Methods to Increase Learning and Success Among Students

The government is now looking into ways of increasing the learning experience of students they could use in the competetive reality of life. The C. S. Mott Foundation suggests that â€Å"the time is ripe to shatter the ‘chalk and talk', 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., September to June concept of school, and stretch and reshape learning time in order to improve student achievement† (Stedron 2007).In his article, â€Å"A new day for learning: its time to look at changing the length and scope of the school day to help kids succeed† Jennifer Stedron enumerated some ways to increase students' learning and explains the advantages of each. Three options were offered: to incorporate summer learning, out-of-school learning or increasing the length of time for a school day or school year.The advantage of including summer learning programs lies with the additional learning experience for students that can prepare them for the next stage of learning.Stedron (2007) held that â€Å"disadva ntaged students tend to fall behind during the summer because of a lack of learning opportunities in the home and community. By fifth grade, this summer slippage accounts for approximately two full years' deficit in reading comprehension levels.†The executive director of Johns Hopkins University Center for Summer Learning held that the differences in summer learning â€Å"account in part for later educational outcomes† (Stedron 2007).New Mexico's Plus Pilot Project, which provides an optional program of at least 40 additional days of school during the summers before and after kindergarten, has resulted with students gaining early literacy skill and social maturity which can considerably prepare them better for the first grade.Out-of-school activities can also increase students learning experience. â€Å"Before- and afterschool programs reinforce the school curriculum and broaden student skills through enrichment activities that might be absent from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.â₠¬  according to Stedron (2007).She held that â€Å"extra† subjects such as art and music, which have been cut but many schools in favor of the more practical subjects, are â€Å"often what keep some children engaged in and attending school† (Stedron 2007).California Senator Tom Torlakson said that kids get excited about learning and their attachment to school increases since they have to attend school to attend these out-of-school programs.Aside from getting better results from students, investing on these programs will also generate budget savings for the government. Stedron (2007) used the California After School Education and Safety Initiative program as an example of the advantages of out-of-school programs: â€Å"evaluations show increase in student attendance, achievement and good behavior from kids in the programs.And a 50 percent decrease in students who must repeat grades is saving the state the massive expense of an extra year of education for many students .†Nothing can increase learning experience better than extending instructional time, which may be through, but not limited to, summer learning or after-school programs.Stedron, however, stresses that it is not just more school time that the students need. â€Å"They need to opportunities to develop creativity and be leaders† (Stedron 2007). For older students, this may include internship programs which give the students time to learn in the real world.Milt Godlberg, a member of the national Time, Learning, and Afterschool Task Force, believes that â€Å"young people are more engaged in learning and are more motivated when activities are not restricted by the traditional classroom structure† (Stedron 2007). Education should, after all, not be confined within the four corners of the classroom, but must also incorporate the realities of life.Stedron has given profound insights about the topic. Although the claims are not supported by statistical evidences, she has p rovided a convincing argument by providing student reactions and comparisons with the traditional way of learning.Increasing learning experience, not just academically but socially, will benefit the students by also increasing their knowledge, skill, and competetiveness, all of which will consequentially increase their chances of achievement and success.ReferencesStedron, J. (2007). A new day for learning: Its time to look at changing the length and scope of the school day to help kids succeed.

Active Listening

Active Listening Hear What People are Really Saying Listening is one of the most important skills you can have. How well you listen has a major impact on your job effectiveness, and on the quality of your relationships with others. * We listen to obtain information. * We listen to understand. * We listen for enjoyment. * We listen to learn. Given all this listening we do, you would think we'd be good at it! In fact most of us are not, and research suggests that we remember between 25 percent and 50 percent of what we hear.That means that when you talk to your boss, colleagues, customers or spouse for 10 minutes, they pay attention to less than half of the conversation. This is dismal! Turn it around and it reveals that when you are receiving directions or being presented with information, you aren't hearing the whole message either. You hope the important parts are captured in your 25-50 percent, but what if they're not? Clearly, listening is a skill that we can all benefit from impr oving. By becoming a better listener, you will improve your productivity, as well as your ability to influence, persuade and negotiate.What's more, you'll avoid conflict and misunderstandings. All of these are necessary for workplace success! Good communication skills require a high level of self-awareness. By understanding your personal style of communicating, you will go a long way towards creating good and lasting impressions with others. About Active Listening The way to become a better listener is to practice â€Å"active listening. † This is where you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is saying but, more importantly, try to understand the complete message being sent.In order to do this you must pay attention to the other person very carefully. You cannot allow yourself to become distracted by whatever else may be going on around you, or by forming counter arguments that you'll make when the other person stops speaking. Nor can you al low yourself to get bored, and lose focus on what the other person is saying. All of these contribute to a lack of listening and understanding. If you're finding it particularly difficult to concentrate on what someone is saying, try repeating their words mentally as they say them – this will reinforce their message and help you stay focused.To enhance your listening skills, you need to let the other person know that you are listening to what he or she is saying. To understand the importance of this, ask yourself if you've ever been engaged in a conversation when you wondered if the other person was listening to what you were saying. You wonder if your message is getting across, or if it's even worthwhile continuing to speak. It feels like talking to a brick wall and it's something you want to avoid. Acknowledgement can be something as simple as a nod of the head or a simple â€Å"uh huh. You aren't necessarily agreeing with the person, you are simply indicating that you are listening. Using body language and other signs to acknowledge you are listening also reminds you to pay attention and not let your mind wander. You should also try to respond to the speaker in a way that will both encourage him or her to continue speaking, so that you can get the information if you need. While nodding and â€Å"uh huhing† says you're interested, an occasional question or comment to recap what has been said communicates that you understand the message as well.Becoming an Active Listener There are five key elements of active listening. They all help you ensure that you hear the other person, and that the other person knows you are hearing what they say. 1. Pay Attention Give the speaker your undivided attention, and acknowledge the message. Recognize that non-verbal communication also â€Å"speaks† loudly. * Look at the speaker directly. * Put aside distracting thoughts. * Don't mentally prepare a rebuttal! * Avoid being distracted by environmental fact ors. For example, side conversations. â€Å"Listen† to the speaker's body language. 2. Show That You're Listening Use your own body language and gestures to convey your attention. * Nod occasionally. * Smile and use other facial expressions. * Note your posture and make sure it is open and inviting. * Encourage the speaker to continue with small verbal comments like yes, and uh huh. 3. Provide Feedback Our personal filters, assumptions, judgments, and beliefs can distort what we hear. As a listener, your role is to understand what is being said.This may require you to reflect what is being said and ask questions. * Reflect what has been said by paraphrasing. â€Å"What I'm hearing is,† and â€Å"Sounds like you are saying,† are great ways to reflect back. * Ask questions to clarify certain points. â€Å"What do you mean when you say. † â€Å"Is this what you mean? † * Summarize the speaker's comments periodically. If you find yourself responding em otionally to what someone said, say so, and ask for more information: â€Å"I may not be understanding you correctly, and I find myself taking what you said personally.What I thought you just said is XXX; is that what you meant? † 4. Defer Judgment Interrupting is a waste of time. It frustrates the speaker and limits full understanding of the message. * Allow the speaker to finish each point before asking questions. * Don't interrupt with counter arguments. 5. Respond Appropriately Active listening is a model for respect and understanding. You are gaining information and perspective. You add nothing by attacking the speaker or otherwise putting him or her down. * Be candid, open, and honest in your response. Assert your opinions respectfully. Treat the other person in a way that you think he or she would want to be treated. Listening is the ability to accurately receive messages in the communication process. Listening is key to all effective communication, without the ability to listen effectively messages are easily misunderstood – communication breaks down and the sender of the message can easily become frustrated or irritated. Listening is so important that many top employers give regular listening skills training for their employees.This is not surprising when you consider that  good listening skills can lead to: better customer satisfaction, greater productivity with fewer mistakes, increased sharing of information that in turn can lead to more creative and innovative work. Good listening skills also have benefits in our personal lives, including: a greater number of friends and social networks, improved self-esteem and confidence, higher grades in academic work and increased health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that, whereas speaking raises blood pressure, listening brings it down.Listening is not the same as hearing. Hearing refers to the sounds that you hear, whereas listening requires more than that: it requires focus. Listening me ans paying attention not only to the story, but how it is told, the use of language and voice, and how the other person uses his or her body. In other words, it means being aware of both verbal and non-verbal messages. Your ability to listen effectively depends on the degree to which you perceive and understand these messages. â€Å"The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen.Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention. † Rachel Naomi Remen We spend a lot of our time listening Adults spend an average of 70% of their time engaged in some sort of communication, of this an average of 45% is spent listening compared to 30% speaking, 16% reading and 9% writing. (Adler, R. et al. 2001). 10 Principles of Listening A good listener will listen not only to what is being said, but also to what is left unsaid or only partially said. Listening involves observing body language and noticing inconsistencies between verb al and non-verbal messages.For example, if someone tells you that they are happy with their life but through gritted teeth or with tears filling their eyes, you should consider that the verbal and non-verbal messages are in conflict, they maybe don't mean what they say. Listening requires you to concentrate and use your other senses in addition to simply hearing the words spoken. Listening is not the same as hearing and in order to listen effectively you need to use more than just your ears. 1. Stop Talking â€Å"If we were supposed to talk more than we listen, we would have two tongues and one ear. † Mark Twain. Don't talk, listen.When somebody else is talking listen to what they are saying, do not interrupt, talk over them or finish their sentences for them. Stop, just listen. When the other person has finished talking you may need to clarify to ensure you have received their message accurately. 2. Prepare Yourself to Listen Relax. Focus on the speaker. Put other things out of mind. The human mind is easily distracted by other thoughts – what’s for lunch, what time do I need to leave to catch my train, is it going to rain – try to put other thoughts out of mind and concentrate on the messages that are being communicated. 3.Put the Speaker at Ease Help the speaker to feel free to speak. Remember their needs and concerns. Nod or use other gestures or words to encourage them to continue. Maintain eye contact but don’t stare – show you are listening and understanding what is being said. 4. Remove Distractions Focus on what is being said: don’t doodle, shuffle papers, look out the window, pick your fingernails or similar. Avoid unnecessary interruptions. These behaviours disrupt the listening process and send messages to the speaker that you are bored or distracted. 5. Empathize Try to understand the other person’s point of view.Look at issues from their perspective. Let go of preconceived ideas. By having a n open mind we can more fully empathise with the speaker. If the speaker says something that you disagree with then wait and construct an argument to counter what is said but keep an open mind to the views and opinions of others. (See our page:  What is Empathy? ) 6. Be Patient A pause, even a long pause, does not necessarily mean that the speaker has finished. Be patient and let the speaker continue in their own time, sometimes it takes time to formulate what to say and how to say it.Never interrupt or finish a sentence for someone. 7. Avoid Personal Prejudice Try to be impartial. Don't become irritated and don't let the person’s habits or mannerisms distract you from what they are really saying. Everybody has a different way of speaking – some people are for example more nervous or shy than others, some have regional accents or make excessive arm movements, some people like to pace whilst talking – others like to sit still. Focus on what is being said and tr y to ignore styles of delivery. 8. Listen to the ToneVolume and tone both add to what someone is saying. A good speaker will use both volume and tone to their advantage to keep an audience attentive; everybody will use pitch, tone and volume of voice in certain situations – let these help you to understand the emphasis of what is being said. 9. Listen for Ideas – Not Just Words You need to get the whole picture, not just isolated bits and pieces. Maybe one of the most difficult aspects of listening is the ability to link together pieces of information to reveal the ideas of others.With proper concentration, letting go of distractions, and focus this becomes easier. 10. Wait and Watch for Non-Verbal Communication Gestures, facial expressions, and eye-movements can all be important. We don’t just listen with our ears but also with our eyes – watch and pick up the additional information being transmitted via non-verbal communication. Do not jump to conclusio ns about what you see and hear. You should always seek clarification to ensure that your understanding is correct.

The Learning Theories Of Teaching Practice Within...

The purpose of this essay is to show an understanding of the main learning theories. This assessment will allow the chance to begin applying these theories in a classroom setting by using an essay that analyses teaching practice within classroom. By looking further into the statement ‘Effective teachers need a range of strategies to ensure that students learn’. Crucially using personal beliefs about learning as well as teaching to reflect on these beliefs as well as considering their influence of developmental factors within the classroom. Learning as a whole can be quite different, ranging from memorisation of classroom information, all the way to being able to connect idea’s together, perform complex activities. As well as interacting with others. While it is important to know that learning is important to the core of the system, it can be very hard to come up with a simple clear cut understanding of what learning is. Learning can include a variety of procedures. It can look at meaning different things to individuals, and can be viewed differently by students, teachers as well as at times by cultures. Whilst this can make it hard to come up with an understanding of what learning is factors that may be used to assist this include, a change in any individual’s knowledge, the ability to perform set skills, as well as the ability to participate in an activity with other individuals. It is also important to understand the different types of learning that can occur. Deep andShow MoreRelatedLearning Is Viewed As One Of The Most Important Interactive Activities1643 Words   |  7 Pages Learning Theory Paper Kimberlyn Boddie EDUC 2130: Teaching Learning Professor: George Darden November 1, 2015 Learning is viewed as one of the most important interactive activities in which children engage. Although most learning occurs outside of the school setting, it is the heart of the educational process. Psychologists and philosophers searched to understand the true nature of learning, why and how learning occurs at different stages in life and how it can haveRead MoreCritical Thinking And Problem Solving Skills1648 Words   |  7 Pagesintegration of learning theories, pedagogies, transformative learning spaces, behavioural management and most importantly; the evolution and role of technology. Learners within the 21st Century are experiencing an education where they are taught to collaboratively communicate and construct new understandings, while acquiring higher order thinking skills to apply beyond the classroom environment. This essay will examine pedagogies and theories regarding the impact upon the quality of education within the 21stRead MoreTeaching Philosophy, Theories, And Pedagogies Work For Your Teaching Style Essay1618 Words   |  7 Pageswhat teaching philosophy, theories, and pedagogies work for your teaching style. â€Å"The best way to teach† is unique to each individual teacher. Even so, there are some aspects of teaching that are important to being an effective teacher. Some of the facets I will be discussing include understanding the Concordia University Educator as Professional Decision Maker, Reflective†¨Practitioner, and Adaptive Expert conceptual framework, learning theories to consider, and effective classroom practices. ConcordiaRead MoreEducational Technology Theories and Theorists Essay1150 Words   |  5 Pagestraditional learning exists. The concept of incorporating technology with education is one that has gained widespread attention. Effective use of educational technology is critical to solving numerous educational challenges. Educational technology can help us meet the needs of a diverse learner population and better prepare our students for lifelong learning. Theories of Learning Theories of learning have a great influence on teaching and learning within our schools. They affect learning outcomesRead MoreTeaching And Learning Theoretical Framework Essay1694 Words   |  7 PagesJoseph Joubert. As a teacher I will learn from teaching my students. I will develop a more in depth understand and possibly a view from a different perspective. My philosophy of teaching is written from the perspective of a graduate school student. I have not yet begun my career in academia. I expect my philosophy to develop over the years and change with experience. I pray it does because if it does not, something is terribly wrong. Teaching/Learning Theoretical Framework The Theoretical frameworkRead MoreLearning Theories Of Learning And Teaching Essay1128 Words   |  5 PagesLearning Model and Theories in Practice Sheila Morgan Richard R. Wiley School of Education At Walden University Abstract Education has long been the center of reform with new ideas about learning and teaching. Educators are regularly introduced to new teaching strategies, curricula and rigorous standards in an effort to provide effective instruction to students. However, the pursuit of proficiency in mathematics and reading through the use of research-based methods requires an understanding ofRead MoreBest Practices Of Brain Research For Teaching Primary Readers Essay799 Words   |  4 Pagesinterests, learning styles, and preferences. Brain research and studies have been performed to determine how students learn. These studies can help educators ensure they are providing their students with enhanced instruction that meets their individual needs. Best Practices of Brain Research For Teaching Primary Readers Author Tamara Lee Opalek examines current brain research completed within the past ten years. Opalek discusses diverse students and their performance in the classroom. AccordingRead MoreTeaching Theories Within The Classroom980 Words   |  4 PagesThis paper gives the author his or her own views on the different teaching theories within the classroom. There are several circumstances that will be discussed in this paper such as purpose of schooling, nature of learners, curriculum, instructional methods, classroom management, assessment practices and professional relationships with family and community. These are based off of research and philosophy of special education of the author’s beliefs. Purpose of Schooling The purpose of schoolingRead MoreJean Piaget s Theory Of Education1672 Words   |  7 PagesPsychologists Jean Piaget’s and Lev Vygotsky’s contributions to our knowledge about cognitive development and learning, forms the foundations of modern education. Both men’s work was revolutionary for their times, underpinning the transformative shift to a constructivist way of thinking, which emerged as the most significant influence on education of the 21st Century (James Bader, 2002). Piaget, was the first psychologist to investigate the world from the perspective of the child, determining thatRead MoreA Personal Philosophy Of Education Essay1164 Words   |  5 Pagesof the professor is critical for meaningful learning to occur. Self-knowledge through reflection allows the professor to embrace teaching through the eyes of a scholar; thus providing a diverse learning environment supporting engagement and motivation of the learner. This paper describes a specific aca demia’s mission and vision and why it resonates with me. This paper also explores my personal philosophy of education, ascertaining the learning theory I identify with the most. Mission and Vision

The Definition and Description of Geological Erosion

Erosion is the name for the processes that both break down rocks (weathering) and carry away the breakdown products (transportation). As a general rule, if rock is just broken down through mechanical or chemical means, then weathering has occurred. If that broken-down material gets moved at all by water, wind or ice, then erosion has occurred.   Erosion is different from  mass wasting, which refers to the downslope movement of rocks, dirt, and regolith primarily through gravity. Examples of mass wasting are  landslides, rockfalls,  slumps,  and soil creep. Erosion, mass wasting, and weathering are classified as separate actions and often discussed individually. In reality, they are overlapping processes that usually act together.   The physical processes of erosion are called corrasion or mechanical erosion, while the chemical processes are called corrosion or chemical erosion. Many examples of erosion include both corrasion and corrosion. Agents of Erosion The agents of erosion are ice, water, waves, and wind. As with any natural process that takes place on the Earths surface, gravity plays a major role as well. Water is perhaps the most important (or at least most visible) agent of erosion. Raindrops strike the surface of the Earth with enough force to break apart soil in a process known as splash erosion. Sheet erosion occurs as water collects on the surface and moves toward small streams and rivulets, removing a widespread, thin layer of soil along the way. Gully and rill erosion occurs as runoff becomes concentrated enough to remove and transport larger amounts of soil. Streams, depending on their size and speed, can erode away banks and bedrock and transport large pieces of sediment.   Glaciers erode through abrasion and plucking. Abrasion occurs as rocks and debris become embedded on the bottom and sides of a glacier. As the glacier moves, the rocks scour and scratch the surface of the Earth. Plucking takes place when meltwater enters cracks in the rock beneath a glacier. The water refreezes and breaks off large pieces of rock, which are then transported by glacial movement. U-shaped valleys  and  moraines  are visible reminders of the awesome erosive (and depositional) power of glaciers.   Waves cause erosion by cutting away at the shore. This process creates remarkable landforms like wave-cut platforms, sea arches,  sea stacks, and chimneys. Due to the constant battering of wave energy, these landforms are usually short-lived.   Wind affects the surface of the Earth through deflation and abrasion. Deflation refers to the removal and transport of fine-grained sediment from the winds turbulent flow. As the sediment is airborne, it may grind and wear away surfaces with which it comes in contact. Like with glacial erosion, this process is known as abrasion.  Wind erosion is most common in flat, arid areas with loose, sandy soils.   Human Impact on Erosion Although erosion is a natural process, human activities like agriculture, construction, deforestation, and grazing can greatly increase its impact. Agriculture is particularly notorious. Areas that are conventionally plowed experience upwards of 10 times more erosion than normal. Soil forms at about the same rate that it  naturally erodes, meaning that humans are currently stripping away the soil at a very unsustainable rate.   Providence Canyon, sometimes referred to as Georgias Little Grand Canyon, is a strong testament to the erosional effects of poor farming practices. The canyon began forming in the early 19th century as rainwater runoff from the fields caused gully erosion. Now, just 200 years later, guests can see 74 million years of beautifully layered sedimentary rock in the 150-foot canyon walls.

Media And Stereotyping On Gender Stereotypes - 1395 Words

Several advertisements in the set of stimuli for these interviews inspired reactions which resonate with this courtship theme. All three informants became emotionally involved in these ads, able to self-project to a tremendous degree and to create imaginative stories about the people portrayed in the ads. Also importantly, the role portrayals of women in these ads were never seen by any of the informants as sexist or inappropriate, contrary to the researcher s own introspection. Dominant Culture Stereotyping on Pinterest | Gender Stereotypes ... It was about time someone addressed the phrase â€Å"like a girl†. It’s full of negativity and perpetuates the stereotype that the way women do things is inferior to the way men do them. So, hold high the foam finger of feminism for this advert that was screened in the Super Bowl, for tackling the issue with true conviction, like a meaty advertising linebacker. Touch down. burgerking.jpg For the first interview, the advertisements were initially presented as a holistic set to encourage comparisons among the ads, and then each ad was discussed individually. As this process was rather cumbersome and resulted in tremendous repetition, for the second interview each ad was discussed only individually. Often, however, this individual presentation did not directly encourage informants to comment on gender in the ads. In the final interview, the researcher clustered the ads into groups of twos or threes that facilitated direct comparisonsShow MoreRelatedComparison of Turkeys in the Kitchen and You Just Walk on By Essays1640 Words   |  7 Pagesargue the theme of gender, and racial stereotypes that have been present in our world from the very beginning. Barry suggests through a sarcastic and humors tone that gender stereotypes have been present since before the start of time; he uses a highly conversational style to prove this, as well as narrates to give the reader a bette r understanding of exactly what he’s talking about. Staples, on the other hand, uses a more authoritative tone to support his theme of racial stereotyping; he also uses theRead MoreGender Stereotyping Standards For Men And Women Across America909 Words   |  4 PagesGender stereotyping sets standards for men and women across America, this being true for the past few hundred years. It is not secret that women are said to be most useful in the kitchen, and that men are to be found somewhere doing hard work, being the bread winner. Also, in the way we allow our young children to be identified; blue means it’s a boy, pink means it’s a girl. As times change, so does society and its mentality as a whole. Some stereotypes have been more difficult to break than othersRead MoreEffects Of Stereotyping In Schools1122 Words   |  5 Pages Stereotyping in High Schools Stereotyping is alive and well in today’s society. â€Å"Stereotyping is a form of prejudice that forms damaging images of an individual, by classifying him or her according to a particular characteristic that is found among the group of people that the individual is associated with†(Malika). Everyone gets stereotyped no matter their gender, color, religion, political view, or how you act. Stereotyping is labeling someone because of who they are or what they do. StereotypingRead MoreGender Labeling And Gender Stereotypes1551 Words   |  7 Pagesand females are Gender Stereotypes (Deaux Kite, 1993). Gender labeling is frequently used in global broadcasting to boost characteristics of how a certain people; those in control of the broadcast- view gender roles and how they want society to view them also. Stereotyping is prevalent in popular television shows, music videos, the workforce and various other advertisement billboards in the U.S. It is difficult to oppose the stereotypical behavior that is displayed in the media that supposedlyRead More Media Stereotypes Essay examples1432 Words   |  6 PagesMedia Stereotypes â€Å"Media stereotypes are inevitable, especially in the advertising, entertainment and news industries, which need as wide an audience as possible to quickly understand information. Stereotypes act like codes that give audiences a quick, common understanding of a person or group of people—usually relating to their class, ethnicity or race, gender, sexual orientation, social role or occupation.† Stereotypes are deeply embedded in every society in numerous ways. The dictionaryRead MoreStereotyping Is Inevitable, By James Baldwin1717 Words   |  7 PagesStereotyping is inevitable, we all do it ad we all experience it, but this does not mean it does not effect us. Stereotypes are all around us. They effect the way we think about ourselves and the way we think about the people around us. Stereotyping leads us to act certain ways and treat people certain ways. At times it can be beneficial to a certain group, but may bring many disadvantages to others. Many times stereotypes limit us and restricting our success in life. In â€Å"A Letter to My Nephew,†Read MoreGender Stereotypes1352 Words   |  6 Pagesname of Tyler. I am a walking victim of Gender Stereotyping. For as long as I can remember I have been stereotyped by my name and always have heard â€Å"Tyler is a boy name†, â€Å"I thought you were a boy when I heard your name† growing up my name was alw ays questioned and people always would ask me the question of â€Å"why did your mom name you Tyler?† After 20 years of life, I am still faced with the question of â€Å"isn’t Tyler a boy name?† I am a walking Gender Stereotype. 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This paper emphasis on gender roles in popular media and it’s important for analysts and educators to identify stereotypical interpretations. Using feminist theory, media de pictions can be understood and studiedRead MoreHow Would You Like It If You Were Continuously Told What1472 Words   |  6 Pagesaccountable for the upsurge of gender stereotyping in today’s society. Some of these issues are things like advertising based around kids and adults and the pay gap between genders. These two influences that generate gender stereotyping which in this case is absurd. In fact, its highly sickening as it’s still happening in the 21st century and nothing has been implemented to change it. Because the construction of gender stereotyping of both males and females in the media is based on outdated and unfolded

Mongols free essay sample

The Mongol empire of the 1200s remains a sort of anomaly to this day. Their unconventional war tactics and nomadic way of life defied all other empires that were in existence at the time. However, their strategies proved extremely successful, and they were able to establish the largest empire the world had ever seen in a mere 20 year span. The unification of Asia (excluding India) under the strict rule of the Mongols brought about a period of relative peace and of economic improvement. While there were some negative factors due to Mongol reign, such as the spread of the black plague, they were far overshadowed by the improvements experienced by Asia as a whole. The main reason for the initial success of the Mongols was their style of warfare. Being a nomadic tribe, they relied heavily on horses to maintain their land, and became extraordinary horsemen. Horses were not heavily used in combat in the rest of Asia, giving the Mongols an advantage over their enemies. Document 1 shows the extent of the Mongol empire at its height, which further goes to prove the effectiveness of these new strategies. Documents 2 and 3 attest to the potency of Mongol raids. Document two describes the very organized military structure of generals and captains ruling over the rest of the army. It also describes the severe consequences suffered if the warriors were to abandon the battle. This requirement to fight until the end of the battle made the Mongols formidable opponents, and the fear they caused in their opponents was only augmented by tactics such as mental warfare, and the uncanny ability to easily adapt to any defense that was put in their way. This mental warfare is described in document 3, where it is said that the Mongols would completely surround the city they were attacking in order to appear much larger in number that they actually were. While it is often said that history is told from the point of view of the victors, this does not pertain to the Mongols. Being illiterate, they could not keep records, and instead relied on the efforts of their subjects to keep the empire running smoothly. This also means that all primary accounts of Mongol raids were from the point of view of the captors, who did not take kindly to being slaughtered. Documents 4 and 5 demonstrate this very idea, describing in detail the ferocity and aggression of the Mongols, and how they killed without any sort of remorse. Document 6, on the other hand, gives a much more unbiased point of view, being that is was written in the late 1900s by an outside source. This document describes the improvement of Asia as a result of the Mongols. Economies everywhere were boosted, infrastructure improved, and the arts flourished. These facts directly contradict the views of the scholars and rulers of the time period, who were only able to experience Mongol rule in time, instead of being able to look back on their rule and see all of the overarching effects of the unification of Asia under the Mongols. Another argument that can be made against the barbarism of the Mongols is the fact that they had a very strict set of laws. Documents 7 and 10 both give examples of some of these laws against adultery, theft, and murder. These strict societal regulations are a continuity from the military strategies practiced by the Mongols, and helped to contribute to the overall success of the empire. Another key to the Mongols success was their ability to communicate with the entirety of the empire relatively quickly. Document 8 describes the network of horses and outposts across all of Asia that allowed riders to ride from one end to the other almost without stop. Communication over a vast distance is a difficult feat to accomplish, but it is necessary to maintain a functioning empire. The Romans and their empire used roads built by slaves to get from one end to the other, but the principle was the same. This ability to effectively regulate a large territory lead to the revival of the silk road trading network that had moved to the Indian Ocean basin. The Mongols provided security across Asia, making trade and the spread of culture easier than ever. Because of this, economies everywhere exploded with an influx of new, commoner-friendly goods. The reopening of the network also caused the spread of one of the most devastating epidemics in history, the black plague. The plague affected Europe heavily, wiping out 1/3 of the population. Despite this disaster, however, the revived silk roads improved much more than they destroyed. Document 9 describes another cultural aspect of Mongol life that was radically different than other societies of the time. The acceptance of (almost) all religions was a belief held by the Mongols that created a much more peaceful society than an empire forced into believing the same religion. When conquered territories are allowed to preserve their traditional ways of life, they are less likely to see the conquerors as an oppressive force and want to revolt. The Khan during the time Document 9 was written was Mongke Khan, who compared different religions to the different fingers on a hand. While all look different and behave in different ways, they all are part of one greater whole, the hand, which represents the one true God. While one such document does not exist, a letter from Chinggis Khan (Genghis Khan as he is more well known) would be give extremely beneficial insight into Mongol life. It would give an opposing viewpoint to the letters and documents of the conquered, and possibly contradict many of the accusations regarding the relentlessness of their conquests. However, no such document exists, since the Mongols were illiterate and never developed their own system of writing. Another type of document that would be useful which actually could exist is a document from the point of view of a European merchant. This type of document would give insight into how the Mongols were perceived by an empire that was not conquered, and was both benefitted and harmed by the Mongols. It would be interesting to see how a merchant felt about the Mongols after they improved his industry, but also caused the spread of the black plague. In conclusion, the Mongol empire was one of the most effective empires the world had ever seen during their time in power. They were rather progressive in their tolerance of other religions, and their general disregard of patriarchy. They also revived the silk roads, which benefitted the economy of all empires that were involved. While the spread of the black plague was a direct result of the Mongols, this is far outweighed the continuing implications of their rule in Asia.

It Is The Belief Of Steve Gould That These Strange And Bizarre Animals

#3 It is the belief of Steve Gould that these strange and bizarre animals in the Burgess Shale could well undermine our conventional view of evolution. But his first argument, that the problematic fossils have such distinctive body plans that they must represent extinct phyla is misleading. If a fly and a mouse have body plans that are laid down by the same fundamental instructions, then it is perhaps less likely that the self-evident differences in anatomy stem from really radical differences in genetic architecture. The point I wish to stress is that again and again we have evidence of biological form stumbling on the same solution to a problem. Consider animals that swim in water...there are only a few fundamental methods of propulsion. It hardly matters if beetles, pelagic snails, squid, fish, newts, ichthyosaurs, snakes, lizards, turtles, dugongs or whales, the style in which the animal moves through the water will fall into one of only a few basic categories. #4 Formation of the Burgess Shale The Burgess Shale was formed about 530 million years ago during the Cambrian period. The Burgess Shale preserves the fossilized remains of a community of marine organisms that lived on mud banks built up against the outside of an algal reef. This algal reef had originally formed as vertical escarpment that eventually reached hundreds of meters in height. Three formations comprise Mount Field, where the Burgess Shale is found. These are the Cathedral, Stephen, and the Eldon formations. As illustrated on the diagram to right the Burgess Shale is found within the Stephen Formation. Examination of the reef escarpment reveals much about how the organisms inhabiting this area became so well Preserved. Many of the fossilized organisms were living close to the reef and reef escarpement. The muds in this area were unstable and frequent turbidity currents carried the sediments downslope into deeper waters. Many of the associated fauna were caught up in these slumps and were transported with the mud to become redeposited as graded units. Through geologic time, mountain building processes along with erosion have resulted the shale that we see today in Yoho National Park. The Preservation of the Burgess Shale The exceptional preservation of fossil material found within the Burgess Shale is the most significant feature of this deposit. Before discussing the processes which resulted in this unique deposition, it is necessary to understand the nature of the environment where these organisms lived. The presence of an algal reef indicates that depths were relatively shallow, well oxygenated, and well lit. In such an environment, preservation potential would normally be less than perfect. The fauna in this environment would not only be exposed to scavenging by other organisms, but would also be susceptible to rapid decay. However, the place where the fossil organisms found in the Burgess Shale lived was much different from where, following transport, preservation occurred. Following periodic mud slumps Burgess Shale organisms were transported downslope and deposited into anoxic waters. In this anoxic environment, the amount of decay was limited and very slow. Predator and scavenger damage was also not a factor here. Under these conditions in conjunction with the compaction of overlying mud, the soft parts of the organisms were preserved as thin carbon films interspersed with fine mud layers. The excellent preservation of these softer tissues as well as hard skeletal parts is what makes the deposit so unique. Fortunate protection from tectonism during the Mesozoic era has also influenced the preservation potential of the fossils. During this time, the Mount Wapta and Mount Field area, along with the Stephen Formation and the Burgess Shale, were moved along a thrust fault and brought to their present site. The fossils remained protected here from pressures and heats of surrounding tectonic events. #2 The Amphioxus With about twenty-five species inhabiting shallow tropical and temperate oceans, the Cephalochordata are a very small branch of the animal kingdom. Known as lancelets or as amphioxus (from the Greek for both ends pointed, in reference to their shape), cephalochordates are small, eel-like, unprepossessing animals that spend much of their time buried in sand. However, because of their remarkable morphology, they have proved crucial in understanding the morphology and evolution of chordates in general ? including vertebrates. Note that cephalochordates have all the typical chrodate features. The