Reflection of Five Minds for the Future

Reflection of Five Minds for the Future The concepts and arguments about Gardner’s five minds enriched me a lot, and made me think further about the capabilities and skills people should equipped with to handle the new world in the future individually and cooperatively. As a master student, I feel that subjects in commerce will cultivate my cognition and interpersonal skills by developing disciplined, synthesizing, creating, respectful, and ethical minds.In a few years time, when I become a business professional, I think those minds are still important to me in order to make bigger achievements. Disciplined mind Disciplined mind means a continuous process of improving one’s skills. No matter what knowledge I have captured now, there are still many unknown areas for me to explore. However, in retrospect, I always thought what I have been told was exactly what I need to learn. And now I figure out that learning is not merely receiving, but is the continuous process of sel f-education, self-discovery and self-reflection.The subjects in commerce provide opportunities for me to do further research, to find out the solutions to the issues and get feedback from myself and others, which cultivates my habit of investigating the ideas in the long run. Synthesizing mind Gardner (2008, p3) defined that synthesizing mind is a process of collecting, evaluating and combining distinguished information. As a student, during in-class discussions and exams, I have been given many chances to perfect my synthesizing mind.When preparing exams, I will synthesize all the information, ideas, and feelings from separate lectures and combine them to one mind map, demonstrating their inter-relationships. After doing like that, I will have further understandings of the subjects and could put those abstract theories into practice. The group project also encourages me to absorb different views when looking at one problem, and then integrate all together into one idea, which becom e the main research direction. For an informed business professional, a synthesizing mind is necessary for them to make the most appropriate decision.Arming with synthesizing mind, they attempt to consider all the horizontal and vertical information before making final decision. Horizontal information means new ideas from other colleagues and knowledge gain from other domains, and vertical information includes the lessons learnt from their past experiences, knowledge about their current circumstances and also new dilemmas they may meet in the coming situations. Moreover, the capability of generating well-informed strategies will lead business professional to higher level in their career, such as manager or leader level.Creating mind As argued by Gardner (2008, p3), individuals need to think creatively to break new world, or we will be left behind by the overwhelming development of technology. I cannot agree more to his argument because the situations where some people have been â₠¬Å"controlled† by computers and internets have arisen. For example, individuals nowadays become more dependent on the ideas and information provided on the internet, which lead them to think superficially and conservatively.The education method of MCom overcomes the drawbacks of traditional teaching process in terms of encouraging students to think out of the box and to look at one problem from different viewpoints. Creativity is not always welcomed, especially in the domains stated by Gardner (2008, p7), such as accounting, law and engineering. Taking accounting as an example, lots of accounting policies have been used for years and have been a stereotype to all the firms. Major innovation of the accounting policy will rarely happen; however, minor changes will easily occur.It is necessary for them to adapt to the small changes and make suitable decision based on the updated policy rather than follow the old ways blindly. Respectful and ethical mind Living under the multicult ural environment, individuals are supposed to appreciate others’ culture, understand and pardon others’ behavior and build common trust. And we citizens shall do whatever a responsible person will do in our role, standing in our view. As a master student here, I may have some pportunities to work with people from different nations. If I want to be respected by others, I need to welcome and understand them and show my respect sincerely. A respectful mind is vital for a business professional in dealing with relationships between colleagues, customers and friends. When facing a problem, the person who refuses to listen to others’ opinions but insist on his or her own thought will make the problem more complex and finally poison the workplace, and no one are likely to work with this kind of person any more.As the world becoming globalized, people who can appreciate different arguments, cultures and behaviors will adjust themselves well to the new world. In order to enjoy decent life in the new world, businessmen should not act selfishly, rather, they are supposed to have ethical mind, thinking in a way of making win-win decisions to benefit our society as well as their business. Bibliography Gardner, H. 2008, Five Minds for the Future, Harvard Business Press, Boston, Massachusetts

Frontier Printers Case

Problem Statement Frontier Printers is lacking strategic human resource objectives that are necessary to address the organizational growth and incorporate changing technological trends. As a result they are at risk of not being able to attract/retain valuable employees and could face potential legal litigation. Critical Facts Frontier Printers is a small-family business and has seen a 50% growth in the number of employees in the last three years. The departure of the press operator and the driver was attributed to a lack of opportunities for growth within the company.The firm plans on focusing on computer skills and cross-training. In the next two years the firm plans on integrating vertically by introducing new equipment that’ll allow the production of color separation which will reduce cycle time tremendously. This should help the company to increase its outputs more efficiently. The industry has experienced the introduction of various new technological advancements, one whi ch will allow â€Å"direct-to-film† to occur that will eliminate the need for two of the employees in the Pre-Press department but will require two new jobs requiring technical skills in another department.The firm does not have any contingency plans for departure of current employees. Currently, a very limited amount of employees have the knowledge to operate the current software which could potentially have serious implications. There is also no formal job analysis evident or list of job descriptions to properly implement performance evaluations. There are no formal qualifications or training for new recruits as it is done on an ad hoc basis by the management team. Analysis: Starting as a small-family business, Frontier Printers has been operating in the industry for longer than 60 years.Within the last three years, they’ve seen an enormous growth which has resulted in the realization that they need to develop strategic human resource objectives. This will be further analyzed in three main sub-issues; lack of job analysis, the need for human resource expertise, and adapting to technological improvements. Job Analysis Job analysis is the formal process of identifying the particular aspects of the job duties and requirements. Conducting a job analysis allows a firm to know the necessary skills and abilities that are expected from an employee to fulfill the job responsibilities.When there is a vacancy in Frontier Printers the job requirements and abilities are discussed by the business owners, Bonnie and her father, who later determine which employee fills the vacancy. Nevertheless, the firm does not have any explicit list of job requirements. This has caused other issues within the organization especially in terms of recruitment, selection, training and development of employees as well as their job evaluations. Recruitment becomes an issue when previous job analysis has not been conducted because the firm cannot give a realistic list of job descr iptions and requirements to attract the proper applicants.If one does not know the details of a job than it is impossible for them to recruit accordingly. Upon a vacancy, Frontier Printers would initially search the current employee base, and then look at the pool of job applicants that are already on file. If they cannot find someone, only then will the organization advertise the vacancy to the public. If a proper job analysis was conducted it would become very critical for the firm to use it as a guideline to recruit rather than using a trial-and-error method to find employees.Since the organization does not have clear strategic objectives that it needs to pursue, recruitment takes place without a clear direction. Selection is a process of choosing the best fit applicant for the job from the pool of applicants. Selection is also an issue the firm faces because there are no set guidelines to follow when comparing people’s skills and abilities to the job duties and responsibi lities. The firm has to initially determine the most important set of skills and capabilities (through a job analysis) before judging applicants fit or unfit for the vacancy.Training is an important component of highly technical jobs, and these jobs will be increasing in Frontier Printing. However, because the company has no formal qualifications for any jobs the training is informal and conducted on an ad hoc basis. This has resulted in departure of valuable employees because although the employees may have seen themselves succeeding in other positions, they were unable to get any exposure to it. If job analysis on all the jobs were conducted, job descriptions would be available to everyone and employees wishing to ransfer to another position would have been able to do so. Departure of employees also arose due to other factors such as lack of strategic alternatives for retention of employees. For example, cross-training could have been utilized as a method of retention. However, on ce again, because there was no formal job analysis conducted, it would have been difficult to implement such a project without any guidelines. Thus, strategic human resource objectives are necessary to resolve the issue of proper training and improve plans for retention of employees.Currently, Frontier Printers does not have any development programs to improve the skills of its employees. This has caused retention issues as valuable employees left because they did not see any opportunities for growth within the organization. With the proper strategic human resource objectives in play, these types of problems can be prevented. Performance evaluations are a major issue in the company. There have been terminations based on â€Å"poor performance† where the paperwork detailing the reasons why is inadequate.This is a major issue because terminated employees may sue on the grounds of wrongful dismissal. In order for an accurate evaluation to take place, there needs to be pre-establ ished criteria and organizational objectives which can be compared to the performance and productivity of an employee. These are currently lacking in Frontier Printers and needs to be addressed. It is evident that when Frontier Printers was a smaller company a proper job analysis was not critical to the operations of the business.However, with a growing company this lack of job analysis can cause negative results regarding HR issues as it does today. The growing employee base is making it a necessity for Frontier Printers to implement human resource objectives in order to best resolve problematic issues from occurring. Need for Human Resource Expertise Frontier Printers has no strategic management objectives and needs to bring in some HR expertise to help them to create and implement these. Bonnie’s father Randall has been owner of Frontier Printers for over 60 years.In the last three years they have experienced 50% growth in employees and revenues are growing at projected ra tes. Bonnie has known for the last year that changes were needed but knows the company can’t afford to hire a full-time human resource professional. In order for Frontier Printers to address the organizational growth and to adapt changing technological trends they need to invest in HR expertise and develop strategic management goals and objectives. Frontier Printers has already created a mission and vision statement but have not defined its values and goals.The stakeholders will have to lead, support, implement and measure its strategic objectives while being competitive and consistent. With efficient HR expertise, they should be able to access, forecast, predict, design and implement its strategies in direct sync with the organizational goals. Along with strategic management Frontier Printers also faces challenges adapting to technological changes. Adjusting to Technological Improvements Frontier Printers is going to be facing some challenges trying to incorporate new techno logies into their everyday activities.The introduction of new technologies will require the development of technical skills. This has the potential to provide good career and skill-building opportunities for the employees. It will also allow the company to gain a competitive advantage by improving its efficiency. However, Frontier Printers already has some troublesome situations present when dealing with technology and could potentially face more problems in the future if the integration of technology into their workplace isn't properly managed.The current problematic situation that's present within Frontier Printers and their technology is the fact that a very limited amount of employees know how to use their software. Randal and Ida Harris are the only two employees that know how to use the software for billing, payroll and/or financial reports. Also, Randall and Thomas are the only ones who know how to use the software for estimate pricing. This is a problem because if one of the se three employees left the company replacing them would be costly and difficult.Also, if all three of them decided to quit then nobody would know how to use the software! The introduction of new technologies into the organization is inevitable and necessary to keep up with the competition and demand of the market. Challenges involved with this will include training the employees on how to use the new technologies, and what to do when some jobs will be depleted while other ones are created. If Frontier Printers can successfully handle these adaptations of new technologies it will help them to achieve continued success.

Strategic Management Wk3 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategic Management Wk3 - Assignment Example The methods and strategies aim at making a business dominate its market space. Competitive advantage management is, therefore, an integral part of a business plan. This paper explores value creation and competitive advantage. In particular, the paper discusses key steps in creating value and importance of competitive advantage. In addition, the paper highlights how a multinational company maintains competitive advantage over its competitor. According to Bamford & West (2009), creating value and competitive advantage in a business calls for, as the first step, an understanding of competitive advantage type an organization wishes to employ in. Based on Michael Porter’s analysis, competitive advantage, as a firm’s strength, is categorized as either differentiation or cost advantage (Bamford & West, 2009). Cost advantage occurs when a company delivers similar products like its competitors but at low costs, while differentiation entails delivering high quality products than those of a rivaling business. The second step involves assessing available resources in a business. Available resources determine whether a business applies one type of competitive advantage or both. Third step involves evaluating strengths or abilities of a business (Bamford & West, 2009). Strengths of a company are vital in planning for steady progress of an organization. From abilities and resources, a business realizes its distinctive c ompetencies. Identified skills facilitate efficiency, innovativeness, and quality customer-business relation. The final step involves deciding on when and how to apply formulated strategies. Wal-Mart is an example of a multinational company that has successfully applied the concept of value creation and competitive advantage to win its competitors. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. runs numerous chains of warehouse stores and large discount retail shops worldwide. According to Fishman (2006), the company is considered as among

Academic freedom Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Academic freedom - Essay Example The problem highlighted by the author here relates to identity, authority and freedom of speech and expression in the world in general. The fact that, nothing in this world is seen in isolation but is relative to other things or dependent on other elements such as culture, religion, geographic similarity, religion, nationality or politics. In light of social sciences and humanities, the author considers race, gender, ethnicity and religion as political factors that hinder learning and knowledge at all levels especially in the academia which is suffering from a lack of academic freedom as the author terms it. He believes that academics forms a basis of what the students would later be like once they leave the academic institute and the social, political and general environment is what defines their future and how they deal with adversities. The realities of social life are bitter but a lot of it can improve if academic culture is transformed. It needs to not teach about a specific dom inant culture and its superiority but it needs to teach people about other cultures and nationalities, about developing tolerance and appreciation for others, about learning what other religions, races and geographically diverse ethnic groups are about. The author argues over the lack of democratic rights, free press and a missing feeling of well-being exists in places like Saudi Arabia, too full of their national pride and religious superiority. In comparison to Arabia, the American academy is seen to be more liberal and diverse, giving the feeling of confidence and freedom to those who belong there. The difference is vast and it is what creates disparities amongst people at a late stage. The argument is in favor of a liberal form of enhanced academic freedom which can help solve problems like national and cultural  intolerance, ethnocentricity and stereotyping.  

World Rankings Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

World Rankings - Research Paper Example A Superpower can also be described as a country that has the capacity to project the dominating power and the influence to other countries. This may lead the world to attain the status of the global hegemony. This term came first into effect in the year 1944 to the British Empire, the Soviet Union, and the United States of America. This was due to the World War 2 from the year 1939 to the year 1945. What followed in the British Empire are the change of its colonies to attain independence and a consequent change to common wealth countries from colonies. The United States and the Soviet Union remained as the only superpowers in existence. However, there developed a period commonly known as the cold war era where by the United States and the Soviet Union differed in terms of policies. The United States supported the capitalist economies whereas the Soviet Union supported the communist economies (Socijalisticki & Jugoslavije, 2011.) In order to be considered a superpower nation, several aspects have to be taken into consideration. However, there are no distinctive aspects but mostly what is considered as a superpower is the countries dominance in military, economic, political, and cultural aspects.

Ahad Ha'am's Idea of the Spiritual Center Research Paper

Ahad Ha'am's Idea of the Spiritual Center - Research Paper Example He is also known as the founder of Cultural Zionism and strived for "a Jewish state and not merely a state of Jews.† He left an extensive impact on Hebrew culture, with his equivocal political imprint. The collection of his essays comprises of the four-volume ‘Al Parashat Derakhim (At the Crossroads; 1895–1914), remain among the most influential ever written by a modern Jewish intellectual. The leading figures of twentieth-century Judaism labelled him as a ‘prime inspiration’. They include Israel’s first president Chaim Weizmann, Hebrew University chancellor Judah Magnes, poet Hayim Nahman Bialik, Kabbalah scholar Gershom Scholem, and theologian Martin Buber. Ahad Ha’am's idea was his most famous; this was known as cultural Zionism. It was based on the establishment of small settlements in Palestine which aimed at resuscitating the Jewish spirit and culture in the modern world. According to Rabbi Dr. Louis Jacobs, Ginsberg saw what he cal led "absolute spirituality" (ruhani ha muhlat) as the very essence of Judaism, which had always set its face against material concepts of the divine. In the vision of cultural Zionism, a small number of Jewish cadres speaking Hebrew as well as who were well-versed in Jewish culture would settle in Palestine.

Advanced Quantitative Research Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Advanced Quantitative Research Methods - Essay Example For example, ANOVA method is applied, in general, statistical difference rather than distinct difference of the research mean (Hox 2010, 35). It is worth noting that, at zero variance, all the values measured are regarded to identical even through variance always maintains a non-negative value. Therefore, as the ANOVA method is used to analyze the difference between several or a single variable, a small variance obtained in the statistical significance difference illustrates that the values or data points obtained are very close to the expected mean. Similarly, High statistical significance difference data points justify that the data values obtained in the research spread out from each other or spread around the mean (Woodward 2014, 210). On a broad aspect, the variance is usually divided into various components by utilizing ANOVA method that is then attributed to various types of variations in different sources of the variations obtained. In simple words, ANOVA method has its origin in experimental studies. However, ANOVA method uses four basic assumption that errors obtained in the statistical data analysis are normally distributed and independent (Salkind, Neil 2010, 34). In addition, it is always assumed that, all variance errors are equal, and the expected statistical values of the errors obtained are equal to zero. In simple terms, the ANOVA method produces a statistical test that determines as to whether the mean obtained from several tested groups are equal or whether they are not equal thereby providing a generalized t-test for more than two evaluated groups. In this regard, ANOVA method is used in providing a comparative test for more variables for the purpose of estimating a reliable statistical significan ce (Myers, Jerome 2010, 271). ANOVA method is a very powerful parametric and inferential statistic technique that can find differences or reject a null hypothesis among

Chevron Corporation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Chevron Corporation - Essay Example Market Segmentation, by definition, is the grouping of customers into sub-units or segments based on their needs implying that a particular market segment has the same needs and as such, a business develops the same marketing strategy to respond to the needs. Segmentation of target markets takes three approaches namely undifferentiated, concentrated and differentiated. In this regard, undifferentiated segmentation entails a business treating customers as the same or when an organisation targets homogenous market while concentrated segmentation occurs when a firm focuses on several market segmentations that have same needs and preferences, for instance, price sensitive consumers. However, differentiated market segmentation entails a business targeting many market segments or heterogeneous markets as with the case of Chevron Corporation because it has various business segments. Chevron’s market segmentation depends on both the upstream and downstream business segments. Upstream business operations include exploration, development and production of natural gas as well as crude oil while downstream operations involve crude oil refinery, marketing in addition to the transportation of the finished or the final petroleum products.Nonetheless, businesses divide their market using demographics, psychographic, behavioural and geographic criteria when segmenting their markets. Demographic segmentation takes into consideration customer characteristics including gender, age, education, income status, cultural background and job.

E-commerce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

E-commerce - Essay Example Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the technology company as well as models which it follows also provides different associations with the company and the way in which it is now linking to a booming market. Business Issues The main business that Loving Outdoors has created is based on moving to the outdoors with different supplies that are required for clothing, footwear, camping, fishing and nutrition. They also supply outdoor kits that are readily available for those who expect to spend more time in the outdoors. Each of these are divided by product on the main website and have developed into a large variety of brand models and high quality items known for those interested in the outdoors. Loving Outdoors has combined this with reviews, interaction, blogs and information through polls and newsletters to help with the needs of customers and to make the information easier to find. This allows consumers to have easier connections to the different information that is available while providing more opportunities to highlight the best items that are a part of the outdoor company (Loving Outdoors, 2011). The first business concept which is looked at with the company is the information technology which is used for e-commerce and how this defines the roles that are required with the online business. ... This is also inclusive of information which is found easily and applications which are used for managing customers through both automated and customer support systems (Chaffey, 2007: 81). For Loving Outdoors, the strength in this comes from the blog, newsletter and polls that are on the website, which immediately offers information and interaction. This is combined with the straightforward navigation for different items available and the customer support that is known by the company. However, some difficulties in basic navigation and the large amount of products available cause the IT infrastructure to be limited without newer and high end components that are a part of e-commerce. Another relation that is created with Loving Outdoors and the business issues comes from the supply and value chain that is a part of the online store. When examining this, one can see a limited number of items that are available. However, these are noted to have a diversity of brands and a large diversity of types of equipment. For example, if looking at fishing rods, one is able to access almost 50 different items that are available. This is more than a regular store and offers more convenience of shopping. Even though there are a large number of supplies by value, the supply number is not as high as expected with the shipping from a main warehouse being the main objective with the Loving Outdoors items. Since everything is done through e-commerce, it requires continuous additions with the supply and demand while continuing to add to the value of the company. The concept of the supply and value chain that is a part of Loving Outdoors relates to the gaps that are in the main concepts for supply chain management. This includes the three phases of procurement of materials, processing

Organizational behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organizational behaviour - Essay Example Passos and Caetano (2005) offer that conflict is absolutely necessary in order to improve team performance and maximize group effectiveness. This viewpoint of the team environment realizes that there will be conflict between group members as a natural element of the group dynamic. However, there are methods available in which group leaders can regulate the way in which conflict is mediated, creating the opportunity for more healthy discussion about the group project. For example, a diverse project team is having issues about specific teams members who are not motivated to succeed, which is hindering the project. Animosity and anger would be the most likely conflict emotions involved in this situation. A competent leader would recognize that these problems exist and either call for a meeting to discuss the groups’ differences or to create a reward system by which to show the unmotivated group that those who perform will be compensated in greater proportion to the unfocused. In this situation, genuine conflict creates the opportunity to discuss issues and build relationships through positive business interactions. Khaneja (2004) supports that conflict can be a healthy part of team activities, suggesting that healthy disagreement should actually be encouraged as a means to build better team problem-solving and group innovation. The project manager or team leader must ask a variety of questions and allowing others to offer recommendations on the project. When recommendations are given, the leader should challenge these assumptions and criticize others in order to spark healthy, competitive debate. The author further proposes that these sessions should continue throughout the duration of the project to keep conflict as a means to get more quality ideas and solutions. Two specific business professionals take a radically different viewpoint on conflict when they state, â€Å"It is a common illusion that an enterprise is one big happy

Is College Degree Essential Essay Example for Free

Is College Degree Essential Essay Is college degree really worth all the money spent and the effort put in it? Right now in our socirty a college education is no longer a option or a privilege. Without a college degree, you might as well becomes a homeless because if you don’t have a college degree you really aren’t anybody in this society.With a college degree, you get a good job, people give you more respect and you broraden up your knowledge. To me a college degree is essential for my future in order to be successful. First reason, college degree is essential is that it will lead me to get a really good job in the future. Being a college student perhaps more respectable role than being a janitor, lunch lady or a cook in a restaurant. When people know you as a college graduate, they give you more respect than just any ordinary person. With a college degree you get nice well-paying careers where you don’t have to break your neck and working your body to death. Even my parents motivate me more to stay in college because I don’t want to grow up and do the job that they doing now. Second reason why college is important is you gain respectful from people. For example my older brother who is a college graduate from Northwestern university gets more respect from all my family members and outsiders too. They look at him as not any ordinary person, but as a person who has accomplished a major goal that not everybody who starts finish. I know I will hain the same respect from people once I get my college degree. A degree is not just any other paper. It’s a special dcosument that will lead me to the right places in the future. It’s not good to be labeled as a college dropout or high school dropout. I would rather be preferred to be labeled as a college graduate not drop out. Another reason why college is essential is not only leading you to a good job, but also it prepares you with academic knowledge about the around you.  Most people are irerlate and don’t even know much about the world they live in due to the fact they didn’t finish high school or go to college. Most people excuse for not going to college is money. Yes that’s true but, there are so many resources out there to help you get into college if you’re willing to go. The way things are going now, the only way to make it through is by getting a college degree. Even with some simple jobs out there, you need some sort of degree in order to be hired. College degree is really essential for my future because I want to make a difference and help out my family in Ghana who didn’t have the same opportunity as me to go to college. Most teens out there take education for granted and don’t care much about it. In conclusion having a college degree is for your own benefit. It will lead you to many grate places in the career industry. Yes is a lot of money and work but it’s really worth it. I know that in four years from now I will be really happy that I went to college and didn’t play around with it. Nobody can ever take your education from you it’s your god given rights.

Vision 2020 in Malaysia An Analysis

Vision 2020 in Malaysia An Analysis Abstraction To achieve a vision during a long time is very difficult because it needs a lot of means and also peoples consent in order to be realized. Malaysia is the best example to learn how can achieve a strategic plan by studying its vision that called (wawasan 2020). In this article our group wants to give a general view on the big project in Malaysian history i.e. vision 2020 (wawasan 2020). Firstly, we start by having a look to its definition, and then we want to show some fields which these visions focused on achieving its goals, and the challenges which are facing the vision nowadays. Introduction Malaysia is one of the earliest countries in the world due to Dr. Mahathir who conceived of Vision 2020 and encouraged all Malaysians to achieve this goal by sharing in this plan. Vision 2020 has come from a personnel vision -Mahathirs vision- and it very quickly became a national Vision due to the excellent communicator of this Vision by the prime minister and his government members. The Vision sets new and higher goals for national aspiration, and this vision contribute dramatically in changing the way Malaysians see themselves and the direction of their shared destiny. No longer are we resigned to the fact that we are a developing country that will, at best, remain second rate. Malaysians are urged by the Prime Minister to strive to be the best and not settle for the second best. There is nothing that we are not capable of doing, if we are prepared to work hard and use our ingenuity and resourcefulness. vision 2020(wawasan 2020): The following text is from the Malaysia vision web site , its explain the vision 2020 presented by Dr Mahathir Mohamed at the Malaysian Business Council. The purpose of this paper is to present before you some thoughts on the future course of our nation and how we should go about to attain our objective of developing Malaysia into an industrialized country. Also outlined are some measures that should be in place in the shorter term so that the foundations can be laid for the long journey towards that ultimate objective. Hopefully the Malaysian who is born today and in the years to come will be the last generation of our citizens who will be living in a country that is called developing. The ultimate objective that we should aim for is a Malaysia that is a fully developed country by the year 2020. What, you might rightly ask, is a fully developed country? Do we want to be like any particular country of the present 19 countries that are generally regarded as developed countries? Do we want to be like the United Kingdom, like Canada, like Holland, like Sweden, like Finland, like Japan? To be sure, each of the 19, out of a world community of more than 160 states, has its strengths. But each also has its fair share of weaknesses. Without being a duplicate of any of them we can still be developed. We should be a developed country in our own mould. Malaysia should not be developed only in the economic sense. It must be a nation that is fully developed along all the dimensions: economically, politically, socially, spiritually, psychologically and culturally. We must be fully developed in terms of national unity and social cohesion, in terms of our economy, in terms of social justice, political stability, system of government, quality of life, social and spiritual values, national pride and confidence. [01] Some policies and strategies of vision 2020 ( wawasan 2020 ): the Malaysia economic policy and strategy: This new policy can be considered an add-on document to the NEP; it provides a framework towards Dr. Mahathirs new vision 2020 plan symbolizing the way forward policy towards a developed nation in 2020. This will require the nation to maintain a 7-plus percent growth rates for the next 25 years. Prime Minister Mahathir believes raising workforce quality and developing expertise in sophisticated industries are decisive elements in the countrys road to economic success and development (Brown 1993: 43). In order to facilitate these growth requirements, the NDP has relaxed many of the FDI restrictions imposed by the NEP such as equity and licensing requirements and procedures. The purpose of the Industrial Master Plan which was formulated by the United Nations Industrial.[ 02 ] Malaysia economic policy focuses on some fields to achieve its purposes : Export Facilitation. Import Substitution. Tariff Structure, Strategic Exposure. Export Facilitation: The economic rationale of Malaysia to promote exports provides the nation with three important advantages. First, it generates foreign-exchange that can reduce the amount of foreign debt needed to fund development. Second, it contributes to developing a competitive industry infrastructure from learning from investors- a move that brings technological excellence leading to higher value-added exports. By the promotion of specific industries, such as the semi-conductor industry, has speeded technology acquisition and enhanced the nations competitive Worldwide positioning. Finally, FDI provides employment in the industry sector, which to a large extent is attracted from the agricultural sector. [ 02 ] Tariff Structure: As a link to the policy of maintaining a stable economy with past budget strategies of controlling inflation, there have been major reductions and abolition of import duties on goods and services. The 1995 budget proposes a reduction of tariffs imposed on over 2,600 items of which a majority is food items (Budget 1995: 22). Also, tariffs on building materials and household appliances have been reduced. These measures will not only control inflation, but also enhance the quality of life and favor the overall climate for investments. However, Ad Valorem taxes are imposed on imported goods and services (refer to Appendix 4) [ 02 ]. Import Substitution: Economic development in Malaysia was first built on the basis of Import Substitution, indicated by the large shift of GNP distribution from agricultural sectors to manufacturing sectors. Import substitution has increased in mainly three areas, transport equipment, Industrial chemicals and fertilizers and in Industrial machinery (Onn 1988: 28). However, exports constitute the main source of growth in the manufacturing sector from 1970-1990 (refer to appendix 6). This trend can be explained by economic policy that places great emphasis on improving industrial competitiveness as a vehicle towards vision 2020. [ 02 ] Strategic Exposure Strategic exposure represents a crucial component in Strategic Trade Theory. The rationale behind lowering barriers to trade and exposing local industry to foreign competition is to create a more competitive domestic industry (Hamilton 1989: 4). Such a Level Playing Field policy will force local firms to increase their competitiveness to survive. Strategic exposure represents a direct link to becoming an industrialized nation by 2020 and the realization of economic goals. Incorporating FDI as a strategic measure to enhance technological know-how can reduce domestic learning and experience curves in selected industries. By giving foreign investors considerable tax deductible incentives in areas such as training of local employees, research and development and in promotion of exports Malaysia has been able to increase World wide competitiveness as demonstrated by increasing exports and GDP (Carrol, Errion 1991: 21). Malaysia aims for the year 2000 to have at least 1.6% of GDP spent on RD and is predicting that at least 40% will come from the private sector[ 02 ] Higher educations policy and strategy : Universities In Malaysia, with the cooperation of the local universities formulate and create action plans for reforming engineering education in preparation for the professional expectations of the future. As a result, the universities are urged to act and play a leadership role in improving the engineering education. Interaction with local and overseas industries should also be increased. This will facilitate more realistic and relevant joint projects for students and industry professionals. Through this interaction, universities will face a variety of real-world multi-disciplinary problems that are similar to the business operational problems locally and internationally. These problems can be used as test cases for solution approaches. Engineering students could form interdisciplinary collaborative teams to develop effective solutions to such problems. As a result, the desired attributes for the future engineers, for example, the ability to function on multidisciplinary team, the ability to identify and solve engineering problems, the ability to understand the professional and ethical responsibility and the ability to communicate effectively can be achieved. [03]. Infrastructure and Facilities Universities need to establish consensus on relevancy of a set of a new fundamental for engineering education. This may include information technology, bio-engineering, nano-skill-technologies, skills and understanding necessary for effectively leading multidisciplinary-teams, the challenges of framing and addressing large-scale system-of-systems problems, sustainability, lifecycle management of systems, risk-based asset management, and the need of lifelong learning, globalization, demographic realities and need for diversity [ 03 ]. Academician The pedagogy of engineering education must be changed. According to Felder many students in the United States fail to excel with only the support of traditional method used in teaching engineering. Engineering students prefer active teaching method .Therefore; the traditional teaching engineering model must be changed to a new teaching model in line with the engineers of the 21st century. The future engineering education program should include the use of ICT (Information Communication Technology). This idea suggested by many undergraduate engineering students. The ICT genre involves the use of all tools in the forms of software, on-line program and resources to create new and improved conditions for learning, for example the use of e-learning, email, word processor, and web resources (both static information and dynamic interactive information) [03]. Using ICT in Education The concept of ICT in education, as seen by the Ministry of Education of Malaysia, includes systems that enable information gathering, management, manipulation, access, and communication in various forms. The Ministry has formulated three main policies for ICT in education. The first policy is that of ICT for all students, meaning that ICT is used as an enabler to reduce the digital gap between the schools. The second policy emphasizes the role and function of ICT in education as a teaching and learning tool, as part of a subject, and as a subject by itself. Apart from radio and television as a teaching and learning tool, this policy stresses the use of the computer for accessing information, communication, and as a productivity tool. ICT as part of a subject refers to the use of software in subjects such as Invention and Engineering Drawing. ICT as a subject refers to the introduction of subjects such as Information Technology and Computerization. The third policy emphasizes using ICT to increase productivity, efficiency and effectiveness of the management system. ICT will be extensively used to automate and mechanize work processes such as the processing of official forms, timetable generation, management of information systems, lesson planning, financial management, and the maintenance of inventories. [ 04 ] health policy and strategy: The MOHs vision for the future and the strategic objectives are based on its corporate values that incorporate professionalism, teamwork and caring. Strategic Goals Prevent and reduce the burden of disease Enhance the healthcare delivery system Optimize resources Improve research and development Manage crisis and disasters effectively Strengthen the health information management system Strategies Improve governance, and adoption of appropriate technology and service Practices to empower individuals, families and communities towards attaining lifelong wellness. Develop skills and competencies to further reduce mortality and morbidity rates in furtherance of strengthening the quality of healthcare delivery. Establish effective business strategies to enhance organizational Performance and the consumption of resources. Increase the use of evidence through research to support all levels of decision making. Elevate the level of preparedness in managing disasters and health-related crises effectively. Upgrade the standards of information and communication technology as well as health informatics to maintain sound health information Management [05]. Biological diversity policy and strategy: Principles: The vision 2020 (wawasan2020) in biological diversity based on the following principles: The conservation ethic, including the inherent right to existence of all living forms, is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural values of all Malaysians Biological diversity is a national heritage and it must be sustainably managed and wisely utilized today and conserved for future generations; Biological resources are natural capital and their conservation is an investment that will yield benefits locally, nationally and globally for the present and future; The benefits from sustainable management of biological diversity will accrue, directly or indirectly, to every sector of society; The sustainable management of biological diversity is the responsibility of all sectors of society; It is the duty of Government to formulate and implement the policy framework for sustainable management and utilization of biological diversity in close cooperation with scientists, the business community and the public; The role of local communities in the conservation, management and utilization of biological diversity must be recognized and their rightful share of benefits should be ensured; Issues in biological diversity transcend national boundaries and Malaysia must continue to exercise a proactive and constructive role in international activities; The interdependence of nations on biological diversity and in the utilization of its components for the well-being of mankind is recognized. International cooperation and collaboration is vital for fair and equitable sharing of biological resources, as well as access to and transfer of relevant technology; Public awareness and education is essential for ensuring the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable utilization of its components; in the utilization of biological diversity, including the development of biotechnology, the principles and practice of biosafety should be adhered to [06]. Objectives To optimize economic benefits from sustainable utilization of the components of biological diversity To ensure long-term food security for the nation To maintain and improve environmental stability for proper functioning of ecological systems To ensure preservation of the unique biological heritage of the nation for the benefit of present and future generations; To enhance scientific and technological knowledge, and educational, social, cultural and aesthetic values of biological diversity; To emphasize biosafety considerations in the development and application of biotechnology;[06] Challenges of establishing vision 2020(wawasan 2020): The first of these is the challenges of establishing a united Malaysian nation with a sense of common and shared destiny. The second is the challenge of creating a psychologically liberated, secure, and developed Malaysian Society with faith and confidence in itself, justifiably proud of what it is, of what it has accomplished, robust enough to face all manner of adversity. The third challenge we have always faced is that of fostering and developing a mature democratic society, practicing a form of mature consensual, community-oriented Malaysian democracy that can be a model for many developing countries. The fourth is the challenge of establishing a fully moral and ethical society, whose citizens are strong in religious and spiritual values and imbued with the highest of ethical standards. The fifth challenge that we have always faced is the challenge of establishing a matured, liberal and tolerant society in which Malaysians of all colors and creeds are free to practice and profess their customs, cultures and religious beliefs and yet feeling that they belong to one nation. The sixth is the challenge of establishing a scientific and progressive society, a society that is innovative and forward-looking, and one that is not only a consumer of technology but also a contributor to the scientific and technological civilization of the future. The seventh challenge is the challenge of establishing a fully caring society and a caring culture, a social system in which society will come before self, in which the welfare of the people will revolve not around the state or the individual but around a strong and resilient family system. The eighth is the challenge of ensuring an economically just society. This is a society in which there is a fair and equitable distribution of the wealth of the nation, in which there is full partnership in economic progress. Such a society cannot be in place so long as there is the identification of race with economic function, and the identification of economic backwardness with race. The ninth challenge is the challenge of establishing a prosperous society, with an economy that is fully competitive, dynamic, robust and resilient. [ 07 ] Discussion Is Malaysia on track to 2020? This is the most important question every time the issue of Malaysia 2020 has been raised. And it is important to measure and evaluate the strategies and policies to keep Malaysia on track to 2020; Siddiquee (2006) [08] indicated that the recent reforms represent Malaysias attempt to remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing local and global environment. It is clear that the changes are largely consistent with NPM (National Public Management) principles and they are not only geared towards enhancing efficiency and institutional capacity of the governmental machinery, they also seek to transform it into a dynamic, market-driven and customer-oriented administration. It is true that Malaysia is ahead of other developing countries in terms of ICT infrastructure and its usage, however, there is a long way to go before Malaysia can catch up with other regional leaders like Singapore and South Korea. Presently, not only the number and types of services offered through such channels are limited but also the public access to such services is inadequate. On the one hand, the public awareness about such facilities is relatively low; on the other hand, pilot projects being carried out have exposed a variety of challenges Therefore, the reforms, although generally seen as steps in the right direction, have not brought about dramatic improvements in the public sector. An analysis of the public sector competence of 12 Asian countries from 1999 to 2001/2002 by the Global Competitiveness Report shows that Malaysias ranking has dropped from 46 in 1999 to 65 in 2001/2002. Malaysia has fared poorly compared with neighboring Singapore, which has ranked first for three consecutive years. Measured on a 0-7 scale (where 0 means least competent and 7 means the most competent), Malaysias scores are 2.24, 2.50 and 2.10 against Singapores 4.52, 4.4 and 4.7 during the same period. What is even more surprising is that Malaysias 2001/2002 ranking is below that of Thailand (44), Indonesia (48), and the Philippines (58). The Malaysian experience shows that there is hardly any quick fix to the problems of the public sector and that there is a long way to go before the goals envisioned are realized. Malaysia has, despite its efforts to develop ICT especially in the Multi Media Super Corridor, receded from place 25 (in 1997) on a relative competitiveness scale of infrastructure development to place 38 (out of 49 countries in 2001). Malaysia still implement new ways to achieve its goal The government have started implementing several initiatives to facilitate the smooth development of knowledge economy, particularly in the areas of science and technology (ST), research and development, info structure and financing. Examples of some of these initiatives include the launching of the National IT Agenda (NITA) and the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC). These initiatives is to position itself in the global-map of knowledge-based economies and to undertake measures in ensuring that equitable access is targeted to all segments of Malaysia society. As a whole, k-economy provides the means to maintain sustainable rapid economic growth and competitiveness in the medium and long term. As mentioned earlier, the private sector will continue to become the engine of growth in k-economy with support from the public sector. At the same time, the objective of social and economic equity will still be a critical element in this new s tage of economic development but with the added responsibility of narrowing the knowledge gap among various groups, between urban and rural communities and across the regions. Hence, having the national policies and plans in place to drive human resources, private and public sector to achieve k-economy, who is responsible for coordinating and administration of the plans, policies and strategies implemented (Abdullah, Rose Kumar (2007))[09]. conclusion Despite Malaysia have achieved many goals from 1981 till now, there are many difficulties that encounter Malaysia for achieving visions 2020 and there are a lot of problems have to be solved such as the following problems: The big gap between Malay and Chinese and Indian citizens between each others whether in communication, dealing, relationships. The non-stabilization in the leaderships of Malaysia government since 2000. Inefficiency to build a new generation to adopt vision 2020 completely. Weakness of awareness of Malaysians society to implement vision 2020. Focusing on development of the big cities like KL, PENANG and disregard the other villages. References: http://www.wawasan2020.com/vision/p4.htmln. http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/1848/malay.html. N. M. Nor1, N. Rajab2 and K.M. Ismail3 ,Educating the Engineer of 2020 Malaysian Scenario ,University Teknologi Malaysia . College of Science and Technology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Chan, Foong-Mae ,ICT in Malaysian Schools: Policy and Strategies ,Educational Technology Division, Ministry of Education, Malaysia, October 2002 from http://gauge.u-gakugei.ac.jp Ministry of Health Malaysia Strategic Plan 2006-2010,April 2008 from http://www.moh.gov.my/MohPortal/Pelan%20Strategik%20KKM%202006-2010.pdf Official declaration ,Malaysias national policy on biological diversity, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Ministry of Science, Environment and Technology, pp 23 , Thursday April 16 1998. http://www.primeministersofmalaysia.net/2020.php Siddiquee, A., N., (2006) Public management reform in Malaysia International Journal of Public Sector Management 19(4) 339-358. Abdullah, H., Rose, C., R., and Kumar, N. (2007) Human Resource Development Strategies: The Malaysian Scenario. Journal of Social Science 3(4): 213-222.

Every child has the right to a mainstream education

Every child has the right to a mainstream education Every child has the right to a mainstream education. This is an entitlement for the parents of special needs children, for them to be able to access this, if they believe it to be the correct decision for their child. Many things need to be considered when doing this such as whether the individual child will be able to cope in this type of school environment and whether their ability will allow them to progress along with their peers. This is something which I believe is not the correct decision for every child as I have witnessed pupils who struggle day in day out with issues such as the playground environment, forging relationships with peers and some who are unable to cope with the unpredictability of what can be the normal school day. Inclusion is important, though it is not necessarily the right choice for every pupil. Inclusion is regarded as successful education of all students (whether with or without disabilities, disadvantages) in the same schools and classrooms, celebrating the resulting diversity, including various abilities and cultures (DFES). The era of mixed ability groupings means teachers need to include every child regardless of need and ability through differentiated work, extra support and with a range of activities to suit all needs. The Governments aim is for every child, whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the support they need to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being. Every child matters and they do within the classroom and school environment. (Every Child matters). Education needs to be personalised so every child can learn to the best of their ability and access resources and materials in lessons, and for most cases this happens. There are many occasions in which I have witnessed, however, where special needs pupils fall short of being included all of the time and are given activities which neither stimulate nor challenge them. These are the pupils which perhaps need the most help to progress. They need to be suitably challenged so they may progress in some way, however big or small. Ofsted (2004) suggested that schools should make sure that pupils with SEN in mainstream schools are able to play a full part in school life, and receive a curriculum and teaching relevant to their needs (p.9). Pupils can often get lost in large mixed ability groupings and this is where a child may feel excluded as the teaching is not always relevant to their needs. This paper shall focus upon inclusion and the experiences of pupils on the autistic spectrum in mainstream schools. Significance for my Practice Every school I have been in has at least one child on the autistic spectrum. This is inevitable now in mainstream schools due to inclusion. Each child I have seen has Aspergers syndrome, high functioning autism. These children are clever and generally are placed in good sets. Educationally these pupils can advance and do well. Socially, however, these pupils struggle and they face difficulties on a daily basis. I am involved with some of these pupils at my present school so the significance for my practice will be vast. Understanding the research in this area and carrying out my own research will allow me to draw conclusions which I can then apply in school, to help these pupils and to in turn make other teachers aware, to allow benefit for these pupils across the school as a whole. Historical Background The Education Act (1944) established the grounding that a childs ability should be measured on age, aptitude and what they are capable of. SEN children were categorised by their disabilities. Although the act was groundbreaking for the whole education system, it was the 1970s that the focus of the individuals own need began to be addressed (Parsons, 1999). Research into special educational needs occurred more frequently in the 1970s after the Warnock Report (1978) which found that 20% of children could have SEN but 2% may need support above what mainstream schooling could offer them. Since then a great deal of research and investigation has been done in all areas of special needs. The government has made a number of acts over the years to ensure this happens, the most recent one being the Special Needs and Disabilities Act (2001) which protects students against discrimination. In 2005 however, Baroness Warnock criticised SEN in the UK and has suggested that small specialist provision is needed and that the bullying of SEN children in mainstream schools is inevitable. The claim fails to include that small specialist provision is still available should parents seek this. Specialist provision is now also within some mainstream schools which have specialist units within to cater for more complex needs. Further literature, which is discussed later backs up this claim to some extent. Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) are a range of related developmental disorders that begin in childhood and persist throughout adult life (NHS, 2010). It causes problems and difficulties with social interaction, impaired language and communication skills and unusual patterns of thought and physical behaviour. There are three main types of ASD; autistic disorder, aspergers syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder. The National Autistic Society (NAS) claim that 1 in 100 pupils have ASD and that all schools should be autism friendly with fully trained teachers. This I believe should be the case but with numerous policies and an extensive range of needs within SEN alone, it is difficult to ensure all teachers are trained in everything. This is perhaps where there should be a number of specialist teachers, rather than have all teachers specialise in everything. This however, suggests that in a typical secondary school there could be more than ten children with this disposition. Aspe rgers (high-functioning autism) is common in most secondary schools and the experiences of some pupils are difficult ones. ASD was first identified by Kanner (1943) as a specific pattern of abnormal behaviour. He identified this as being rare but made no attempt to define the amount of people who may have had this. Though the study is very dated, it is still highly influential today and has been a steeping stone for all future research. It is still also relevant to society today as people show the same symptoms as identified and therefore is still of huge importance. Other studies have shown differing prevalence rates of this, including Lotter (1966) who identified a frequency of 4.5 per 10,000 children with autism in an empirical study that was carried out which was epidemiological in nature. This developed the findings from Kanners research, nevertheless further research by Wing and Gould (1979) identified a rate of 15 per 10,000 of children who had social interaction, communication and imagination difficulties. This was the triad of impairments. Patterns of a repetitive nature were also identified whi ch is common today in most children was ASD. The children in the study were not that of the autism Kanner had described. Wing and Gould identified these being part of a broader spectrum of needs. These needs together were identified in 20 per 10,000 children. The prevalence rate is difficult to trust as many people portray elements of ASD yet are not defined as such. Experience has shown this. With prevalence rates, not all of the population can be tested and therefore the rate should be taken as an estimate. Asperger (1944) focused on a group of children who had similar behaviours to what Kanner (1943) had described as autism, but whom had enhanced abilities.   Asperger presented four case studies of children.   In these children he identified some patterns of behaviour and abilities and consequently named these autistic psychopathy.   These behaviours resulted in a lack of empathy, little ability to form friendships, one-sided conversation, intense absorption in a special interest and clumsy movements.   Asperger went on further to explain how these children displayed a great understanding and depth of knowledge on their favourite subject.   These claims are great and wholly unjustified on merely a study on only four boys.   Further research is hinted at within the text but as the paper only identified four case studies it should be regarded as a small scale study. It is common now also for girls also to be associated with being diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, which is a s ignificant point that Asperger missed. The behaviours identified are some which I have witnessed and which are consistent with my experience. Children with Aspergers syndrome can talk in depth on their favourite topic and can completely change the course of a conversation they are in to talk about this. They can often have one sided conversations on this and are not necessarily talking to anyone in particular on their specialist subject. The limitations of this research lie with the time, these were studies that were done during World War II and therefore behaviour due to trauma from the war could have indeed impended the true behaviour that matched the child.   It could be argued though that there were indeed many other children who presented with these behaviours and abilities, but an in-depth study of just four ensured significant detail and strengths in assessing a range of behaviours over a period of time, which consequently could be later relayed onto other children with a similar disposition.   The considerable delay in the translation of this paper led to Western understanding decades later; his finding are now regarded and accepted worldwide.   Aspergers syndrome is indeed a social construction and the paper should be taken as such but noteworthy research which will be discussed later now backs up the claims made in this paper. What could be regarded as another influential study is done by Wollf (1995). Having studied Asperger syndrome for over 30 years the findings are most definitely worthy to a great degree. The studied children were of average or high ability who were impaired in their social interaction but who do not have the full picture of the triad of impairments. However, these children represent the most subtle and most able end of the autism spectrum; are higher functioning. The majority become independent as adults, many marry and some display exceptional gifts, though retaining the unusual quality of their social interactions. There is great debate on why to even include these children in the autistic spectrum. Wolff suggests that these children often have a difficult time at school and they need acknowledgment, understanding and acceptance from school staff as well as parents. Is this the best option for these children though? To identify them as different and therefore facilitate them to a l ife of indifference as they live with this brand upon them. This makes the research lose some credibility as there should be more justification than they have a difficult time at school. Other children have difficult times at school, for many other reasons. Research Theories and Findings A good proportion of studies have been completed on including pupils in a mainstream school with autistic spectrum disorders. These studies differ in terms of their methodologies and findings. With a huge proportion of pupils in the UK facing difficulties with communication, social interaction and imagination, studies for mainstream schools focus upon high functioning autism in the form of Aspergers syndrome. It is more common to find pupils with Aspergers syndrome in mainstream schools as their intellectual level is greater than those with pure autism. Inclusion and Autism; Pupil Experience Humphrey and Lewis (2008) looked into the views and experiences of a pupil with ASD in a mainstream school. Through a small scale study it found that the inclusion of pupils with Aspergers syndrome in mainstream schools presents challenges and opportunities for the various stakeholders (e.g. teachers, pupils, parents and peers) in this process. The study was purely the views of pupils and their experiences though it is often witnessed by teachers that issues at home equate to problems at school. As a result, it may have been appropriate to include teachers views to ensure the participants were portraying behaviour that was usual. Inclusion is fraught with difficulties, with the whole range of needs that exist in mainstream schools at present. A report shows 1000 examples of inclusion in education from members of NAS, Barnard et al (2000). The findings claim that parents with a child in an autism specific provision were twice more likely to be very satisfied than those who had a child in a mainstream school. It shows that views decline through the later school years, the older the child becomes. The survey was completed by over eight hundred respondents, with half of the children being in a mainstream setting. A majority proportion of these children had statements. Findings are primarily based on opinions of parents but the views could be contested as they do not attend school with their child. The parental opinion on what they think their child should have may exceed the needs that their child actually holds. In a mainstream school I am working in children with ASD are supported in a variety of ways and are making good progress. There are issues that these children struggle with but they are guided through these with help from staff in school and through external agencies support. Humphrey is a leading researcher in the field, with a number of studies looking into the effects of inclusion for pupils. Humphrey (2008) identifies that the number of students with ASD being educated in mainstream schools is growing, though educational experiences of these students are unfounded. Whats more, the article found that pupils with ASD are more than twenty times more likely to be excluded from school than those without special educational needs. This implies that pupils are unable to cope suitably in this setting yet reasons for the exclusions are not explored. The paper identifies strong strategies for behaviour and such, yet without the reasons of why these people are excluded the suggestions on improving behaviour are speculative. Literature also draws upon the debate of whether inclusion in mainstream education is the best route for all special needs children. Wang (2009) identified through a critical analysis that certain difficulties may occur by allowing ASD childr en into mainstream education. It also notes on how inclusion is worth striving for and how disadvantages can be resolved by training educators appropriately. Much research in this area pertains that it is teachers who need to understand more and in turn need to implement different strategies. This shall be discussed further later. Tobias (2009) found that by providing students with a mentor figure and by meeting the needs of the individual rather than applying blanket policies to groups of students with ASD, that these were strategies to support and aid in inclusion which worked well and were consequently perceived as such. This on the other hand, is one isolated example and was a small scale study of just fifteen participants and research in this respect is limited. Most studies seem to take the view that experiences could be improved; bullying was found to be a major issue within literature. Peer Understanding and Bullying A significant number of researchers have identified the need to ensure peer understanding to allow ASD students to be included in the activities associated with school life. Many reports account for many students with ASD being bullied by peers, either because they know they are different and have ASD or because they are seen as different and cannot handle social situations as well as others may. Humphrey and Lewis (2008) identified the fact that much research had suggested these pupils make easy targets for bullies. The symptoms associated with ASD make these pupils stand out from their other peers so this statement could be suggested from observations, the research needs to identify why this is as it found almost all pupils reported being bullied at different levels of severity and frequency. This also seemed to occur regularly. Research on this suggests that it is boys in particular who suffer in school settings. Granzio et al (2006) confirm that the oddness of pupils with Asperge rs syndrome led to verbal abuse and social exclusion on a daily basis from peers. From this it may be reasonable to suggest that social exclusion could lead to other problems in a child such as the child becoming depressed due to social rejection as around one-third of school time is spent outside the classroom (Nelson, 2004). This therefore is an area where more research needs to be done; in particular in that of social integration. Norwich and Kelly (2004) recognise that those with special educational needs are more likely to be bullied than other pupils. When thinking of the difficulties faced by children with ASD; particularly that of social and communication difficulties it is not surprising the rate and frequency that bullying occurs. The World Health Organisation (2007) suggests that social difficulties are exacerbated if dyspraxia or developmental clumsiness is present, which is often the case. Students therefore need to develop an understanding of ASD pupils to allow them to develop some compassion to how they must feel on a day to day basis. Humphrey (2008) established from previous research that students need to understand a little about why students with Asperger syndrome have such quirky behaviours. A little understanding and knowledge can go a long way to show other students how to assist easily, rather than ignore or taunt this student. Most research in this area suggests that more knowledge is nee ded, whether it is for the pupils or school staff. A further study looks into the relationships with peers and the use of the school environment. Wainscoat et al (2008) found through a case control study that Aspergers pupils, in comparison with controls engaged in fewer social interactions, spent breaks and lunch times in adult supervised areas of the school, reported having fewer friends and therefore likely to be the targets of bullying. This once more shows recognition in the fact that experiences of these pupils within mainstream education are not all good. This is one of the few quantitative studies yet provides little understanding into reasons behind the findings compared with the qualitative studies. It provides strong evidence to support these claims through statistics but the structured interview could have included some open questions to allow participants to elaborate. The literature discussed shows pupils are isolated, often bullied and somewhat unhappy. This suggests mainstream education is perhaps not the best place f or all students. There also seems to be a social stigma attached to these pupils as research suggests quirky or odd behaviour. With up to 1 in 270 students at secondary mainstream schools having SEN related to an ASD, Barnard et al (2002) this accounts for a huge proportion of pupils who may be having the same difficulties. This calls out for a greater need for more research in this field to ensure ASD pupils are getting the support they need to deal with these issues and how these issues are dealt with in mainstream schools. Teachers Perceptions Ashburner et al (2010) compare teachers perceptions of students with ASD to their perceptions of typically developing students with regard to their capacity to perform academically and to regulate emotions and behaviour in mainstream classrooms. This was a case control research design and participant bias, in respects to the participating teachers is highly prominent in this research. It was based on teachers ratings from teachers whom already possessed views and opinions on the childrens aptitudes, abilities and more importantly temperament. This, on the other hand, means they had a truer perception of the child that a researcher would not have had and therefore results are plausible. Ashburner et al propose the research findings were concurrent with prior research which suggests that students with ASD exhibit significantly higher levels of behavioural and emotional difficulties at school than their typically developing peers. Jordan (2008) claims that teaching pupils with ASD is hard. It is hard for just the same reason that students with ASD find it difficult to learn in our current school system. Just as these children have no natural intuitive ways to understand their teachers, teachers, in turn, have no natural intuitive ways of understanding students with ASD. Teaching is made more difficult by the fact that no child with ASD is the same and strategies that work on occasions, may not do on every occasion. This is what I have found in my practice. This is where Every Child Matters comes into play and is particularly important, where each child needs support to enjoy and achieve. Jones et al (2007) conducted a review of needs and services for young people with Aspergers syndrome. It identified that within education many children, parents and carers will meet people in their school lives whom have no knowledge of Aspergers syndrome, teachers included. Thirty five children took part in the review and the majority (68%) would have liked their school to be different. Although this is based on ASD children, it goes without saying that most children would like school to be different and therefore more specifics need to be recognised. Within the survey bullying was also identified, yet this was something which school staff failed to mention. Research in regards to teacher understanding comes across not only in research that is based solely on the teacher, but also from research on peers and pupils themselves with ASD. This shows there is a greater need for teachers to be more aware of the whole range of need associated with ASD, not just Aspergers syndrome which is commonly found in mainstream setting. Conclusions from the research The general consensus from the research identified is that inclusion and autism is improving, but improvements still need to be made. There is limited research into social integration of pupils into mainstream schools, which considering the estimated prevalence rate is quite alarming. A significant number of researchers have also identified the need to ensure peer understanding, as well as a greater awareness of ASD for teachers. The majority of the research identified bullying as an experience within school. The percentages of this are soaring and it is something which I believe schools needs to research promptly. Bullying is identified in the research from accounts by the pupils, yet teachers perceptions on this seem somewhat different. Research falls short of statistical evidence and a lot of it is qualitative, but this provides in depth explanations and good quality accounts of experiences within mainstream schools. Part B In analysing the different research studies it seems appropriate to start from near the beginning and look at where new and relevant research stems from. In this respect there will be a focus on Aspergers syndrome (Asperger, 1944). The paper by Asperger (1944) is highly pertinent in understanding a range of autism that may occur in a person. It continues on from the work done by Kanner (1943). A great deal of evidence is collected, including that of family history. The research methods, however, are somewhat lacking. The testing that Asperger conducted on these children often failed in providing any useful analysis and was therefore disregarded. Intelligence tests were conducted where these included construction tests where the child would copy from memory, rhythm imitation, memory for digits (repetition for six digits was expected at the age of ten, one boy who was six thus proved to be above average), memory for sentences (this could not be evaluated) and similarities between different things were tested. Analysis focused on memory for digits, along with observation and parental examples of abilities. The latter is a difficult one to reprehend as parents often believe their child to be above average of other children of a similar age and this for that reason is only their opinion. It is essentially qualitative data in the respect that most of the research is carried out through observations and opinions. The data is essentially more rich with lots of detail and therefore of good quality. The justifications for the intelligence tests were on the basis that the child carrying out these tests were observed and therefore judged on communication and ability. This fundamentally enhances the reliability of the tests as there was a plausible reason behind carrying them out, rather than just purely to measure intelligence. The tests however were adapted to the personality of the child so conclusions from these as a whole need to be somewhat justified more. This was essential in terms of ethical issues to put the child at ease but each of the data sets collected are detached from each other, as each case study had a different method. The research is highly subjective and researcher bias is great due to the nature of the observations. The case studies, however, provide enough detail through comprehensive descriptions to justify the claims made. Overall, this paper has provided a good grounding for all research conducted today in this field and is highly important. The research methods conducted are limited but further research and advancements in technology since 1944 have allowed a greater picture of Aspergers syndrome to be developed over time. In contrast, a recent paper on the views and experiences of Aspergers children in a mainstream school moves away from looking at how these children behave to focusing on how they feel and what their experiences are like. This links to the last paper discussed on what Aspergers is but looks at their perceptions of what Aspergers is, so is not purely from the side of the researcher. Humphrey and Lewis (2010) provide an in-depth analytical paper on how these children cope in school. This is a small scale qualitative study on twenty pupils in North West England. It looks at four mainstream high schools. The research is phenomenological where interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to explore how pupils made sense of their educational experiences. The research was qualitative in its methods; the study incorporated semi-structured interviews and pupil diaries. The diaries were used for a month which made possible vast amounts and quantities of detail from each participant in the st udy. This is difficult to analyse and researcher bias will occur to decide which points are valid and are worth mentioning above others. The diaries were also conceived via different methods; either written, orally or electronically. This could yield different results. The participants had a choice but this may not have necessarily been the correct method to enable them to explain in the greatest amount of detail. All participants did not fill in the diary for a whole month period but a number of participants stopped at differing intervals. This led to varying amounts and different quantities of data sets from each participant. The research should have perhaps been carried out on a smaller time scale to allow for full participation. The diaries, on the other hand do provide good detailed responses as opposed to purely using interviews. For example, a participant proceeded to draw images and diagrams depicting his school life which gave a more rounded picture on his feelings and emot ions. This level of detail allows for greater understanding of their experiences and therefore enables the research to be reliable due to the high quality that it portrays. The semi-structured interviews then back up thoughts and feelings from the participant which also enables prompts from the researcher, to allow greater explanation on why they think or feel this particular way. The paper is high in terms of validity and there is a small chance the participant may be lying as issues were recorded in the diary and discussed further via this route. The study also adds to input from its participants by allowing them to provide commentary on the findings, which were then incorporated into the paper. This ensures the theme on their views is completely adhered to, again adding to the consistency of the methodology. The visual representation of results both allowed for the pupil understanding when they were providing commentary on the paper but it also identifies strong categories and th emes in an area where research is wholly limited. Furthermore, this will provide a strong grounding for further and future research in this particular area. Another study, Wainscot et al (2008), looks at experiences in a mainstream school of participants with Aspergers syndrome, but this focuses more specifically on the relationship with peers and the use of the school environment. Research methods included a case control design where pupils undertook a structured interview on their social interactions that day, at the end of school. This method was justified entirely by suggesting the alternative approach of using a cohort study could result in an unbalanced sample based on the kind of prevalence observed. By justifying the method the paper gains credibility and warrants why the method it chose was to all intents and purposes best for this particular research. Structured interviews provide limited scope for the participant to respond and as a result there was a lack in the depth and quality of answers. For example, a question posed was did you have a good day at school today? This is a yes or no question and reasons behind this answer c ould be vast. A pupil may not have slept well or simply was not in a good mood, but in terms of the research conducted it could be interpreted as the participant not liking school or anything the researcher interprets it as. This is a quantitative study and as such responses were entered into SPSS database and analysed. A snowball sampling strategy was used which was again justified as the characteristics required of participants are rare. The control participants were chosen with dyslexia to further investigate SEN as a risk factor for social isolation. The overall number of dyslexic pupils in the study however, turned out to be just three. The research therefore focused primarily on those with Aspergers syndrome and those without. The case-control dyad matched a whole range of variables; age, gender, academic ability, physical size, lessons attended, socio-economic background and ethnicity. The variables were matched where they could be but not all of the case control dyads were. This implies the amount of variables was perhaps too complex to allow for all true matches. The data was collected at different times, in different years to be specific. This implies a lack of reliability as data was collected over a year apart and therefore the researcher did not allow the research to be consistent; this may well have influenced the second data collection period more notably than the first. The study provides a number of limitations but in essence provides good substantial evidence, with a clear comparison between two groups. The researcher could have had more control over the study as opposed to allowing case-control matches by the schools. Again, as with the previous study discussed a need for more research in this field has been acknowledged and suggestions of peer bullying are further recommended. Barnard et al (2000) carried out a large scale study focusing on examples of inclusion in education from the National Autistic Societys members. Although this is slightly dated, it is one of a few large scale studies on inclusion and autism that has been conduc

Movement Education Essay -- Education

â€Å"Movement is as natural and essential to young children’s lives as loving care, rest and nutrition. Movement provides children with an outlet for expression, creativity, and discovery. Through movement, children learn about themselves, their environment, and others. Movement is a stimulus for physical growth and development. The joy of movement is a child’s expression of an emotional need fulfilled.† (Curtis) The movement education teaching model, its historical development, its concepts and core activities will be discussed in this essay. Furthermore, the general objectives of movement education, the detailed objectives within physical education programs and the applicable teaching methods will be outlined and explained. The history of movement education goes as far back as the 1800s. Many people articulated ideas and theories about movement. Three of the most influential people are Francois Delsarte, Liselott Diem, and Rudolph von Laban. Laban is considered by most the true pioneer of movement education. (Karen Weiller Abels) In the early 1900s Laban identified the four cornerstones of movement: weight, space, time, and flow. In the late 70s and early 80s, Stanley, Logsdon and his colleagues distinguished the four major movement concepts, based on Labans discoveries. Stanley, Logsdon and his colleagues classified body, space, effort, and relationship. Parallel to the discovery of the movement concepts, new trends and new teaching models emerged in physical education programs. Movement education faded from the physical education programs because other teaching models became popular and because movement education is an extremely complex teaching model. Today, movement education has returned a nd has planted it... ...sical Education, Recreation and Dance. Movement Education for preschool children. Reston: AAHPERD, 1980. Print. Curtis, Sandra R. The joy of movement in early childhood. New York: Teachers College Press, 1982. Print. George Graham, Shirley Ann Holt/Hale, Melissa Parker. Children Moving, A Reflective Approach to Teaching Physical Education. Vol. 8th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2012. Text. 28 March 2012. Jennifer Wall, Nancy Murray. Children & Movement, Physical Education in the Elementary School. Dubuque: WCB Brown & Benchmark, 1990. Print. Karen Weiller Abels, Jennifer M. Bridges. Teaching Movement Education, Foundation for Active Lifestyles. Human Kinetics, 2010. Print. 16 March 2012. Robert P. Pangrazi, Victor P. Dauer. Movement in Early Childhood and Primary Education. Minneapolis: Burgess Publishing Company, 1981. Print. 16 March 2012.

American Poet: Phillis Wheatley Essay -- African American Poet Poetry

American Poet: Phillis Wheatley Phillis Wheatley was an African-born slave in the last quarter of the eighteenth-century in New England. She was born in West Africa and brought to America on the slave ship Phillis. She was, however, much more than chattel-she was a poet. Phillis was the first African American to have a book published. In a time when women were not expected to be able to read or write, and when teaching an African American to be literate was frowned upon, Phillis Wheatley became educated in Latin and English literature. The education of Phillis Wheatley was, for the most part, for the intent of training "a servant and would-be companion for domestic utility," in which they undoubtedly succeeded. However, they "got an intellectual adornment" who, with her knowledge of the poems of Alexander Pope, the "Puritanical whiteness of her thoughts," and ability to write poems, soon became a celebrity among Boston?s social elite (Richmond 18,19). Phillis's published her first poem in 1767, only a few short years after her initial introduction to the English language. Between the time of the publication of her first poem and her first book, Poems on Various Subjects, in 1773, Phillis gained notoriety by publishing elegies in New England newspapers; her most famous elegy being that for a popular Methodist minister, Reverend George Whitefield in 1770. Although Phillis?s poetry was well received throughout New England, there were people who did not believe all of the poetry was actually written by Phillis. Her expertise with the heroic couplet form perfected by her literary hero Alexander Pope and the allusions to classic Greek and English poetry caused the speculation. In order to prove the validity of her poetry, Joh... ...iterature. New York: Norton, 1997. 165-167. O?Neale, Sondra A. "Phillis Wheatley." Dictionary of Literary Biography, Volume 31: American Colonial Writers, 1735-1781. Ed. Emory Elliot. Princeton: Gale, 1984. 260-267. Richmond, Merle A. Bit the Vassal Soar: Interpretive Essays on the Life and Poetry of Phillis Wheatley and George Moses Horton. Washington, D.C.: Howard UP, 1974. Walker, Alice. "In Search of Our Mothers? Gardens." The Norton Anthology of African American Literature. Ed. Henry Louis Gates Jr. New York: Norton, 1997. 2383. Wheatley, Phillis. Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral. New York: AMS Press, 1976. Rpt. of Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral. Philadelphia, 1786. ---. "To His Excellency General Washington." The Norton Anthology of African American Literature. Ed. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. New York: Norton, 1997. 177.

Ethical Principals for Protecting Research Participants Essay

Participating in a research study is an opportunity for people to contribute to the advancement of healthcare practice or other measures. Researchers typically collect data from a population of people that share common characteristics that make them appropriate subjects for the area being studied. In order to assure that participants are adequately protected, a set of ethical principles should be adhered to by all research facilitators. â€Å"The Belmont Report articulates three primary ethical principles on which standards of ethical conduct in research are based: beneficence, respect for human dignity, and justice† (Beck & Polit, 2006). The principle of beneficence serves to minimize harm to participants, maximize the benefits of the study, and protect the participant from any form of exploitation. â€Å"In research with humans, harm and discomfort can take many forms: they can be physical, emotional, social, or financial† (Beck & Polit, 2006). Facilitators of any research study must be conscious of this and use strategies to alleviate potential of such harm. Ethical researchers must be prepared to terminate their study if any evidence of distress on the participants is discovered. Another duty that researchers face is to protect participants from exploitation. â€Å"Involvement in a study should not place participants at a disadvantage or expose them to situations that they have not been prepared† (Beck & Polit, 2006). In summary, participants must feel secure that the information they provide will not be used against them in any fashion. The second ethical principle addressed by The Belmont Report is the respect for human dignity. Study participants have the right to self-determination, or the capability to control their own activities. This right encompasses the ability to ask questions, refuse to provide information, or even withdraw from a study without consequences. The entitlement of self-determination also includes the freedom from being coerced into participating in a study, such as an economically disadvantaged person being offered a large stipend to participate. This may be seen as placing this individual under undue pressure to participate in the study. The principle of the respect for human dignity also includes the right to full disclosure. This allows a person to make informed, voluntary decisions regarding the study they are participating in. â€Å"Full disclosure means that the researcher has fully described the nature of the study, the person’s right to refuse participation, the researcher’s responsibilities, and the likely risks and benefits that would be incurred† (Beck & Polit, 2006). The last ethical principle delivered in The Belmont Report pertains to justice. This principle ensures participants’ rights to fair treatment and the right to privacy. Justice promotes duties to neither neglect nor discriminate against individuals. â€Å"The principle of justice imposes particular obligations toward individuals who are unable to protect their own interests to ensure they are not exploited for the advancement of knowledge† (Beck & Polit, 2006). Researchers must also acknowledge the participants’ right to privacy. They must ensure that their research is minimally intrusive and the participants’ privacy is respected throughout the study. People that partake in a study should expect that any information they provide will be kept in strict confidence. There are designated procedures in place to ensure participants’ satisfaction of a study upon completion. One such task is the risk/benefit assessment. â€Å"Such an assessment is designed to determine whether the benefits of participating in a study are in line with the costs, be they financial, physical, emotional, or social† (Beck & Polit, 2006). Researchers can also offer a debriefing session after data collection is complete. This allows participants to ask questions or air complaints pertaining to the study. Researchers can demonstrate their interest in study participants by offering to share findings with them once the data has been analyzed. Lastly, facilitators should refer participants to appropriate health or psychological services as deemed necessary. Bibliography Beck, C. and Polit, D. (2006.) Essentials of Nursing Research: Methods, Appraisal, and Utilization. (6th ed.) Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins.

Suicide Speech Outline

Speech OutlineTopic: Suicide SpecificPurpose: To aware people about suicide and help them to find out if someone could be living this awful situation. By being aware all of us could save lives in danger. Introduction: Attention Getter: Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U. S. surpassed by accidents and homicide. (According to Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention) Statement of Significance: Suicide or â€Å"self-killing† or â€Å"an act of taking one’s own life† according to Robert M. Martin. Now committing suicide is very common in nowadays anyone could be in danger of doing it, your mom, dad, brother, sister, uncle, and aunt could be going through this hard stage. I will tell you the main causes of suicide, the signs of a suicidal person, and how could you help someone on need. Preview: Today I will be talking about why people commit suicide, the sings and methods and finally how we can help someone that wants to commit suicide. Transition: Now that I covered the significance let’s see why people do itBody: I. Why do people commit suicide?A. They think it’s killing themselves is the only way of his/her problems. 1. Usually when someone takes over hi/her life they aren’t thinking straight because for example (when you were little and you went to the doctor and they wanted to give you an injection you would say no, because it would hurt. Now imagine wanting to end up with your own life) 2. Most of the times suicide is planned buy in other cases is not planned its just and instinct that people have and supposedly their way out of problems. Women attempt suicide more often than men, but men are 4 times more likely to commit suicide because men use more effective methods such as gun and hanging themselves.B. Depression1. Having some personal problems such as a breakup, a big fight with a loved one, parents getting a divorce, being an outcast in school or in other place, even an unwanted pregnancy could depress someone that much that suicide is their first thing in their heads and they end up doing it. 2. Having some personal issues is also a main cause of suicide such as being sexually abuse, homosexual preferences, and self- identity and a trauma (according to Edwin Shneidman) which includes poor health, example asthma, obesity, and multiple illness . Transition: Now you know the main causes why do people commit suicide, now let’s see the sings of a suicidal person and methods of suicide. II. Sings of a suicidal person and methodsA. Signs1. The suicidal signs are easy to identify, and if you identify them early enough you could save a person’s live that could be in danger. 2. According to the website kidshealth. org here are the signs of a suicidal person * talking about suicide or death in general * talking about â€Å"going away† * referring to things they â€Å"won’t be needing† or giving away possessions * talking about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty pulling away from friends or family and losing the desire to go out * having no desire to take part in favorite things or activities * having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly * experiencing changes in eating or sleeping habits * engaging in self-destructive behavior (for ex. drinking, drugs, or cutting)B. Methods1. Top 10 suicidal methods according to listverse. com 10. Drowning 5. Carbon Monoxide Inhalation 9. Electric shock 4. Poison 8. Bleeding to death 3. Hanging 7. Jumping 2. Drug/ Alcohol Overdose 6. Suffocation 1. Gun Shot III. How could we help/ prevent suicide? A. If it’s someone you know? 1. Don’t leave a family, friend, or stranger alone trying to commit suicide. Try to help them in any kind of way you can by giving them advices and make the realize how suicide could affect everyone around them B. What if it’s you? 1. If suicide has come across your mind, don’t just sit there get some help from a person you trust as soon as possible, or you could call the suicide line 24/7 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-999-9999. Remember that suicide is not the way out. Transition: So know you know if saving a live is in your hand do it right away and before it’s too late. Conclusion: Before I finish remember that Restatement of significance: It’s important that we take any sing in consideration because our loved ones could be thinking of a suicide and we must protect them. Review: I have covered why people commit suicide, the sings and methods and finally how we can help someone that wants to commit suicide, so once again keep these in mind you could save a life. Closing Device: Just remember that suicide is not the way out.References: 1. Robert M.Martin Suicide: The Philosophical Issues New York: 1980 48-54 2. Edwin S. Shneidman Suicidology: Contemporary Developments New York 1976 1-14 3. Methods of suicide http://listverse. com/health/top-10-ways-to-commit-suicide/ 24 June 2008 4. Suicide in general http://kidsheath. org/parent/emotions/behaviors/suicide. html 24 June 2008