My Philosophy of Education Essay -- Educational Philosophy

As an educator we all struggle with philosophy and where to go from there once we decide what our set of beliefs are. Once we put our philosophy in place, we then struggle with changing our philosophy. I believe that philosophies can be always changing any given situation and in order for growth as an educator we have to be aware of the situations that can change our philosophy, as well as being true to our core beliefs. However, in order for this to happen we must understand what philosophy is, and what it is not and how it fall in line with ideology and theories. For this assignment, I will compare and contrast philosophy, ideology, and theory. Philosophy is the most beliefs about what is true or real according to individual values (Gutek, 2009). Philosophy is our beliefs that will determine what we do professionally and personally. Not having a philosophy set in place, it will be difficult to make decisions within the classroom, creating curriculums and evaluate progress. Although a person can set goals without having a philosophy implemented, not having the foundation of a set philosophy (core set of beliefs) achieving the goals can be a very difficult challenge. Educators need a starting point to understand why we think and act the way we do in our classrooms. Having a philosophy allows an educator to reflect on how to make classroom actions consistent with our beliefs related to learning. However, before we list our â€Å"beliefs† we need to delve deeper into what makes up our philosophy. There are four major components to philosophy – Metaphysics, Epistemology, Axiology, and Logic (Gutek, 2009). In order to be able to understand philosophy we need to be able to understand its components. Metaphysics is the branch of philosop... ...ke in formulating a philosophy is self-reflective and formative. As educators generate ideas about what their teaching philosophy may be, all of the above are taken into consideration in determining attitudes, values, and beliefs about learning and teaching. A set of guidelines need to be implemented, and these guidelines will be worked and reworked as time and experiences happen. Educational philosophies are foundations of everything that we do as teachers. They are based upon our assumptions, definitions of learning, purpose of education and the nature of instructional process. It is an ever-changing process throughout our teaching career. What may be our philosophy today may not be our philosophy tomorrow. Works Cited Gutek, Gerald Lee. (2009). New perspectives on philosophy and education. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.

Abortion :: essays research papers

Abortion Abortion. It is a topic that has invaded the sanctity of our dinner table conversations, English paper topics and even our court rooms. We are bombarded with pro-lifer’s calling abortion doctors â€Å"baby killers.† They yell about how abortion is unmoral, and how g_d wants us to chose life over death, but they seem to have no problem killing abortion doctors or beating up patients. The pro-lifers seem to think that the abortion laws were just thrown together by uncaring â€Å"baby killers† instead of Supreme court Justices. The fact is abortion use to be illegal. It wasn’t until the case of Roe Vs. Wade that the Supreme court decided that a woman had the right to an abortion as long as certain guide lines established and then followed. The guidelines that were established following the Roe vs. Wade decisions are or still in effect today. The current Legislature says that the â€Å"state may not regulate abortion at all during the first trimester†( http://members.aol.com/abtrbng/conlaw.htm) That means that if a woman decides during the first three months of her pregnancy to abort the child she has the legal right to do so. The states interest during the first trimester is to the mother well being not the well being of the fetus What is so special about the first 3 months? Well during the first three months the child in unable to survive outside of the mothers womb, therefore dependent on the mother. What about the second trimester? During the second trimester the state can regulate abortion â€Å"but only for the protection of the woman's health†( http://members.aol.com/abtrbng/conlaw.htm) The states first responsibility is to the mother and then to the unborn child. Those who oppose the use of abortion feel that the state has a moral obligation to the protection of the unborn child. They feel that allowing abortion in any trimester is sending out the message that children are not valued as highly as adults. The fact is the federal government does have a bias against the unborn child. It is because of this bias that abortion is legalized. The 14th amendment of Constitution states that â€Å"no State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property,...†( National Archives) After the Roe Vs. Wade case the Supreme court decided that â€Å"the word "person" in the 14th amendment, does not apply to the unborn† (http://members.

Ottoman Empire and Empire Building

Compare/Contrast Essay Student Essay Samples Directions: Using the grading rubric, read the attached essays and score them. Be sure to read thoroughly, and remember that you are trying to find ways to GIVE the writer points, rather than trying to find ways to TAKE points away. With that said, however, the information must still be correct in order for a point to be awarded **You MUST record the final score, as well as why you are/are not giving the writer points. **You are allowed to give the essay 2 possible scores (Example: I think the essay is either a 3 or a 4). *Please do not look at the official explanation until after you have scored the essays. You don’t get any special reward for getting them right. The goal is to learn something. Essay Question: Within the period from 1450-1800, compare the processes (e. g. political, social, economic) of empire building in the Spanish Empire with the empire-building processes in ONE of the following: The Ottoman Empire OR The Russia n Empire. CC Essay #1 (3RR) Between the years 1400 and 1800, new empires appeared on the globe. One of these empires is the Spanish and the other is the Ottoman Empire.Both of these bear similarities but had their differences as well. They both carved out major chunks of the globe and were both major powers in the newly formed global world. Politically, economically, and socially, these empires were similar in many ways, but they had important differences that separated them apart. The Spanish were an up and coming world power in this time period between 1400 and 1800. They soon dominated overseas and trading. Differing from the Ottoman Empire to the east. The Spanish Empire was largely sea based.Their advanced ships and naval technologies allowed the to discover new continents and claim them to be their own. The Spanish set up colonies for the economy to run and they relied heavily on imports from their distant colonies across the Atlantic. They imported large amounts of silver and food goods to run their economy. Also, the foundation of their empire was primarily focused on the spreading of Christianity. They founded the Americas on their slogan â€Å"Gold, God and Glory† as they forcefully converted the natives in the New World.Also, their government was based on a monarchy with lesser nobles beneath him. The Spanish completely opposed the Islamic religion which can be seen it the Spanish Inquisition as they fought the Moors in Spain to make it purely Christian. The Ottoman Empire holds many differences against the Spanish Empire. Unlike the Spanish, the Ottoman Empire as a land-based empire that dominated the Middle East right up to Eastern Europe. The economy of the Ottoman Turks was based on conquering new lands and exploiting them for their value.The Ottoman’s continued to conquer, not only so their economies wouldn’t fall but also to spread their religion, Islam. Unlike the Spanish, they did have some religious tolerance in their e mpire, but hey mostly forcefully converted who they conquered The Ottoman Empire was an ethnocentric one, not open to too many outside ideas. The Empire was reigned over by a religious leader know as the Sultan, but his advisors, or the viziers were the rue voices of the government. They made those who didn’t covert to Islam their military or the janissaries, unlike the Spanish who just enslaved or killed them.Though having many differences, the Spanish and the Ottoman Empire were actually quite similar. Both were ruthless empires that conquered and dominated. Also, both empires wouldn’t have been established if it wasn’t for the desire to spread their religious beliefs and they both persecuted if necessary. Both of the empires had a lowe class of slaves or serfs that did all the work to maintain production and they both participated in the slave trade out of Africa. The governments of the Spanish and Ottoman Empire were run by religious icons or figures who had absolute control.These empires were among the wealthiest in the world, but only the elite had the money. The economy of both the Spanish and the Ottoman Turks both would not prosper if they had not conquered in the first place. Politically, economically, and socially the Ottoman Empire and the Spanish Empire were similar in many ways. The Spanish and the Ottoman Empire, one dominating the sea and overseas, one dominating the land, were politically similar in governing system, but different tin the way the distributed their policies.Economically, they differed in that the Ottoman’s relied on conquering and the Spanish on colonies but were similar in that they both needed to take over lands that weren’t originally theirs. Socially, the class system was rough and rigid in both with slaves at the bottom and absolute rulers at the top but they differed in the religion that was part of life in the two empires. Both empires would eventually see their downfall but for the tim e period 1400 – 1800 they made their time worthwhile, similarly and differently.CC Essay #2 (3EE) European colonialism had an enormous impact on the world, then and today. What most tend to overlook, however is the empire of Russia, simultaneously rising in the east. In the 350 years after 1450, Spain and Russia built their empires, each with different locations, political structures , and goals. Spain, during this time period, was colonizing Latin America. A very small mother country, in relation to its colonies, was expanding greatly into weakly established tribal lands.The strongest threat, the Aztecs were conveniently naive and unlucky, leading to their fall, and the ultimately largely uncontested spread of the Spanish Empire. In Russia, however, strongly established nations bordered a large mother country. Russia’s targets were its immediate neighbors. Russia needed careful diplomacy and established treaties and pacts to craftily add land to its empire, as opposed to Spain’s method of forceful takeover. Spain, in order to maintain control of colonies so far away, appointed officials to rule over designated areas and report to the mother country directly.The landlords in the new colonies, who employed forced labor of natives, had to report to the officials. This was called the hacienda system. The Russians, by virtue of the means which they used to add to their empire, were forced to grant more power to their local governments, leaving them nearly sovereign. The landlords, employing forced labor of serfs, had to report to their local officials, who in turn made their own decisions. Oddly enough, the Spanish colonial system, spread out over the globe, was more centralized than the Russian counterpart.The Spanish colonies were set up in such a manner as to yield the greatest economic benefit to the mother countries. Precious metals were exported in vast quantities to Spain, cementing Spain’s economic influence in the world market. Spain’s silver was especially valuable in China, who would soon only accept silver as currency. Cash crops such as tobacco, sugar and bananas brought more wealth to Spain and only served to make the colonies more dependent on the mother country to staple foods and supplies. Russia, however assimilated the newly acquired land into their culture.Northern Eurasia has very poor farmland and so the farther south Russia expanded, the more crops Russia could make available. Northern Russia’s population could not support itself farming the dirt that the cold tundras provided, but the more warmer lands added to Russia’s empire, the more surplus crop that could be sent north. The most valuable resource of Russia’s empire was the vast numbers of people who could enlisted or recruited. Spain’s empire was meant to create wealth, while Russia’s was meant to create power. Two empires, occupying the same time period, were as different as empires can be.Spa in had a spread-out, yet centralized empire governing forcefully conquered lands with the goal of creating great wealth, while Russia created her condensed, loosely organized diplomatic coalition of an empire, with the goal of accumulating power, should war become necessary. CC Essay #3 (3M) The Spanish and Otoman Empire were both involved in the process of empire building during the period of 1450 to 1800. Though both began to develop economically, politically and socially, their underlying strategies for this process differed greatly.The Spanish Empire followed and was helped along by the Catholic Church, while the Ottoman were a Muslim people that were governed by the Islamic religion. The differences between the Spanish and the Ottoman Empires stemmed from their very different religions, though the were both involved in global trade which made many of their developments similar. Economically, both the Spanish and Ottoman Empire had similar aspirations. During this period trade, as well as agriculture dominated.The Ottoman Empire, like the Spanish Empire cultivated their own crops and through importing received their needed goods on one of the developing trade routes such as the Indian Ocean route. However, the Spanish Empire during this period also began the process of widespread colonization along with the Portueugese. The Ottoman Empire began to conquer surrounding regions but was not a part of the major movement into the Americas. Both Empires, however, took part in the developing and growing slave trade during this period. The Ottoman especially used African slaves, as it was against the Islamic faith to use Muslim slaves.Economically the Ottoman and Spanish Empires followed very similar paths, though they differed significantly in their political structures. The Ottoman Empire based on Islam, and the Spanish Empire based on Christianity followed very different political paths. The Spanish Empire, for instance, began the process of colonization which m eant the use of administrators as bureus. The Ottoman Empire also moved into surrounding areas in the Middle East, though they favored a more centralized form of government. Also a crucial difference was that the Ottoman Empire followed the Islamic faith.This meant strict adherence to Islamic laws. Similarly, the Spanish Empire had no separation of church and state and received influence from the Catholic Church. This often meant that both political structures were dominated by a leader that was influenced by religious motives, rather than what was best for the state. This religious backing also produced a new practice for the Ottoman, the janissaries, or an army of Christian men taken as prisoners. The Spanish Empire relied on their own men to produce an army, such as the conquistadors which were used in colonization into the Americas.The major differences between the Ottoman and Spanish Empires politically was significant as were those socially. Socially, both empires saw signific ant influence from religion. For example, the Ottoman Empire followed the practices of the Islamic faith, and remained tolerant of other religions in their Empire. However, those that were non-Muslim were forced to pay a tax, but conversion was still not mandatory. The Spanish Empire was not as tolerant of other religions, and missionaries were widely used to convert others.Also in the Spanish Empire stratifications between those in Latin America and Spanish Europeans developed, along with colonization. The Ottoman Empire promoted relative equality among its people, as all were seen equal under Allah. Nonetheless, however, traditional ideas towards women remained the norm in both empires. Women were seen as child-barers and remained in the home, while in the Ottoman Empire some even were convened to the Islamic faith. Socially, as in other regions, similar developments occurred among the Ottoman and Spanish Empires in their social structure.The period 1450 to 1800 saw many developme nts in Empire building for the Spanish and Ottoman Empire. Though, like in all other empires, these were forced to go through the tedious work of building a social, political, and economic structure, one major difference existed. In the case of the Ottoman and Spanish Empires religion had the biggest effect on the paths that were taken in building empires. CC Essay # 4 (3 AA) The Spanish Empire and Russian Empires during 1450 – 1800 were two different Empires with different goals in mind. The Spanish were more oncerned with overseas expansion, while the Russians were concerned with Westernization efforts. During 1450-1800 the Spanish were one of the leading countries in terms of overseas expansion. They were one of the first countries to have a representative sailor reach the New World. The reason for their great success in overseas expansion was the support the government had for it. The King and Queen payed for many explorations to new lands because they knew the fruit disc overy could bear. They were rewarded with new goods and new markets of trade.Soon, Spain began colonizing these newfound lands which benefited them even more. By colonizing lands rich with resources and commodities such as silk, gold, and silver, the Spanish made themselves the primary beneficiary. They were able to control imports and exports from these lands and open new trade routes. Also, in the colonies they made the citizens work for the prospects of Spain, for example searching for gold, or growing prosperous cash crops. The result of all this was that Spain was becoming increasingly powerful and spreading throught the world.The Russian Empire during 1450-1800 was one that was trying to establish itself as a world. It’s leaders were focused using the ways of the West to promote itself. For example Peter the Great who greatly reformed Russia using Western European ideology. He rebuilt buildings, roads, and government systems. BY 1800 Russia, although not exactly a world power, had built itself up from its lowly state 400 years earlier. The major differences between the processes of Empire building between the Spanish and Russia from 1450-1800 was that Spain was already an empire to begin with which made it easier to grow.Spain was already powerful around 1450 while Russia was not. Therefore Russia and Spain had two different mindsets about building up their Empires. Russia was focused on establishing itself through reforms of government, architecture and other things. Spain wanted to expand its empire and did so by using their navy and by taking advantage of these newfoundlands. It was easy for the Spanish to colonize these new lands because they had superior weapons, tactics, and they brought diseases with them that killed off many of the native populations. CC Essay #5 (BBB)Within the period 1450 to 1800 the Spanish and Russian empires grew greatly. Both had changes in political structures, social structure, and economic structure. The political structure of the Spanish empire and Russian empire both changed within 1450 to 1800. The Spanish empire went from a monarchy to a democracy after having a few very bad kings and queens. The Russian empire went also from a monarchy to a democracy. This change also changed the social structure. As in most countries around this time the caste system was released and there was no more of it.With the change of the political structure also came the change of the economical structure. Spain along with Britain, France, and the other western countries, became westernized with factories and the new trade routes faster than Russia. The Russian empire became westernized later because, of course, they were very far away from the major technological countries. But as Spain did Russia became very westernized. The two empires were very similar and Russia seemed to follow in Spains footsteps. AP WORLD Scoring Rubric for 2007 CC Essay: Empire Building in Spain, Russia & Ottoman EmpireSample Identifi er: 3MScore: 9 Strong thesis in first paragraph. (1 pt) Addresses similarities at beginning of 2nd paragraph and differences in first paragraph of page 2. (2 pts) Evidence abounds. (2 pts) Direct comparison in 5th line of page 2. (1 pt) Analysis on 4th line of page 3. (1 pt) Two expanded core points for thesis and rich evidence. Sample Identifier: 3RRScore: 8 Thesis is found at beginning of last paragraph. (1 pt). Addresses similarities in 5th line, page 1. Address differences in 3rd line of the 2nd paragraph. (2 pts) Rich in evidence. 2 pts). Direct comparison found on page 2, 1st paragraph: â€Å"Unlike the Spanish†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1 pt). Analysis is found on page 3, at top: â€Å"Also, both empires wouldn’t have been established if†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1 pt). Expanded core for evidence and comparisons. A strong 8. Sample Identifier: 3JJScore: 7 Thesis is found in the last sentence of the essay: â€Å"†¦politically, and socially different but economically both needed to exp and†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1 pt). Similarities are addressed in the narrative just above the thesis. Differences are addressed at the beginning of the essay (2 pts).Enough evidence for (2 pts). Direct comparison is found in middle of page 1: â€Å"The Spanish however†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1 pt). The analysis point follows immediately: â€Å"It was easier for the Spanish to expand rather than the Russians because†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Use asset model to ignore references to Ottoman Empire. A solid 7. Sample Identifier: 3CScore: 6 No thesis at beginning or end of the essay that compares (similarities and differences) of the process of empire building in Spain and Russia. Addresses similarities at the end of page 1, â€Å"†¦and Russia too felt the pull of expansionism. Beginning of the essay addresses a difference just before â€Å"because†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (2 pts). Rich in Spanish evidence on page 1. Russian evidence is on page 2, 3rd line. (2 pts) Direct comparison in first sentence of page 2, which r eferences the previous sentence. (1 pt) First sentence of last paragraph on page 1 isn’t a direct comparison because it is not true of Russia in 1450. Analysis of a comparison is found in the 3rd line of page 2, â€Å"†¦so Russia expanded eastward†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Evidence may be found within analysis or within a direct comparison. ) Addresses similarities on line 10 of page 1.Sample Identifier: 3EEScore: 5 No thesis. Addresses differences at beginning of essay. (1pt) Especially strong in Spanish evidence. 2 examples of Russian evidence. (2 pts) Direct comparison in second paragraph: â€Å"In Russia, however†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1 pt) Analysis of differences between Spanish and Russian empires on first half of page 2. Sample Identifier: 3RScore: 4 No thesis. Addresses similarities in middle of first paragraph, and differences beginning in 4th line of page 2, in regard to the way each empire accumulated wealth as they expanded. 2 pts) Evidence for Spain: silver, encomiendas, ha ciendas and â€Å"mining† (other than silver). Ottoman evidence in 2nd paragraph: â€Å"religion played a big role when building the empire. † (2 pts) Last paragraph unscorable because the argument is unquantifiable. Sample Identifier: 3AAScore: 3 No thesis. (â€Å"†¦Russians were concerned with Westernization efforts† does not explicitly address empire building process). Addresses differences in first paragraph. (1 pt) Evidence for Spanish empire building on most of page 1. Russian empire building evidence begins in 1st paragraph of page 2 (2 pts).Attempt at direct comparison at bottom of page 2 is historically inaccurate. Sample Identifier: 3DDDScore: 2 No thesis. Addresses similarities in first two sentences of 4th paragraph. Addresses differences in first sentence of 3rd paragraph. 2 relevant examples of evidence for Spain, none for Ottoman Empire. No direct comparison or analysis. Sample Identifier: 3BBBScore: 1 No thesis. Addresses similarity in first sentence of second paragraph. Not sufficient evidence supporting empire building in Spain and Russia. No direct comparison or analysis.

Dynamics and Conflict within a Team Essay

The team concept is not an unfamiliar one. We are surrounded by teams from the time we take our first breath until the time we leave this Earth. Doctors, nurses, aides, dieticians, housekeeping, and others all exhibited a collaborative effort to ensure our arrival into the world was a safe and successful journey. Our adventures throughout grade school were also brought about by teamwork. Sports, movies, ballet, politics, business, higher education and several other parameters of life as we know it are the epitomes of teamwork, well-choreographed representations of the adage that states â€Å"Two heads are better than one. Tasks achieved through teamwork are anticipated to be more thorough, more effective, more elaborative, more multifaceted, and more successful than those tasks carried out by one. Individuals comprising a team contribute intrinsic skills and intuitive knowledge to the whole of the team, each member making up for what the other lacks. The result is a balanced load of all the skills necessary to complete the assigned task with proficiency (Morris, 2005). The ultimate success of the team is strongly influenced by the member’s ability to work together in a cohesive state. Team dynamics† encompasses any and all ways that individual affiliates interact with their counterparts en route to the common goal. The overall characteristics of the assigned task, along with the inert skill of each member may also have an impact on the team’s success (Morris, 2005). However, the focus here is more concerned with the interpersonal relationships within a team and strategies to employ in an effort to avoid conflict or to utilize should conflict arise. The Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science and Medicine defines team dynamics as the following: Often referred to colloquially as ‘team chemistry’; the patterns of interaction among team members that determine team spirit, harmony, cohesion, and morale. Some coaches believe that team dynamics are beyond their control, resulting from the unpredictable mixture of the personalities. Others believe that one of the most important tasks of a good coach is to create the best possible team dynamics for success (Oxford, 2005). The concepts behind this definition can apply to all types of teams. The team’s ‘chemistry’ is a dominant factor outlining the success of a team. If team members cannot work together effectively, then completing their assigned project is a more difficult goal to achieve. The virtual team is presented with quite a few more discrepancies to overcome than those teams centered in real time. Before they are fully able to work up to their potential, the virtual teammates must establish some kind of rapport with their fellow constituents, lay down mutual ground rules ensuring each member has a designated responsibility, and everyone must strive to meet the team’s common goal, no matter their differences individually. Of these aforementioned qualities, the neutral rapport is the most difficult one to render effectively. Unfortunately, personality is often misinterpreted or lacking in full in the virtual team environment compared to those real time teams, where the member’s personalities are vividly displayed. Physically present interaction allows one to pick up on the visual and unspoken cues that contribute to a person’s character. Body language, voice inflection and intonation, the nodding of a head, or firm handshake are just among the few effective communications present in the real world, but lacking in the virtual realm. One has to rely on their own interpretations of their affiliate’s written accounts and then come to a fair-minded conclusion. â€Å"When it comes to teamwork, a person’s ability to build relationships, work with others, and communicate effectively can be more important than his or her technical expertise† (Dawson, 2005). This concept is crucial if an online team is to be successful. If one member does not have the ability to communicate their own thoughts and ideas online, how will the rest of the team incorporate that member’s contributions into the project? The need for team dynamics is understood after the team is formed, when the individuals work collaboratively toward the common goal. The precursor to team dynamics is (or should be) thoroughly contemplated prior to assigning each member to the team, according to the task at hand and the skills of each member. If the team consists of those most knowledgeable in marketing an idea, for example, and the project calls for a team of post-marketing surveyors, then (obviously) the team would not know how to go about getting the job done, and so their dynamics would be hindered. Team members need to trust each other as well as trust each other’s expertise. They need to feel confident that the other members are doing their share, so that when the team finally pools their ideas together, a multifaceted solution results. Teaming is a collective responsibility; every member is held accountable for their individual contribution, as well as the timely completion of the collaborative effort. In 1965, Bruce W. Tuckman developed a model of five stages for developing teams: â€Å"forming†, â€Å"norming†, â€Å"storming†, â€Å"producing† and â€Å"ending† (Bookman, 2005). At the â€Å"forming† stage, dynamics are important because this is where things begin. At this point you need the chemistry to see how to set up the group according to each other’s strengths and weaknesses. You need to feel confident that all of the members are willing to do what is required for the good of the team. The â€Å"norming† stage is where the group comes together. Dynamics are important here because decisions need to be made and rules need to be set. The team needs to decide who will do what. Expectations, both of the group and of each individual, will also be determined at this point. The team also has to decide what will be done regarding conflicts, lack of participation of a member, and lack of , or insufficient, contributions. If the group dynamic falls apart here, the group will fall apart. If a problem is going to exist, it usually makes itself present during the â€Å"storming† stage, which now comes into play. Strong dynamics within the group can help resolve potential problems before they become major issues. As long as the group can communicate well, they should be able to resolve any conflicts. Next in line is the â€Å"producing† stage, where good team dynamics start to pay off as the team is now producing high volumes of quality work. At this point, if there are problems with the work, a strong team dynamic will ensure the issues are resolved. Finally (and appropriately titled), we come to the â€Å"ending† stage. The team itself has completed their task and is no longer required or just one member could be departing as their individual task is complete, marking this point. If the team as a whole terminates, a good dynamic can ensure each member walks away with a positive outlook, especially if there may be another opportunity to work with the same team. However, if the ending is due to a teammate’s departure, a good team dynamic will make it easier to carry on without that member’s presence (Bookman, 2005). Improving team dynamics is actually a learning experience. Each member has to learn to develop or improve upon their ability to trust, be dependent upon, and work with each of their partners. One way to do this is through challenge programs. Challenge programs are initiated away from the office, and are not specifically job related. The people involved will face physical or mental challenges with only the other members of their group to rely on. The team’s success will depend on each member’s ability to trust, guide and accept guidance, assist and accept assistance from their colleagues. When it comes to teams, and the team dynamic, the success of the team is dependant on the success of the individuals (Steinfeld, 2005). Another concept, if a physical challenge program is not an option, is an on-line training program. According to the â€Å"News† section (2005), Personnel Today mentioned that the BBC used an on-line training program that showed that the majority of participants learned a ‘significant amount’ by participating in the program. The basis of this program was to show that teams can be more successful when the leaders use more of a teaching / coaching approach rather than a command-and-control approach. Yet another option to improve team dynamics, and have a successful team, is found in Kenneth E. Holtman’s (2005) â€Å"The 10 commandments of team leadership. † (Training 101: It’s a team effort). The abstract is a follows: The first requires them to stick to their mission and vision, which guide teams in creating and using more precise strategies and plans. The second commandment obligates team leaders not to tolerate undesirable behavior, which can only undermine team morale and performance if not addressed properly. The third commandment insists on the eschewal of self-interest to dominate over mutual interest, which helps avoid resentment, competition and conflict. The other rules require preventing fear to influence team behavior, fighting cliques which can affect team dynamics, dealing with conflict, refusing to recognize luck of trust as an excuse, encouraging risk taking, sharing information and managing processes carefully. Although this article refers to the leadership role, it can also be a guide to improve the team dynamic at an individual level. Even an individual, is a leader, when it comes to their part of the project. In summary, team dynamics are important because dynamic or ‘real’ teams have clarity of purpose. Everyone understands the team’s objectives, as well as own intrinsic roles in delivering them. Other key characteristics include a focus on quality, support for innovation, and the ability to work creatively with potential conflicts† (Agnes, 2005). Time Management . . . A concept we should all thoroughly master. In our present lives, though, managing time seems to be an insurmountable feat. We have goals whose obtainment is so far in the distance that we tend to lose sight of them, put them off to satisfy the initial moment, and lose ourselves in the process. We all have so many things going on in life these days. We all wear so many hats, working valiantly to meet up with the demands of each one. In doing so, we put too much pressure on ourselves to please the masses, not focusing on which one should come first or which ones can be eliminated to better suit the more prospective accessories. Prioritize! Analyze your collection of hats, keeping in mind that God only gave you one head because you are only one person. The two hands He blessed you with are more suitable for delegating the tasks by passing down or throwing out the hats which do not measure up to the high priority coverings. Don’t waste time finding time. Each and every day seems to begin with focusing on the fastest route from point â€Å"A† to point â€Å"B,† like those deluded souls you may see driving around forever in a crowded parking lot simply to get a closer space, when they could have been in the building faster if only they had taken the first available slot. We put too much time-consuming thought into those misconstrued notions held dear to our â€Å"get rich quick† â€Å"instant gratification† society. Success does not happen overnight; it never will. Honest achievements are the result of dedication, blood, sweat, tears, pain, anguish, mental fatigue, still persevering in light of all these constituents. Do not delude yourself to the â€Å"get something for nothing† ideal. In all matters of simplicity, it is just not going to happen. Instead, spend one day planning out your entire journey en route to destination, â€Å"My Ultimate Goal,† mapping out your daily trek so that you know the steps required to make your arrival at your future locale a realistic ambition. Once the plan is made, we tend to start off by flying and then realize we find more pleasure in the up close and personal (although more time-consuming) scenic route. Do not focus on the negative concept of the ultimate goal being so far away, rather focus on the here and now – the positive reinforcement and instant gratification that makes itself present, daily, through climbing and conquering each individual cliff on the way to the your mountain’s pinnacle. If you have chosen to spend your time griping to others about how unfair life can be, then you have the time to realize the actions required to change it. If you have the time to criticize others who are happy with their lives, then you have the time to determine what you need to do to satisfy your own, putting those realized actions into motion. Do not succumb to your past negative experiences that have defined your life up to this point. Reflect and eject or define and redesign! Recognize and get rid of those experiences not applicable to your present life. Or, acknowledge those hindrances and transform them into positives. We only become strong by being willing to overcome. Once we overcome the negatives in our past, we can then view them as a present and future positive, in retrospect. Do not allow present or future obstacles to terminate your journey. Push them aside, jump over them, steer around them, or do whatever you have to do to find your way back to the path you once initiated. If the obstacles are applicable to your future and you must bring them along, simply take them under your wing and walk, instead of flying. More time will be required to reach your destination, but at least you will be continuing in the right direction. According to Carol Carter, Joyce Bishop and Sarah Lyman Kravits (2002), â€Å"When you set goals, prioritize, and manage your time effectively, . . . you can develop the kind of focus that will help you achieve . . . † Individuals and the whole team can utilize this strategy to enhance their own time management skills. Time management can be accomplished at the individual level by assessing one’s daily schedule. Write a list of wanted accomplishments, and then prioritize. Be realistic when compiling a daily schedule, and do not list more than can be effectively achieved by sundown. Take control of goals and stay on task. Learn how to say â€Å"no† to keep control of your schedule. If unforeseen deviations do occur, simply get back on track as soon as possible. Times saving techniques are also helpful with effective time management. Take a few minute each day to plan the events happening that day, or schedule known appointments and other obligations occurring days, weeks, even months away, and then regressing to mark progress thus far. Day Runners, calendars, date books, PDAs and computers are some of the many tools available for using time wisely. Place items in â€Å"urgent† and â€Å"non-urgent† categories as the list is compiled. (Stephen Covey’s 4 Quadrants Principle). Schedule within a reasonable time frame. Allow for relaxation breaks so that the focus is heightened once back on task. Incorporating critical thinking into our daily lives and daily routines will help us to use this technique in many areas of our lives and make more effective decisions. As the day starts, think through your day and look over your daily list to see in any adjustments need to be made. Again allow for flexibility.

Facts and Inferences

F&I Page 1 Facts & Inferences Richard Melton 2/01/13 Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communications – 97 Zelda Togun F&I Page 2 Facts & InferencesIt was a real â€Å"eye opener† to see how much people make inferences when they aren’t sure what the real facts are. I noticed that even though I was taking notes and looking for inferences I am guilty of making them myself. For example, my best friends’ husband is at home all the time and they struggle to pay their bills. My friend is always asking me to loan her money. I was talking to my sister about it and I told her I thought my friends’ husband was lazy and shouldn’t be relying on her to take care of him.My sister agreed and we left it at that. Later on that day my best friend called me and asked if I could help her till next payday. I said sure and asked her why her husband isn’t working. She told me he has bipolar disorder and can’t hold a job, he has tried numerous times but has difficulty concentrating. They were in the middle of applying for S. S. I and that it was a long drawn out process. He is very ashamed of it and that’s why nobody knows about it.I should of thought it through when I was talking to my sister before I made the inference that he was lazy. Now that I know the truth I feel really bad for talking about him that way. F&I Page 3 References: Wood, Julia T. (2010). â€Å"Interpersonal Communication-7th Edition†. Boston, MA. Wadsworth; Cengage Learning.

Importance of Physical Education in Adolescents Essay

Introduction of the Topic In many schools around the world, there is an inadequate physical activity for students that pose a serious public health problem. Regular activity sustained over several years contributes to weight control and protection from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases (ACSM 1998). The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (YRBS) system provides the most complete information regarding physical ability habits of adolescents and young people. Using this system, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) track six youth behavior, which includes physical activity. Preliminary results from the 2001 YRBS survey (MSBE in press) indicate that 85 percent of adolescents in a certain state in the United States performed some vigorous activity at one day a week for 20 minutes, but only 27 percent indicated five or more days of moderate activity. While this study comes from only one state, the same result of physical activity levels has also been observed in national averages. This shortage of physical activity among adolescents in the U. S. was attributed to an excess of sedentary behavior. In a certain survey, an astounding 53 percent of the students surveyed reported watching two or more hours of television on a typical school night. Of those, 15 percent watched four or more hours. Such survey significantly proves no difference from other American children in their television viewing habits (MSBE in press). Physical education class is where students should be learning the necessary knowledge and skills to be physically active, yet physical education is not available to students as fully as it should be. In 2001, (MSBE 2001) published a data that majority of elementary schools in the U. S. offer physical education classes for an average of two days per week, for an average of 60 minutes per week. Half of middle school students receive physical education five days per week, for an average of 48 minutes per week for than 25 weeks during the school year. The other half unfortunately receives far less than that. According to (MSBE 2001), only 29 percent of high school students reported having daily physical education classes. In the U. S. , 29 percent of adolescents in grades 9-12 participated in daily physical education in 1999 as compared with 42 percent in 1991 (14). Participation in organized sports provides another opportunity for physical activity. MSBE (2001) found that 61 percent of 9-12 graders in Michigan reported playing on one or more sports teams. MSBE (2001) added that African-American and Hispanic high school students were less likely with 48 percent compared to Caucasians with 52 percent to play on sports teams. Despite several studies showing that most youth perform some vigorous activities, there are still a significant number of adolescents who do not participate in any regular physical activity. Their reasons include the unavailability of physical education classes, limited spots on school-sponsored teams, and the lack of resources for communities in providing recreational teams. Others, on the contrary, may choose not to participate regardless of the availability of the opportunities. Not considering the causes, it is still important to initiate efforts of getting non-participants involved in some form of physical activity in keeping them from becoming sedentary on a permanent basis. A couple of studies indicate that a total of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity performed most days of the week has a significant impact on prevention of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases (Pate et al. 1995). Provision of the proper instruction, encouragement, and motivation, such numbers is attainable by the majority of children and youth in the U. S. Background of the Topic Health care professionals have long understood the importance of physical activity in children. Traditionally, exercise has been prescribed as part of the treatment for children suffering from chronic diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and insulin-dependent diabetes (Nixon et al.1992; Rowland 1990). Regular physical activity, in many cases, has the potential to reduce both morbidity and mortality among these youngsters (Rowland 1990). Studies of health children’s exercise habits and physical fitness in the U. S. initially focused on judging muscular strength, speed, and power. In the 1950s, interest surged when researchers found that American children were less fit compared to European children, as measured by tests done by (Kraus and Hirschland 1954). These results expectedly shocked many Americans and thus prompted the formation of the President’s Council on Youth Fitness in 1956 (later became as President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports). From then on, the American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation developed a youth fitness test battery primarily designed to measure general motor performance skills such as power, speed, and agility (AAHPER 1958). More recently, testing in youth fitness has evolved into a more health-related format, superseding the emphasis on traditional motor skills (AAHPERD 1988). At the present time by far, there is no total agreement minimal criterion fitness standards, or even the question of whether physical fitness has declined significantly in recent years with regards to the majority of the youth (Blair 1992; Kuntzleman and Reiff 1992). There is, however, a consensus that children and adolescents should be involved in physical activity on a regular basis and systems of teaching/reward should encourage active participation and enjoyment by all students (Luepker 1999). Physical activity is recognized as the preventive measure for chronic disease. In view of this, Michigan issued a position statement in 1989 that emphasizes the importance of quality physical education programs in their schools during the 1990s (MAHPERD 1989s). Additionally, it was Michigan that initiated the state-wide project called Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum (EPEC). The EPEC was designed to be a public health initiative that addressed the crushing burden of chronic disease attributable to physical inactivity that would be carried out completely in the school setting. It has scientific grounding in chronic disease prevention, and uses state-of-the-art educational theory. More importantly, the EPEC curriculum equips students in understanding the importance of physical activity and in obtaining the fitness, knowledge, motor skills and personal/social skills they need to be active for life. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assumed leadership in a new approach during the 1990s. This new approach of CDC was aimed to increase physical activity among adolescents and adults. By then, it was highly emphasized that education about the importance of physical activity would be ineffective if the physical and social environments made it inconvenient or unsafe to exercise. The realization of this new approach was published in 1995 that describes a new role for states – promoting policy and environmental interventions in preventing and controlling cardiovascular disease – along with particular recommendations for environmental approaches to increasing physical activity (King et al. 1995). Scientific Basis Several recent studies show clearly that risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other chronic diseases are evident in childhood and adolescents (Freedman et al. 1997; Linder and DuRant 1982). Other studies also found to be related to children’s aerobic fitness and physical activity, or lack thereof (Craig et al. 1996; Tolfrey et al. 1999). Independent of nutritional habits, Dietz (1983) has found that physical inactivity has been shown to be a significant predictor and cause of obesity in children. Over the past 30 years, the prevalence of overweight among children in the U. S. has tripled. This increase in overweight resembles to a trend for sedentary activities such as computer games and stuff that replace recreational pursuits involving more physical activity (Bar-Or et al.1998; Freedman et al. 1997). Such sedentary behavior of the youth will likely be reinforced in view of the recent trends for computers in every home and classroom. Recently, a randomized trial aimed at reducing children’s television watching was designed in the hope of an increase in the adolescents’ physical activity and fitness levels (Robinson 1999). Notwithstanding the reduction of television watching time, Robinson’s study found no changes in activity and fitness. On the contrary, another study combined both an addition of physical activity and a reduction of sedentary behaviors in a weight reduction program for obese children (Epstein et al. 2000). It excluded the school-related sedentary activities (i. e. studying and homework) including only those performed during the youngsters’ leisure hours. The study found that both adding physical activity and at the same time reducing sedentary behaviors were effective in promoting weight loss and aerobic fitness in children. Family intervention approach in the treatment (not found in Robinson’s study) may have been the key component of the program. It is essential to remind that children with the lowest physical activity levels and highest percentage of body fatness are most likely to develop other risk factors for CVD, including elevated blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels (Tolfrey 1999). Nonetheless, it is encouraging to note somehow that adolescents’ lipoprotein profiles can be improved with physical activity and exercise interventions (Craig et al. 1996). In obese children, weight loss can occur and blood pressure can be lowered when physical activity is an integral part of treatment regimen (Roccini et al.1988). According to Fagot-Campagna et al. (2000), heaviest children are more likely to develop Type II diabetes compared to their leaner counterparts. Type II diabetes was seldom seen in youth prior to the dramatic increase in the number of overweight in youth in recent years. Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group (2002) published their research showing that modest weight loss and 150 minutes of physical activity per week could reduce the incidence of Type II diabetes in adults at high risk for the condition. While this study has not yet been replicated in children and adolescents, it significantly lends support for the urgency of helping the youth become physically active, most especially those with body weights that could place them at risk for diabetes. Some cardiovascular disease risk factors have the inclination to track over time (Marshall et al. 1998). That is, individuals will likely keep them through adulthood if they have risk factors as children. One concrete example is a follow-up of the Harvard growth study of 1922-1935 showing that being overweight during adolescence is a greater predictor of chronic disease development (i.e. cardiovascular disease, arthritis) compared to being overweight as an adult (Must et al. 1992). In the same way, (Taylor et al. 1999) found that sedentary lifestyle habits may be formed at a young age, and (Janz and Mahoney 1997) claimed the tendency of aerobic fitness and physical activity behaviors to track throughout childhood, and possibly into adulthood. Dennison et al. (1988) found that very inactive adolescents had the lowest aerobic fitness scores (measured by a 600-yard run) when they were youngsters. A longitudinal study in Finland showed that children who were most sedentary had the least favorable cardiovascular disease risk profile when they became adolescents (Raitakari et al. 1994). While the relationship between physical activity and fitness and their influence on cardiovascular disease risk is clear in adults, results from several studies shows that it is not known whether fitness or activity is the most important predictor for developing cardiovascular disease in adulthood (Pate and Ross 1987; Sallis 1993). Furthermore, there is no consensus on the question whether regular physical activity will result in considerable gains in aerobic fitness in children, specifically those who are adolescents (Morrow and Freedson 1994; Payne and Morrow 1993). Despite the existence of this relationship between fitness and physical activity in children, their associations are not strong based on studies of (Aaron et al. 1993; Morrow and Freedson 1994). Katzmarzyk et al (1998) explains that it is possible that large variability in children’s rates of growth and maturity make it difficult to correlate the fitness and activity variables. In addition, the lack of strong association between fitness and activity in children may be due in part to methodological problems. This is to say that, even though a number of valid and objective aerobic fitness tests have been developed, it is more difficult to quantitatively evaluate varying degrees of physical activity in young people (Freedson 1992; Pate 1993). In any event, in a review of cross-sectional studies designed to measure children’s activity levels, Sallis found that boys are approximately 23 percent more active than girls; boys’ activity levels decline 2. 7 percent per year, while girls’ decline 7. 4 percent per year (Sallis 1993). A major role that explains why children choose to be inactive is their poor self-efficacy for physical exercise. These young people believe that they cannot perform sports and exercises very well as they try to compare themselves to their peers. Self-efficacy emerged as a primary determinant of physical activity behavior that significantly varies with age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Self-efficacy is situation specific and its relationship with physical activity is often examined in relation to three components: efficacy for overcoming barriers to physical activity, efficacy for competing activities, and efficacy for support seeking. A number of research studies have shown that different aspects of self-efficacy correlate with physical activity or predict physical activity behavior in children of all ages (Allison et al. 1999; Trost et al. 1997; DiLorenzo et al. 1998). Self-efficacy, in near adolescence, appears to play its greatest role in physical activity behavior. (Pate et al. 1997; Trost et al. 1999) found that highly physically active fifth and sixth grade boys and girls have shown higher self-efficacy for overcoming barriers. More inactive children have shown less self-efficacy in overcoming barriers competing activities, and support seeking. As a matter of fact, self-efficacy for overcoming barriers is an essential predictor of physical activity in study of Trost et al. (1997) that includes mostly African-American population of fifth graders. Self-efficacy remains a strong predictor of physical activity through about ninth grade (Allison et al.1999). During the high school years of youngsters, it appears that girls begin to require more social influence in order to continue physical activity behaviors, while boys are still in need of enhanced self-efficacy (DiLorenzo et al. 1998). Due to the fact that social support appears to be an important contributor to physical activity behavior, more research should focus on this area. Nevertheless, both self-efficacy and social support are subject to parent and peer actions that need to be considered in physical activity interventions.

Business Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 5

Business Ethics - Essay Example This case study aims to explain the ethically questionable behavior of sales representatives in the pharmaceutical industry. Medical Representatives of the Taiwanese pharmaceutical industry that deals in all kinds of biomedical medicines, and prescribed drugs have formed the sample of the study. Sales Representatives working at hospitals, and not pharmacies or clinics, were considered. 24 sales representatives are informed of the questionnaire, and then of the 16 scenarios, only one version was exposed to each respondent. In total, 328 respondents were analyzed (Hsu, Fang and Lee, 159). In this case study, the differences in the ethically questionable behavior are examined using four variables: â€Å"Frame Pattern†, â€Å"Commission Structure†, â€Å"Behavior Control Type†, and â€Å"Marketing Norm Perceptions.† The Medical Representatives are given a scenario, the background information, and the treatments. They now have to get into the character’s shoes, and arrive at a decision that if they were in that situation what they would have done. The background information given to them is as follows: In the pharmaceutical industry, sales personnel should invite clients to banquets in order to make the sales. The price should not exceed 3500 dollars in Taiwanese currency, but your client has chosen a restaurant that exceeds the bill of 3500 dollars in Taiwanese currency. The treatments are: (Hsu, Fang and Lee, 159). 1. â€Å"The sales representative’s profits (have already reached/are only at) 50%, and the probability of (receiving/failing to receive) the client’s deal, which will achieve the quota, (will increase considerably/is minimal)† (Hsu, Fang and Lee. p. 159). 2. â€Å"The base salary of the sales representative is (600/400) thousand dollars. If he achieves the annual quota, a bonus of (200/400) thousand dollars will be awarded to him. The ratio of this award to his base salary is (only 33%/ 100%)† (Hsu,