Huck Finn’s Transformation Essay

By the end of the first half of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, I noticed a few changes in Huckleberry Finn’s attitude towards certain things. Huck’s outlook on life shifted rather dramatically before pap had kidnapped him. Though he had mixed feelings regarding his life with the widow, he, for the most part, was content living with her because not only was he educated, clothed, and fed properly, but he also felt slightly protected from pap. However, after pap captured Huck and locked him inside a secluded cabin, his opinion changed. Initially, he was scared of pap and was miserable being locked inside for days on end. He remained scared of pap, but gradually began to enjoy life without the widow. He said, â€Å"I didn’t see how I’d ever got to like it so well at the widow’s, where you had to wash, and eat on a plate, and comb up, and go to bed, and get up regular, and be forever bothering over a book†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Twain 32). Many transformations took place in Huck after he feigned his death and ran away from pap as well. Some of the changes were fairly minor, but I felt that they added up and also proved that Huck was not as stubborn as he once was. They proved that he truly did have the ability to change. A paradigm of a minor change was in Huck’s opinion regarding praying. At the beginning of the novel, he looked down upon praying and religion because he thought them to be useless and claimed that praying didn’t work. But after he found the loaves of bread with quicksilver inside them, he thought that the widow, or someone else, had probably prayed that the bread would find him, and it did. Huck then decided that praying might be effective (45). The most significant change that I noticed in Huck was at the end of chapter 15. Jim and Huck had been separated and could not find each other because of the foggy conditions. However, Huck thought it would be funny to fool Jim and convince him that it was all in his dream. When Jim realized that Huck was lying, he was extremely hurt and offended. At first, Huck let Jim walk away, but then he said, â€Å"It was fifteen minutes before I could work myself up to go and humble myself to a nigger; but I done it, and I warn’t ever sorry for it afterward, neither† (89). This was a huge deal, because at that time, a white person would never apologize to a slave.

Enhancing the Quality of Education in the Philippines Essay

Enhancing the quality of basic education in the Philippines is urgent and critical. Due to that, one of the discussions of DepEd which incurred last October 2010 is to enhance the basic education program of the country in a manner that is least disruptive to the current curriculum, most affordable to government and families, and aligned with international practice through the K-12 policy. The poor quality of basic education is reflected in the low achievement scores of Filipino students. Many students who finish basic education do not possess sufficient mastery of basic competencies. One reason is that students do not get adequate instructional time or time on task. This quality of education is reflected in the inadequate preparation of high school graduates for the world of work or entrepreneurship or higher education. High school graduates also do not possess the basic competencies or emotional maturity essential for the world of work. 1 While the availability of economic opportunities contributes to this, it also illustrates the mismatch in the labor and education markets. The World Bank Philippines Skills Report in 2009 reveals, based on a survey of employers, serious gaps in critical skills of graduates such as problem-solving, initiative and creativity, and, to a lesser extent, gaps in job specific technical skills. The enhanced K-12 program, or the Department of Education’s (DepEd) proposal to overhaul the basic and secondary education curriculum by adding two more years to the system is arguably one of the most drastic and controversial programs of the Aquino administration. The program is proposed to start in school year 2012-2013 for Grade 1 and first year high school students with the target of full implementation by SY 2018-2019. According to SEAMEO Innotech 2011, which is considered as the preferred education solutions provider in Southeast Asia and also an ISO 9001: 2008 Certified, the Philippine is the last country in Asia and one of only three countries in the world with a 10-year pre-university program. The K-12 model to be implemented in the country is an educational system for basic and secondary education patterned after the United States, Canada, and some parts of Australia. The current basic education system is also an archetype of American schooling but with a 10-year cycle. DepEd reasons that it is high time to adopt a K-12 system, attributing the low achievement scores and poor quality of basic education to the present school setup. Following wide protests over the proposal, the department released its official position defending K-12. 2 â€Å"We need to add two years to our basic education, those who can afford pay up to fourteen years of schooling before university. Thus, their children are getting into the best universities and the best jobs after graduation. I want at least 12 years for our public school children to give them an even chance at succeeding. † quoted from the statement of His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III. K-12 has been met with criticism from youth and student groups, teachers, parents and the academic community. The DepEd, for its part, appears determined to enact the program with its proposed budget catering mostly to preparing the grounds for its eventual implementation. The DepEd argues that the K-12 program will be the solution to yearly basic education woes and the deteriorating quality of education. Critics, however, counteract that the education crisis needs to be addressed more fundamentally and adding more school years would only exacerbate the situation. With the proposed policy K-12 program, various arguments and criticisms were formulated. Different conditions generate different assumptions, which in turn create different policies. The success of any policy depends on the correctness of its policy assumptions. 3 Taking this fact into consideration, questions take place, should policy assumptions be made based on current realities? Or should policy be based on policy conditions as expected to happen, but which may not exist by the time the policy implementation was started? The below mentioned problems are just some of the queries where necessary answers are in need to be sought in order to satisfy uncertainties with regards to the implementation of this educational changes provided in K-12 Policy. PROBLEMS 1. What is the status of the country’s educational resources as to: * teaching force; * facilities and equipments; * learning materials; and * budget? ; 2. What are the provisions of the policy to the following direct entities? * family; * manpower;? and instructional apparatus**? ; 3. What is the level of preparedness of the concerned implementing stakeholders e. g. DepEd, CHED as to the execution of this educational reformation? and 4. What is the level of acceptance of the following affected stakeholders: * teaching staff; * parents; and * students? 5. What is the level of capability of the following affected stakeholders? * teaching staff; * parents; and students? OBJECTIVES The formulation of policy for the K+12 Education System requires rigorous systems analysis. Many patchworks of issues, opinions and statistical analysis have already been presented by so many sectors in so many meetings and consultations. But what is more important to see now is the entire picture, the whole tapestry of Cause-Effects and Costs-Benefits that the policy, if adopted, will create. The following are the main objectives of the K-12 policy as stated in their guiding principles4: 1. To enhance the curriculum of the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program as the central focus. The curriculum enhancement will be designed in line with the desired competencies and skills of a K+12 graduate. The Department of Education will constitute a body to review the current basic education curriculum and detail the implementation plan. 2. To develop tracks based on different competencies and/or student interest as an integral component of the program. Basic education program should develop tracks based on competencies to meet the country’s varied human capital requirements, and to prepare students for productive endeavor. The SHS curriculum will offer areas of specialization or electives. 3. To enhance the basic education curriculum being undertaken hand in hand with the vigorous efforts to ensure adequacy of inputs as part of the bigger basic education reform,  Expanding the education program (additional years of schooling) will be pursued mindful of the need to address the input shortages – teachers, classrooms, desks, water and sanitation, and quality textbooks. DepEd already included a provision for substantial physical requirements for 2011 budget, and is looking to introduce in subsequent years a budget that will constitute a significant increase not just in nominal terms but also in real terms. 4. To alter change in two-fold: curriculum enhancement and transition management. The intention of K+12 is not merely to add two years of schooling but more importantly, to enhance the basic education curriculum. DepEd is preparing a carefully sequenced implementation plan to ensure smooth transition with the least disruption. 5. To have an open and consultative process to be adopted in the promotion of the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program. In accordance with the â€Å"Tao ang Boss† principle, an open and consultative process will be adopted to ensure the successful development and implementation of the K+12 program. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE. Many of us believe that in order for a person to achieve his success, he must have a good background in education and the attitude of a survivor. A great education begins with the desire to learn (Osterberg, 2004). Education is important in everybody. It gives us knowledge about the world around us, strengthens our perspective in life and helps build opinions and have points of view in everything about life. Education is really important in bringing our dreams to reality. It opens up doors to every opportunity that would give success in one’s life (Oak, 2010). In our country’s case, the Philippine government offers only 10 years in basic education (6 years for elementary and 4 for high school years), which is the lowest as compared to 12 years in many countries in the world (PCER, 1999). The poor mastery of lessons is common due to the congested curriculum and to the great number of population in public schools. High school graduates of 10-year basic education curriculum are also believed to lack basic competencies and maturity. They cannot legally enter into contracts and are not emotionally mature for entrepreneurship / employment (DepEd, 2010). According to the National Framework Plan for ICTs in Basic Education (2010), the poor performance of students across our country shown in recent national and international achievement tests, and the great number of dropouts both in elementary and secondary levels, pushes the government to add 2 more years in the basic education curriculum or also termed as the K+12 education program. The K+12 program means Kindergarten and the 12 years of elementary and secondary levels. Kindergarten refers to the 5-year old cohort that takes a standardized kinder curriculum. Elementary education refers to primary  schooling that involves six or seven years of education. Secondary education refers to high school (DepEd, 2010). According to the official gazette by the Department of Education (DepED, 2010), the model that is currently being proposed by DepEd is the K-6-4-2 Model. This model involves Kindergarten, six years of elementary education, four years of junior high school (Grades 7 to 10) and two years of senior high school (Grades 11 to 12). The two years of senior high school intend to provide time for students to consolidate acquired academic skills and competencies. By the time that the issue in K+12 program was once again brought up to public, there has been lots of comments and opinions made by those who agree and disagree about it. The pro-K+12 said that the need for enhancement of the quality of education is urgent and critical and that the congested curriculum only burdens the students by the time they pursue their tertiary level. The government also stated that by adding two more years in our curriculum would increase the GDP growth by 2%. While those who disagree said that the families would have to shell more money for transportation, food and education of their children. Many have also stated that the government does not have the money to spend for another two years in education since it does not have the money to fully support today’s ten years (Cruz, 2010). METHODOLOGY The paper presented elucidates what the K-12 policy is all about, the rationale of formulating it, the target stakeholders and beneficiaries. Further, it tackles also the current situation and the adaptation scenario as it was going to be implemented this coming school year. Various facts, criticisms and assumptions from different reliable sources were asserted in order to substantiate details needed for the best understanding. The presenters wanted to obtain information as to the queries being questioned in the above stated problems in order to have a bird’s eye view to the content and specifications of the said policy. Since the policy is soon to be implemented, the discussion presented is more on the assessment of the provisions and guidelines stipulated in the educational reform in relation to the affected stakeholders. The come up of the following options were based from the personal assessments from the presenters out from the ideas and thorough discussions gained from the varied reliable sources. Further, some contents of this part contain documentation of issues and problems base from the current news and information cited from different reliable sources. Moreover, the views and opinions of the presenters do not necessarily reflect the contents or discussion of the neither class nor stand point of the subject instructor, thus all the generated opinions are purely coming from the presenters. 1. Eradicate and impede the implementation of the policy. Constraints and limitations are highly contradicting the concerned K-12 policy, not to mention the unwillingness to embrace the pro’s and con’s brought by this. 2. Suspend the realization of the policy and reschedule for the next succeeding years. Government and direct implementing agency are not well prepared for the changes to be incurred. Further trainings and seminars, strengthening of the workforce are hereby in need as well as deep penetration to the students and parents for the better understanding and acceptance. 3. Put into practice the K-12 policy this coming school year. The country needs to improve the standard of the educational system in order to keep in line with the paces the other country is pacing. The long term outcome of the said implementation would serve as a positive outcome that will uplift the morale of the society thus bringing noticeable growth to the citizens specifically and to the country as a whole. ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION 1st Option: Eradicate and impede the implementation of the policy. It is remarkable and inspiring to see that Philippines is now progressing economically and as such, to sustain and possibly prolong this stream, targeting the Education sector of the country is a must. But, unpreparedness, poor educational participation and development will surely yield to negative outcomes. The biggest issues the K-12 Education System must address are its requirement educational inputs and processes. If these are not given solution, the K-12 Education System policy is already ruined from the very start. In view of Sarah Katrina Maramag’s idea, â€Å"the crisis of the Philippine education system, in all levels, is stemmed not on the superficial, in this case the number of schooling years, but rather on the conditions and foundation on which it subsists. Unless the government addresses in earnest poor public spending, high costs of schooling, the predominance of a colonial curriculum, lack of transparency and accountability amid widespread corruption within the sector and the development of the country’s science and technology for domestic development, all efforts will remain on the surface and neither 10 nor 12 years would make much of difference. † To relate with the statement of President PNOY â€Å"to achieve something out of this move to K-12, we need to have a realistic set of plans† and reality check, the plan doesn’t coincide as to the current situation. Though implementing K-12 would be possible, these paradigm changes would be harder for the public system for them to cope up with the rapid changes. Why? Let us settle to the article of Junifen F. Gauuan, firstly, the budget for the education sector of the Philippines is, compared to other Newly Industrialized Countries (NICs), relatively low (for example, difference of almost 5% GDP with Malaysia and Brunei – 3. 1% GDP Philippines). Secondly, the infrastructure of the state schools are not conducive enough to admit more students (picture students taking double-shifted school time i.e. 7am-1pm + 1pm-7pm – is that good for students to not meet in a one-off-one-time schedule? OR even cram 50 students in one class? ). To correlate demand and supply, more demand = more supply. With the current shortage of teachers, as claimed by ACT (Alliance of Concerned Teachers) there is no capacity for the public system to admit more students, even more to prolong the year of study. Finally, financial constraints, millions of people in the Philippines (to be exact 23 million under the Asia-Pacific poverty line) are still living below the poverty line. Are those parents belonging to that line can really afford another 2 years extra in education? Ideally, the long term goal which can be brought by the policy is good, but reality wise, the road in reaching the target is under construction, not yet completed thus so far behind. 2nd Option: Suspend the realization of the policy and reschedule for the next succeeding years. It is the belief of some educators that the K+10 Education System failed because it lacked 2 more years of study. We can consider that as one reason. But to the idea of the presenters, the bigger reason why K+10 Education System failed is because of poor educational resources such as classrooms, lack of teachers, facilities and equipment in short budget. Now, though greater budget is allocated to the reform of the educational system in the country but unfortunately what hinders most is the present situation of the affected stakeholders such as parents, students and teachers not to mention the unavailability and lacking of the educational resources. There is a need of empowerment to the part of the teaching force since it is a great change which requires greater understanding and preparation. It can’t be denied the fact that the country has great teachers worth to be proud of, but with the change of educational pattern which they will experience, a further training and seminar is indeed a need for them to be fully equipped. Aside from that, the acceptance of pursuing the reformed educational system must have to start from them since they are considered to be the initial medium that will mediate and enlighten the process of the changes both to the students and the parents. To the part of the parents, it would be a sudden change that will greatly affect their economic standing in terms of the added financial obligations added also the uncertainties and queries about the changes wherein not all of them are aware. Further enrichment for them to have a better understanding about the policy is a must and it will surely take some time. It is a considerable way to enlighten the parents since they are the first in hand who can motivate and guide their children. To the implementing agency, the country cannot attempt a trial and error outcome out of this policy. They must have to consider this not an experimental thing to be tested and evaluated. Beforehand, all of the possible consequences and preparations to counter any of those must be well handled and planned already. An evaluation of the educational resources, a budget plan for the teaching force – a long term plan of all of these including the construction of some additional facilities and equipment must be comprehended. To the part of the presenters, they assumed that those implementing agency are not well interacted to the possible instances that may come up and the way to respond in case any unhanding occurrences will arise. As will as the parents and students, together with the current situation of the country connotes unpreparedness for the implementation of the policy. Pursuing the policy without having some intervention with the direct stakeholders and considering the factors affecting the outcome of the policy would obstruct sustainability. 3rd Option: Put into practice the K-12 policy this coming school year. The government is in to it, the policy was recommended to be implemented, government agencies relating to the educational reform took already an action and somewhat due to the media interaction the society can be said as informed about it. The vision is to uplift the educational standards of the country, the mission is to implement procedures and processes provided in the policy, regardless of all the comments and criticisms since government already spent money for it, then like it or like it very much it should be implemented. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION. Initially, the DepEd justifies the K-12 model by saying that the present short basic education program affects the human development of Filipino students. Ultimately, regardless of whichever â€Å"model†, what the youth and country direly needs is for the development and establishment of an education system that caters to the needs of the Filipino youth and the society in general. Unfortunately, data shows the current situation that the country is facing in terms of the educational system that might obstruct the implementation of the said policy. But then, the policy is soon to be implemented this coming school year. To make a recommendation as to the presented options is a mind boggling duty that the presenters could ever come up. But just to satisfy the means of having this paper the end is, the presenters chose the second option, 2nd Option: Suspend the realization of the policy and reschedule for the next succeeding years. The presenters select option two as the best option not due to the fact that the Philippines is the last country in the region to adopt a K-12 basic educations system because it is not all about the trending basis but checking in accordance to the â€Å"reality†. During the assessment done by the prestigious organization Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), they conclude that the problem about the present curriculum in squeezing 12 years of basic education into just 10 is that students are overloaded with subjects which resulted to poor quality of basic education as reflected in the low achievement scores of Filipino students. International tests results like 2003 TIMSS rank the Philippines 34th out of 38 countries in HS II Math and 43rd out of 46 countries in HS II Science; for grade 4, the Philippines ranked 23rd out of 25 participating countries in both Math and Science. In 2008, even with only the science high schools participating in the Advanced Mathematics category, the Philippines was ranked lowest. This quality of education is reflected in the inadequate preparation of high school graduates for the world of work or entrepreneurship or higher education. It is not the question of teaching force because internationally we can say that the country is equipped of well trained educators capable enough for the learning needed by the students in our country. In fact, teachers in our country are highly demanded and most preferred to be hired and work in other country. But it is the matter of the educational system that we have which is designed to teach a 12-year curriculum, yet it is delivered in just 10 years. Though some criticizing it as a way only to realigned as to what is the trending educational system to must have, then why not follow it if it will sustain the development of the educational system of our country and there is nothing wrong with it. As to the question of the consequences that will be brought by the policy, surely there will be many of those and it’s a part of the changes. Better because the government exists to uplift the standard of education in the country and not just sitting down to their respective offices and waiting what will happen to the future of the students experiencing the current system. The policy exist with provisions of program to be administered for the sustainability of it, thus to relate it with economic hindrances it should be another story that is worth to be reflected and should not serve as a hindrance for the development of one system in our country (education). To reach the development wherein the citizens are wanting, admitting the fact that it couldn’t be happening simultaneously is the first step. But, out of the advantages that can be given by the policy, what is now to be considered as constraint is the time. There is a need to develop to the part of the teaching force, the facilities and the equipments the country presently have, further evaluation and thorough analysis as to the whatever outcome that can be brought by it. Implementing programs that will lead to the positive realization of the policy and usage of media is a help to penetrate the minds of the parents and making them realized the long term output that the policy can give by. In short, a more prepared country is in need for the advancement to incur in the educational system. REFERENCES PDF files: Batomalaque, Antonio. Basic Science Development Program of the Philippines for International Cooperation. University of San Carlos. ; Marinas, Bella and Ditapat, Maria. Philippines: Curriculum and Development. UNESCO International Bureau of Education International Engineering Alliance. The Washington Accord. http://www. washingtonaccord. org/Washington- Accord/FAQ. cfm (Accessed 11 September 2010) Mullis, I. V. S. , Martin, M. O. , Robitaille, D. F. , & Foy, P. (2009). Chestnut Hill, MA. Trends in International Mathematics and Science Advanced 2008. National Center for Education Statistics. Highlights from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2003. December 2004 Seamo-Innotech. Additional Years in Philippine Basic Education: Rationale and Legal Bases. Presentation to the Department of Education on 25 August 2010. Presentation notes of Dr. Isagani Cruz, 28 September 2010. Articles/ Journals: Jane Uymatiao. Why we need DepEd’s K-12 Program, Sunday, 22 January 2012. Retrived from http://www. thepoc. net/commentaries/14612-why-we-need-depeds-k-12-program. html (Accessed 15 March 2012) Joe Padre. Pros & Cons in the K+12 Basic Education Debate, October 14, 2010. Retrived from http://mlephil. wordpress. com/2010/10/14/pros-cons-of-the-k12-debate/ (Accesed 14 March 2012) Jonathan Plucker. Problems as Possibilities: Problem – based  learningforK-12education. Retrievedfrom http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_hb6470/is_1_22/ai_n28742235/ (Accessed 11 March 2012) Junifen F. Gauuan. K+12 Policy Framework: Pessimistic, Optimistic or Realistic? , March 26, 2011. Retrieved from http://www. aldersgate-college. com/news/high-school/k12-policy-framework-pessimistic-optimistic-or-realistic/ (Accessed 6 March 2012) K-12 Challenge to Philippine Tertiary Education. Retrieved from http://rodrigo75. wordpress. com/2011/04/19/k-12-challenge-to-philippine-tertiary-education/ (Accessed 29 March 2012). Sarah Katrina Maramag. Proposed K12 Basic Education System in the Philippines, Is the K-12 model good for the Philippine Education System? , via Philippine Online Chronicles. Retrived from http://blogwatch. tv/2011/05/proposed-k-12-basic-education-system-in-the-philippines/ (Accessed 10 March 2012) Virnads. K12 in the Philippines: A Reform or Deform. Manila Philippines, June 13, 2011. Retrieved from http://www. allvoices. com/contributed-news/9379822-k12-in-the-philippines-a-reform-or-deform (Accessed 12 March 2012).

The Illustrated Man

In the 1 ass's science fiction collection of stories The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury, there are two stories that express the main idea of revenge and they are The Other Foot and The Veldt. In The Other Foot, revenge is seen when Willie takes revenge on the white people because of how they treated his parent's and the other black people on Earth. In The Veldt the children, Wendy and Peter, take revenge on their parent's when they don't let them take their rocket to New York, this revenge builds up until it takes over the children's minds and they become unhealthily obsessed over It.There re many differences between these two types of revenge that are Important to the reader In many different ways. In The Other Foot revenge Is sought by the black people. When they lived on earth the white people treated them very badly. They were forced to sit In the back of buses and theaters, they were shoe-shiners, slaves and many were even hanged for no real reason. When the black people all mo ved to Mars their lives were drastically changed as they could now live in peace and happiness. When the news spread of a white man coming to Mars in a rocket the Martians prepared themselves and their owns for the arrival.They gathered their weapons, ropes and set up the back of buses and theaters for white people, ready to get their revenge for how their ancestors had been treated. However when everyone saw the frail, old white man and listened to his story of Earths destruction they realized that there was actually no need for revenge. â€Å"Willie Jerked his head and his mouth opened, Hattie saw the recognition in his dark eyes† the black people understood that the white people had already suffered enough during Earths extermination and so the situation was over, everybody was equal.This theme of revenge is a big part of The Other Foot and is important to the reader because it teaches how revenge can be resolved in a fair and legitimate manner and also to always treat peo ple how you would like to be treated because you never know when the shoe could be on the other foot. The idea of revenge in The Veldt is a very important part of the story. Wendy and Peter are the twin children of George and Lydia Hadley; they are very loved and spoilt children.When the parent's begin to threaten to turn off the children's nursery room the children decide to get revenge on their parent's to fix the situation so they are able to keep the nursery. They devise a plan to create an African veldt In the nursery however they want it so badly that the room actually comes to life with real live animals. It is when George and Lydia entered the nursery that they became faced with their deaths, the giant lions killed them and the children experienced the sweet taste of revenge.Wendy and Peter Hadley responded to the situation by carrying on with their day, this Is shown when David McLean arrives and Wendy asks â€Å"A cup to tea? † This quote shows the reader that the c hildren had no emotional attachment to heir parent's and this Is Important In showing how revenge Is not always the best solution for everyone. Revenge can end In very bad ways and the Idea of It In this short story shows its importance to the reader by giving a better understanding of lasting bitter feelings and anger which does not affect anyone but the person harboring the grudge.It can also have a negative impact on your health. The Veldt and The Other Foot are very similar in both showing the major idea of revenge. Equally the revenge in these stories was both between two groups of people ever things that they thought were very important to their lives. In The Veldt the revenge was needed because the children wanted to have the nursery room kept on, and in The Other Foot the revenge was concerning people's rights and how the black people think they should have been treated better.However there were differences in the way the characters went about getting revenge. Wendy and Pete r devised their own little plan and kept it between themselves only, they did not act suspiciously towards their parent's and created the African veldt when their parent's were not eying attention. In The Other Foot Willie needed the help of all the Martians so he drove around town seeking other people who held grudges and collecting weapons.He spread the word of his revenge and made it very obvious to the opposition, when Hattie asks Willie what he is doing, he shouts back â€Å"Roping off the whites! † This quote expresses to the reader how badly Willie wanted revenge and how he got himself into such a state that he was completely focused on achieving that. His mind changed in the end and the revenge in The Other Foot was finished in a calm way but he ending of The Veldt was a surprise because it was not expected of the children to go as far as killing their own parent's.The idea of revenge is compared in many ways between the two stories, it is important that the reader no tices these as they give more detail into the traits of the characters and what they set out to achieve. Revenge is a main idea present in the short stories The Veldt and The Other Foot written by Ray Bradbury. In The Veldt the revenge was aimed at the parent's by their children because their most prized possession is being threatened, and The Other Foot shows revenge between two different races about their history together.There are many similarities and differences between the short stories about the way the revenge was dealt out and the reason for it. From the readers perspective The Veldt was a better story to read because of the twist at the end that leads to a much unexpected death. The theme of revenge is important to the reader by giving more detail of the character traits, showing how revenge can be good or bad and by expressing to the reader what the characters are setting out to achieve.

SARS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SARS - Essay Example Other members of the coronavirus group are known to cause common cold and croup in humans (Ramanujan K, 2009). SARS has gained attention for the fact that within a few weeks it spread from the Guangdong province of China and infected human population in 37 countries around the world (Smith, 2006). Signs and Symptoms: Initial symptoms with coronavirus (SARS-CoV) encompass flu like fever, Myalgia, lethargy, gastrointestinal symptoms, cough, sore throat and other vague symptoms. The symptoms common to all patients is fever above 38 C, shortness of breath. Symptoms do not occur immediately but appear within 2-10 days following exposure and about 10-20% cases require mechanical ventilation. History: Infection by SARS-CoV (called as SARS-associated coronavirus) was first identified in Hong Kong, US and Germany (Ksiazek, Drosten, Peiris 2003a, Poutanen). It was first observed in Chinese province of Guangdong and was internationally reported on 11th February 2003 (WHO, WER 11/ 2003). Initially it was assumed to be associated to a newly emerged influenza virus.

The Benefits of Digital Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

The Benefits of Digital Marketing - Essay Example Most organizations seem to be heading towards digital marketing since it is proving to more effective as compared to other methods of marketing (Thomas, & Housden, 2011). Digital marketing refers to the marketing and promotion of goods and services through the internet and other digital means such as television advertisement, computers, digital billboards, Smartphones and any other devices that have the ability to combine sound and images to deliver a certain message. Digital marketing enables the organizations to engage themselves effectively with the customers in a manner that is cost-effective, timely and usually relevant. In addition, digital marketing brings the customers closer to the organization. Some digital means such as internet marketing gives the customer a chance to give his view over a certain product or services or even suggest what they might need to be done to increase their satisfaction. This is important since it makes customers feel they are part of the organizat ion and that they are being considered as important stakeholders (John and Jones, 2009). Digital marketing presents the organization with numerous opportunities to expand their operations and gain a competitive advantage over their competitors (Henderson, 2005). Apart from improving the relationship with its customers, there are numerous other opportunities that an organization can realize from digital marketing. This essay is a report on an investigation of the opportunities to an organization that chooses a digital approach to market its products and services. The organization to be investigated is Walmart. Background of the organization Wal-Mart Stores Inc is a retail store based I the United States of America. It has a global presence operating in about 15 countries worldwide. It is a public corporation and is ranked third among the top public corporations in the world after Exxon Mobil Corporation and Royal Dutch Shell. Its shares were first traded on the New York Stock Exchang e in the year 1972. No other retail store in the world is larger than Wal-Mart. In addition, in terms of private employers, Wal-Mart ranks first with more than two million employees in all its stores worldwide. Wal-Mart, a family-controlled company is among the most valuable companies in the world Walton’s family controls 48% of the company shares. Sam Walton founded the company in the year 1962 and then it was incorporated in the year 1969 (Walmart, 2012). The company offers a wide range of products in all its stores worldwide. For instance, the company is known to be the largest grocery store in the United States of America. It also sells household items such as furniture and utensils, electronics, jewelry, clothing, baby products, beverages, beauty items as well as pharmaceutical products. In addition, the company also offers a number of services. Among the services include; photo services, paint mixing, and Marlin travels. In addition, the company has a regal nail, salon, and spa, a program that offers services such as manicure, pedicure as well as nail care services (Walmart, 2012). The company offers its products and services to a wide range of customers. It targets the youths, the old as well as children. This is a strategy that has helped it gain a large share if the market. It offers almost anything that people from different age groups are likely to buy. It has a marketing strategy that has been of much benefit to its operation and that has contributed to its global growth making it one of the biggest companies in the globe (Walmart, 2012). For instance, it offers its products and services at a relatively lower price as compared to its competitors.  

Performance management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Performance management - Case Study Example In PMP, an on-going process of communication is developed between the supervisor and the employee throughout the year in achieving the objectives of the organization. This view is shared by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management as a cycle of systematic process that involves its employees in the process in the improvement of organizational effectiveness in accomplishing its goals. This cycle shown at left, consists of planning the work and setting expectations; a continuous monitoring of performance; development of the capacity to perform; rating of performance periodically, and recognition thru reward of a good performance (U.S Office of Personnel Management, n.d.) In Colorado State, a Performance Management Program is a state-mandated program, wherein Colorado Boulder University is required to implement for its state-classified employees (Office of Labor Relations). Rees, 2011 said that in order to become a classified employee, Colorado system requires some standards such as one s hould be a resident of Colorado State, and must qualify in the standards set in the merit system. The Classified employees are part of the Colorado Classified Personnel System.The performance system of the Colorado State is done in three parts: the achievement pay, sound performance management pay and dispute resolutions (Rees, 2011).

World literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

World literature - Essay Example The concept of otherness is definitely a tool used by authors and poets, and to further shed light on this phenomenon, the essay will talk about it in the context of the poems: ‘The lamb’ by William Blake and ‘How do I love thee’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. In the first poem by William Blake titled the Lamb, the poet, as the name suggest, is generally just talking about lambs and how beautiful they are. The nature of the speaker is ambiguous, but from what can be gathered from various terminologies and allusions used in the poem, along with the innocence with which the questions are being asked in the first stanza, it can be concluded that the speaker of the poem is a child. The child is curious and asks the lamb where he came from and who made him? The speaker talks to the lamb as if they can understand him and often personifies them by telling them that they have a ‘voice’ (Blake, line 7). The personification makes even more sense, once in the remaining parts of the poem, the lambs are meant to be symbolic of Jesus Christ, who is pure and the epitome of innocent as per Christian theology. The poem was published in the year 1789, a time during which people were fairly orthodox and conservative regarding religious matters and commentary on God. William Blake’s otherness in the poem shows that he asks the questions from the eyes of a young speaker, who is not old enough to adhere by the set code of society. Therefore, he questions the lamb about who made them, what gives them food and what made them to have soft wool. As an adult, it does not make sense for anybody to ask that questions, but from a young child’s perspective, all questions are forgiven. In the end however, Blake incorporates an agenda-setting role in his poem by using the concept of otherness, which is that the young speaker in the possesses the knowledge of who made them and therefore reinforces the cardinal beliefs of

Choose promt in attachment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Choose promt in attachment - Essay Example The latter has seen a lot of improvement in the film industry for women. Also important was the Civil Rights Movement. Mulvey’s theory in which she stipulates that women are just sexual fantasies for males in earlier films supports this argument. Laura Mulvey is renowned for her ‘Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema’ where she analyses the production technique of Hollywood films. According to her ‘gaze theory’, most of the films produced have a masculine approach. This implies that the films use women as objects that provide visual pleasure for men (Hemery, 2013). In films today, there still exist forms of objectifying women, even though they are also given major roles involving active participation. Examples of films that portray women as sexual objects include 100 Girls, National Lampoon’s Dorm Daze and I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell. In 100 Girls, there are women who are in the film to fulfill the actor’s sexual desires. In today†™s films, especially those meant for children, the female gender is not represented equally as their male counterparts. However, when they appear in such films, they are either passive or over-attractive. For instance, women in animated films are portrayed as extremely thin, with small waists and hourglass figures. In films such as Pretty Woman, women are portrayed as escorts who are paid for their companionship services. A rich businessperson, Edward, pays Vivian Ward, played by Julia Roberts. Later on, they fall in love. They are also adorned with alluring clothes. Men, on the other hand, are presented as saviors, warriors, breadwinners, and protectors of the world in films. For example, in the film, The Avengers, the pictorial cover portrays five men and one woman. Apart from the unequal representation of women, the picture also portrays her carrying the smallest of the weapons. According to research findings, only 32.8% of speaking characters are female while the remaining 62. 7% of the characters are male. In total, less than 17% of films in the industry are balanced in terms of gender (Smith, 2008). Similarly, in the directing and producing areas for every one female there are approximately five males. This is alarming, especially since almost half of the society is made up of females. Film Industry in the early 1950s was marred with various stereotypes, including the traditional role male and female. In the few instances that women were represented in films, they appeared as homemakers, with a lot of babies and household chores. Films today have however revolutionized women’s role a little bit (Hemery, 2013). This could be attributed to modernity and westernization that has seen women pursue their careers and still play their roles as wives and mothers, like in Strike back. Jodhi May is portrayed as a survivor in the male dominated world of military, and she climbs to the top. Many females are also portrayed as having a great affinity for romant ic relationships. For instance, The Ugly Truth portrays Abby Ritcher as a romantically challenged woman, who lashes out her list of how her dream man ought to be. Most films also show women as weak, and no matter who wrongs the other in film, the woman always forgives and gets back with her male partner. An example here is Project X, a high school themed film. Films like Clueless depict the nature of girls as shallow. The reasons for this is because all they do is shop and enjoy

The benefit Consuming organic and whole foods Essay

The benefit Consuming organic and whole foods - Essay Example This leads to the food being less healthy. During processing, there is the addition of preservatives, and artificial coloring, which might affect an individual’s health negatively. There is no processing of whole foods and they do not have any unhealthy additives. Whole foods as well do not have added salt or sugar, which might contribute to high blood pressure or obesity. The human body only handles the natural salts or sugars in food (Gussow 4). It is healthier to eat organic food than inorganic food. This is because they lack chemicals and pesticides. Some types of organic foods have high levels of vitamins, as well as, proteins compared to inorganic food. Animals that feed on organic food are as well more healthier compared to animals that feed on inorganic food (Edward 26). Consumption of organic and whole food is not only important for individuals’ health, but also important as far as the environment is concerned. For example, they do not lead to fertilizers or pesticide run-off, which go to the streams or rivers. Such chemicals contaminate water and results in the destruction of habitats. Some pesticides contain toxins, which contribute to health problems like cancer (Benbrook

Armitage and praise song Essay Example for Free

Armitage and praise song Essay In both poems, a sense of nostalgia and reminiscence is conveyed; they are written in the past tense which leads to a state of reflection and acknowledgement. As a reader, one can immediately capture this notion, when reading Praise Song for My Mother, as the title itself has very traditional African connotations it marks a celebration or tribute of someones life. Whereas Armitage titles his poem Harmonium which is what the poem is physically about but also is symbolic of the relationship between him and his father. Armitage introduces the poem with an anecdote; this evokes a feeling of reminiscence. It contains very physical descriptions Shadowy porch of Marsden Church this establishes the setting for the reader and perhaps portrays Armitage as being entranced by the church; he appreciates very minute details. However, when describing the Farrand Chapelette, it was described using the idiom gathering dust which has a double meaning it was physically accumulating dust but also it was coming of age. In addition, Armitage describes his ultimatum; it could be bundled off to the skip or could become his for a song this suggests the church organ is not in satisfactory condition as the idiom bundled of to the skip indicates it would have been thrown out. More importantly, Armitage explains how the church organ could be his for a song which is an interesting play on words as the purpose of the harmonium is to play songs but also this idiom suggests it could have been purchased cheaply which leads the reader to assume the harmonium has lost its functionality and is impractical, similar to the freight of his father. In Praise Song for My Mother, Nichols uses You, a second person pronoun, which introduces a sense of intimacy and makes the poem very personal. This is followed by were, a past tense verb, which indicates the poem is addressed to someone who cannot hear her or maybe is no longer alive. This idea correlates with the concept of a praise song a traditional African tribute to someone no longer alive. Nichols describes her mother using a metaphor; you were water to me. Water is regarded as precious, particularly in African culture but it is also an essential element of sustaining life which leads the reader to deduce the extent of the impact the mother has had in this person. The water is then described as deep and bold with regards to the mother, one can interpret this to mean the water is a large store of knowledge that cannot be accessed as physically humans cannot survive; it is very mysterious and also it shows the great expanse of her motherhood. Fathoming derives from the Anglo Saxon era and means to embrace the water embraces many sea creatures and therefore sustains life which is essentially a quality of her mother. But it can also mean to reason out problems this relates to the idea of a store of knowledge. Armitage gives sunlight agency as it can beatify saints and raise the dead. This catholic connotation brings about positivity to the church as images of saints are lifted above ordinary people. However, this is contrasted by the destructive power of the sunlight as it weathers the aged wooden case of the harmonium and the fingernails of its key. Armitage personifies the keys to draw a parallel with his dads smokers fingers. Further damage included one of the notes lost its tongue which means sound is lost. Armitage then paints an image of a traditional organist who wears grey, woollen sock. This inspires an idea of how old the harmonium and its battle with time. Armitage describes the motion of pedalling and uses repetition to support the onomatopoeic effect/. Nichols also uses repetition as she starts the second stanza with You were. This maintains the intimate and personal element to the poem. She describes her mother as the moons eyes. Historically, the moon represents strength and an icon of femininity. By personifying the moon, it shows that whilst her mother may not be on walking earth, she is looking over her this adds a transcending aspect to her mother. References made to the moon are pull and grained which can suggest to the reader the gravitational attraction between mother and daughter is similar to that of the earth and moon and how her mother had suffered a lot through her life and was left scarred. When using mantling, it evokes an image of being covered or wrapped up to protect. Moreover, Nichols lack of apostrophe in the third stanza, fishes, suggests her breakdown in emotion. The third stanza is different from the first two as here Nichols begins to list metaphors describing her mother. She once again makes the poem more personal through the reference of crabs leg/the fried plantain smell which is a delicacy central to her tradition. Furthermore, Armitage displays his emotions coming to a breaking point in the third stanza. This is achieved through his use of but which indicates a shift in tone. He uses alliteration, hummed harmonics, to increase the pace imitating his release of emotion. Also there is an onomatopoeic aspect which denotes the sound. This allows the reader to appreciate how engaged Armitage is with the harmonium. His use of the idiom struck a chord has a double meaning it can mean to physically play a sound but more importantly it means to provoke an emotional response to something. As the stanza continues, Armitage makes reference to father and son and is talking about him and his father this increases the feeling of nostalgia as it was him and his father who had sang as choir boys. It is in the fourth stanza where Armitages emotions become apparent. He makes very delicate comparisons with his father and the harmonium dotted thumbs. After this, Armitage how him and his father would cart it away in doing so, the harmonium is described as a valueless item. He personifies the harmonium by describing its back similar to how a person would be placed in a coffin. Armitage mentions how his dad belittles his own death. His dad describes his body as freight which is monosyllabic and brings heaviness to the comical aspect of his dad. Armitage cannot respond to his dads cynical humour and has lost his tongue. This represents the difference in character between the two. In contrast to the sad mood conveyed in Harmonium, Nichols ends the poem with words of wisdom from her mother Go to the wide futures, she said. This reinforces the idea the mother is looking over her and is wise.

Reflection on Nursing Teamwork

Reflection on Nursing Teamwork Implementing an effective teamwork skill is essential in nursing. I would be reflecting on the dynamics of my own personal experience on Enquiry Based-Learning, an important element in my programme of study. Nurses are everywhere, working with different professionals to achieve a common outcome that leads toward a patients wellbeing. For this reasons, my course, in a way focused on enquiry based learning to develop important skills to empower student nurses while in the healthcare sector. Throughout this essay, I would be referring to Gibbs (1998) reflective model to explore how the group worked as well as focusing on my own contribution. Description I undertook a group activity section as part of my learning development which is defined as Enquiry Based Learning. A group composed of 5 members to work together as part of a team on a specific task. My group is to work on a case study working together as a group to produce a piece of PowerPoint presentation to present our findings.   Grounded on my understanding, I have identified a group as collective consisting of one or two people with a common interest whereas a group dynamic is a team of people acting interdependently with excellent communication skills, different knowledge and interact with each other regardless of shared responsibilities (George, 1985).   To this end, I would think of my enquiry based-learning group as a task -focused group, as each individual had a delegated task to carryout.   My enquiry based group was selected casually to work together and to share responsibilities individually which means to be able to produce this piece, we would need to communic ate frequently with each other by building a significant relationship with the members of the group. Feelings Initially I felt confident to be in a smaller group as this gives me the opportunity to communicate in an easy way. however, I got frightened and felt anxious about having to be in a group with people I do know have any kind of a friendly approach with.   Also, I got frightened because, I perceived the group as a task purposed group only. Nevertheless, according to Casey, A. (2011) Communication is central to human interaction. Without it, people cannot relate to those around them, make their needs and concerns known or make sense of what is happening to them.   to this end, with a smile in my face, I took the initiative to introduce myself and ask the members of my enquiry based learning their names. Tuchman (1965) underlined the importance of team development through four stages. However, forming is the first stage members of a team or group go through before moving unto the next phase.   This is an introductory stage where the group become adapted to each other. During the f orming stage, the team members including myself have been very nice to each other but at the same time there are unseen possible conflicts. Firstly, in the forming stage, we got selected randomly as a group to work together to achieve an outcome to meet a deadline. However, we started to get to know each other, to socialise, by becoming acquainted with each other while talking through the task. We all contributed in splitting the task in semi topics to obtain an outcome easily. Additionally, as a task focused group, we talked about the task and started to delegate each member a task to undergo. At this point, everyones opinion was valued, we discussed and planned on how to carry out our research and how to present it. Furthermore, in norming stage, we assessed the task as a group and set out the ground rules, boundaries and standards through communication and interaction (Tuchman, 1965). I was able to communicate interactively with the members of my enquiry based learning group and to convey my ideas. I also decided on which part of the argument I was interested in developing research into.   Additionally, everyone con veyed their ideas along with suggestions made by other members.   Consequently as, the group dynamic begins to lose its structure, conflicts emerge.   Which leads to the storming stage as stated by Tuchman (1965).   In this stage, though, there has not be any disagreements we decided to meet outside university to work together, because this is mainly task focused group, we all participated in a positive way.   Consequently, leading to the performing stage where we were able to achieve our goal (Tuchman, 1965). Evaluation Positively, even though in the norming stage we started to work connectedly and the team performance is elevated thus not as high performing. we all contributed our ideas, discussed about possible meetings, place and the frequency. However, as a member, I was able to establish harmonious relationships with the rest of the group. I wanted the work to be done properly so I maintained a positive relationship throughout the section.   I explored my given topic independently, making sure to keep the interaction between the group going then we met on few occasions to put the work together and to practice on how to present the work.   However, I didnt like the formation of the group because, even though we were good and very task focused, we did not have a specific role to adhere to. Everyone was doing everything and this was very disorganised. There was a point where we kept sending the working to the group and the members making changes independently whereas, as a supportive and inter active team, we could have meet  Ã‚   and discuss around any changes. The reason for this is because, even though we are really interactive wen we see each other, this, however, is different when we send messages around concerning or regarding the presentation. Members do not pay attention to messages.  Ã‚   Consequently as, the group dynamic begins to lose its structure, the group therefore struggles and dysfunctions as a group. This stage negatively impact on the whole process through a realisation that, we did not really have a lasting group dynamic as members started to create small groups within the group unintentionally because of obvious preferences. They are more interested in getting their work done based on been the best. Personally, when this happened, people stop communicating, message and purpose become unclarified. So, people do things wrongly on their own terms. Relating to this, the group still functions as a group but there is no interaction or relationship based-communication. Referring to the Mindtools document (Belbins reflective cycle), when a team is acting at its best, you will usually find that all the members has clear responsibilities.   Belbin (1993) said, Team role is a tendency to behaviour, contribution and interrelation with others. It is a pattern of behaviour that characterizes one persons behaviour in a team process. It is thus, vital to classify the roles members possess to improve the teams effectiveness. Teams having a balance of personality types perform better than those with duplicated personalities (Belbin,1993). Belbin came up with the roles of individual team members which states that every member is unique and possesses unique behaviour which might affect the performance of the activity. He also used self-perception inventory questionnaire in his research in order to identify team roles and he found nine different roles with unique characteristics. These inclusive; Following Belbins (1981) individual role in the team, the role that best describes me in the team was Implementers as I am mainly in charge of getting things done by elaborating in a systematic and an organized way on the teams ideas and approaches into reasonable actions and plans. Also, I played the role of Completer-Finisher as I am always anxious about deadlines and want to make sure the work is completed and done before then.   On my personal point of view, I would say our group was acting very close to a team but there is still distance from a high performing team and If I had to change something about it next time, I would ask the lecturers to change the members. Analysis Conclusion In conclusion, reflecting on this account, in a group or teamwork, all members are important. As stated in Tuchmans (1965) reflective model it is important that individuals are delegated a task within in the group to focus on. However, firstly, there was no leadership, according the Kings Fund (2015) leadership is a tool to a successful and effective group task. For this reason, there was no formality of order in the group. Everyone was doing everything not sticking to the group dynamics. Secondly, though we were communicating and focusing on the task yet we were somehow disorganised and initial standards was not well observed.   Thirdly, our communication was a task-focused on not based on interrelations because, as soon as we depart from each other there is no more communication Bach (2015). If I have been given the opportunity next time, I would have recommended that the group delegate a leader to oversee the project only this way, would things be well organised and encourage mo re group meeting and to pay attention to messages thus giving a feedback and discussing it as a group. Action plan To encourage the participation and collaboration as a group, I will empower the group to elect a leader who can oversee managing affairs of the group. I would also encourage members to participate in providing feedbacks to any message that is communicate in other to understand what changes might occur. References: Bach, s. (2009) communication and interpersonal skills :Learning Matters LTD   available at http://sgh.org.sa/Portals/0/Articles/Communication%20and%20Interpersonal%20Skills%20for%20Nurses.pdf (19/02/17) Belbin, M. (1993) : Team roles: Mindtools available at mindtools.com/Belbin team roles Casey, A. (2011) Effective communication: Principle of Nursing Practice E: RCN :v 25 (32) available at https://www2.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/380795/Nursing_Standard_Principle_E_April11_563KB.pdf (accessed 19/02/17). George, N. (1985). Importance of teamwork at work. Availablie at http://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-teamwork-work-11196.html Gibbs (1998): Reflective cycle : available at mindtools.com/gibbs reflective cycle Maggs, D. (2015) The Kings Fund: Leadership and Leadership Development: London available at https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/sites/files/kf/field/field_publication_file/leadership-leadership-development-health-care-feb-2015.pdf (accessed 19/02/17).