Jean Piaget free essay sample

Jean Piaget was a theorist who studied child development; one of the many aspects of early childhood Piaget studied was preoperational thinking. Preoperational thinking usually occurs from ages 2 through 7 according to Piaget. It’s when a child is not able to think logically and perform activities that require logic. In other words, a child is not yet ready at this stage, to reason many situations. Piaget created many experiments that could help educators observe and detect the stages and levels of thinking of different children. For this observation, I focused on four aspects of preoperational thinking; conservation, centration, irreversible thinking, and focus on appearance. Piaget developed a set of tests for children that if failed, would demonstrate a child’s inability to think logically at their age. I observed six year old Breanna Nixon who demonstrated signs of both the preoperational stage (not being able to understand concrete logic) and the concrete operational stage (inductive logic). We will write a custom essay sample on Jean Piaget or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The first experiment I did with Breanna tested her irreversible thinking, which is the inability to hold the logic to understand that reversing a procedure will restore it to the original state in which it begun, â€Å"Preoperational thinkers fail to recognize that reversing a process sometimes restores whatever excised before†. (Berger, 2009, p. 250) In this experiment, I presented Breanna with two equal sized cups of water with the same amount of water in each. I then asked, ‘Breanna, are these cups equal? Do they have the same amount of water? † Breanna said yes after she checked the cups and we proceeded to the next question. I showed her a taller glass and asked, â€Å"Can you pour one of these cups into this one? † She poured one of the cups into the taller glass and then I asked â€Å"Now what do you think? Does this cup have more water? (The smaller glass) Or does this one have more water? (The taller glass) Or do they hold the same about of water? † Breanna quickly said, â€Å"The tall glass has more† I asked why and she responded, â€Å"Well this tall glass is higher and the water is higher than in the small glass† It is evident that this six year old girl has not yet understood the concept of reversing occurrences, however since she is 6, she is close to understanding. The next experiment covers the concept of centration. Centration is also referred to as egocentrism. This concept is literally being egocentric. A child at this stage only understands their own perception and point of view of things. â€Å"Centration is the tendency to focus on one aspect of the situation to the exclusion of others. † (Berger, 2009, p. 250) In this experiment I placed a doll facing Breanna and I, and a block behind the doll. I asked Breanna what it was that she saw placed on the table, and she answered â€Å" A doll and a block†, then I asked her, â€Å"Can the doll see the block? Breanna said, â€Å"No, she cant see the block because she’s facing us. She needs to turn around if she wants to look at the block. † Breanna is past the stage of being egocentric. As she gets older, she is able to understand different point of views. Understanding conservation means understanding that the amount of a substance is conserved even if its shape cha nges.

Death Penalty Essays - Penology, Free Essays, Term Papers

Death Penalty Essays - Penology, Free Essays, Term Papers Death Penalty Death Penalty One of the most controversial issues the United States has repeatedly dealt with in recent memory has been the institution of the death penalty. Now, the decision whether to implement the death penalty is a state level verdict which of course creates nationwide disagreement along with some level of social unrest. The two stances on this subject are rather black and white, either pro-death penalty or con- death penalty. The most effective form of implementation however is con- death penalty for a variety of reasons including; suspected targeting of racial minorities, government's right to take a life, as well as American citizens falling victim to cruel and unusual punishment. There are basically two sides in the issue of targeting racial minorities, those who agree that minorities are being targeted and those who agree that they simply commit the majority of crimes in the United States. In the year 2007, African Americans accounted for approximately 13 percent of the entire population yet, nearly 50 percent of those on death row were African American (NAACP). Those numbers are irrefutable regardless of your stance on the issue. The conclusion will be identical, African Americans, in proportion to their population, commit more crimes than racial majorities, specifically White Caucasians, in proportion to their population (Peffley, Hurwitz, 1002). The moral dilemma that ensues is of course whether blacks are unjustly placed on death row simply because of their race or if the crimes they commit are especially heinous and/or abundant. Another problem that must be addressed is poverty's role in the spread of crime and in-turn the use of the death penalty. Now, poverty breeds crime, and across America, blacks as well as other minorities, are commonly impoverished which in many cases leads them into a life of crime. American support of the death penalty has swayed throughout the 20th century, but has generally remained strong, peaking at around 80 percent support in 1994 (Soss, Langbin, Metelko, 403). However due to racial disparities in the 21st century, support has gradually declined to 68 percent in 2002 (Soss, Langbin, Metelko, 404). America ranked 5th in the world in number of executions in the year 2009, killing 52 convicts and with nearly half of them being African American, the argument for racial targeting to arise again was inevitable and a decline in the support of the death penalty can be expected (Soss, Langbin, Metelko, 412). The most powerful and influential nation in the world should by no means support nor implement such primitive actions such as the executions of human beings. There is no doubt that blacks and other minor ities are more readily put on death row and the controversy as to why that is will be a prominent issue in the U.S. for years to come. What gives the government the right to take a life? Why must America fall victim to some kind of moral hierarchy? Nowhere in the American constitution does it grant the government the right to decide on a human being's fate. Nowhere does it state that those in the government are superior beings blessed with some sort of Mandate of Heaven. So why are government officials deciding on whether an American Citizen lives or dies? The key deciding factor in seeking the death penalty for a suspect being tried is heavily qualitative and somewhat trivial. If the crime committed appears to be extremely grotesque and barbaric such as cannibalism or rape, the court may seek the death penalty solely on the premise that the crime was repulsive and/or inhumane ( in their eyes). For example, a few years ago in the serial killing sniper case of John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo, Allen who was in his mid-40's was sentenced to death because of his rampant killings across numerous states. His accomp lice, Malvo, was underage but the prosecutor still sought the death penalty for his part in the killings. Despite the fact that he was merely a boy the justice system wanted to see him dead, now that is not to dismiss his actions or pardon them, but the pure aesthetic evidence in that case led the system to seek death for a boy (Morse, B.5). The final decisions in

Self reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Self reflection - Essay Example I observed that choosing the appropriate equipment for would care and explaining the necessity of such a task to the patients took a long time but interesting. It is quite helpful to be aware of the determinants of health as far as the 3EB patients are concerned: I spend some time identifying the socio-economic factors that may affect the quality of nursing treatment they received. I also looked at their physical environments and their personality/characteristics in order to determine the appropriate nursing attention that would be of utmost usefulness to them. I worked hard on my communication skill as I gently prodded the patients to voice out their concerns. I was able to achieve some success in this regard because I showed absolute interest in the patients and expressed my willingness to help them by actively listening to their health-related complaints (Thomas & Pollio, 2002). I adjusted my tone to the patients’ so as to win their hearts and trust. In the course of this process, I was able to quickly pass their requirements to other health officials that were directly connected to their treatment. I realized that the individual factors could either hinder or assist the smooth application of clinical treatment on the patients (Thomas & Pollio, 2002). If I have decided to be selfish and uncaring, the patient would be reluctant to communicate with me. But since both the patient and I felt the individual responsibility to communicate meaningfully, it was possible to elicit vital information that would help the patient to recover. I reckoned that the bulk of nursing activities I carried out at 3 EB required that I first of all paid serious attention to the patients’ needs, and then mapped out my solutions to whatever health problems using my mini care plan. This involved collective action from both the patient and I: I was ready to help, and the patient was ready to be submissive to my care. I also learned about the importance of time management and

International business news Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

International business news - Article Example Low economic growth in US will affect interest rates and exports earnings (CBC 2012). On the other hand, the problem of the emerging markets like china is inflation. Canada should therefore review its policies and increase its trading with the emerging markets to record stable performance and fiscal performance. The article also further explains the impact of fiscal slippage on interests rates. Canada must thus ensure that it shields its financial market from the risk of recording increasing interest rates as this would reduce rate of investment and reduce economic performance. The lack of fiscal stability in the developed nations would affect other economies. The final section of the article contains the how Canada should enter into trading partnership with the growing economies. Canada’s share of exports to these emerging markets has reduced by 50% and this calls for urgent need to increase its exports to exploit the growing demand (CBC 2012). The article recommends that Canada require concerted efforts to develop trade with the emerging economies to maintain its fiscal stability and earnings from efforts. Canada business should also improve on the competitiveness; look for new suppliers in order to maintain stability in the volatile economy. In summary, the article raises concern over the increasing fiscal instability of the leading economies on Canada economic stability and recommends increased trading with the emerging markets. High global debt will impact Canada: Carney - Business - CBC News. (n.d.). CBC.ca - Canadian News Sports Entertainment Kids Docs Radio TV. Retrieved March 21, 2012, from

Democratic or Undemocratic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Democratic or Undemocratic - Essay Example 46). In layman’s terms, the government is mandated, among other functions, to regulate commerce and collect proper taxes and tariffs on imports, except for commercial imports. With such emphasis, aside form other financial policies; the constitution mainly protected the interests and concerns of wealthy businessmen. Because it was only the wealthy and the privileged were the ones who can afford to run for public office, as opposed to the poor, the hopeless, and the uneducated, one need not wonder why such provision is so. Politicians cannot gain money from public office. Hence, they can only utilize their power to manipulate and protect their own interests at the expense of the underprivileged members of society. On the same basic premise, Article 6 also protected the wealthy by stipulating that allowed speculators to make considerable profit. Public treasury were used to create private capital and credit for huge investors, thus debit payment came from the pockets of the public into the pockets of the wealthy, high class members of society. Another issue that was given special commendation in the constitution was the issue of slavery, as those member states who had three fifths of slave population were given more seats in Congress, more than it should have given its number of voting population. The aforementioned were only a few of the numerous â€Å"undemocratic† provisions in the constitution. Through time, and some careful amendments done, lawmakers have done some democratic concessions that had somehow compromised its earlier mistakes and misgivings. One important democratic provision was the election of the president and legislators at a limited span of time, thus eliminating lifetime claim in public office. This aspect eliminates, or limits, the possibility of corruption, dictatorship, or any other vested interest in one’s leadership. On the other hand, Article 6 indicated that â€Å"no religious Test shall be ever be required as a

Functions Of Language In Daily Use English Language Essay

Functions Of Language In Daily Use English Language Essay There are many different languages in our world that are different. And each language has its rule. Language function is a part of the language. Also, each language has its function, which is used to communicate. Moreover, language function makes us to communicate correctly. If we dont know about language function, the sentences that we talk to other people will not complete. Although they can understand, but it can change the meaning. As we are teachers, we should be careful in teaching the function of language because if we teach a wrong function, it means that the students will receive a wrong language system, too. Therefore, the teachers should be careful about the usage of verbs or tenses, phrases, structures and vocabulary because these are the main factors that we can make our students to write or speak English correctly. Nowadays, there are many ways to teach the students to learn language functions. Some students think that language functions are boring. Then, they dont want to learn. However, we should use the better teaching technique for our students. Parker (2009) suggests that function is what the language used in language learning such as requesting, apologizing, ordering etc. In my view, I think that the function of the language is something to control the meaning or expression of the communication. The language functions. When we talk about language functions, we are talking about the reason we use a language. Basically, the function of language is used for communication; we use the language to give and receive messages between ourselves. We can break this down into language functions. When we communicate with language, we can: Compare and Contrast Make a complaint Express love or anger Persuade someone Give advice Ask for something Ask for something politely Hide the truth (lie) Warm Give information Explain a process Apportion blame Avoid saying anything and so on. Each language function can be associated with certain grammatical forms. For example, we often use modal verbs in a polite situation, Might I borrow your pen? Compare this to when the language function is one of demanding: Give me your pen! Although each language function deals with one main communicative need, it can cover different situations. For example, Asking for information directions can be used not only in the context of tourists finding their way round town, but also with new employees who need to find their bearings in a large firm. The same goes for Instructing others. Here the relevant language will be about giving orders, making strong suggestions etc. these can be used at work and also outside work at a hotel, when hiring a car, ordering a meal, etc. There are 3 types of the language function such as: First of all, informative languages function: essentially, the communication of information. They are: -The informative function affirms or denies propositions, as in science or the statement of a fact. -This function is used to describe the word or reason about it. -These sentences have a truth value. The sentences are either true or false. Secondly, expressive languages function: reports feelings or attitudes of the writer or speaker, or of the subject. For examples: -Poetry and literature are among the best examples, but much of, perhaps most of, ordinary language discourse is the expression of emotions, feelings or attitudes. -Two main aspects of this function are generally noted: evoking, certain feelings and expressing feelings. The last one, directive languages function: language used for the purpose of causing overt action. -The directive function is most commonly found in commands and requests. -Directive language is not normally considered true or false. -Example of this function: Close the windows. The sentence Youre smoking in a nonsmoking area, although declarative, can be used to mean Do not smoke in this area. How to teach language functions. The teacher should understand with the function of language clearly. In teaching, the teacher must give the students an example in each function. Moreover, the teacher may give them a situation that they can express the language function. For example: a student is at the restaurant, she wants to order something for her lunch. What will she say to a waiter? This is an example that the teacher may give to their students to think what the girl will say in order to order something. Therefore; ordering food is a function language. Parker (2009) explains that introducing students to the function of language, the teacher can give them to perform tasks or talk about the past, present, or future. Although, the beginner level can learn how to greet people. The important thing to remember when teaching function language, the teacher should: 1. Remember that the function does not appear in isolation. A request, or incitation, needs a reply. So, to give the students for a task, the teacher should teach in appropriate pairs. 2. Intonation is very important in speaking English when the function of language is presented. The tone in speaking and emphasis is just as important as the particular choice of words. For example, Could I have your attention, please? It is used when we speak in class, even though it is spoken as a request, is a demand. Could I have à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ the spaghetti? Which is spoken in a restaurant, would be a polite request. 3. Remember the aspect of appropriacy. It is very important that the students must be careful of different situations which either for called formal English or allowed for a less formal option. In a restaurant, Can I have the spaghetti? It is less polite than Could I have the spaghetti, please? Moreover, he says that one function can have many different language functions. Here are the examples of different functions: 1. If you say anything, I will tell your parents. (Function-Threat/Warning) 2. Ill do the hovering, if you do the washing up. (Function-Negotiation) 3. Ill go to the shops for you. (Function-Offer) And one function can be expressed using several different language structures. For example: 1. If I were you, Id à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. (2nd conditional) 2. Why dont you à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Present tense question negative) 3. You should / ought à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. (Modal/auxiliary verb) In addition, to teach a language function, the teacher may give the students some tasks or talk with them about the situations. The teacher should allow the students to study in the role play. In each situation, the students ought to tell the functions of language. To do like this will help the teacher knows the students ability in using language function. Examples of language function. There is an example of teaching language function for students that I have planned to teach about these topics. In each topic, I write the functions of language that they will learn. Topics Functions Topics Language functions -Greeting friends. -Greeting acquaintance. -Greeting strangers. Greeting -Classifying words. -Making compound/complex sentences. -Listening to a male college student. -Reading about meaning of colors. -Writing about making decisions. Types of Sentences -Describing things that can be counted, categorizing things. -Listening to a foreign student talking about the food her roommate likes to eat. -Reading about An American singer story. -Writing about shopping at the supermarket. Countable and uncountable nouns. -Classifying nouns. -Listening to an African man talking about his eating habits. -Reading about finding fat Santa. -Writing about an ad for Santa. Singular and Plural -Describing objects, people. -Listening to a man talking about sports. -Reading about a Cat story. -Writing about giving opinion. Determiners and Adjectives -Drawing conclusion, Describing habits. -Listening to a man talking about his dog. -Reading about A computer Whizz. -Writing about making a list. Present Time Passive Voice -Making sentences impersonal. -Listening to a woman talking about famous landmarks. -Reading about oldest soccer ball. -Writing about letters of inquiry. Past Time -Asking about things that happened recently, -Listening to man talking about his last vacation. -Writing about creating an article. Future Time -Talking about the future. -Making plans. -Listening to a man talking about his future plans. -Reading about going back to school. -Writing about your plans for the future. -Creating perfect tenses. -Listening to a woman talking about herself. -Reading about a pilot story. -Writing about solving a problem. -Identifying adjectives. -Listening to a woman talking about U.S. wedding traditions. -Reading about hearing loss. -Writing about your opinion. Adjective Clauses and Phrases -Expressing equity. -Reading about seat belt law. -Writing about radio ads. Degree -Classifying verbs. -Listening to a Spanish woman talking about culture shock. -Reading about Animal rights -Writing about environmental problems. Verbal -Creating noun clauses. -Listening to a man talking about a weird story. -Reading about business. -Writing about planning. Nouns Clauses and Reported Speech Present, Future, and Past Perfect -Talking about general truths, unreal situations. -Listening to a woman talking about events that arent true. -Reading about gadgets. -Writing letters. Conditional Sentences Sample list of language functions: There are the sample lists of language functions. Identify Imagine Express sadness Describe (people, places, things, experiences) State intentions Express + (other moods) Ask for information Discuss probability Encourage Give information Offer to do something Persuade Clarify Ask for permission Complain Apologize Give reasons Give and accept or refuse Greet Give opinions Compliments Make introductions Instruct how to do something Warn Correct information Check understanding others Request Talk about similarities Attract attention Talk about differences Agree State preferences Disagree Make suggestions Invite Give advice Accept Express enthusiasm refuse Express disappointment Express happiness The table from the school of teaching ESL. (www.schoolofTESL.com) There are example situations to use language function at various places. Introductions and commands. Dialogue: Ploy : Hi, I am Ploy. Im a new student. Teacher : Nice to meet you Ploy. Im Aoy-atchara and Im your new teacher. Please come in. Ploy : Im pleased to meet you. Teacher : Sit down, please. Vocabulary Im I am Its It is Lets Let us Dont Do not Language function Greetings Hi! Hello! (Formal) Good morning Good afternoon Good evening Language function Introducing yourself Hi! Im Ploy. Hi! My name is Ploy. Hi! Im Ploy. Hello. My name is Ploy. Hello. Im Ploy. Language function Informal responses Hi! Nice to meet you. Hi! Its nice to meet you. Hi! Nice to meet you, too. Language function Formal responses Hello. Its nice to meet you. Im Ploy. Im Ploy Surathana. Hello. Its nice to meet you. My name is Ann. Hello. Im pleased to meet you. Im Kai. Im Kai Srisuk. Hello. Im pleased to meet you. My name is John Kanyon. Hello. Im pleased to meet you. My name is Aoy and Im your teacher. The examples tasks. Whats the real meaning? The dialogue below shows the different exchange between the student and teacher. Ann: I can hear the phone. Paul: Im watching TV. Student: Why does Paul say Im watching TV? Teacher: Because hes is doing it now- at the moment of speaking. Student: But John is there he can see that Ann is having her lunch. Teacher: Exactly. Its happening now. Student: But why? The feedback The teacher does not focus on the functional meaning of Pauls utterance. In this context, Paul is making an excuse Im not going to answer the phone because Im having my lunch. It is only focused on the grammatical meaning of the structure Paul uses, does not to make this clear. Key Skill Understanding the underlying social meaning of certain utterances is at the heart of functional language. We often use language because we want to perform some kind of communicative act like making a request or offering advice. The expressions that we use to achieve this are known as functional exponents. Research According to Saichon Deeprasit, research on Analysis of Language Functions of Authentic Materials Based on Communicative Language Teaching. The purpose of this research was to analyze the language functions of authentic materials which had not been developed for educational purpose. Authentic materials were firstly analyzed into themes, topics and sub topics. Then their language functions were analyzed and developed six lesson plans for high school students. She used 70 authentic materials which were analyzed within 12 themes and the language functions were analyzed following 6 language function groups and 6 lesson plans were developed according to the highest frequency of occurrences found in each language function group. The language functions of imparting and seeking factual information; reporting including describing and narrating were the highest frequency of occurrences (84.29) From the research, it was found that in teaching language function, the students need to report, describe and narrate. It is a secondary research because the researcher has study from the language functions of authentic materials. (Saichon: Analysis of Language Functions of Authentic Materials Based on Communicative Language Teaching) Conclusion From this research I think that it is very important for the teacher in teaching language function because it is based on communication. Most of the students do not understand with the function of language. Sometime, the students dont know when they are used in the situation and how they should talks with a receiver. In my research, there are about the meaning of language functions, how to teach language functions and the examples of language functions. I am teaching grade 11 and the English textbook consists of 8 language functions, Introducing people, Giving an opinion, Giving directions, Making arrangements, Making a phone call, In a cafà ©, Buying a train ticket, and Giving advice. My students can communicate in English from these various situations both inside and outside classroom. They know not only what functions they can use with those situations, but also the language culture. For example, they can tell the tourist the way to Nong Prajak Park, or they can introduce their new friends to a foreign teacher. They also understand the appropriateness in using the language in formal or informal way. To illustrate, they said, May I come in, please? to get a permission from the teacher to enter the class whereas they said, Can I use your pen? to their friends. Besides, they can use the certain vocabulary according to the situations. They use the word, pay attention which means to be interested in. On the contrary, pay a lot of mon ey which means to spend money. Through my learning experience with Ajarn Steve Graham, language functions have benefited me in various ways. First of all, I can communicate in various situations by using the knowledge from the classroom to apply using them in reality. Moreover, on reading skill, I can cope with skimming, scanning, or even speed reading. In addition, on writing skill, I can express my ideas, agree or disagree from the articles both in the textbook and the one on his website, Harmony at all cost? Secondly, the comic section interests me in choosing the characters and making the dialogue which I think I wont have a chance to create this language function by myself. Most importantly, I have a good opportunity to express my opinion and discuss the interesting topics such as the educational system in Thailand and I can produce the target language from reading and writing skills through speaking skill. Language function is one of the major factors that ESL students need to learn. The potential communication has been created from the classroom first and the most success will consequently happen in the real world.

Essay --

In Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero, a tragic hero must be superior to the average person in some way. They must evoke pity, and do so by being imperfect, and having a tragic flaw. In The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, John Proctor is portrayed as the tragic hero. It may appear that Proctor’s tragic flaw is lust, due to his affair with Abigail. But lust does not explain John’s refusal to become involved in the trials before his wife was accused when he knew that Abigail was lying. It makes more sense that his flaw would be selfishness. It gives a better explanation for his demise and his lechery. It was not the act of adultery, but his reluctance to admit to it and accuse Abigail of being a fraud that lead to him hanging from the gallows. Proctor knows that the only reason Abigail accuses his wife of witchcraft is because she wants her out of the picture. And even when Elizabeth pleads with John to go and tell the court he refuses because there is â€Å"no proof†. From the start of the play John places a great importance on his reputation and the fact that he cannot live without his name. It is clear that John does not want to accuse Abigail of witchcraft. If he does so he runs some risks; she is considered â€Å"a saint † and accusing her could make him look bad and soil his name, and accusing her could also lead to his lechery being made public, again soiling his name. But his silence means that innocent men and women will hang. This quiet act of supreme selfishness is where the outcome of the play is really decided; John’s fate sealed. While Proctor certainly was a flawed man, the events in The Crucible eventually lead to him recognizing and overcoming his selfishness. The first key example of Proctor acting in a selfless manor is ... ...ide as well. Proctor is the â€Å"good guy†, and is sentenced to death, hung for his crime of defending his wife. In addition to this, Proctor is sent to his death willingly after choosing to die rather than ruin the names of the others that were accused. But the real crime that he is being punished for is giving into his lust and having an affair with Abigail. Everybody makes mistakes and has a moment of weakness now and again. It’s hard to not feel at least a small amount of pity for him even if you dislike him. While Proctor is not always the most likable, he has all the characteristics of a tragic hero. While selfish and undoubtedly not perfect, he is a respected man. His selfishness is his tragic flaw, which leads to his eventual death, but on the way down he realizes his own flaws. In an act of courage, John Proctor goes to the gallows with his good name and honor.