Discuss the Role that Alfieri Plays Essay

Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge is a modern tragedy set in 1950’s Brooklyn about a man’s obsession with his niece, and what that obsession ultimately brings about. Eddie Carbone, a hard- working dockworker is the tragic hero of the piece who struggles with how he feels about his niece, Catherine. Miller manages identify and raise many themes concerning the people who lived in the area in which the play was set, themes such as family, justice, respect and death, themes that played a big part in society during that era. Alfieri is the narrator of the play; he is like a sort of Greek chorus in the sense that he divides the scenes with monologues, he also explains to the audience the themes and adds depth to the play. From the very beginning of the play Alfieri hints towards tragedy, he does this a few times in his prologue, for example, he says: â€Å"I am inclined to see the ruin in things,† This tells the audience or readers straight away, at the beginning of the play that Alfieri can see that Eddie’s story is going to end in disaster. Towards the end of the prologue, it is clear that Alfieri can do nothing to avert the play from tragedy. â€Å"another lawyer, quite differently dressed, heard the same complaint and sat there as powerless as I, watched it run its bloody course. † The quote explains that nobody could do anything to change what is going to happen. It also hints that blood is going to be spilt and someone is going to die. When Marco and Rodolfo first arrive they act very differently, Marco enters the house greets everyone and shows Eddie a lot of respect and thanks him, whereas Rodolfo does not show any gratitude toward Eddie at all. The stage instructions show that Eddie, whenever he asks a question about them, he goes to Marco and totally bypasses Rodolfo. Eddie shows hostility towards him from the very beginning, for example, when Rodolfo starts singing â€Å"Paper Doll,† Eddie interrupts and warns him that by singing it could raise suspicion about them because singing is different and as Eddie says: â€Å"Because we never had no singers here†¦ and all of a sudden there’s a singer in the house, y’know what I mean? † Eddie begins to act differently, jealous that he is no longer getting all the attention in the house, instead, Rodolfo is getting all of the attention from the women, he doesn’t like this so he stops him from singing and uses the excuse above to regain control of the household. The first time Eddie meets Alfieri to see if there is any legal action he can take against Rodolfo to get him away from Catherine. He is now incredibly jealous of Rodolfo and Catherine’s relationship, this is because of his incest feeling for â€Å"Katy†, Alfieri tells him about how he feels is wrong during their meeting: â€Å"We all love somebody, the wife, the kids- every man’s got somebody that he loves, heh? But sometimes†¦ there’s too much. You know? There’s too much and it goes where it mustn’t. † Eddie cannot admit these feelings, and gets annoyed that he can’t do anything without immigration officers finding out about Marco and Rodolfo because it would involve betrayal, and that creates conflict within him. On one hand, he could betray Marco and Rodolfo and go against every thing he stands for by telling immigration, but on the other he could leave things as the stand and sit back to watch Catherine get married to Rodolfo and push his feelings aside. It is because Eddie cannot push his feelings for â€Å"Katy† aside that he dies, whatever he did he could not let her grow up. As Alfieri said, he did love her too much in the wrong way. This play could have ended many ways without violence, for instance, if Eddie forgot about his incest feeling or if Marco could have forgiven Eddie and apologised when Eddie demanded for â€Å"his name,† maybe the characters would have acted differently, but because they did not this play demonstrates many examples of betrayal, justice, honour, death and many other themes. Alfieri provides link between scenes and helps the audience understand Eddie and in a way the way he thinks.

Marketing Survey Form Essay

We are Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management students currently conducting a feasibility study with regard for a proposed foodservice business venture entitled as Silog Express which will offer variety of silog dishes like tapsilog, adsilog, chicksilog, embosilog, porksilog, etc. It will be located in front of Tomas Del Rosario College, San Jose, Balanga City, in partial fulfilment of our course requirement HRMG-413B Feasibility Study with Thesis. Due this, we prepared this questionnaire to gather necessary information which will be very beneficial to our study. May we request you to provide the necessary information for each of the following questions. Rest assured that any details provided will be treated with utmost confidentiality. Thank you very much! -Researchers Name (Optional): ____________________________ ____________ Gender: ________ Address/University/Company: ____________________________ ________ Age: ________ Put a check mark on the space provided for your answer. 1. Where you do usually ate breakfast? ( ) at home ( ) canteen ( ) restaurant/fast food others: ______ 2. Where you do usually ate lunch? ( ) at home ( ) canteen ( ) restaurant/fast food others: ______ 3. Where you do usually ate dinner? ( ) at home ( ) canteen ( ) restaurant/fast food others: ______ 4. How often do you eat at any restaurants/fast foods here in Balanga? ( ) twice a day ( ) daily ( ) weekly ( ) twice a week others: ______ 5. How much is your daily allowance? ( ) Php100 ( ) Php120 ( ) Php150 ( ) Php200 ( ) Php250 others: ______ 6. How much do you usually spent for food when eating in a fast food/restaurant here in Balanga? ( ) Php30-40 ( ) Php40-50 ( ) Php50-60 ( ) Php60-70 ( ) Php70-80 others: 7. Are you familiar with tapsilog, hamsilog, tosilog, chicksilog, porksilog, etc.? ( ) Yes ( ) No 8. Do you eat silog dishes? ( ) Yes ( ) No 9. How often do you eat silogs? ( ) daily ( ) weekly ( ) twice a week ( ) thrice a week others: ____ 10. Have you ever experience dining in a silog food service? ( ) Yes ( ) No 11. Where have you tasted/experienced silogs? ( ) at home ( ) school canteens ( ) fast foods others: ____________ 12. In what meal do you think silog will most be eaten. ( ) breakfast ( ) lunch ( ) merienda ( ) dinner 13. Choose at least 5 of your best choices. ( ) adsilog ( ) bangusilog ( ) burgsilog ( ) chicksilog ( ) cornsilog ( ) daingsilog ( ) embosilog ( ) hamsilog 1 Republic of the Philippines BATAAN PENINSULA STATE UNIVERSITY Main Campus, City of Balanga, Bataan ( ) liemsilog ( ) longsilog ( ) malingsilog ( ) porkbbqsilog ( ) porksilog ( ) sigsilog ( ) specialpares ( ) tapsilog ( ) tosilog ( ) tuyosilog others: __________ 14. Would you like to have a silog food service here in Balanga? ( ) Yes ( ) No 15. Are you in favour of putting up the â€Å"Silog Express†? ( ) Yes ( ) No Thank you very much for spending time answering this questionnaire!

Treetop Forest

Statement of the problem The packaging team at Treetop Forest is experiencing many problems. Their productivity is decreasing and affecting the rest of the departments negatively. The unsupervised employees are slacking off, are not motivated and are adopting norms that are not fitted with the company. Inventory costs and the risk of damaged stocks are also increasing. The quality of the appearance of the finished products is also decreasing, resulting in a loss in the market share in the industry, hence being unable to compete with other companies. Cause of the problem Social loafing is causing the decrease in productivity in the packaging team. This tendency to withhold physical or intellectual effort when performing a group task[1] represents the slacking behaviours of the employees in that department. The lack of supervision is also one of the main causes of most of the problems stated. The group’s cohesiveness is causing them to behave in similar manners, as additive tasks, even though the behaviours adopted are not in line with the norms of the rest of the company (taking longer breaks etc). Because this department’s location is further than all the other ones, the employees feel isolated and excluded from the company, causing their lack in motivation. The group’s poor performance is causing an overstock which results in high inventory costs and risk of damaged stocks since they have to be stored outside ultimately causing the poor appearance of the finished product which affects the buyer’s decision. It can be assumed that it is a larger group due to the tasks that need to be performed, which affects the group in many ways. In larger groups, friendships develop, participation decreases and disengagement increases resulting in process loss: a group performance difficulty stemming from the problems of motivation and coordination in larger groups. [2] Solutions and Consequences 1. To counteract the social loafing the company should: Increase feelings of indispensability. Doing this within the group would motivate the employees. Increase performance feedback, so that employees will know how to improve themselves as well as knowing what they did well. Reward group performance. Pros: Highly motivated in what they are doing †¢ They would feel belonging to the company since they would know what the company’s goals are. 2. To have a more structured environment, Treetop should hire and train a new supervisor only for the packaging department. Pros: †¢ This solution will decrease inventory costs and increase the production and quality of the finished products. †¢ Effective communication betwe en the other departments to balance the productivity levels Cons: †¢ The salary and training of this new employee will increase the company’s costs. 3. To reduce the overtime costs, limits should be put on the amount of overtime hours an employee is allowed to use, along with a deadline for a specific amount of products. Pros: †¢ This would decrease the overtime salary costs †¢ This would increase productivity due to the fixed goals. †¢ This would decrease the extended break and lunch times. Cons: †¢ Because these goals are imposed, the employees may be reluctant to achieve them. To avoid this situation, the goals could be discussed therefore increasing the probability of their achievement. Recommended Solution It would be recommended to implant supervision since it is the main cause of all the problems the company is faced with and because of the many effects it would have on the situation. The group needs structure and a supervisor would therefore help resolve most problems. Implemented Solution Immediately, communication should be improved between the departments to stop the unbalanced productivity. This would resolve part of the inventory costs problems. Upper management should also put someone in charge of the packaging team. If costs of hiring a new supervisor are too high, an existing supervisor could be given more shifts. Although hiring and training costs are high, the company will benefit from this addition in the long-term. The new supervisor would counteract the social loafing the company is experiencing. The supervisor could be trained to focus on the motivation of his group (rewarding good performances etc). This supervisor is also the one who should limit the employees to a certain amount of overtime hours they are allowed to. The supervisor would reinforce the company’s norms, eventually eliminating the self-imposed ones in the group (longer breaks†¦). The supervisor would also promote group cohesiveness and a pleasant working environment. In the short term, upper management could host a meeting or assembly between all departments to make them feel interrelated and important to the company. This could be a great motivation for the employees. In the long term, group evaluations could be necessary to measure the group’s performance and to see if the actions taken are resolving the problems. ________________________________________ [1] Johns,G, & Saks, A. M. (2008). Organizational Behaviour, 7th edition, Toronto: Addison-Wesley-Longman. [2] Johns,G, & Saks, A. M. (2008). Organizational Behaviour, 7th edition, Toronto: Addison-Wesley-Longman.

Social media impact on public relations practice Research Paper

Social media impact on public relations practice - Research Paper Example Public relations experts were the first individuals to embrace the supremacy of social media. Consequently, social media alters the face of this industry (Folkens, 2011). Public relations experts can take advantage of social media by utilizing it to communicate with their clients. This is a significant opportunity for industries to gain direct responses from their clients. This interaction permits for constant refinement and advancement to create a deep relationship with their clients. Human relations made possible by listening and responding via social media bring the clients closer to a brand. The rapidity of information distribution is extremely fast. Public relations experts can now access a wealth of information that is shared with clients seeking resolutions to a quandary. Social media has the potential to develop constructive interactions between institutions and their clients. There are various ways in which social media has an influence on proficiencies, information and work performances of present and future public relations experts. This is in the manner new media is put into use including the influence that connected expectations and deme anor of clients has on the public relations industry (Melanie, 2007). Another proposal is that public relations industries need to develop comprehensive policies on the utilization of social media for their own advantage. Each professional has a significant role to play in depicting the company he or she works for in constructive radiance in social media. This will, consequently, expand the responsibility of every worker in the industry. There is also the need for institutions to put strategies in place on how social media can be utilized as part of the public relations techniques. This is crucial in adding a competitive advantage to the institutions and enhancing their communication channels with their clients. However, there is the proposal to introduce appropriate measures with regard to

What impact did the Counter Reformation have on religious art and Essay

What impact did the Counter Reformation have on religious art and architecture in Venice - Essay Example de that separated the â€Å"elite† and â€Å"universal† religion on one side and the â€Å"popular† and â€Å"local† religious practices on the other side that involved both Protestants and Catholics in many parts of Europe.1 (William A. Christian, Jr., 1981) Jean Delumeau,2 a reputed French historian, believed that Counter Reformation was more of â€Å"cultural domination† that was used to convert the masses to Christianity. According to him it was a fundamental breaking away from medieval Christianity that was practiced by a greater majority of people. In this context, art and architecture during this period was greatly influenced and changed according to the changes made in society. For example, during the period of 1450 – 1660, art and architecture moved away from the mystical elements of medieval Catholicism and ushered in an era of progressive minds whose sculptures and paintings was based on a naturalistic approach based on scientific study. The Medieval period saw theorists approach and gauge artistic values in a more theoretical manner that mostly emphasized the spiritual, religious, and moral teachings of the Church. However, during the period of the 1420’s, art and architecture was viewed from a very different perspective that was based on naturalism. Anthony Blunt3 (1985) in his book titled ‘Artistic Theory in Italy, 1450 – 1660’ sheds light on Leon Battista Alberti’s writings explaining about the changes that took place in Italy in the field of art and architecture due to the influence brought about by the social, cultural and political changes that were ushered in by the Reformation. He explains that Alberti adopted a Humanistic approach in all of his writings on architecture, paintings and sculpture. Three of his best treatises were – a painting - Della Pittura di Leon Battista Alberti Libri tre, written in 1436, the ten books of architecture, De Re Aedificatoria written in 1450 and a pamphlet on sculpture, De Statua which he probably

Tourism, Leisure or Events Organisations in Attempting To Improve Essay

Tourism, Leisure or Events Organisations in Attempting To Improve Service Quality - Essay Example In this paper, two tourism companies have been discussed which include the GTi Travel Goup and Thomas Cook Group plc that provide tourism services in the market segment of the UK. In this regard, certain strategies are recommended to the companies with the motive of improving their performances substantially. Moreover, these strategies will assist these two companies in improving their brand image as well as to develop their offered service quality. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Table of Contents 3 1. Introduction 4 2. Critical Evaluation of Strategies 5 2.1 Positioning Strategy 5 2.2 Communication Strategy 6 2.3 Supply Chain Management 8 2.4 Human Resource Management (HRM) 10 3. Conclusion 12 4. References 13 5. Bibliography 16 1. Introduction Tourism is determined to be one of the largest industries worldwide and it is also considered to be one of the major elements towards the development of economic conditions and employment opportunities for both developing and developed countries. Service quality in tourism industry is considered to be a vital factor in order to acquire competitiveness in the provided services. The main objective of service quality is to determine the expectations as well as the preferences of customers and to provide services in accordance with their needs and preferences (Mohamed, 2006). The GTi Travel Group is one of the principal companies in tourism sector for overseas visitors in the United Kingdom (UK). The company is recognised to provide professional as well as value for money services for overseas visitors. In this regard, the international visitors are able to have a better outlook of Europe and Britain and the tour packages of the company range from one to thirty days (GTi Travel Group, 2013). Thomas Cook is a travel company in the UK and it is developed with the merger of MyTravel Group plc and Thomas Cook AG. It is one of the renowned tourism companies with having customers of around 23 million who travelled with the group in the previous year i.e. 2012 (Thomas Cook Group plc, 2013). The paper intends to discuss the strategies which could be adopted by GTi Travel Group and Thomas Cook Group plc with the intention of enhancing their service quality. 2. Critical Evaluation of Strategies The strategies that can be adopted by the GTi Travel Group and Thomas Cook Group plc are required to be analysed with the intention of determining the actions undertaken in order to improve the performance of these tourism companies with regard to service quality. These companies are identified to be famous packaged tour offering companies in the UK. In keeping with changing scenario of the global industry, the aspects of customer satisfaction, customer relations, service design and most importantly service quality have gained immense significance. Therefore, companies such as GTi Travel Group and Thomas Cook require to ensure that they abreast with requirements of the customers with superior quality of offerings. In this regard, the recommended strategies are described as follows: 2.1 Positioning Strategy The GTi Travel Group can adopt a positioning strategy with the objective of improving the brand image as well as competitive position of the company in the UK tourism market. The positioning strategy comprises three methods which include market analysis as well as internal analysis along with competitor analysis. In this regard, the GTi Travel Group should analyse the market conditions with respect to the preferences as well as needs of customers with regard to destinations (Alford, 1998). It has been recognised that the demand for the services offered by tourism companies has increased considerably in recent times. With the increase in the amount of disposable incomes of a large section of

The Impact of Host Country National Managers Contribution to Success Dissertation

The Impact of Host Country National Managers Contribution to Success of Expatriates - Dissertation Example However, research indicates that there are problems with disparities with regard to compensating expatriates working in a wide variety of environments (Caruth & Handlogten-Caruth, 2002; Lee, 2005; Herrera, 2005; Latta, 2006; Minter, 2008). Human resource lacks comprehensive planning in advance for disparities of pay scales, taxation, or even, cultural adaptation; failure to concentrate on offering international training and management development skills for new expatriates. One approach is by asking the following question: what can organizations and their managers do so as to gain a better understanding of policies regarding international compensation? One way to gain a better understanding is through an effective training program for the new expatriate workforce, and compensation policies that are externally competitive and internally equitable for the success of any MNC (Human Development Report, 2009). METHODOLOGY This section shows how data was collected so as to find the answers to the research question, hence fulfilling the purpose of this dissertation paper. This will be subdivided into a description of the purpose of research, research approach and strategy. Later, data collection, sample selection and analysis of data will be presented. Lastly, we conclude the chapter with discussion on how the data collected and presented is valid and reliable (Creswell, 2009). Purpose of the Research This paper aims at showing how the host country’s managers contribute to the success of the expatriates. This objective is descriptive in nature as it seeks to explain how the impact of the host managers leads to success of expatriates. Research Approach Qualitative approach to this research is the most appropriate basing on the purpose of this dissertation paper. It is the most appropriate approach to deal with people’s perceptions that are intangible. It also ensures close contacts to the study objects (Tayeb, 2005). Data Collection Data can either be pri mary or secondary, where each of the methods is a high complement of the other. It is highly recommended that a researcher uses as many measurements as possible so as to improve the validity of the study, hence leading to more convincing and accurate findings and conclusions. In this paper, the main data sources used were interviews evidence from documentation. Interviewing was chosen as the most appropriate primary data collection method as it directly focused on the topic of this dissertation. The discussion involved questions dealing with a wide range of concepts, hence, enabling me attain the open character of the interview. This also ensured flexibility in the respondent’s answers, and at the same time focusing on the certain issues in the guide. Data gathered through documentation is vital in substantiating evidence from other sources (Liu & Shaffer, 2005). Data Analysis Data was analyzed depending on my style of thinking, accompanied with sufficient presentation of evi dence, while considering available alternatives and interpretations. Data was simplified by reducing and later on displayed, from where conclusions based on the findings were drawn. Data Validity and Reliability Validity is the ability of the measuring instrument to determine what it is supposed to access with the highest

Oranizational development careers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Oranizational development careers - Essay Example igning and developing the training programs across a wide variety of formats including self guided, instructor led, and computer or web based formats, assessing the effectiveness of the training programs, and updating training programs and training materials (HR Jobs, 2009). Educational qualification of BA/BS or an advanced degree in any of the disciplines of pharmacy, education, instructional design, human resources, organizational development or any other related field. The experience requirement is three to five years, with preference for experience in instructional design, development and implementation of training programs and a degree of pharmacy experience. Sound organization, planning and project management skills, strong skills in writing, excellent interpersonal skills, proven ability for influencing others for the purpose of buy-in, a work style that is assertive and self-directed, and effective presentation skills are the attributes that are required for the job. Experience aspects that are a preference in the job requirements include experience with technology-based training solutions and program implementation in a multi-unit, geographically dispersed organization (HR Jobs, 2009). The job of an OD project leader portrays the need to lead through the human resource function of increasing the value of the human asset in the organization, through the development and implementation of training programs which are essentially concentrated for this organization on the retail front level, though it is likely to extend to other areas of team development. The job requirement calls for appropriate education level of BA/Bs or n advanced degree along with a mix of experience and a wide range of attributes. This essential feature of the job stems from the challenges that will be thrown up in the execution of the job duties. OD project leaders are bound to be required in organizations that recognize the value of the human capital asset and seek means to exploit

Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 5

Case Study Example A firm’s support and analysis of this scenario would reveal that, in the point at which there is a clear distinction between the ‘data’ and the ‘information’ expected from it, the outcome would be the realization of the fact that ‘data’ is nothing but a raw and unorganized collection of facts that need processing in order to make them meaningful and useful. This is a sense that was not being noted in FreshDirect prior to Braddock becoming the CEO; hence, the noted losses in sales, revenue as well as the decline in the customers’ base or numbers (Laudon & Laudon, 2013). Considering this, not unless well organized and put to proper usage, organizational data can be quite useless and meaningless. Therefore, the organization of data so as to produce adequate information would greatly enhance the business cycle and growth of the organization (Wisner, Tan & Leong, 2011). Further still, whereas when the collected data is adequately organized, processed, structured and presented in the required context; thus, making it useful and meaningful, it will be referred to as ‘information.’ In the case of FreshDirect, its business entails dealing with a huge number of customers in a single business day. As such, it would be required to ensure that it accurately takes all their order, delivery time and the locations of delivery. This amount of data is quite huge, and if not sorted out, the likely result would be a total mess and mix-up in orders, delivery and even a cause in delivery times since no proper information is generated to indicate the location of clients so that a truck only serves a region. The success of FreshDirect also required a huge number of human resources for it to run, and a huge amount of data for it to run. Thus, it would make no meaning if the collected data is not enhanced to produce the required information this a failure in the

Vermeer’s Painting Technique inWoman Holding a Balance Essay Example for Free

Vermeer’s Painting Technique inWoman Holding a Balance Essay Johanna’s Vermeer’s paintings, although masterpiece creations of great precision and detail, were hardly recognized until after his death. After his death, many observations and analysis were conducted. Much of his painting styles became noticeable by investigating his unfinished works. His lifelike paintings used very special techniques invented exclusively by him. The camera obscurer technique is his claim to fame. Constant reinventions of his painting techniques come around today in several different forms and style. The camera obscurer technique is widely used for theatre, film and stage designing. One of his most famous astounding paintings are A Woman Holding a Balance. The painting, A Woman Holding a Balance, is a portrait emphasizing riches, material wealth, luxury, femininity daintiness and delicacy. Upon looking at the picture, delicate feminine items symbolizing material luxury jumps out and touches the viewer. A woman wears a designer dark blue jacket with white fur trimmings. Such elegant jackets were worn by upper class wealthy women while doing their domestic duties. The exquisite jacket is lined with fur throughout the inside of the jacket, indicating this is an intricate designer original. At this time, the only heating resources available were a fireplace usually in the living room. The three boxes laying on the luxurious wooden table, containing intricate detailed luxurious designs are another outstanding symbology of wealth and riches. Red velveteen lines the largest box. Several glowing, shinning pearl necklaces lay over the top of delicately carved jewelry box. To the far left, in front of the painting is a blue velveteen blanket or cloth. The images sold and viewed today in art museums are restored. In the original paintings, the blanket resembled a greenish tone. The greenish tone was a side effect of the heavy yellowish varnish Vermeer used to shade or set his entire paintings. Blue colorings are known to discolor varnish in paintings. On the wall, directly across from the woman, is an elegant ebony mirror. The mirror may indicate pride and vanity. Many arguments and research looked into finding out what was the woman holding in the balance. Earlier sources concluded the balance was holding gold coins. However, microscopic research showed there was nothing in the balance. The message the balance contains may be interpreted infinitely. Perhaps the woman was involved in a peaceful solitary prayer or meditation ritual. The balance could stand for mental or emotional peacefulness, much like crystals used in prayer ceremonies. One of the most beautiful highlights of this painting is natural sunlight furnishing the light in the room. The photograph bears incredibly noticeable brightness. The sunlight brings a hint of notoriety to the golden curtains. The painting contains a picture inside a picture. In the background, on the wall is a mysterious picture containing many subliminal shapes and designs. It may be considered abstract art work. In the upper center appears to be a man, perhaps an angel in human form, descending down from the heavens surrounded in glowing light. To either side appears to be what may be interpreted as animals, but not definitely so. At the bottom of the photo are designs appearing to be lots of people. The photograph was apparently another famous painting named The Last Judgment. The woman may also be very pregnant, in her eight or ninth month.

The Introduction To The Education System Education Essay

The Introduction To The Education System Education Essay In my previous workplace and among the colleagues, we would talk about our children and their learning experience and share notes and tips base on our personal experiences. There were really no major challenges. It never occurs to me that there are still many children who are not in the most favorable condition to learn and to be what they can be. Being in the school has allowed me to interact with the children and learn more about the challenges they face every day, at home and in school. I was bought up and educated in the old days where it was very teacher directed on the blackboard. Our knowledge was learnt from textbooks, enhanced through pen and paper practices and drills and instructions were duly completed due to fear of being punished or ridiculed. There were no special need students, just naughty and lazy students whom the teachers gave up trying to teach them anything. The education system now is very different and my son, who is currently in Primary Six, is going through it. The current system aims to provide education equality, providing students of different learning ability the opportunity to be the best that they can be. It is no longer through pen and paper only, different types of manipulative and technologies come into use. Being untrained, I wonder how I am able to face and teach a class of 40 children, with different learning abilities and from diverse background. Before coming into training, I had practically little or no knowledge of the jargons, pedagogies or methodology used in education. I was not sure whether the method I was using to impart knowledge was applicable in the current context. I believe that the children will be able to feel if a teacher is sincere or not and they will be on task for the teacher if they can feel that sincerity. When I was a new student in a new secondary school at secondary two, the teacher-in-charge of the National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC), Mr Yang, made sure that I was on par with the rest of the cadets and that I was not left behind. That gave me the motivation to excel and I was awarded the Best Unit Cadet in secondary four. This has also given me the passion to continue to serve in NPCC in Junior College, University and even until now, I am still an adult volunteer in a secondary school as an Honorary Officer. I understand how a teacher can affect the students motivation and passion. I believe that different children learn at different pace and in different style and are able to excel in different areas. I like the quote by Albert Einstein, Everybody is a genius. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, itll spend its whole life believing that it is stupid. In Singapores Education System, every child is given equal opportunity for an education. And because every child is different, the resources required to help each of them would be different. The high ability child should be stretched further while the lower ability child must be given more support. Being untrained, I gave extra lesson to the weaker children before and after school as I was not sure how to carry out differentiated learning in class. I wonder if there is a different way of doing this, especially for some of the children who have learning difficulties. As a Physical Education teacher, I enjoy physical activities and sports and I believe that children learn through play because it is enjoyable. But playing the game and teaching the game are totally two different things. Being untrained, I have limited resources and much time was spent on the internet looking for suitable activities for the children of different levels. I also need to ensure that the activities are conducted in a safe environment with the appropriate equipment. I once read a book Change Your Questions, Change Your Life: 10 Powerful Tools for Life and Work by Marilee Adams. It changed the way I ask questions. Instead of asking why it happened, whose fault it was and what was wrong, I ask questions like how it can be done and what was working. By changing the questions, we direct our attention to positive feelings, possibilities and solutions. In school, I would sometime hear remarks like they are unable to excel because of their family background or they are at a disadvantage because other students are smarter or richer. I would ask them to change their questions. Instead of asking why they cannot do it, they should ask how they can do it which would direct them to search for solutions that would help them achieve their goals. I believe that by getting the children to have the right mindset and ask the right question, they are able to resolve challenges and achieve our potential. After coming into National Institute of Education (NIE) for training, my philosophy has not changed. Rather, it has been further enhanced and strengthened by the knowledge and skills gained through the different academic and curriculum subjects. Teaching and Managing Learners has provided valuable knowledge and tips about effective communication, classroom and sitting arrangement and classroom management so that learners with different learning abilities or special needs can learn together. For meaningful learning to take place, the environment has to be safe and inclusive. From prior knowledge acquired in the Education Psychology module, I can better understand the psychosocial challenge or crisis faced by the learners in the different developmental stages (Erikson, 1968). So as a beginning teacher, I need to know what kind of safe and inclusive environment is best so that everyone can learn and achieve their own best; an environment that the learners can learn without fear and at their own pace. It was interesting to see how each group present their own ideas during class. Some did it through picture, some through words and the music teachers did it through music. All these give me ideas on how I can create such an environment. But most importantly, the environment has to be owned by the students. The whole class has to agree to a set of acceptable behaviour and consequences. This will set the ground rules and routines for a constructive learning environment. As there may be learners with different learning or physical disabilities, I must ensure that the classroom arrangement is such that it would accommodate the special needs of the learners. Learners with hearing impairments must be placed in front and conscious effort must be made to pronounce the words carefully. For learners who are easily distracted, they should be seated away from areas of high activity like the door and windows. And for learners who are left-handed, they should preferably sit on the left hand side of the table arrangement. Besides academic, learners also need to learn proper social behaviour and values. Learners see teachers as their role models. So, if the teacher is sensitive and caring to the children, they too will learn how to show care and concern to each other. And through activities like collaborative learning, peer teaching, think-pair-share, the children learn about sharing and cooperation. These are values which are important to their future and can be taught through daily interaction and activities with the learners. Hence, meaningful lesson plan is very important. As learners may come from diverse social economic background, I need to ensure that each is given opportunity and access to the many different technologies and gadgets. With a well-planned classroom layout, different activities can be carried out simultaneously and smoothly. I can make the classroom more efficient for activities to encourage differentiated learning. Learners with learning disability also learn better through interactive and interesting computer games and gadgets. So together with knowledge learned from the ICT for Meaningful Learning module, I can better use ICT to enhance the learning experience of the learners. A good classroom layout also facilitates smooth transition of one activity to another and great classroom management skill. Besides the learning environment, the teachers ability to deliver the content is also very important to their learning. Teachers should not just teach content, they should also check for understanding while teaching. To check for understanding, the learners must be able to explain with new examples and apply the concept in other areas. This understanding process is a continuous one ((Blythe Associates, 1998). Managing small-group and independent work is an important skill for the teacher so as to ensure that the lesson can be carried out smoothly. I know that praise is important to learners as it reinforces good behavior and reaffirm their effort in learning. Through this course, I also realize that there are different types of praise. Ginott (1965) divided praises into evaluative and appreciative. He suggested that appreciative praise should be used as it affirms their effort and achievement. Evaluative praise should be avoided as it places a burden on the learner that he is no good if certain thing is not done (Manning, 2007). Communication is another important factor to encourage teaching and learning. While we want to build rapport with our learners, we must also be able to assert expected behaviors from them. This course also provides tips on how we can use positive and effective communication to create such an environment that encourages learning. When we have understanding and open communication with our learners, they are more willing to keep on learning. Punishment should be discouraged as it only tries to avoid future punishment instead of learning self-discipline. Sarcasm and ridicule should also be avoided as it destroys their self-confidence and self-esteem. Besides the teachers, other partners like the parents, caregivers or tuition teachers also play an important role in the learners learning process. Communication and collaboration among these parties is crucial regardless whether the child has any learning disability or special need. It is very important that all parties monitor and intervene or seek help from experts should they notice that there is little progress in their learning. When there is communication and common understanding, a common approach can then be used at home, in school or in the tuition agency. When the learners are not confused, they can learn better. As a PE teacher, not only do I need to maintain a great learning environment in the classroom, I also need to have great management skill outside the classroom. Through the other PE modules like Principles of Games, Instructional Methods and Instructional Strategies, I now have a vast repertoire of activities and variations that can cater to the different learners of different ability. Activities can be differentiated to suit the different skill level of the diverse learners. Activities can also be modified to cater to the learners with physical disabilities. I am now more confident to be able to conduct meaningful and enjoyable lessons which train their fundamental movement skills crucial for their growth and development. I believe that every child wants to learn and can learn, especially if it is fun. So with the training in NIE, I am able to create an environment that is conducive and fun for learning, a place where the learners like to come to learn and share. I can design and plan lessons that are both meaningful and fun and cater to the differentiated learners in the class. I hope to be able to equip my learners with the necessary skills and correct mindset to succeed and be the best that they can be. (Word count: 1999)

Maternal and Child Health Journal

Maternal and Child Health Journal Coulibaly, Ramata, MD, MSc; Seguin, Louise; Zunzunegui, Maria-Victoria; Gauvin, Lise (2006) â€Å"Links Between Maternal Breast-Feeding Duration and Quebec Infants Health: A Population-Based Study. Are the Effects Different for Poor Children?† Maternal and Child Health Journal. 10:537-543. Coulibaly, et al. examine breast feeding patterns for mothers based on family income and then examine the data for effects on childrens health. The results are in-line with other studies which show that women from higher income groups are more likely to breast feed their babies and to breast feed them for longer durations. Further, the study found that breast feeding regardless of income group, reduced the number of chronic health problems in the infant children and the number of hospital visits. The benefits of breast feeding are well documented with regards to infants health, growth, immunity, and development. According to data assembled by Healthy People 2010, breastfeeding decreases the number of cases and severity of diarrhea, respiratory infections, and ear infections. Further, breast feeding saves mothers and families the additional costs of infant formula and thus is more economical than bottle feeding. Despite these advantages Coulibaly et al. and other authors frequently show that low income households and demographics that traditionally are indicators of lower incomes (African Americans and lower educated women) have lower rates of breast feeding than higher income families and demographic groups traditionally associated with higher incomes (white non-hispanics and college educated women). Healthy People 2010 aims to increase rates of breast feeding to 75% in the early postpartum period, 50% for the first 6 months, and 25 percent for the first year. To meet these goals, more lower income women will need to breast feed their infant children. The facts uncovered by the article and also those cited by Healthy People 2010 with regard to breast feeding rates and income status are counter intuitive. On the surface it would seem that poor women and families would not be able to afford the convenience of bottle feeding and would therefore have higher rates of breastfeeding than their higher income counterparts. However, this is not the case and therefore breastfeeding rates must not be directly related to income. Instead other variables must be restricting lower income women from breastfeeding. It is commonly believed that the benefits of breastfeeding may not be widely understood and that educational efforts would increase breastfeeding rates. This has likely been true and advertisements on city busses and involvement of community health workers and social workers are likely largely responsible for the increase in breast feeding rates that have been documented by healthy people 2010. However to meet the goals of Healthy People 2010, I believe that more action is required to address issues that are likely holding back many mothers from breast feeding their infant children. It is my belief that one of the main impediments for mothers thinking about breastfeeding is their job. The data by healthy people 2010 that shows over 60% of women currently breastfeed their children during the postpartum period when they are most likely to be on maternity leave as well as the precipitous drop in breast feeding rates to 29% at 6 months and 16% at 1 year after mothers have gone back to work support this hypothesis. I also believe that lower income earning women are more hampered by their jobs then women from higher incomes. I believe this to be the case since many lower income work in service related industries as cashiers or other industries where there are limited private spaces for them to use a breast pump or refrigerate their pumped milk. Further, lower income women are more likely to be considered â€Å"expendable employees† due to their lack of work place skills. In comparison, many women working in office settings have access to quiet rooms with r efrigerators and are working on important projects to their employers and cannot be easily replaced. Thus, to meet the goals of Healthy People 2010, health professionals need to work with governmental leaders to help them understand the importance of this issue in reducing our nations health care costs. All places of business should be forced to establish a â€Å"quiet room† where a women can use a breast pump in privacy and then store her milk until her shift is complete. Further, mothers that return to the work force must be guaranteed work brakes at appropriate intervals to the age of their infant children to maximize the milk pumped. Many employers of low income women will likely never establish a environment that is friendly to the breastfeeding mother without both governmental penalties for failure to comply and incentives to encourage compliance. This article prompted me to think about the data on breastfeeding versus economic level and reflect on my own observations. As a immigrant to this country, I have many friends that at times tried to balance raising a small infants while working a low paying jobs. I have observed their work facilities in parking garages, retail stores, etc. and now understand that they did not have proper facilities for them to operate a breast pump in privacy and store the product milk. Also, because I also have worked some of these same jobs, I know that often I was grateful to have the job and often felt intimidated to ask my manager, many times as that was what the manager wanted me to feel, for anything special. Thus, I understand how difficult it is for women struggling in these jobs and trying to support their baby to ask for things not available at their work place. Because of these experiences, I believe that that many of the restrictions to breastfeeding by low income mothers will not go away without government regulations and protections. Healthy People 2010 is right to set the goals to increase breastfeeding, but to achieve it health professionals like ourselves now need to educate our government leaders.

The Evils Of To Kill A Mockingbird :: essays research papers

Has evil always been around, or did man create it? One could trace evil all the way back to Adam and Eve; however, evil came to them, but it was not in them. When did evil become part of a person? No one knows, but evil has been around for a long time and unfortunately is discovered by everyone. In many great classics in literature evil is at the heart or the theme of the novel, including Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird. This classic book demonstrates the growing up of two children in the South and illustrates the theme of evil by showing how they discover, how they deal, and how they reconcile themselves to the evils they experience. First, the trial of Tom Robinson is an eye-opening experience for Jem and Scout; there they discover hatred, child abuse, and lying. Seeing pure hate is new and strange for Jem and Scout. They know that prejudice does exist, but listening to and watching Bob Ewell during the trial is astounding to them because Bob Ewell abhors all blacks, especially Tom Robinson. Bob’s daughter, Mayella, makes an advance on Tom, which is absolutely unspeakable and shameful at that time. In addition, Bob Ewell’s hate grows (especially for Atticus) because after the trial his reputation and respect is ruined, even though he does not have a high degree of integrity to begin with. Also, through the Jones 2 verdict of the trial, Jem and Scout see the hate in jurors for blacks, for it is obvious that Tom Robinson is innocent. Another new and disturbing element that Jem and Scout discover is child abuse. Having never been hit by Atticus, the children know nothing of physical, mental, emotional, or sexual abuse. However, Mayella Ewell knows too well of these abuses and is a victim of them from her own father. Bob Ewell shows he has no consideration for her by his actions or words, and this is clearly displayed during the trial when he is being asked on the stand, "Are you the father of Mayella Ewell?" (172) His crude reply is, "Well, if I ain’t I can’t do nothing about it now"(172). This shows he has no class or respect, while on the other hand, Jem and Scout are used to seeing the example of their tactful father. Also, during the trial it becomes lucid that Bob Ewell beat Mayella up and not Tom Robinson.

Lifting as We Climb Essay -- Essays Papers

Lifting as We Climb Harriet Jacobs, Frances E. W. Harper, and Anna Julia Cooper are three African American female writers who have greatly impacted the progress of "black womanhood." Through their works, they have successfully dispelled the myths created about black women. These myths include two major ideas, the first being that all African American women are perceived as more promiscuous than the average white woman. The second myth is that black women are virtually useless, containing only the capabilities of working in white homes and raising white children. These myths caused these women to be degraded in the eyes of others as well as themselves. In Jacobs' Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Harper's Iola Leroy, and Cooper's A Voice From the South, womanhood is defined in ways that have destroyed these myths. As seen through these literary works, womanhood is defined according to one's sexuality, spirituality, beauty, identity, relationships, and motherhood. Harriet Jacobs Harriet Jacobs was born in 1813 into a slave family. Her father, a carpenter, was highly skilled in his trade. For the first few years of her life, Jacobs lived a happy, normal childhood. She was fortunate enough to live in the same household as her parents and her younger brother, William. When she turned six, her mother passed away, leaving her under the care of her grandmother. In her narrative, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Harriet describes her life as a southern slave, calling herself Linda. She discusses the abuse she endured during servitude and how she managed to overcome it. After twenty-seven years of servitude, Jacobs escapes to a life of freedom. She spent the rest of her days working as a reformer, a Civil War and R... ... the strength black women have mentally as well as physically. Their involvement in various Women's Groups has also helped to create a better image for black women. Throughout their lives, they have shown that whatever obstacles a good black woman may face, you can never keep her down! Bibliography Cooper, Anna J. A Voice From the South. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988. Harper, Frances. Iola Leroy. New York: Penguin Books, 1992. Hutchinson, Louise Daniel. Anna J. Cooper, A Voice From the South. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1981. Jacobs, Harriet. "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl." The Classic Slave Narratives. Ed. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. New York: Penguin Books, 1987. 333-513. Pellow, David W. H. "Anna Julia Cooper." Notable Black American Women. Ed. Jessie Carney Smith. Detroit: Gale Research Inc., 1992. P. 218-224.