Why is knowledge of literary theory important for teachers in their Essay

Why is knowledge of literary theory important for teachers in their role of helping children to develop as readers - Essay Example Literacy theory provides a teacher many tools to enhance the students reading experience such as reading aloud, comprehension workshops and clubs which can substantially contribute to enhancing abilities. Literacy theory allows the teacher to experiment with greater confidence than otherwise, thereby providing a fresh impetus to knowledge. The expanded vision of the teacher develops more self-assurance and generates ability to reason for following a particular form of teaching thereby meeting the curiosity of the modern student. This will greatly enhance the value derived from reading by the students. Literacy theory also enables a teacher to take on the role of a mentor, supporter of the student, guardian, encourager and facilitator. This multi faceted role may seem dichotomous, however is highly essential. For the teacher has to segregate students based on their abilities thereby to some she is the mentor, while to others a guardian or a facilitator based on the reading needs of the student. This ability comes about through understanding of social constructivism which provides an understanding of a learner as an individual with a distinct identity and needs.

The Digital Revolution Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Digital Revolution - Research Paper Example Company websites may employ domestic or global strategies in their e-commerce transactions (Bajaj, Debjani & Kamlesh, 2005). Websites with a domestic e-commerce strategy main seek to serve businesses and customers within the geographical boundaries of a country. In contrast, Bajaj, Debjani & Kamlesh observe that websites with a global focus aim towards promoting transactions between customers and businesses across global and international markets. Firms implementing global e-commerce need to address financial issues, legal issues and market access challenges such as cultural differences and language barriers. There are three main classifications for websites, namely transaction, promotion and content sites (Bajaj, Debjani & Kamlesh, 2005). Transaction sites are websites designed to enhance virtual or online transactions. This is mostly applicable for online business ventures that do not have the traditional brick and mortar model or any other physical presence. This site is more appr opriate for businesses dealing with specialized product categories. Promotional sites are those designed specifically for information and communication purposes with the aim of supplementing marketing activities and strengthening relationships. It is appropriate for companies seeking to develop the global presence and develop new channels of communication. Lastly, content websites are designed to provide customers and prospects with accurate and reliable content to aid in their buying process.

Personal & Professional Development Essay Example for Free

Personal Professional Development Essay 1.1  Cunningham1 has defined self-managed learning as â€Å"†¦idealised adult action learning†. Therefore, self learning is a process where the learner develops their learning goals, decides on strategies to make it happen, identifies resources needed to achieve it and adopts the process to evaluate their achievement. Self managed learning can only be effective if a person has the ability to independently decide about their learning and can manage this without much institutional support. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that most people, though understanding the need for such learning approach, are unable to identify and manage their learning without guidance and support from an institution. Hence, people go to an institution to learn. However, It is the responsibility of the learner to take charge of their learning. In an adult learning environment, where most learners have been out of touch with learning for a while, it is important that the tutors initially provide hands on approach to guide the learners. Gradually, ‘tutor dependency’ reduces and the learner becomes more self dependent, starting to manage their learning more effectively. Self learning process can be facilitated through research, using online tools such as web logs, wikis, search engine facilities, use of social software and other multimedia tools such as audio and video equipment. 1.2  Lifelong learning is a process that takes place throughout an individual’s life based on their life experiences, interaction with others and range of different circumstances which are used to acquire knowledge. It is, defined as the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons’’[2). There are various methods of learning, which can be termed as ‘life long learning’. These are: †¢ Home schooling : People learning at home rather than at an institute. †¢ Adult education : Enrolling in an adult learning course to gain formal qualifications for work or leisure. †¢ Continuing education : Courses to gain further knowledge without getting any formal qualification. †¢ Knowledge work : On-the-job training but can also include practical courses for professional development. †¢ Personal learning environment: Using a range of sources and tools including online applications. Lifelong learning is the most effective way to enhance personal and professional development. Therefore, all the above methods should be encouraged and used to gain relevant knowledge in relation to an individual’s goals and aspirations. A method used by a person depends on what their personal learning goals are, and on the answers to the key questions of what, when, where, how and why. 1.3  The benefits of self managed learning to individuals and organisations are many fold. The key benefits are : †¢ Ability to choose the content :Allows people to pick and choose what they are going to learn, and who they are going to learn from, depending on personal level of knowledge and preferences. †¢ Determining the schedule : Allows people to adapt learning process to their personal agenda, without depending on time schedules imposed by others. †¢ Learning with passion : Topic is chosen based on what the learner wants to learn, making the learner more engaged and the learning process more enjoyable. †¢ Sense of accomplishment and satisfaction : As the learner has chosen the topic, it provides greater degree of satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment within learners. †¢ More productive life : As it is a learner guided process, there is more passion and commitment within the learner about their learning, enhancing their chances of securing more expertise in the area. †¢ Develop expertise and skill : After gaining skill and expertise in the chosen field, a person is more likely to become an expert in the area, with others seeking their expertise and be willing to pay for it. 2.1 Since leaving school, I have worked within the catering sector all my working life, initially as a General Assistant in the kitchen, helping cook and chef. However, through my competence and performance, I was able to gradually rise to the position of Head Chef, with people working under my supervision. This allowed me to have experience of managing people effectively in a challenging fast moving environment. In addition, I was able to gain adequate knowledge and understanding about various health safety guidelines through relevant training, including gaining relevant qualifications. I was able to comply with the professional standards for a Chef through the training I received. Also, working closely with the management, I was able to understand fully the key aims and objectives of the business and focused on ensuring that through my work, I help the business to fulfil them. It is important for a restaurant to provide good quality food and customer service – the two key aspect for such business. Unless the quality of the food and the level of customer service is to their satisfaction, customers will not come back, which is vital for a business. So, my role as a Head Chef is crucial to the success of the company. Since the restaurant is doing well, I feel confident that I have contributed towards the achievement of the company’s aims and objectives, complying with the professional standards required for my job. 2.2  Having worked in the kitchen all my working life, I would now like to have a change of career and move to management, where I would like to manage the whole business, either by setting up my own restaurant or be employed in a restaurant owned by others. In order to help me achieve my aim, I would need proper qualification, understanding and knowledge about how to manage a restaurant efficiently. Therefore, my development needs are as follows : †¢ How to devise an effective business plan †¢ How to prepare a comprehensive sales and marketing strategy †¢ How to be a competent business manager †¢ How to manage a business efficiently and profitably In order to acquire the knowledge required to achieve those aims, I need to enrol in a business course which will not only allow me to have the relevant knowledge but would also enable me to have thorough understanding of these areas, resulting in a qualification. In addition to the areas mentioned above, I also need to focus on some other areas, such as enhancing my literacy and numeracy skills as it would be necessary if I am to manage to restaurant. I also need to improve my social and communication skills too, which is vital for a business within the hospitality sector. 2.3 Since I don’t currently have any formal qualification other than GCSE, the only way for me to achieve my goal of enrolling in a course to acquire relevant knowledge and gain qualification would be to enrol in a course that does not have an entry requirement of any formal qualification and would accept someone with only GCSE. So, I started researching about various courses available that is relevant to me and is available for people who only have GCSE. I have identified that the Business Management HND is the best course for me as it offers all relevant aspects to help me achieve my developmental needs while allowing people with only GCSE to enrol. Therefore, I have enrolled in this course. However, I am seriously considering taking this further and go into further studies on business management, either through university or an informal course in continuing education, which may not result in a formal qualification but would provide me with the knowledge I need to achieve my goals. I feel that enrolling in the Business management HND is the first step towards achieving my aim of acquiring all relevant information and gain relevant qualifications regarding running a successful restaurant business. I also researched about courses to facilitate my aim of enhancing my literacy, numeracy, social and communication skills and have identified some of the courses that will be relevant to me and would assist me in achieving my goals.

Understanding Special Needs Children And Young People Essay

Understanding Special Needs Children And Young People Essay In this assignment I hope to highlight the ADHD Disorder also show what treatments and supports are available for this special need. I hope to find some local support groups for this condition and also detail what legislation is in place to deal with special needs. I hope by the end of this assignment I will be after highlighting enough about how difficult families and teachers find it to cope and live with children who suffer from ADHD. Rational for the Project Plan of Work For this assignment I will look over the notes Christina Meyler has given me so far. I will also look up the ADHD disorder on the internet. I will also go through the book Assisting Children with Special Needs by Ellis Flood. I hope to get a lot of the assignment done during the mid-term in November and then get some feedback on what I will have done to then. I aim to have it finished and handed up by the 30th November 2012. Case Study Brian is an 11 year old boy who has been diagnosed with ADHD. Brian is a bright boy, who is very creative, he has average marks in school. But he sufferes from severe distractibility and a lack of organisational skills, all of which affects his school work. Brian would often lie about his school work and this would cause problems at home with his family. The school contacted a therapist and they saw Brian on a regular basis for four months and also held sessions with Brians parents. The therapist along with Brians parents and his teachers at school developed a checklist of acceptable behaviour programme for Brian. His parents and teachers had to learn proper responses to Brians frequent oppositional behaviour. By doing this Brians behaviour became more manageable for his parents and his teachers, Brians behaviour has become a bit calmer because of this also. Brian now also gets on better at home with his family. He will still have his outbursts but they are not as frequent as they once was the ADHD has become more manageable. Causes of ADHD The causes of ADHD are not really known at the moment, but there is research been carried out to try and find out what causes it. Some children in America with ADHD have undergone an MRI Scan and the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia were found to be smaller than in children who havent ADHD this would indicate that neurophysiological could be the cause of the disorder'(www.casestudies-ADHD-children) Also it is believed that children with parents that have ADHD are more likely to develop it so there for ADHD could be hereditary. Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ADHD is usually diagnosed by a qualified psychologist, generally the psychologist will obtain information regarding the childs behaviour from the childs parents and teachers at their school. The psychologist will observe the child and give them various tasks to complete, closely observing the childs attention span, activity level and impulse control with regard to their age. In order to diagnosis ADHD the child must have a sufficient number of difficulties with concentration, activity levels and impulse control. These behaviours must be present in at least two settings usually in the home and at school. The evaluation process will also determine the type of ADHD a child has, the psychologist evaluating the child would have to have extensive knowledge and experience of children with the condition. Treatment of ADHD ADHD is usually treated using a combination of stimulant medication and behavioural therapy. Medication Several stimulant mediations are available which help to calm the child down allowing them to bring their behaviour under control. Many people are surprised to learn that stimulants are given to children with ADHD as these children seem to be over stimulated already but they do work. Ritalin is perhaps the best known ADHD medication, it has been widely used since its release in 1954. Other medications used are Adderall, Dexedrine and Metadata. Stimulants work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, the parts whose function is to control attention, motivation, pleasure and movement. By regulating the dopamine levels doctors can regulate the attention spans and energy levels of the children they are treating. Some children are not able to take stimulation medication because of side effects, there are non-stimulant medications available such as Stiattera, there are not many children on this medication. Behavioural Therapy Behavioural Therapy can be used alone or with medication as described above. Behavioural Therapy is designed to train children to control their hyperactivity and lack of attention. Based on the work of B.F. Skinner desirable behaviour is rewarded but undesirable behaviour is not. An example of this is when a child is asked to do a task, when that task is carried out the child then gets a reward for doing the task, but if they dont complete the task they are not rewarded. Prognosis There is no cure for ADHD and children with the disorder seldom grow out of it. However many find ways to cope with and adapt to their ADHD as they get older and become adults. Many adults have ADHD and dont even know they have it, it is believed that mand of our prisoners suffer with ADHD. Many adults with ADHD have poor time keeping, they have difficulty completing a task, they would also find it hard to maintain a personal relationship. Others become unemployed and have a higher than average incidence of drug and alcohol abuse. In the past in Ireland very few children were diagnosed with ADHD, if they played up they were just expelled from school. Now in the schools if there is a problem the teacher and principle will try to find the underlying cause for the childs behaviour. This will mean that in future many more children will be diagnosed early and measures will be put in place quicker to help them manage their condition in order to reach their true potential. . Support Groups for ADHD Springborad Family Support programme operated by Youth New Ross Ltd. They hold meetings in my local area for parents with children who suffer from ADHD. The group meets every four to five weeks to share their own stories and discuss the problems they come up against on a day to day basis, they also give each other advice on how they deal with the problems they come up against. Waterford ADHD Support, 74 Farren Park, Upper Grange, Waterford. (051) 852171 Kilkenny ADHD Support, Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Co.Kilkenny 056) 7754954 These are local support groups in my local area that I sourced from the internet. Current Legislation THE EDUCATIONAL ACT 1998 This was the first piece of legislation passed since the foundation of the state that outlines the governments legal obligations regarding education. The act provided the first legal definition of disability The act provides the first legal definition of Special educational Needs The act defines what it means by support services. The function of the Minister for education was also defined under this act. THE EDUCATION WELFARE ACT 2000 This act ensures all children have a right to attend a regonised school even children with special needs.This act also helped in the creation of the Educational Welfare Board THE EDUCATION FOR PERSONS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS ACT 2004 This is the most significant piece of legislation relating to special needs in education. The act is extensive and covers the following general areas The issue of inclusion with regards to children with special needs in mainstream settings. Preparation of individual educational plans for children with special needs. Assessment of special needs. Service provision for children with special educational needs. Appeals. (Ellis Flood 2010 :10-17) The Practical and Emotional impact of having a child with ADHD Most parents of children with ADHD face a daily challenge of managing their childs behaviour. Within the home most children with ADHD who are hyperactive have difficulty complying with parental instructions. They get frustrated quickly, interrupt conversations and have a tendency to get into fights with their siblings. Their demanding tendencies can cause problems with their friends who will regard them as been bossy and quick tempered, they can also get violent with their families. Children with ADHD who are not hyperactive and impulsive can drive their parents crazy not so much with what they do but more what they dont do. In this case parents struggle with unfinished homework and major disorganization. They are often described as being passive and shy in relationships. Conclusions and Recommendations While carrying out this assignment, I did not realise how having a child with ADHD could affect the family home, I also didnt realise how many children suffer with attention deficit hyperactivity Disorder it is getting fairly common among children. I think this is mainly due to more doctors and teachers been more aware of the condition, so therefore it is getting diagnosed quicker. This is a good thing because more people will be made aware of the condition and therefore will learn how to deal with it and more supports will be put in place quicker. I feel I have done the best of my ability in carrying out this assignment, and I am pleased with what I have accomplished.

Assisted Reproductive Technology Essay -- Infertility Medicine Papers

Assisted Reproductive Technology The act of reproduction is vital in sustaining the existence of any living creature. In fact, anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher cites in her book Anatomy of Love that "the most essential thing the human animal does is reproduce" (Rutter, 1996). It is survival of the species: reproduce or die out. In the human race, it is not a problem of extinction, but of conforming to social expectations. Fisher notes that men feel the pressure to "plant the seed" and women feel that motherhood is the sole factor of "femaleness", while others feel that it is just an issue of humanity's need to control nature (Rutter, 1996). Granted, these are the opinions of only a few individuals, yet the topic of procreation is obviously a very important issue between marriage partners. But what happens when one cannot reproduce? An estimated one out of every six couples in the United Sates has difficulty conceiving a child (Rogers, 1988). Fifty years ago, these infertile partners had only three options: continue t rying to have a baby through natural sexual intercourse, adopt a child, or simply remain barren. However, recent developments in reproductive technologies have created many alternative methods for conception. Assisted reproductive technologies caught on quickly, and in 1995 three million American couples sought procreative help (Rutter, 1996). Along with the emergence of any new technology comes ethical and legal issues which must be considered, especially in Christian settings. However, it is possible that assisted reproductive technologies can be a realistic and ethical option for infertile couples, without compromising the covenants of the faith community. Definitions In order to understand the issues t... ...496. Lockwood, M. (1985). (Ed). Moral dilemmas in modern medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Nelson, J. B. (1973). Human medicine: ethical perspectives on new medical issues. Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House. Neuberger, J. A. (1988, April 22). Tug of love troubles. Nursing Times, 22. Rogers, J. R. (Ed). (1988). Medical ethics-human choices. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press. Rutter, V. T. (1996, March-April). Who stole fertility? Psychology Today, pp. 46-49. Snyder, G. F. (1988). Tough choices. Elgin, IL: Brethren Press. Thomasma, D. C. & Kushman, T. (Eds). (1996). Birth to death. New York: Cambridge University Press. Weltman, J. J. (1997). Points to consider on the subject of surrogacy. [Online]. The American Surrogacy Center, Inc. Available: http://www.surrogacy.com/legals/articles/points.html (1997, October 23).

Pocho by Jose Antonio Villarreal Essay -- Mexican Culture Catholicism

Pocho by Jose Antonio Villarreal The 1959 novel, Pocho, by Josà © Antonio Villarreal is an insightful cultural exposition told primarily from the vantage point of Richard Rubio, the coming-of-age son of immigrant Mexican parents who eventually settle in Santa Clara, California, after many seasons of migrant farm work. Although fiction, the story likely mirrors some of the experiences of the author who was born to migrant laborers in Los Angeles in 1924 and was himself a "pocho" - a child of the depression era Mexican-American transition. ("I am a Pocho," he said, "and we speak like this because here in California we make Castilian words out of English words." p 165) Such a journey was a difficult one ("...for the transition from the culture of the old world to that of the new world should never have been attempted in one generation." p 135), and Villarreal nicely employs a cross cultural bildungsroman to explore a diversity of related themes. Among the most prominent are strains of racism/classism, belonging and dislocation, death and meaning and self-identity, and sexual awakening. In a slim 187 pages the author competently weaves social commentary (via the seemingly innocent adolescent perspective) into a moving narrative that only occasionally veers toward the pedantic. Richard's father, Juan Rubio, is proud to be a Mexican and resents the Spanish people, whom he identifies as oppressors (although Juan is clearly of Spanish descent since he had "fair skin" and "blue-gray eyes" - p 1). He explains to his son, who exclaims in response to his father's prejudice, "But all your friends are Spanish!" (p 99): "That is all there is here," said Juan Rubio, "but these people are different - they are also from the lower class... ...s parents. Second, one should not, on penalty of going to Hell, discuss religion with the priests. And, last, one should not ask questions on history of the teachers, or one will be kept in after school," he said. "I do not find it in me to understand why it is this way." (p 85, 86) Author Josà © Antonio Villarreal has a dry sense of humor and, as mentioned above, does a marvelous job weaving bits of wry commentary throughout the novel. Another fun quote is when Richard's sister, Luz, demonstrates her own prejudice for the newly arrived, and darker skinned, Mexicans: "Well, they ain't got nuthin' and they don't even talk good English." (p 148) Now, 50 years after the novel was first written, the story is still relevant. It's an intriguing narrative and helpful in capturing the "double consciousness" that many Mexican-American's lived with as a matter of course.

Ezra pound’s poem Essay

As far as linguistics is concerned with the study of human language. And as it is known for anyone who is specialised in the field, it is divided into branches that consist of semantics which is the study of meaning at the level of words and concepts, at the second stage comes semiotics which means the use of symbols ,images to convey meaning, and thirdly we have pragmatics where meaning is understood through the context. So our attempt in this essay is the study of Ezra Pound’s poem ‘The Garden ‘from three perspectives, semantically, semiotically and pragmatically. â€Å"The Garden† is a free verse poem written by Ezra Pound. It was first published in 1913 in the collection â€Å"Poetry: A Magazine of Verse†, then as part of his collection â€Å"Lustra† in 1916. The poem is comprised of four stanzas.(Alexander). When reading the poem at a first glance the reader may notice that Pound is describing a young woman who has been born into the wealth of society and has grown up isolated from it. In the first stanza the poet compares the young woman to a softy length. Then the silk is loose, much like the young woman who seem to be lost. Next, the poet refers to the woman’s mental state. â€Å"She is dying piece-meal of a sort of emotional anaemia†. So, anaemia is a condition to feel weak and tired and suggests the lack of vitality. In the second stanza, the poet is referring to a number of lower class children ‘rabble fifthly, sturdy, unkillable infants of the very poor†. Besides, the following line states that â€Å"they shall inherit the earth â€Å"which refers to the aristocratic category in Britain. Ezra Pound then makes a direct referencing to the woman’s excessive boredom when he says â€Å"her boredom is exquisite and excessive â€Å". Thus, the poem ends with the women’s desire to speak to somebody. In other words, Ezra Pound uses a number of literary techniques such as: symbols, simile and metaphor. At the beginning of the poem we can remark that the poet uses a SIMILE, the very first line † like a skein of loose silk blown against a wall†, the poet here compares one of the poem’s protagonists ( the young lady ) to an exquisite material which is silk.†. The image of the silk blowing up against a wall is pregnant, somehow, with a  power which only grows the more familiar the image becomes.† (Sarah, Tuesday, March 1, 2011) . Therefore, throughout the poem we learn that the woman, who is the basis of the comparison, is one of noble youth walking along a path in Kensington Gardens. Pound ends the stanza with a metaphor, this time directed at the woman’s mental state. â€Å"She is dying piece-meal, of a sort of emotional anaemia†. In more specific term, anaemia is a condition in which red blood cells in your body are lacking, causing the sufferer to feel weak and tired. So that, in the poem the protagonist appears to feel totally tired of her position. The woman is also described as emotionally anaemic which suggests the death of the upper class. Stanza two introduces the â€Å"rabble† of the lower class. So, these three lines symbolise the dying aristocracy by the contrast to the â€Å"unkillable infants of the very poor†. For instance, the use of paradox in semiotic terms is stated in the forth stanza. Yet, the intensive desire of the lonely woman to speak to someone is morally and socially unacceptable for a woman of noble status to associate with anyone outside her own class. As far as the pragmatic interpretation is concerned, the poet came to evoke his hidden messages. The title itself â€Å"The Garden† may refer to the biblical belief â€Å"The Garden of Eden†. Furthermore, pound uses many words that have a hidden meaning such as† Anaemia† .This latter, suggests the death of the upper class. Moreover, in the third stanza the phrase â€Å"In her is the end of breeding† there’s a nice double meaning here. â€Å"The end of breeding† because she lacks the vitality to produce another generation, and so her class of people will die out, but also because she shows the result of elegance. The next line states that â€Å"They shall inherit the earth†. Here, the poet is referring to the fall of aristocracy in Britain at that time, when contrasted with the increase of the lower classes. Then, â€Å"The â€Å"exquisite and excessive† boredom is that carried by generation upon generation of women who are familiar with the sound of men’s hearts shattering† (Alexander) .So, the forth stanza handle the fear of the woman and therefore the indiscretion must be committed ‘I will commit that indiscretion’. To sum up, we may say that this poem is talking about a young woman who has been born into the wealth of society. And has grown up isolated from it. She  has absolutely everything and yet she longs for something more. She is bored of being proper and feels just like a shadow. For instance, the analysis of the poem into three different perspectives (semantic, semtiotic and pragmatic) allows us to go further in order to understand a poem from different angles. BIBLIOGRAPHIE Alexander, T. (n.d.). _Comment on Ezra Pound’s poem_. Retrieved from http://www.helium.com/items/2260126-poetry-analysis-the-garden-by-ezra-pound Sarah, J. (Tuesday, March 1, 2011). _Talking about poems just for the pleasure of it._ Froula, Christine. A Guide to Ezra Pound’s Selected Poems. New York Doubleday & Co., Inc.