Plan of Assessing Learner Performances

Introduction The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the comprehension of concepts which were presented during classes by ensuring the development of a plan aimed at assessing learner performances. A plan is put together in a portfolio blog elaborating on learning outcomes and purpose- wherefore the purpose of the plan is stated. The context of the assessment is the identification of a task familiar to learners; a holistic rubric is also developed in this context.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Plan of Assessing Learner Performances specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Learning Outcomes Recently, there is an increased recognition by schools nation-over (in the United States) towards complete commitment to the teaching-learning process which ensures assessment and the documentation of the extent of comprehension by students under a given academic setting. As much as this tool is put together to maximally benefit the learner, through assessment of outcomes, it has become imperative to emphasis more students focused learning improvement. The Outcome Assessment, in a way, is developed from freethinking based on an established educational outcome. An Outcome Assessment (or a QA) may therefore be said to be a process involving the collection of information that expresses the degree to which an institution’s influences or activities are functional. Otherwise, the QA reflects a question of how much influence the institution has on its target(s). From the blog, an attempt was made to ascertain statistical values of a given sets of data- such as the mean. It was noted that the mean made a provision that expressed the behavioural expectancy from a selected number of respondents. The mean was noted to have provided an average of the behavioural expectations for the respondents. The significance of arriving at a mean was stressed to reflect the characteristics of the sample that was studied. The stu dy was relevant as the ten respondents gave vital replies based on their preferences. A qualitative analysis from the result therefore revealed possible trends towards human behavioural patterns. A clear advantage of the use of a QA is that if systematically employed, it provided analysis that is helpful across all layers of an institution for the administration to students.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As regarding the students, the QA helps through the following: it enables the students to have a clear expectation of a program and also gives them information which they may make use of in conducting a transparent and consistent analysis; it is a reassurance for the actualization of the general content through the entire course sections; it makes it easier for students to arrive at more acceptable decisions as this is based on outcomes arrived at by the participants. The QA also he lps the students to arrive at functional and non-functional parts of a program and facilitates beneficial interdisciplinary/intercampus discussions. The following are also noted: The QA provides strong evidences for the justification of resources required in the maintenance and improvement of programs while it enables them to express their individual/collective stories; and It makes a provision that reassures the relevance and of course the core value that are meant (CDC, 2007). For a facilitator, or an administrator, the QA helps in the implementation of college-wide policies and through the following: It demonstrates the commitment of the institution to a consistent improvement of academic programs or other services which may be made available by the school; It demonstrates how accountable resources are funded and provides essential data that helps in supporting local funding; and It makes available reliable data that is used in planning and in making decisions (Rebecca et. al. , 2009). All these enable a consistent impact on students in a systematic way. Bloom’s Taxonomy This essential toolkit has an outstanding importance in the Cognitive Domain and has up to 6 levels of intellectual-behavior where it is employed – including evaluations, analyses, applications, syntheses, comprehension, and knowledge (NTLF, 1999). There is progression offered by Bloom’s Taxonomy from simple to complex evaluations. In demonstrating an understanding of the concepts learned from the course through the development of a learner assessment plan, it is expected that the QA will provide strong evidences for the justification of learning while it enables the students to express their individual/collective stories as regarding how they can arrive at more acceptable statistical values, and make a provision that reassures the relevance of course to the core value them are meant.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Plan of Assessing Learner Pe rformances specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The assessment task identified (i.e. the statistical tool for analyzing human behavior) is relevant and can be demonstrated by learners easily because the mean provides an average of the behavioural expectations for the respondents. The significance of arriving at a mean is therefore stressed to reflect the characteristics of the sample studied. Learners are expected to demonstrate a qualitative analysis from the result that may be used for revealing possible trends towards human behavioural patterns. In this regards, the learners are requested, as a Holistic Rubric, to describe how they can arrive at statistical values such as the mean for given population rather than apply the knowledge. Testing Constraints From previous studies, the relevance of learning outcomes was noted to embed characteristics for the learner to be effective (Kubiszyn Borich, 2010). To actualize the anticipated effec tive, however, it is always appropriate to put together constraints aimed at helping the learner achieve set-goals with more easy and of course faster. For the purpose of this study, specificity is stressed as an essential guide to learner goal-orientation. Learners are equally expected to be very realistic both in their studies and in the presentation of their outcomes. The outcomes produced by the students must be measurable and quantifiable – such as it was the case with the statistical values in the blog. Lastly, it is important that the outcomes must be objective and time-bound or defined with respect to a given time. These constraints are such that the learner is able to produce outcomes under simple learning conditions; a reasonable comprehension of the expectation from the students is supposed. The use of learning visual and pictorial materials is employed to make the learning more actual to the learner. Both the strength and weakness of the student are compared and b est working partners suggested as particular attention is paid to individual students. Conclusion This paper focused on demonstrating the comprehension of concepts which were presented during classes by ensuring the development of a plan aimed at assessing performances of a learner. A plan was put together in a portfolio blog elaborating on learning outcomes and purpose- and the paper is developed around the context. The context of the assessment is the identification of a task familiar to learners where a holistic rubric is developed. Reference List CDC. (2007), Deaths in 2007 Final Data. Web.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Kubiszyn, T., Borich, G. (2010). Educational testing measurement: Classroom Application and Practice (9th ed.). New Jersey: John Wiley Sons, Inc. Rebecca, C., Ken, W., Samantha, S. (2009), Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Handbook. Web. The National Teaching and Learning Forum, NTLF. (1999), Benjamin Bloom’s Taxonomy on Cognitive Behaviors. Web. This essay on Plan of Assessing Learner Performances was written and submitted by user Trinity Osborne to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Sickle Cell

What is sickle cell anemia? Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease of red blood cells. Normally red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin A, which carries oxygen to all the organs in the body. With sickle cell anemia, however, the body makes a different kind of protein, called hemoglobin S. The problem is that when a red blood cell with hemoglobin S releases oxygen, the cell changes from the usual doughnut shape to a sickle or S shape, and becomes stiff rather than soft and flexible like normal red blood cells. This "sickled cell," which resembles a crescent moon, can't continue to glide through the small blood vessels as usual. Instead, it gets stuck in the tiny blood vessels, blocking the flow of blood and causing pain. The spleen, an organ on the left side of the abdomen across from the liver, is responsible for filtering the blood for infections and other abnormalities. Normal red blood cells can change shape and squeeze through this filter, but sickled cells get stuck and cannot recirculate through the body, so that the number of circulating blood cells goes down. Meanwhile, the bone marrow, where red blood cells are made, pitches in by making more cells. It can't keep up with the destruction, though, so the total number of red blood cells drops to a low level and the body becomes anemic. ("Anemic" is the medical word for having a low number of red blood cells.)... Free Essays on Sickle Cell Free Essays on Sickle Cell What is sickle cell anemia? Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease of red blood cells. Normally red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin A, which carries oxygen to all the organs in the body. With sickle cell anemia, however, the body makes a different kind of protein, called hemoglobin S. The problem is that when a red blood cell with hemoglobin S releases oxygen, the cell changes from the usual doughnut shape to a sickle or S shape, and becomes stiff rather than soft and flexible like normal red blood cells. This "sickled cell," which resembles a crescent moon, can't continue to glide through the small blood vessels as usual. Instead, it gets stuck in the tiny blood vessels, blocking the flow of blood and causing pain. The spleen, an organ on the left side of the abdomen across from the liver, is responsible for filtering the blood for infections and other abnormalities. Normal red blood cells can change shape and squeeze through this filter, but sickled cells get stuck and cannot recirculate through the body, so that the number of circulating blood cells goes down. Meanwhile, the bone marrow, where red blood cells are made, pitches in by making more cells. It can't keep up with the destruction, though, so the total number of red blood cells drops to a low level and the body becomes anemic. ("Anemic" is the medical word for having a low number of red blood cells.)...

The Designer of the Statue of Liberty

The Designer of the Statue of Liberty Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, best known for designing the Statue of Liberty, had a diverse background that inspired his career as a sculptor and monument creator.   Early Life Frederic Auguste Bartholdi’s father died soon after he was born, leaving Bartholdi’s mother to pack up the family home in Alsace and move to Paris, where he received his education. As a young man, Bartholdi became something of an artistic polymath. He studied architecture. He studied painting. And then he became enthralled by the artistic field that would occupy and define the rest of his life: Sculpture. A Budding Interest in History and Liberty Germany’s seizure of Alsace in the Franco-Prussian War seemed to ignite in Bartholdi a fierce interest in one of the  founding French principles: Liberty. He joined the Union Franco-Americaine, a group dedicated to fostering and commemorating the commitments to independence and liberty that united the two republics. The Idea for the Statue of Liberty As the centennial of America’s independence approached, French historian Edouard Laboulaye, a fellow member of the group, suggested presenting the United States with a statue commemorating the alliance of France and the United States during the American Revolution. Bartholdi signed on and made his proposal. The group approved it and set about raising more than a million francs for its construction. About the  Statue of Liberty The statue is constructed of copper sheets assembled on a framework of steel supports designed by Eugene-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc and Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. For transit to America, the figure was disassembled into 350 pieces and packed in 214 crates. Four months later, Bartholdi’s statue, â€Å"Liberty Enlightening the World,† arrived in New York Harbor on June 19, 1885, almost ten years after the centennial of America’s independence. It was reassembled and erected on Bedloes Island (renamed Liberty Island in 1956) in New York Harbor. When finally erected, the Statue of Liberty stood more than 300 feet high. On October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty before thousands of spectators. Since the 1892 opening of nearby Ellis Island Immigration Station, Bartholdis Liberty has welcomed more than 12,000,000 immigrants to America. Emma Lazaruss famous lines, engraved on the statues pedestal in 1903, are linked to our conception of the statue Americans call Lady Liberty: Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me - Emma Lazarus, The New Colossus, 1883 Bartholdis Second-Best Work Liberty Enlightening the World was not Bartholdi’s only well-known creation. Perhaps his second-best-known work, the Bartholdi Fountain, is in Washington, DC.

Smart grid Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Smart grid - Research Paper Example Basically the smart grid is a set of technology that people are utilizing to get efficient electricity delivery systems into the current era of technology, by making use of information technology supported remote control and automation. Additionally, collaborative communication mode is used to make possible the computer processing that has been employed for decades in a number of other sectors. At the present, these technologies are being used on electricity networks, from wind farms all the way to the consumers of electricity in homes, the power plants and businesses. In fact, they present a wide variety of advantages and opportunities for services and end users and the majority of them are observed in huge improvements in energy effectiveness on the electricity network and in the energy users’ offices and homes. In this scenario, the term â€Å"grid† refers to the electricity networks that are used to transport electricity from the power plants where it is actually pr oduced for the end-users. Additionally, the grid encompasses a number of components such as substations, wires, switches, transformers, and much more. In short, the "smart grid" refers to an up-to-the-minute electrical power system that is demonstrated by the augmented consumption of information and communications technology in the current era, distribution and utilization of electrical energy (U.S. Department of Energy, 2012; IEEE, 2012). Many researchers and scientists believe that it is an incredible and a high-wire act. However, there is need ensuring almost perfect balance between electric supply and electric demand in order to offer proper functionality. In addition, there are many people who work in these centers all around the United States and they are there 24 hours, seven days a week in an attempt to confirm that takes place, as well as their responsibility is to work on a minute-by-minute basis. In this scenario, the smart grids are very helpful in maintaining that balan ce (Koerth-Baker, 2012). (U.S. Department of Energy, 2012) define smart grids by comparing it with a â€Å"smart† phone as they are known as a phone having a computer in it, in the same way smart grid is the process of â€Å"computerizing† or automating the electric utility grid. Basically, it can be accomplished by incorporating mutual digital communication technology to devices linked with the grid. In this scenario, each device that is the part of the grid can be assigned sensors to collect data (such as voltage sensors, power meters, fault detectors, etc.), and the incorporation of mutual digital communication between the devices connected to the grid and the service center’s network operations. In addition, the most important function of the smart grid is to provide the automation technology that allows the service center regulate and manage each and every device that is the part of the network or even millions of devices from a central position (U.S. Depar tment of Energy, 2012). According to (LaMonica, 2009) to a greater extend smart grid works similar to the Internet and the throughway road system. For this reason, they are believed to be huge investments in communications. In addition, it is not only a function in fact it is an objective to provide the electricity system a digital revolution in an attempt to make it more well-organized and consistent. Moreover, many governments and utilities all the way through the globe are spending billions of dollars to put down new communication sources and lines and ensure the electricity network function similar the computer networks we normally use in our daily life. Furthermore, huge technology vendors and thousands of new organizations are struggling for distinction and reputation in the smart grid (LaMonica, 2009). Security

Compensation Plan Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Compensation Plan - Research Paper Example For example, the ‘All-Employee Option Plans’ which are currently being regulated in sixteen of the nations where Unilever maintains its presence, the workforce has been granted with an incentive to enhance performance levels and meet targets and objectives so as to become eligible for financial rewards (Unilever Group Annual Report and Accounts, 2003). Accordingly, the company has also designed a plan to cater to the classification of senior and top executives who have maintained their presence in the company for significant periods and thus, have greater tenure. Thus, the plan declares what is defined as a the platform that awards senior officials â€Å"’between 0% and 20% of the original conditional award† after the completion of a specified period (Unilever Group Annual Report and Accounts, 2003). The rationale behind the establishment of an ‘equity based compensation plan’ that is further subcategorized into six classifications can be explained by associating the concept with Unilever’s policy of fair compensation. In accordance with this agenda the company aims to continually assess workforce issues, internal mechanisms and labor practices to improve and enhance the transparency of the compensation system on a concurrent basis in 180 nations of operations (Unilever, 2014a). Consequently, the data retrieved with respect to these matters would be compiled the following year so that the formulation of solutions can be conducted to cope with current issues. 2. According to the research presented by Balken and Gomez-Mejia (1990), the decision-making process regarding internal consistency of compensation system is reliant upon several factors, one of which is characterized by the identification of the organizational strategies that must be maintained to guide the company towards the achievement of objectives. Consequently, from the perspective of employees a fair, just or

Modern Audience Essay Example for Free

Modern Audience Essay â€Å"It is impossible for a modern audience to feel comfortable with the Taming of The Shrew† with close reference to Shakespeare’s presentation of Katharina, comic conventions and having the above question in mind, write about your response to the ending of the play In my opinion, The Taming of The Shrew tells the story of an abusive marriage and I would agree with the view that it is impossible for a modern audience to feel comfortable with the play, especially the conclusion of the story. Shakespeare’s presentation of Katharina at the end of the play seems to me to be one of a broken person; she is almost robotic in her obedience and without spirit, except for when singing the praises of wifely submission. â€Å"Thy husband is thy Lord, thy life, thy keeper, thy head, thy sovereign† is a prime example of the disturbing brainwashing Petruchio has carried out on her. This humbled ‘Kate’ is a far cry from the feisty Katharina we are first greeted by in Act 2, where she exchanges a vicious battle of words with Petruchio; â€Å"Asses are made to bear and so are you†. This phrase in itself shows that she is fearless, and defies her society’s conventions, cursing at strangers; a sad contrast to the plays ending, where she has totally conformed to what’s expected of her. The ending of the play also contains very little comedy, with the exception of the argument as to who is the real Vincentio, and the fight between Kate and the Widow. This is because the Taming of the shrew defies most Shakespearian comedy conventions, as the marriage takes place midway the play, rather than at then end as was traditional. I believe that this adds to the discomfort of the modern audience, as after the supposed ‘happy ending’ we are faced with the harsh reality of Petruchio’s treatment of Kate. Shakespeare presents Katharina as completely changed by the end of the play. At first she is wild and seemingly untameable; we see her tie up her sister and argue violently with both Petruchio and her father. â€Å"So may you lose you arms, if you strike me, you are no gentleman, and if no gentleman, why then no arms† Here, Shakespeare presents Katharina as highly skilled with word manipulation, generating humour with her insulting play on words with â€Å"arms† as she brands Petruchio simply a commoner if he would strike her. This is in stark contrast to the ending of the play where she seems to have no free will. She is practically enslaved to Petruchio, agreeing with his every thought and whim. An example of this is Act 4, Scene 5, Petruchio and Kate see Vincentio and Petruchio refers to him as a â€Å"fair and lovely maid†, instructing Kate to â€Å"embrace her for her beauty’s sake†. Shakespeare’s use of a command word clearly shows Petruchio’s power and utter control in their relationship. Vincentio is obviously a man, but despite this, and despite a warning from Hortensio that this pretence will anger Vincentio, â€Å"a will make the man mad, to make a woman of him†, Kate does indeed embrace him for his beauty’s sake; â€Å"Young budding virgin, fair fresh and sweet†. This elaborate language with its piling up of adjectives is an example of hyperbole used for comic effect. It is perhaps also, on a less humorous note, an instance of what many feminists would see as the darker side of The Taming of the Shrew, and the destruction of Katherina’s personality; this is a strong interpretation as she could be seen to be using this elaborate language due to her desperation to please Petruchio or her fear of punishment. Petruchio further exerts his power over Kate by then changing his mind and accusing Kate of madness. â€Å"I hope thou art not mad, this is a man† she readily agrees, ignoring the fact that Petruchio has undermined and humiliated her, and begs for his pardon over her stupidity. This scene is a prime example of the change Petruchio has caused from Katharina to Kate. She is not the character we met in Act 2, and this transformation could be said to be uncomfortable for a modern audience to watch. It is unpleasant to see one human being so completely at the hands of another, and whether this total obedience is due to love, fear or desperation is down to the audience to decide. I think this adds a more disquieting edge to the play as Shakespeare seems to condone Petruchio’s taming, or what most modern audiences would see as abuse. However, some critics, for instance Lucy Bailey, director for the RSC, have stated that the play is a curiously misunderstood love story, not the abusive tale of misogyny some modern audiences would see it as; Bailey says that Petruchio and Kate’s attraction is instant, and that what follows after their first meeting is simply fore-play. Nonetheless, this interpretation is hard to digest in the face of the cruelty Petruchio inflicts on Kate, why would a man in love treat the object of his affections like one of his farm animals? This treatment is particularly shown during Act 4 where Petruchio begins his ‘taming’, he attempts to train Kate as one would train a dog. EXAMPLE. Evaluate language. Other critics have explained this treatment by saying that Petruchio is driven mad by grief after the death of his father he â€Å"takes out his disaffection and anger on other people almost as an experiment. (Director David Farr) The best example of Shakespeare’s changing presentation of Katharina to Kate can be seen in the final scene, in her speech. She has not spoken for several pages, but then, on Petruchio’s command, launches into the longest speech in the entire play, expelling the virtues of being a good wife. The first reason that most modern audiences would find this scene uncomfortable to watch is the way that Petruchio instructs Kate to â€Å"Tell these headstrong women what duty they do owe to their Lords and husbands†. This phrase itself could be seen to be problematic for modern audiences to digest. In the 21st century, men and women are equal, so the way that Petruchio refers to men as â€Å"Lords†, implies a power and control over women that is uncomfortable for most modern audiences to hear. Shakespeare cleverly prioritises the word Lord over Husband in this line emphasising the debt Petruchio feels women owe their husbands, like peasants owe their Lords. In this statement, Petruchio also uses headstrong as an insult, whereas in modern Britain, although it can have negative connotations, headstrong is often a positive personality attribute, implying one knows ones own mind. The ending of The Taming of the Shrew contains very little comic elements, making it all the more uncomfortable. There is the scene in which Vincentio encounters the pedant impersonating himself . The audience has not seen Kate as impassioned during her speech since she was Katharina; we see some of her old spark when she refers to Bianca and The Widow as â€Å"froward and unable worms†. However, this insult could be seen as a sad reflection of how Petruchio has twisted her feisty nature to suit his own needs. Most modern spectators would see the entire speech as incredibly anti-feminist, and I believe that due to this it is impossible for most modern audiences to feel comfortable with The Taming of The Shrew. Kate suggests women should â€Å"kneel for peace† and â€Å"place your hands below your husband’s foot†. These phrases evoke feelings of servitude and to most modern audiences are difficult to hear. Kate’s ‘realisation’ that women are weak, their â€Å"lances nothing but straws† contrasts to her physical violence at the start of the play where she attacks Petruchio. â€Å"That I’ll try (she strikes him)†. Shakespeare uses regal imagery in this speech to show the total infatuation and obedience Kate feels towards Petruchio. She refers to husbands and ‘Lords’, ‘Sovereigns’, ‘Heads’ and ‘Princes’, and these words show the power Petruchio has over Kate and the power she believes all husbands should have over their wives: one of absolute control, akin to the monarch. Shakespeare’s effective listing of these nouns emphasises Kate’s uncanny passion towards Petruchio and wifely obedience. Similes are also widely used in Kate’s final speech; for example, â€Å"to dart a scornful glance† at ones husband â€Å"blots thy beauty as frosts do bite the meads†. Kate now believes that obedience is beauty, and for most modern audiences who live in a society where independence is valued and celebrated, it is impossible to feel comfortable with these ideas.

The Battle of Somme :: World War I WWI WW!

The Battle of Somme There was fighting all over the world leading up to the battle of the Somme. On August 3, 1914 Germany invaded Belgium. At the end of September the German troops were about 30 miles from Paris. At the battle of the Marne the German army was stopped by the British and French armies. The Germans dug trenches to help defend them when the troops were advancing. The British and German armies tried to go sideways instead of strait into each other and built trenches on the way. They both went all the way to the sea that was called â€Å"the race to the sea†. Both of the armies tried braking through each others trenches. They defended with shells and machine guns and advanced on foot with rifles. Germany became the first country to use poison gas in warfare in 1915 at the battle Ypres. The British were the first army to ever use tanks as a weapon in war in the battle of the Somme. (Marshall, S. L. A. - World War I) The plan for the Battle of the Somme was to get a huge new army of soldiers. The men and supplies would be collected in trenches. The British would then bomb the German trenches for 7 days. â€Å"The British fired over one and a half millions shells from 1537 guns at the German lines, which should have destroyed the German dug-outs which were dug 9 meters deep into the ground, shred their barbed wire and kill most of the Germans.† Ten mines were dug under the German strong points. They exploded two minutes before the attack. The British armies crossed â€Å"No Mans Land†. They took over the German trenches. The Germans bombed British trenches but the British were ready for the attack. The British guns fired at the German trenches. The British gunmen stood together and fired. â€Å"The sound of the gunfire could be heard in London†. (Mier, Earl – The Golden Book History of the United States) The Germans survived the fire and begun to fire back, this made the Germans more excited, fewer men went on a â€Å"sick parade† and no-one wanted to miss the fight. They fired back and forth all night. The firing stopped in the morning and there was silence. Miners dug and were trying to put mines in the German trenches. Mines blew and the attack began.

A Problem Critical to the Education in the 21st Century Essay

In the 21st century I believe that inequitable opportunity is the most critical education problem. Inequitable opportunity impacts people of different racial backgrounds in various ways. It limits the knowledge a student receives, the rate at which they learn, funds available to the school, the students ability to succeed in the workforce upon graduating, it even affects the knowledge or lack of knowledge a student learns at home. Though this may affect the teaching staff in ways, minorities from a lower income family are the ones impacted most. These students often fail because they are not prepared for success. Students from a lower social class have fewer resources available to them; therefore they do not make it to the top. Schools in poverty stricken areas receive less funding, and this severely impacts the students. The school is unable to provide students with up to date technology, and the resources needed to compete with their peers from more privileged backgrounds. The school will not be able to provide ESL classes for Latino students. Students will more than likely drop out; the ones who actually manage to graduate will probably be less qualified to perform essential job duties. These students will not be as knowledgeable because they may be using outdated texts, and they are not able to learn how to fully utilize technology needed to survive in today’s workforce. Schools that are in a low income neighborhood do not have modern buildings, the school buildings are very out dated. The air conditioning and heating may not be working properly creating a very uncomfortable learning environment. This may discourage students from wanting to go to school and it definitely does not attract quality faculty. Another issue that impacts the student severely is the lack of parent participation in the education process. This is crucial to the development of the child from a very early age; it is imperative that a parent be involved in preparing their child for life, as well as reinforcing things learned at school. Education starts at home and moves to the public arena where social interaction, behavior skills and knowledge are enhanced. Poor parent participation may be the result of work schedules, transportation issues, language barriers, or suitable clothing. Once again children from low- income families suffer the most. Both parents may have to work just to pay the bills, and in some situations there is just one parent, forcing some students to help care of siblings at after school when they should be focusing on homework or studying. As the child ages less attention will be paid to the individual as class size increases, the number of teachers increase with diverse classes, and overall s ize of the school grows. At this point the child will need extra help completing assignments and requiring encouragement to continue the education process consistently and for the duration through some college. The parent is not exempt from the learning process because of inadequacy or exempt because of poor education. As briefly mentioned earlier, in this setting the teaching staff is likely to be under qualified, once again this impacts the student. By the teaching staff not being qualified the type of skill the students will learn will not be up to par. Classroom Managers should also be aware of how they are engaging their students. They should have high expectations of all of their students. There seems to be a lot of racial stereotyping in minority communities. Teachers should know that all Asian students aren’t smart and that all African American students inferior learners. If teachers establish a high expectation of learning from all of their students and expect all of their students to do well then those expectations will be seen by the student. Students are then able to work at their highest potential and are not limited; a teacher should believe that all students are capable of learning at a higher level. The teacher of the 21st Century need to be more culturally responsible and they need to be more aware of what is going on in the classroom. Educators need to be trained in a way that is going to be more beneficial to the educational process as a whole. For example if a teacher has a classroom where the majority of the students are not being successful then that teacher and/ or teaching techniques should be reevaluated. The classroom is not a place where a student is just given work to perform and the teacher is detached, the classroom of the 21st century needs to be an interactive classroom where teachers and students comes together to share ideas, and engage each other in the learning process. Unless a Teacher can step out of the conventional box and begin to assess themselves and what they actually bring to the classroom, it will not evolve. Teachers should interact with students on a more personal level in the classroom and get to know their students as individuals; some children can get lost in the classroom for a number of reasons; including personal problems at home, and learning disabilities. By being involved more with the student’s teachers are better to adapt to a student that is having problems because they are unable to read well, or a student that is simply having problems seeing the board. Without establishing some type of a relationship with the children it is very hard for a teacher to recognize the problems students are having and how to effectively deal with these problems. Just because a student is unable to keep up with fashion, technology receives free lunch does not mean that this student does not have the ability or the will to learn. There are successful people that grew up in poverty, and have gained success through hard work and education. Everyone should have the same opportunity to receive quality education. Students are taught that education is the key to success, so how can one succeed when the education is not equal to their peers, the ones they will be competing against for their spot in the future. Education is the poor man’s dream to a better life. With minorities and Latinos making up a large amount of students in school the effects of inequitable opportunities has a larger impact on them. Students who come from an inferior social-economic level are just as motivated as students who come from a higher social class. You have Latinos who hardly speak English and are attending schools that are incapable of accommodating them; therefore they do not earn a degree and are forced to take a low paying job. â€Å"Status† may have an impact on a student in a social environment, but in the educational system this should not be a factor. The students from a lower social class are being prepared for failure, while the students from a higher social class are being prepared for success. In the 21st century I believe that inequitable opportunity is the most critical education problem. Recognizing the problem is the first step, however we as a society need to find solution on how to better level the playing field in the educational comm unity in order to make schools work for everyone. One thing we can to is to not only encourage proper funding for schools in low income areas but to also make sure that this funding get appropriated to do what is needed in order to make sure that the children have a proper learning environment. Bills and referendums continue to be passed in education s in order to make sure that schools are up to par but sometimes this money does not get to the prosper schools. Some schools get new buildings and a/c systems while other schools just get paint. We need to come together to demand to our elected officials that something be done about the conditions of certain schools. We need to make sure that these school schools have the materials that they need in order for them to produce successful students. Books need to be provided to every student not only in class but also at home as a reference for homework and studying. Computers need to be provided in these schools so that the students don’t fall behind on technology and become inferior to their peers. We elect these officials and we need to demand that they begin to look out for the betterment of our schools. We should go online and see how they are voting on the issues that affect us. If they are not pushing the type of educational reform that we need in our communities and in our school then we need to elect someone who will. Parents need to become more involved in their students learning. We must understand that a lot of parents are working, and most low income households are being led by a single parent; we need to find a way to get these parents involved to help their children so that they don’t continue to fall behind. Even if it’s just educating them on the process of following up with their elected officials and making sure they vote and their vote counted and is heard. Opening up the schools for parent participation and PTO and PTA meeting on a weekend rather than on a school night would make it easier for parents to become more involved. Also, schools could try social networking, and sending up dates to parents Facebook or Twitter pages to keep them up on what’s going on in the schools. This is a new era and the American household has changed and the educational sytem needs to keep up in order to keep these parents involved and up to date on what’s going in their child’s school. Teacher also need to be developed in the classroom and become more responsible for what is going on and have high expectations for all of their students. This will ensure that all student as are working to their best ability to learn. This can be done by giving existing teachers additional training and giving new teachers the training they need to be successful in the 21st century classroom.

The Less You Burn, the More You Earn

Outline Thesis: In order to save money and cut costs, it is imperative that one uses different kinds of energy-efficient lights. * Light Fixtures * Light fixtures are the devices that hold the light bulbs you use * In order to have a light in your house you have to have a light fixture to hold it. * Since there are many different types of light bulbs there must be different light fixtures * I. e. , fluorescent, LED, and your basic incandescent, etc. * Light Bulbs * Light bulbs are what give you that wonderful emission of light. Light bulbs vary from different sizes to different shapes and different colors * They also are rated different wattage and voltage * Depending on the bulb these key factors could jeopardize your energy bills * Types of Light Bulbs * There are several types of light bulbs that are used for different reasons * Incandescent Bulbs- these are the standard bulbs that most people are familiar with. Incandescent bulbs work by using electricity to heat a tungsten filam ent in the bulb until it glows. The filament is either in a vacuum or in a mixture of argon/nitrogen gas. Halogen Bulbs- halogen bulbs are a variation of incandescent bulb technology. These bulbs work by passing electricity through a tungsten filament, which is enclosed in a tube containing halogen gas. This halogen gas causes a chemical reaction to take place which removes the tungsten from the wall of the glass and deposits it back onto the filament. This extends the life of the bulb. * Fluorescent Bulbs- These bulbs work by passing a current through a tube filled with argon gas and mercury. This produces ultraviolet radiation that bombards the phosphorous coating causing it to emit light.Bulb life is very long – 10,000 to 20,000 hours * Compact Fluorescent Lamps- compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are a modern type of light bulbs, that work like fluorescent bulbs, but in a much smaller package. Similar to regular fluorescent bulbs, they produce little heat and are very effic ient. They are available to fit screw type base fittings and pin type (snap-in). Most CFLs either consist of a number of short glass sticks, or two or three small tubular loops. * High-Intensity Discharge Lamps- High Pressure Sodium (HPS), Metal Halide, Mercury Vapor and Self-Ballasted Mercury Lamps are all high intensity discharge lamps (HID).With the exception of self-ballasted lamps, auxiliary equipment such as ballasts and starters must be provided for proper starting and operation of each type bulb. Compared to fluorescent and incandescent lamps, HID lamps produce a large quantity of light from a relatively small bulb. * Low-Pressure Sodium Lamps- Low-pressure sodium lamps have the highest efficacy of all commercially available lighting sources. Even though they emit a yellow light, a low-pressure sodium lamp shouldn't be confused with a standard high-pressure sodium lamp.Low-pressure sodium lamps operate much like a fluorescent lamp and require ballast. * LED (Light Emitting D iodes)- Light Emitting Diodes (LED) are bulbs without a filament, that are low in power consumption and have a long life span. LEDs are just starting to rival conventional lighting, but unfortunately they just don't have the output (lumen) needed to completely replace incandescent, and other type, bulbs just yet. Never the less, technology is advancing everyday, and it will not be long until the LED bulb will be the bulb of choice for most applications in the home and work place.Different Lights Can Save Energy and Cut Costs Different lighting can attack someone’s budget, both positively and negatively; positive is what we aim for. There are a variety of bulbs, or lamps, that save people money. There are LED’s, CFL’s and many more. Budgeting a person’s lighting in their home can save individuals money to explore other fun activities on their off time, like going to the beach, or buying a new car or investing in a top notch lighting system for their home. All possibilities when one simply switches a bulb.Let's first take a look at a typical home fixture for general lighting. â€Å"Let's say consumers currently have 60-watt incandescent bulbs and are used six hours a day. The average U. S. home electricity price is 12 cents per kilowatt-hour the kilowatt-hour (symbolized kWh) is a unit of energy equivalent to one kilowatt (1 kW) of power expended for one hour (1 h) of time, according to the most recent data from the U. S. Energy Information Administration. So if consumers pay 12 cents per kWh, and that light bulb uses 60 watts x 6 hours x 365 = 131. 4 kWh a year, that's costing them $16 a year. (Kremer) In order to save money and cut costs, it is imperative that consumers use different kinds of energy-efficient lights. It may be confusing but everyone should know what happens to their electrical bill when they have certain lights. In fact, the average household should know what kinds of light bulbs and how much money they are spendin g on this utility. There are different types of lights and they each have different characteristics, which you should take notice and research accordingly. Light bulbs branch in different directions, whether it is bar lighting, to household lighting, or supermarket lighting to club lights.But these lights have to be carefully selected to save money. Light bulbs come in various shapes, sizes, and even colors. Given what size of light bulb you have also judges what wattage and voltage you have on your lights, which in turn will make those kilowatt-hours go up. There are several kinds of light bulbs, and different companies make them. They are incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, compact fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps, low-pressure sodium lamps, and LED (Light Emitting Diodes). Depending on what light bulbs you prefer you may not get the right energy saving light bulbs you cry out for.Incandescent, these are the regular bulbs that most people are familiar with. Incand escent bulbs work by using electricity to heat a tungsten filament in the bulb until it glows. The filament is either in a vacuum or in a mixture of argon or nitrogen gas. Most of the energy spent by the bulb is given off as heat, causing its lumens per watt performance to be low. Because of the filament's high temperature, the tungsten tends to disappear and move to the sides of the light bulb. The natural faultiness in the filament causes it to become thinner quickly.When a bulb is turned on, the sudden flow of energy can cause the other areas to heat up faster than the rest of the bulb, which in turn causes the filament to break and the bulb to burn out. A regular incandescent bulb can last up to 1000 hours. (West) Halogen bulbs are a variation of the incandescent bulb. These bulbs also use a tungsten filament, which is enclosed in a tube containing halogen gas. This halogen gas causes a chemical reaction to take place which removes the tungsten from the wall of the glass and dep osits it back onto the filament. This extends the life of the bulb.In order for the bulbs reaction to create the bulb needs to be hotter than the regular incandescent bulb. The bad news is that the hotter the bulb, the quicker your throwing that bad boy away. â€Å"Care must be taken not to touch the glass part of the bulb with our fingers. The oils from our fingers will weaken the glass and shorten the bulb’s life. Many times this causes the bulb to burst when the filament finally burns out. † (Kremer) Fluorescent lamps are also used in household environments as well as commercial. These lamps work by passing a current through a tube filled with argon gas and mercury.These bulbs also last quite some time up to almost 20,000 hours of light. (West) Fluorescent lamps are also very efficient, producing very little heat, unlike halogen or incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent lamps require a ballast to stabilize the current through the lamp, and to provide the initial striking v oltage required to start the arc discharge. This increases the cost of fluorescent light fixtures, even though one ballast is shared between two or more lamps. A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor chip that emits light when conducting current. LED’s are very useful due to their ability to emit nearly all varieties of light.This has led to their use as a light source for a wide range of applications from: status indicator lights to traffic signals. LED’s are the most bizarre and energy-saving lights you can have that produce the same amount of light as any other incandescent or fluorescent lights. Although, LED’s that produce a spectrum of visible light have been under constant development since the 1960’s, only recently have LED’s seen mass production for household products, making the energy-saving idea more serious. (Energy Star) Retrofitting, the process of changing lights from old to new, is a big part of the electrical business.When doing retro fit work, there are many opportunities for replacing obsolete lamps with newer cost-efficient lamps. This will not only result in reduced energy costs, but usually provides equal- or better-quality lighting. Energy Star, the leading program in energy efficiency and environmental safety, is a branch of the U. S EPA and the DoE. In 1992 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced Energy Star as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Computers and monitors were the first labeled products.In 1995 they slowly started to move towards heating and cooling equipment. In 1996 they partnered with the DoE to focus on more particular product categories. Through 2011, nearly 20,000 organizations have partnered with EPA, improved efficiency, and realized significant financial and environmental benefits. Americans, with the help of Energy Star, prevented 210 million metric tons of greenhous e gas emissions in 2011 alone, equivalent to the total emissions of 41 million vehicles, and reduced their utility bills by $23 billion. (Energy Star) In 2008, U. S. Secretary of Energy Samuel W.Bodman introduced the joint of the Department of Energy and Defense campaign to challenge military bases nationwide to change their incandescent light bulbs to energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in on-base housing. (Energy Star) The Energy Star campaign, called Operation Change Out, will help bases across the country increase energy efficiency, save money and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. As of today they have saved millions of dollars in electricity costs and they save an average of 12% electricity each year. (Scoggins) The most important part of the equation is the money.On average you buy a box of 20 incandescent light bulbs for about $3. 56. So if you pay your electricity bill and add in the total for the bulbs you’re paying around $2268. 84 a year. Thatâ⠂¬â„¢s with buying bulbs every month. Now let’s say for instance you upgrade to a more energy-efficient bulb, for instance a Philips (60-W) A19 LED Bright White light bulb. These bulbs go for at least $15, but have a lifespan of 18. 3 years, based on 3 hour usage. Now if one uses these bulbs, your electric bill that was once $90 a month, may now seem more like $80.Based on average you could save anywhere from $10-$25 a month just by switching a bulb. Not only that, if you turn your original switch into a dimmer you could be saving hundreds of dollars a year. Just one 100 watt bulb produces about 2 watts of light and 98 watts of heat. The heat is what is boosting your electric bill. The incandescent bulb takes 100 watts but half of that is heat. (Scoggins) The more bulbs one has the more your bill will be. The most cost efficient way to roll these days is to buy LED lights or CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lights). Most electricians will tell one to go with LED’s because of t heir cost-efficiency.One incandescent bulb uses up to 100 watts of electricity, whereas a LED typically uses 2-17 watts. Even though CFL’s are energy saving and cost efficient, they are not as good as LED’s but provide just about the same, CFL’s put off about 6-25 watts. If one switches their incandescent with CFL’s one can dim their switch and save electricity and money. Energy saving has become a big issue over the years. Energy Star has expressed their utmost concern on the ideal way to efficiently light one’s home. Over 200 gigawatts of energy are wasted annually in America each year. Kraemer) Over the span of time since LED’s have been placed on the market, consumers have decided that these are the best, although expensive. With the advances in technology and the research that is taking place, in a matter of years consumers could be, should be, using lights that save them money. Works Cited . â€Å"CFL Key Product Criteria. † Ene rgy Star. U. S Enviromental Protection Agency, 02 2011. Web. 8 Nov 2012. . . â€Å"Energy Efficient Lighting. † Eartheasy: Solutions for Sustainable Living. Eartheasy. com, 10 2011. Web. 0 Dec 2012. . â€Å"Energy Savings Calculator. † Lutron. Lutron Electronics Co. , 12 2012. Web. 18 Dec 2012.

The Crowdfunding Craze

The Crowdfunding Craze Crowdfunding sites pop up all over the internet, competing with the two big early giants Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Some crowdfunding sites cater more to creative artists, others to charitable projects or tech startups. A few dedicate themselves to fine writing, pushing the evolution of the publishing industry. These platforms create unique communities that pair writers and readers, letting them mingle online. The three currently vying for writers and supporters of fine prose are: Unbound: UK based. Believes that people who love books deserve a say in what gets published. The model is simple: The author pitches an idea. Readers support it. With enough support, the book is published Pubslush: (featured in 05/09/2014 FFW newsletter) similar to Kickstarter with tiered rewards. Allows authors to raise funds for books, publishing and literary events. All projects must raise a minimum of $500. If no one funds the project in the first 2 weeks, it disappears. The site provides authors with a platform to gauge reader interest. Once successfully funded and the manuscript has been uploaded, the fund button morphs into a purchase icon, driving sales. Inkshares: For novels, illustrated books and articles. Combines traditional aspects of legacy publishing houses, such as editing, marketing, book design and distribution with do-it-your-self entrepreneurial spirit, so authors play an active role throughout. Successful projects are edited I decided to test drive the Inkshares system, launching an article for Pollinator Week: Stung: In Search of Honey Bees. I set a modest goal of $540 for a 6,000 word piece. A big chunk of the funds will go towards editing. Believing that an early push helps drive others to fund, Inkshares kicks in an extra $5 for every new backer during the first 10 days of the campaign. Experience taught me crowdfunding requires diligence, especially if your audience isn’t web savvy. Although I reached over 35% of my goal in the first 3 days, in retrospect it would have been better to develop a clear marketing strategy before launching. Due to the lag time in magazine publishing some of my media blitzes will not appear until early August, near the end of my campaign. If I ever decide to launch a larger book crowdfunding project, this footwork will come first: = Line up 10 supporters in place to back small amounts immediately = Draft personal campaign letters to potential backers in advance; send immediately when project launches = Let relevant magazines, blogs and clubs know about the campaign in advance, identifying relevant tie-ins so they announce the project to their members/readers. = Engage in public events locally, spreading the word via flyers = Have a greater social media presence on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr, etc. prior to launching, so I have increased name recognition and my campaign spreads online. All three sites allow the author to share drafts or excerpts during the funding phase, building excitement and enthusiasm in their sponsors. These sponsors turn into advocates, driving others to your work. Readers will often offer advice, comments and suggestions, creating a two-way exchange between the author and their audience.   Crowdfunding platforms have the potential to revolutionize the publishing industry, but they require dedication, enthusiasm and lots of advance planning.

The Ring of Fire †Pacific Ocean

The Ring of Fire - Pacific Ocean The Ring of Fire is a 25,000 mile (40,000 km) horseshoe-shaped area of intense  volcanic and seismic (earthquake) activity that follows the edges of the Pacific Ocean. Receiving its fiery name from the 452 dormant and active volcanoes that lie within it, the Ring of Fire includes 75% of the worlds active volcanoes and is also responsible for 90% of the worlds earthquakes. Where Is the Ring of Fire? The Ring of Fire is an arc of mountains, volcanoes, and oceanic trenches that stretch from New Zealand northward along the eastern edge of Asia, then east across the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, and then south along the western coasts of North and South America. What Created the Ring of Fire? The Ring of Fire was created by plate tectonics.  Tectonic plates are like giant rafts on the Earths surface that often slide next to, collide with, and are forced underneath each other. The Pacific Plate is quite large and thus it borders (and interacts) with a number of large and small plates. The interactions between the Pacific Plate and its surrounding tectonic plates creates a tremendous amount of energy, which, in turn, easily melts rocks into magma. This magma then rises to the surface as lava and forms volcanoes. Major Volcanoes in the Ring of Fire With 452 volcanoes, the Ring of Fire has some that are more famous that others. The following is a listing of major volcanoes in the Ring of Fire. The Andes - Running 5,500 miles (8,900 km) north and south along the western edge of  South America, the Andes Mountains are the longest, continental mountain range in the world. The Andean Volcanic Belt is within the mountain range and is broken up into four volcanic zones that include such active volcanoes as Cotopaxi and Cerro Azul. It is also home to the highest, active volcano - Ojos del Salado.Popocatepetl - Popocatepetl is an active volcano in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Located near Mexico City, this volcano is considered by many to be the most dangerous in the world since a large eruption could potentially kill millions of people.Mt. Saint Helens - The Cascade Mountains in the United States Pacific Northwest hosts the 800 mile (1,300 km) Cascade Volcanic Arc. The Cascades contain 13 major volcanoes and nearly 3,000 other volcanic features. The most recent eruption in the Cascades occurred at Mt. Saint Helens in 1980.Aleutian Islands Alaskas Aleutian Islands, whic h consist of 14 large and 55 small islands, were made from volcanic activity. The Aleutians contain 52 volcanoes, with a few of the most active being Cleveland, Okmok, and Akutan.  The deep Aleutian Trench, which also sits next to the islands, has been created at the subduction zone with a maximum depth of 25,194 feet (7679 meters). Mt. Fuji - Located on the Japanese island of Honshu, Mt. Fuji, at 12,380 feet (3,776 m), is the tallest mountain in Japan and the worlds most visited mountain. However, Mt. Fuji is more than a mountain, it is an active volcano that last erupted in 1707.Krakatoa - In the Indonesia Island Arc sits Krakatoa, remembered for its massive eruption on August  27, 1883 that killed 36,000 people and was heard 2,800 miles away (it is considered the loudest sound in modern history). The Indonesian Island Arc is also home to Mt. Tambora, whose eruption on April 10, 1815 was the largest in major history, being calculated as a 7 on the Volcanic Explosion Index (VEI).Mt. Ruapehu - Rising to 9,177 feet (2797 m), Mt. Ruapehu is the tallest mountain on the North Island of New Zealand. Located in the southern section of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, Mt. Ruapehu is New Zealands most active volcano. As a place that produces most of the worlds volcanic activity and earthquakes, the Ring of Fire is a fascinating place. Understanding more about the Ring of Fire and being able to accurately predict volcanic eruptions and earthquakes may help  eventually save millions of lives.

Institution of affiliation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Institution of affiliation - Essay Example This statement is open to criticism and can be easily misinterpreted (Marr, 2012). Marr argues that genetic material can be traced back in time, but is arguable that, it reaches certain limit. In essence, it is disputable to imagine that all humanity is in a lineal civilized from the remainder of the world. Another instance, were I find a claim not substantial at all, is the assertion that, the Hom sap wiped out the Neanderthals. The primary cause was mass murder and this attributes to the argument that humans are naturally violent and clannish. I do not subscribe to this assertion, because if that is the case, why then cohesive state control is not regarded as an eternal necessity. In the last three episodes, Marr explains his understanding on revolution, industry and extremes. It is evident that, watching this series a clear mind of Marr is visible. Marr wanted to take the present generation through the evolution process of humanity, then revolution, industrial aggressiveness and f ar reached extremes. Marr expresses the path of revolution as being similar in all the revolutions that have occurred across the globe. For instance, he mentions of idealism, and then follows extremism and ultimately collapse of power into the hands of strong military man (Marr, 2012). However, commentators have repeatedly rehashed the idea that revolution leads to autocracy and attribute the evils of the 20th century to the French revolution. It is evident that Marr’s objective is to malign the inspiration of revolution by refuting that revolutions are not driven by ideas and at the same time asserting that such revolutions keep on rolling because of ideals. I find Marr’s arguments conflicting. They do not add up to indicate his beliefs on then real causes of revolutions. However, my reflection on the overall aspect of revolution is inclined is to the fact that, the initial civilizations were because of being driven to extremes and the response to survive gave rise to revolutions (Marr, 2012). This opinion is subject to criticism. On the same note, Marr fails to give correct account of the Russian revolution. Instead, he delivers piece-wise information, and at the end, the whole scenario result to portraying the Russian revolution as a derivative of the machinations of German imperialism in a bid to conceal the responsibility of the Russian population and Bolsheviks as the real forces that drove the revolution. The question arising is, does Marr imply what he believes in or simply his insinuations are meant to cow people to his selective study? I believe the Russian revol