Thucydides and Homer: Cultures Essay -- Cultural Greece Thucydides Hom

Thucydides and Homer: Cultures Thucydides and Homer, though they lived a relatively short 300 years apart, wrote about very different Greek cultures. While the Greeks who Homer wrote about in The Iliad were, in many respects, dissimilar to the Greeks in Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War, this stands in marked contrast to the profound similarities that exist between contemporary cultures and those that Thucydides wrote of. There are, however, similarities between modern cultures and those in Homer’s writing, as well as differences between modern ones and those in Thucydides’ writing. Thucydides’ history is, therefore, a relational bridge between the cultures of ancient Greece and modern ones. One of the most recognizable differences in the cultures written of by Thucydides and Homer is what people are respected for. In the world of The Iliad, aretà © determines an individual’s merit, and it is largely determined by physical triumphs over opponents. The importance of victory to these people’s honor is indicated in Hector’s defeat of Patroclus. â€Å"Hector†¦ seeing [Patroclus] trying to stagger free,†¦ came rushing into him right across the lines and rammed his spearshaft home, stabbing deep in the bowels†¦ Down he crashed—horror gripped the Achaean armies.† (Homer, 439) Patroclus’ fall not only represented Hector’s superior might, but the publicity of aretà ©; for every Achaean soldier became demoralized by the death of Patroclus. Whereas in the aforementioned culture a person’s status was public and largely based on strength, Thucydides wrote about a culture that valued beauty through the intellect and art forms. When Corcyra and Corinth are poised to go to war with each other... ... Peloponnesian War is neither romantic nor poetic; rather, it is an (relatively) objective account of what he considered to be the most devastating war. Based on his observations, Thucydides used logic to infer things about human behavior and historical events. It could well have been this abandonment of romanticism that allowed Thucydides to so accurately explain history in terms of human nature, which is based very much on the human condition. If this is the case, then it is certainly not surprising that Thucydides describes many familiar ideas and is able to relate values and principles from cultures older than his own to modern ones. Works Cited 1. Thucydides. History of the Peloponnesian War. Trans. Rex Warner. New York: Penguin Books, 1954. 2. Homer. The Iliad. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Books, 1990.

Complex and Dynamic Business World

â€Å"The business world has become more complex and more dynamic. Planning tools are designed for stable environments. Therefore, planning should be abandoned. Please, comment on this statement. † 1035 Words 2 I. Introduction In today’s increasingly dynamic and complex business world, it is important to decide whether to use and trust in planning tools or if one should abandon them because they are made for more stable environments. This essay will give an overview of the planning tools and techniques that exist for assessing the environment. It will discuss the use of planning tools in a complex and dynamic business world.The statement that planning should be abandoned in a complex and dynamic business world will be discussed in the following. II. Main Body â€Å"A plan describes the chosen solution to a problem and lists what has to be done to achieve the goal† (Landau, 2012). We can categorize planning into three parts. During the first part goals have to be defined. In the second part the corresponding strategies have to be established. The third part focuses on finalising the plans. â€Å"Managers use planning tools and techniques to help their organizations be more efficient and effective. (Robbins & Coulter, 2009) In a volatile and dynamic environment managers should not rely on planning. They should use planning as an indicator of what could potentially happen in the future and consequently try to restructure their organization in order to cope with market uncertainty. To do so, the managerial establishment has developed several techniques. One technique to assess the business environment is environmental scanning, which fundamentally consists of competitor intelligence and global scanning. Environmental scanning helps to foresee and decode changes in the environment via screening a lot of information.By applying this technique organizations are more likely to predict issues and concerns that could affect their current or planned activities right. Research results show that organizations that use this technique have a higher performance (according to Robbins & Coulter, 2011, pp. 276f. ). One part of the environmental scanning is competitor intelligence. In this process organizations gather information concerning their competitors. The information will be compiled by asking questions about their competitors such as â€Å"Who are they? †, â€Å"What are they doing? and â€Å"How will what they are doing affect us? †. 3 â€Å"Competitor intelligence experts suggest that 80 percent of what managers need to know about competitors can be found out from their own employees, suppliers, and customers. † (Robbins & Coulter, 2011, p. 277) Although this statistic indicates that collecting competitor intelligence can be achieved through the utilization of an organisation’s extended network, competitor intelligence can be seen as a problematic subject as it often features a fine line between e thical and unethical.Another part of environmental scanning is global scanning, which is important for organizations with global activities. In a complex and dynamic environment managers broaden their view to gather global information. â€Å"For instance, they can subscribe to information clipping services that review world newspapers and business periodicals and provide summaries of desired information (Robbins & Coulter, 2011, p. 277). One can say that this technique is very suitable for an unstable and dynamic environment, because it helps to foresee the environment and consequentially helps to realign, if necessary, the organizational goals and plans.On the other hand, gathered information can be interpreted wrongly, which can trigger a chain-reaction from wrong forcasting to wrong goals and plans. A second technique to evaluate the environment is forecasting. Forecasting is a prediction of outcomes, which will help to identify events that will happen in the future. The common consent about this method is that is effective and time efficient. The ultimate goal of forecasting is to facilitate decision making through gathering information. There are two different forecasting techniques.One is quantitative forecasting, which is preferred when sufficient and hard data is given. It is based on historical data and tries to predict outcomes. The other one is qualitative forecasting, which uses personal judgment and knowledge to predict outcomes. This technique is used when hard data is limited or hard to gather. â€Å"First, it’s important to understand that forecasting techniques are most accurate when the environment is not rapidly changing. The more dynamic the environment, the more likely managers are to forecast ineffectively. † (Robbins & Coulter, 2011, p. 79) 4 However, forecasting lacks the ability to effectively predict events like recessions or the actions of competitors. That leads to the assumption that organizations shouldn’t re ly on a single forecasting method, but should use several models to be on the safer side. But the challenge for managers is to interpret and then implement the information into the planning decisions. Finally organizations must remember that forecasting, as a marginal skill, can be trained and improved. A third technique to assess the environment is benchmarking.Benchmarking is a tool to improve an organizations performance by adapting outstanding practices from the top organizations within the environment. Studies verify the statement, â€Å"that users have achieved 69 percent faster growth and 45 percent greater productivity† (Robbins & Coulter, 2011, p. 279) when using benchmarking. Benchmarking can be seen as a four step approach. It starts with the forming of a benchmarking planning team. The second step continues with the gathering of information and external data. Thirdly, when all data is gathered the analysis to identify performance gaps takes place.The last step is the preparing and implementing of an action plan. (Based on Y. K. Shetty, â€Å"Aiming high: Competitive Benchmarking for Superior Performance,† Long Range Planning, February 1993, p. 42) Managers use benchmarking as a tool to approach the leading position of their competitors without overtaking them. And if all organizations work inefficiently it won’t be revealed. So this technique should not be followed in a dynamic environment, because it increases the likelihood that a manager will ‘copy’ the mistakes others make.So one can say â€Å"Plans serve as a road map, although the destination may change due to dynamic market conditions† (Robbins & Coulter, 2009, p. 170). III. Conclusion To sum up, one can say that planning is very helpful and necessary but it can be misleading. No matter how many planning tools managers use, they can only plan effectively if they understand how planning in dynamic environment works. They have to keep in mind that plann ing should only be used as an indicator of what could potentially happen in the future.I believe that planning should not be abandoned, but improved. 5 IV. References Robbins & Coulter, S. P. R. & M. C. , (2009). ‘Planning'. In: Pearson International Edition (ed), Management. 10th ed. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.. pp. (133-174). Robbins & Coulter, S. P. R. & M. C. , (2011). ‘Planning'. In: Pearson Global Edition (ed), Management. 11th ed. : Pearson Education, Inc.. pp. (204-276). Prof. Dr. Christian Landau, Principles of Management, 24. Sep. 2012 (Session 2), EBS Universitat fur Wirtschaft und Recht, Oestrich-Winkel Complex and Dynamic Business World â€Å"The business world has become more complex and more dynamic. Planning tools are designed for stable environments. Therefore, planning should be abandoned. Please, comment on this statement. † 1035 Words 2 I. Introduction In today’s increasingly dynamic and complex business world, it is important to decide whether to use and trust in planning tools or if one should abandon them because they are made for more stable environments. This essay will give an overview of the planning tools and techniques that exist for assessing the environment. It will discuss the use of planning tools in a complex and dynamic business world.The statement that planning should be abandoned in a complex and dynamic business world will be discussed in the following. II. Main Body â€Å"A plan describes the chosen solution to a problem and lists what has to be done to achieve the goal† (Landau, 2012). We can categorize planning into three parts. During the first part goals have to be defined. In the second part the corresponding strategies have to be established. The third part focuses on finalising the plans. â€Å"Managers use planning tools and techniques to help their organizations be more efficient and effective. (Robbins & Coulter, 2009) In a volatile and dynamic environment managers should not rely on planning. They should use planning as an indicator of what could potentially happen in the future and consequently try to restructure their organization in order to cope with market uncertainty. To do so, the managerial establishment has developed several techniques. One technique to assess the business environment is environmental scanning, which fundamentally consists of competitor intelligence and global scanning. Environmental scanning helps to foresee and decode changes in the environment via screening a lot of information.By applying this technique organizations are more likely to predict issues and concerns that could affect their current or planned activities right. Research results show that organizations that use this technique have a higher performance (according to Robbins & Coulter, 2011, pp. 276f. ). One part of the environmental scanning is competitor intelligence. In this process organizations gather information concerning their competitors. The information will be compiled by asking questions about their competitors such as â€Å"Who are they? †, â€Å"What are they doing? and â€Å"How will what they are doing affect us? †. 3 â€Å"Competitor intelligence experts suggest that 80 percent of what managers need to know about competitors can be found out from their own employees, suppliers, and customers. † (Robbins & Coulter, 2011, p. 277) Although this statistic indicates that collecting competitor intelligence can be achieved through the utilization of an organisation’s extended network, competitor intelligence can be seen as a problematic subject as it often features a fine line between e thical and unethical.Another part of environmental scanning is global scanning, which is important for organizations with global activities. In a complex and dynamic environment managers broaden their view to gather global information. â€Å"For instance, they can subscribe to information clipping services that review world newspapers and business periodicals and provide summaries of desired information (Robbins & Coulter, 2011, p. 277). One can say that this technique is very suitable for an unstable and dynamic environment, because it helps to foresee the environment and consequentially helps to realign, if necessary, the organizational goals and plans.On the other hand, gathered information can be interpreted wrongly, which can trigger a chain-reaction from wrong forcasting to wrong goals and plans. A second technique to evaluate the environment is forecasting. Forecasting is a prediction of outcomes, which will help to identify events that will happen in the future. The common consent about this method is that is effective and time efficient. The ultimate goal of forecasting is to facilitate decision making through gathering information. There are two different forecasting techniques.One is quantitative forecasting, which is preferred when sufficient and hard data is given. It is based on historical data and tries to predict outcomes. The other one is qualitative forecasting, which uses personal judgment and knowledge to predict outcomes. This technique is used when hard data is limited or hard to gather. â€Å"First, it’s important to understand that forecasting techniques are most accurate when the environment is not rapidly changing. The more dynamic the environment, the more likely managers are to forecast ineffectively. † (Robbins & Coulter, 2011, p. 79) 4 However, forecasting lacks the ability to effectively predict events like recessions or the actions of competitors. That leads to the assumption that organizations shouldn’t re ly on a single forecasting method, but should use several models to be on the safer side. But the challenge for managers is to interpret and then implement the information into the planning decisions. Finally organizations must remember that forecasting, as a marginal skill, can be trained and improved. A third technique to assess the environment is benchmarking.Benchmarking is a tool to improve an organizations performance by adapting outstanding practices from the top organizations within the environment. Studies verify the statement, â€Å"that users have achieved 69 percent faster growth and 45 percent greater productivity† (Robbins & Coulter, 2011, p. 279) when using benchmarking. Benchmarking can be seen as a four step approach. It starts with the forming of a benchmarking planning team. The second step continues with the gathering of information and external data. Thirdly, when all data is gathered the analysis to identify performance gaps takes place.The last step is the preparing and implementing of an action plan. (Based on Y. K. Shetty, â€Å"Aiming high: Competitive Benchmarking for Superior Performance,† Long Range Planning, February 1993, p. 42) Managers use benchmarking as a tool to approach the leading position of their competitors without overtaking them. And if all organizations work inefficiently it won’t be revealed. So this technique should not be followed in a dynamic environment, because it increases the likelihood that a manager will ‘copy’ the mistakes others make.So one can say â€Å"Plans serve as a road map, although the destination may change due to dynamic market conditions† (Robbins & Coulter, 2009, p. 170). III. Conclusion To sum up, one can say that planning is very helpful and necessary but it can be misleading. No matter how many planning tools managers use, they can only plan effectively if they understand how planning in dynamic environment works. They have to keep in mind that plann ing should only be used as an indicator of what could potentially happen in the future.I believe that planning should not be abandoned, but improved. 5 IV. References Robbins & Coulter, S. P. R. & M. C. , (2009). ‘Planning'. In: Pearson International Edition (ed), Management. 10th ed. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.. pp. (133-174). Robbins & Coulter, S. P. R. & M. C. , (2011). ‘Planning'. In: Pearson Global Edition (ed), Management. 11th ed. : Pearson Education, Inc.. pp. (204-276). Prof. Dr. Christian Landau, Principles of Management, 24. Sep. 2012 (Session 2), EBS Universitat fur Wirtschaft und Recht, Oestrich-Winkel

American History Ideas to Start With

American History: Ideas to Start With The history of the United States of America, though considerably shorter than that of any other nation that exists now, still presents a wide range of topics, themes, subjects and points of view to look upon, so there is no shortage for the ideas for anybody who is willing to write a research paper that will be both interesting to create and exciting to read or listen to. Though unmistakably European at its root, the USA came through an utterly different way of development, than any other European country. Instead of hundreds of years of petty internecine wars and major external conflicts, rivalry between the aristocracy for the favors of monarchs, the USA have been formed at a precise moment and have never changed considerably since then. Instead of being formed with a specific nation being the leading one, the USA have always welcomed the immigrants from other parts of the world in its melting pot, taking whatever came from outside and producing Americans as a result. From the very start the American way of life was different from anything that existed prior to it, for it is the only country in the world that has managed to develop from a frontier society and retained its many features for generations after the situation changed. The American attitude towards wealth, which is considered as something to be earned, rather than inherited, is completely different from the beliefs that existed in other parts of the world. According to Ayn Rand, the Americans are the only nation in the world that coined the expression â€Å"to make money†. As you may see, there are a lot of points that can be driven, using the historical development of the USA. Each of them is very suitable for the further elaboration.

The Decline Of The Nuclear Family - 932 Words

Assignment 5: The Decline of the Nuclear Family In college classes, the traditional nuclear family is defined as a family consisting of one or both parents and their dependent children in a single family unit without any extended relatives (Kendall, 2013). Some sociological perspectives suggest that any departure from what is known as the â€Å"traditional,† or nuclear, family indicates a social problem, while others maintain that the definition of family has simply evolved beyond the nuclear family. Some even suggest that the social constructs of marriage and the traditional nuclear family actually undermine the notion of community ties by discouraging any kind of extended family inclusion (Gerstel, 2011). According to Kendall, the concept of the traditional family is rooted in kinship, which encompasses anyone with ancestral or legal ties to the individual (2013). Interestingly, this definition of the traditional family also includes extended family who live both in and out of the home. However, the concept of the nuclear family does not include this extended family. Prior to industrialization, families relied on this family for survival in many ways. Extended family members have reduced familial strain by assisting with harvesting, child care, and other items essential to survival. While industrialization reduced the need for reliance on extended family members in some nations, others continue to rely and thrive on a bigger support system (Kendall, 2013). With risingShow MoreRelatedThe Decline Of The Nuclear Family1084 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"The Decline of the Nuclear Family† In 1970, 40% of couples were married with children. 2013 marked a new low as only 19% of household were married with children. A nuclear family is usually described as a heterosexual marriage with the average of 2.5 children, became synonymous with the American dream philosophy in the mid-1940s. The nuclear family standard is rapidly on the decline in the United States. These declining number have a range of causes. The causes of the decline of the nuclear familyRead MoreExamining the View that the Traditional Nuclear Family is in Decline1344 Words   |  6 Pagesthe View that the Traditional Nuclear Family is in Decline When evaluating the view that the traditional nuclear family (of two opposite sex married parents living in a household that contains only them and their own dependant children), is in decline, I will be taking various pieces of research and evidence from Sociologists, Journalists and other sources, into consideration in order to try to determine how true this view is. The nuclear family would appear to be foundRead MoreThe Decline Of The Family941 Words   |  4 PagesThe Declining Family Throughout human history individuals around the world, of various ethnic, racial, cultural backgrounds have linked together to form what people call today families. A lot of questions come to mind when contemplating the complex relationship people have. Since families have a direct bearing on society now and on future generations it is essential to take seriously what is happening to the family. Is the American family in decline, and if so what should be done about it? â€Å"TraditionallyRead MoreEssay about sociology and the family1732 Words   |  7 Pagesvariety of family and household types. You will be required to reference your work throughout and produce a correct and current bibliography to demonstrate that you have used different sources to obtain your information. 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LebanonRead MoreHow The Family Is Problematic From The Historical Perspective1606 Words   |  7 PagesExplain and discuss why the definition of the family is problematic from the historical perspective. The family form I am going to be defining is the nuclear and with reference to the historical perspective I will attempt to explain why this definition is problematic. Within this discussion I will also explore whether the nuclear family is a natural family form or whether it is a socially constructed one. According to Munice et al (1995; 10) the nuclear family is a â€Å"small unit produced from the conjugalRead MoreThe Nuclear Family Essay1347 Words   |  6 Pages The Diminishing Nuclear Family Hadar Mustafa Jun29, 2015 Introduction More often than not, stable and functional families serve as a prerequisite to a good society. Hence, the society’s support system for families must be flexible because needs and goals of families vary over time (Loveless, 2007). However, nuclear families face many challenges because parenting, child-rearing, and other economic responsibilities had to be done by two adults only (Bowden Smith, 2010). In thisRead MoreAssess sociological explanations of the nature and extent of family diversity today850 Words   |  4 Pagesexplanations of the nature and extent of family diversity today. (24 marks) In todays society, there are various alternatives from the typical family type. The top examples of these are lone-parent, cohabitation and reconstituted. But there are also some others such as same sex couples, single parent and multi-cultural families. There has been a decrease in the number of nuclear families in the UK and an increase in various other families such as single parent families. But the raise in single parentRead MoreSociology - Part Of Childbearing Essay1637 Words   |  7 Pagesthis kind of relationship is that there is less stigma related to sex outside of marriage nowadays than what there was in 1989 where only 44% of people agreed that premarital sex is not wrong at all and so because of this decline in stigma and secularisation, which is the decline of religious influence, more cohabiting couples will be having sex outside of marriage and therefore producing children. As well as this, there has been a feminisation of the workforce and due to this happening wom en mayRead MoreMarried with Children: The Evolution of the Nuclear Family1396 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"binuclear family† once said, â€Å"Pessimists say that the family is eroding. Optimists say the family is diversifying. Both points of view are right. Families are more diverse and they are more in trouble-but not because of their diversity. The families of today-whatever their size or shape-are in crisis because our economy is failing, our national resources are shrinking, and our governmental policies to support them are inadequate.† This quote gives a perspective of several reasons for the decline of the

Challenges Do First Year Students Face at University

Education is the most important aspect of learning for every generation established in every mode. In university there are different field of studies with different years of each program. It is obvious that new students are going to face further challenges in university. In this case, these challenges could be the burden which can pull them out of the school without completing their studies. This essay will discuss these challenges in condition of financial, social, and academic. To begin with, financial problems are a major challenge for university students includes tuition fee, rent expenses, and text books. Tuition fee is the most common challenge for these students. Though, for some they only take one or two units per semester because†¦show more content†¦Firstly, Culture shock is always happened for new students where they left their familiar culture and live in a new environment. In this case, they confused about new things surrounded them. It can take their time to study this new culture and try to accept it but takes some times. It also challenges them to familiarize with university life and lifestyle. Hence, culture shock makes them fear and challenge them to learn to accept this. Secondly is on social problem which concerned on youth life which best described as peer pressure. Peer pressure is a challenge faced by these students. No timetable resulted in mucking around with friends in town and not doing assignment and private study. But in this case, it is the burden because you are leaving your works for social functions and cannot miss the fun. Otherwise adopting others behavior can be also a challenge because unlike before they did not drink alcohol and smoke but now they adopt new life which affects their studies. So, it twitches them down and makes them disturbed throughout their studies. Finally, first-year students are also challenged by means of relationship. Relationship has two parts here includes the married student and the single student. The problem for married students is that they are isolated with their love ones and causes home-sickness at all times. Additionally, single students are also challenged by leaving their parents which also causes home-sickness. But the most importantShow MoreRelatedChallenges Do First Year Students Face at University982 Words   |  4 Pagesestablished in every mode. In university there are different field of studies with different years of each program. It is obvious that new students are going to face further challenges in university. In this case, these challenges could be the burden which can pull them out of the school without completing their studies. This essay will discuss these challenges in condition of financial, social, and academic. 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A Study in Changing Policy and Education Free Essays

This paper is traveling to discourse the early old ages policy within instruction today. It acknowledges the new authorities that has come in topographic point believe the Foundation Stage model is no longer the statutory demand to be used in schools today ( DfE, 2010 ) . However, some of the cardinal arguments in the policy and the quandary practicians have faced. We will write a custom essay sample on A Study in Changing Policy and Education or any similar topic only for you Order Now The principle for to analyze the early old ages policy relates to the purpose of the policy. Throughout the old ages at that place have been many alterations within the early old ages policy although there are still some facets which remain the same. Boyle and Bragg ( 2006 ) argue that many facets of old policies such as a ‘target driven curricular theoretical account ‘ remain present today although some of them are ‘grotesquely inappropriate ‘ today ( Moss, 2003 ) . Palaiologou ( 2010 ) research suggested the demand for raising farther policy and course of study development within early old ages. However, alterations in early old ages proviso began as a manner to cut down poorness and to assist kids to hold better chances in life. The conservative authorities aimed to supply a better start in life for disadvantaged kids, utilizing instruction as a tool. The authorities gave instruction as a manner of assisting kids break the ‘cycle of want ‘ ( Ba ldock et al. , 2009 ) . However, Cohen et Al. ( 2004 ) found there was a split duty between public assistance and instruction in early old ages services. Therefore, it can be criticised that there would a large different between the quality of proviso. As a consequence, this split effected support, the construction of proviso and different degrees of work force ( Cohen et al. 2004 ) . Then Labours ( 1997 ) motto of ‘Education, Education, Education ‘ brought upon the foundation phase model. There will be treatments on past early old ages policies every bit good as the principle for following the foundation phase model and it affects on instruction. Subsequently there will be a critical integrating of the policy, which may conflict with other policies. Play-based acquisition is an issue this paper wishes to analyze. A cardinal constitution of the foundation phase refers to the importance of play-based acquisition. There contrasting positions related to this portion of the policy who believe drama based acquisition to be ‘ absurd ‘ ( Hofkins, 2008 ) . There will besides be a critical treatment related to some cardinal contractions the policy nowadayss. There are inquiries raised based on some of the cardinal subjects and rules. For illustration, a cardinal purpose of the foundation phase is puting the criterions for all kids can be criticised as an issue related to the criterions docket ( Alexander, 2010 ) . The purposes to do certain all kids are doing advancement so improve attainment. There is farther treatment of other equivocal facets of the policy. There will besides be treatments related to international positi ons of early old ages policy compared to the foundation phase. For illustration, the Reggio Emilia attack take a socio cultural position on instruction ( Bennet, 2001 ) , which take a more child-centred attack to acquisition ( Soler and Miller, 2003 ) . Therefore, this paper aims to detect the true value and effects of the foundation phase has on all kids. However, the undermentioned subdivision will first analyze the principle for the policy. Changing times: Early old ages The authorities was determined to implement alterations. The socio-constructive attack to acquisition has helped authorities draws attending to understand how pupils engage within the course of study puting. Solar and Miller province: ‘this gave addition concerns with how kids interact within the scene and how kids speak and interact with other students, artifacts, and the instructor ‘ ( 2003:59 ) . The foundations for early old ages should be on understanding the rational, emotional, societal, and physical demands of kids ( Woodhead, 2000 ) . Research has shown the positive effects of ‘high quality proviso ‘ on kids ‘s development in all countries mention above ( Sammons et al. , 2002, Sylva et al. , 2004 ) and besides make fix them for formal schooling. However, local governments believed they could non use these in pattern. Hargreaves and Hopper ( 2006 ) support this claim and believe it gave a ‘low position ‘ perceptual experience of earl y old ages instructors ( p.1 ) . However, kids bring their experiences into their scene and the early acquisition ends account for this assortment. This implies that steps of student larning through proving will non expose the quality of experiences kids have in the early old ages. However, it can be criticised that the authorities have made premises about where the degrees begin and end for all kids. It is concurred by Miller et Al ( 2003 ) that argue the authorities assume it is clear what exact accomplishments and cognition can be learnt in the scene. Those people who do non work with kids ‘s experiences alongside the procedure of instructor have framed the counsel for early old ages. These policy shapers are more concerned about what instruction is for instead than what the experience of instruction might affect ( Miller et al. , 2003 ) . The shapers of the foundation phase have attempted to look at the holistic kids through Every Child Matters ( ECM ) ( Palaiologou, 2010 ) . However, they lack the apprehension of the importance of kids ‘s experiences due to their ain deficiency of experience in the schoolroom ( Maybin and Woodhead, 2003 ) . This suggests practicians every bit good as instruction philosophers should make the preparation of the instruction policy. Alternatively, practicians with high quality experience would be better organizing policies because they are able to understand that acquisition should be based on student experiences, background, and demands ( Solar, 2003 ) . Harmonizing to these policy shapers attainment and accomplishing good academic results seems to be the cardinal importance of instruction. In the foundation phase, the early acquisition ends help kids to achieve a clear set of results ( DfES, 2008 ) . It is argued that the ends provide a shelters base for good accomplishment. Staggs ( 2000 ) believes these ends give kids an first-class start to future acquisition and fix the kids with the ideal ‘knowledge, accomplishments, and apprehensions ‘ ( Solar and Miller, 2003, p. 5 ) which will be needed for better employment as they grow into maturity. However, in contrast, opposing trusters view this perceptual experience as an sole environment because the early acquisition ends aim to concentrate on the importance of economic well-being instead than kids ‘s larning experience ( Kelly, 1994 ) . Anning and Edwards ( 1999 ) besides strongly knock this attack to be about the well-being of the economic system and fight. Theref ore, it can be argued that it is non an inclusive course of study because it fails to admit that non all kids will be capable of employment. For illustration, some kids with terrible particular educational demand ( SEN ) will non be capable of employment ; hence, the policy fails to provide for the demands of all kids ( Staggs, 2000 ) . It maintains the impression to force the kids who are able to be successful and reach attainment marks instead than concentrate on the importance of kids as persons ( Potter, 2007 ) . To reason, this subdivision of the paper has acknowledged the cardinal purpose for the policy is to drive economic well-being. Despite the impression of the holistic kid, the purpose for the authorities is to drive these kids to accomplish the best possible results. It suggests the policy tends to belie itself because it fails to admit kids with SEN. Therefore, it is questionable to inquire is at that place a important difference in the foundation phase compared to old policies. Therefore, the undermentioned subdivision of this paper will analyze the quality of proviso to old old ages. In add-on, examine the different reading of a high quality proviso within the policy. High quality proviso The foundation phase underscore the importance of high quality proviso, which can better cognitive, linguistic communication and societal development ( DfES, 2008 ) . Labour ( 1997 ) felt the foundation phase would assist disfavor kids through high quality proviso. It would let giving these kids a good start in instruction and perchance extinguishing the ‘cycle of want ‘ ( Baldock et al. , 2009 ) . However, before analyzing the effects of high quality proviso the word ‘quality ‘ demands to crucially incorporate. High quality proviso related to many facets. The importance of practician ‘s degree of making and pedagogical accomplishments is the cardinal portion of high quality proviso. Sylva and Pugh ( 2005 ) strongly agree that instructors and staff that are good qualified can do the proviso more valuable for kids. Practitioners are able to understand the importance of a schoolroom puting that will provide for all kids ‘s demands, through print rich environment ( DfES, 2008 ) . However, it is questionable how Ofsted would believe high quality proviso to be outstanding. Practitioners have to follow the reading of high quality proviso harmonizing to Ofsted which is authorities based, despite holding contrasting position. Merely a few developments of intercession have shown betterments in cognitive development. Research has revealed that kids societal accomplishments ( National Audit Office, 2004 ) . It suggest that kids and improved in the quality of larning and less outlooks of kids traveling through intercession programmes. Again, it is debateable that the importance of high quality proviso to take kids from neglecting in schools and better their development for better readying for the grownup universe of economic well-being ( Sammons et al. , 2002 ) . Although research has pointed out that high quality of proviso has increased success in employment ( National Audit Office, 2004 ) . Phillips et Al. ( 2001 ) found that higher q uality proviso led to kids higher degree of equal drama and higher degrees of self-awareness and competency. There is grounds to propose that there are benefits of high quality pre-school educational proviso to a scope of different results ( Sylva et al. , 2003a, 2003b ) . Melhuish ( 2004 ) states that high quality child care can bring forth benefits for cognitive, linguistic communication and societal development. Again, this paper has discovered the concluding behind high quality of proviso is once more related back to the importance of good attainment and advancement for the benefit of economic well-being. It is get downing to go clear that the purpose of the foundation phase is non concentrating on the importance of kids but to fix them for the hereafter of wining. The undermentioned subdivision will critically incorporate some mojor cardinal facets within the policy. Play-based acquisition This paper will research drama based acquisition and its importance in immature kids ‘s acquisition. Play performs an of import map in immature kids ‘s lives and enables them to experiment in a safe environment ( Broadhead, 2004 ) . It allows kids to research and develop their cognition, apprehension, and accomplishments. Learning through child-initiated activities is cardinal to any early old ages puting. Structured and unstructured drama Sessionss develop societal and physical accomplishments and careful mediated intercession, kids ‘s nature wonder can be enhanced and their apprehension of their universe challenged ( DfE 2008 ; Harrison and Howard, 2009 ; Siraj-Blatchford et al. , 2004 ) . Play has held a major function in early childhood development. The benefit of drama based acquisition has stimulate and involvement kids into acquisition ( Russell, 2010 ) . Symbolic actions and representations are believed to be the ways in which kids learn to do sense of their milieus and their ideas. Vygotsky states that ‘children work out practical undertakings with the aid of their address every bit good as their eyes and custodies ‘ . Claxton ( 2008 ) goes on to state that, play-based acquisition instils a desire to larn and leads to greater accomplishment throughout life. He supports this with grounds from European experiences leting for play-based larning up to age seven, beyond the age that most UK schools encourage it. However, there have been many critics of the impression of play-based acquisition as House ( 2008 ) states that ‘to Teach kids through drama ‘ compactly sums up all that ‘s incorrect with it ‘ . This suggests that instruction is about developing kids ‘s larning through didactic attacks. Critics believe that the thought of play-based acquisition allows kids to inquire aimlessly as practicians look after them. House ( 2010 ) goes on to state that this thought of play-based acquisition is ‘absurd ‘ . It is believed to represents an inappropriate thought of a school political orientation for kids ( Hofkins 2008 ) . The BERA-SIG reappraisal ( 2003 ) besides raised a figure of troubles with drama as a manner of larning. It may propose that the foundation phase will non be taken earnestly as a portion of instruction kids but instead looking after kids until they are ready for formal acquisition. Sutton-Smith ( 1997 ) argues that drama is progressive and can assist develop kids ‘s. However besides he besides believes that it is non the lone manner of acquisition of larning. This paper acknowledges contrasting positions of drama based larning but believes that elusive undertakings and activities can assist to supply kids with rich larning experience prior to that they have been embedded decently by practicians ( Bennett et al. , 1997 ) . The undermentioned sub-section will look at some of the cardinal contradiction in the policy. A alone kid? The foundation phase is intended to play a cardinal function in assisting kids achieve the five results enshrined within the overarching ECM model ( DfES, 2004 ) . However, it is argued to knock with the national course of study ( Cambridge reexamine 2009 ) . As reference earlier, the foundation phase aims to look at the holistic kids. In contrast, the state course of study is based on more topics based acquisition. Therefore, the contrasting policies make it hard for practicians. Policy shapers need to take into consideration the difference in policy. Critics can oppugn the ground for contrasting policies. It can be suggested that there should be one policy for all kids in primary. This paper believes there should be one policy that practicians should follow because the foundation phase does non see those kids who may be exceeded and besides the national course of study does non grok those kids who are accomplishing believe the national outlooks. This can be hard for practician who have non received efficient sum of preparation in within that policy. The National Union of Teachers ( NUT ) remarks on the deficiency of sufficient kid development within the EYFS papers: The papers should take to widen and enrich practicians ‘ cognition and apprehension of this, through explicit and elaborate counsel within the papers itself and besides by signposting practicians to where more information could be found, to supply the evidence-base and the underpinning rules for the EYFS ‘s design. ( NUT, 2006, p. 7 ) . Others have expressed concern at the continuance of an overly normative attack to what is to be offered to immature kids. The deficiency of elaborate counsel in the foundation phase makes it hard for practicians to understand what they need to make Locke et Al. ( 2002 ) particularly in linguistic communication and communicating. As most deprived kids enter the foundation phase with low degrees of linguistic communication. Therefore, the foundation phase is non able to assist practician to get the better of these barriers even thought the purpose of the policy is to assist take kids from deprived and disadvantaged backgrounds. It does non state the practician how to accomplish this. This paper believes there are some contradictions within the policy as it let the practician the purpose but fails to assist to accomplish the purpose sufficiently. It can besides be argued to be a sole course of study despite trying to be inclusive to those kids. The undermentioned subjugation will lookin g at the recommendation brand by Alexander ( 2010 ) in relation the foundation phase. Alexander Review Alexander ( 2010 ) argues the foundation phase period needs to re-considered. Presently the foundation phase is till the age of 5 old ages. However, Alexander argues that kids should remain within the foundation phase till the age of 6. An illustration of this type of policy is in Reggio Emilia schools where kids start formal schooling at the age of 6 old ages ( Miller et al. 2005 ) . Research has shown that the longer age in play-based scene has had a better impact on kids ‘s development Carr and May, 2000 ) . As the kids are able to travel off from the type of larning to formalised learning when they enter formal lessons they are able to hold on the construct much easier and better. Widening it to age six so it will give kids the best possible foundation for oracy, literacy, numeracy ( Cambridge Review, 2010 ) . Therefore, this recommendation is of import to see because there is research back uping the thought. Passage is a challenge in all schools ( Sylva and Pugh, 2005 ) . Therefore, if this recommendation is taken to consideration so it could assist to ease the force per unit area of passages and let kids to ease their manner into formal acquisition. This suggest that it will assist the kids to accomplish better once they are in that formal scene as they will be older and aware of what is expected from them. Tickell ( 2010 ) will describe the thought of widening the foundation phase for deprived biennial olds. Again, this suggests that it is all about undertaking those deprived kids in society. This manner those kids can accomplish better results for themselves and forestall them from underachievement because they are non able to acquire the support needed. However, issues with policy and the media have besides effected the perceptual experience of widening the foundation phase. As the media are able to pull strings study to provide for their demands and so impact the ideas of spectator ‘s perceptual experience of instruction. For illustration, the Cambridge reappraisal ( 2009 ) mentions the proposal of widening the foundation phase down to age two and up to age six. However, the media have portrayed this as the authorities of desiring to maintain kids off from instruction until age six. Therefore, is it questionable that the media are seeking to demo the foundation phase as a manner of kids being looked after instead than a manner of kids larning before formal acquisition. It is problematic that the media have a negative deceptive perceptual experience of the foundation phase and proposing portraying to households that the authorities are taking kids from instruction. However, they fail to understand the contrasting position that the foundation phase will assist those deprived kids from a immature age and aid to fix all kids from the passage to formal acquisition. This paper believes that the extension the foundation phase should be considered as seen in ascertained pattern, kids have found it hard to travel from a free low manner of larning to an hr of literacy and mathematics. Therefore, an extension will let the practician aid kids to see longer formal acquisition in that extension period. The concluding subdivision of this paper will discourse some international perceptive on early old ages instruction and compare it to the foundation phase in England. International positions Carr ( 2000 ) argues that the early childhood course of study can be conceived of as a cultural site affecting the building of societal world, which leads to the building of communicative interactions between instructors and pupils ( Smith, 1999, p. 6 ) . This model have been based on socio-constructivist theories. The Reggio Emilia attack does non utilize a policy framewotk. Alternatively it uses a kids centred attack to larning. This context enables the Reggio Emilia attack expression at the sociocultural positions of kids instead than the importance of effectual pegeagody and force per unit areas from a stiff course of study. The kids are seen to ease their ain acquisition and who are able to larn efficaciously they manner they wish to. However, there is tenseness towards this attack as there is excessively much accent given to the socio-constructivist model of larning. As opposing theoreticians argue that kids learn in set ways and grownups need to supply kids with enabling envir onments instead than puting kids to larn what they feel. However, the impression of the ‘spider web ‘ in the Te Whariki course of study is the key to understanding the linking of a child-centred acquisition which underpins this course of study ( Carr and May, 2000 ) . Early old ages pedagogues should accept the thought that larning is related to kids ‘s experience. As reference earlier kids use their experiences to develop further and retrieve what they have learnt antecedently. This implies that kids larning through proving are non able to derive and accomplish positive experience that will assist them in their acquisition. Therefore, the importance for high quality proviso and exciting and manus on environments allows kids to derive more memorable experience that they are able to take away with them to utilize in the hereafter. However, Bertram and Pascal ( 2002 ) believe there are issues in early old ages proviso in Hong Kong. They argue that there is an addition between the addition development western manner of acquisition and the traditional manner of larning. It is believed that instructors are ‘transmitters ‘ so that kids focus on a more didactiv manner of larning instead than concentrating on the child-centred attack ( P ascal, 2002 ) . In contrast, there are some schools which are get downing to take the socio constructive manner of larning to consideration in their schools. Kwon ( 2003 ) critics the early old ages proviso in Hang Kong to pattern in England. He argues that the importance of independency in early acquisition reflects the English values kids to single rights and freedom to make what they feel is appropriate to them. However, the political manner in Hang Kong differs to the political relations in England ; hence, there is bound to be tenseness between the contrasting ways of acquisition. However, despite the contrasting positions within these states, they all suggest a holistic position of acquisition. Decision The EPPE undertaking ( 2003 ) suggested that effectual pattern needed non merely pedagogical apprehension of early old ages larning but besides an appropriate environment of proviso. Bowman et Al ( 2000 ) argues the contractions of the policy and debating the state that the purpose of the policy towards economic factors, drama based acquisition or adult-child relationships fails to admit the importance of the function of the practician. Through the practicians, involved kids are able to derive high quality experiences. In add-on, although there are critics against the policy, it is of import to retrieve that it attempts to lend to the holistic attack of kids and non merely the topic based acquisition. Policy, societal and economic positions are the cardinal factors that can impact the outlooks of early old ages instruction. AS this paper has realized many facets of the policy is to take to add to future economic affairs and economic loads. Most significantly the purpose of the foundation phase is to fix kids for formal school and prevent hereafter attainment failure ( Heckman A ; Masterov, 2004 ; National Audit Office, 2004 ) . Therefore, this paper has discovered the purpose of the foundation phase is to take kids from that ‘cycle of want ‘ and assist disadvantaged kids ( Ball and Vincent, 2005, Sylva, 2000 ) . The statement is that the intent of foundation phase is to fix kids for another phase of instruction ( Moss and Petrie, 2002 ; Bertram and Pascal, 2002 ) . Therefore, this paper feels it still fails to provide for all kids as non all kids will travel off from the foundation phase. As there is such a strong perceptual experience that the foundation phase is to fix, it fails to admit kids with SEN that have nil to fix for. Children with SEN, may non be able to achievement the academic success as most kids. Therefore, it is arguable the foundation phase is sole to kids with terrible SEN and is providing for a norm society to better the economic system. It seems that the whole intent of the policy is to profit the economic system and train kids and bring forth ideal people who will suit into a society to be successful. However, with the current recession in society even the most academic and deeply successful grownups are at hazard from losing their occupations. It is hard to understand that the foundation phase will forestall economic devastation taking topographic point. How to cite A Study in Changing Policy and Education, Essay examples

What Is Popularity free essay sample

â€Å"What is popularity? How important is it to you? Should friendship be based on popularity? † George W. Bush once said, â€Å"One of my proudest moments is that I didn’t sell my soul for the sake of popularity. † I think he meant that you should not try to make yourself popular through doing things that you usually wouldn’t. popularity to me means having more people like you then dislike you, but either way, most people know who you are. I believe popularity is a misconstrued concept used by elites to exclude and discriminate against those of lesser status or those who are different from them. Popularity is not very important to me. I care how people view me and if they respect me and see me in society, but I do not care if my peers dislike me. As long as people respect me as an individual I will be satisfied. We will write a custom essay sample on What Is Popularity? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I care about my reputation and how people portray me, but if they don’t like me I wouldn’t try to force them to. Friendship should not be based on popularity because then it is more about status than actually liking the person. Friendships will last longer and be more meaningful if they aren’t based on popularity. Also, you can get a lot more out of the relationship if you really are indeed friends. Also, I think it is much healthier for your social life to be in a honest friendship where you are friends because you like each other or have common interests or hobbies. Furthermore, later in your life you will look back and you’ll be able to tell who were your true friends and who pretended to like you because of your status. Plus, when not based on true friendship people may be just trying to use you for their own personal gain or may just be taking advantage of you. When you have true friends you will continue to keep up with them throughout the remainder of your life and have a long sustained relationship. In conclusion, I think that popularity is having many people who are around you like you, and know about you and who you are, whether you are friends with them or not. I believe that popularity is not important and that you should not make it your priority to become popular at too much of an extent. And lastly, I do not feel that friendship should be based on popularity, because when it is then it is not really friendship, it is just two people pretending to like each other.