My Philosophy of Teaching :: Philosophy of Education

Philosophy of Education Have you ever sat down and thought about who your favorite teacher was during your primary and secondary school years? Did you enjoy their class because it was exciting, educational, and unique? When I decided to become a teacher I sat down and asked myself these very questions. After graduation it was very difficult for me to decide on how to further my life, college or entering the work force. After looking back on my life and trying to decide what has made the biggest influence on it, teaching has given me the greatest joy and pride. This is why I have decided to become an elementary teacher. Teachers are very special people placed on earth to aid in the education process of children. Teachers in today’s school system have their own style of teaching which can range from the basics of essentialism to the laid back approach of progressivism. I personally am not going to limit myself to one style of teaching. When I become a teacher I will have an eclectic vie w of different philosophies and teaching styles for my classroom. Educator William Bagley coined the philosophical word essentialism in the 1930’s. This term is the traditional, or back-to-basics, approach to education. This particular style of teaching is based on lecture, discussion and recitation of reading, writing, history, social studies, foreign languages and science. This method of teaching has been the dominant since early history and is the most recognized in classrooms today. I personally know that essentialism was the philosophy used by most of my high school teachers and college professors. In my classroom I would use certain aspects of the essentialism philosophy. With the aid of the essentialism philosophy I would instill consideration of others, respect for authority and practicality for life situations. On the flip side of the essentialism coin is behaviorism. B.F. Skinner popularized behaviorism in the United States. This method of teaching uses classical conditioning from the root work of Ivan Pavlov, critical thinking skills and programmed instruction. Most teachers in today’s society use the behaviorism philosophy because they believe that the material is taught more effectively when it is broken down into smaller sections in each class.

ADHD in Females Essay -- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

ADHD in Females Grace is a second grader. She sits quietly with her hand folded in front of her and watches tv. She sees Dumbo and thinks of the stuffed elephant on her bed. She remembers her brother winning it for her at a carnival, where she got to ride a pony and eat cotton candy. A few minutes pass, and Grace has no idea what is happening around her or on the cartoon. She is not worried, because there really isn't a time that her mind is not wandering. Grace is a well mannered little girl, but suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Like most girls with ADHD, she is not physically hyperactive like the common misconception of people with ADHD. She represents a quarter of the undiagnosed cases of ADHD in females (1). According to the site "What is ADHD..." to be diagnosed as ADHD, a person must fit at least six of the following hyperactive/ impulsive characteristic: often fidgets with hands or squirms in seat; often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected; often runs about or climbs excessively in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents and adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness); often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly; is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor" Ã ¡ often talks excessively; often blurts out answers before questions have been completed; Ã ¡ often has difficulty awaiting turn; often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games) Hyperactivity and impulsiveness are not both needed to be ADHD. An ADHD individual without hyperactivity is interchangably referred to as ADD, which most ADHD females are. Between 3 and 5% of sc... ...Sources 1)What is ADHD?: A General Overview, An extensive and informative site about living with and diagnosing ADHD. http://www.helpforadd.com/over.htm 2) ADDvances in Research on Women with ADD, An interview with Sari Solden, M.S. . http://www.add.org/content/interview/solden1.htm 3) Subtle Brain Circuit Abnormalities Confirmed In ADHD . http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/news/brain_ADHD.html 4) Health- Center.com Information center on various diseases. . http://www.healthguide.com/english/brain/adhd/default.htm 5)The Disability Named ADD A webstie sponsored by C.H.A.D.D. . http://www.chadd.org/fact1-a.htm 6) Feeling overwhelmed, disorganized, scattered? For women with ADD. . http://www.add.org/content/women/addvance.htm 7) Pet Scan of ADHD vs. non-ADHD brains . http://www.healthguide.com/english/brain/adhd/images/petscan2.jpg

College Case Essay

As I near the end of my senior year, I reflect on the events of my life that have molded me into the person I am today. In 2005 my parent’s divorced several weeks after their 13 year anniversary. Only 10 years old at the time, I understood that I had the responsibility to set the example as the eldest child of two younger brothers. Although this was a challenging time for my brothers, being so young and confused, the three of us overcame it together. For a year it was tough to grasp the thought of our parent’s divorce, but we managed to make the best of it from then on. I lived primarily with my mother because of the location and convenience of my school. My brothers lived with my father about 45 minutes away. In the beginning of my 8th grade year in 2008, my mother remarried to a man named Chance, who she had only known for two months. Living with her for 3 years prior, I continued to through her new marriage. My bed was now the living room couch, and privacy was no longer an option. My freshman year was great. I had amazing friends and my grades were exceptional. It was during my sophomore year that things slowly seemed to fall apart. My grades declined, school attendance was unsteady, and socially I drifted from friends and teachers. At times my classmates would wonder why I’d miss so much school or why I couldn’t seem to focus during class. â€Å"I’m just tired,† I always said. â€Å"Don’t worry about me.† On the night of February 12, 2011 I received a call from my mother while staying the weekend at my father’s home in south Kona. Her voice shaky, she stuttered to ask the question I dreaded for 3 years. â€Å"Did Chance ever hurt you?† I said no as she repeated the question once again. â€Å"No† I said. She asked again, except this time she asked, â€Å"Do you promise on your sister?† My sister died of turner syndrom e in 1999. â€Å"I can’t do that mom,† I said, anticipating the consequences of my confession. What happened after that phone call was heart breaking. My very own mother refused to believe what I had told her. She even had the audacity to tell my family there was no way her husband could have done such things and refused to divorce him. From that night forward I lived with my father permanently. Three months after the disclosure I met with a detective in Kona, whom would investigate my case closely. My junior year was beginning and school became an obvious challenge. I continued to stay out of contact with my mother and her husband Chance. I received the support of my family, as well as my school counselor, who became well aware of my situation. It was the end of my junior year now and my mother still did not believe me. August 13, 2012 was my trial date at the Kealakekua courthouse. To my surprise, my mother was in the waiting room. I was very nervous, but knew that sticking to the truth of my story was the right thing to do. My family waited as I entered the courthouse. My prosecuting attorney did her best to prepare me for this day, knowing the difficulty of the process. I did what I had to do, and my parents and nana watched wide eyed as I exited the room. They rushed to my attorney and I awaiting an answer, as she said â€Å"we did it, it’s a true bill.† I was overwhelmed with relief, as I looked to my crying mother. She hugged me, and said â€Å"I’m sorry† as we departed. I knew that wouldn’t be the end of it. There would be more upcoming court dates to settle the sentence during my senior year. For about 3 years a household member was silently abusing me, but I finally found the courage to say something. I found strength in sticking to the truth of my story and never letting disbelievers tell me there will be no justice. From that day forward I promised myself that I would continue to pick myself up, never soaking in self-pity, and achieving my goals. I look back on these events with gratitude, knowing that because of what has happened to me, I will be able to help young, victimized girls by reaching out with open arms and guiding them through their hardships. I am humbled by these experiences and know that I have a purpose in this world to provide support throughout the community. I strive to live life through these values, as my perspective on life has brought me to realize the utmost importance of doing what is right. Sexual, physical, verbal, and all other forms of abuse are unacceptable and inhumane; however there can be justice if one is willing to fight for it. I am Leila-Marie Wong, proof that through strength and perseverance all can be endured.

The Matrix

Buddhism: In-Class Essay Assignment Choose one (1) of the following seven (7) options and compose a 5 paragraph in-class essay of approximately 3-4 pages in length. Please double space and use both sides of the page. Option 1: Morpheus and the crew of the Nebuchadnezzar are often viewed as examples of Arhats and Bodhisattvas. Do you think this is an accurate portrayal? Explain your answer using three criteria. Option 2: Individual choices are highlighted throughout the movie and are an example of the Buddhist goal to eliminate ignorance.Choose three characters in the movie and discuss the choices that they were faced with and how these choices illustrate key Buddhist concepts. Option 3: Names are highlighted throughout the film and are used to further explain religious concepts as well as deepen the plot. Choose three names from the movie and explain the religious concepts that they are illustrating. Option 4: While The Matrix borrows heavily from Buddhist philosophy certain elements of the film seem out of place in that they directly contradict Buddhist ideas. Write an essay that highlights three of these elements and explain how they contradict the beliefs of Buddhism.Option 5: Throughout the movie, Neo/Mr. Thomas Anderson is often cast in a saviour role. Explain how Neo/Mr. Thomas Anderson is similar to and/or different from various saviour figures in the religions we have studied (i. e. Siddhartha Guatama, The Buddha, Jesus, Vishnu/Krishna etc. ). Option 6: Which branch of Buddhism (Mahayana, Theravada or Vajrayana) seems to have inspired this film? Explain your answer using three different arguments. Option 7: Create your own question. Write out the question in clear language and have it approved by your teacher before you begin answering. The Matrix Recently, we have discussed how we know. Hilary Putnam, American philosopher, developed a thought experiment which has become so popular that it is the basis of blockbuster film The Matrix. In short, the thought experiment calls one to imagine that your brain and the nerves connecting it to your senses has been severed or disconnected. The brain would actually no longer be in your body it would be placed a vat filled with nutritional fluid to keep your brain alive and functioning. The sensory inputs in your brains are now connected to the outputs of a giant super computer.A man sits at this computer and inputs data, and this data is processed in your brain as if it came from your senses. Consequently, your brain would only know the information which was entered and would not know it was really sitting in a laboratory somewhere. Many philosophers have dealt with the issue of perceiving and knowing reality including Plato and Descartes. A dialogue will now commence in order to compare and contrast The Matrix with the writings of these two well-known philosophers.Additionally, perception versus reality, and is ignorance really bliss will be mentioned as these issues came up in the movie and both writings. There are numerous similarities and differences between The Matrix and the writings of Plato and Descartes. First a brief description of each piece will be discussed and then the similarities and differences. In The Matrix the main character Neo, is a computer hacker who meets a group of rebels lead by Morpheus. The mission of this group is to get the world to realize the human race is lying unconscious in giant machines that are keeping their bodies alive.Just like the Putnam thought experiment, their brains are all connected to a super computer on which a simulation of the world is running. Humans are unconsciously living out virtual lives in this computer simulation and are not aware of anything but the simulation. After joining Morpheus’ group of disse nters Neo realizes not everyone can handle the truth and a member of the group, Cypher betrays his comrades so he can once again live in the computer simulation. In the Plato cave allegory piece, there is a dialogue taking place between Socrates and Plato’s brother Glaucon.Here, Socrates describes a scenario in which men are held captive as prisoners in a cave from childhood. The men have their legs and head fettered so that they can only look straight ahead at the cave wall. For their whole lives they have seen shadows on the wall, objects passing by and all they could do is guess what the objects were. Then, Socrates asks Glaucon to imagine that one of these men was released. Ultimately, they deduce that the freed man would pity the other prisoners because he was able to experience things as they actually were and did not have to imagine what everything was.The reality was far more precious than his imagination. The third writing comes from Meditation I from Meditations on First Philosophy by Rene Descartes who offers some reasons to doubt his senses. In this piece, Descartes has resolved to forget everything he thinks he knows. He reasons that if he can doubt the basic principles upon which his opinions are founded then he can doubt all his previous opinions collectively. Most of the opinions he has believed to be most true came from his senses which are only sometimes reliable.Ultimately he realizes from habit or custom or just laziness that it is almost impossible to change his way of thinking so he just pretends these opinions are false so as to combat his long-held beliefs. There are many similarities between The Matrix and the cave allegory piece by Plato. Most prevalent is the idea of perception versus reality which is illustrated in both works. In The Matrix the perception is that humans are living real lives. Every day they get up, go to work, and come home. They are just normal people living.The reality however is that humans are unconscious , in machines that keep their bodies alive while their brains are all connected to the matrix which is simulating real life. The perception is completely false. Similarly, in the cave allegory the prisoners’ perception of objects passing the cave wall in the form of shadows is false. In reality, they are only guessing the true nature of the shadows and never really know what the objects are until one prisoner is freed and allowed to experience things as they really are.Although the perception is all the prisoners have when they are fettered, the truth is as the freed prisoner  experienced much better than any imagined object. When free, the prisoner could look at the sun and feel its warmth on his skin something the other prisoners could not imagine. Reality was so much better than the perception that at the end the free man pitied the other prisoners because of this fact. Neo taking the red pill and the prisoner being freed from the cave are moments that have the same impa ct. For the first time these individuals have the chance to truly experience all that was hidden. The differences between these two pieces were not as pronounced but still apparent.In The Matrix, Neo was given the option of taking the red pill or the blue pill. He had a choice to learn the truth about the world he was living in or to go back to his life in ignorance. Neo decided to live in reality and thus his life was forever changed. In the cave allegory the prisoner did not have a choice. He was imprisoned since childhood and thus forced to live in ignorance. It was only when his captors decided to free him was he able to experience what life really is beyond the perception of the cave. The Matrix and Meditation I by Descartes had a few similarities.The most striking similarity between the two is that both Neo and Descartes did not want to conform their way of thinking with that of the whole. A change happened and they questioned all they knew to be true. In each instance, a choi ce was made and this lead to an enlightenment of sorts. Neo had a feeling that something was not right about his life and chose to live outside of the norm. In the same way, Descartes knew his opinions and beliefs left room for doubt so he questioned the foundation on which he knew what he thought was true.Both men questioned long-held beliefs as a way to determine if what they knew to be true actually was. The major difference between the movie and Descartes’ piece is the permanency of the change that occurred in Neo and Descartes. Neo was changed forever when he decided to live in the true real world. In the movie once Neo discovered who he really was nothing would be the same for anyone, including those living in the matrix. At the end of Meditation I, Descartes was unsure if he would be able to maintain his new way of thinking and would  try to pretend that all his opinions are false.Ultimately, there is a chance he will go back to his old way of thinking but this does not happen in Neo’s situation. There is no chance Neo will go back since his change was more than a change in his thought processes like the change described by Descartes. As a result of these works, questions naturally arise about perception and reality. For example, how do we know the world we are experiencing is real? Can we ever really be sure that we are not living in a matrix right now?Unless someone comes along and shows us different we are geared to believe the things we perceive with our senses are real and the world we live in is real. In the end, we may discover that life is itself a dream and when we die we will wake up to this realization. There is no true way to know if we are living in some sort of matrix unless we are made aware of something else as Neo was. Another question, which is better, the harshness of reality or the â€Å"ignorance is bliss† comes about because of Cypher’s betrayal in The Matrix. Ignorance is defined â€Å"as a lack of k nowledge, understanding, or education,† Merriam-Webster.Merriam-Webster, n. d. Web. Bliss means to be completely happy and thus the saying ‘ignorance is bliss† means if one lacks knowledge they are completely happy. It is much better to escape the cave and live in a world just as it is the good with the perceived bad. If a person is ignorant they do not have the means to make an informed decision and thus are at a disadvantage. It is my position that the harshness of reality is best for the human race as a whole because it gives us all the opportunity to make life what we want it to be and not what some computer imagines for us.Having the option there is no choice to make. I want to live my most authentic life why live if I cannot co-create my own masterpiece. There are people who would like to live in ignorance like Cypher, but then you are choosing to end up just like him dead. In conclusion, these works all generate thought into reality and perception. The ultim ate truth for anyone is that knowing comes from a desire to know. As long as you live you have a choice to make as Neo did to live in ignorance or knowing anything is possible. The Matrix Buddhism: In-Class Essay Assignment Choose one (1) of the following seven (7) options and compose a 5 paragraph in-class essay of approximately 3-4 pages in length. Please double space and use both sides of the page. Option 1: Morpheus and the crew of the Nebuchadnezzar are often viewed as examples of Arhats and Bodhisattvas. Do you think this is an accurate portrayal? Explain your answer using three criteria. Option 2: Individual choices are highlighted throughout the movie and are an example of the Buddhist goal to eliminate ignorance.Choose three characters in the movie and discuss the choices that they were faced with and how these choices illustrate key Buddhist concepts. Option 3: Names are highlighted throughout the film and are used to further explain religious concepts as well as deepen the plot. Choose three names from the movie and explain the religious concepts that they are illustrating. Option 4: While The Matrix borrows heavily from Buddhist philosophy certain elements of the film seem out of place in that they directly contradict Buddhist ideas. Write an essay that highlights three of these elements and explain how they contradict the beliefs of Buddhism.Option 5: Throughout the movie, Neo/Mr. Thomas Anderson is often cast in a saviour role. Explain how Neo/Mr. Thomas Anderson is similar to and/or different from various saviour figures in the religions we have studied (i. e. Siddhartha Guatama, The Buddha, Jesus, Vishnu/Krishna etc. ). Option 6: Which branch of Buddhism (Mahayana, Theravada or Vajrayana) seems to have inspired this film? Explain your answer using three different arguments. Option 7: Create your own question. Write out the question in clear language and have it approved by your teacher before you begin answering.

High school Confidential Essay

Some people say that high school is the most crucial part of a student’s life but others they say that it is the happiest chapter of a student’s life. There are a lot of things that a teenager wants to explore and it starts when one reaches high school; curiosity starts in this part of a person’s life. But did it ever occur to your minds what happens in a typical and an atypical high school class? Have you ever pictured in your minds what is it like being in a high school class? Have you ever wondered how the students’ relationship with their teachers is? What do the students do often? In this section â€Å"demented kindergarten†, of the book â€Å"High School Confidential† Iversen tackles about the relationship of an atypical high school students with their teacher. This chapter shows how the students get along in class and how they treat each other. It also talks about what goes on between the students. Through Charity and Vic’s relationship as classmates, as shown in the section demented kindergarten, Iversen shows that respect was lacking among the students. There is no good relationship between the two students; it employs that there was no respect for women. In this section, Iversen also shows the domineering nature of man over women. In Charity and Vic’s relationship it was shown that Vic does not have respect over Charity as a woman. Although Vic and Charity were classmates and charity was a girl Vic did not bother to talk to her in a disrespectful manner; it is not lawful to talk to women in an odd way because it degrades women’s confidence and dignity. When Vic said that he had a hung over, Charity was kind enough to tell him to take Advil for his headache, but instead of saying thank you to Charity Vic yelled at her and called her a slut. It was not proper for him to call Charity a slut because he is not in the position to scrutinize someone, most especially women. Disrespect and power over women was also portrayed through Vic and Sara. As Iversen had written in his book, Vic spun Sara’s chair until she can no longer take it and tumbled. Sara did not oppose Vic while he was spinning her chair; she just let him do what he wanted to do because Vic was more powerful than Sara; because Sara might have felt that she can not do anything to stop Vic because she was helpless. Although Vic knows that Sara would be helpless and might tumble if he would spin the chair faster he still managed to spin Sara’s chair without hesitation. In the social context of the book â€Å"High School Confidential, Iversen’s observation about how men disrespect women and the domineering nature of man is very common. Vic is powerful in the social structure of their school he was a bully. And because he is a man he is over empowering women, like Charity and Sara, around him. He is fund of dominating because he is a man; he wanted to show that he is more powerful than women. Men are domineering in nature and they seek superiority over women; they raise their manliness by doing things to make women look and feel helpless and less powerful. This nature of men is actually very visible in the society and in some cultures. Just like in Japan, men of Japan do typical things that a man does; earning money for the family and being the head of the family, they are not suppose to be seen in kitchen because it would be a disgrace for their manliness. While women of Japan are suppose to do only household chores, they are not entitled to do manly things. Some men show their manliness in other ways such as sadism, they tend to beat their wives because they wanted to show that they are the more powerful kind and that no one can oppose them most especially women, but some men do the beating habitually that’s why many government agencies help battered women. That is also why there are republic acts which tend to help women against violence. A single insult to women can be treated as violence against them; telling them that they are slut, whore and the likes. Cursing women and saying various words that might degrade them can be called violence against women. In the section â€Å"demented kindergarten† Iversen tells the domineering nature of men is a problem of our society. Everybody is not aware of this problem that is why Iversen made a way on how to communicate with the society through his book â€Å"High School Confidential†. Iversen wants others to know that in simple ways such as bullying a classmate can employ male domination. Iversen also exploited the disrespectfulness of men to women. Although the theme of the section is not that clear and visible unless understood, Iversen had still managed to write the book in the most convenient way he knows (Iversen)

Ethics memo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Ethics memo - Essay Example Instant messaging might be considered as a source of enhancing the productivity of Texas technologies. This is because IM allows the employees to perform multiple tasks in an effective manner. However, a major issue linked with this feature is that the security and privacy risks as well as legal issues of the employers can be made an increased subject of exposure. it should be concern that if no strict policy is not put into practice, the Texas technology would result in a lack of control over their employees and inevitably into a disastrous end for the company. A major concern is that the most of the employers are unaware of the pervasiveness of the use of instant messages within the company. This is mainly because the employees at Texas technology are set up IM accounts without the knowledge of the company. In order to put a stop to this issue within the Texas technology it is important that effective policies should be enforced and the employees should be educated on the matter. Certain guidelines for appropriate and suitable personal as well as business use must be enforced and set so as to ensure that the employees are utilizing the feature of IM in a professional manner at Texas technology. By educating the employees regarding the proper IM usage will lead to minimized employers risk. Due to the fact that the IM accounts are an easy target for hacker penetration, the technology should be in place because this is allow the identity of the person they are in communication with to be confirmed. The employers must be made aware of certain legal issues which result from using the instant messaging within the company. Closing: it can thus be summarized that the use of instant messaging certain employees consider as a type of break can result in disastrous effect for the company. This can be done by appropriate IM management. Defense against liability for the behavior of the employees on IM can be accomplished

Michael Hill Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Michael Hill - Assignment Example Furthermore, the report also provides a break-even analysis emphasizing on the cost/price and volume relationship. Lastly, the report examines the control in place in the firm’s operation. Most of the information comes from the firm’s website and financial statements, as well as other reliable secondary sources. The report has four parts: situation analysis, marketing strategy, break-even analysis, and controls. Situation Analysis Market Summary Market Demographics Michael Hill engages in jewellery manufacturing and retailing. The firm sells both men and women watches and diamond jewellery. Essentially, the company operates in the highly priced diamond jewellery market. The firm operates retail outlet stores for watches and jewellery under the major brand name: Michael Hill. Moreover, the firm provides other services, including jewellery inspection, cleaning, and repairing. The firm also offers customized services to its clients by designing the chosen diamonds for jewe llery. Through a chain of 240 jewellery stores, the company and its subsidiary operates in New Zealand, Australia, United States, and Canada. However, the headquarters is in Queensland, Australia (Gray, 2011). The diamond jewellery market is a rather delicate and emotional sector, just like the clients. Clients in the jewellery market have different characteristics. However, all of them are well above the poverty line, as the products and services offered by the company and the market in general are relatively costly (Kotler, Burton, and Keller, 234). In other words, the diamond jewellery market appeals to the elite societal class with a taste for fashion and glamour. Market Needs At the time of establishment, the jewellery market had a stiff and formal atmosphere attached to it. Hill, the entrepreneur, sought to establish a new philosophy in the market that would make jewellery buying more accessible to the entire public and less intimidating. Therefore, Hill introduced a new produ ct mix strategy, subsequently removing the store clutter of giftware such as imported glassware, Chinese ornaments, and cuckoo clocks. The window display of the stores was simple, exhibiting around five enticing items changed regularly. This, combined with the attention-grabbing advertisement, significantly enhanced the attraction towards the stores. What the jewellery industry required at the time was a reconsideration of the service aspect, as the products are largely emotional. Realizing this, Hill quickly designed a marketing strategy that would meet the needs of the customers to their level of enthusiasm and passion (Hill, 2012a). The Market and Trends Based on a 1996 statistic report, New Zealand, the headquarters of Michael Hill, had 550 retailers, 153 wholesalers, and 293 manufacturers operating in the jewellery industry. As with many other New Zealand business settings, these ventures are principally small businesses, privately owned and operated. Among the 293 jewellery ma nufacturers, only three had more than two outlets. The report also shows that fifteen of the major retailers have more than three stores, and only four specialist jewellery chains having more than twenty stores were present at the time. These were Michael Hill, Pascoes the Jeweller, Kleins, and Gemtime Jeweller. Nonetheless, jewellery was also available from a number of other outlets, including fashion and department stores, antique, craft, souvenir, and catalogues shops (Gray, 2011).