kant believes that we all have reason within us, but some choose to respond and act upon it while others do not. We can reason the way things ought to be, and based on that is how we should act, which explains Kant’s view that a moral action must be chosen through moral reason. For example, one does not cheat on a test because one’s reason tells him or her that it is wrong, not the consequences that follow if one gets caught. Another example is that we do not need the law to tell us not to steal because it is immoral; we simply have to access our ability to reason to rationalize this. In a world where each individual recognizes his/her moral dignity and freely chooses to adopt the same universalizable moral law, all actions become good. In opposition to the Categorical Imperative is Kant’s Hypothetical Imperative, which states that a particular action is necessary as a means to some purpose. Kant believes that these actions are not always moral because they are not performed out of â€Å"pure good will† (pure duty), which is the only thing in the world that is unambiguously good. In the case of the ethical credibility of the principles of affirmative action, Kant’s Categorical Imperative provides for the basis of approval. It is primarily out of a sense of duty that a society would seek to assist its struggling members who are in need of help. The action so far seems good, but we must test its universality. Can we imagine ourselves living in a world in which all societies seek to aid the underprivileged and the disadvantaged at the slight expense of others? Absolutely yes. It is important for one to bear in mind, however, that it is the very action of helping that is being judged as inherently good or bad, and not the action’s admirable or overbearing surrounding consequences. Secondly, we must test that the action is regarding everyone involved as ends and not as means to any particular purpose. Since the aim of affirmative action is to help the current predicaments of those people who were victimized in the past, focus is placed on respecting every individual’s autonomy. In this way, we can see that affirmative action is not a devious plan that seeks to manipulate, but one that seeks to compensate by adjusting the means (circumstances) and not the ends (individuals). Lastly, we must see if the action is establishing a universal law governing others in similar situations; one should behave as if one is the absolute moral authority of the universe. Is completing this action consistent with the application of moral law? If so, the affirmative action passes these three tests and the action is good. In his â€Å"Objections to Affirmative Action†, James Sterba talks about why he believes that Affirmative Action is morally wrong. He argues that a person’s race shouldn’t control his or her point of interest. Sterba argues that Affirmative Action leads to injustice and it is unfair to the white nonminority males because â€Å"it deprives them of equal opportunity by selecting or appointing women or minority candidates over more qualified nonminority male candidates. † He believes that the job of the government is to eliminate all kinds of discriminatory policies. He thinks that â€Å"alternative programs are preferable. † Thus, the government should instead promote equal opportunities through programs within agencies and departments instead of through Affirmative Action which he believes is a fancy word for discrimination. He argues that it is not fair to those who are more qualified for certain opportunities and cannot receive them either because they are not women or because they are not part of the minority. In his First Objection, he argues that Affirmative Action â€Å"is not required to compensate for unjust institutions in the distant past. † He talks about Morris’ argument that what occurred in the past is not the primary issue that puts all present-day African Americans at an unfair disadvantage; it is more about the issues of more recent origin. He makes a point that discrimination today could very well be the source of the disadvantaged disposition of African Americans and other minority groups, and it is certainly something that society could do without. The question remains that in attempting to â€Å"level the playing field† and eliminate present-day discrimination in America, is Affirmative Action a practical approach and should such a program be endorsed? The Fourth Objection goes on to say that Affirmative Action â€Å"hurts those who receive it† because in many ways the people benefitting from it would not see the need to work as hard, and it places â€Å"women and minorities in positions for which they are not qualified. † Sterba proposes that one of the solutions to this problem could be the installation education enhancement programs to compensate for any lack of skills. He believes that this will in a short time ensure that minorities are appropriately qualified for a position. In response to Sterba’s First Objection, Kant would agree that the rightness of Affirmative Action should be based upon the circumstances of the present situation and not what had occurred in the past; this is evident mainly through his a priori form of philosophical deductive reasoning that judges an action before the experience, or â€Å"in the moment. † However, Kant would disagree with Sterba’s Fourth Objection because in my opinion, Kant’s deontological theory correlates with the correctness of the affirmative action in its very aim toward helping â€Å"the right† people. Affirmative action has not significantly diminished gender, racial, and all other forms of discrimination, but the action has promoted equality and diversity to a large extent. In a world where everyone performs the â€Å"good will,† there is justice; and the installation of this program only serves to come closer to this justice. Discrimination is wrong because it violates a person’s basic and intrinsic moral rights. Thus, in itself the adoption of this program is an action that is good because without Affirmative Action it is true in many ways that minorities would remain at a disadvantaged position in the educational system and not be allowed the opportunity to exercise their true potential. Kant would argue that it is a duty out of â€Å"good will† to treat people equally. The concepts of equality and autonomy are emphasized in the nature of this program because it strives to treat everyone as a free person equal to everyone else. According to Kant, one should be treated as ends not as mere means. It can be argued that African Americans at a disadvantaged position were being treated as means by the dominant culture to achieve its own ends in the system. Discrimination cannot exist as a system of nature because those who discriminate would not want to be similarly discriminated against if things were reversed, and so Affirmative Action is justified because it aims to open the door of opportunities to those who have been oppressed for years. That being said, Kant would examine the action itself and not the consequences of the action. When making decisions, one has to put oneself into other people’s shoes and see if one wants to be treated the same way others have been treated; it is a duty to treat others as we ourselves want to be treated. Affirmative Action not necessarily needed in this society to reduce the inherent inequalities that are still existent, but it can certainly be used to assist in leveling the playing field. Affirmative Action has been successful on a short term basis, that is, in increasing the representation of minorities (including women) in areas of employment, education, and business from which they have been historically excluded. However, on the long term basis it can be argued that the program only serves to perpetuate a cycle of need. Kant advocates the idea of equality through his deontological theory by saying that all people deserve equal treatment as rational ends in themselves and that this should never be compromised by the flaws in any social system.

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What three costs do pennies impose on society? A. The cost of metal used In pennies has gone up beyond the face value of the coin itself. So manufacturing pennies is not worth. It takes approximately 1. 8 cent to create one penny coin. Eventually this cost will be suffered by the society. B. Pennies are not worth the time to count or store In the current economic market. C. Pennies result In dead weight transaction In the economy. 2. Are U. S. Coins fiat money or commodity money? Other than pennies and nickels, U. S. Runners today is fiat, the face value being bestially more than the value of the metal or paper. 3. Why such a slow recovery? Name the explanations for the slow US recovery John Taylor reject. Explain his reasoning. Slow Recovery- Gap does not close between Potential GAP and Real GAP. This is due to variety of macro and micro reasons. Macro reasons – long time low interest rates, debates about the size of multiplier Micro reasons – demand for housing, stimu lus package aimed at health care, excessive risk taking Secondly the growth rate of Real GAP was very low.Due to low growth rate, Employment recovery as weak, causing big fraction of working age population not working. 4. Which argument does John Taylor find most convincing? John finds bad economic policy being the major reason for slow economic growth- like stimulus packages, cash for clunkers, subsidies for first time home buyers. All these created short time solution but not sustainable recovery. 5. What are some of the measures of uncertainty that John Taylor considers as contributing to the slow recovery? John thinks that it is hard to make long term decision when economy is in uncertain state.The expiration of 2001-2003 tax cut, temporary cut in social security tax, expiration of unemployment benefits, delay in fix of Medicare, affordable care act taxes imposed, spending cuts – all this caused general uncertainty. 6. What are the key explanations for the slow recovery t hat Dry Lamer gives that differ from John Tailor's explanation? A. The Job market Is not strong, there are extreme Job losses. In the normal Job market scenarios the Jobs are lost, layoffs are done and people are hired back. In the current situation the Jobs are lost and workers are displaced arcing them to relocate and in many cases acquire new skills.One example is half a mil manufacturing jobs permanently displaced workers. These jobs did never come back. B. Due globalization and government policies , there are advanced technological changes in the manufacturing as well as many other industries increasing the productivity. But the low skilled labor is not competent to this technologically advanced job market. For this education system must undergo changes to create the workforce which is skilled for such jobs. 7. What three costs do pennies impose on society? Re not worth the time to count or store in the current economic market. . Pennies substantially more than the value of the metal or paper. 9. Why such a slow his reasoning. Slow Recovery – Gap does not close between Potential GAP and Real was weak, causing big fraction of working age population not working. 10. Which these created short time solution but not sustainable recovery. 11. What are some of the measures of uncertainty that John Taylor considers as contributing to the slow taxes imposed, spending cuts – all this caused general uncertainty. 12. What are the Tailor's explanation? . The Job market is not strong, there are extreme Job losses.In mil manufacturing Jobs permanently displaced workers. These Jobs did never come back. D. Due globalization and government policies , there are advanced technologically advanced Job market. For this education system must undergo changes to create the workforce which is skilled for such Jobs. 13. What three costs do pennies impose on society? A. The cost of metal used in pennies has gone up beyond the face value of the coin result in dead weight transaction in the economy. 14. Are U. S. Coins fiat money or bestially more than the value of the metal or paper. 5. Why such a slow was weak, causing big fraction of working age population not working. 16. Which these created short time solution but not sustainable recovery. 17. What are some taxes imposed, spending cuts – all this caused general uncertainty. 18. What are the Tailor's explanation? E. The Job market is not strong, there are extreme Job losses. In back. F. Due globalization and government policies , there are advanced 19. What three costs do pennies impose on society? Result in dead weight transaction in the economy. 0. Are U. S. Ions fiat money or substantially more than the value of the metal or paper. 21. Why such a slow was weak, causing big fraction of working age population not working. 22. Which these created short time solution but not sustainable recovery. 23. What are some taxes imposed, spending cuts – all this caused general uncertainty. 2 4. What are the Tailor's explanation? G. The Job market is not strong, there are extreme Job losses. In back. H. Due globalization and government policies , there are advanced 25. What three costs do pennies impose on society? Cult in dead weight transaction in the economy. 26. Are U. S. Coins fiat money or substantially more than the value of the metal or paper. 27. Why such a slow was weak, causing big fraction of working age population not working. 28. Which these created short time solution but not sustainable recovery. 29. What are some taxes imposed, spending cuts – all this caused general uncertainty. 30. What are the Tailor's explanation? I. The Job market is not strong, there are extreme Job losses. In back.

Crime Reduction Efforts in the US Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Crime Reduction Efforts in the US - Assignment Example In the consensus perspective of criminal justice, the "organizations of a criminal justice system must work cooperatively to establish justice, not competitively" ("Consensus Model (criminal justice)", n.d.). However, goodness is a multi-dimensional relative concept, and people always have different and opposing interests that may cause position or role conflicts, so achieving this goal may be impossible in practical cases. Having one consistent system means that it may only be one-sided and only favors one particular group in society. On the other hand, in the conflict perspective, the "organizations of a criminal justice system must work competitively to establish justice, not cooperatively" because conflicts are inevitable. A society is consistently subjected to a process of constant change, which produces social conflicts. Moreover, changes in customs, political ideals, and economic conditions may cause the criminal justice system to contradict itself. So this advocates the natural role of a dialectic process ("Conflict model (criminal justice)", n.d.). For me, a "true" system cannot be simply defined. Maintaining social control, enforcing laws, defining rights, and administering justice is a dynamic process because requires inspecting and updating each aspect of a justice system periodically, as aspects of culture constantly change (e.g., human social relationships, traditions, norms, the difference between ‘what is’ and ‘what should be’ and other concepts).   Considering the relativity of goodness, establishing one law that can tackle all is impossible, and the situation must be treated in a case-to-case basis (â€Å"Creating a New Criminal Justice System for the 21st Century†, 2000).   Moreover, weighing means and ends or costs and benefits before arriving at a rational choice is a subjective process, so there is no perfect system that would fit everyone.   Considering the complexity of reality (e.g., differences in social classes, ongoing issues on ethics) but with an attempt to advocate f airness, only a certain level of standardization can be established, but the standards must be consistently updated (â€Å"Creating a New Criminal Justice System for the 21st Century†, 2000).  

Juveniles should be sentenced and incarcerated as adults for violent Essay

Juveniles should be sentenced and incarcerated as adults for violent crimes, such as first degree murder - Essay Example uveniles charged with capital offences have been using the age limit to defend their clients and various state laws have been supporting this argument. The juveniles might not be in a mature state of mind to face such capital charges. Moreover, the defense has been casting the juveniles’ guilt on several on other people including their parents. Indeed, in the De’ Marquise Elkins’s murder case, the defense attempted to cast guilt upon several others, including the childs parents and the laxity in police investigations (â€Å"Associated Press† 1). Ideally, the juvenile’s parents are responsible for their children’s action and hence have a leeway to prevent them from committing capital crimes for the first time. This supports the opposition against sentencing and incarcerating juveniles for violent crimes. The courts of law should sentence and incarcerate the juveniles as adults for violent crimes because they bear sole responsible for such crimes, their innocent parents cannot bear that guilt, evidence and facts proves their guilt, and they can serve in youth corrections on the juvenile charges as they wait to join adult prisons upon conviction. Indeed, the courts should rely on concrete evidence and convict the responsible suspects regardless of their age. In De’ Marquise Elkins’s murder case, the Jurors relied on evidence and deliberated for a long time before finding De’ Marquise Elkins guilty of 11 counts, including two counts of felony murder and one count of malice murder in the March 21 killing of 13-month-old Antonio Santiago in Brunswick (â€Å"Associated Press† 1). The court has a duty to place criminal responsibility on the juveniles if they were on sober mind and mental health while committing the capital offenses. Although the juvenile’ s parents have a responsibility over their children’s actions, the court should not cast the guilt on such parents if they were innocent. In fact, in the case of De’ Marquise Elkins’s murder case,

Critical Thinking Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Critical Thinking Questions - Essay Example This paper will discuss the composition of a successful lesson plan, the importance of considering students’ backgrounds and strategies of differentiated instruction. A lesson framework acts as the instructor’s guide to what students should learn and how it will be implemented effectively within the allocated class time (O'Bannon, 2008). Before planning a lesson, an instructor should identify the learning objectives and design appropriate learning activities and strategies to get feedback on student learning. A successful lesson plan is made up of objectives for student learning, teaching and learning activities and ways of checking student understanding (O'Bannon, 2008). A well created plan includes; A) The goals the lesson is reaching towards B) The measurable outcomes in acquired skills at the end of the lesson C) Ratio of the expected number of students to the teacher D) Previous knowledge of the learners E) Required time for each teaching and learning session F) Co nsideration of cultural differences, specific needs and learning styles of individuals G) Methods of evaluating the lesson Lesson plans may be varied by certain aspects in different content areas. They may include the content, introduction, goals, objectives, materials, and development (Wong, 1998). The introduction describes the area of focus and ways of getting and retaining the students’ attention while motivating them to participate in the learning process. Getting the students to attend and respond to different introductions sets the stage for the upcoming lessons. Under contents, the teacher lists the key concepts, facts and skills the lesson intends to cover (Wong, 1998). A teacher may also prepare an outline with key learning outcomes. The goals identify the aims or desired results that students should achieve at the end of the planned lesson. They are the end products and broad in nature and relate to the knowledge and skills identified in the contents. Objectives id entify what the students are expected to achieve in the tasks they will be engaged in within the learning process. They are behavioral and performance specific in nature (Wong, 1998). They outline what will be under observance in student performance and the criteria by which they can be measured. The list of materials outlines the resources that will be used throughout the lesson for a successful ending. It may also include technological resources that vary according to the desired results (Wong, 1998). Different development strategies describe how a teacher plans, models and explains what students should do. Modeling the learning behaviors expected of students demonstrates whether they can imitate and practice on their own. Different areas of learning will have different development plans (Wong, 1998). Students in the same class have varying learning abilities. Among them, there are differences in learning style, background knowledge, language proficiency and readiness to learn. Ho wever, regardless of their individual differences, they are expected to understand the same principles, concepts and skills. This requires innovative thinking from the teachers (Wong, 1998). They should provide several learning options that help students understand information and make sense out of concepts and skills conveyed to them. Furthermore, they should present appropriate levels of challenge to all categories of students, including those with quick understanding

Why are some firms Born Global Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Why are some firms Born Global - Essay Example The motivation behind this phenomenon has been the increasing ease in conducting international trade and the globalisation concept that is being embraced the world over where the globe is one big market. This paper shall seek to look at why some firms are born global and look into the risks that they face in international markets. Firms that are born global have various characteristics in common that are both internal and external and they have similar market strategies they use to approach the international market. The born global concept therefore circles around internationalisation of firms and thus their ultimate expansion strategy (Fillis 2001, pp. 767-83). As mentioned earlier these firms enter into the export market when they are relatively small and young and the drive to do this emanates from their perception of the world being a market place. They take advantage of this and venture into markets abroad. These firms have been a subject of intense research for many years and particularly for the last two decades. They were first labelled as innate exporters but these were more characterised by high level management skills as well as a broader and in-depth international business outlook. Some firms were also taken for study and they were the high technology ones. These firms were seen to sprout to the i nternational business arena right from their start. The basic reason for this was the nature of their products where they needed to venture into new market so as to have a wider market base for their exotic products. All these firms that were characterised by their speed to enter into the international market were later termed as International New Ventures (Child and Rita 2001, pp. 1135-48). The following diagram illustrates this concept better: Although it was mentioned earlier that born global firms have been under research for a number of years now, the various challenges they

Real Estate Development MSc Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Real Estate Development MSc - Personal Statement Example f structures often blind to others and enabled me to gain deeper understanding of the CAD programs which contributed to the success during my work experiences. However, it became apparent that finished buildings and structures were not the entire processes, the overlaps that existed between the buildings and business made me want to dig deeper in this process that is why I have chosen to incline my career towards this direction. Though designing structures, still interests me what interest me, the most is the cost and management side of the structures. I have gone through numerous blogs and studied resource works from RICS’s surveying.com and have become intrigued by the behind the scenes logistics and work effort that are undertaken to construct buildings. A change of heart in interests has formed the basis of changing my career to be a quantity surveyor. I engaged in work placement with Northacre on may last year where my interest in the building of structures developed. I also gained practical experience in the process. Most important is that I gained firsthand knowledge on completion of a construction project from scratch, analyzing the development issues and solutions to the issues during different phases of construction. Precisely I gained experience on the various factors that have to be taken into account, whether they are related to the designs or the stockholders. I learnt how to create designs using the CAD software and how to make the presentations to clients. During my time at Northacre I spent a lot of time engaging with both architects and quantity surveyors. It is at his point that I decided that the property development side was my way to go and follow. I have been greatly inspired by the experience I have gained during my placement period that is why I have selected property development as the topic of my dissertation that proves my desire and thirst for knowledge of the construction development process. I marvel at built world that surrounds

Origins of American Civilizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Origins of American Civilizations - Essay Example Douglas (2010) gives a narration of how the American society rejected the British rule; they formed social groups of like-minded citizens and began via demonstrations. The associations’ growth degenerated into militia groups fighting the British Army. It was strengthened by alliances with the French, Spaniards, and the Dutch. The war came to an end towards the south under general Washington opening doors for a peace treaty between the opposing factions of the American Revolt. The peace treaty was a platform designed to enable nation minded citizens to define the America constitution and governance. The political shape up that occurred in America made them stronger. It was a new beginning, a new America (Douglas). The persons who fought British rule included the patriots. Contrary to the oppression, British army and the loyalists within the American borders became the battle force. The war between the two factions defines the outfit taken by the American journey to freedom. The war was recorded to have lasted between the years 1775-1783. Whereas the war started in 1775, protests were witnessed as early as 1774. Patriotic groups, as recorded by Dull (1975), were designed to work in sync and conglomerate their energy towards rescuing America from British rule. The pioneer group documented among the majority of the social groups was the Suffolk Resolves. They had a strong force that managed to outplay the British royal government that led the Massachusetts borders. The activism that was organized by the group successfully confined the British rules to the city of Boston. The other nation dwellers must have had a jerk on their spirits from the Suffolk move. American Revolution evidently rode in groups of loyalists who took a bold move to outsmart and force the British rule one at a time (Dull). An incidence was witnessed in

Compare and contrast Essay Example for Free

Compare and contrast Essay Bodhisattva is a special illumination where the adept is believed to be awakened to minds of greater power. Buddhists believe that in bodhisattva the individual is made to obtain an enlightened thought. This kind of illumination obtained has to originate from the universal mind. Through this the adept receives a divine power that flows in his own body, stimulates his sense receptors to make him enjoy an inward spiritual awakening in his whole body (Robinson and Johnson, pg 271-296). Tantric adept focuses on the use of sound of the goddess in order to bring oneness of body, soul and spirit. This makes the individuals attain the ability to expel emotional pain, self depression and individual despair. Tantra implies the process of having a sense of mythical vibrations and sounds. Buddhism and Hinduism believe that through the worship of the goddess, the tantrans acquire a self realization and awareness. BODHISATTVA AND THE TANTRIC ADEPT Bodhisattva is believed to consider the destruction of an era to be as a result of oneself. Atman is thought to be the case where the individual deserves the punishment and the eventual destruction. In most cases this results in the complete extinction of a generation. Tantric adept on the other hand considers the destruction of an era to emerge from duality. In its expression, it opposes the unity that is believed to lead to the realization of Atman. In Bodhisattva, the main identity is Chimaminda which stands for kali. It describes the victory of the Buddhist as followers of Buddha the goddess (De Bary, William, 2003 chapter 1, 2, 3, 4). Tantric adept on the other hand focuses on chinamasta which Hindus consider to be associated with Kama and Rati. This iconography means the process of copulating bodies. It basically demonstrates the creation and his eventual destruction to be part of the human cycle. Prior to Bodhisattva the adept is expected to receive an element called archetype of Buddha. This is the knowledge that erupts all over suddenly without the individual realizing. This same concept is seen in tantric adept which advocates for self realization. Bodhisattva advocates for an inward awakening of the individuals to know what they did not know (Robinson and Johnson, pg. 130-137). The adept should therefore receive a prior archetype of Buddha. This knowledge acquisition is sudden while Tantric adept advocate for women enrolment in Tantra because of the special place they have in the society. Tantric adept encourages initiations which will allow women spiritual and aspiration desires to come to a fulfillment whereas Bodhisattva perceives men to be more superior to women in all spheres. In both Bodhisattva and tantric adept, chinnamaster are understood through having a prior knowledge of Kundalini yoga, susumna, Ida and Pingala. These are the major four channels of great importance to Buddhism and Hinduism. Having a perception of duality is believed to be caused by the inability of the two channels to enter the susumna when it is closed. When the tantric adept has acquired the knowledge of having a feeling of free blood circulation right from the central part, the individual is said to be self realized. The tantric thus uses the knowledge learnt to untie the knots creating undisrupted flow of energy. Both Bodhisattva and Tantric adept considers the goddess head to show destruction of generation (De Bary, William, 2003 chapter 1, 2, 3, 4). The teachings involved in Bodhisattva are hard and quite longer than those of tantric adept. There is only one sudden enlighten at gotra. However this kind of experience lives the adept with wounds of how to master bodhisattva as a way of living. CHARACTERISTICS OF TANTRIC ADEPT All acquired merits are shared which allows an individual to be free from all calamities. Due to this the Buddhist lives together peacefully. Characteristics of prosperity originates from Buddha Worship is done in twenty different ways followed by a dedication for acceptance The Bodhisattva have undergo initiation CHARACTERISTICS OF BODHISATTVA Its basis is on the inward awakening of the individuals It is characterized with an element called archetype Believes in a sudden knowledge acquiring There activity and career are long and hard making enlightens to be above gotra. SPIRITUAL AND SOCIAL GOALS OF THE BODHISATTVA AND THE TANTRIC ADEPT Their spiritual belief is on the worship of goddess called Buddha Spiritually it is recommended for the Hindus and the Buddhists to only take refuge in Budda, dhamna and Sangha. These centers are commonly referred to as the Sarangamana. Spiritually they recommend the recognition of the good deeds of an individual. This is encouraged in the spiritual context of the Buddhist to be a sincere approval of them. The Bodhisattva and Tantric adept considers all its faithful to be ignorant. Buddha therefore has a responsibility to provide guidance to the individuals (De Bary, William, 2003 chapter 1, 2, 3, 4). This is called Yacana according to the Buddha perspective. Spiritually teachings of Buddha are not just meant for an individual. These teachings should be offered to others. This merit is meant to inculcate positively of the persons and is referred to as Parimmana. Spiritually every one who subscribe to this faith is expected to develop bodhisattva. Work cited De Bary, William. The Buddhist Tradition. USA: Random house, Inc. 2003. Robinson and Johnson. Buddhist Religion: A Historical Introduction 4th Ed. USA: Wadsworth publishing Company, 2006. Keith Dowman. Sky Dancer. Nepal, USA: Snow Lion, 1996

Childhood Obesity Essay Example for Free

Childhood Obesity Essay Pro: My opinion is that parents should be blamed for their childs obesity, whether it be partially or fully, they do influence their childs weight. The parents of children are the ones who provide food for them, so they have direct control of what their child is consuming, so they should be able to help their child maintain a healthy weight. Parents also have control over what their children do, resulting in the fact that parents could enroll their child in an excersize program or at least stop them from sitting around inside all day. This debate is not focused on those who gain weight due to disease; it is focusing on children becoming obese due to food consumption. Con: I really disagree that parents should be blamed for their childs obesity. Its not like the parents are shoving the food down their childs throats. Kids are soley responsible for what they consume. Kids dont just eat at home. They can eat at school, with their friends at McDonalds, ect. So childrens parents arent the main influences in what thier children eat. Pro: Its not like the parents are shoving the food down their childs throats The parents are, however, buying the majority of food that their children eat. Kids are soley responsible for what they consume. Their parents are the ones who buy the food that is available at home, so how could the children be soley responsibe? They can eat at school The majority of schools have supplied healthy foods for students due to rapidly increasing rates of obesity; also, have you considered the many students who bring food from home? Con: Yes some schools do supply healthy food choices but that is only as far as i know for 1/3 of the schools population. And have you considered that schools have alternatives to just a tray lunch such as, as its referred to at my school Ale Cart. Which includes fries, burgers, nachos, everything you can find on the McDonalds Menu. So the parents buy what the kids eat at home but parents do pay attention to what they do buy their kids for food. not every parent buys their kids Fruit by the Foot, Tootsie Pops, and all that other junk that causes childhood obesity. So the parents can and do enforce healthy eating habits!!!!!!!!! Pro: not every parent buys their kids Fruit by the Foot, Tootsie Pops, and all that other junk that causes childhood obesity. Then again, not every child is obese. The parents who carelessly buy fattening foods and leave it in the house already influence what their children will eat, because why choose to eat vegetables when junk food is lying there? Children do not understand this, and therefore will eat the food that is bought by their parents. The majority of children do not eat their food outside of home except for at school, and at school, I know that many countries are opting for a change in food, and this will probably happen. Also, once again, parents could urge their children to excersize or play outside instead of sitting around all day Con: Okay many countries are opting for healthy food but that hasnt happened yet so as of now its not there. And how can parents urge their kids to play outside or whatever when their busy buying food thats not good for their kids as you previously stated!!!! And I know you said we arent debating with diseases and stuff but it is an inevitable fact that obesity is in the gene pool. So like its already in the genes and the parent has no controll over that. So how is it the parents fault?!?!?!?!? And this is off the subject but do you have any idea where i can find decent Values and Value Criterion for school debate cases!?!?!?!?! And how can kids play outside when they have homework!?!?!?!?! Where I go to school there is alot to be tackled; like the debate case I have to have done by 4th period tommorow for instance. Pro: And I know you said we arent debating with diseases and stuff Then why bring it up? I clearly stated in my opening statement that we are not debating about diseases and such, but food consumption. Therefore, for everything mentioned about diseases, I will call it out as invalid. And how can kids play outside when they have homework!?!?!?!?! How do people do extra curricular activites? Homework, on average, takes up thirty minutes to two hours for an elementary school, and perhaps one hour to two hours for gifted. Most schools release children from school around 3:00. This leaves them with four hours at the LEAST with the maximum amount of homework. And how can parents urge their kids to play outside or whatever when their busy buying food thats not good for their kids as you previously stated!!!! Parents do not spend their lives in grocery stores; they could at least mention excersize OR allow them to do extracurricular activities after school. However, when parents notice that their child is obese, they should at least try to change their lifestyle a bit, because a familys lifestyle really does make a difference for a childs weight. Who directs the familys way of life? The parents. Where I go to school there is alot to be tackled Based on your profile, it says that you are in highschool. Highschool is VERY different than elementary school in the amount of work and such people get. Parents are at fault for their childs obesity because they buy the food. They are in charge of what their children do, and they lead the lifestyle of their children. Children need excerize and healthy food. Parents are responsible for both areas. Lack of these things will cause obesity. Parents have control over this, and can stop it. Childrens schools are not guilty, because the majority are changing their menu to stop the rapid growth rate of obesity. Fast food places do hold a bit of the blame, but like my opponent has said before, its not like theyre shoving food down the kids throats. My opponent has failed to prove any clear points as to why parents should NOT be blamed for obesity; he has only provided counter-arguments. Hopefully he will state many points in the final round.

The Concept Of Media Framing

The Concept Of Media Framing In this paper, we analyze the concept of media framing in relation to the construction of a mosque at ground zero. We identify the various frames used by various media houses in America and compare and contrast them. We analyze the related literature and the basic concepts involved in media framing. A general overview of the concept of media framing is also provided. Entman (1993) describes framing as a scattered concept where previous researchers lack clear conceptual meanings and depend on context-based definitions, rather than general applicability. Brosius and Eps (1995) proceeds that framing may not be clear in explication and generally used but can be seen as a metaphor which does not convert directly into research setting. While different authors agree that there is lack of commonality in the definition of this term, people have often used the term frame to refer to similar but different approaches. For this particular article, I now use the term framing to refer to the way media houses use mind-controlling technique to gain readership and viewership by providing what appears to be new but intricately woven to control the thought process and opinions. Concept of Media Framing Framing can be compared to the setting of agenda or opinion but stretches the research by pin pointing the issues that area at hand instead of a particular topic. Framing theory makes the media take an issue and then places it to connote a new meaning or opinion. It is a very important technique since make the media tailor he thoughts of the masses towards a particular direction hence they become opinion leaders. When the media selects topics, they direct the people where and what to think. When journalists choose a frame, they make sure that they even provide a structure in such a way that their audience only interpret what is provided. A frame is a notion which serves to organize or direct social meaning to a given issue at hand. Their intention is to make the targeted audience to think about the news bulletin or article and how to think about it. Media framing at Ground Zero Mosque Construction This article looks at the myths, stories, metaphors, and narratives and traditions that the media employed to capture the attention of the American citizens and the wiorld at large and cause the proposal to construct ground zero mosque a big story. While research has shown that the proposed Islamic Cultural Center and Mosque was not to be constructed at the ill-fated World Trade Center site, the frames that were used clearly depicts that the media conditioned the thoughts of the audience to think in a particular direction. CNNs framing of the Mosque at Ground Zero Numbers as a frame The very dominant frame used by CNN in the framing of the mosque at ground zero is numbers. They used extremely large statistics in order to show how grave the situation was being objected by Americans. They purported that a poll they conducted revealed that 68% of Americans opposed the construction of the ground zero mosque (McCormack, 2010).This is as postulated by Stone (2002). Islamophobic phrases as a frame CNN televised mind-boggling Islamophobes on several occasions and if not all, Geller who once advocated for the destruction of Jerusalems Dome of Rock, which is a Moslems revered sites, and one who once depicted Muhammad with the face of a pig in her website (FAIR Blog, 2010) had appeared twice on the CNNs network between May and August 2010 to state her position on the proposed construction. Her appearance and her contribution direct people to her perception of what Islam is about. Consequently, CNN by close extension frame the issue of proposed mosque construction and become opinion carrier and disseminates the same to the audience. This media house, ought to have stated the factual reports without tilting towards anti-Moslem crusaders. Cooper 360 (2010) gave Fischer television airtime to contribute that Islam is totalitarian and that it is anti-Christian and seeks the extermination of Western ideology on civilization. Another segment of Cooper (2010) of Anderson Cooper featured Benham of prolife, anti-Islam crusade Operation Save America, where Islam was termed as a lie from hell. This is in fact use of depiction as a framing device to cause the listeners to imagine, ponder and magnify a Muslim-dominated America. Conceptualization of media framing Framing theory Extant literature has been dedicated to the concept of media framing. This literature can be categorized into four broad stages. The initial stage which gives an account of media framing that occurred between the 1920s and the 1930s was characterized by event that occurred during the World War I such as propaganda effects as well as its beliefs regarding beliefs on the influence of media on the attitude of people (Scheufele, 1999). The second phase took place between the 1930s and the 1960s and was marked by issues that tended to put forward the gravity and nee of personal experience in the process of changing the attitude of people. The researchers who noted this did believe that the main media effect was concentrated on the reinforcement of the attitude that were already in existence as postulated by Klapper (1960). The study of the third stage which took place between 1970s and 1980s gave life to the new media effects that were even stronger. The focus of the media was however rap idly shifted from attitude changes to more cognitive based effects as outlined by Noelle-Neumann (1973). The fourth stage which has been running from 1980s to present has been heavily marred by elements of social constructivism, as shown by the work of scholars such as Berger and Luckmann (1966), Gamson and Modigliani(1989) and Tuchman (1978) who are all social scientists. The other portion of literature on this stage of media effects has also been researched and discussed by political scientists such as Ivengar (1991) and Scheufele (1999).The concept of social constructivism attempts to make an explanation on the possible relationships that exists between media and the audience via a combination of elements of strong as well as limited media effects in the domain of mass media. The work of Gamson and Modigliani (1989, p. 2) categorically expressed the fact that Media discourse is part of the process by which individuals construct meaning, and public opinion is part of the process by which journalistsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦develop and crystallize meaning in public discourse. The work of Gamson and Modigliani (1987) further portrays the real essence of media framing as being the main organizing idea or rather the story line that gives a meaning to certain upholding string of events. The frames therefore do suggest what a certain controversy is about as well as the real essence of the issue involved (Gamson and Modigliani, 1987, p. 143). Entman (1993) however points out that the meaning of a frame is tied down to the selection of certain aspects of a reality which is perceived in order to make them salient so as to promote a certain definition of a problem, its moral evaluation, causal meaning as well as the treatment of the recommendations (Entman, 1993, p. 52). The work of Iyengar (1991) made a differentiation between the thematic and episodic media frames. These episodic media frames are a depiction of public media issues which in essence are concrete instances as well as specific events that come about as a result of individualistic actions. The thematic framing reports on the other side are a systematic reflection of the problems that take place in our society on a level that is considered abstract but with outcomes that are general. The media framing of the Mosque at ground Zero is a perfect example of thematic framing Media framing and elements of public deliberation The work of Simon and Xenos (2000) on media framing was concentrated on the analysis of media framing in order to research the influence of public deliberation that is actively involved in the process of social creation as well as the changes that occur in our society over a period of time. They point out that deliberation is a process involving political argumentation that moves on through a process of discursive giving and taking. The effects are therefore intricately linked to the media framing effects as was indicative in their research (Simon and Xenos, 2000, p. 367). Media framing and the reasoning devices The work of Gamson and Lasch (1983) came up with an identification of various framing as well as reasoning devices that can be utilized as a combination in order to create frames. The framing devices include metaphors, exemplars, and visual images, depictions and metaphors. These do suggest a framework to be used in viewing of the issues involved. The reasoning devices on the other side include roots, appeal principles and consequences. They are used in the provision of justification and reasons for the general positions that are adopted (Gamson and Lasch, 1983, p. 399).The work of Stone (2002) makes an addition to the list of devices that include synecdoche as well as numbers. Synecdoche refers to figure of speech which represents an idea in its entirety or in parts. Numbers on the other hand are used as a method of describing a certain phenomena as well as events using measurements. The most favorite technique is the use of ether abnormally large or small numbers in order to dramatize an idea as pointed out by Stone (2002, p. 137) Media framing as depicted by other channels and newspapers The trouble started with anti-Muslim activists when they suggested that the proposal a ploy by Muslims in American to conquer the memorial site of the September Eleven attacks (Big Government, 2010). The Big Government uses the word conquer to capture the attention of the already audience who are paranoid about terrorism and the perceived Islamization of America. The point that the proposed site is closer to the ground zero site would not attract serious readership without using the word conquer to tune the minds of the audience to imagine America infested by the perceived enemies. A good timeline is provided by the Salon (2010) traces the genesis of the controversy to posts done by Pamela Geller on the web Atlas Shrugs blog (2010), a source of anti-Muslim forum. Which insinuated about the impending perceived Islamization of America? Geller (2009) retorted that the construction of the mosque at the world trade centers site was about Islamic expansionism and domination. The term Islamization of America is a catch-phrase used to frame the story in order to agitate the American populace. He added that the Islamic center will instill and encourage the Qurans violent texts. This narrative, together with what exists in the Atlas Shrugs blog, is intentionally designed to direct the audience to a specific line of agitation against Muslim rights in America. In addition, from May, the New York Post picked up a story and Andrea Peyser (2010), the columnist who spread the propaganda that the center was to open on the September 11 in the year 2011, and used repetitively the term Ground Zero mosque in his references to the cultural center. This culminated into anti-Muslim debates as intended by the writer. This numerous use of the terminology of ground zero is use of numbers as a framing device. Contrast between media houses on framing The main contrast between the media houses was the gravity of reporting the extent of media framing. This is depicted in the work of Nisbet and Garrett (2010) whose analysis shown that FOX News was responsible for most of the rumors and misconceptions regarding the construction of the mosque at ground zero. Conclusion The concept of media framing can be used positively and effectively in various parts of the human society such as in effectively improving businesses instead of using it to trample on basic human rights. It is important that it be used since it can be used in eliciting the true meaning of certain events.

Free College Admissions Essays: Multifaceted Background :: College Admissions Essays

Multifaceted Background-- University of Illinois Writing a self-reflective tirade is perhaps one of the most difficult tasks to perform. I have found myself pondering this topic for an unusually long time; no one has ever asked me to write about my culture-- the one thing about myself which I understand the least. This question which is so easy for others to answer often leads me into a series of convoluted explanations, "I was born in the U.S., but lived in Pakistan since I was six. My brothers moved to the US when I was thirteen" I am now nearly twenty, which means I have spent half my life being Pakistani, the other half trying to be American, or is the other way around? I do not consider myself Paki-American. I am too "Americanized" to be Pakistani. (although by birthright, I am American), and I am not quite up to par with the American way of life. So what does all this have to do with my culture, what does a label really matter to cultural identity? It matters much. I believe that this seemingly trivial confusion over labels reveals the even greater confusion that surrounds my cultural identity: Am I a bridge between these two multifaceted cultures, or have I become a mosaic displaying colors from here and there, and elsewhere too? Perhaps both, and I could be a colorful bridge, or perhaps neither. Whatever the case, I cannot seem to separate these absolutely disparate realities within me. Their forces are still clashing, coming together within me, creating a wonderful confusion out of me. I believe that to truly analyze my culture, the roots of this confusion must be explored. In the span of this essay, I must try to encompass the widths of two wo rlds, their unique interactions within me... which I hope constitute what is called culture. I am an alien of sorts. I am an alien in my own country... but what is my own country? I am an alien wherever I go. In Pakistan, my somewhat eroded Urdu reveals my American leanings. In the U.S., my slight accent and appearance mark me as a "minority." Being bi-cultural has placed me in a perplexing portal between two separate worlds, with their own unique ideology, thinking, traditions and

Free Hamlet Essays: Interpretation of Hamlet :: The Tragedy of Hamlet Essays

Keys to Interpretation of Hamlet William Shakespeare's Hamlet is, at heart, a play about suicide. Though it is surrounded by a fairly standard revenge plot, the play's core is an intense psychodrama about a prince gone mad from the pressures of his station and his unrequited love for Ophelia. He longs for the ultimate release of killing himself - but why? In this respect, Hamlet is equivocal - he gives several different motives depending on the situation. But we learn to trust his soliloquies - his thoughts - more than his actions. In Hamlet's own speeches lie the indications for the methods we should use for its interpretation. Hamlet's reason for suicide is the death of his father, the late King Hamlet - or at least this is what he tells the world. He claims his father's death as the reason in his first soliloquy (1.2.133-164), but we are led towards other reasons by the evidence he gives. In the famous "to be or not to be" soliloquy, he says: "For who would bear... the pangs of despised love... when he himself might his quietus make/with a bare bodkin?" (3.1.78-84). The word "despised" is glossed as "unrequited" - and thus we are led to speculation that Ophelia, not the late King, is the true cause of his suicidal urges. The claim that he is mourning his father seems to me to be at best an excuse - in the public eye as he is, Hamlet cannot sink so low as to be moved to kill himself by a woman. This is an example of a phenomenon that we note throughout Hamlet - the separation of what is stated on the surface from the implications a few layers beneath. The play works on two levels - the revenge drama works as a backdrop for Hamlet's internal psychodrama. It is clear that Shakespeare intends for Hamlet's thoughts to be superior to his outward actions in interpretation of the play. After listing all the outward signs of his depression, he tells his mother that he would prefer to be considered on the basis of his thoughts: "These indeed 'seem'/For they are actions that a man might play;/But I have that within which passes show/These but the trappings and the suits of woe" (1.2.86-89). Yet Hamlet, for all the disdain for played action that he shows here, also appreciates its power, in his remarks on the player's soliloquy on Hecuba (2.

Tatyana Tolstaya’s White Walls: Summary

White walls. In having white walls, there is always room tort improvement. You are never stuck with one look because you can always simply change it. Tolstoy is very optimistic in that she feels that with the end of Communism and the Soviet Houses 3 Union, there is great room for improvement. I believe that she is correct in this assessment because Russia today is not as big of super power as the United States, but it is certainly on its way to be there soon. Another big symbol in this piece, I believe, is Johnson + Johnson.Tolstoy never clarifies entirely what Johnson + Johnson is, but it seems to be a big company. This could be a new company that was formed after the collapse of the Soviet Union. We learned about how when the USSR dissolved the government and the economy took a huge hit. I believe this is an example of a company that is on the rise. This can definitely be viewed as a symbol due to the fact that it is not only a business, but the name Johnson + Johnson makes it seem as if it is a family run operation.The sentence after Tolstoy mentions Johnson + Johnson, she says, â€Å"From broad, there were quick-acting cleaners and spot removers-aerosols to erase memory, acids to eliminate the past. † This is another example of how she wants the past to be erased. Although Johnson + Johnson is only mentioned a few times in this short story I believe it is a crucial symbol. The business industry is on the rise in Russia. The final symbol I chose was Mikhail Avouching Jason. M. A . Jason was the builder of the dacha that Tolstoy and her family lived in when they were kids.He is constantly mentioned throughout this piece. Tolstoy alas about how she always found some of his old stuff in the attic and how she was always very intrigued by what she would find. The way they describe Jason, makes it seem that he was a very nice and kind man. The main message that I get from reading this is that Russia is a rebuilding country. All the examples in the story of tearing down old things to replace them with new Houses 4 items shows this message. If it weren't for Jason then Tolstoy would never have lived in this house and she wouldn't have found all of the old items left behind by IM.She talks about how Jason essentially dispersed without any remembrance of him. Tolstoy says that, â€Å"Jason dispersed, disintegrated, vanished into the earth. † This shows how over time things become lost. She then talks about how his plaque saying his name had been stolen by an admirer of nonferrous metals. Many people have come and gone but the country has remained alive. As new generations evolve the country has to adapt to their specific needs. Again this is why I believe Tolstoy is trying to tell us that Russia is a rebuilding country.All three symbols mentioned played crucial parts of this story. Different people could interpret them in many different ways, but this is how I see them. They all show different parts of Totality's childhood and how she grew up. All of these symbols also have historical references in them. Again it depends on how you view and interpret them. Someone could think it meaner one thing when another person could thinks it meaner the complete opposite. She never makes a comment specifically about Communism in this piece.She mentions Lenin and Stalin a few times but does not give you her impression of them. An author for The New York Review of Books says about â€Å"White Walls†, that â€Å"Totality's favorite theme is an inexhaustible one: the passage of time, often accompanied by a potent regret for opportunities lost. † This is extremely relevant because the whole story is about the passage of time and how things change. All in all the main message is that Russia is a rebuilding country that is on its way to becoming more of a super power than it is today.

Racism in Canada Essay

Canada is known around the world as an international peacekeeper, a place of liberty, and a loving country that accepts everyone. This reputation is part of our image, and is honoured by many nations. But Canada is not perfect. Racism still exists, sometimes it maybe in the shadows, it does not take a investigative detective to notice the visible racism all around us. In some cases it is social phrases, in some it may be serious bullying, discrimination or even assault, racism is still a problem. Like the United States of America, Canada has a history with racism. In the 1900s to 1950s, there was discrimination against African-Canadians. From the time of settlement into North America, up until a few decades ago, there was serious mis-treatment of First Nation peoples, including genocide, sexual assault and child abuse. Also during WW2, Japanese-Canadians were looked upon as enemies, and treated poorly. Compared to the past, we are much more liberal, and have less racial prejudices. The improvement of civil liberties from the past to now is amazing. But still not enough. Every time I see something racist, it deeply saddens me. In my heart, Canada as a whole has left racism behind, but some people still carry the disgusting tradition. I once saw a bus driver speaking disrespectfully to an older Chinese woman, about how he couldn’t understand her, and she should try to speak in English. I thought to my self how sad it is that an official city worker can be so intolerant of other cultures. I do not like racism, and see it a lot. I see racism when a group of African-Canadians attack a Caucasian man for â€Å"coming to the wrong neighbourhood†. I see racism when people say, â€Å"White people cannot play cricket†, when some of the best cricket players are Caucasian, like Alastair Cook, with over 8000 runs  scored. I see racism in stereotypes. It is clear that racism is a part of our society now, but we need to improve our selves and eradicate it for good. To abolish racism completely, we first need to put personal feelings aside, and agree on facts. Yes, we are all humans. But we need to accept our differences, we are not the exact same. â€Å"Specific genotype gives athletes like Bolt a boost†, dailymail reports scientific research done by University of Szczecin in Poland. Once we separate fact from fiction, we can live without delusion. Secondly, we must call out racism when ever we see it, for example if a bus driver does something wrong, he should be confronted, to avoid it from happening again. If we call out all racism when we see it, we can put an end to it. In conclusion Canada is one of the best countries to live in in the world. It is a leader in civil rights, peacekeeping, and equality. However some racism remains in our community from the past, which should be cleaned up. If we all aim towards a better future, the present could looked upon in future similarly to how the bloody 50s are seen today.

An Article on Facebook from the Times of India Essay

For once, I was ahead of the curve, and, having rarely been in this exalted place, I can tell you it feels good. The backlash against Facebook, the social networking site, has begun, with rumblings of discontent being heard from distant corners of the globe. Word is going round that it is time-wasting, trivial, and a pathetic substitute for meeting friends in person. This is precisely what I have been saying to my friends all along but they used to recoil in horror as though declining to open a Facebook account was like refusing to bathe. They muttered darkly about certain people being pig-headed. I was reated like a Luddite, vainly holding out against penicillin or the electric kettle. Every time i asked them what exactly was so wonderful about this site, they gave the same feeble answers. Oh, it’s a great way to keep in touch. You can post your photos on it. Through the links to other people’s pages, you can see what your ex-boyfriends or ex-husbands are up to. Well, according to me, this is a waste of time. I can barely keep in touch with the friends who really matter to me four to five at the most, at any given stage in my life much less maintain an online relationship with old college friends or colleagues from years ago. If one has never bothered to make contact with them in all these years, it’s because one has never needed or particularly wanted to. It means that they don’t matter hugely to me now. They did then, but now i’m in touch with another set of friends. My life is full enough with them. If one has a spare few hours, one would rather meet a friend over coffee or wine. That real-time, face-to-face conversation is contact, not exchanging trivia online. Why would i want to see a friend’s holiday snaps when i can barely summon up enough interest in my own to get them developed? Few things, bar waiting for milk to boil, are as boring as other people’s holiday pictures. Much as i love my friends in various parts of the world, i’m perfectly content with a ‘broad brush’ update. An occasional e-mail telling me they are fine, their teenage son hasn’t become a drug dealer and their dog’s arthritis is better is fine with me. Any more detail is redundant. I assume they are equally uninterested in the daily mundaneness of my life and that is exactly as it should be. Even assuming i wanted to sign up, i would never have the time. If i, blessed with two maids and only one child to look after, cannot find the time to go on this site, how do millions of others, particularly those in the West who have many household chores, do so? hurry! No wonder companies are banning this site. God knows what it is doing to global productivity. But even outside work, don’t people have to walk the dog? Check up on an elderly aunt? File their tax returns? The Facebook phenomenon has confirmed yet again what we have always known that human beings are sheep. They see someone going off in one direction and they follow blindly for no apparent reason beyond the comfort of numbers. All my efforts at persuading my 12-year-old son not to get onto Facebook failed. I spoke cogently about the charm of being different, of having the moral strength to resist peer pressure, of the infinitely greater pleasures of reading, but my efforts failed. His school friends looked at him as though he had gone soft in the brain. As for twitter, don’t even get me started. The very name cutesy and twee irritates the hell out of me. Facebook and twitter are fads. Like all fads, they’ll end up in the dustbin, not of history, but of history’s footnotes.

History And Perspectives Of Cooperative Learning Education Essay

Three theoretical positions have guided research on co-op acquisition which is societal mutuality, cognitive-developmental, and behavioural. Social Interdependence Theory is the interaction with other people is indispensable for human endurance. In an instruction scene, societal mutuality refers to pupils ‘ attempts to accomplish, develop positive relationships, adjust psychologically, and show societal competency. The societal mutuality position of concerted acquisition presupposes that the manner societal mutuality is structured determines the manner individuals interact with each other. Furthermore, results are the effect of individuals ‘ interactions. Therefore, one of the concerted elements that have to be structured in the schoolroom is positive mutuality or cooperation. When this is done, cooperation consequences in promotive interaction as group members encourage and ease each other ‘s attempts to larn ( Johnson, Johnson, & A ; Holubec, 1998 ) .A A History of Theory and Research: Social Interdependence Theory ( adapted from Johnson, Johnson and Holubec, 1998, p.3:18 ) Premise: The manner in which societal mutuality is structured determines who persons interact with and determines results. Early on 1900s Kurt Koffka: Groups are dynamic wholes having member mutuality 1920-1940 Kurt Lewin: Mutuality among members, common ends 1940s-1970s Morton Deutsch: Positive, negative, and no end mutuality ( concerted, competitory, individualistic attempts ) ; two mediating variables ( trust & A ; struggle ) ; distributive justness sixtiess David and Roger Johnson: Impact of societal mutuality on accomplishment, relationships, psychological wellness and societal development, interceding variables ( positive mutuality, single answerability, promotive interaction, societal accomplishments, group processing ) seventiess Dean Tjosvold: Research in concern and industry scene Premises of societal mutuality theory: Concerted attempts are based on intrinsic motive generated by interpersonal factors in working together and joint aspirations to accomplish a important end Focus on relational constructs covering with what happens among persons The other one is the cognitive developmental position where it is grounded in the work of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. Piagetian positions suggest that when persons work together, sociocognitive struggle occurs and creates cognitive disequilibrium that stimulates perspective-taking ability and logical thinking. Vygotsky ‘s theories present cognition as a social merchandise ( Johnson, Johnson, & A ; Holubec, 1998 ) .A A History of Theory and Research: Cognitive Development Theory ( adapted from Johnson, Johnson and Holubec, 1998, p.3:18 ) Premise: When persons cooperate on the environment, sociocognitive struggle occurs, therefore making cognitive disequilibrium, which in bend stimulates perspective-taking ability and cognitive development. Subscribers: Piaget, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, Murray, contention theoreticians ( Johnsons & A ; Tjosvold ) , cognitive restructuring theoreticians Premises: Focus on what happens within a individual individual ( e.g. , disequilibrium, cognitive reorganisation ) Last, the behavioral-social position presupposes that cooperative attempts are fueled by extrinsic motive to accomplish group wagess ( academic and/or nonacademic ) ( Johnson, Johnson, & A ; Holubec, 1998 ) .A A History of Theory and Research: Behavioral Learning Theory ( adapted from Johnson, Johnson and Holubec, 1998, p.3:18 ) Premise: Actions followed by extrinsic wagess ( group eventualities ) are repeated. Subscribers: Skinner ( group eventualities ) ; Bandura ( imitation ) ; Homans, Thibaut & A ; Kelley ( balance of wagess and costs ) ; Mesch-Lew-Nevin ( specific application to cooperative acquisition ) Premises: Concerted attempts are powered by extrinsic motive to accomplish group wagess.DEFINITIONS OF COOPERATIVE LEARNINGConcerted Learning is a learning agreement that refers to little, heterogenous groups of pupils working together to accomplish a common end. Students work together to larn and are responsible for their teammates ‘ acquisition every bit good as their ain. Concerted acquisition is a successful instruction scheme in which little squads, each with pupils of different degrees of ability, utilize a assortment of larning activities to better their apprehension of a topic. Each member of a squad is responsible non merely for larning what is taught but besides for assisting teammates learn, therefore making an ambiance of accomplishment. Students work through the assignment until all group members successfully understand and complete it. In other words, Cooperative Learning besides is a relationship in a group of pupils that requires positive mutuality ( a sense of sink or swim together ) , single answerability ( each of us has to lend and larn ) , interpersonal accomplishments ( communicating, trust, leading, determination devising, and conflict declaration ) , face-to-face promotive interaction, and processing ( reflecting on how good the squad is working and how to work even better ) . Some definitions of concerted acquisition ( besides known as collaborative acquisition ) are the instructional usage of little groups so that pupils work together to maximise their ain and each other ‘s larning the rules and techniques for assisting pupils work together more efficaciously ( Jacobs, Power, & A ; Loh, 2002, p. 1 ) . The point is that concerted larning involves more than merely inquiring pupils to work together in groups. Alternatively, witting idea goes in to assisting pupils make the experience every bit succes sful as possible. There is a difference between merely holding pupils work in a group and structuring groups of pupils to work hand in glove. A group of pupils sitting at the same tabular array making their ain work, but free to speak with each other as they work, is non structured to be a concerted group, as there is no positive mutuality. Possibly it could be called individualistic acquisition with speaking. For this to be a concerted acquisition state of affairs, there needs to be an recognized common end on which the group is rewarded for its attempts. If a group of pupils has been assigned to make a study, but merely one pupil does all the work and the others go along for a free drive, it is non a concerted group. A concerted group has a sense of single answerability that means that all pupils need to cognize the stuff or enchantment good for the whole group to be successful. Puting pupils into groups does non needfully derive a concerted relationship, it has to be structured and managed by the i nstructor or professor. Concerted attempts consequence in participants endeavoring for common benefit so that all group members gain from each other ‘s attempts, acknowledge that all group members portion a common destiny and cognize that one ‘s public presentation is reciprocally caused by oneself and one ‘s squad members and besides experience proud and jointly observe when a group member is recognized for accomplishment.THE COOPERATIVE LEARNING MODEL – THE FIVE KEY ELEMENTSPositive MutualityThe first demand for an efficaciously structured concerted lesson is that pupils believe that they â€Å" sink or swim together. † Within concerted acquisition state of affairss, pupils have two duties which are learn the assigned stuff and guarantee that all members of the group learn the assigned stuff. The proficient term for that double duty is positive mutuality. Positive mutuality exists when pupils perceive that they are linked with group couples in such a manner that they can no n win unless their group couples do ( and frailty versa ) and/or that they must organize their attempts with the attempts of their group mates to finish a undertaking. Positive mutuality promotes a state of affairs in which pupils see that their work benefits group couples and their group couples ‘ work benefits them and work together in little groups to maximise the acquisition of all members by sharing their resources to supply common support and encouragement and to observe their joint success. When positive mutuality is clearly understood, it establishes that each group member ‘s attempts are required and indispensable for group success and each group member has a alone part to do to the joint attempt because of his or her resources and/or function and undertaking duties. There are a figure of ways of structuring positive mutuality within a larning group. Positive Goal Interdependence Students perceive that they can accomplish their acquisition ends if ‘ and merely if all the members of their group besides attain their ends. The group is united around a common end — a concrete ground for being. To guarantee that pupils believe they â€Å" sink or swim together † and care about how much each other learns, the instructor has to construction a clear group or common end, such as â€Å" learn the assigned stuff and do certain that all members of the group learn the assigned stuff. † The group end ever has to be a portion of the lesson. Positive Reward — Celebrate Interdependence Each group member receives the same wages when the group achieves its ends. To supplement end mutuality, instructors may wish to add joint wagess ( e.g. , if all members of the group score 90 % correct or better on the trial, each receives 5 fillip points ) . Sometimes instructors give pupils: 1 ) a group class for the overall production of their group, 2 ) an single class ensuing from trials, and 3 ) fillip points if all members of the group achieve the standard on trials. Regular jubilations of group attempts and success enhance the quality of cooperation. Positive Resource Interdependence Each group member has merely a part of the resources, information, or stuffs necessary for the undertaking to be completed ; the members ‘ resources have to be combined for the group to accomplish its ends. Teachers may wish to foreground the concerted relationships by giving pupils limited resources that must be shared ( one transcript of the job or undertaking per group ) or giving each pupil portion of the needed resources that the group must so suit together ( the Jigsaw process ) . Positive Role Mutuality Each member is assigned complementary and interrelated functions that specify duties that the group needs in order to finish the joint undertaking. Teachers create function mutuality among pupils when they assign them complementary functions such as reader, recording equipment, checker of apprehension, encourager of engagement, and elaborator of cognition. Such functions are critical to high-quality acquisition. The function of checker, for illustration, focuses on sporadically inquiring each group mate to explicate what is being learned. Rosenshine and Stevens ( 1986 ) reviewed a big organic structure of well-controlled research on learning effectivity at the pre-collegiate degree and found â€Å" look intoing for comprehension † to be one specific learning behaviour that was significantly associated with higher degrees of pupil acquisition and accomplishment. Although the instructor can non continually look into the apprehension of every pupil, the instructor can engineer su ch checking by holding pupils work in concerted groups and delegating one member the function of checker. There are other types of positive mutuality. Positive undertaking mutuality exists when a division of labour is created so that the actions of one group member have to be completed if the following member is to finish his or her duty. Positive individuality mutuality exists when a common individuality is established through a name or slogan. Outside menace mutuality exists when groups are placed in competition with each other. Fantasy mutuality exists when a undertaking is given that requires group members to conceive of that they are in a conjectural state of affairs.Face-to-Face Promotive Interactionâ€Å" In an industrial organisation, it ‘s the group attempt that counts. There ‘s truly no room for stars in an industrial organisation. You need gifted people, but they ca n't make it entirely. They have to hold aid. † ( John F. Donnelly, President, Donnelly Mirrors ) Positive mutuality consequences in promotive interaction. Promotive interaction may be defined as persons promoting and easing each other ‘s attempts to accomplish, complete undertakings, and bring forth in order to make the group ‘s ends. Although positive mutuality in and of itself may hold some consequence on results, it is the face-to-face promotive interaction among persons fostered by the positive inter-relationships, and psychological accommodation and societal competency. Promotive interaction is characterized by persons supplying each other with efficient and effectual aid and aid ; interchanging needful resources, such as information and stuffs, and treating information more expeditiously and efficaciously ; supplying each other with feedback in order to better their subsequent public presentation ; disputing each other ‘s decisions and concluding in order to advance higher quality determination devising and greater penetration into the jobs being consider ed ; recommending the effort of attempt to accomplish common ends ; act uponing each other ‘s attempts to accomplish the group ‘s ends ; moving in swearing and trusty ways ; being motivated to endeavor for common benefit ; and keeping a moderate degree of arousal characterized by low anxiousness and stress.AIndividual Accountability/Personal Responsibilityâ€Å" What kids can make together today, they can make entirely tomorrow. † ( Let Vygotsky, 1962 ) Among the early colonists of Massachusetts there was a expression, â€Å" If you do non work, you do non eat. † Everyone had to make their just portion of the work. The 3rd indispensable component of concerted acquisition is single answerability, which exists when the public presentation of single pupils is assessed, the consequences are given back to the person and the group, and the pupil is held responsible by group couples for lending his or her just portion to the group ‘s success. It is of import that the group-knows who needs more aid, support, and encouragement in finishing the assignment. It is besides of import that group members know they can non â€Å" hitchhike † on the work of others. When it is hard to place members ‘ parts, when members ‘ parts are excess, and when members are non responsible for the concluding group result, they may be seeking a free drive. This is called societal idleness. The intent of concerted acquisition groups is to do each member a stronger single in his or her ain right. Individual answerability is the key to guaranting that all group members are, in fact, strengthened by larning hand in glove. After take parting in a concerted lesson, group members should be better prepared to finish similar undertakings by themselves. To guarantee that each pupil is separately accountable to make his or her just portion of the group ‘s work, instructors need to measure how much attempt each member is lending to the group ‘s work, supply feedback to groups and single pupils, aid groups avoid excess attempts by members, and guarantee that every member is responsible for the concluding result. There are common ways to construction single answerability include: Keeping the size of the group little. The smaller the size of the group, the greater the single answerability may be. Giving an single trial to each pupil. Randomly analyzing pupils orally by naming on one pupil to show his or her group ‘s work to the instructor ( in the presence of the group ) or to the full category. Detecting each group and entering the frequence with which each member-contributes to the group ‘s work. Delegating one pupil in each group the function of checker. The checker asks other group members to explicate the logical thinking and rationale underlying group replies. Having pupils teach what they learned to person else. When all pupils do this, it is called coincident explaining. There is a form to classroom acquisition. First, pupils learn cognition, accomplishments, schemes, or processs in a concerted group. Second, pupils apply the cognition or execute the accomplishment, scheme, or procedure entirely to show their personal command of the stuff. Students learn it together and so execute it entirely.Interpersonal and Small-Group Skillsâ€Å" I will pay more for the ability to cover with people than any other ability under the Sun. † ( John D. Rockefeller ) The 4th indispensable component of concerted acquisition is the appropriate usage of interpersonal and small-group accomplishments. In order to organize attempts to accomplish common ends, pupils must acquire to cognize and swear each other, pass on accurately and unequivocally, accept and support each other, and decide struggle constructively. Puting socially unskilled pupils in a group and stating them to collaborate does non vouch that they have the ability to make so efficaciously. We are non born instinctively cognizing how to interact efficaciously with others. Interpersonal and small-group accomplishments do non as if by magic appear when they are needed. Students must be taught the societal accomplishments required for high quality coaction and be motivated to utilize them if concerted groups are to be productive. The whole field of group kineticss is based on the premiss that societal accomplishments are the cardinal to group productiveness. The more socially adept pupils are and the more attending instructors pay-to instruction and honoring the usage of societal accomplishments, the higher the accomplishment that can be expected within concerted larning groups. In the concerted accomplishments conditions, pupils were trained hebdomadal in four societal accomplishments and each member of a concerted group was given two fillip points toward the quiz class if all group members were observed by the instructor to show three out of four concerted accomplishments. The consequences indicated that the combination of positive mutuality, an academic eventuality for high public presentation by all group members, and a societal accomplishments eventuality promoted the highest accomplishment.Group Processingâ€Å" Take attention of each other. Share your energies with the group. No 1 must experience enti rely, cut off, for that is when you do non do it. † ( Willi Unsoeld, Renowned Mountain Climber ) The 5th indispensable component of concerted acquisition is group treating. Effective group work is influenced by whether or non groups reflect on how good they are working. A procedure is an identifiable sequence of events taking topographic point over clip, and procedure ends refer to the sequence of events instrumental in accomplishing outcome ends. Group processing may be defined as reflecting on a group session to depict what member actions were helpful and unhelpful, and do determinations about what actions to go on or alter. The intent of group processing is to clear up and better the effectivity of the members in lending to the collaborative attempts to accomplish the group ‘s ends. While the instructor consistently observes the concerted acquisition groups, he or she attains a â€Å" window † into what pupils do and make non understand as they explain to each other how to finish the assignment. Listening in on the pupils ‘ accounts provides valuable inform ation about bow good the pupils understand the instructions, the major constructs and schemes being learned, and the basic elements of concerted acquisition. There are two degrees of processing which are little group and whole category. In order to guarantee that small-group processing takes topographic point, instructors allocate some clip at the terminal of each category session for each concerted group to treat how effectively members worked together. Groups need to depict what member actions were helpful and non helpful in finishing the group ‘s work and do determinations about what behaviours to go on or alter. Some of the keys to successful small-group processing are leting sufficient clip for it to take topographic point, supplying a construction for processing, stressing positive feedback, doing the processing particular instead than general, keeping pupil engagement in processing, reminding pupils to utilize their concerted accomplishments while they process, and pass oning clear outlooks as to the intent of processing. In add-on to small-group processing, the instructor should sporadically prosecute in whole-class processing. When concerted acquisition groups are used, the instructor observes the groups, analyzes the jobs they have working together, and gives feedback to each group on how good they are working together. The instructor consistently moves from group to group and observes them at work. A formal observation sheet may be used to garner specific informations on each group. At the terminal of the category period the instructor can so carry on a whole-class processing session by sharing with the category the consequences of his or her observations. If each group has a equal perceiver, the consequences of their observations may be added together to acquire overall category information. An of import facet of both small-group and whole-class processing is group and category jubilations. It is experiencing successful, appreciated, and respected that physiques commitment to acquisition, enthusi asm about working in concerted groups, and a sense of self-efficacy in footings of subject-matter command and working hand in glove with schoolmates.Specific COOPERATIVE MODELSThe Jigsaw ModelDefined loosely, Jigsaw is a grouping scheme in which the members of the category are organized into â€Å" saber saw † groups. The pupils are so reorganized into â€Å" adept † groups incorporating one member from each saber saw group. The members of the expert group work together to larn the stuff or work out the job, so return to their â€Å" saber saw † groups to portion their acquisition. In this manner, the work of the expert groups is rapidly disseminated throughout the category, with each individual taking duty for sharing a piece of the mystifier.Jigsaw Groups:Group OneGroup TwoGroup ThreeGroup FourNucleus ( Kathy ) Nucleus ( Susan ) Nucleus ( Jose ) Nucleus ( Jim ) Mitochondria ( Jorge ) Mitochondria ( Randy ) Mitochondria ( Gail ) Mitochondria ( Tan ) Cell Wall ( Sara ) Cell Wall ( Andy ) Cell Wall ( Chris ) Cell Wall ( Julie ) Protoplasm ( Heather ) Protoplasm ( Jessenia ) Protoplasm ( Phu ) Protoplasm ( Karen )Adept Groups:Group OneGroup TwoGroup ThreeGroup FourNucleus ( Kathy ) Mitochondria ( Jorge ) Cell Wall ( Sara ) Protoplasm ( Heather ) Nucleus ( Susan ) Mitochondria ( Randy ) Cell Wall ( Andy ) Protoplasm ( Jessenia ) Nucleus ( Jose ) Mitochondria ( Gail ) Cell Wall ( Chris ) Protoplasm ( Phu ) Nucleus ( Jim ) Mitochondria ( Tan ) Cell Wall ( Julie ) Protoplasm ( Karen ) Jigsaw can be used for sharing different solutions to the same job or for spliting up research duties. For illustration, if the category is analyzing populating cells, one group of pupils learns about the karyon, another learns about the chondriosome, another learns about the cell wall, and so on. The groups are so reconfigured into saber saw groups ; the experts take bends learning their forte to their saber saw group so that each group learns about every subject. Jigsaw is an efficient manner for pupils to go engaged in their acquisition, learn a batch of material rapidly, portion information with other groups, minimise hearing clip, and be separately accountable for their acquisition. Since each group needs its members to make good in order for the whole group to make good, Jigsaw maximizes interaction and establishes an ambiance of cooperation and regard for other pupils. Teachers who listen in to the sharing of one of the saber saw groups can rapidly hear what each of the original groups has been making. Jigsaw II is an alternate scheme, developed by Robert Slavin ( 1990 ) . The procedure is as described above, with the exclusion that pupils in saber saw groups read the full assignment or all of the stuffs to get the information. Group members so take an single trial on the stuff, the consequences of which contribute to a squad mark. There a few stairss on how to implement the Jigsaw Model. First, split the twenty-four hours ‘s lesson into sections, and organize pupil groups. The groups should be diverse in footings of ability. Then, form impermanent expert groups in which pupils are assigned to the same section. Give pupils in these adept groups clip to discourse the chief points of their section and to practise the presentations they will do to their saber saw group. After that, convey the pupils into saber saw groups that are composed of one pupil from each expert group. Have each pupil present her or his section to the group. At the terminal of the session, you may give a quiz so that pupils are held accountable for larning all the stuff. The instructor ‘s function in the saber saw is to ease acquisition. When pupils are in adept groups, the instructor can back up pupils by promoting them to happen ways to set information they learned into their ain words, to associate the stuff to their ain lives, and to give illustrations that help them explicate the stuff to their group. Students should be encouraged to assist each other and to do certain everyone in their group understands the stuff and will be confident showing it to his or her group. If a pupil finds it hard to explicate his or her subject to the saber saw group, a instructor foremost might partner off that pupil with a spouse who will assist research and present the information to the saber saw group and so hold the brace travel together to the expert group and to the saber saw group. This will assist both pupils develop interpersonal accomplishments, communicating accomplishments, and collaborating. To ease this spouse coaching, have both pupils tell you if this is assisting them learn the stuff. Promote both pupils to do suggestions that would assist them larn more expeditiously. The Jigsaw scheme is cardinal to all sorts of work in little groups. Use it often to maximise answerability and interactivity. As pupils become accustomed to sharing their apprehension and thoughts with others, you will happen that they become more responsible scholars. Faced with the demand to joint their acquisition to others, they will get the hang the stuff at a deeper degree than they would otherwise. As you give pupils more and more complex stuffs to discourse, maestro, and present to their equals, you will be supplying them with chances to spread out their thought and apprehension. You can increase answerability by giving single pupils a quiz on the stuff after the saber saw sharing is complete. The scheme can be used in many different ways. Jigsaw can be used during an writer survey. Have each expert group read the books of an writer, and have each pupil present the writer to his or her saber saw group. For younger pupils, each little group can be given a different storybook to read. Students take bends reading parts of the narrative. Then they take bends reading the whole narrative aloud once more in their saber saw groups. Essaies or studies can be divided into subdivisions, and adept groups can research together and so convey their cognition to their saber saw groups to compose the essay or study. Students can be asked to review the same piece of composing in little groups and so portion and compare their reviews in the saber saw group. Give pupils the same multi-step job to work on in little groups ( for illustration, gauge the figure of supermarkets in the United States. Then reorganise pupils into saber saw groups and have them portion and discourse each original group ‘s solution. Chapters or articles can be divided and studied by pupil groups and so shared. Small groups can be asked to develop a solution to the same job ; solutions so can be shared and discussed in saber saw groups. Small groups can carry on the same experiment and so portion and comparison consequences with a saber saw group. Ask little groups to go experts in peculiar spheres and so hold them portion their sphere cognition with the saber saw group.Think, Pair, Share ModelThe think, brace, portion scheme is a concerted acquisition technique that encourages single engagement and is applicable across all class degrees and category sizes. Students think through inquiries utilizing three distinguishable stairss: Think: Students think independently about the inquiry that has been posed, organizing thoughts of their ain. Pair: Students are grouped in braces to discourse their ideas. This measure allows pupils to joint their thoughts and to see those of others. Share: Student braces portion their thoughts with a larger group, such as the whole category. Often, pupils are more comfy showing thoughts to a group with the support of a spouse. In add-on, pupils ‘ thoughts have become more refined through this three-step procedure. Students need many chances to speak in a linguistically rich environment. Research workers have found that pupils ‘ acquisition is enhanced when they have many chances to lucubrate on thoughts through talk. The think, brace, portion scheme increases the sorts of personal communications that are necessary for pupils to internally treat, form, and retain thoughts. In sharing their thoughts, pupils take ownership of their acquisition and negotiate significances instead than rely entirely on the instructor ‘s authorization. Extra benefits of utilizing the think, brace, portion scheme include the positive alterations in pupils ‘ self-pride that occur when they listen to one another and regard others ‘ thoughts. Students have the chance to larn higher-level believing accomplishments from their equals, gain the excess clip or motivating they may necessitate, and addition assurance when describing thoughts to the whole category. In add-on, the â€Å" brace † measure of the scheme ensures that no pupil is left out of the treatment. Even a pupil who is uncomfortable discoursing his or her thoughts with the whole category still has an audience in this measure. Finally, while the scheme may look to be time-consuming, it makes schoolroom treatments more productive, as pupils have already had an chance to believe about their thoughts before immersing into whole-class conversations. The think, brace, portion scheme is ideal for instructors and pupils who are new to collaborative acquisition. It can be used in a assortment of contexts. However, to be effectual, pupils must see a inquiry or issue. It could be a complex inquiry, such as, â€Å" What do you believe were the cardinal issues that led to World War I? † It could be a more straightforward petition, such as, â€Å" Make a form that could be described as ‘a, B, a, B. ‘ † As pupils consider the inquiry or issue, they should deduce some benefit from believing about it further with spouses, such as when there are multiple right replies to a inquiry. For case, in the old illustration, pupils could supply many illustrations of â€Å" a, B, a, B † forms and seeing multiple replies will reenforce this construct. On the other manus, supplying pupils with inquiries that have merely one right response, such as, â€Å" What is 5 + 2? † shortly becomes boring to pupils, as there is non much to portion with spouses or the whole category. The â€Å" think † measure may necessitate pupils simply to be quiet for a few minutes and chew over their ideas about the inquiry. They may compose some ideas in response to the inquiry. Some instructors find it helpful to put a clip bound for the â€Å" think † and â€Å" brace † stairss of the scheme. If you choose to make this, be certain to give pupils an thought of how much clip they will hold. Remember to let sufficient clip during the â€Å" brace † measure to let both pupils to speak about their ideas. In the â€Å" portion † measure of the scheme, pupils can portion their thoughts in several ways. One manner is to hold all pupils stand, and after each pupil responds, he or she sits down, as does any pupil with a similar response. This continues until everyone is seated. Another manner is to travel rapidly through the category, holding pupils respond rapidly, one after the other, or to hold a category ballot. Responses can be recorded on an overhead projector or on a in writing organiser for future treatments. Another fluctuation is to halt after the â€Å" brace † measure, and have pupils write their thoughts. Collect pupils ‘ responses and measure any jobs in understanding. This scheme frequently stretches pupils ‘ believing simply by its execution. Some pupils consider it a challenge to joint their ideas to another individual. However, one time pupils become comfy with this facet, there are ways to spread out the scheme ‘s range. One manner to be certain that pupils have chances is to partner off with a assortment of spouses. Pairing pupils who sit closest to each other is convenient but does n't supply the same rational or societal challenge as suiting the acquisition and treatment manners of a assortment of schoolmates. Another method for changing the scheme is to let two â€Å" brace † stairss before continuing to â€Å" portion. † Students can either take part in two back-to-back couplings or can partner off with one pupil and so the first brace can be grouped with another brace to discourse their ideas before fall ining a whole-class treatment. This double-pair method is peculiarly helpful if you have a really big category or are covering with an particularly complex inquiry. The think, brace, portion scheme can be used to heighten treatments about specific characters in books. For case, a group that is reading The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson might be asked to believe, brace, portion in response to the inquiries, â€Å" Would you be able to be friends with Gilly? Why or why non? † The think, brace, portion scheme can assist pupils larn about the authorship procedure. Students who are asked to take a subject of their ain to compose approximately frequently become stuck. Teachers can do this procedure easier by inquiring early in the twelvemonth, â€Å" Where make narrative thoughts come from? † As pupils think about the inquiry and discourse their thoughts with a spouse, they normally come up with a long and valuable list of thoughts that can take them through an full twelvemonth ‘s worth of authorship. The think, brace, portion scheme works good when there are multiple right replies to a given job. This makes the scheme perfect for inquiries that involve appraisal, forms, logic, and so on. This scheme can besides be used when pupils are make up one's minding how to near a job instead than when they are settling on a specific reply to one. Social surveies content provides many chances to implement this scheme, particularly when presenting new subjects. Use the think, brace, portion scheme by inquiring a inquiry such as, â€Å" What do you already know about the Revolutionary War? † As pupils grapple with ethical subjects, you might inquire inquiries such as, â€Å" Would you hold agreed to be a ‘stop ‘ on the Underground Railroad? Why or why non? † As pupils are carry oning experiments, the think, brace, portion scheme can be a manner for them to organize hypotheses or to discourse their readings of a given experiment. For case, before an experiment on dens eness, pupils might be asked to utilize the think, brace, portion scheme when make up one's minding which of a given set of points will drift when placed in a bath of H2O.Numbered Heads TogetherNumbered Heads Together is a concerted acquisition scheme that holds each pupil accountable for larning the stuff. Students are placed in groups and each individual is given a figure ( from one to the maximal figure in each group ) . The instructor poses a inquiry and pupils â€Å" set their caputs together † to calculate out the reply. The instructor calls a specific figure to react as interpreter for the group. By holding pupils work together in a group, this scheme ensures that each member knows the reply to jobs or inquiries asked by the instructor. Because no 1 knows which figure will be called, all squad members must be prepared. This concerted acquisition scheme promotes treatment and both single and group answerability. This scheme is good for reexamining and incorporating capable affair. Students with particular demands frequently benefit when this scheme is used. After direct direction of the stuff, the group supports each member and provides chances for pattern, dry run, and treatment of content stuff. Group larning methods encourage pupils to take greater duty for their ain acquisition and to larn from one another, every bit good as from the teacher. There are several stairss on how to implement the Numbered Head Together Model. First of all, split the pupils into groups of four and give each one a figure from one to four. Then present a inquiry or a job to the category. Have pupils gather to believe about the inquiry and to do certain everyone in their group understands and can give an reply. Ask the inquiry and name out a figure indiscriminately. Finally the pupils with that figure raise their custodies, and when called on, the pupil replies for his or her squad. This is a flexible scheme that can be used at a assortment of degrees. The instructor may get down with factual information inquiries, and as pupils become more familiar with the scheme, inquire inquiries that require analysis or synthesis of information. Student groups can be given statements such as, â€Å" School uniforms help to maintain pupils focused on faculty members. † Students ‘ undertaking is to come to consensus on whether they agree or disagree, giving an account of their logical thinking. After the pupils respond, have the other groups agree or disagree with the reply by demoing hitchhike up or hitchhike down, and so explicate their logical thinking. Or, if the reply needs clarifying, inquire another pupil to spread out on the reply. This scheme can be used when comprehension inquiries have been posed to groups, and pupils can work together to happen the replies. For illustration, when reading a narrative, pupils can be given the undertaking of analysing one of the characters. They can be asked inquiries such as, â€Å" Which character traits are stated straight, and which are implied by the writer? † and â€Å" What information do you acquire from the character ‘s address and actions? † On the other manus, pupils can measure the quality of a piece of composing utilizing a rubric. Have pupils review the authorship as a group and assign tonss as a group. Ask them to react with their tonss and principle utilizing the numbered caputs together scheme. Furthermore, numbered caputs together can be used when work outing math jobs. Ask inquiries such as â€Å" What are the facts in this job? † â€Å" Which scheme would be most appropriate? † and â€Å" What solution did your group hold on? † This scheme besides can be used after reading a chapter in a text, or after stuff has been presented. Ask clear uping inquiries about the text and have pupils find and discuss the replies. When groups are ready, reexamine the replies utilizing this scheme. Otherwise, this scheme can be used in readying for a trial or quiz. Allow clip for pupils to analyze together in their groups and possibly make inquiries that might be on the trial or quiz. Using the numbered caputs together scheme, inquire inquiries about the stuff that will be on the trial or quiz.THE EFFECTIVE USE OF COOPERATIVE LEARNINGThe effectual usage of concerted acquisition in the schoolroom is frequently built upon a four-step procedure. There are four elements ne ed to be considered as the initial start to plan and implement concerted acquisition into the instruction modus operandis. The first component is presentation of content. In Lesson Methodologies, I talked about the ways in which you can show information to your pupils. These instructional activities must be done prior to any concerted acquisition activity. Concerted acquisition is non a self-instruction theoretical account, but instead a manner for pupils to â€Å" mess around † with antecedently presented stuff. In short, concerted acquisition comes after you ‘ve taught something to your pupils. The 2nd component is teamwork where this is the clip after the new stuff been taught and when pupils are engaged in a concerted acquisition activity. The concerted acquisition scheme ( Jigsaw, Think-pair-share, Numbered caputs ) is selected and explained to the full category. Students are divided into assorted squads and provided sufficient clip to finish their assigned responsibilities. The 3rd component that should be considered is single appraisal. In concerted acquisition, the aim is non the production of a individual set of right replies for the full group but instead the development and sweetening of each member ‘s accomplishment. Although members of the squad work together to get the hang information, each single member must be assessed in relation to her or his command of the content. In short, everybody is tested in line with her or his achievement potency. The last component is team acknowledgment. It is most appropriate to acknowledge and observe the attempts of the squad as a whole. It is every bit of import to observe the attempts of the squad to help single members in larning a specific organic structure of cognition. These ceremonials can be either public or private. Teachers have rewarded squads with an excess deferral, a â€Å" prep base on balls, † a bite, a certification or award, or some other appropriate wages. In many instances, the wages can be every bit simple as a schoolroom cheer or drawn-out series of high fives.