Ethics and Philosophy of Social Research Essay

The social research shares with all scientific endeavours the necessity to balance scientific zeal with other ethical values that derive from the social context in which all social research takes place. To some degree, the research ideal of objectivity unavoidably conflicts with humanistic values. Therefore, all researchers must at some time come to grips with this conflict. The issue, however, is especially crucial for social researchers because the focus of their research is the behaviour of other people. Thus, not only the goals of the social research but the very process of data collection is subject to ethical conflicts. The paper contains analysis—the synthesis of research results across a large number of studies—and on the social responsibility and ethical requirements of the social research. The ethical issues which researchers face in their day-to-day study are comparatively consistent across methods. The ethical principles adopted by researchers should govern their actions, whether they take place in field or laboratory environment. To make this point most strongly, this paper contains a separate section, which should serve as a strong point of reference for the social researcher, rather than providing a series of ethical requirements that are spread thinly throughout the various sections of this paper. These issues include the social and ethical responsibilities and constraints connected with the conduct of social research and advancing the cumulative progress of behavioral and social science through integrating and synthesizing findings from different current investigations. The paper hopes to make clear that social research is a collective enterprise undertaken in the context of ethical values. Main body Ethics in Social Research Ethics of Research Design and Methodology Because the subject matter of the social researcher is human behaviour and the processes that are associated with behaviour, it is unavoidable that researcher interests will conflict sometimes with ethical values placed on the rights of people to privacy and self-determination. The guidelines for social research ethics set by the Social Research Association (SRA) (2003) stress the idea of recruiting participants for research on the basis of informed consent —this means that participation must be freewill and with the participant’s full knowledge of what research will include. However, it is declared that many subjects could not be researched at all if this ideal were entirely met, and that the rights of individuals must be weighed against the possible importance of the research problem. David De Vaus (1996), for example, demonstrated in a verbal conditioning experiment that a full explanation of methods and hypotheses destroyed the phenomenon they were attempting to exa mine. In cases where full explanation of subject cannot be presented, SRA recommends that â€Å"But there should, at least, be clarity about opt-in and opt-out arrangements, about the length and degree of commitment required of respondents, and about the precise goals of the research. Adequate subject de-briefing also seems essential to this last aim.† Thus, the ethical code does not present free from limitations standards that relieve the researcher of important value judgments. Rather, judgments as to the comparative significance of research programmes and researchers’ responsibility for the well-being of their participants are the primary bases of research ethics. Deception in the Laboratory The degree to which participation is entirely voluntary is in many cases disputable, depending on the social and institutional pressures to take part in research that are at times involved. But usually, participants in laboratory experiments at least know that they participate in a research study. Notwithstanding, however, the information provided to participants in laboratory investigations is usually smallest, at best, and often purposely deceptive as to the goals of the research study. To what degree this deception is justified by serving scientific purposes and the potential benefit to human welfare is a matter of considerable debate. Some critics claim that no deception is ever reasonable and that it should not be permitted in the interests of social research (Ortmann & Hertwig 746-747). Most social researchers, however, take a more temperate view, considering that there is an unavoidable compromise between values of entire honesty and informed consent and the possible value of what can be learned from the research itself. Just as the unimportant lie uttered in the interests of tact or politeness is regarded as acceptable when used in the service of good manners, so a little amount of deception may be acceptable in the service of obtaining reliable research data. However, there is also some controversy over whether social researchers have exceeded this adequate minimum in their research (Barnes 320). For some years the practice of deception in laboratory experiments was considered acceptable by most experimenters. However, an article by Herbert Kelman (1967) reflected a growing concern with accepted among many people, and evidently undisputed, use of deception in social research. Kelman’s article argued this practice on both ethical and practical grounds. Ethically, he claimed, any deception disregarded essential norms of respect in the interpersonal relationship that forms between researcher and research participant. Besides, the practice might have extreme methodological implications as participants become less naive and extreme suspiciousness begins to have an effect upon the outcomes of all research. To avoid these problems, Kelman advised that social researchers (a) reduce the unnecessary use of deception, (b) explore ways of counteracting or minimizing its negative consequences when deemed necessary, and (c) develop new methods, such as role playing or simulation techniques, which substitute active participation for deception (Kelman 10-11). Practices of experimenting with these alternative methodologies have been tried, but the results are consisting of conflicting thoughts, at best (Crespi 23). Thus, the general agreement in the social research is that some level of deception is often necessary to produce realistic conditions for testing research hypotheses. However, such deception needs to be justified by the nature and significance of the research question being studied. As James D. Faubion (2005) put it, â€Å"The social researcher whose study may have a good chance of reducing violence or racism or sexism, but who declines to do the study simply because it requires deception, has not solved an ethical problem but only traded one for another† (860). Ethical Issues in Field Research Although much of the discussion about the ethical implications of deception concentrates on laboratory experimentation, study conducted outside the laboratory often considers a number of other ethical issues and concerns. Besides issues associated with consent to participate, researchers also must think over issues of privacy and confidentiality when research data are collected in field surroundings (Boruch 102). Because a main benefit of field research, from a scientific point of view, is the chance of obtaining samples of behaviour under naturally occurring circumstances, it often is beneficial to conduct such research under conditions in which the nature of the research is concealed. Therefore, the participants may not only be mislead regarding the goals of the research, but may even be uninformed that they are the subject of research in the first place. The use of â€Å"frugal† measures highlights this strategy (Ortlieb 2002), but even more traditional methods of data collection, such as the interview or questionnaire, are often conducted in such a manner as to conceal their true goal. Some researchers consider the practice of concealed observation or response elicitation as passable as long as it is limited to in fundamental way â€Å"public† behaviors or settings usually open to public examination. Adam Ashforth (1996), for example, presented a review of settings and behaviours for which concealed research methods have been used. However, there is the question of subjective definitions of what form â€Å"public† behaviours, specifically in urban settings where social norms lead to the probability of anonymity in public surroundings. Because by definition field research includes some act of intervening on the part of the researcher in the stimulus conditions to which the uninformed participants are exposed, ethical question about hidden observation is further difficult to understand because of concern over the nature of such manipulations. Instances of practice of experimenting in field settings comprise systematic variation of the content of applicant briefs sent to potential employers (Ashforth 1996), differential behaviour on the part of salesmen regarding customers (Fairclough 2003) or customers toward salesmen (Fairclough 2003). To some degree these all fall within a â€Å"normal range† of human behaviour in public surroundings, the only difference being their methodical manipulation by the researcher. Yet, collecting data about individual behaviour in these cases evidently violates the spirit of â€Å"informed consent, † in particular when researchers conclude it is best not to inform individuals which have been observed even after the fact (Seiber 268). The Regulatory Context of Research Involving Human Participants The preceding discussion of ethical dilemmas is contemplated to present the idea that there are no easy, certain rules for deciding whether a specific research strategy or method is ethical or not. Rather, difficult enough to construct opinion is involved in weighing the possible value of the research against potential stress or other costs to research participants. Ethical decision making includes a cost—benefit analysis rather than the consideration of certain strictures and rules (Alvaro & Crano 13). Much of the responsibility for decision making falls on the individual researcher, but one person alone is not always the best judge of what is of considerable importance and necessary research and what is possibly harmful to participants. Actually, there is good evidence that biases enter into scientists’ evaluations of the quality of their own research (Kimmel 1991). Therefore, the conduct of social research that meets reasonable ethical standards and methods is not just a matter of person’s judgment, it is the law. Almost all social research that is supported by funds or conducted in educational or research institutions that receive funding (of any kind) is subject to regulations concerning the conduct of social research. The primary agency is The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) which is the UK’s leading research funding and training agency addressing economic and social concerns. ESRC provides certain principles for protecting the welfare and dignity of human participants in research and provides policies and procedures that are required of institutions in which such research is conducted. The ESRC expects that the research it supports will be conducted according to a high ethical standard. This Research Ethics Framework (REF) sets out good ethical practice in UK social research.Although REF is a mandatory aspect of social research which involves human participants, it does not absolve the researcher from any further responsibility for the ethical conduct of his or her research.

Babe Ruth

In Baltimore, Maryland to parents George Sr. and Kate. George Jr. was one of eight children, although only he and his sister Marnie survived. George Jr. ‘s parents worked long hours. leaving little time to watch over him and his sister. The lack of parental guidance allowed George Jr. to become a bit unruly, often skipping school and causing trouble In the neighborhood. When George Jr. turned 7 years old, his parents realized he needed a stricter environment and therefore sent him to the St. Marys Industrial School forBoys, a school run by Catholic monks from an order of the Xaverian Brothers. St. Marys provided a strict and regimented environment that helped shape George Jr. ‘s future. Not only did George Jr. learn vocational skills, but he developed a passion and love for the game of baseball. Brother Matthias, one of the monks at St. Mary's, took an instant liking to George Jr. and became a positive role model and father-like figure to George Jr. while at St. Marys. Br other Matthias also happened to help George Jr. refine his baseball skills, working tirelessly with him on hitting, fielding and pitching skills.George Jr. became so good at baseball that the Brothers invited Jack Dunn, owner of the Baltimore Orioles, to come watch George Jr. play. Dunn was obviously impressed, as he offered a contract to George Jr. in February 1914 after watching him for less than an hour. Since George Jr. was only 19 at the time, Dunn had to become George's legal guardian in order to complete the contract. upon seeing George Jr. for the first time, the Orioles players referred to him as â€Å"Jack's newest babe†, and thus the most famous nickname In American sports history was born.Thereafter, George Herman Ruth Jr. was known as the Babe. The Babe performed well for Dunn and the Orioles, leading to the sale of Babe to the Boston Red Sox by Dunn. While Babe Is most known for his prodigious power as a slugger, he started his career as a pitcher, and a very go od one at that. In 1914, Babe appeared in five games for the Red Sox. pitching In four of them, He won his major league debut on July 1 1, 1914. However, due to a loaded roster, Babe was optioned to the Red Sox minor league team, the Providence Grays, where he helped lead them to he International League pennant.Babe became a permanent fixture in the Red Sox rotation In 1915, accumulating an 18-8 record with an ERA of 2. 44. He followed up his successful flrst season with a 23-12 campaign in 1916, leading the league with a 1. 75 ERA. In 1917, he went 24-13 with a 2. 01 ERA and a staggering 35 complete games in 38 starts. However, by that time, Babe had displayed enormous power In his limited plate appearances, so it was decided his bat was too good to be left out of the lineup on a dally basis. As a result. n 191 8, the transition began to turn Babe Into an everyday player.That year, he tied for the major-league lead in homeruns with 1 1, and followed that up by setting a single seas on home run record of 29 dingers in 1919. Little did he know that the 1919 season would be his last with Boston. On December 26, 1919, Babe was sold to the New York Yankees and the two teams would 1 OF2 never De tne same again. After becoming a New York Yankee, Babe's transition to a full-time outfielder became complete. Babe dominated the game, amassing numbers that had never been seen efore. He changed baseball from a grind it out style to one of power and high scoring games.He re-wrote the record books from a hitting standpoint, combining a high batting average with unbelievable power. The result was an assault on baseball's most hallowed records. In 1920, he bested the homerun record he set in 1919 by belting a staggering 54 homeruns, a season in which no other player hit more than 19 and only one team hit more than Babe did individually. But Babe wasn't done, as his 1921 season may have been the greatest in MLB history. That season, he lasted a new record of 59 homeruns, drove in 171 RBI, scored 177 runs, batted . 76 and had an unheard of . 846 slugging percentage. Babe was officially a superstar and enjoyed a popularity never seen before in professional baseball. With Babe leading the way, the Yankees became the most recognizable and dominant team in baseball, setting attendance records along the way. When the Yankees moved to a new stadium in 1923, it was appropriately dubbed â€Å"The House that Ruth Built†. Babe's mythical stature grew even more in 1927 when, as a member of â€Å"Murderer's ROW', he set a new homerun record of 60, a record that would stand for 34 years.During his time with the Yankees, Babe ignited the greatest dynasty in all of American sport. Prior to his arrival, the Yankees had never won a title of any kind. After Joining the Yankees prior to the 1920 season, Babe helped the Yankees capture seven pennants and four World Series titles. The 1927 team is still considered by many to be the greatest in baseball history. Upon re tiring from the Boston Braves in 1935, Babe held an astonishing 56 major league records at the time, including the ost revered record in baseball†¦ 714 homeruns.In 1936, the Baseball Hall of Fame was inaugurated and Babe was elected as one of its first five inductees. During the fall of 1946, it was discovered that Babe had a malignant tumor on his neck, and his health began to deteriorate quickly. On June 13, 1948, his Jersey number â€Å"3† was retired by the Yankees during his last appearance at Yankee Stadium. Babe lost his battle with cancer on August 16, 1948. His body lay in repose in Yankee Stadium, with his funeral two days later at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. In all, over 100,000 people lined up and paid their respects to the Babe.Despite passing over 60 years ago, Babe still remains the greatest figure in major league baseball, and one of the true icons in American history. The Babe helped save baseball from the ugly Black Sox scandal, and gave hope t o millions during The Great Depression. He impacted the game in a way never seen before, or since. He continues to be the benchmark by which all other players are measured. Despite last playing nearly 75 years ago, Babe is still widely considered the greatest player in Major League Baseball history.

Gigantism and Dwarfism Essay

When the pituitary gland overproduces the growth hormone a rare disorder known as Acromegaly or gigantism may develop. The overproduction of the growth hormone most of the time is caused by a tumor. Swelling and thickening of the skin, growth and enlargement of the bones, especially if the hands, feet and face are caused by excess growth hormone. Acromegaly or gigantism is a rare hormonal disorder than can develop when your pituitary gland overproduces the growth hormone. Most of the time this overproduction of the growth hormone is caused by a tumor. The excess growth hormone causes swelling, thickening of the skin, tissue growth and enlargement of the bones, especially in the hands, feet and face. The overproduction of the growth hormone in children can lead to a condition known as gigantism. This may lead to an abnormal increase in the height and bone growth. Overproduction of the growth hormone in middle aged adults causes acromegaly. The treatment of choice in pituitary tumors is surgery. When surgery cannot be performed or if the entire tumor cannot be removed, then the treatment of choice is medications. Somatostatin analogues (SSA) are synthetic versions of the hormone in the brain somatostatin. Two SSA’s are octreotide (Sandostatin, Sandostatin LAR) and lanreotide (Somatuline Depot). Somatostatin is a hormone that inhibits the release of the growth hormone. SSA’s can decrease the growth hormone levels by blocking the excess production in the pituitary gland. Common side effects are pain at the injection site, intestinal cramping, diarrhea and gallbladder problems. Growth hormone receptor antagonists (GHRAs). The medication pegvisomant (Somavert) blocks the effect of growth hormone on the body tissues. It is administered daily by a subcutaneous injection. This medication can normalize growth hormone levels and relieve symptoms in most people affected by acromegaly. Some common side effects are headache, nausea, diarrhea and fatigue. Dopamine agonists such as Cabergoline (Dostinex) and bromocroptine (Parlodel) are given to reduce production of the growth hormone and to shrink tumors. Both of these medications can be taken orally in pill form. They are not as effective as the SSA’s and GHRA’s. Sometimes doctors will prescribe a combination of Dopamine agonists with somatostatin analogues for treatment. Side effects that are common include headache, nausea and intestinal cramping. Pegvisomant has been used to treat acromegaly, or gigantism. It is a form of a growth hormone antagonist known as B2036. This growth hormone has increased disposition in one binding site and a lowered disposition in the second binding site. It has been shown that this molecule still enables reaction of the growth hormone receptor at the cell surface, but does not allow the necessary conformational changes. A growth hormone deficiency may result in a condition known as dwarfism. Dwarfism can be defined as a short height, that is the result of a genetic or medical condition. Adults with dwarfism are usually less than four feet ten inches tall. Treatments for conditions relating to dwarfism do not increase height, but may lessen complications. Surgery is one treatment option for dwarfism. Some of the common procedures that are done surgically are to insert metal staples into the ends of long bones into the growth plate in order to correct the direction that the bones are growing. They can divide a limb bone, straighten it and insert a metal plate to hold it in place. They may insert rods or staples to correct the shape of the spine. They may increase the size of the opening in the vertebrae to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord. Lengthening of the limbs is a treatment choice of people with dwarfism. During this procedure, the surgeon divides a long bone into two or more sections, slightly separates the sections and braces the bone and the limb with external metal â€Å"scaffolding†. Pins and screws on this frame are periodically adjusted to keep the tension between the sections, enabling the bone to grow back together gradually into a complete and longer bone. Dwarfism is treated with injections of a synthetic version of the growth hormone. Children receive injections daily for several years until they reach a maximum adult height. Often this is the average adult range for their family. People with dwarfism may encounter discrimination. Family support, social networks, advocacy groups and adaptive products enable most people with dwarfism to address challenges in educational, work and social settings. Growth hormone deficiency is treated with injections of a synthetic version of the hormone. In most cases, children receive daily injections for several years until they reach a maximum adult height — often within the average adult range for their family. Treatment may continue throughout adolescence and early adulthood to ensure adult maturation, such as appropriate gain in muscle or fat. The treatment may be supplemented with other related hormones if they are also deficient. Treatment for girls with Turner syndrome also requires estrogen and related hormone therapy in order for them to begin puberty and achieve adult sexual development. Estrogen replacement therapy usually continues throughout life until a woman reaches the average age of menopaus

The significant role of financial intermediaries Essay

The significant role of financial intermediaries - Essay Example In the process of redistributing savings into productive uses, financial intermediaries combine small savings into substantial pools of capital which are re-lent to a wide number and variety of borrowers, or invested in various forms of securities, thus providing risk diversification and liquidity. Intermediation is defined as the placement of money with a financial intermediary which invests in bonds, stocks, mortgages, loans, money market securities and government obligations to achieve targeted returns. Essential to understanding the intermediation market is the existence of a direct credit market where borrowers or investors meet and transact financial business directly with the providers of funds. An example is a cash-rich business which purchases a commercial paper directly from a finance company. Another would be a household that buys a new share of stock of an industrial company from a stockbroker which underwrote the issue. No financial intermediary was involved here because it was not necessary. A financial intermediary plays a significant role only when hindrances or inefficiencies can occur, such as when the denomination, maturity, and other security characteristics do not match exactly the desires and requirements of the SSU. When a household has available funds of only â‚ ¤500, it would not be able to participate in buying a bond issue denominated at â‚ ¤5000 each. Financial intermediaries come into the picture when it buys direct claims from the DSUs with specific security characteristics (maturity, denomination, and liquidity) and sells indirect claims to SSUs packaged to conform to the specific requirements of the market.

Tougher than two Muthaf Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Tougher than two Muthaf - Essay Example The other shapes used are triangles, oval, and circles to create various features. For instance, the face has been masked with triangles in black and yellow creating a pattern. The lines include diagonal, vertical, and horizontal while another cross one another. The lines join to create the desired shapes in the image such as the coat and the mask. The composition is the arrangement of elements in the image to draw the attention of the viewer and in this image, the elements have been arranged to create unity by bringing everything together. The painting has a symmetrical balance creating the sense of calmness, as the man appears cool. The arrangement of lines, shapes, and texture in the image creates a focal point on the face. The different shapes used in the image create a rhythm moving the viewer’s eye to different parts of the image. All the elements in the image have unity, as they seem stuck together. Special attention has been given to the face to create an emphasis of a n African man. The masking of the face and use of blue glasses attracts the attention of the viewer towards the face. The pose on the man’s face also has been emphasized by unmasking the lips, which makes the image appear real since the rest of the face is masked. The image is painted to scale, and the size of the man is not exaggerated. Everything is in proportion, but the hair is abnormally rough and sluggish compared to that of a human being. This creates some emphasis and attracts the attention of the viewer to scrutinize it.

Dance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Dance - Essay Example From an analysis of the many different types of dances that were performed and practiced by the students in the class, it is clear and apparent that there is much more to â€Å"African dance† than just a simplistic set of movements of emotions expressed through movement. As the teacher of this class noted, the African cultures from whence these dances originally came tended to use dance as an outlet to express human emotions that otherwise would not be reflected within the tribe or group themselves. Within such an understanding, the highly physical and emotionally charged dances allow the participant, as well as the viewer, to note how dance was and is used as a means of greater personal expression within the African culture as compared to the manner through which it is employed in so many other cultures around the globe. Although true that African dance fulfills the traditional requirement of providing a forum/platform for courtship and sexual energy to be represented, the wa y in which the culture represented history, told stories, staged miniature exhibitions, and celebrated religious festivals or even funerals are all uniquely tied to the many types of cultural dances that are represented under the umbrella term â€Å"African dance†. Another element beyond the scope of these dances and the sheer physicality involved that should be noted is with respect to the fact that the focus of the dance is not on the individual; instead, the invariably focus on the community. Evidence of this can of course be seen due to the fact that there is no clear differential between the â€Å"audience† and the â€Å"dancer(s)†; as either one can become the other at almost any point during the dance. This is of course a culturally distinct element of African dancing that is not represented in many other forms of dance represented throughout the globe. With all

The Potato Chip Industry Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

The Potato Chip Industry - Term Paper Example d ‘Wonks’ which was started by two smart lawyers who secretly bought up all the firms of this sector and began their operations as a monopolistic firm. The intention of this paper is to gain an in depth understanding of the monopoly market structure in comparison to the monopolistically competitive market structure with reference to potato chip industry. A monopoly market structure is characterized by meager or insignificant competition and complete control of the monopolist over the market. It is often learnt to be extremely profitable to the shareholders who intends to invest in a monopolistic business. It is because of the fact that the shareholders have to face insignificant risks of suffering loss from the business as the monopoly firm enjoys an apparent influence over the price of the commodities which can be altered at any time to substantiate the probable risks, thus securing the shareholders’ value. Moreover, a monopolistic firm also enjoys minimum exposure to the risk of close substitutes, since there are no other firms associated with supplying the same product. In case of a monopoly market, since there is only a single firm in market selling a particular commodity, it also becomes easier for the government to regulate the market operations (Petru, 2011). A monopoly firm is found to be consistently innovative in the long run for the reason that if the firm does not encourage innovation in its products and/or services, the consumers may opt for a substitute of the product instead of the same monotonous commodity which in turn is most likely to reward better market opportunities to the new entrants. In other words, it can be affirmed that if a monopoly firm continues with a same product without innovation, as a result of the growing consumer demand for new products, new entrants are most likely to get an opportunity to invade the market. Thus, it is quite likely that a monopoly market structure will be able to reward better customer services with

Programming Paradigms Comparison Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Programming Paradigms Comparison - Essay Example C++ supports multiple inheritance of method implementations from more than one superclass at a time. While it seems like a very useful feature, adding it to the language turns out to introduce many complexities. (2006a) The program compiled by a c++ compiler, is platform dependent. This means, a source file in C++ when compiled is converted into obj file, which contains machine codes and function calls for the built-in library functions. After this, the obj file is processed by the c++ linker utility, which patches the code of the library functions in order to resolve the library function calls and convert the obj file into exe file. More specifically this code patching is only for unregistered library functions, which are local to the C++ development environment. But when an external registered dll file is used in the source code, then the function calls in the obj file would not be resolved in the exe file and those function calls would be dynamically resolved at runtime of the executable file. C++ supports templates that allow you, for example, to implement a Stack and then instantiate it as Stack or Stack to produce two separate types: a stack of integers and a stack of floating point values. (2006a) C++ allows you to define operators that perform arbitrary operations on instances of your class. In effect, it allows extending the syntax of the language. This is a nifty feature, called operator overloading, tat makes for very elegant examples. (2006a) C++ has the ability to include preprocessor directive in the beginning of a program. (import file name from the library). Java possess the following characteristics: Java does not have any concept of pointers. The Java Runtime Environment by default reference the objects for the programmer. Java does not allow programmer to manipulate pointers or memory addresses of any kind and imposes certain restrictions in this respect (2006a): It does not allow casting object or arraying references into integers or vice versa. It does not allow you to do pointer arithmetic. It does not allow you to compute the size in bytes of any primitive type or object. Some of the reasons are: Pointers are a source of bugs. Eliminating them simplifies the language and eliminates many potential bugs (2006a). Pointers and pointer arithmetic could be used to sidestep Java's run-time checks and security mechanisms. Removing pointers allows Java to provide the security guarantees that it does (2006a). No Global Variables: In Java, every field and method is declared within a class and forms part of that class. The fields and methods of a

Why I choose accounting as my major Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Why I choose accounting as my major - Essay Example Financial accounting is the reporting of the financial information about a particular organization or company to the external stakeholders or potential stakeholder that include, investors, suppliers and regulators, the report is mostly in the form of financial statements. Management accounting mostly focuses on measurement analyzing, and reporting of financial information for internal use in decision making by the management. Bookkeeping which is also done by accountants, is the process of recording all the financial transactions of an organization that will be used to provide summaries that are usually presented in final reports of most of these financial reports. Most of the time the processes of accounting are done by accounting organizations that are not usually part of an organization. They come in as external auditor to assess the efficiency with which a particular company is managing finances. One of the most basic motivations towards one undertaking a particular major in college is the interest and conformity with the requirements of that particular degree. In my case, accounting has been my major area of interest for the fact that it offers diverse opportunities to learn the business market and how it operates. At the same time, one has to ensure that he or she understands the basic requirement in terms of personal attributes for optimal performance. For instance, while working as an accountant, one has to be good at mathematics, detail oriented and organized. Most of the time, the workload given to an accountant is manageable and one can be able to meet the targets easily. However, as Bragg (34) affirms, it needs some degree of organization to enable one to carry on tasks within stipulated time and with maximum attention. Moreover, accounting deals with mathematics when coming up with the reports, therefore before one decides to take on the career, they have to be certain that they

The current learning methods and advantages of ICT in subject-based Essay

The current learning methods and advantages of ICT in subject-based classes - Essay Example Students themselves find it convenient to use ICT to learn rather than traditionally attending lessons. Moreover, developments in ICT like the virtual field trip are also highly appreciated and are enhancing the learning of students in subject based lessons. Information Technology is a revolution of contemporary times. It is a concept, a term which has changed the way this world functions and integrates itself into one unit. Defining information technology is a complex task because it encompasses so many things and its scope is so huge that it is difficult to simplify and state. If we try to define information technology in a very comprehensive and compact way, we can say that it is concerned with everything regarding computer-based information systems, especially with the software and hardware that are used to help them function. The software applications and computer hardware that are used to support all these computer systems form a major part of this study. Moreover, whether we think of the study, their design, their further development, the implementation and use, them being support systems in many fields or their effective management, it all lies in the term information technology. Information is the most valuable intangible asset that can be possessed by an individual, a team or a big corporation. Information technology is that revolution in science which allows for this information to be safely kept by these people. It deals and places high importance on the efficient and effective use of this information through helping its conversion, proper storage, first-class protection, relevant processing depending on the type of information, its transmittal to the correct person and timely retrieval. It does all these steps ensuring and making the informations security its top priority. Our research paper has its topic "Advantages of ICT". ICT stands for Information and Communications Technology. This

Tinnitus And The Psychology Of Hearing Essay Example for Free

Tinnitus And The Psychology Of Hearing Essay â€Å"Tinnitus is the subjective sensation of noise—usually described as ringing, hissing, buzzing, roaring, chirping, or clicking sounds—in the ears that cannot be attributed to any external sound† (Hannan, Sami, Wareing, 2005; Lalwani, Snow, 2005). The American Tinnitus Association (2007) estimates that about 50 million Americans experience tinnitus, with men affected more than women (Lockwood, Salvi, Burkard, 2002). â€Å"Twenty-five percent of these individuals suffer from severe enough tinnitus to prompt medical consultation†. Although a relatively common condition, the mechanisms of tinnitus are as yet poorly understood (Lalwani et al, 2005; Lockwood et al, 2002). â€Å"As discussed by Lockwood and associates (2002), there are currently two schools of thought that offer contradictory explanations as to the origin of tinnitus†. On the one hand are those who forward the hypothesis that tinnitus is mainly due to a cochlear pathology, as evidenced by the high incidence of cochlear damage in individuals with tinnitus. This is countered on the other hand by those who propose a central nervous system origin of tinnitus, as implied by the observation of tinnitus in patients with complete transections of the auditory nerve (Lockwood et al, 2002). The present paper is a review of the physiology of hearing, and an attempt to correlate it with tinnitus. Hearing is a function subserved peripherally by the ears and the auditory nerve (cranial nerve VIII), and centrally by the transverse temporal gyri of the temporal lobe (Willis, 2004). These structures altogether make up the auditory system, which primarily functions in the transduction of sounds emanating from the environment. The peripheral auditory apparatus—that is, the ear—â€Å"acts as the interface between the external environment and the individual†. Sound—actually wave vibrations—enters the external auditory canal and sets the tympanic membrane in motion. This, in turn, moves the ossicles—the maleus, incus and stapes—which causes pressure changes in the fluid-filled inner ear. Clearly, from the external environment to the inner ear, sound is carried as wave vibrations, transmitted initially through solids—cartilage and bone—and later through a fluid media—the perilymph and endolymph. The efficiency of this process—a transfer of energy from air, through solids, then through fluids—is ensured by the tympanic membrane and the ossicles, which act as an impedance-matching device (Lalwani et al, 2005). From the internal ear to the central nervous system, on the other hand, sound is interpreted as gradients of electron charges across membranes. The inner ear—principally the cochlea—is a complex composed of the bony and membranous labyrinths. The bony labyrinth component of the cochlea includes several chambers, namely the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani. The scala vestibuli connects with the vestibule and the oval window, whereas the scala tympani connect with the round window. These two chambers merge at the helicotrema, located at the cochlear apex. The membranous labyrinth component of the cochlea is the scala media, which is located between the scala vestibuli and scala tympani. As mentioned previously, the inner ear is a fluid-filled structure. Specifically, the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani are filled with perilymph, which resemble cerebrospinal fluid, while the scala media is filled endolymph, which resembles intracellular fluid (Willis, 2004). Within the cochlea is located the organ of Corti, the neural apparatus responsible for sound transduction, which is composed of several thousand hair cells, the sensory receptors for sound. At the apex of each hair cell are stereocilia, and at the base are nerve fibers that belong to the cochlear division of the eighth cranial nerve. The sound wave transmitted by the middle ear case fluid movements within the bony labyrinth, and part of the hydraulic energy of these fluid movements result in displacement of the organ of Corti. The stereocilia are deformed or bent by the shear forces produced by this relative displacement. The current concept of cochlear transduction is that displacement of the tips of the stereocilia, especially if this displacement is toward the tallest cilium (Willis, 2004), allows potassium to flow into the cell, resulting in its depolarization (Lalwani et al, 2005; Ricci, Kachar, Gale, Van Netten, 2006). The influx of potassium opens calcium channels near the base of the cell, stimulating transmitter release, thought to be glutamate or aspartate (Willis, 2004; Lalwani et al, 2005; Ricci et al, 2006), and firing of the cochlear nerve fibers. This discharge is transmitted to, from peripheral to central, the dorsal and ventral cochlear nuclei, trapezoid body, superior olivary complex, lateral lemniscus, inferior colliculus, medial geniculate nucleus of the thalamus (which gives rise to the auditory radiation), and ends in the auditory cortex located in the transverse temporal gyri of the temporal lobe (Willis, 2004; Lalwani et al, 2005). The end-result of all these is the perception of sound. The subjective perception of sound that is tinnitus could theoretically originate anywhere along the length of the auditory system. However, since the sound heard of individuals suffering from tinnitus is not attributable to any external source, the origin of tinnitus could be limited to the cochlea, specifically the organ of Corti, and the central nervous sytem (Lockwood et al, 2005). Cochlear damage, specifically damage to the hair cells of the organ of Corti, was initially believed to cause tinnitus (Eggermont, 1990; Zenner Ernst, 1993). Although auditory receptor cells have been documented to regenerate and subsequently recover functionally after damage in many vertebrates (Goode, Carey, Fuchs, Rubel, 1999; Stone Rubel, 2000; Zakir Dickman, 2006), spontaneous regeneration of mammalian hair cells does not occur (Zakir et al, 2006). Damage to hair cells, especially through prolonged exposure to supraphysiologic sound levels, may result to transmission of depolarization within the hair cell, and, thus, false perception of sound in the absence of an external source of the same. In contrast to this proposition was the hypothesis forwarded by Lockwood and companions (2002), which attributes tinnitus to central nervous system defects. â€Å"They propose that hearing loss results to reorganization of the pathways in the central auditory system†, which lead to abnormal interactions between auditory and other central pathways, as is seen in neuropathic pain. An example of this phenomenon is gaze-evoked tinnitus, â€Å"where lateral eye movements fail to produce the inhibition of the auditory cortex observed in controls†. It was proposed that the absence of this phenomenon may contribute to the false perception of sounds, that is, tinnitus (Lockwood et al, 2002). It was contended that this explanation accounted for the perception of tinnitus in individuals whose auditory nerves have already been previously transected. Lockwood and associates (2002), citing from Levine (1999), also forwarded the explanation that tinnitus results from a reduction in auditory-nerve input, â€Å"which leads to disinhibition of the dorsal cochlear nucleus and an increase in spontaneous activity in the central auditory system†. This mechanism was proposed to explain tinnitus experienced by normal individuals following exposure to noise, or placement in total silence. REFERENCES American Tinnitus Association (2007). About tinnitus. Retrieved April 3, 2007, from http://www.ata.org/about_tinnitus/consumer/faq.html#1. Eggermont JJ (1990). On the pathophysiology of tinnitus: a review and a peripheral model. Hear Res, 48, 111-24. Goode CT, Carey JP, Fuchs AF, Rubel EW (1999 March). Recovery of the vestibulocolic reflex after aminoglycoside ototoxicity in domestic chickens. J Neurophysiol, 81(3), 1025-35. Hannan SA, Sami F, Wareing MJ (2005, 29 January). 10-minute consultation: tinnitus. BMJ, 330, 237. Lalwani AK, Snow JB (2005). Disorders of smell, taste, and hearing. In DL Kasper, E Braunwald, AS Fauci, SL Hauser, DL Longo, JL Jameson (Eds.), Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine (16th ed.) (pp.176-185). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division. Levine RA (1999). Somatic (craniocervical) tinnitus and the dorsal cochlear nucleus hypothesis. Am J Otolaryngol, 20, 351-62. Lockwood AH, Salvi RJ, Burkard RF (2002, 19 September). Current concepts: tinnitus. N Engl J Med, 347(12), 904-910. Radeloff A, Smolders JW (2006, May). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor treatment does not improve functional recovery after hair cell regeneration in the pigeon. Acta Otolaryngol, 126(5), 452-9. Ricci AJ, Kachar B, Gale J, Van Netten SM (2006). Mechano-electrical transduction: new insights into old ideas. J Membr Biol, 209(2-3), 71-88. Smith ME, Coffin AB, Miller DL, Popper AN (2006, November). Anatomical and functional recovery of the goldfish (Carassius auratus) ear following noise exposure. J Exp Biol, 209(Pt 21), 4193-202. Stone JS, Rubel EW (2000, 24 October). Cellular studies of auditory hair cell regeneration in birds. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 97(22), 11714-21. Willis WD (2004). The special senses. In RM Berne, MN Levy, BM Koeppen, BA Stanton (Eds.), Physiology (5th ed.) (pp. 118-154). Missouri: Mosby. Zakir M, Dickman JD (2006, 15 March). Regeneration of vestibular otolith afferents after ototoxic damage. J Neurosci, 26(11), 2881-93. Zenner HP, Ernst A (1993). Cochlear-motor, transduction and signal-transfer tinnitus: models for three types of cochlear tinnitus. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 249, 447-54.

Feminism in the Handmaids Tale Essay Example for Free

Feminism in the Handmaids Tale Essay Some would argue that Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale is a book that pulls its ideas and beliefs about women and their place in society from the Bible. But based upon the novel, the Bible, and some writings by Christian writers, that is true, but highly skewed. Let’s begin by taking a look at how society is setup in The Handmaid’s Tale so we can have a clear understanding where the author is coming from. The whole premise is that women have lost all power, freedom, choice, and equality and are instead deemed either suitable for slave/maid type work or bearing children. Girls are taken to Rachel and Leah Re-education center, or the red center, as the girls living there knew it, and â€Å"indoctrinated† or brainwashed into the ideologies of the government and taught that their only role is to conceive children. They are also told that the structure of this society (Gilead) is better for women, more respectful and safe. Offred, the main character in the novel has a very monotonous and strict routine everyday that consists of shopping for the commander, the man of the house, and visiting the doctor frequently to be checked, and then undergo the ceremony. This ceremony is the emotionless, speechless sex that she has with commander in order to bear children because of the sudden drop in reproduction in the past society. Now that we have the groundwork laid, lets look at a couple ways they skew the role of women from what it is meant to be according to the Bible. The ceremony that they participate in includes reading from the Bible before engaging in sex. The only problem with that whole idea, is that they only read a small passage of one book every time, that speaks about a barren women urging her husband to lie with her servant so they may have a child. The problem with this is that it’s taken completely out of context. The backstory to Rachel, the barren woman, is that Jacob was supposed to be married to her after working for her father for seven years, but instead Laban, the father, gives his older daughter Leah to lie with Jacob. When he discovers he was tricked he tells Laban he will work another seven years if he can have Rachel as his wife. Because God saw that Rachel was much more loved than Leah, he made Rachel barren and blessed Leah with four children. This is why Rachel asked Jacob to lie with a servant girl; she was envious of her sister Leah (The Holy Bible ESV, Gen. 29-30). The way it is portrayed in the novel is just as a source of reason. The commander and the government need a way to convince women of society that what they are doing is good and it is what they are designed to do. The Bible also speaks in Genesis how man and woman were created in God’s image and how both are equally valuable. Women in Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale are not at all treated equal. Wayne Grudem says it well in his book Bible Doctrine, †¦and Paul emphasizes, â€Å"In the Lord, woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for woman was made from man, so now man is born of woman† Both men and women are equally important; both depend on each; both are worthy of honor† (201). This quote really shows how incorrect the society of Gilead has interpreted the Bible and also how poorly they have viewed women. They claim the safest way to protect the women is to restrict all their rights and give them the opportunity of one of three positions in society, which of those three, they do not even get to select. There are few instances in the novel that represent love, affection, or care; and this would be in the previous world and then between Offred and Nick and even that is a lot of physical affection more than true love. The Bible clearly states in Ephesians 5, â€Å"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church† (Eph. 5). This whole idea is nowhere near represented in The Handmaid’s Tale. The commander is married to the wife almost as a status. He has total authority over her and because she is barren they do not even sleep together. To bare child, he lies with the Handmaid, and to have pleasure, he visits Jezebels, which is a strip club. Which brings up another point in which prostitution and pornography were two of the major staples in the State’s philosophy of keeping women protected, yet they still have clubs that the men visit to enjoy themselves. Some may argue that there is biblical text to support everything that was done, such as Titus 2:5, which states â€Å"†¦women are to be submissive to their own husbands† (Titus. 2. ). This verse is said amongst many other actions women should portray towards their husbands, but it is originally meant, all out of love for their husband and ultimately for their love of Christ. Gilead believes having authority over everyone’s lives and particularly complete control of women. This just one more example of the misconstrued biblical reference portrayed how they see fit. This whole concept of people pulling verses out of context and twisting them to what they want is why so many people have a hard time believing in the truth. It has been so misinterpreted to what people want to believe or how people want others to believe. Gilead’s focus is on reproduction, order, control, and power. They have just found a way to use religion as a tool for their own plans, and in doing so have butchered the entire meaning of the device they are using. One more example of this is through other biblical references in the language. The entire book uses a variety of religious or Biblical language which includes but is not limited to: soldiers being called angels, the domestic servants are called Marthas, the store Milk and Honey, and even vehicles carry religious terms such as behemoth or chariot. These terms are used to help solidify the State’s justification for their actions. Using Biblical terms allows them to continue to preach that everything they do is to protect and serve according to the Bible. Again the problem is that they pull what they want from context and don’t use it according to how the original author intended it for the original audience, or how God meant for us to live. Margaret Atwood wrote a great novel describing what life could be like; if suddenly all women were subject to men’s rule and forced to live under such rigid conditions due to society’s prior downturn. Although the basis of Gilead, and it’s ideas and beliefs were high misinterpreted passages and references of biblical text. As previously stated, if someone is going to use biblical and historical references to support a cause or form a governing society, they must have the facts straight. This means using them in context, and for the original intended purpose. Not changing them or falsifying them to fit your ideas and beliefs.

Safety Measures In Pakistan Construction Industry Construction Essay

Safety Measures In Pakistan Construction Industry Construction Essay Safety in the construction industry has always been a major issue. Wherever reliable records are available, construction is found to be one of the most dangerous on safety and health criteria, particularly in developing countries. Though much improvement in construction safety has been achieved, the industry still continues to lag behind most other industries with regard to safety. Pakistan is a developing country and currently enjoys a relatively strong growth in construction work. Unfortunately, Pakistans construction industry suffers from poor safety and health conditions. The framework of the existing occupational and health conditions is fragmented and inadequately enforced, making construction sites more hazardous. It may even be argued that relevant regulations are outdated and irrelevant in day-to-day construction operations. Like many developing countries of the world, Pakistan at present does not have comprehensive occupational health and safety laws. The number of injuries and illnesses is probably very high in Pakistan because thousands of workers are routinely exposed to hazardous work in construction industry. However, there is no reliable data on occupational safety and health injuries and illnesses because a majority of accidents are not reported to the regulatory agencies. The regulatory agencies neither have an effective enforcement policy nor strict requirements for reporting injuries and illness at work places. Another reason of such indents is the careless behaviour of workers towards safety measures and rules. This study focus on national culture and safety climate in the construction industry in Pakistan. More specifically, it investigates the safety perceptions, attitudes, and behaviour of Pakistani construction workers and management safety practices. It will present the practical results of a number of questionnaire surveys administrate in Pakistan targeting construction workers, and managers with safety management responsibilities. Due to a relatively new awareness of construction safety in Pakistan, the construction industry lacks infrastructure for proper construction safety standards and plans. This study provide the way to improve management system to reduce injuries at construction site and some useful insights into the main players of the Pakistani construction industry for a greater understanding of: (1) risk perceptions, attitudes and safe/unsafe work behaviour of construction workers; (2) managers safety practices and their preferences; and (3) the extent to which workers attitudes and perceptions and their behaviour are associated with their national culture. This data not only adds to the understanding of the implications of Pakistani cultural values on the construction organization, but also provides new knowledge for construction managers who will be better able to understand the culture within which they operate and improve outcomes. The results of this research will be of use to a cross-sectional range of workers and managers Why are you interested in the project? Safety of a workforce employed in the construction industry has always been a matter of concern for employers and labour organizations in developing countries. Previous research has shown that improving the accuracy in the recording of incidents (or accidents) is one way in which the safety management system could be improved. Without a robust safety management system it is impossible to provide a safe working environment for employees. In order to improve health and safety systems, developing countries should look at systems in place in developed countries. In these countries the situation is quite the opposite, and therefore they can be used as a guide as to what can be achieved in the health and safety area of the construction industry in developing countries. Though a lot of preventive measures have been implemented and enforced to ensure the safety of labourers in the developing countries, there is still much more that needs to be done in this area to reduce the chances of any unfortunate situations arising. Astonishingly, in certain parts of developing countries like Pakistan, safety rules within construction companies usually do not exist; and if they do in a rough form. Most companies do not even follow rules considered basic in developed countries, for example appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and adequate signage. For this research, appropriate methods for data collection would surely be: questionnaire surveys and interviews. The questionnaire will have both qualitative and quantitative items for this research and it includes open-ended and close-ended questions. The open-ended questions will be providing with a view to obtain as much as information possible about site safety conditions and plans. This questionnaire also has several quantitative measures (Keys) built into it. These quantitative measures (Keys) will provide to facilitate the intention to translate the qualitative impressions gathered after each interview into some measurable rating scales. In addition, each management staff was asked for their personal and professional information background (i.e. age, job title, experience in construction and safety training received). Finally management was asked to provide personal suggestions for improvements to the safety systems at the site. And finally the data which will collect from the questionnaire surveys and interviews will analyse and the analytical analysis will undertake. For secondary data there has been increasing interest in trying to understand how management practices and organizational factors impact on workplace, workers and their safety. Some research papers have focused on workplace managers as role models for instilling safety awareness and supporting safe behaviour also I will use internet search for this research. The construction industry plays a vital role in the social and economic development of all countries. The importance and role of the construction industry in the economy of any country has been confirmed by several studies, including Coble and Haupt (1999). However, when compared with other (labour intensive) industries, the construction industry has historically experienced a disproportionately high rate of disabling injuries and fatalities for its size (Hinze, 1997). Kartam and Bouz (1998) identified the advancement in social sciences as having promoted a greater awareness of the purity of life and the unacceptability of premature death due to work-related accidents. Past researches has shown that the high number of construction site accidents is a universal problem of much concern. Though notable improvements in construction worker safety at sites have been achieved, the industry continues to lag behind most other industries with regard to safety (National Safety Council, 1999). According to Davies and Tomasin (1996), there are a number of reasons why accident records within the construction industry compare poorly with those of the manufacturing industry. In factories, there is normally a controlled working environment, with little change in the working procedures and equipment over long periods; additionally, the labour force usually remains fairly constant. Thus once identified, hazards can be remedied with relative ease, and the danger mitigated. However the case is quite different in the construction industry as the working environment is constantly changing. The construction industry is a mixture of different organisations, which directly and indirectly influence the construction process. These organisations include property developers, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, accountants, lawyers, civil engineering contractors, engineering contractors, management contractors, labourers, subcontractors and specialist trades. The same complexity can be found with construction workplaces. Within the workplace Construction processes involve hazardous activities, such as working at height, manual handling, exposure to hazardous materials, demolition, frame erection, lifting operations, scaffolding and ground works, bulk materials and heavy equipment handling, as well as the varying jobsite personnel and the regularly changing worksites. A further characteristic of the industry, that makes management of this sector more troublesome, is the unfavourably high supervisor-worker ratio. Supervisors who have more a personal and positive relations hip with workers have more favourable safety performance records (Hinze, 1997; Levitt Samelson, 1993). This relationship is harder to develop if the ratio is too high, which is generally the case within the construction industry (Smallwood, 2000). Rowlinson and Lingard (1996) have attributed the prototype nature of construction projects, the transient nature of work, low education levels of the workforce and high levels of subcontracting, as major contributing factors to poor safety records within the construction industry worldwide. There is a wide variation in economic structures, occupational structures, working conditions, work environment, and the health status of workers in different regions of the world, in different countries and in different sectors of the economy. Therefore the mechanisation of the construction industry is not uniform throughout the world. However, as stated earlier, the construction industry plays a vital role in boosting the economy of any country, especially a developing country. It provides the infrastructure required for other sectors of the economy to flourish. Many studies, such as Coble and Haupt (1999) have shown that construction industry reflects the level of economic development within the country. The construction sector everywhere faces problems and challenges. However, in developing countries, these difficulties and challenges are present alongside a general level of socio-economic stress and a lower productivity rate when compared to developed countries (Ofori, 2000). Ne vertheless it is generally believed that the industry is a good source of employment at various levels of skills, from a general labour to semi-skilled, skilled and specialist workforce. Other major areas that impacts on this sector are lack of research and development, lack of trade and safety training, client dissatisfaction, and the continuously increasing construction costs (all of which result in less profitability). A lot of analyst found that, in most developing countries, for example like India, there are: no training programs for staff and workers therefore, no orientation for new staff or workers is conducted, hazards are not pointed out and no safety meetings are held. Employees are expected to learn from their own mistakes and experience. It is widely accepted that unsafe behaviour is intrinsically linked to workplace accidents. A positive correlation exists between workers safe behaviour and the safety climate within construction site environments. Construction workers attitudes towards safety are influenced by their perceptions of risk, management, safety rules and procedures. A variety of studies, including Niskanen (1994), Glendon and Litherland (2001) and Mohamed (2002) have investigated the construction safety climate within developed countries. In the majority of these studies, researchers have either developed a new model or replicated an already tested model with a view to improving its adequacy. However, there is a lack of research in this area in the context of developing countries. Pakistan is a developing country that is currently enjoying relatively strong growth in construction activities. Unfortunately, the enforcement of safety regulations is not widespread within Pakistan. Some may even argue that the framework of existing occupational and health conditions of Pakistans construction industry is fragmented and inadequately enforced. Likewise in any industry, good health and safety conditions form good and safe business practice. Therefore, it is believed the integration of safety and health measures into a total management system, within the construction sector in Pakistan, could contribute significantly to the cost efficiency, quality assurance and environmental protection of the company and its employees. Cultural differences have a significant impact upon industrial safety culture and help in understanding the different approaches to accident prevention and safety management. Knowledge of cultural differences cannot be acquired without first understanding what culture is. Although culture is used widely to describe variations among people from different nations or of different ethnicities, there is no single, accepted definition. There is, however, a commonly-used set of characteristics that helps to identify culture: 1) culture includes systems of values 2) Culture is learned, not innate 3) culture distinguishes one group from another and 4) culture influences beliefs, attitudes, perceptions and behaviour in a somewhat uniform and predictable way (Bird, 2003). As safety climate is often portrayed as a temporal measure of culture (Cheyne et al., 1998) this last characteristic of culture is most important, as it relates the national culture to the safety climate. Safety climate also refers to the shared perceptions, beliefs, attitudes and behaviour of the worker, regarding safety in their workplace. Ngowi and Mothibi (1996), in a study of 30 construction sites in Botswana, found cultural differences were a major reason for viewing safety procedures differently. Site managers in that study stated that the safety gear provided to employees from impoverished backgrounds were often sold. The managers also referred to the cultural habits of drinking alcohol or taking herbal drugs. They identified a tendency for workers to travel to work in smart clothes and to leave the construction site to spend their money as soon as they received their wages. Experience with traditional construction techniques, such as the use of mud mixed by hand, proved to be obstacles in getting workers to appreciate the need to wear gloves when working with concrete. Further, some local cultures were considered more emotional or more dominant, thus causing certain difficulties with effective safety management. The literature review revealed a lack of research work undertaken on the influence (direct or indirect) of national culture on local safety conditions in the construction industry. This deficiency is a major contributor to the development of this current research rationale which focuses on workers and management characteristics, and how these characteristics in turn, can influence the safety climate of the workplace.

Benjamin Franklin: An Inspirational Self-Made Man Essay -- American Hi

Benjamin Franklin is one of the most influential and famous figures of all time. Ben Franklin if often referred to as the "self-made man," and his philosophies and principles in the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, edited by Louis P. Masur, has served as a self-help book for millions around the world. Franklin's Autobiography is a prime example of the American dream, a rag to riches story that has inspired many people to think of themselves and the community in a different light. Franklin's moral and social philosophies are packed deeply into his Autobiography. Franklin believed that improving ones self was the key to success. Self-improvement, self-education, and self-discipline are the main factors of a self-made man. Improving yourself will ultimately improve the society as a whole. Franklin speaks of principality and inclination. His idea was to produce the principle man with the awareness of man's natural inclination. Throughout the text Franklin provides examples from his own life that contradicts his moral and social philosophies. These contradictions are mostly caused by natural inclinations. Franklin uses these contradictions to educate people to be aware of their natural inclinations and to try and overcome them. Franklin's realizes that improving oneself is a road with many imperfections. Not even the "self-made man" was completely perfect. A general theme in Franklin's writings is the differences between the private and public self and how the two interact. Parts One and Two of his Autobiography were written at different times and intended for different audiences. In Part One Franklin is speaking to his Son, (who was then the Governor of New Jersey) a public figure. It was started in 1771. Part Two was begun... ...ls. He says, ."..their Aim seeming to be rather to make us Presbyterian than good Citizens." (Pg. 94) Franklin felt as though individual study should be emphasized over dogma. Benjamin Franklin's moral and social philosophies inspired and continue to inspire millions around the globe. Becoming a "self-made man" is a long and arduous task. Improve yourself, which will in return improve the society. Contradiction is inevitable when trying to follow strict ideals. Franklin's purpose was to make people aware of their inclinations and to help them overcome the natural tendencies of man, which would limit our dependence on other people. Benjamin Franklin is an inspiration to us all. Works Cited Franklin, Benjamin, and Louis Masur, and Theda Perdue, and Frederick Douglass, and David Blight. Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin 2e. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2007.

Korean Comfort Women Essays -- History Korea Japan War Essays

Comfort women, or ianfu as they are called in Korean, are females who were forced sex slaves for the Japanese Imperial Army (Chunghee). Some of the women were dragged off with physical force as their families wept, while others were actually sold to the army by their destitute families (Watanabe). Still other were officially drafted by the Japanese Imperial Army and believed they would be factory workers or nurses (Hwang in Schellstede 4). Some Korean village leaders were ordered to send young women to participate in "important business for the Imperial Army" (Watanabe). Many Japanese soldiers referred to comfort women as teishintai, which means â€Å"volunteer corps,† so those women who thought they would be working in a factory would not understand what the army really intended to do with them (Kim in Schallstede 25). Jungshindae was the women’s labor corps in which the women would work at a military factory and receive wages. Many women believed this was what th ey would be doing when they were recruited by the army (anonymous in Schellstede 103). The horrific practice of using comfort women for the army carried over from World War II to the Korean War. Many feel that the practice of comfort women lies in discrimination on the part of the Japanese in terms of gender, ethnicity, and race. â€Å"Created through legalized prostitution based on patriarchy, colonialism, and imperialism, the system of comfort women clearly demonstrates that capitalism, sexism, and racism are linked and perpetuated both in the colonial and postcolonial eras† (Watanabe). Estimates as to how many comfort women there were range anywhere from 80,000 to 200,000, and it is believed that approximately 80% of them were Korean. Others came from the Philippi... ...on and a decent apology. As for whether they will receive what they seek, only time and the Japanese government will tell. Works Cited â€Å"Album: Comfort Women History.† 2003. Brown University Korean American Students Association. 1 Dec. 2002. Horn, Dottie. â€Å"Comfort Women.† 1997. Endeavors. Jan. 1997. Schellstede, Sangmie Choi, ed. Comfort Women Speak: Testimony of Sex Slaves of the Japanese Military. New York: Holmes & Meier, 2000. Soh, Chunghee Sarah. â€Å"The Comfort Women Project.† 1997. San Francisco State University. 3 Mar. 2002. Watanabe, Kazuko. "Militarism, Colonialism, and the Trafficking of Women: ‘Comfort Women’ Forced into Sexual Labor for Japanese Soldiers". 1994. Bulletin of Concerned Asian Scholars. Oct. 1994. Kim, Huun Jin. â€Å"Comfort Women.† 2003. Voices. Hicks, George. The Comfort Women. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1994

Illusion in The Great Gatsby :: F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   James Baldwin looked upon reality and illusion through the eyes of a great author. He saw that all authors live in reality, while everyone else lives in a sense of illusion, or not knowing the whole truth.   He shows us that the author must question everything, breaking down the illusions that are set up by people and by our society.   Baldwin shows that normal people don't question everything, and therefore are fooled by illusions may times. In The Great Gatsby Fitzgerald suggests many things about illusion and reality.   I think that the strongest thing Fitzgerald suggests is that you create your own illusion, and with this illusion, you shape the person that you are.   All of the rich people in this book have some sort of illusion surrounding their persona, but Gatsby has the greatest of all illusions surrounding him.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Gatsby is presented as living the charmed life, with plenty of friends, no problems, and an honest man.   In the end his whole illusion unravels and we find that he has plenty of problems, is very crooked and dishonest, and has no true friends.   He longs for companionship with Daisy, and still can never have that.   Gatsby's illusion surrounding him is totally shattered in this book, partly through the actions of Tom who feels that he must discredit his name.   Tom, however discredits name to draw Daisy away from him when he finds that Gatsby has become interested in Daisy.   When Tom confronts Gatsby, and begins to crumble his illusion, Gatsby is as cool and confident as he always is.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tom's voice, incredulous and insulting: I told you I went there [Oxford]," said Gatsby.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "I heard you, but I would like to know when."   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "It was in nineteen-nineteen.   I only stayed for five months."   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tom glanced around to see if we mirrored his unbelief. (136)    This passage shows that even Gatsby has bought into the illusion that he has created for himself.   It is as if he has thought out the answer for every question about his past, so that he can come off as being distinguished and honest.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It would be hard to read The Great Gatsby without analyzing if the narrator, Nick Carroway falls into the illusion of Gatsby.

Life as a parole officer Essay

For my interview, I interviewed Tiffany Sanders, from the Johnston County Adult Probation Parole office located in Smithfield NC. Before my interview I came up with ten questions to ask Mrs. Sanders during our interview. After my interview with Mrs. Sanders, I have come to the conclusion that I would love to be a probation or parole officer. One question I asked Mrs. Sanders was â€Å"what are the job functions of a parole officer?† Based on Mrs. Sander’s comments, Parole officers are given a caseload of people on parole in which she is required to supervise and guide them through their period of release into the community. A parole officer is also responsible for investigating paroles that violate the rules and testify at court hearings when paroles violate their parole. Another question that I asked Mrs. Sanders was â€Å"what are the pros and cons to being a parole officer?† Mrs. Sanders replied to this question with, â€Å"I love my job as a parole officer. Every day I come into this officer with my own special goal to help someone get on the right track and turn their life around.† So to answer the questions, some pros to being a parole officer is that you get to enjoy helping others but that could also be your con to a parole officer job. If you enjoy helping others it may be hard for you to cope with failure when you have a parole that refuses to do better. Another con to being a parole officer is the fact that you get benefits and the job is always in high demand due to the number of offenders. As I left the office of Mrs. Sanders I could still hear her recommendations to me if I wanted to be a parole officer. Mrs. Sanders recommended that if I wanted to be a parole officer then to make sure that I was dedicated and committed to the job. She feels that being a parole officer can be quit discouraging when you see someone fail that you have tried so hard to rehabilitate. It is always best to not get emotionally involved with your job and to follow all guidelines and rules to keep from doing so. I really enjoyed this week’s assignment because I have always had an interest in being a probation or parole officer. After my interview with Mrs. Sanders I now know that this would be the perfect job for me because I love to help people and I feel that criminals can change their ways with support and the right guidance.

Relationship Paper

A relationship between two people can have very different meanings. In some relationships such as two lovers, they can also be best of friends because they share some characteristics and qualities and have a good understanding of each other. A relationship between a parent and child has a special bond because they share love, and affection for each other no matter what the circumstances are there will always be some connection, even at its worst times. However, there are times when a relationship can go bad because there is no understanding, lack of communication, and a feeling of distance in the relationship.This may occur from mistakes or misunderstood acts from one another. It is believed that the parent-child relationship is the most influential relationship that there is. As of right now I believe that this is the relationship I must analyze more in-depth to get a full understanding of it and to just improve my daily life with them, but in particular my mother. My mother, like m ost Hispanics in her generation, did not grow up with half of the materialistic devices and privileges that I have had when growing up. She has come from a home that was riddled of alcohol and drug abuse.Even with those distractions at home she still managed to get straight A’s, so she says, and has had a job throughout her life since the age of 16. She says if it wasn’t for marriage and having kids she would not have dropped out of college, but she was comfortable where her family was heading and had made that decision. My mother is someone to look up to in my books because of her overcoming of obstacles that had stood in front of her like it was just taking another breath of air, and for my father, I don’t even want to start on that description.I’ll just leave it at that it is a privilege that I’m even walking this planet today. I believe my mother perceives me as taking the resources I have around me for granted. That I am just going through the motion of school and life and not tackling it like she did and still does. She sees an unemployed 20 year old at a junior college that has had recent trouble with the law. I am not putting up the biggest argument against her because I know I could be doing more to be excelling further in school and being more responsible for my own actions. I don’t think she fully understands the commitment of being in ootball during school. It really is like having a job year-round that gives you a 2 month break yearly. I know she gets her perceptions on what she hears at work at the sheriff’s department, which does not help, or what she sees on the news on television. So I believe her ideas on what people my age is a little bias. To overcome these perceptions and to better our relationship I believe we can communicate with each other more than we are now. Telling her more information about what goes on and what I am doing in my life can more likely give her a better idea on who I am or who I am on track of becoming.Telling her more and more of what I am doing and disclosing my-self, I believe can make her feel more comfortable with me. By self-disclosing my-self it can give her assurance with what kind of person I am. With the way things are going between us right now I can only imagine who she thinks I am. When a mother does not know much about his son you can see as to why they can get carried away with ideas on who they might be but not who they are. However, there also might be some things that she sees about me that I don’t realize myself.Those mother-to-child instincts are still a wonder to us all. She might see something about me that whenever I am in a serious relationship I seem to be more stressed, or that i am calm with her in our conversations. My emotions on the way I converse with her tell her a lot about myself. Emotion management is essential to maintaining a healthy relationship. For example, if I failed a mid-term that day and she does not know, she cannot prepare for the negative responses, if any, to her questions and she most likely would not want to hold a conversation with me.She can start to build an idea that I am not consistent with who I am and lead up to fewer conversations to build on our relationship. However, emotion management does have its cons. For instance, if I am not happy with something she is doing and I never express anything about it the relationship for me might start to become one-sided meaning only she is happy with relational content. Sometimes giving feedback about some ones actions is the best way to maintain a relationship.Relationship maintenance between her and I is a must. If I want her to be appy with me then I have to put in my part. If I am just sitting around the house not contributing to anything or with the household how could I expect her to be happy with me. When she sees me applying myself she can have many reasons to be happy or proud with what I am doing. How can she no t be if she knows I am taking advantage of the opportunities around me? For example, if I am maintaining a 3. 0 grade point average while holding a part time job and in a year-round sport like football, she should not have reason to be upset or concerned with me. Relationship Paper A relationship between two people can have very different meanings. In some relationships such as two lovers, they can also be best of friends because they share some characteristics and qualities and have a good understanding of each other. A relationship between a parent and child has a special bond because they share love, and affection for each other no matter what the circumstances are there will always be some connection, even at its worst times. However, there are times when a relationship can go bad because there is no understanding, lack of communication, and a feeling of distance in the relationship.This may occur from mistakes or misunderstood acts from one another. It is believed that the parent-child relationship is the most influential relationship that there is. As of right now I believe that this is the relationship I must analyze more in-depth to get a full understanding of it and to just improve my daily life with them, but in particular my mother. My mother, like m ost Hispanics in her generation, did not grow up with half of the materialistic devices and privileges that I have had when growing up. She has come from a home that was riddled of alcohol and drug abuse.Even with those distractions at home she still managed to get straight A’s, so she says, and has had a job throughout her life since the age of 16. She says if it wasn’t for marriage and having kids she would not have dropped out of college, but she was comfortable where her family was heading and had made that decision. My mother is someone to look up to in my books because of her overcoming of obstacles that had stood in front of her like it was just taking another breath of air, and for my father, I don’t even want to start on that description.I’ll just leave it at that it is a privilege that I’m even walking this planet today. I believe my mother perceives me as taking the resources I have around me for granted. That I am just going through the motion of school and life and not tackling it like she did and still does. She sees an unemployed 20 year old at a junior college that has had recent trouble with the law. I am not putting up the biggest argument against her because I know I could be doing more to be excelling further in school and being more responsible for my own actions. I don’t think she fully understands the commitment of being in ootball during school. It really is like having a job year-round that gives you a 2 month break yearly. I know she gets her perceptions on what she hears at work at the sheriff’s department, which does not help, or what she sees on the news on television. So I believe her ideas on what people my age is a little bias. To overcome these perceptions and to better our relationship I believe we can communicate with each other more than we are now. Telling her more information about what goes on and what I am doing in my life can more likely give her a better idea on who I am or who I am on track of becoming.Telling her more and more of what I am doing and disclosing my-self, I believe can make her feel more comfortable with me. By self-disclosing my-self it can give her assurance with what kind of person I am. With the way things are going between us right now I can only imagine who she thinks I am. When a mother does not know much about his son you can see as to why they can get carried away with ideas on who they might be but not who they are. However, there also might be some things that she sees about me that I don’t realize myself.Those mother-to-child instincts are still a wonder to us all. She might see something about me that whenever I am in a serious relationship I seem to be more stressed, or that i am calm with her in our conversations. My emotions on the way I converse with her tell her a lot about myself. Emotion management is essential to maintaining a healthy relationship. For example, if I failed a mid-term that day and she does not know, she cannot prepare for the negative responses, if any, to her questions and she most likely would not want to hold a conversation with me.She can start to build an idea that I am not consistent with who I am and lead up to fewer conversations to build on our relationship. However, emotion management does have its cons. For instance, if I am not happy with something she is doing and I never express anything about it the relationship for me might start to become one-sided meaning only she is happy with relational content. Sometimes giving feedback about some ones actions is the best way to maintain a relationship.Relationship maintenance between her and I is a must. If I want her to be appy with me then I have to put in my part. If I am just sitting around the house not contributing to anything or with the household how could I expect her to be happy with me. When she sees me applying myself she can have many reasons to be happy or proud with what I am doing. How can she no t be if she knows I am taking advantage of the opportunities around me? For example, if I am maintaining a 3. 0 grade point average while holding a part time job and in a year-round sport like football, she should not have reason to be upset or concerned with me.

Form and Structure of ‘Abigail’s Party’ Emily Huntley Essay

Mike Leigh’s ‘Abigail’s Party’ was primarily shown on television and wasn’t initially meant for the stage, until it was realised how successful it was. The plot is based around a mirror of two party’s, one involving 5 adults all living in the same estate but of very contrasting backgrounds and classes which Mike Leigh also depicts, and the other of the sixteen year old daughter of Sue, who’s organised a typical teenage ‘rave’. The essence of the play is that generally speaking the younger generations should be observed at parties but in Mike Leigh’s example the irony is that the adult’s seem just as drunk and obscene as what is imagined next door. This is where the comedy arises and is developed throughout the play as the adults keep a close eye on the teenagers but there is no one to observe the adults. Mike Leigh has also drawn the attention of the audience by focusing on class by contrasting the classes of the characters, Beverly and Lawrence who are aspiring for true middle class, a poor newly married couple and a middle class divorcee. This situation in itself is controversial due to Sue not being nearly as wealthy as Beverly and Lawrence but being by far the most cultured of the group. Another example of this would be shown in Ang, her occupation as a nurse can actually be called a well known and accepted profession, although she has little money and isn’t well cultured or travelled, as an outsider you can see the intelligence that Mike Leigh has tried to depict over the other characters. The play is composed of two acts, both of which surprisingly end with the focus on Sue, the most timid character. I think this was purposeful on Leigh’s behalf as although she seems to be a pretty insignificant character she holds a lot of unknown power over the people in her company. Especially Lawrence who realises her class is above his and he aspires to be like her by seeking her approval. As the play develops so does the amount of alcohol consumed and the tension between the two married couples. Especially from Beverly and Lawrence’s points of view as they start verbally abusing each other in the presence of their guests, which I believe would not occur otherwise as Ang, Tony and Sue would realise their true characters. Therefore I could also state that the play is structured around class, parties and also alcohol. Everything in the play including props, lighting and sound effects is ultra realistic. The set includes real food and drink with a working record player and lamps, which provide the naturalistic lighting throughout the whole play, and the constant thumping from next door really makes the situation believable. To enhance the realism, Mike Leigh also wrote the play in ‘real time’, this means that the duration of the play is natural over the period of an evening, with no days or hours skipped. Another tool used by Mike Leigh to develop true realism is the use of colloquial dialect. There is no stylised or poetic language and also no imagery used. It is written so the audience can easily place themselves in the character’s positions. Discussing the structure of the play is hard considering the definitions of ‘A Well Made Play’ 1.) Exposition (introduction of characters and situations) 2.) Conflict (a huge problem is bought to the surface) 3.) Complications (the problem develops) 4.) Climax (the most dramatic, and tension filled part of the play) 5.) Dà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½nouement (the resolution) The exposition occurs between pages 1 and 13 when the characters are introduced to each other and also the audience. This is the period when the audience makes their own assumptions of the characters, and they can recognise different relationships and tensions. This is when we also realise about Lawrence’s hectic lifestyle and frequent suffering of heartburn so that his heart attack doesn’t come as a complete shock and the audience understand and sympathise more. The conflict is primarily to do with Beverly and Lawrence’s relationship and the strain that it is clearly under. But we also see the stress between Angela and Tony periodically. The complication is when the tension builds as more and more alcohol is consumed predominantly between Lawrence and Beverly. The climax is clearly Lawrence’s heart attack, which is the outcome, of a stressful job, a nagging wife, being polite to unwelcome guests the consumption of alcohol and the constant ‘thumping’ of the party next door. This is when the focus and drive of the play changes completely from the future life these characters have built themselves to the present situation. Lastly the dà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½nouement. In ‘Abigail’s Party’ there doesn’t seem to be a definite resolution, the play is left on a cliff hanger as the audience is ‘left in the dark’ as to whether the conflicts have been resolved and if not the final outcome of the situation. ‘Abigail’s Party’ is referred to as a comedy, but of various types, it contains a slight element of black comedy in the fact that Lawrence has a heart attack. But throughout the play, Leigh develops another form of comedy, not through one-liners, but due to the characters’ dialogue and movement etc. For example, Tony’s monosyllabic answers, Angela’s lack of social etiquette, Sue’s shyness and total dislike of the situation, Lawrence’s frequent cultural references even though everyone can see he is uneducated in Shakespeare and Beethoven and is simply attempting and failing to reach a higher social class (nouveaux riches). And Beverly’s clear lack of self-control concerning Tony and insulting Angela’s lipstick. ‘Abigail’s Party’ is essentially written as a comedy, until the end, which presents more opportunities, and shows a more tragic and retrospective feel. This play is unique in that it is completely down to the director as to how they depict it as it can be of two extremes tragic or comic, excluding Lawrence’s death, which is clearly comic with the reference to Ang’s cramp etc. In the production I saw, it was comic and I thought this worked well but having considered it to be a tragic play I think this could be just as effective.

Gustav Flaubert and Ivan Turgenev

The Romantics is a culturally inclined book written by Pankaj Mishra. The publication deals with life's differences and how people came to know more about their own respective cultures. It brings out every reader into a journey of culture. life and the true meaning of existence. The main character Samar, made his move while he is in a juxtaposition of cultures. One may find himself in the shoes of Samar who wanted to engage in more discoveries. Samar, is a fresh graduate who arrived in Benares, also known as the holy city in 1989.He wanted to continue with his solitary life with his book as he chose to stay in a room there. Samar loves to deal with his friends namely Edmund Wilson, Gustav Flaubert and Ivan Turgenev. But on the place where he stays, he lives adjacent to a woman from the west, Catherine. She is a French young woman who had a great impact on Samar's life. She made a vast change on his outlook in life and dealing with what the good world awaits for him. He was able to re cover from the past that he wanted to escape but then the conflicting part is that he falls for the wrong woman.Catherine is already committed which made the story interesting. It was really a big frustration for him to know the truth since he fall in love for the first time since he never believe in the set up of love before. In Benares he discovered many things that changed his life. Starting from the ancestors Brahmin down to practices and political issues. He was able to contemplate on the commonality of people who are there. They all wanted to escape their past. Going back to Samar and Catherine, the two had a chance to become lovers but then Catherine decided to cut their relationship off.Good thing Samar was able to recover and took a teaching job for young Tibetan children. When he was reunited with an old friend from Benares after seven years, he told himself that he is apart from those people who lives there. He is now far from the old tradition and on his way to recuperat ing for a better future. The Romantics tells about the clashing of culture in contemporary India. The author attempted to explore how people during the time differ from their backgrounds, culture and how it is romanticized to unveil the mysteries of India.

Classroom Management-Routines and Procedures Essay

The following in-class activities are in the specialized area K-8. The first in-class activity is the use of centers. In this activity student are able to pick their center that they would like to participate in. Students are given a 20-minute center time that is split into two 10-minute sessions. This allows the students to stay interested in the activity. Types of centers that the students can choose from are: Reading Center, Write the Room, Money Center, Art Center, Listening Center, Pattern Block Center, Puppet Center, Computer Center, or Poetry Center. While students are seated, the teacher reminds the students of center procedures. The children have previously been instructed how to utilize each center. The teacher will choose a stick with the child’s name on it, to determine who gets to pick first and there after. They are reminded that no more than 2-3 people can be at each center, and because of this should be thinking of another center in case the center they first c hoose is full. Students will remain in there seats until everyone has picked a center. The children will hear a bell and are asked to stop what they are doing, clean up their center, and go to their desk where the teacher will now assign them to a different center. During this activity one of my behavioral expectations will be that students are quiet during their center time. Quiet doesn’t mean that the student can’t talk, but they must whisper to their fellow center members if they need too. Center time is still learning time and I want each student to respect that. Students are told that should they break that rule, a warning will be given and then if broken again, they will have to go to their seat until it is time to switch centers. The second expected behavior is that the students stay at his/her center, until they are told to switch. The students are not permitted to roam around the room and visit with classmates at other centers. It is important to maintain a structured, well-balanced classroom environment where students carry over my behavioral expectations from activity to activity. The second in-class activity is the morning meeting board. This activity is done first thing every morning. During this activity we discuss what our schedule for the day will be, take our lunch count, practice our days of the week, months of the year, what the temperature for that day is, daily smart board activities, and many other repetitive activities we do on a daily basis. This activity requires students to be on the floor in front of the meeting board facing me. The morning meeting board requires individual student answers and a high level of engagement. Students are required to sit in an assigned seating area on the floor and remain there until meeting board is over. During this activity one of my behavioral expectation is that there is no talking. Children are not allowed to talk, as it is a distraction to the learning process. Children are told that they are not allowed to talk unless their name is called to answer a question or a group response is needed. The no talking rule, fixes the need for a child to blurt out the answer when it is not their turn. The next behavioral expectation is that students will keep their hands and feet to themselves. It is very tempting to distract your classmate while seated on the floor close to each other. By implementing this expectation, students are learning self-control and the skill of accountability. Students are expected to be able to stay in their assigned area and engage in the activity with little or no distractions. There are many opportunities to take students on the adventure of learning outside the classroom. The first activity is a school wide assembly that would require K-12 students to meet in the gymnasium. The assembly is in an environment that is energetic and fun. The students listen to music by the band, watch or participate in a fun activity with older students, and listen to administration lecture about upcoming events and other important information. This atmosphere will bring out many different behaviors from my students. It is important that I allow them to have a fun, positive experience but with expectations on how they need to behave. My first expectation is that the students will remain in their seats and not move around. With the energy that this assembly will bring, students will need to stay seated so that they are not distracting the other students or those who are putting on the assembly. Students will also be expected to not visit or talk with their classmates during the assembly, as it is a classroom rule to sit quietly while others are speaking. Setting these expectations and explaining why I have them is important for the student to understand. The next out-of-class activity is a field trip to a pumpkin patch. This field trip is a fun, hands on learning experience. The pumpkin patch has a petting zoo, zip line, corn maze, tractor rides, train rides, face painting, pedal tractor racetrack, and many engaging activities. This activity can also bring out an array of different behaviors in children, which the teacher must be mindful of. On field trips there are teacher helpers like volunteers/parents, who go along to help keep a watchful eye on the students. Students are split into small groups and are teamed up with a teacher helper. Teacher helpers are given instructions as to what I expect from my students. One of my behavioral expectations is that the students remain in their group at all times. Students are told that they will not be able to roam about the pumpkin patch without their group and their teacher helper. They are told that the teacher helper will be the one who decides when to move on to the next activity. My next behavioral expectation is that the students respect the property of the pumpkin patch and those who work there. This is already one of our classroom rules and they will be expected to follow it even though we are not in school. A teacher must try to always be one step ahead of their students when it comes to how students will behave in situations. It is extremely important that students always know what is expected of them. A teacher may continually have the child recite the rules over and over, but that doesn’t mean they understand what it means. A teacher may think that the classroom rules are clear and concise, but to a few students they many not be. The first way a teacher can evaluate what her students understand about those expectations, is through discussion. The teacher must state the rule and then explain what it means. The teacher’s explanation should provide examples and scenarios that the student can understand. Allowing the children to give examples that they can relate to, can also help evaluate their understand of the expectation. Another way to evaluate is through role-playing. Children are given scenarios on how to break the rules or follow the rules and then they act it out. The class audience can then determine what rule is broken and how it could have been prevented. The students may also act out how it looks to follow the rule. The teacher can then explain what consequence would be given if rules are not followed. This is fun for the students and allows the teacher to see who is or doesn’t understand the expectations.