The Impact Of Technology On Family Communication Media Essay

The Impact Of Technology On Family Communication Media Essay There is no doubt about it-the way we communicate with our family members today has changed dramatically in recent years. Just a decade ago, text messaging, blogging, and emails were not methods of family communication. Today, they are widely used by families around the world. For example, parents use text messages to remind children of their curfews. Children send emails to their parents to give them their Christmas lists. College students use Web cameras to say good night to their family member who live hundreds of miles away. These are just a few of the many ways in which technology has changed the way families communicate with one another in todays modern world. Some people say that technology is impacting families in a negative way. For example, instead of playing games or eating dinner together, more and more families are instead turning on the television, using the computer, and constantly text messaging on their phones. Some people believe that families are ditching the real world in favor of the cyber world. Other people argue that technology is essential to good family communication in todays society. As parents and children have different agendas and interests, the widespread use of cell phones and the Internet help them stay in touch and communicate regularly. Does Technology Improve Family Communication? A new study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project (2008) suggests that technology improves communication among families. The study revealed that technology, such as cell phones and email, seems to be helping create a new connectedness within families, as family members communicate with each other every day via cell phone, texts, and emails. The survey showed that 70 percent of couples in which both partners have cell phones contact each at least once a day just to say hello and 64 percent contact each other to make plans. In addition, 42 percent of parents call their children at least once a day using a cell phone. The majority of study participants reported that technology has either helped their communication with other family members or made no difference. Few said technology has worsened communication in their families. Still, the poll showed that technology could have negative effects, as well. Families with many communication devices were less likely than other groups to eat dinner together daily and to feel satisfied that they spent enough time as a family. However, researchers said the heaviest technology users were also those with the heaviest work schedules, which is likely to contribute to these negative reports. According to the study (Pew Internet and American Life Project, 2008, p.20), Todays married couples use a variety of tools-landline phones, cell phones, instant messaging, and email-to manage their schedules and stay connected with each other throughout the day. The adoption of cell phones is a particularly important component of the way todays families stay in touch and coordinate their lives together. Couples communicate frequently just to say hello and chat (28 percent of couples do this several times a day, and an additional 36 percent do so at least once a day) and also to coordinate daily schedules (20 percent do this several times a day, and 39 percent do so at least once a day). However, many also communicate regularly for weightier reasons: discussing important matters and planning future events. The Families Commission Blue Skies Fund recently published a different report, titled New Communication Technologies and Family Life (Weatherall and Ramsay, 2006), which looked at how technology, such as computers and mobile phones, is shaping family life and how families are shaping the use of technology. The twelve participants in the study overwhelmingly felt that Internet access can improve communication between family members. Families that are geographically separated are especially helped by technology. However, participants felt that there needed to be more family and public discussion about the opportunities and dangers new communications technology brings. For example, parents need to teach their children how to stay safe online, they said. New technologies, especially those that utilize the Internet, create many new opportunities for communicating with family and friends. The Internet also offers many new avenues for social interaction through social networking sites, online support groups, and chat rooms. Many families find email and chat rooms useful for keeping in touch with family members who live far away or even for keeping better tabs on those who live nearby. But can technology replace face-to-face time? Most experts say no. When it comes to communicating feelings and attitudes, human beings use more than just words. They also use physical gestures, tone of voice, and body language to express themselves (Fitzpatrick, 2008). These are all important elements of communication. Therefore, some people argue that, if you do not regularly communicate face-to-face with family members, you may miss important signs that they are sad, frustrated, or depressed. Still, others argue that technology does not replace face-to-face interaction. Rather, it complements it. In response to concerns that technology isolates and pulls people apart, the Pew study (2008) found the opposite. It revealed that couples use their phones to connect and coordinate their lives, especially if they have children at home (p. 14). American spouses often go their separate ways during the day but remain connected by cell phones and to some extent by Internet communications. When they return home, they often have shared moments of exploration and entertainment on the Internet. Tools help parents keep kids safe online The article, Tools help parents keep kids safe online, suggest valuable information regarding parents monitoring their children. Theres also a way for parents to monitor video games online. Facebook is a site where children are at risk. The author mentions a Family Safety Center page called facebook.com/safety. Facebook is a social place for families and friends and how important it is too know what your children are doing without violating their privacy. Software developers are focusing on Facebook as their project in finding ways to keep it safe for children (Gallaga, 2011). Gallaga remarks on MinorMonitoring as being a new way for parents to check out Facebook interactions from their child. MinorMonitoring look for signs of cyber bullying or other kinds of misconduct on Facebook. Such monitoring could give out a red flag and alert parents if internet predators are showing up on Facebook. MinorMonitoring is in the process of being a tool for e-mail in the near future as well as for other networks. (Gallaga, 2011). Bridging Distance Gaps For families that live far away from one another, technology helps them connect. Many families live far apart and do not see each other on a regular basis. Even when families live under the same roof, it can be challenging to find the time to eat dinner together or sit down to chat. Todays technologies make it easy to communicate, some people believe that they create interruptions to family time and make it easy to avoid face-to-face time. Communication is extremely important between family members, especially when some of them live far away. For this reason, todays technological advances are very helpful to families with busy schedules or widely spread families. Chinese Radio International (2008) provides an example of how families use technology to improve communication. When 70-year-old Li Zhenming and his wife, who live in eastern China, celebrated a Chinese holiday in 2008, they received greetings on their mobile phone from their daughter who lives in Shanghai and chatted on video with their son who lives in Demark. Before computers were widely used, the family relied on letters as their primary form of communication, which meant that several days passed before they received communication from one another. However, once the family invested in computers and webcams, their communication improved dramatically. Seeing them via the webcam assured me they were doing fine, said Zhenming. Now, I dont worry anymore. Young kids and computers a balancing act Sue McAllister commentates on how monitoring children while they are online is vital. I cant help but be in disbelief on how young a child is when accessing a computer. According to the author, PBSKids.org is a site for children to play online games. Ellen Wartella comments on how parents find computers as a useful tool but there should be a balance between interacting with friends and playing outside, read a book and do their school work. In addition, the author remarks on how a lot of kids are going past the two-hour point watching TV, playing on the computer, using handheld devices. Furthermore, McAllister acknowledges on how the computer should be out in the open not in a childs room so parents could keep an eye on their child. This would also encourage children to ask questions. (McAllsiter, 2011). Technology Fosters Independence Russell Hampton, president of the Walt Disney Companys childrens book and magazine publishing unit, recently told a reporter a story that exemplifies just how big the text messaging trend is (Holson, 2008) and also shows how technology can help children feel more independence. His daughter Katie and her friends were sitting in the back seat of his car and he saw his daughter sending a text message on her cell phone. He told her she was being rude to her friends by texting when they were spending time with her. But, Dad, were texting each other, she replied with a harrumph. I just dont want you to hear what Im saying. Hamptons story shows how young people use personal technological devices like cell phones to create social circles apart from their families, changing the way they communicate with their parents. New Opportunities to Keep Tabs on Family Members Throughout history, innovation has sparked societal changes and has changed the dynamics of families for years (Holson, 2008). Telephones created a private and easy way for children to communicate with others. Automobiles created a way for children to go on dates far from watchful chaperones. And the computer, along with the Internet, allows children to live virtual lives separate from their parents and other family members. Experts believe that mobile devices will further accelerate these trends (Holson, 2008). By 2010, 81 percent of Americans between the ages of 5 to 24 will own a cellphone, up from 53 percent in 2005, according to IDC, a research company that tracks technology and consumer research. For this reason, companies are now marketing mobile devices to very young audiences. Firefly Mobile introduced the glowPhone for preschool children, which has a small keypad with two speed-dial buttons depicting an image of a mother and a father. For many parents, having the ability to reach their children whenever they want is a benefit that outweighs the negative aspects of the mobile technology trends (Holson, 2008). Many parents live in different cities or states than they children do, for reasons such as divorce or kids going off to college. Such parents are especially grateful to have a way to reach their children, anytime, anywhere. And most children feel the same way. In an article, Ben Blanton, a college student, said that he enjoys the ability to text his parents when it suits him (Holson, 2008). Texting is in between calling and sending and e-mail, he said. Due to text messaging, he does not need to worry about writing letters. Its too time consuming, he said. You have to go to the post office. Instead, I can sit and watch television and send a text, which is the same thing. Some experts, such as Anita Gurian, a clinical psychologist, are concerned that the prevalence of mobile communications, may cause people to become more alienated from those closest to them-their family members (Holson, 2008). Cellphones demand parental involvement of a different kind, she said. Kids can do a lot of things in front of their parents without them knowing. In a survey released 18 months ago, ATT found that among 1,175 parents the company interviewed, nearly half learned how to text-message from their children (Holson, 2008). More than 60 percent of parents agreed that it helped them communicate, but that sometimes children didnt want to hear their voice at all. When asked if their children wanted a call or a text message requesting that they be home by curfew, for instance, 58 percent of parents said their children preferred a text. Improving Family-School Relationships A study by the Harvard Research Project (Bouffard, 2008) revealed that technology positively impacts families because it promotes more meaningful and frequent communication between families and schools. According to researchers, many families and teachers now use email and websites to communicate. According to the report (Bouffard, 2008): Internet-based communication methods, including email, websites, and newer social networking technologies such as blogs, present new opportunities for family-school communication. These technologies may reduce scheduling barriers that pose challenges to traditional forms of family-school communication, can convey information to multiple families at once, and can efficiently share and archive information about student progress, school policies and assignments, tips for family involvement, and other topics. However, the report cautions that this new type of communication presents new challenges to families and schools, as well. Websites and email contact can be difficult for schools to maintain, may intimidate some families, and lack visual and nonverbal cues (e.g., tone of voice or body language), according to the report (Bouffard, 2008). Most significantly, many families do not have access to Internet technology. The studys findings suggest that technology offers many new opportunities for promoting family-school communication. It is especially beneficial during adolescence, a time when family involvement tends to decline. The Internet in particular may represent an opportunity to maintain or even increase communication between schools and families of adolescents. Digital home technologies and transformation of households. Alladi Venkatesh, author for Digital home technologies and transformation of households explains how a household is changing because of a growing technology. Also new words in our technology are expanding. The PC was out and about in the 1980s and families had to slowly adjust to the ever going technology. When internet connection was available for the first time it changed the way families communicated with each other. When mobile phones and other wireless forms of communication came about technology has found infinite ways to advance. Families are trying to keep up with technology. As our technology grows our household appliances makes it easier and much more convenient for a family to operate. Now, in this day of age you have options to select cable or satellite instead of black and white TV. Technology is changing the typical household family, in hopes for a stronger connection. (Venkatesh, A., 2008). Table 1 Home as Living Space. Venkatesh, A. (2008). Digital home technologies and transformation of households. In a 2006 study by Yahoo, the majority of participants said that email, instant messaging and mobile devices brought families closer together, whether they be siblings living in different countries or parents of moody teenagers (China Daily, 2006). A lot of mums said they had surly teenagers who wont talk to them in person, said one researcher (China Daily, 2006). But over IM (instant messaging) they have much more dialogue than they ever would face-to-face. More than half of those surveyed said that without computer technology, they would not be able to stay in touch with their family members. They also said that the Internet helped children overcome shyness and being a homework aid for school children. The studies examined in this research paper suggest that technology has improved family communications for most. While there are some pitfalls to the increased reliance on technology, researchers believe that communication problems stem from other sources, rather than technology. One cannot deny how dependent our society has become on electronic communication devices. The predominance of computers, text messaging, PDAs, cell phones, video conferencing, web camera, and other devices all demonstrated that people are communicating more than even with each, and that most of that communication is taking place using technology. In conclusion, technology appears to be an excellent way to communicate with family members. However, it may be important to create guidelines to help ensure that adequate face-to-face communications take place, as well. For example, there are certain situations in which face-to-face communications are important. If someone is delivering bad news, such as the death of a family member, text messaging may not be the right medium in which to deliver the news. In addition, when discussing confidential information, it is important to respect the privacy of others and putting something private out in cyberspace is not the best way to do this. Face-to-face communication would likely work best in these situations because the communicator can use all of his or her communicating skills in the delivery of the message, making it more personal and less likely to come across as insensitive. In summary, families have a lot to gain from modern technology that allows us to interact virtually and instantly with family members. Without technology such as cell phones, email, text messaging, and blogs, we would have a more difficult time connecting with nearby and long-distance family members on a regular basis.   However, while technology supports maintaining relationships, it should not replace face-to-face communication. In order to fully connect with family members, it is important to see them in person regularly.     

Education in the Philippines Essay

During the period of colonization by the United States, Education in the Philippines changed radically, modeled on the system of Education in the United States of the time. After theSecond World War, changes in the US system were no longer automatically reflected in the Philippines, which has since moved in various directions of its own. Filipino children may enter public school at about age four, starting from Nursery up to Kindergarten. At about seven years of age, children enter elementary school (6 to 7 years). This may be followed by secondary school (4 years). Students may then sit for College Entrance Examinations (CEE), after which they may enter tertiary institutions (3 to 5 years). Other types of schools do exist, such as Private schools, Preparatory schools, International schools, Laboratory High Schools and Science High Schools. Several ethnic groups, includingChinese, British, Americans, and Japanese operate their own schools. Elementary schooling is compulsory, but 24% of Filipinos of the relevant age group do not attend, usually due to absence of any school in their area, education being offered in foreign languages only, or financial distress. In July 2009 DepEd acted to overcome the foreign language problem by ordering all elementary schools to move towards mother-tongue based learning initially. The order allows two alternative three-year bridging plans. Depending on the bridging plan adopted, the Filipino and English languages are to be phased in as the language of instruction for other subjects beginning in the third and fourth grades Secondary schooling is of four years duration only. Although secondary schooling is compulsory, some Philippine news media have reported that since the 2000s, many Filipino students who began studying at private high schools, are forced to transfer to public high schools because of increasing cost of living and private school fees and financial distress. Many public elementary/high schools in the country are already overcrowded. The school year in the Philippines starts in June of one year and ends in March of the next, with a two-month summer break for April and May, one week of semestral break (the last week of October), and a week or two of Christmas break. History and development Earlier times Further information: Ancient Philippine scripts In pre-Spanish times, education was informal unstructured in some areas. Children were provided more vocational training and less academics (3 Rs) by their parents and in the houses of tribal tutors. When the Spanish arrived in Manila, though, they were surprised to find a population with a literacy rate using a system of writing known as baybayin which was higher than the literacy rate of Madrid. Spanish period Main article: Philippines education during Spanish rule Under the Spanish, education indigenous population was initially left to religious orders, with primary education being overseen by parish friars who generally tolerated the teaching of only religious topics. The friars, recognizing the value of a literate indigenous population, built printing presses to product material in Bambayin. The friars, generally poorly educated themselves, were especially hostile to local population, termed indios learning to speak and read Spanish, which would have made available access to the same body of knowledge the friars had. Secular education was completely neglected; with only one public primary school operating in Manila as late as 1830. A 1714 royal decree creating secular universities was never implemented. A 1702 decree creating seminaries for natives was implemented only in 1772. Access to education by the Filipinos was later liberalized through the enactment of the Educational Decree of 1863 which provided for the establishment of at least one primary school for boys and girls in each town under the responsibility of the municipal government; and the establishment of a normal school for male teachers under the supervision of the Jesuits. Primary instruction was secularized and free and the teaching of Spanish was compulsory. In 1866, the total population of the Philippines was only 4,411,261. The total public schools was 841 for boys and 833 for girls and the total number of children attending these schools was 135,098 for boys and 95,260 for girls. In 1892, the number of schools had increased to 2,137, 1,087 of which were for boys and 1,050 for girls. By 1898, enrollment in schools at all levels exceeded 200,000 students. First Republic. The defeat of Spain by American forces paved the way for Aguinaldo’s Republic under a Revolutionary Government. The schools maintained by Spain for more than three centuries were closed for the time being but were reopened on August 29, 1898 by the Secretary of Interior. The Burgos Institute in Malolos, the Military Academy of Malolos, and the Literary University of the Philippines were established. A system of free and compulsory elementary education was established by the Malolos Constitution. American period Main article: Philippines education during American rule. Further information: Thomasites An adequate secularized and free public school system was established during the first decade of American rule upon the recommendation of the Schurman Commission. Free primary instruction that trained the people for the duties of citizenship and avocation was enforced by the Taft Commission per instructions of President William McKinley. Chaplains and non-commissioned officers were assigned to teach using English as the medium of instruction. A highly centralized public school system was installed in 1901 by the Philippine Commission by virtue of Act No. 74. The implementation of this Act created a heavy shortage of teachers so the Philippine Commission authorized the Secretary of Public Instruction to bring to the Philippines more than 1,000 teachers from the United States called the Thomasites between 1901 to 1902. These teachers were scattered throughout the islands to establish barangay schools. [7]The same law established the Philippine Normal School (now the Philippine Normal University) to train Filipino teachers for the public schools. The high school system supported by provincial governments, special educational institutions, school of arts and trades, an agricultural school, and commerce and marine institutes were established in 1902 by the Philippine Commission. In 1908, the Philippine Legislature approved Act No. 1870 which created theUniversity of the Philippines. The Reorganization Act of 1916 provided the Filipinization of all department secretaries except the Secretary of Public Instruction. Two decades later, enrollment in elementary schools was about 1 million from a total of 150,000 students in 1901. [7] After World War II In 1947, by virtue of Executive Order No. 94, the Department of Instruction was changed to â€Å"Department of Education. † During this period, the regulation and supervision of public and private schools belonged to the Bureau of Public and Private Schools. Marcos era In 1972, the Department of Education became the Department of Education and Culture by Proclamation 1081. Following a referendum of all barangays in the Philippines from 10–15 January 1973, on 17 January 1973 President Marcos ratified the 1973 Constitution by Proclamation 1102. The 1973 Constitution set out the three fundamental aims of education in the Philippines, to: ? foster love of country; ?teach the duties of citizenship; and ?develop moral character, self discipline, and scientific, technological and vocational efficiency. On 24 September 1972, by PD No 1, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports was decentralized with decision-making shared among thirteen regional offices. In 1978, by PD No 1397, the Department of Education and Culture became the Ministry of Education and Culture. The Education Act of 1982 provided for an integrated system of education covering both formal and nonformal education at all levels. Section 29 of the Act sought to upgrade education institutions’ standards to achieve quality education, through voluntary accreditation for schools, colleges, and universities. Sections 16 & 17 upgraded the obligations and qualifications required for teachers and administrators. Section 41 provided for government financial assistance to private schools. The Act also created the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports. Fifth Republic On 2 February 1987, a new Constitution for the Philippines was ratified. Section 3, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution contains the ten fundamental aims of education in the Philippines. In 1987 by virtue of Executive Order No. 117, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, became the Department of Education, Culture and Sports . The structure of DECS as embodied in EO No. 117 remained practically unchanged until 1994. On 26 May 1988 Congress enacted Republic Act 6655, the Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988, which manndated free public secondary education commencing in the school year 1988-1989. On 26 May 1988 Congress enacted RA 6655 which made free public secondary education to become a reality. On 3 February 1992, Congress enacted Republic Act 7323, which provided that students aged 15 to 25 may be employed during summer or Christmas vacation with a salary not lower than the minimum wage. 60% of the wage is to be paid by the employer and 40% by the government. On 3 February 1992, Congress enacted RA 7323 which provided that students aged 15 to 25 may be employed during summer or Christmas vacation with a salary not lower than the minimum wage. 60% of the wage is to be paid by the employer and 40% by the government. The Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM) report of 1991 recommended the division of DECS into three parts. On 18 May 1994, Congress passed Republic Act 7722, the Higher Education Act of 1994, creating the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which assumed the functions of the Bureau of Higher Education, and supervises tertiary degree programs. On 25 August 1994, Congress passed Republic Act 7796, the Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994, creating the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which absorbed the Bureau of Technical-Vocational Education plus the National Manpower and Youth Council, and supervises non-degree technical-vocational programs. [17] DECS retained responsibility for all elementary and secondary education. This threefold division became known as the trifocal system of education in the Philippines. The trifocal education system of the Philippines. In August 2001, Republic Act 9155, otherwise called the Governance of Basic Education Act, was passed transforming the name of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) to the Department of Education (DepEd) and redefining the role of field offices (regional offices, division offices, district offices and schools). RA 9155 provides the overall framework for (i) school head empowerment by strengthening their leadership roles and (ii) school-based management within the context of transparency and local accountability. The goal of basic education is to provide the school age population and young adults with skills, knowledge, and values to become caring, self-reliant, productive and patriotic citizens. [8] In January 2009, DepEd signed a memorandum of agreement with the United States Agency for International Development to seal $86 million assistance to Philippine education, particularly the access to quality education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and the Western and Central Mindanao regions.

Ptlls Understanding of Inclusive Learning

In inclusive learning we need to consider the diversity of a student body and make efforts not to exclude anyone be it intended or unintended. â€Å"Some students could feel excluded during your session if their particular needs are not met,† Gravells (2012:56). Inclusive learning is simply â€Å"involving all students, treating them equally and fairly,† Gravells (2012:56). The field of self-defence includes physical, philosophical and physiological elements which allows for a large range of learning and teaching strategies.A new course would begin with the filling out of an enrolment form and discussions which give participants an initial platform to put across any concerns or specific needs, the initial discussion can also be used as an icebreaker that everyone is involved with. A great deal of self-defence training will be scenario based giving the students the freedom to work and discuss their own scenarios and also those from other student’s viewpoints. When the discussions and enrolment forms are completed I would be able to better tailor the learning and teaching strategies some of which are: The participants will be shown a technique/drill with explanation which can include a handout. This method is directed by the instructor to allow the students to see and come to some understanding of what is expected and some of problems they may face. (Presentations – the didactic approach/ the psychomotor domain). †¢ They will then move on to practice the technique so that there can be a greater understanding of how it feels to do, rather than see or be told (Participative/interaction/ the psychomotor domain).The student can be individually assessed and alterations can be suggested, finally an open discussion and general assessment of that which has been learnt will allow the students to put forward any queries or suggestions. †¢ Group work will be introduced in which the group can discuss various self-defence scenarios, role playing or work in a team when analysing case studies, before presenting their findings (Discovery/search/ the affective domain/ the cognitive domain).The range of learning strategies used in a typical self-defence lesson allows for a more effective lesson and more motivated students, â€Å"studies have shown that over a period of three days, learning retention is as follows. †¢ 10% of what you read †¢ 20% of what you hear †¢ 30% of what you see †¢ 50% of what you see and hear †¢ 70% of what you say †¢ 90% of what you say and do. (Pike 1989) If your students can incorporate reading, hearing, seeing, saying and doing during your session, their learning retention should increase. Gravells (2012:30) Because the fields of read, hear, see, say and do are covered in the self-defence class the opportunity for a learner to participate fully are increased. Flemings VARK: Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinaesthetic Gravells (2012:31) also looks at the differing lear ning styles which are used within the lessons to support learners. From a self defence perspective: demonstrating and explaining a technique (Visual/Aural) with the added handout (Read/write) followed by practice and discussion (kinaesthetic) follows Fleming’s principles of the four learning styles.Aspects of inclusive learning include: †¢ Entitlement: everyone is entitled to fair treatment and the chance to learn. There can be no bias towards an individual or group because of who they are their background, lifestyle, or situation. There must be an understanding that even getting to a course for some can be problematic whether it be financial, childcare, access or any number of reasons, there are many ways to help a student access the learning they require, whether it be via private organisations, charities or government funding. Equality: â€Å"can be described as everyone is different, but having equal rights. † Gravel (2012:54) Although students will have their individuality they should be treated equally regardless of their, race, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief, gender , gender identity, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership or age. â€Å"Students seem keen to fit in at university and tend to focus on the similarities between themselves and other students.But when it comes to classroom learning, they value having their individual academic and social identities acknowledged and their particular needs addressed. † Hockings (2008:3) †¢ Inclusivity: It is of importance that the tutor makes all efforts to include all students in the learning environment. Correctly planning lessons, creating a friendly non judgmental atmosphere and including a range of teaching styles will help learners feel included.By understanding the needs of the individual, social, physical and academic the tutor can eliminate any feelings of exclusion. †¢ Diversity: Everyone is different and these differences need to be valued, the tolerance of different cultures, beliefs, races, ages and gender to name a few, needs to be of importance not only to the tutor but the students as well. Creating a classroom atmosphere of valuing and understanding individual experiences and views can be achieved through ground rules and by the example set by the tutor. Differentiation: With the understanding that all students are different the tutor will need to plan the lessons around these differences by using the various teaching methods available or acquiring the resources that will make the students learning experience a productive one. The inclusion of inclusive learning techniques will be selected in response to an individual’s needs; this information can be garnered via enrolment forms, induction or an informal chat.Sometimes a learner will not want to divulge information or may not be aware of or think certain information is important the tailoring of teaching techniques may then come into effect due to formal or informal assessments. Once the assessments and enrolments are completed I would then be able to plan the lessons to suit, some examples are: †¢ Role play: an important part of self-defence training is working through realistic scenarios one way of accomplishing this is through role play.This method of training can be good for those that aren’t confident in their literacy or language and although some may find it embarrassing, it can be a good way for a class to bond while developing the social skills needed in self-defence. †¢ Handouts or PowerPoint: A good way to reinforce some of the physical training is to precede or follow up with some written material, this will engage those that learn better through reading and writing, it can even have a different impact with the use of interesting visuals. Handouts can also be taken home for future reference. †¢ Demonstration and imitation: demonstrating a technique by breaking it down nto easily manageabl e sections whilst giving accurate and precise instructions will give the student a good grounding in how the movement should be performed, but the real learning will be achieved when the student begins to practice the move themselves. This method allows the students to find or feel their way through a technique and will allow both the tutor and student the opportunity to assess and make alterations where needed on an individual basis. There will be many resources available to meet the needs of the learner which again would need to be assessed on an individual basis.Correctly chosen resources can help to engage learners and promote a fuller learning experience although the methods used would need to be constantly evaluated for effectiveness. Examples of this could be: †¢ video: The use of a short film or can be beneficial for those that have language or reading difficulties or prefer to learn by seeing as this resource can introduce effective images which at times can explain an idea better than words alone. A film can also alter the momentum of a class if attention spans begin to suffer from prolonged periods of work.Questions can be put to the students to assess what they have learned from the film. †¢ Assistant (voluntary or paid): Within any course there may be learners that need extra help, be it physical, emotional or academic. When this is identified the tutor can begin the process with their organisation for a learning support assistant to support those in need. †¢ Flip chart: this can be an invaluable and versatile resource as it can be used actively in the lesson to show brainstorming ideas or have pre-prepared material which can be revealed at the appropriate time.It will be limited to the literacy or artistic abilities of those using it (tutor or student) and may be hard for some to follow if their reading ability or eyesight is at a low level, the tutor will also need to make sure that what they put down is legible. Within the self-d efence scenario assessment opportunities can be created by: †¢ Viewing: viewing learners repeatedly practicing techniques on striking pads or working with a partner will allow assessment and alterations on an individual basis.This is an informal method which also allows for discussion between the tutor and student to clarify any queries that may arise and can be used by the tutor to gage a student’s understanding of a technique. The downfall of this method is that it can be time consuming, to alleviate this problem the tutor can monitor from a distance and involve the whole group in any alterations which need to be made, in this way no one person needs to be singled out. Group work (large or small): a group can work though and discuss awareness scenarios or drills such as assessing the dangers and opportunities in a room before presenting their findings. This method can bond a group and promote discussion which can also become a self assessment exercise. This method may become a problem for those who are less confident and may feel overpowered by those with greater confidence. †¢ Formal assessment: Formal assessments can be set up within the syllabus at certain points to allow students to show their progress.The tutor would need to make clear any requirements or what the student will be assessed on and when assessments will take place at the beginning of the course, they will need to include a written list, maybe a tick box sheet which can be used to gage a students’ knowledge or skill. In a self-defence course a discussion can be added to the end of the assessment for the student to self assess their feelings on being put under scrutiny allowing them to come to an understanding of their own emotions and reactions when put under pressure.Learners can gain opportunities to practice their Literacy and language skills via the handouts or slide presentations associated with the course or being involved in course discussions, presenting and listening to ideas, researching laws and visiting self protection websites. A section of the self-defence course will be the ability to explain what one saw verbally or on paper or accurately reading back information, handouts with purposeful mistakes or with lists of objects previously seen on a slide can be used to develop the skill of accurately seeing.Numeracy can be practiced when taking into account details such as times of events, amounts of people involved or distances with regards to accurately giving statements. ICT skills can be practiced when researching laws, viewing websites relevant to the subject or course, writing statements or using phones or camera’s to capture evidence. Motivating learners in an inclusive environment can be achieved by first nderstanding what it is that motivates those being taught, â€Å"motivation is either intrinsic (from within) meaning the student wants to learn for their own fulfilment, or extrinsic (from without), meaning there may be an external factor motivating the student. † Gravells (2012:40). Once established there are numerous ways to engage and motivate, some examples are: †¢ Creating a relevant learning experience which can be achieved by allowing the students to use their own experiences to form the basis for a lesson (in self-defence this can be achieved by having individuals put forward scenarios to discuss or work through). Keeping the class momentum up by being aware of student attention spans and the need to alter teaching methods if those used are not effective with the current students. †¢ Praise and encourage individual achievements by giving ongoing and constructive feedback through informal assessments or discussions. †¢ Ask open questions which create relevant discussions which will engage students. †¢ Have clear and defined targets so that students are clear as to their goals and what is required on the course. †¢ Use different teaching approaches. Keep the learning interesting and relevant to the course and the individuals attending. Within the learning environment it is necessary to establish ground rules early on, usually in the first lesson so that learners have a framework from which to work which will promote respect for others and set appropriate boundaries so that everyone will understand what is expected from them during the course/lesson. â€Å"If not set, problems may occur which could disrupt the session and lead to misunderstandings or behaviour problems. Gravells (2012:91). Ground rules which are set to promote respect for others must take into account those things which some may regard as innocent but may have a negative effect on other classmates. Often a discussion at the beginning of the course can be used to involve students in the setting of ground rules, some examples are: †¢ Smoking: a no smoking policy can be agreed (smoking indoors is banned although some locations can be exempt), although it would be pru dent and fair to have agreed smoking breaks for those that need them. Offensive language or behaviour: agreeing amongst the group the boundaries set with regards to the use of inappropriate jokes, stereotyping etc. This can be incorporated into a self-defence class with a discussion on how the seemingly innocent actions of an individual may seem offensive to another and cause conflict due to differences in perception. †¢ Respecting others views: Respecting that everyone’s voice has the right to be heard and every opinion is valid, this can be achieved by understanding that it is inappropriate to interrupt or speak over a classmate. Being punctual: It can be put forward that having to wait for an individual disrupts the class flow and can show a lack of regard for those that are punctual and ready to learn. †¢ Turning off mobile phones: again this can be viewed as a disruption and off-putting for those that have the come to and have the right to learn. †¢ The in structor: is integral in the attitude towards others within the lesson, being punctual, professional, respectful and polite from the outset will set the mood of the class and the standard by which others will act.Constructive feedback is an important part of the communication process and can be used to reinforce positive behaviour and alter negative behaviour. Effectively delivered feedback can boost self-esteem and encourage progression. Some ways to give constructive feedback are: †¢ Informal: speaking to an individual or a group during or after an observation or task, allowing for a two-way discussion to clarify any points and focus on positive development. †¢ Formal: written feedback or discussion, again this should also be a two way process where the individual has the opportunity to discuss the feedback.This could be done in two parts, the written feedback and then an individual meeting to discuss the positive steps available for further development. †¢ Specific : Feedback will need to include facts which increase progress. When practicing a physical self-defence technique it can become necessary to alter a student’s movements to improve the technique, this feedback would also need to include the reason for the adjustment to help facilitate better understanding. Awareness: of a student’s reactions to feedback will allow for alterations so as not to offend and hinder progression. A tutors positive body language, tone and use of language can help make the feedback a positive experience. †¢ Praise sandwich: praising the things a student has done well will make them more receptive when listening to the things they need to improve on, following this up with another positive will create the praise sandwich. Research listing:Ann Gravells 2012 Preparing to teach in the lifelong learning sector: (5th edition) the new award. Hockings 2008 Teaching and learning research briefing, Learning and teaching for diversity and difference in higher education: http://www. tlrp. org/pub/documents/Hockings%20RB%2041%20FINAL. pdf Christine Hockings, April 2010 Inclusive learning and teaching in higher education: a synthesis of research, http://www. heacademy. ac. uk/resources/detail/evidencenet/Inclusive_learning_and_teaching_in_higher_education_synthesis

Judge Court Is Guilty Of Due Process Violations - 1674 Words

One drug court is unlike any other in the country. Judge Williams’s courts in Georgia’s Glynn and Camden Counties do not honor a major component of rule of law—due process. Due process is fair treatment through the judicial system. It includes, among a few other rights, the rights to receive an impartially fair trial and subsequent reasonable punishment, to grieve or complain against the charges and government official in charge, and to appeal. Judge Amanda William’s drug court is guilty of due process violations in each of the three mentioned major categories of due process. In order to stop the due process violations and bring drug courts around the US into compliance with the rule of law, the drug court system in the US must be†¦show more content†¦Already the charge was unreasonable because the charge was much more severe than the average charge for this type of crime and therefore violated the rule of law. After Dills chose drug court, p unishment actually became much worse than even two years in jail. According to West Huddleston, the head of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, most of the jail-time served by members in drug courts are 12 to 24 hours long at a time. However, Dills in her first three years of drug court already had jail stays of 51, 90, and 104 days. After these extended stays, she was then put into solitary confinement for what Judge Williams called â€Å"an indefinite period of time† (Very Tough Love). No other drug court in the country uses indefinite jail times as punishment. Judge Williams is not impartial in these sentences. According to Ira Glass, a investigative journalist and host for the public radio show, This American Life, members of the drug court told him that Judge Williams would declare things like, â€Å"They re going to sit their ass over there till they get a better attitude† or â€Å"Take them away. You ll come back when I m ready for youâ €  (Very Tough Love). Clearly, Judge Williams’s drug court fails to honor due process because the court is not impartial and jail