A Gold Market Bubble Myth Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A Gold Market Bubble Myth - Research Paper Example On the other hand, Marc Feber debunks that idea by explaining that gold’s appreciation to $1,900 an ounce reveals that there is no bubble. It is because the central bank continues to increase money supply which has assisted spur the precious metal to this level. Furthermore, he argues that the gold is not in a bubble as when one buys gold, it is more of insurance in the face of financial market problems and systematic failure (Qt. in Chanjaroen). The prices of precious metals, such as gold, platinum, and silver are driven by a wide range of factors. These factors may include, debt levels, currencies, money supply, inflation, CDS spread, interest rates, and fabrication demands from other sectors, such a electronics, solar appliances, and jewelry. Recently, investment demand proved to be the primary driver as investors used precious metals in comparison to the dollar as a ‘store of value considering inflation, general hedge, and currency depreciation. Signification demand arises from buyers in Asia, pension funds, diversification and investment demands from hedge funds, and central banks monetary demands(Durden). Debt Level Increase vs. precious metal (Bloomberg Industries) (Source: Durden) The major factors contributing to such demand are concerns about an economy on a global scale, inflation risks, and risk of currency debasement. Moreover, gold has always been the preserve of the smart money. Risk aversion and wealth preservation concerns considering currency depreciation are the primary reasons that drive precious metal demand. However, there is no â€Å"greed trade† or public buying of gold in an expectation of guaranteed profits or return. This was the case with the Nasdaq bubble or the recent real estate bubble that had a huge impact on western countries. Retail demand as a result of hype is negligible; however, it is increasing. Moreover, increasing demand on the global level is dealt with by very small supplies as supply is slightly l ower than in 2001 (Durden). Furthermore, historical context provides ample evidence that gold’ resurgence has a long way to go.     

Managing Operations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Managing Operations - Essay Example Vertical integration will ensure that the company owns upstream buyers as well as downstream suppliers. This kind of strategy, unlike the horizontal integration, is characteristic of one firm engaging in diverse production processes that include manufacturing, transportation, marketing of its products and the end process of retailing. Vertical integration will also enable the new company expand vertically through processes of acquisition (Holloway, 2002). Such processes of acquisition will enable the company to expand. Expansion in business is desired because it consolidates the supplies needed by the company in the production of the needed products and their subsequent marketing and sale. This results to a more diverse and efficient business entity that incurs lower costs of production and surge in profits. Related to this is lateral expansion, which means growth of the business through acquisition and purchase of similar firms in anticipation of attaining economies of scale. Throug h these kinds of expansion strategies, there are increases in scales and market shares. However, internal/external losses and gains are characteristic of vertical integration. They differ depending on the technological state of the manufacturing sector/industry that produces power hand equipment/tools (saws, sanders, and electric drills). They correspond to the stages that characterize the industry’s life cycle. The company is therefore set to gain in terms of lower costs in transaction, the synchronization of demand and supply along the supply chain’s products. The supply chain is also set to gain from higher levels of investment and lower uncertainty. Another gain that the proposed business is set to achieve is the ability to capture and monopolize the market by selling high quality products that are capable of propelling the company’s fortunes in profits and market share. Vertical integration would also translate to strategic independence of the company in ca ses where vital inputs are scarce or their prices are highly volatile (Bovel, 2003). Vertical integration also attracts some losses to the company. These losses touch on high coordination costs, high organizational and monetary costs brought about by changing to other buyers/suppliers. There is also less motivation for quality performance at the beginning of the business because sales are guaranteed and substandard quality may be included into other types of inputs at subsequent stages of manufacturing. Five major performance metrics ought to be adopted by the proposed supply chain business. These metrics ought to be measured regularly, for instance, after a period of one month or so, for each specific product of the business. One of the performance metrics that should be used to measure performance of the supply chain is the Fill Rate, which is the order percentage, delivered on schedule/time. This means the products are delivered to the customers on time as requested. Another perf ormance metric that should be incorporated by the supply chain is the Response delay, which is the difference between the negotiated day and the requested day of delivery expressed in normal working days. Measuring frequencies of different delay values can enable estimations of the statistical order distributions with a specific delay value. In this instance, managers ought to be interested in the probability of surpassing a given value. Stock is the next

Invitation meeting Essay Example for Free

Invitation meeting Essay Boston global is a company that has provided outsourced resources services for fortune 500 companies. The companies have been able to solve their problems through our advice. We are the industry leaders in taking care of our employees in terms of their compensation insurance and disability insurance coverage. Your company has recently experienced numerous human resource problems. This may be due to the expansion that you are undergoing. Your company is growing fast and needs to grown in human resource services too. I also understand that your company does not have the in – house expertise to quickly establish the human resource and the procedures needed within a larger, publicly traded organization. It is important for every company to have a human resource department with qualified employees that look into the welfare of its employees. I was wondering whether your company has ever considered worker’s compensation disability exposure. It is for these reasons that my company would kindly like to ask you to set up a meeting with us I order to discuss the problems you are currently facing and the services that our company offers. We are hopeful that we will enter into a contract with you for these services so that you company can continue growing.

Evaluation Of Four Different Learning Theories And Models

Evaluation Of Four Different Learning Theories And Models In this section of the essay I will describe and critically evaluate four broad theories of learning in the context of my subject areas. I have a numerate background with undergraduate degree in Physics and an MSc in Software Engineering. I have a PhD in Ecological modelling and my research is focussed on the simulation and visualisation of complex systems. The subject areas I teach are numerate based, and range from mathematics, statistics, computer programming and visualisation and my teaching activities are across three schools: SCS, CES and IAGM. Learning theories/models The first learning theory to be researched in the 19XXX, based on the work of Pavlov and Skinner, is known as the behaviourist theory. In behaviourist theory learning is a mechanical process of habit formation, by means of frequent reinforcement of a stimuli response sequence, this can be thought of as conditioning. Behaviourist learning has been traditionally used in the teaching of languages. Pavlovs behaviourist theory (Ref) underpinned the Audiolingual Method of the 50s and 60s. Some features of the audiolingual method that align well with the behaviourist theory include: the sequence of learning a new language is rigid and involves, hear, speak, read and write, frequent repetition essential for effective learning and all errors immediately corrected. Other discplines such as Chemistry and Physics have used behaviourist methodologies for practical laboratories. Behaviourist learning is still used in universities today as part of the whole teaching and learning process. In fact i t can be argued that we do indeed reward our students by allocating good grades as a consequence of their demonstration of their learning. In this way good learners get rewarded with good grades. Behaviourist theory was criticised in the 1960s when Chomsky questioned how the mind was able to transfer what it had learned in one stimulus-response sequence to other novel situations. Chomsky (1964) proposed that if thinking was rule governed a small, set of finite rules enabled the mind to deal with potentially an infinite range of experiences it may encounter. The obvious implication of this was to consider learning as the acquiring of rules and not habits as with the behaviourist model. This is stated more recently in Stevick (1992) when he considers that learning is much more than imitatic habit formation. This was the rise of cognitive theory and one of the key features is the process of acquiring new rules i.e. expanding the cognitive network, drawing on the individuals experiences. This way the individual is an active processor of information (Auszibel et al XXXX) rather than passive receiver of information. Cognitive learning is exemplified in basic teaching activities suc h as problem solving which is used, albeit to varying degrees, in most disciplines. The next development in learning theories was constructivist approach, led by Jean Piaget and Bruner. Unlike the cognitive approach which encourages learners to use mental powers, to distill a workable rule from information provided but was teacher centric, the Constructivist approach is very much learner centric and led to the learner-centred educational paradigm. This is highlighted in the Learning Theories text Experiential learning a recent learning models and depending on the teaching activity can be categorised as a cognitivist or a constructivist approach. Kolb (1984) matched types of cognitive processes with specific types of instructional design strategies that encompass four learning styles: Reflector, Activist, Pragmatist and Theorist. In this respect, Kolbs model differs from others since it offers both a way to understand individual learning styles, which he named the Learning Styles Inventory (LSI), and also an explanation of a cycle of experiential learning that applies to all learners. Kolb states learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Knowledge results from the combination of grasping experience and transforming it. This is illustrated in the diagram below. Depending upon the situation or environment, the learners may enter the learning cycle at any point and will best learn the new task if they practice all four modes. Science uses mainly constructivist approach but different models will be used at different. Different domains use different approaches to varying degrees, in order to be a good scientist a degree of curiosity is required which explores ideas and possible solutions, applying the process of science to open minded enquiry and combining new experiences with information already acquired as a personally constructed meaning is formed . Extyensions of Kolbs work include that of Honey and Mumford (1986). The main difference being XXXXXXXX I will now discuss the application of each of the models in my subject areas and describe personal encounters with these models. Within my subject areas behaviourist theory is still applied for example rote memorization, drill and practice. Also the use of a token system to reinforce positive academic performance and student behaviour. A classroom application of using drill and practice includes using computer software, such as Math Blasters. These types of software provide positive and negative reinforcements for answering math problems correctly or incorrectly. A final example highlighting the behaviourist theory is rote memorization. Rote memorization may include memorizing addition or multiplication facts or memorizing state capitals (Woolfolk XXXX).. The behaviourist approach to teaching has practical applications in education. In particular, understanding basic skills and core subject knowledge. The approach of using positive and negative reinforcements to elicit desired behavi ours of students is also useful in establishing and maintaining classroom management. Cognitive theories however move beyond the habit formation process of behaviourism and when teaching mathematics or programming the learner should be provided with the opportunity to spot patterns and infer relationships between concepts in order to construct their own understanding. With cognitive approaches they are usually teacher directed I use this approach in practical classes for both statistics and 3D graphics programming where the first half of the lab is directed to help learners apply the concepts of the lecture and to ensure coverage of specific material. Typical classroom instruction, consistent with the constructivist learning theory that are used in my subject area include: problem-based approach to teaching, hands-on activities, experimentation, and simulations. Hands-on activities are also used in the constructivist model. This example is taken from Bruner (1973): The concept of pr ime numbers appears to be more readily grasped when the child, through construction, discovers that certain handfuls of beans cannot be laid out in completed rows and columns. Such quantities have either to be laid out in a single file or in an incomplete row-column design in which there is always one extra or one too few to fill the pattern. These patterns, the child learns, happen to be called prime. It is easy for the child to go from this step to the recognition that a multiple table , so called, is a record sheet of quantities in completed mutiple rows and columns. Here is factoring, multiplication and primes in a construction that can be visualized. Overall, the constructivist approach to teaching allows students to actively be involved in decision-making and problem-solving scenarios. In 3D graphics students are often given simulations and demo programs of a particular technique i.e. the Phong lighting model that they can manipulate and change to see the effect. The students task would then be to implement their own version of a Phong lighting model. .Prior knowledge and past experiences help shape student connections to new material. Students use higher level processing skills and apply that knowledge to the world in which they live. The use of Kolbs model has been applied in at least two of my reaching activities, teaching computer programming for visualization and the mathematics of 3D graphics. Kolbs model applied to learning a software program: Active experimentation Jumping in and doing it. Reflective observation Thinking about what you just performed. Abstract conceptualization Reading the manual to get a clearer grasp on what was performed. Concrete experience Using the help feature to get some expert tip Kolbs model applied to learning algebra: Abstract conceptualization Listening to explanations on what it is. Concrete experience Going step-by-step through an equation. Active experimentation Practicing. Reflective observation Recording your thoughts about algebraic equations in a learning log. Now when I teach these topics I introduce Kolbs model and encourage student to use it to in order have a more effective approach to learning. In conclusion, I have described the 3 main learning theories and how they can be used in my subject areas. From this it can be concluded that a single core learning theory can not be used in HE alone, even in one specific discipline. It is clear that each of these models has its own strengths and limitations. I hope I have shown that teachers have to adopt a balance between each of the learn ring models paying particular attention to satisfying individual preferences of approaches by developing inclusive teaching materials. Bruner, J. (1973). Going Beyond the Information Given. New York: Norton. Critique the development of a major educational policy and practice in UK Higher Education since 1950 Higher Education has evolved during the last half a century in terms of provision availability and participation and this is partly due to changing policies, practice and the rise of technology. I will describe in this essay the key policy drivers that have been introduced in HE and discuss how they have changed the face of Higher Education. In the 1960s the government (Labour at the time) set up a working committee to identify solutions to the lack of participation in Higher Education and to encourage lifelong learning to cater for the postwar bulge. This committee was chaired by Lord Robbins and were defined with a clear task: to review the pattern of full-time education in Great Britain and in the light of national needs and resources to advise Her Majestys government on what principles its long-term development should be based. In particular, to advise, in the light of these principles, whether any new types of institution are desirable and whether any modifications should be made in the present arrangements for planning and co-ordinating the development of the various types of institution. The committees findings were set out by 180 recommendations that can be summarised into three categories: 1) Courses of higher education should be available for all those who are qualified by ability and attainment to pursue them and who wish to do so: 2)The expansion should be carried out mainly by development of existing kinds of institutions-existing universities, the creation of new ones, the granting of university status to Colleges of Advanced Technology (CATs) and later to some Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) and Regional Technical Colleges; 3) should be self-governing and financed by grants distributed through an independent Committee like the present. After the recommendations of the report that coincided with the 1960s saw the rise of plate glass universities, incidentally Robbins was not responsible for their foundation, the rates of participation in higher education soared ahead of most expectations. The speed and the scale of the expansion have been unprecedented within the UK and some outstanding achievements deserve to be recorded and celebrated. For example, the statistics show that within one generation the UK has achieved equal proportions of women and men in undergraduate HE. (Edwards 1997, Williams 1977) This was achieved by expanding the university network from the well known ancient and redbrick universities to include the plate glass universities. The number of institutions subsequently rose from 20 to 43 in a X year time frame. The success of the Robins report is much debated, it contributed to the expansion of universities, although it was theUniversity Grants Committee in the later 1950s/early 1960s that was responsible for the emergence of the Plate Glass universities, known as Plate Glass due to architectural style. Moreover, the system has still to develop a strategy for lifelong learning.(Tight 2009), this was later addressed in the Dearing report. Others state the recommendations based on evidence presented was biased and incomplete. And if other statistics and figures had been used that it could have trumpeted the achievements of the British system (Tooley 1996). To address wider access issues in 1969 the UK government founded the Open University on the belief that communications technology could bring high quality degree-level learning to people who had not had the opportunity to attend campus universities. This was a unique and innovative approach to HE in several aspects: its open admissions poli cy and distance learning strategy. There was little major policy renewals and recommendations in the 1970s 80s .Since the Robbins report powerful forces, technological and political, were driving the economies of the world towards greater integration and the Dearing report was commissioned in the 1990s, tasked to make recommendations on how the purposes, shape, structure, size and funding of higher education, including support for students, should develop to meet the needs of the United Kingdom over the next 20 years. In the report titled Higher Education in a Learning Society there were a total of 93 recommendations made and perhaps the most notable change in funding was a shift from undergraduate tuition being funded entirely by grants from the government to a mixed system in which tuition fees were supported by low interest government loans. Those that benefit from HE should pay for it, as it is assumed that better paid jobs will be attainable with a higher degree. This was not b aulked at as in the 90s there had been a lot of uncertaintly in Higher Education and plolicies had lurched from contracting the number of students to increasing them. Underfunding had left universities so stretched they were about to snap (Sheppard and Crace 2007 ) . The amount universities had to spend on teaching had halved, and funding for infrastructure and research had been reduced. The crisis in 1996 was the result of a period of very fast growth in student numbers, financed in very substantial part by severe reductions in the unit of resource [the amount a university spends on each student] for teaching, and massive decay in research infrastructure. Other key issues raised were pursuing quality in our teaching and research and a commitment to high standards and as a result the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) was set up to monitor standards of education in HE institutions in the UK in all teaching activities. The Research Assessment Exercise initiative was established to assess institutions quality of research. Each institution department receives a score on the quality and impact of their research and mapped to the score are research funds from the UK Research Councils. The RAE is now superseded by the REF which is deemed to be fairer. The Dearing review has been deemed successful and there have been quantitative figfures published by Watson that calculated that 28% of Dearings recommendations have made a difference, 16% have been overtaken by events, 11% were rejected, 29% happened slowly and 16% have seen no specific progress. Since the Dearing report there have been political drivers to ensure that the UK skill market for 2020 can maximise economic growth, productivity and social justice. In 2006 the Leitch report was tasked to consider this and to consider the policy framework required to support it. It reports on skills from level 1 4, level 1, 2, 3, and 4 maps to numeracy and literacy, GCSEs, A levels and higher degrees respectively. One of its goals is that more than 40% of adults should be qualified to Level 4 and above in 2020 (equivalent to degree-level qualifications), up from 29% in 2005. Another issue linked to the Leitch report is tat of graduate employability. There is no debating that a major responsibility for the smooth integration of graduates into professional life and hence society, lies with the HEIs. (Pukelis et al 2007). This is changing the shape of Universities and requires universities to be more outward looking. Recognition of this responsibility has prompted considerable debate within educational, employer and political spheres about the skills and attributes expected of graduates, and how these might be fostered. Universities are devising strategies for ensuring that their graduates possess a set of graduate attributes that can be linked to employability and managing rapid socio-cultural, political, economic and technological change. To summarize HE has changed significantly from the 1960s. The increase and projected further increase in student numbers is one important change. Concurrent with this has been the greater equality and diversity in the profile of HE. students. The advancement of technology and methods for distance learning have evolved, devolving the notion of a central University to a distributed University, aiding the increase in student numbers. As student numbers increased there was a strong focus on maintaining quality via the QAA policies and strategies for ensuring quality of research and teaching have been overhauled and change the manner in which Universitys teaching and research are assessed. There has been a move for universities to be more skill oriented where level 4 generic skills, also termed graduate attributes, can be engendered in students and potentially measured. Finally there is a move for to become more outward looking. http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storyCode=92887sectioncode=26 http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2007/jul/24/highereducation.tuitionfees Edwards T (1997) Educating leaders and training followers?. In Edwards, T et al Separate but Equal? A Levels and GNVQs, London: Routledge. Williams G (1977) Editorial, Higher Education Quarterly, Vol 51, No 1, January, 1-5. http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storyCode=92887sectioncode=26 Tight, M. 2009. Higher Education in the United Kingdom since 1945. Society for Research into Higher Education and Open University Press 288pp. Leitch Review Index, HM Treasury, 2006-12-05 http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2007/jul/24/highereducation.tuitionfees Pukelis, K, PileiÄ ikienÄ-, N, Allan, A and DailidienÄ-, E (2007) European and National Level Strategies for Competency-Based Curriculum Development: summary, HEGESCO, available at: www.decowe.com/static/uploaded/htmlarea/finalreportshegesco/European_National_and_Universities_Strategies_-_Summary.pdf Plan, deliver and reflect on learning and teaching sessions within a particular subject discipline The purpose of a curriculum design methodology is to try and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the learning process based on current knowledge of how people learn. There are several methodologies available to curriculum design but a basic methodology that can be applied in the design of all types of teaching/learning scenarios is the Systems Approach. The systems approach tries to mould the input of a course/module in such a way to enable the optimal assimilation of knowledge and skills to take place during the learning process and hence maximise the quality output, [Ross TLA guide 3]. A diagram of the systems approach can be found in Appendix A. For the purpose of this report theories must be analysed with respect to the lecturers subject discipline. As an example the curriculum design of SE216 Operating systems and Networks will be discussed. The author ran this module last session but did not write the original module descriptor. The first stage in the systems approach is to consider the target population characteristics and the topic area. The 2nd year cohort will mostly consist of continuing students with a few direct entrants. It is important to profile the different educational backgrounds in terms of their previous knowledge to achieve a balanced approach to the planning of SE216. Another example of this which is indirectly related to the authors experience, is in the design of first year curricula to accommodate changes in the pre university curricula and to provide a smooth transition to higher education in the face of an increasingly diverse student population, (Cox, B. Ingleby, A., 1997). The next stage is to estimate the relevant existing skills and knowledge of learners. Students upon entering University possess a variety of skills all to varying degrees. The 1st year Dip HE Computing and IT, (replaces the HND) students are a mixture of school leavers and direct entrants. These students are given a series of study skill seminars so that they all know what is expected of them and to bring them to a common level. Another example of students bringing different histories to university is apparent in the teaching of first year programming SE111. These students encompass a vast range of abilities from those who have never programmed to the expert programmer. The teaching approach cannot be tailored to meet every students needs however the tutorials/labs were streamed to be aware of the vast individual differences and to ensure that the students received quality teaching, whether they needed to be taught from a beginners level or their knowledge reinforced. After taking these issues into account the next stage is the formulation of objectives/Learning Outcomes. It is the learning outcomes that encapsulate the new skills, knowledge or attitude that the new students will acquire. Listed below are the current objectives and suggested content of SE216 not written by the author: Objectives Understand the role and features of an operating system. Utilise at least one operating system to perform common tasks. Understand network topologies and protocols. On studying these the author felt that the objectives are ambiguous and vague using expressions such as understand and concept which are too illdefined to convey the exact nature of the behaviour being sought. It is extremely important that the objectives and learning outcomes are clear and concise to the student. Learning outcomes should be written in future tense and conveyed by verbs, which describe exactly what the student is, expected to be able to do after completing the learning process. More importantly the LOs should be written in such a manner that the students can easily understand them. A good educational objective is one, which contains an action verb describing an observable measurable performance, (Gronlund 1978, Mayer 1990). Taking this into account the previous objectives were rewritten by the author and are as below: Learning outcomes By the end of this module the student will be able to: Define the role and main features of an operating system. Demonstate the use of at least one operating system to perform simple tasks. Describe various network types, protocols and topologies. Outline the OSI Interconnection model and compare with existing operating system implementations. Once the LOs have been formulated the appropriate teaching method must be selected. There are numerous teaching methods available but one is confined by institutional constraints. The teaching methods must be selected with the appropriate LO/objective in mind and a combination of teaching methods can be used for a particular course. In SE216 a lecture is given which is the practical and most common way to convey information to a large group. The students also participate in a tutorial and lab group. Since one of the LOs is to be able to utilise an operating System it was felt that this learning process was best suited to an active laboratory. In the tutorials group discussions were encouraged also providing the students with an active part in learning the content of the module. It has been researched that group learning and discussions improves the quality of learning, (MCB, 1990). Directed study of material in textbooks is also used however well structured handouts were given out at each lecture which link the content of the lecture to the LOs more closely than the directed study. However it was felt that the directed reading was an important part in developing a culture of independent and deep learning. Students adopting a deep learning approach to their normal studies related new material to their own knowledge and experience, stressing the importance of reorganising new information in terms of existing knowledge structure, (Svennsson, 1977). Independent learning is encouraged as it leads to increased responsibility and autonomy on the part of the learner, (Richardson, J., 2000). There is a multitude of teaching approaches and it is important that the educator must feel comfortable with his/her choice of teaching methods or it will not be successful. Once the teaching methods have been decided the course must be assessed. The aim of assessment is to provide feedback and guidance to the learner and to judge the extent of learning. The assessment should test each LO and it has been found that varied assessment leads to improved learning, (Cox, B. and Ingleby, A., 1997). In the case of SE216 it was felt that the learning outcomes were attainable to two distinct areas the cognitive and the physchomotor domain. The cognitive domain applied to LO 2,3, and 4, which required the acquisition and application of knowledge and understanding. Learning outcome 3 belongs to the physchomotor domain and deals with the development of manipulative or physical skills. The physcomotor LO1 was assessed by a logbook which recorded the students actions and experiences whilst carrying out specific lab sheets. The second part of the assessment dealt with LO 2, 3 and 4, which involved knowledge and understanding of the content, (lower cognitive skills) and was tested in an exam. The exam was structured such that the student had to develop higher cognitive skills in the synthesis and processing of their knowledge i.e the first part of the question was knowledge based and the second part was application of this knowledge in a particular context. It is vital to realise that the systems approach is a cyclic procedure. Poorly achieved objectives/LO lead to a course designer to examine the entire system to see where improvements can be made. In SE216 less ambiguous statements of LO/objectives may improve student learning. Also a prior knowledge of Computer Architecture, SE215 was wrongly assumed even though it is a prerequisite on the module descriptor. A small collaborative group has been set up within the SE division to ensure that a consistent stream of Computing Infrastructure/Networks runs through the 1st 4th year BSc Computing course. The module descriptors of modules have been modified to reflect this. This will ensure that the students upon undertaking SE216 have the relevant background knowledge to do so. As an extra precaution the lectures will be modified this session to include a revision of computer architecture. On evaluation, (via questionnaires) of the module some students felt the module was biased with the bul k of the content on Operating Systems. The updated module descriptor aims to get a more balanced content with respect to Operating Systems and Networks. Finally there are disadvantages associated with the systems model. The main disadvantages being that the course/module may become too prescribed and lack spontaneity with an over emphasis on the LOs, REF. I felt that these disadvantages can be overcome by the educator bearing these points in mind and remembering that the LOs are only a guide to give the student an idea of the content of the module. Evaluation and Reflection The TLA principle, which is the focus of this narrative, is a lecture given to 2nd year BSc Computing students. The lecture is from SE216 Operating Systems and Networks. The module is split into two sections, part one being Operating systems and part two being Networks. This narrative pertains to one lecture given out of seven on Operating Systems. The aim of the series of lectures is to provide the students with the theoretical foundation relating to O/S. Each lecture is not treated independently or in isolation of other lectures but rather each lecture provides the basis for future lectures in the series ultimately building a coherent picture of Operating Systems. The delivery method chosen for this particular module was the traditional approach. This was found to be the most practical considering the large number of students, the type of material being taught and the environmental and staff constraints. The lectures were well structured always stating the aims and objectives of that particular lecture and providing a summary at the end. The lecture was always introduced so that the students were aware of that particular lectures relevance and how it fitted in with the previous lectures and future lectures. The author feels that this encourages effective learning, Bligh 1998. REF holistic approach. The lectures were always written in simple English, which is also thought to help students synthesise the material. It was also felt appropriate to involve the students in the lecture, which encourages active learning stimulating deep learning. Stalling the lectures and providing discussion questions based on important and fundamental issues achiev ed this. The students were also expected to sketch their own diagrams and carry out their own calculations. At the lecture handouts were also given out. It was felt that these were necessary to allow the students to listen and synthesise the material rather than spending most their time writing notes. Writing their own notes has disadvantages such as slow writers are penalised. However on evaluation next session a full set of lecture notes will not be provided. Instead a partial set of notes providing the students with the bullet points will be provided. The students will then be expected to add any details they felt were important which will again provide a more active learning experience. Directed reading was also given to the students to encourage deep learning. The main disadvantage of directed reading is that the student may not be able to relate the information to the LOs. It was felt that the directed reading was necessary so that the student would engage in independent learning which is the main aim of learning. REF Although the traditional approach was utilised it was felt by the author that it incorporated modern flavours making the lectures more interactive, fun and interesting. This hopefully encouraged the students to learn independently and deeply. It was felt that on the whole this was achieved. It is however vital to remember that this did not just depend on the mode of delivery and style of teaching but also on many uncontrollable factors. These include amount of reading, prepar

Moving To America Essays -- Personal Narrative Essays

I walked around unsteadily all day like a lost baby, far away from its pack. Surrounded by unfamiliar territory and uncomfortable weather, I tried to search for any signs of similarities with my previous country. I roamed around from place to place and moved along with the day, wanting to just get away and go back home. This was my first day in the United States of America. A few months before all of this I was pleased with my calm life in a local city of Taiwan. I settled there at the age of two with my family, and things were going well so far. Because I lived there for ten years, the longest time that I ever spent living in one place, I had made really good friends and was not looking forward to any significant changes although my mom had told me a long time ago, we might move to USA to settle with our uncle and grandma. My mom also told me that the other reason we move is for a better education and life there but I was not listening at that time. I thought she was just joking around because my brother and I have always expected to have a vacation to other countries. By the time I finished my first year of middle school I knew that this was nearly impossible. My family was already packing up, cleaning out the house, and reserving four airplane tickets to USA. The day that I discovered my parents' future plans was one that seemed like a normal day for a twelve-year old. I got up, had my breakfast, and then proceeded to hang around with my friends. Later on that day I went out to play basketball at the school along with my older brother. After we went home, my mom was making dinner and talking to our uncle. After my mom finished the call, she tried to casually approach me and then said in Taiwanese, ?Judy, we are moving i... ... and I started to realize some of the good effects that moving has had. I now understand that this experience has changed me in positive ways as well. Soon I would have friends in different places in the world that I can visit. I would have many places where I could go and feel like home. Most importantly, I would learn that one can adapt to every town and its people and that friends can be made everywhere. Every place has its conveniences and its problems. Every town has its generous and heartless citizens. I live now more secure and bold, like a lion with increased mass and knowledge, not with one, but many packs. I can roam territory that is unfamiliar without feeling lost and alone. Instead, I search for the best way to take advantage of my position in a foreign territory. I can visit recognizable lands and feel at home. This is my, not so new, way of life.

George Bernard Shaws Pygmalion Essay examples -- George Shaw Pygmalio

George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion G.B Shaw believed that people should not be limited by their birth, environment or speech. With reference to Act 1 & Act five of Pygmalion, show how Eliza finds her status affected by all of these factors. At the time George Bernard Shaw wrote Pygmalion in 1912, many people were troubled with accents that prevented them from reaching high & in act 1, Eliza's character is an example of this. In act 1, we see how Eliza was very limited by her environment, her job, & her speech by the way that she was treated differently for who she was. The society at the time Pygmalion was written was very set & if you were born into a lower class family, you were not seen as anything better than that. Eliza was a lower class flower girl whose speech was not Standard English & difficult to understand. She came from the slum streets of London & was as clean as she could afford to be but to the upper class people she was 'worthless' & 'dirty'. Higgins was an upper class man who studied phonetics. He was written as someone who believed in the class system & that he should not associate with the likes of 'Eliza' who was 'just a flower girl' & a 'disgrace to the English language'. The play does reflect the society at the time & Shaw incorporated the way people treated other people into the play quite effectively. The Aynsford-Hills were a middle class family but whose status was slowly sliding down. In act 1, 'the daughter' has Higgins's view of lower class people & doesn't treat Eliza nicely just because she is a flower girl. Shaw wanted to include his thoughts on society, language & drama into Pygmalion. He thought society was unfair & that 'no one should be limited by his or h... ...closed on her, & she could never go back to who she was originally no matter how much she wanted to because she is seen as upper class so to be back selling flowers on the street would not be in her character anymore. I think she feels she is better off because she has a lot of knowledge from Higgins, more independence & the upper class status. At the end, just because of the way she spoke & the clothes she wore, she was automatically seen as upper class. She was not born into a wealthy family. She started off as a common flower girl & ended up as an upper class duchess but technically all that happened to her was that she was taught how to be a lady. So this proves that throughout the play Eliza's status was affected by her birth, environment & speech in a way that it completely changed the way she was judged by other people in the space of six months.

Poetry, Post-1914 – Literature Coursework

With detailed reference to three poems, compare and contrast the poets' presentation of war through their choice of language and form. World War One was one of the most influential events over Western literature. The three poems which I will analyse in this essay are â€Å"Dulce Et Decorum Est† by Wilfred Owen, â€Å"An Irish Airman Foresees His Death† by W.B. Yeats and â€Å"Anthem for Doomed Youth† also by Wilfred Owen. Poets such as Owen decided to write very powerful poems at this period of time to show the world what was going on in the war. By these poems being written and published in various newspapers, the world would get to see what was really happening in the war, rather than seeing all the propaganda that many governments showed the public. The forms of the three poems are mainly very different. â€Å"Anthem for Doomed Youth† is written as a sonnet, which is generally associated with love. This association suggests that â€Å"Anthem† was written as a celebration of their lives, rather than as a poem to commemorate their lives. Another slight similarity is that â€Å"Anthem† and â€Å"Dulce† are both written using stanzas, rather than â€Å"An Irishman† which is written in free form, even though it is significantly longer than â€Å"Anthem†. The rhyme schemes of â€Å"Dulce Et Decorum Est† and â€Å"An Irish Airman Foresees His Death† are the same, following the ABAB†¦ pattern, however â€Å"Anthem For Doomed Youth† has a very different rhyme scheme, sometimes using ABAB†¦ and sometimes using AABB†¦ the times in which these rules are used are very random. â€Å"Dulce Et Decorum Est† was written by Owen to tell the world about what was really happening in the war. Most of the poem is made up of phrases describing the torment and pain that soldiers went through during this time. An example of one of these phrases is when he says â€Å"Knock-kneed, coughing like hags†, by using this simile, Owen is conveying to the audience that many soldiers were injured and suffering badly during the war. Yeats uses a similar technique to get the message of bad conditions through to the audience, he says â€Å"Those I fight I do not hate†, stating that he doesn't even know the people that he is fighting, so cannot have hate for them, even though they could kill or injure him. He is also showing a different tone to the poem, saying that it is indifferent, calm and detached. â€Å"An Irish Airman Foresees His Death† is written in first person, giving it a personal feel, making you feel like you know the â€Å"Irish Airman† and understand his problems and sorrows. Contrary to this, both â€Å"Anthem for Doomed Youth† and â€Å"Dulce Et Decorum Est† are written in third person, making the reader feel like the poems are more of a story than a person account of the war, even though Owen fought in the war. There are many messages in each of the poems. One of the most easy to see hidden message occurs in â€Å"Anthem for Doomed Youth†, line three is the longest line throughout the whole poem and it says this: â€Å"Only the stuttering rifles' raid battle†. This phrase can be interpreted in many different ways. One of these could be that the â€Å"stuttering rifles† are the prayers that are being said for the soldiers have been saying, however the â€Å"stuttering rifles† could mean the rifles are causing a long and painful death, and this is, in fact the reason why the line is so long. In â€Å"Dulce Et Decorum Est† the same technique is also used. This time the longest line is the second line which says â€Å"Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through the sludge†. This line is saying how the soldiers were so injured and worn out that they â€Å"cursed through the sludge† meaning it took them a long time. This is the reason why th e line is so long. The longest line of â€Å"An Irish Airman Foresees His Death† does however not follow the same pattern. The first line of â€Å"Anthem† is written in the form of a rhetorical question, this question makes you think about what happened to all the people that died â€Å"like cattle† die in inhuman ways, and just being slaughtered. â€Å"Dulce† immediately starts by using a simile; â€Å"Bent double, like old beggars under sacks†, this simile is showing you the extent of the injuries suffered, it made them â€Å"bent† like old people would be, not young people who should have fit and healthy bodies. â€Å"I know that I shall meet my fate† is the opening line of â€Å"An Irish Airman Foresees His Death†, this immediate impact, by the man saying he is going to die is very dramatic; it engages the reader and creates suspense about what is going to happen. The past, present and future are all mentioned in â€Å"An Irish Airman Foresees His Death†. â€Å"I know that I shall meet my fate† is the airman saying that he knows that he will die soon, this is in the present, â€Å"The years to come, seemed waste of breath† is saying that the years to come seem a waste of time, talking about the future and â€Å"A waste of breath the years behind† is saying that the years gone by also seem like a waste of time. This use of all three tenses is giving the audience a briefing about what happened in the past, what is happening at the moment and what the airman fears will happen in the future. Both â€Å"Dulce Et Decorum Est† and â€Å"Anthem for Doomed Youth† are written in the present because they have a main purpose of telling the audience what is happening, rather than what happen in the past and what will happen in the future. During the early 1900's many British people were religious, rather than today, where only a small fraction of people keep any religious observance. The fact that people kept to there religion meant that a lot of this type of imagery was put into poems during the war. â€Å"Anthem for Doomed Youth† has all the components in it to tell you what a funeral for one of the fallen soldiers would be like, it mentions â€Å"bells† as in bells at a church, but Owen may also be referring to the noise of the rifles, it also mentions â€Å"prayer† which could also be the hope that the soldiers had in order that they would survive and it also mentions many others including â€Å"choirs† which could be the other soldiers. Similarly to â€Å"Anthem†, â€Å"An Irish Airman Foresees His Death† also uses religious imagery; this occurs when Yeats says â€Å"my country is Kiltartan Cross†, this can be perceived in the way that â€Å"Kiltartan Cross† is his religion, because it is where he is from, and he has great passion to fight for them, in order that they win. Both â€Å"Dulce Et Decorum Est† and â€Å"Anthem for Doomed Youth† describe injured servicemen in great detail. This is done because the injuries were so great that some of the soldiers had, the poets felt a ‘responsibility' of telling the public what was happening. One example of this poetic device in â€Å"Anthem for Doomed Youth† is when it says; â€Å"The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall; Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds† This is saying that there faces were the colour of a coffin cloth (white) and that they had wounded minds like a patient in hospital. One type of this imagery used in â€Å"Dulce† is when Owen says; â€Å"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs† This is saying that blood was spooling out of the â€Å"corrupted† lungs, making you imagine a dead or struggling soldier on the floor with blood oozing out of him. Contrary to these two poems â€Å"An Irish Airman Foresees His Death† does not describe injured soldiers; this may be because Yeats wanted to make his poem seem different to many poems which were appearing in the media at the time. After writing this essay, I have realised that different poets use different techniques to write their poems, making them appealing to different types of audiences.