Feminism: A Constant Stride Towards Equality Essay -- Gender Studies

â€Å"Women are the only oppressed group in our society that lives in intimate association with their oppressors.† -Evelyn Cunningham Feminism is an idea based on the assumption that women have the same human, political and social rights as men, furthermore, that women should have the same opportunities as men in their personal choices regarding careers, politics and expression (Reference.com). A feminist text states the author’s agenda for women in society as they relate to oppression by a patriarchal power structure and the subsequent formation of social ‘standards’ and ‘protocols’. It points out deficiencies in society regarding equal opportunity, and the author will make certain the reader will be aware of this motive (Bahar). In a work of fiction, the main character, or heroine, personifies the social struggle against male domination. Unfortunately, feminism is said to have too many negative connotations and thus it seems the term, and therefore the movement, is restricted by the glass ceiling, of which it aims to fight (Ferguson). Numerous works which we explored throughout t he semester possess characteristics of feminist works, in particular, the short story â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper†, written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find†, written by Flannery O’Connor. These are both considered feminist texts because they aim to portray women as stronger, more independent subjects, and to defy the norms that have been created by men in the past. The feministic ideas that are touched upon help to strengthen the works as well as critique modern society. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† tells a story about a woman’s struggles against male-centric thinking and societal ‘norms’. Feminist allusions are abundant throughout this s... ...y 36.3 (2011): 733-757. Literary Reference Center. Web. 11 Apr. 2012. Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper.† 1912. Making Literature Matter: An Anthology For Readers and Writers. 5th ed. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martins, 2012. 954-968. Print. Hinely, Susan. â€Å"Charlotte Wilson, the â€Å"Woman Question†, and the Meanings of Anarchist Socialism in Late Victorian Radicalism.† International Review of Social History 57.1 (2012): 3-36. ProQuest Military Collection; ProQuest Research Library; ProQuest Social Science Journals. Web. 10 Apr. 2012. O’Connor, Flannery. â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard To Find.† 1955. Making Literature Matter: An Anthology For Readers and Writers. 5th ed. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martins, 2012. 1283-1296. Print. â€Å"Reference.com - A Free Online Encyclopedia & Information Reference.† Reference.com. Web. 8 Apr. 2012. .

Music and Learning

TETTEH OKLEY CEPHAS TOPIC: MUSIC AND LEARNING; incorporating music rhythm into studies to aid memory and recall. Case Study at the University of Ghana,Accra. Submitted as research proposal to Mr Adotey, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction 1. 1 Background of the research 1. 2The study area 1. 3Problem statement 1. 4 Aims and objectives of this study 2. Literature review 3. Methodology 3. 2 Methodological considerations 3. 2. 1 Qualitative framework of study 3. 3. Data collection and procedure 3. 3. 1 Instruments,participants 3. 3. 2 Data analysis 4. Discussions;summary of discussion . INTRODUCTION 1. 1 background to the research Are people typically geniuses? Statistically, people probably are not. In fact, most people probably aren't even intellectually gifted at all. Most people are likely to be pretty much average, maybe a little bit above average, or a little below, but very average none the less. It is universally understood tha t people strive to learn to become wiser and more informed about the world around them. The more people learn, the more powerful they can become. It is the speed at which people learn that separates the geniuses from the average people from the learning disabled.Geniuses don't run into problems while learning, because they learn so fast. It is everyone else that could really use help. One solid way to increase the speed at which people learn is with music. People learn through music and their minds grow faster because of it. Some music, when implemented properly, can have positive effects on learning and attitude. Music is a powerful thing, and when we understand its significance, it can bring dramatic changes both positive and negative into our lives (Kristian David Oslon). Sceintific research on the neurological and developmental effects of music on learning has fascinated educators since long. rom soft music in the nursery to musical toys and dance lessons, encouraging music invo lvement in a fun way strengthens individual educational, physical and emotional development. Learning is the process of acquiring modifications in existing knowledge, skills, habits, or tendencies through experience, practice, or exercise. Learning includes associative processes, discrimination of sense data psychomotor and perceptual learning, imitation,concept,formation,problem solving, and insight. prominent psychologist and educationists have over the years propounded ways though which learning could be improved and made easy. f them music is no exception Music is one of the few activities that involves using the whole brain. It is intrinsic to all cultures and can have surprising benefits not only for learning language, improving memory and focusing attention, but also for physical coordination and development. Of course, music can be distracting if it's too loud or too jarring, or if it competes for our attention with what we're trying to do. But for the most part, exposure to many kinds of music has beneficial effects Music affects the process of learning and thinking.Listening to quiet and soothing music while working helps an individual to work faster and in a more efficient way. it has the ability to make the listener acts positively and feel motivated. The power of music to affect memory is quite intriguing. Mozart's music and baroque music, with a 60 beats per minute beat pattern, activates the left and right brain. The simultaneous left and right brain action maximizes learning and retention of information. The information being studied activates the left brain while the music activates the right brain.Also, activities which engage both sides of the brain at the same time, such as playing an instrument or singing, cause the brain to be more capable of processing information. Listening to music facilitates the recall of information19. Researchers have shown that certain types of music are a great â€Å"keys† for recalling memories. Informati on learned while listening to a particular song can often be recalled simply by â€Å"playing† the songs mentally. Further on,music has a calming effect on the mind and his even known to speed the recovery of health ailments. Studies have shown that music plays a vital core in enhancing creativity.It has a positive impact on the right side of the brain, triggering the brain centers responsible for the enhancement of creativity. Certain â€Å"ragas† are known to activate the â€Å"chakras† of our body, thus giving us an added advantage in other creative tasks. Music increases spatial and abstract reasoning skills. These are the skills required in tackling problems, solving puzzles and taking decisions. Listening to Mozarts is known to have a positive effect on the spatial-temporal reasoning, simply put,it makes you smarter. Have you tried learning anything by combining it with music or rhythm? or example, counting with a certain repeating pattern, or learning cer tain maths basics by giving it a tune, or learning poetry by reciting it musically. basically the combination of the rythm of a favorite song rhythm to something to be learnt makes it easier to remember since songs are are not plain words but are actually compositions with immediate catching rhythms. An interesting aspect of music is how it eliminates depression,which reduces brain activity and hampers the minds ability to plan and carry outs tasks, by increase the sorotonim levels of the brain making the brain alert. ensational rhythms can cause the brain waves to resonate in synch to the beat,thus leading to increased levels of concentration and increased mental alertness. This helps the brain to change speeds of processing easily as need be. Music as a whole usually helps increase discipline. Rythms are easy to catch and recall and if intertwined with subject topics would help a student to recall . Everyone who have been through elementary school can not deny the fact that the re citing of poem did not in one way the other help he. Most of us still vividly remember so well some of this poems.This is because this hard knowledge was presented in a way that sounded so well still sound pleasant to the ear. Students appear to learn and retain more when the subject matter is presented through rhythm and/or song. They can also retrieve information if taught the correct cues. Students do not have to be musical scholars or prodigies in order to benefit from the joys of being taught mnemonically. Students who have difficulty retaining information because they cannot read or have not been taught any memory strategies, can often learn effortlessly through rhythmic and musical mnemonics.When textual information is presented as the words of a song or familiar tune, it is better recalled and its memory is more durable. Also, when the lyric and melody are partnered and then rehearsed, the melody is an effective cue for retrieving the lyric. (Chazin & Neuschatz,1990; Gfeller , 1982; Wallace, 1994; Yalch, 1991; Gfeller, 1982). 1. 2. STUDY AREA The University of Ghana is the oldest and largest of the Ghanaian universities. It was founded in 1948 as the University College of the Gold coast, and was originally an affiliate college of the University of London which supervised its academic programmes and awarded degrees.It gained full university status in 1961, and now has nearly 40,000 students. The original emphasis was on the liberal arts, social sciences, basic science, agriculture, and medicine, but (partly as the result of a national educational reform programme) the curriculum was expanded to provide more technology-based and vocational courses and post graduate training. The university is mainly based at Legon about twelve kilometres northeast of the centre of Accra, Ghana.The medical school is in Korle Bu with a teaching Hospital and secondary campus in the city of Accra(Accra City Campus) meant for workers or the working class. It also has a gradua te school of nuclear and allied sciences at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, making it one of the few universities in Africa offering programmes in nuclear sciences. The university also has another branch of its Business school located in the Central city of Accra. The school can boast of big Department of Psychology upon its introduction into the University in 1967.It now is one of the fields with over thousands students. 1. 3PROBLEM STATEMENT †¢ Is it worth it all to use music to aid recall or improve memory †¢ which kinds of music rhythms are appropriate †¢ how can these rhythms be fashioned into the learning and teaching strategy to improve memory †¢ was the use of song rhythms able to aid recall and memory. †¢ If indeed it is shown that students benefit from learning subject matter in the classroom mnemonically through music rhythms, what is preventing teachers from using them more often in the classroom? 1. 4 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To conglomerate the knowledge of music into the learning strategy to aid concentration and cognition †¢ To precisely state methods by which music can be incorporated into learning to aid easy recall of stuffs learnt †¢ To examine whether the attachment of the knowledge of music and rhythms to learning really aids recall and memory improvementt †¢ To prescribe the kind of music rhythms to be used in learning which can aid cognition precisely recall and memory improvement †¢ To help lecturers to sufficiently use music rhythms in teaching their students 2. LITERATURE REVIEW Yates (1972) chronicles how the Ancient Greeks, who invented many arts, also invented the art of memory. Just like their other arts this was passed onto Rome and subsequently descended in the European tradition. This method of impressing place, image, and music on memory has been called ‘mnemotechnics’ or mnemonics. †¢ The reviewed literature reveals current and past studies on the subject of using musical mnemonics as an effective memory tool in the classroom and beyond. A musical mnemonic is a useful tool for disciplines that require a great deal of memorization.Mnemonics can be teacher created or students created and should not be introduced until the student knows how to use them correctly. The literature reports that in general students, who have been taught through mnemonic instruction, outperform students taught by traditional instruction techniques. Much of the prior research was conducted in the curriculum areas of science, history, geography, English, social studies and foreign language vocabulary. The literature is presented from two complimentary perspectives; medical and educational. †¢ Sacks (2007) researched the phenomenon of brainworms.Brainworms are overly catchy tunes designed to bore their way into the listener’s ear or mind and are not easily forgotten. They were described as â€Å"cognitively infectious music agents† by a newsmagazine i n 1987 (p. 42). Sacks (2007) searches for the qualities that make a tune become almost impossible to delete from memory. Is it timbre? Rhythm? Melody? Repetition? â€Å"Or is it arousal of special emotional resonances or associations† (p. 43)? He recounts a song from his youth â€Å"Had Gadya† a Hebrew song that was long and repetitive and that became â€Å"hammered† (p. 44) into his head.He queries: â€Å"Did the qualities of repetition and simplicity†¦ act as neural facilitators, setting up a circuit (for it felt like this) that reexcited itself automatically? Or did the grim humor of the song or its solemn, liturgical context play a significant part too† (p. 44)? †¢ Sacks (2007) reports on how our brains are helplessly sensitive to music, and how the â€Å"automatic or compulsive internal repetition of musical phrases is almost universal† (p. 44). The brain treats musical imagery and musical memory in a unique way that has no equivalen ts in the visual mind.Melody, with its unique tempo, rhythm and pitch â€Å"tend to be preserved with remarkable accuracy† (p. 47) whereas visual scenes are often not recalled as accurately. Because of this â€Å"defenseless engraving of music on the brain† (p. 47) musical imagery and memory even occur in people who that they are not musical. Neurologically, people tend to find those brainworms or catchy tunes completely irresistible and unforgettable. This comes as no surprise to the advertising world that makes their millions out of flooding our world with such nauseating jingles as â€Å"Rice-a-Roni; the San Francisco treat! or â€Å"800-588-2300 Empire, today! † †¢ Mnemonics 14 †¢ Hodges (2000) marvels at the new revelations that the latest â€Å"neural machinery† has shown us, on the effects of music on the brain. He derives the following premises from neuromusical research. †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ The human brain has the ability t o respond to and participate in music. The musical brain operates at birth and persists throughout life. Early and ongoing musical training affects the organization of the musical brain. The musical brain consists of extensive neural systems involving widely †¢ †¢ istributed, but locally specialized regions of the brain: o Cognitive components Affective components Motor components The musical brain is highly resilient. In the same article he quotes a neurologist, Frank Wilson (1986) who states that â€Å"†¦ all of us have a biologic guarantee of musicianship†¦. we all have the capacity to respond to and participate in the music of our environment† (p. 18). Research from the Classroom and Learning Environment Gfeller (1986) did extensive research with learning disabled children and how musical mnemonics affect their retention and recall.She chose as subjects for her research both learning disabled and non learning disabled students. The study focused on the memorizing of multiplication facts through repetition either by chanting the numbers and product to a simple tune or standard verbal rehearsal. After the initial trial, the non disabled students reported significantly greater recall of the facts than the learning disabled participants (p ; . 05). By the end of the fifth trial however, both sets of participants who had learned their multiplication facts †¢ Mnemonics 15 usically, remembered significantly more (p ; . 001) than did any of the students using verbal recitation. Gfeller (1986) emphasizes the importance of teaching the students how and when to use a mnemonic. After all, the mnemonic is only effective if the student can access it, retrieve it and subsequently utilize it. She also encourages the use of familiar melodies in creating mnemonics. Students in her trial remarked that â€Å"†¦ the facts most easily recalled were those rehearsed to melodies reminiscent of songs they previousl †¢ Music and Learning TETTEH OKLEY CEPHAS TOPIC: MUSIC AND LEARNING; incorporating music rhythm into studies to aid memory and recall. Case Study at the University of Ghana,Accra. Submitted as research proposal to Mr Adotey, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction 1. 1 Background of the research 1. 2The study area 1. 3Problem statement 1. 4 Aims and objectives of this study 2. Literature review 3. Methodology 3. 2 Methodological considerations 3. 2. 1 Qualitative framework of study 3. 3. Data collection and procedure 3. 3. 1 Instruments,participants 3. 3. 2 Data analysis 4. Discussions;summary of discussion . INTRODUCTION 1. 1 background to the research Are people typically geniuses? Statistically, people probably are not. In fact, most people probably aren't even intellectually gifted at all. Most people are likely to be pretty much average, maybe a little bit above average, or a little below, but very average none the less. It is universally understood tha t people strive to learn to become wiser and more informed about the world around them. The more people learn, the more powerful they can become. It is the speed at which people learn that separates the geniuses from the average people from the learning disabled.Geniuses don't run into problems while learning, because they learn so fast. It is everyone else that could really use help. One solid way to increase the speed at which people learn is with music. People learn through music and their minds grow faster because of it. Some music, when implemented properly, can have positive effects on learning and attitude. Music is a powerful thing, and when we understand its significance, it can bring dramatic changes both positive and negative into our lives (Kristian David Oslon). Sceintific research on the neurological and developmental effects of music on learning has fascinated educators since long. rom soft music in the nursery to musical toys and dance lessons, encouraging music invo lvement in a fun way strengthens individual educational, physical and emotional development. Learning is the process of acquiring modifications in existing knowledge, skills, habits, or tendencies through experience, practice, or exercise. Learning includes associative processes, discrimination of sense data psychomotor and perceptual learning, imitation,concept,formation,problem solving, and insight. prominent psychologist and educationists have over the years propounded ways though which learning could be improved and made easy. f them music is no exception Music is one of the few activities that involves using the whole brain. It is intrinsic to all cultures and can have surprising benefits not only for learning language, improving memory and focusing attention, but also for physical coordination and development. Of course, music can be distracting if it's too loud or too jarring, or if it competes for our attention with what we're trying to do. But for the most part, exposure to many kinds of music has beneficial effects Music affects the process of learning and thinking.Listening to quiet and soothing music while working helps an individual to work faster and in a more efficient way. it has the ability to make the listener acts positively and feel motivated. The power of music to affect memory is quite intriguing. Mozart's music and baroque music, with a 60 beats per minute beat pattern, activates the left and right brain. The simultaneous left and right brain action maximizes learning and retention of information. The information being studied activates the left brain while the music activates the right brain.Also, activities which engage both sides of the brain at the same time, such as playing an instrument or singing, cause the brain to be more capable of processing information. Listening to music facilitates the recall of information19. Researchers have shown that certain types of music are a great â€Å"keys† for recalling memories. Informati on learned while listening to a particular song can often be recalled simply by â€Å"playing† the songs mentally. Further on,music has a calming effect on the mind and his even known to speed the recovery of health ailments. Studies have shown that music plays a vital core in enhancing creativity.It has a positive impact on the right side of the brain, triggering the brain centers responsible for the enhancement of creativity. Certain â€Å"ragas† are known to activate the â€Å"chakras† of our body, thus giving us an added advantage in other creative tasks. Music increases spatial and abstract reasoning skills. These are the skills required in tackling problems, solving puzzles and taking decisions. Listening to Mozarts is known to have a positive effect on the spatial-temporal reasoning, simply put,it makes you smarter. Have you tried learning anything by combining it with music or rhythm? or example, counting with a certain repeating pattern, or learning cer tain maths basics by giving it a tune, or learning poetry by reciting it musically. basically the combination of the rythm of a favorite song rhythm to something to be learnt makes it easier to remember since songs are are not plain words but are actually compositions with immediate catching rhythms. An interesting aspect of music is how it eliminates depression,which reduces brain activity and hampers the minds ability to plan and carry outs tasks, by increase the sorotonim levels of the brain making the brain alert. ensational rhythms can cause the brain waves to resonate in synch to the beat,thus leading to increased levels of concentration and increased mental alertness. This helps the brain to change speeds of processing easily as need be. Music as a whole usually helps increase discipline. Rythms are easy to catch and recall and if intertwined with subject topics would help a student to recall . Everyone who have been through elementary school can not deny the fact that the re citing of poem did not in one way the other help he. Most of us still vividly remember so well some of this poems.This is because this hard knowledge was presented in a way that sounded so well still sound pleasant to the ear. Students appear to learn and retain more when the subject matter is presented through rhythm and/or song. They can also retrieve information if taught the correct cues. Students do not have to be musical scholars or prodigies in order to benefit from the joys of being taught mnemonically. Students who have difficulty retaining information because they cannot read or have not been taught any memory strategies, can often learn effortlessly through rhythmic and musical mnemonics.When textual information is presented as the words of a song or familiar tune, it is better recalled and its memory is more durable. Also, when the lyric and melody are partnered and then rehearsed, the melody is an effective cue for retrieving the lyric. (Chazin & Neuschatz,1990; Gfeller , 1982; Wallace, 1994; Yalch, 1991; Gfeller, 1982). 1. 2. STUDY AREA The University of Ghana is the oldest and largest of the Ghanaian universities. It was founded in 1948 as the University College of the Gold coast, and was originally an affiliate college of the University of London which supervised its academic programmes and awarded degrees.It gained full university status in 1961, and now has nearly 40,000 students. The original emphasis was on the liberal arts, social sciences, basic science, agriculture, and medicine, but (partly as the result of a national educational reform programme) the curriculum was expanded to provide more technology-based and vocational courses and post graduate training. The university is mainly based at Legon about twelve kilometres northeast of the centre of Accra, Ghana.The medical school is in Korle Bu with a teaching Hospital and secondary campus in the city of Accra(Accra City Campus) meant for workers or the working class. It also has a gradua te school of nuclear and allied sciences at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, making it one of the few universities in Africa offering programmes in nuclear sciences. The university also has another branch of its Business school located in the Central city of Accra. The school can boast of big Department of Psychology upon its introduction into the University in 1967.It now is one of the fields with over thousands students. 1. 3PROBLEM STATEMENT †¢ Is it worth it all to use music to aid recall or improve memory †¢ which kinds of music rhythms are appropriate †¢ how can these rhythms be fashioned into the learning and teaching strategy to improve memory †¢ was the use of song rhythms able to aid recall and memory. †¢ If indeed it is shown that students benefit from learning subject matter in the classroom mnemonically through music rhythms, what is preventing teachers from using them more often in the classroom? 1. 4 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To conglomerate the knowledge of music into the learning strategy to aid concentration and cognition †¢ To precisely state methods by which music can be incorporated into learning to aid easy recall of stuffs learnt †¢ To examine whether the attachment of the knowledge of music and rhythms to learning really aids recall and memory improvementt †¢ To prescribe the kind of music rhythms to be used in learning which can aid cognition precisely recall and memory improvement †¢ To help lecturers to sufficiently use music rhythms in teaching their students 2. LITERATURE REVIEW Yates (1972) chronicles how the Ancient Greeks, who invented many arts, also invented the art of memory. Just like their other arts this was passed onto Rome and subsequently descended in the European tradition. This method of impressing place, image, and music on memory has been called ‘mnemotechnics’ or mnemonics. †¢ The reviewed literature reveals current and past studies on the subject of using musical mnemonics as an effective memory tool in the classroom and beyond. A musical mnemonic is a useful tool for disciplines that require a great deal of memorization.Mnemonics can be teacher created or students created and should not be introduced until the student knows how to use them correctly. The literature reports that in general students, who have been taught through mnemonic instruction, outperform students taught by traditional instruction techniques. Much of the prior research was conducted in the curriculum areas of science, history, geography, English, social studies and foreign language vocabulary. The literature is presented from two complimentary perspectives; medical and educational. †¢ Sacks (2007) researched the phenomenon of brainworms.Brainworms are overly catchy tunes designed to bore their way into the listener’s ear or mind and are not easily forgotten. They were described as â€Å"cognitively infectious music agents† by a newsmagazine i n 1987 (p. 42). Sacks (2007) searches for the qualities that make a tune become almost impossible to delete from memory. Is it timbre? Rhythm? Melody? Repetition? â€Å"Or is it arousal of special emotional resonances or associations† (p. 43)? He recounts a song from his youth â€Å"Had Gadya† a Hebrew song that was long and repetitive and that became â€Å"hammered† (p. 44) into his head.He queries: â€Å"Did the qualities of repetition and simplicity†¦ act as neural facilitators, setting up a circuit (for it felt like this) that reexcited itself automatically? Or did the grim humor of the song or its solemn, liturgical context play a significant part too† (p. 44)? †¢ Sacks (2007) reports on how our brains are helplessly sensitive to music, and how the â€Å"automatic or compulsive internal repetition of musical phrases is almost universal† (p. 44). The brain treats musical imagery and musical memory in a unique way that has no equivalen ts in the visual mind.Melody, with its unique tempo, rhythm and pitch â€Å"tend to be preserved with remarkable accuracy† (p. 47) whereas visual scenes are often not recalled as accurately. Because of this â€Å"defenseless engraving of music on the brain† (p. 47) musical imagery and memory even occur in people who that they are not musical. Neurologically, people tend to find those brainworms or catchy tunes completely irresistible and unforgettable. This comes as no surprise to the advertising world that makes their millions out of flooding our world with such nauseating jingles as â€Å"Rice-a-Roni; the San Francisco treat! or â€Å"800-588-2300 Empire, today! † †¢ Mnemonics 14 †¢ Hodges (2000) marvels at the new revelations that the latest â€Å"neural machinery† has shown us, on the effects of music on the brain. He derives the following premises from neuromusical research. †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ The human brain has the ability t o respond to and participate in music. The musical brain operates at birth and persists throughout life. Early and ongoing musical training affects the organization of the musical brain. The musical brain consists of extensive neural systems involving widely †¢ †¢ istributed, but locally specialized regions of the brain: o Cognitive components Affective components Motor components The musical brain is highly resilient. In the same article he quotes a neurologist, Frank Wilson (1986) who states that â€Å"†¦ all of us have a biologic guarantee of musicianship†¦. we all have the capacity to respond to and participate in the music of our environment† (p. 18). Research from the Classroom and Learning Environment Gfeller (1986) did extensive research with learning disabled children and how musical mnemonics affect their retention and recall.She chose as subjects for her research both learning disabled and non learning disabled students. The study focused on the memorizing of multiplication facts through repetition either by chanting the numbers and product to a simple tune or standard verbal rehearsal. After the initial trial, the non disabled students reported significantly greater recall of the facts than the learning disabled participants (p ; . 05). By the end of the fifth trial however, both sets of participants who had learned their multiplication facts †¢ Mnemonics 15 usically, remembered significantly more (p ; . 001) than did any of the students using verbal recitation. Gfeller (1986) emphasizes the importance of teaching the students how and when to use a mnemonic. After all, the mnemonic is only effective if the student can access it, retrieve it and subsequently utilize it. She also encourages the use of familiar melodies in creating mnemonics. Students in her trial remarked that â€Å"†¦ the facts most easily recalled were those rehearsed to melodies reminiscent of songs they previousl †¢

Filipino people Essay

Rizal pointed out that long before the coming of the Spaniards, the Filipinos were industrious and hardworking. It is the Spanish reign that brought about a decline in economic activities because of certain causes. First, the establishment of the Galleon Trade cut off all previous associations of the Philippines with other countries in Asia and the Middle East. As a result, business was only conducted with Spain through Mexico. Because of this, the small businesses and handicraft industries that flourished during the pre-Spanish period gradually disappeared. Second, Spain also extinguished the natives’ love of work because of the implementation of forced labor. the Filipinos were compelled to work in shipyards, roads, and other public works, abandoning agriculture, industry, and commerce. Third, Spain did not protect the people against foreign invaders and pirates. With no arms to defend themselves, the natives were killed, their houses burned, and their lands destroyed. As a result of this, the Filipinos were forced to become nomads, lost interest in cultivating their lands or in rebuilding the industries that were shut down, and simply became submissive to the mercy of God. Fourth, there was a crooked system of education. What was being taught in the schools were repetitive prayers and other things that could not be used by the students to lead the country to progress. There were no courses in Agriculture, Industry, etc. , which were badly needed by the Philippines during those times. Fifth, the Spanish rulers were a bad example to despise manual labor. The officials reported to work at noon and left early, all the while doing nothing in line with their duties. The women were seen constantly followed by servants who dressed them and fanned them – personal things which they ought to have done for themselves. Sixth, gambling was established and widely propagated during those times. Almost everyday there were cockfights, and during feast days, the government officials and friars were the first to engange in all sorts of bets and gambles. Seventh, there was a crooked system of religion. The friars taught the naive Filipinos that it was easier for a poor man to enter heaven, and so they preferred not to work and remain poor so that they could easily enter heaven after they died. Lastly, the taxes were extremely high, so much so that a huge portion of what they earned went to the government or to the friars. When the object of their labor was removed and they were exploited, they were reduced to inaction. Rizal admitted that the Filipinos did not work so hard because they were wise enough to adjust themselves to the warm, tropical climate. â€Å"An hour’s work under that burning sun, in the midst of pernicious influences springing from nature in activity, is equal to a day’s labor in a temperate climate. † According to Rizal, all the causes of indolence can be reduced to two factors. The first factor is the limited training and education Filipino natives receive. Segregated from Spaniards, Filipinos do not receive the same opportunities that are available to the foreigners. They are taught to be inferior. The second factor is the lack of a national sentiment of unity among them. Because Filipinos think they are inferior, they submit to the foreign culture and do everything to imitate it. The solution, according to Rizal, would be education and liberty. Rizal’s Philosophy of the Human Person 1. Freedom from friar influence pervades the letter and Rizal proffered a stinging rebuke against them by saying that God’s command is different that of the priest. 2. According to rizal, the integrity of conduct is no longer about â€Å"prolonged kneeling†, large rosaries, soiled scapular. † 3. That living the Christian life is far richer and immensely beneficial if we have faith in God within reason and what is just, because unquestioning obedience would sustain the bondage that has imprisoned even the conscience of man, who is â€Å"born without chains. † 4. The mind, according to Rizal, is a gift from God that must be kindled if we are to sustain our faith and illumine whatever activity man does, even with regards to faith. 5. Faith and reason doesn’t cancel each other, they are like the two wings of one bird or the chambers of one heart; neither can stand without the other and one is designed to reinforce the other. 6. For Rizal this is the only way to understand the function of reason in the strengthening of faith. Rizal’s Feminist Thoughts 1. Rizal found comfort and encouragement from the display of valor made by the youthful ladies of malolos; 2. In his letter, he expresses great joy and satisfaction over the battle they had fought. 3. In this portion of Rizal’s letter, it is obvious that his ultimate desire was for women to be offered the same opportunities as those received by men in terms of education. 4. During those days young girls were not sent to school because of the universal notion that they would soon only be taken as wives and stay at home with the children. 5. Rizal, however, emphasizes on freedom of thought and the right to education, which must be granted to both boys and girls alike regardless of gender. Moral Responsibilities of Woman 1. For Rizal, the woman is the first teacher of mankind and the mother of civilization. 2. Rizal says let us be reasonable and open our eyes, especially the women, because they are the ones who open the minds of men. 3. Consider that a good mother is different from the one created by the friars. 4. Raise your children close to the image of the true God — the God who cannot be bribed, the God who is not greedy, the God who is the father of all, who is not partial, the God who does not fatten on the blood of the poor, who does not rejoice at the plaint of the afflicted, and does not confuse the intelligent mind. 5. Awaken and prepare the mind of the child for every good and desirable idea — love for honor, sincere and firm character, clear mind, clean conduct, noble action, love for one’s fellow men, respect for God — teach this to your children. 6. The central idea here is that whatever a mother shows to her children is what the children will become also. 7. If the mother is always kissing the hand of the friars in submission, then her children will grow up to be minions and mindless fools who do nothing but do as they are told, even if the very nature of the task would violate their rights as individuals. 8. Rizal also enumerates the qualities Filipino mothers have to possess. 9. A mother should be a noble wife and should rear her children in the service of the state. 10. A woman should set standards of behavior for men around her. Rizal’s Points for Reflection 1. In closing the letter, Rizal gave some 7 principles to the women of Malolos. 2. The 1st and the 4th principles are to take courage in engaging ones self in social action to assist others. 3. The 2nd principle is to consult with frankness and bravery and inculcate self respect in each and all. 4. The 3rd principle is to wing our way from the bondage of ignorance and that we should examine the truth in our own way. 5. The 5th principle reiterates the ideal that the instruction of children be given to the mothers first obligation. 6. The 6th and 7th principles want us to examine justice and equality as twin pillars of civilization and that each one must work for its full realization and that we must examine carefully the religious teachings being given us. Rizal was very impressed to the fighting spirit of the young women of Malolos had shown. In this letter of Rizal, it is obvious that his ultimate desire is to have women the same opportunity men received in terms of education. During those days young girls was not sent to school because of the universal notion that they would soon be only taken as wives and stay only at home with the children. But Rizal emphasizes on freedom of thought and right for education that both girls and boys should have. He had also shown to this letter all about that Spaniards friars. He cited, â€Å"God gave each individual reason and a will of his or her own to distinguish the just from the unjust; all were born without shackles and free, and nobody has a right to subjugate the will and the spirit of another. † We are all born equal, naked and without bonds. God did not create man to be a slave of others. A man who does not think for himself and allowed him to be guided by the thought of another is like the beast led by a halter. God give us intelligence that we may use against this slavery of others. We must be dignified, have faith on him and work together as one. In this letter he emphasizes different points. One is that Filipino mothers should teach her children love of God, country and fellowmen. Filipino mothers should be glad and honored, like Spartan mothers, to offer their sons in defense of their country. Filipino women should know how to protect their dignity and honor. They should educate themselves aside from retaining their good racial values. Faith is not merely reciting prayers and wearing religious pictures. It is living the real Christian way with good morals and manners. In recent times, it seems that these qualities are gradually lost in the way Filipino women conduct themselves. In recent times, it seems that these qualities are gradually lost in the way Filipino women conduct themselves. There are oftentimes moments where mothers forget their roles in rearing their children because of the overriding idea of having to earn for the family to supplement their husband’s income. Although there is nothing negative about working hard for the welfare of the family, there must always be balance in the way people go through life. Failure in the home cannot be compensated for by any amount of wealth or fame.

Islam and Western Europe Essay Example

Islam and Western Europe Essay Example Islam and Western Europe Essay Islam and Western Europe Essay WHAP CH. 9 10 Reading Instructions: Copy this exam into a word document answer the questions. Email me your document. Due by 11:59 on 12/10 (Tuesday Night). Multiple Choice Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. C 1. Islam had roots in which set of religious or philosophical traditions? A) Hinduism, Buddhism, and Manichaeism B) Legalism, Daoism, and Confucianism C) Judaism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism D) Sufism, Sikhism, and Greek rationalism D 2. In Western Europe from 1000 to 1300, power was divided among A) ords, vassals, and serfs. princes, warriors, and farmers. the pope, royal officials, and scholars. kings, nobles, and church leaders. D 3. What initiated the division within Islam between the Sunnis and Shias? A) Fear that Muslims in conquered lands were going native and abandoning Islamic teachings B) The imam Alis new revelation and elaboration of the teachings of Islam C) The belief that Husayn, the son of All, was the real messiah D) Disagreement over who should assume leadership in the Islamic world C 4. Which of the following statements expresses a view of women found in the Quran? A) Women were always to remain veiled and secluded. Women were solely to blame for the existence of evil in the world. C) Women were spiritually equal to men. Women were socially equal to men. B 5. Disagreement over which of the following contributed to the split between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church? A) A church hierarchy of patriarchs, bishops, and priests Veneration of icons The missionary impulse The religious authority of the Bible B 6. Which of the following is an example of the Byzantine Empires influence on Eurasia? A) Acceptance of Latin as the international language of diplomacy B) Transmission of ancient Greek learning to Western Europe and the Islamic world C) Control of the trade routes along the Silk Roads and across the Sahara D) Spread of Eastern Orthodox Christianity to North Africa and Central Asia D 7. In the eleventh century, the religious culture of the Byzantine Empire had a significant impact on A) the rulers of the Axum state in Ethiopia. the Nestorian church in China. e Roman Catholic Church in Western Europe. Slavic-speaking peoples in the Balkans and Russia. B 8. Which of the following characterizes the spread of Christianity throughout Western Europe from 500 to 1000? A) Christian missionaries destroyed pagan temples and idols. Earlier cultural practices were absorbed into the Christian tradition. C) The Church focused on converting people in the countryside. Coercion was never used because th e Church did not condone the use of force. B 9. Which of the following was a long-term impact of the Crusades in Europe? A) I ne crusades weakened slgnlTlcantly tne Innuence 0T lurKlc-speaKlng peoples In Islamic world. B) Spain, Sicily, and the Baltic region permanently Joined the world of Western Christendom. C) Animosity from the Crusades ended the flow of Muslim learning into Europe. D) People from the Middle East migrated to Europe in large numbers. C 10. Which of the following is an example ofa role assumed by the ulama? A) Rulers Warriors Judges Doctors A 11. During the period from 1000 to 1300, the rulers in which region held the least power? A) Western Europe The Byzantine Empire China Russia B 12. What advantage did the Byzantine Empire have that enabled it to survive as a political entity for a thousand years longer than the western part of the Roman Empire? A) Assimilation to Germanic culture More territory under its control A longer frontier A stronger military C 13. Besides Islam, which of the following was also a target of Western European crusaders? A) Protestantism Roman catnollclsm Eastern Orthodox Christianity Buddhism D 14. Why was the city of Mecca important? A) Jews, Christians, and Muslims all regarded it as the Holy Land. B) It was the only city in pre-lslamic Arabia that enjoyed a high degree of social equality. It was a crossroad for all the major long-distance trade routes. D) It was the site of the Kaaba where pilgrims congregated. In contrast to the spread of Buddhism and Christianity, the early spread B 15. of Islam A) occurred at a much slower pace. gave rise to a large empire. was limited to the immediate vicinity of its birthplace. was checked by surrounding older civilizations. B 16. Which of the following describes the relationship between politics and eligion in Western Europe from 500 to 1300? A) Rulers were appointed by the pope of the Catholic Church. Rulers provided protection for the Church in return for religious legitimacy. C) The ruler was the head of both the state and the Church. The pope was the head of both the state and the Church. A 17. The Arab Empire that accompanied the spread of Islam stretched from A) Spain to India. Mesoamerica to Madagascar. the Andes to the Himalayas. the Gulf of Mexico to the Red Sea. wnlcn 0T tne Tollowlng was period from 600 to 1 500? A) Anatolia West Africa India Southeast Asia tne most tnorougnly Islamlzea region In B 19. Sufi practitioners facilitated the conversion to Islam of people living in Anatolia and India by A) promoting the enforcement of the sharia by local Islamic rulers. B) emphasizing personal experience of the divine, rather than the law. C) initiating campaigns to close Christian and Hindu schools. freeing large numbers of slaves who agreed to convert. C 20. Which of the following religious traditions blended elements of Hinduism and Islam? A) Sunni Islam Shia Islam Sikhism Sufism

Biomass and the Environment Analysis Essay

Biomass and the Environment Analysis Essay Biomass and the Environment Analysis Essay Sample Biomass and the Environment Analysis Essay Sample Energy Conversion Technology in Modern World The contemporary world suffers from numerous issues undermining its economic, ecological, social, and political sustainability. One of such challenges is the search for new energy resources. Nowadays, there exist various trade relations and cooperation between countries generating the common sources of energy. Furthermore, the fast-moving societies of the most developed areas of the world managed to move to another stage of evolution and find alternative ways of generating energy. This solution is appropriate for every nation regardless of the economic situation. Moreover, in the future, it could solve many problems in the social segment saving costs of millions of people all over the world. The paper is talking about biomass and energy generated as the result of its processing. In particular, the discussion touches upon the principles of processing garbage into energy and fuels. Waste management has already become one of the most alarming topics of the contemporary society. It worries politicians, ecologists, and common people at the same time, as well as calls nations to participate in the ecological improvement of the surrounding world. Ten years ago, nobody could even think that garbage can become a reliable source of energy. On the contrary, currently, it is one of the most beneficial energy sources, which can put down misunderstanding in political and economic relations of many countries. In general, at the local level, biomass can become a cost-saving technique satisfying needs of people without pushing their financial sustainability to the limit. The following discussion reveals the essence of the new concept of energy conversion and generation of new ways of fulfilling the same needs in energy and fuel. It is worth paying attention to all peculiarities of waste management and generation of energy with the help of garbage. It can become a key not only to the improvement of financial and political sustainability but also to the regulation of social issues weighing heavily on the minds of millions of people. Principles of Energy Generation and Use As mentioned earlier, garbage is an alternative source of energy, which humanity did not consider as a necessary element of energy generation. However, as long as garbage is a relatively new source of energy there are different ways of receiving energy from it. First, it is necessary to mention that biomass is an organic material, which people can use to generate fuel (Schill, 2013). In particular, biomass can serve as the source of ethanol production, which can have a further processing in higher-octane gas (Ethanol Fuel Basics, n.d.). Vehicles flexible in using fuel can successfully utilize this type of fuel. For example, numerous cars use biodiesel rich in vegetable oil and fat, which makes it safer for the surrounding world and less expensive than common fuel. There are various ways of receiving biofuels, which include crops, woody plants, residues from forestry and agriculture, and organic waste from the industrial and municipal area (Dale Huber, 2009). The processes of converting waste in fuels are different; however, it is possible to see the essence of the phenomenon using the example of processing residues from forestry. Wood is one of the reliable sources of energy, which gives people an opportunity to satisfy their needs (Biomass: Can Renewable Power Grow on Trees? 2009). In general, plants go through the same chain of stages leading to the generation of energy (Ebert, n.d.). First, they receive energy from the sun, which further transfers in the chemical process leading to the storage of energy. Further, this energy finds its release when plants are burned. The main benefit of plants as a source of energy is that they are a renewable biomass (Biomass Heating and Cooling Technologies, 2015). However, the contemporary ecological pro blem makes it a mandatory option to increase the area of green forests to switch to the alternative source of energy. Biomass can find its usage in the conversion into electricity or fuel. Moreover, biomass is regularly used with coal. Power plants add biomass to boilers with coal, which helps to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions in the air. Renewable biomass makes it possible to transfer from the polluted areas to the healthy and fresh world. AQUATOX is one of the mandatory elements in the use of biomass. It is a program designed to stimulate the transfer of biomass and other chemicals between different ecosystems (What does AQUATOX do? 2015). AQUATOX includes information on life balance of various natural areas. It reflects the diversity of biological processes taking place on the daily basis. The essence of the program is to show which processes have a direct influence on the sustainable functioning of different ecosystems. For example, it can indicate which adverse factors should be avoided to prevent natural imbalance. Biomass use also has its reflection in the mentioned program as each process can have both positive and negative impacts regardless of its initial intention to improve the selected area. The system can show the effects of the processes happening due to the use of biomass energy. Biofuels are one of the most promising alternative sources of energy, which can both fulfill transportation needs and reduce the dependency on the oil-producing petroleum. However, the world still has a long way to go to satisfy the needs of the developed countries in fuel with the help of biomass. Unfortunately, there is not enough crops, plants, and other resources, which could meet the requirements of every highly developed city. The invention of the technology processing plants into fuel is a valuable achievement, which is most likely to continue its beneficial influence on the future generations. There is a proof that it is possible to receive biofuel from everything with organic nature. The principle of biofuel is to generate energy from the conserved energy of plants. Garbage, in its turn, is most likely to be an optimal source of organic waste necessary for the generation of ecologically friendly fuel. In general, the principles of the new concept are simple focusing on the n eed of increasing crops and other plants, which can be further used for the benefits of the world’s improvement. Finally, there will be more benefits if the world pays attention to the need of avoiding oil in the production of fuel, which destroys an ecological sustainability of many countries. Consequently, biomass is surely the key to the resolution of oil dependence. Groundwork of Choice Regardless of low opportunities of biomass inclusion in the production of energy, it is possible to see many benefits of its use. Humanity has never been closer to the resolution of the diversity of problems circulating in different segments of its performance. Biomass can become a key to the enhancement of the world’s ecological balance, leading to the healthy upgrade of the most polluted areas. Probably, it should become an element boosting an overall intention to improve an ecological sustainability along with the rise of forests, crops, and other plants necessary for biomass generation. It is crucial to consider all aspects of the influence of the biomass. First, the choice of biomass relates to the idea that it can produce and increase the use of energy generated from the natural sources. In addition, it reduces the amount of waste going to the landfill (RE-Powering America’s Land, n.d.). Those areas, which once had problems with garbage, will have a significant relief by using organic waste as a source of energy. As a result, it will become possible to reduce the amount of methane emissions caused by waste in the landfill (RE-Powering America’s Land, n.d.). Waste energy facilities will become the best opportunities to improve the situation with processing garbage. While fossil fuels produce too much carbon dioxide, natural sources of energy offer an essential reduction of the harmful emissions in the air due to the ecologically friendly substance. Another significant benefit is that biomass can contribute to the reduction of dependency on the price fluctuations of oil. Economic sustainability and political relations can have an efficient improvement thanks to the introduction of the alternative sources of energy (Biomass Energy Basics, 2014). For example, the USA could start using domestic production of biofuels, which would improve an ecological situation along with international cooperation (RE-Powering America’s Land, n.d.). In addition, there is no need to create huge plants producing biofuels. It is possible to put small plants in the places next to the garbage storage, which can produce fuel fast. It will help to meet the requirements of the population and enhance an ecologically friendly intention of the nation to choose biofuel (Melting Coal, 2013). With the help of garbage, it will be easy to access resources owing to its high availability without fear of price fluctuations. Benefits to the local community will not take long to reveal itself. Finally, landfills can also have significant improvement, which will result in the overall upgrade of the ecosystem. In conclusion, it is necessary to remember that human activity can have both negative and positive influences. Alternative sources of energy are one of the most important decisions leading to the overall upgrade of the world’s sustainability. Biomass has a myriad of benefits regardless of the lack of natural resources, which can satisfy the needs of the developed countries. If there is a need to move to another stage of evolution, it is a mandatory step to increase the area of forests and other plants. However, garbage may be considered as an endless source of energy, which people will always be producing. Turning to the organic sources of energy is a right decision covering transportation needs of the society. As long as the USA is powerful in influencing the world’s development, the starting point should take place across its territory. As a result, the nation will benefit from a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and avoidance of oil processing aimed to achieve pe troleum. If the society continues to look further, it will become a common phenomenon to use organic sources as an alternative source of electricity. It is obvious that there are many opportunities, which require a strong support of desire, patience, and investments to change the world and improve it for the sake of future generations.

Creating a Climate of Ethical Behavior at Workplace Research Paper

Creating a Climate of Ethical Behavior at Workplace - Research Paper Example Knowledge sharing practices enable organizational members to share ideas and fully exploit knowledge-based sources. Personal commitment and trust is necessary because they help in knowledge management process. This paper will explore ethics in an organization as well as workplace safety-enhancing behaviors and qualities such as personal commitment and trust. Undoubtedly, ethical behavior significantly contributes to the success of many organizations. An ethical work climate is part of the organization and it is a representation of organizational practices that are viewed as right or wrong. Many individuals believe that an ethical work climate is indispensable for a good business. Notably, organizations striving for excellence and success in their business activities tend to focus on a strong ethical culture. Organizations need to effectively respond to both economic and non-economic surroundings in order to achieve their goals, but this requires members to be socially responsible and behave ethically. Truly, creating a working environment guided by ethics can be a very important move for an organization. In contrast, unethical behaviors negatively influence the organization. For instance, unethical behaviors are more likely to increase the organizations’ liability and financial risk. Secondly, consumers would not be attracted to the products and services of the organization with an unethical climate. More so, an unethical climate negatively affects the workers since it lowers job satisfaction and performance. In most cases, unethical behavior emerges from lack of knowledge and an inability to come up with ethical solutions (Patterson, 1989). Unethical behavior makes individuals become more sensitive to the likelihood of censure and this will in turn motivate them to avoid censure behaviors (Sinha, 1967). Therefore, it is very appropriate to institutionalize an ethical attitude in the organization. This paper provides a thoughtful

Self-esteem (Literature Review) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Self-esteem (Literature Review) - Essay Example d concept which has developed over time and it depicts the quality of an individual because of which he can cope up with the strenuous tasks that come in his/her way. The concept evolved because of many things which lay in the very core of self leadership but the ground substance for self leadership has been the raw material known as self esteem (Parker et al. 2005). A person with a higher self esteem is able to realize his/her concept of life and act accordingly and thus he can tackle different situations of life and act as a self leader (Alavi & Askaripur 2003; Neck 2006). This literature review would further revolve around the concept of self esteem in relation to self leadership and would provide a critique on it. Moreover it would also make recommendations for the future research on the concept along with the implications for contemporary human resource practice. Self-esteem is a broad topic which is closely related to the framework given by the Social Cognitive theory. It can be described as an individuals feeling and assurance of his own self. In other words it can be known to be the self worth of an individual. Social Cognitive Theory helps to figure out the factors which lead to the variations in self-esteem. The concept that the social cognitive theory lays about one’s own thinking and perspective about his surroundings is widely acclaimed. This thinking and perspective about the surroundings which one goes through majorly affects the thoughts and personality one has. Similarly this also leads to develop the feeling of self-esteem accordingly. Self efficacy forms an important part of the understanding of different individuals in this world. It helps one to recognize his strengths and weaknesses accordingly. A well-known psychotherapist Nathaniel Branden provides a somehow complete definition of self-esteem as â€Å"Self-esteem is the disposition to experience oneself as being competent to cope with the basic challenges of life and of being worthy of