Mcmillan

There are many ideas that revolve around what is quality assessment. What can be done to make sure that we are ‘building proficiency in basic skills, closing achievement gaps, and fostering the top notch knowledge and skills that students will need in a competitive global society’ (Scherer, 2009, p. 5). The following paper identifies five key aspects of what represents quality assessment. The method of assessment can influence a student’s motivation and achievement. A student’s performance can be improved through their involvement in the assessment process and enable them to take responsibility for their own learning. McMillan states that by allowing a student to be involved in the grading criteria and apply those criteria to their work a teacher may increase the student’s motivation to learn and succeed. (McMillan 2000) Every student has an individual learning style, McMillan states that using multiple methods of assessment a teacher can shape the way students understands, processes, and uses information. By doing this a complete picture of what students understand can be compiled. Using multiple methods can assist to address each student's strengths and weaknesses. (McMillan 2000) Just as assessment impacts student learning and motivation, it also influences the nature of what is being taught. (McMillan, 2000) McMillan states that when assessment is incorporated with instruction it informs teachers what activities and assignments would be most useful, and what level of teaching is appropriate, where her students are, when to ask more questions, when to give more examples and what responses to student questions is most appropriate (McMillan 2000). Fair and ethical assessment ensures that all students are given a level playing field, which they are given the opportunity to demonstrate what they know. The Standards presents four views of fairness: as absence of bias (e. g. , offensiveness and unfair penalization), as equitable treatment, as equality in outcomes, and as opportunity to learn. ’ (McMillan 2000) Teachers have limited time, they need to be able to achieve a balance between providing to provide a full understanding of study material and score re sults. Therefore the efficiency of assessments needs to be considered. There are many facets that exist within the process of assessment that can influence a student’s enthusiasm and achievement. Teachers need to recognise the ability of students to take control of their own achievement and accept responsibility for their own learning. Clay, M. (2002) An observation survey of early literacy achievement. New Zealand. Heinemann Education. Code of fair testing practices in education (1988). Washington, DC: Joint Committee on Testing Practices (American Psychological Association). Retrieved from http://ericae. net/code. htm McMillan, J. H. (2001). Essential assessment concepts for teachers and administrators. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Publishing Company. McMillan, James H. (2000). Fundamental assessment principles for teachers and school administrators. Practical Assessment, Research ; Evaluation, 7(8). Retrieved from http://PAREonline. net/getvn. asp? v=7;n=8 McMillan, J,H. (2011). Classroom Assessment Principles and practice for effective standards-based instruction. Boston USA: Pearson Education Inc. Schafer, W. D. (1991). Essential assessment skills in professional education of teachers. Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice, 10, (1), 3-6.

Best Teacher Essay

I was the kind of child that always struggled to pay attention in school. I never wanted to be in class, except to visit with my friends. At times I wanted to drop out of school. I always felt like school was a big waste of time. Until I met a teacher named Mrs. Meyers at Kent Mountain View Academy. Mrs. Meyers is a teacher that is the most influential person in the world, (but the world doesn’t know it yet), I really admire her because she always encouraged me to go to class and treat other teachers and students with respect, and to try my best. If I ever needed any extra help in homework; she was there, it didn’t matter which subject it was. She always told me that I was very smart and to never to doubt myself. Mrs. Meyers is easy to talk to, I could just tell her anything because she’s very honest and talks to me (or anyone for that matter) openly about anything in life. She was always ready to listen to me when I was feeling down. With her comfort and warm words I always felt better and important. When I needed some advice, she was there for me. She is my friend, my mentor and like a mother. Mrs. Meyers has a great passion and love to teach children. She has so much patience to sit down with them and explain the work to them. She never makes the school work boring; she always made it fun and exciting and easier to learn. She always did it with a smile on her face, even when she wasn’t feeling well. If I had one hour to spend with Mrs. Meyers, I would ask her what influenced her passion for teaching children, how did her life experiences influence her to be a teacher, and many other questions relatable to that. I would ask these questions because she’s a great person, and who doesn’t want to know about a great person? I hope one day I could feel that same passion, care and love that she has of teaching and helping children like the way she help me. She completely changed my life around and made me a different person the one I am today. Mrs. Meyers was the one person who influenced me the most and to whom I am very thankful because she gave me the inspiration to become a teacher or at least strive to do my best at whatever job I choose. I am very glad that I met her and I think that without her I would never do as well as I do in school. Or in life for that matter.

Finance For Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Finance For Management - Essay Example 383) This part of the paper seeks to analyse the Jensen argument in 1978, quoted by Pike& Neale that the efficient market hypothesis is the "best established fact in all of social science". Whilst Neale & McElroy (2004) were less categorical "sometimes stock market valuations may look irrational. But in the longer term the markets are efficient processors of information and get valuation about right" Numerous papers have demonstrated that early identification of new information can provide substantial profits. Insiders who trade on the basis of privileged information can therefore make excess returns, violating the strong form of the efficient market hypothesis. Even the earliest studies by Cowles (1933,1944), however, make it clear that investment professionals do not beat the market. It has already been stated that an efficient market is one where the prices of securities fully reflect all available information, but then what are the sufficient conditions for capital market efficiency In an idealized world, such conditions would be the debate about market efficiency has resulted in thousands of empirical studies and literature attempting to determine whether particular markets are in fact 'efficient', and if so to what degree. In fact, the majority of studies and researches of technical theories have gone to the result that it is difficult to predict prices. No wonder, Neale & McElroy (2004) were less categorical, and stated that "sometimes stock market valuations may look irrational. But in the longer term the markets are efficient processors of information and get valuation about right" In addition, the random walk theory indicates that price movements will not follow any trends and so by knowing the past price movements it's not possible to predict the future price movements. All these state that markets are in fact efficient. However, researchers have also exposed many stock market anomalies that seem to be inconsistent with the efficient market hypothesis. Conclusion This section attempts an analysis of Michael Jensen 1978 arguments on the efficient market hypothesis. An attempt was also made to reconcile this statement with Neale & McElroy 2004 statement. From the above analysis, one can gently conclude that trading strategies seem to be widespread among fund managers and there is little evidence that they would generate excess returns in practice (Malkiel, 2003). Researchers have also exposed many stock market anomalies that seem to be inconsistent with the efficient market hypothesis. The end of the year effect, small firm effect is all good examples to this effect. The efficient market hypothesis has been challenged by numerous studies on the grounds that there are often underrreactions or overreaction of stock markets to information. (Baberies et al, 1998; Daniel et al, 1998; Hong and Stein, 1999). Accordingly, in a variety of markets, sophisticated investors can earn

Organisational Culture of Oral Smooth Plc Essay

Organisational Culture of Oral Smooth Plc - Essay Example It is the process of establishing the empire of business by a series of strategies viz. executing the business concept, promotion, services, goods, pricing, equal and effective idea generation to generate healthy relationship to meet the organizational and personal objectives (Harris, 1994). We can analyse the situation by strategically approach to the business of Oral Smooth Plc. Oral Smooth Plc is based in London; an innovative company produces tooth pastes for smokers. In the past, Product Diversification and Customer Care do have due attention from the management experts. Today it has become a powerful tool for the consultants to enhance the managerial efficiency. Edgar Scheins theory also caters the same effect to better the performance of the organisations. Objective of the study Oral Smooth Plc is having its presence in every part of the UK. The product diversification always enables the company the market leader of the sector without any challenges. Here Oral Smooth Plc wants to put their business mark in UK as a part of diversification in the business. We would like to know the differences, similarities and the difference within the organization, how the organization manages his employees and the process to ensure successful service delivery and customer satisfaction. Organizational culture of the company using Edgar Scheins theory The particular theory focuses on an organisational culture ethics the system. Scheins says that culture is the basic factor for change in an establishment (Campbell, 2003). The thorough understanding about the organisational dynamics starts with this fact. In order to have a strong and dominant leadership Scheins suggests 3 levels of culture (Black, 2003). They are, 1. Artifacts (this can be very easily seen just like our outfits and not very easy to decipher) 2. Espoused values (Philosophies and targets) 3. Assumptions (unconscious beliefs) Scheins also suggest, group dynamics for a better leadership in organisational cultu re. He says that small groups function within a particular group culture in the similar way firms function within the culture of the firm. His model categorise informal groups into 3. 1. Vertical cliques containing different ranks in the same section/dept 2. Horizontal cliques containing similar ranks 3. Mixed cliques containing members of various depts. Here we can implement the Schein management theory for the better performance of the firm. To Biech, Elaine 1998, Culture envelops us in fully. They are, pervasive and complex. Hence as per Scheins we cannot understand Organizational development and planned change, if not we consider it as the main origin of resistance to change. Furthermore, Biswas & Twitchell (1999) remarks that if management consultants are not in a position to understand about culture, naturally they will handle the situation and such embedded culture will manage them .In fact cultural awareness is everything for a society to know but as far as leaders are conce rned, they are the top-notch community to learn this properly as they are to lead the society. To Block (1999), with his Three categorisation of Culture, Edgard Schein has contributed much to make the management practitioners aware what culture is. The plan Oral Smooth intends to ensure its monopoly across the country by their corporate strategic management. So as a first and prime step they want to organise a good campaign to make the event more noticeable there in the country. They wish to make it reorganised their marketing presence within a short time period. A clear but brief background of the two markets, with a

Theories of the origin of religion by Durkheim and Freud Essay

Theories of the origin of religion by Durkheim and Freud - Essay Example Since faith has always been a subject of grave concern for a large majority of the people belonging to diverse ethno-racial and social backgrounds since ever, the topic maintains great sociological significance in its scope. Religion is rightly stated to be an essential part of the public and private life of the individuals belonging to various cultures and civilisations since the known history of the globe (R Lowe, 1963:532-3). It is partly because of man’s developing strong belief in the metaphysical objects and supernatural powers existing in the universe, with which man maintains emotional and sentimental association (C Ember & M Ember, 2007:393). These supernatural powers are considered to be strongly influencing the destiny of the people by dint of their control over the universal phenomena. Not only this that these powers are in a position of providing the humans with emotional and financial support, but also they serve as the forces that play decisive role in protectin g them from all internal setbacks and external threats (A Kroeber, 1963:82-3). Additionionally, these forces are thought to be having the power to inflict woes and pains upon the humans; as well as liberating them from these calamities at the moment when the humans seek their support on finding themselves absolutely vulnerable. (Ember & Ember, 2007:395). In other terms, supernatural forces have been thought to be maintaining absolute control over the destiny of humans in all respects. Consequently, primitive man had established his belief in these powers in order to escape pains and sufferings of different kinds, and for obtaining all comforts and joys life offered to him, along with attaining pelf, power and possession that could earn dominant place for him over fellow-humans and other creatures. Almost similar views have been articulated by distinguished French sociologist-theorist Emile Durkheim in his Elementary Forms of the Religious Life (1912). Durkheim’s Perspective: While discussing the origin of religion, Durkheim seeks supports from the relics of ancient era clans observing distinctive spiritual norms and practices. â€Å"A religion is†, Durkheim asserts, â€Å"a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, including set apart and forbidden beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community called a Church, all those who adhere to them† (J Breaux, 2008:1). The theorist is of the opinion that the nature of bonding among the humans in primitive era was limiteed in the sense that every individual was bound to fulfil the needs attributed to him, his family and clan, without seeking help from the other groups outside the tribe altogether. As a result, everyone had to get involved into the hunting and food-gathering activities. Hence, the concept of in-group and out-group used to prevail in such a strong manner that the people did not bother to render any assistance to the members of the external g roups (J Macionis, 2008:481). It was partially because of the fear of assault and attack from the external tribes, which created rivalry among the ancient time clans against one another. Such a state of absolute isolation not only kept the primitive era humans away from the fellow-beings, but also developed his strong relationship with their specific clans on the one side, and the supernatural powers on the other. Since supernatural powers could turn out to be supportive one with regards to the accomplishments of the basic human needs and desires (H Ross,

Transsexualism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Transsexualism - Research Paper Example Transsexualism has stigmatized many people across the world; notably, it effects have been enormously experienced in the western culture especially towards mid to late twentieth century. Nonetheless, the current advancement in technology especially in health care provision aims at enhancing sexual revolution in persons with sexuality problems. Sexuality change is often reverted through sex reassignment surgery (Chiland and Alcorn 24). Notably, Victims of transsexualism are often discriminated upon the society usually subjects them to numerous negative attitudes that undermine them from various quarters including cultural values, and religious believes. In fact, some cultures find it difficult to comprehend and integrate transsexualism conditions. The case is often worse if it involves change gender roles. Some cultures hold transsexualism with high regards and sometimes regarded to be holding two spiritual roles. This traditional believe, is often rampant among some Native American t ribes (Chiland 37). Gender is often a linguistic term used across many languages to refer to masculine, natural, or feminine and a fully independent attributes to the words that applied therein. Different cultural groupings have different manifestation of gender or sexuality. Most cultural believes often recognizes only two genders that are female and male. Other cultures recognize the third gender called neuter. However, some cultures recognize none of these genders. Adapting to gender changes often take different dimension and tasks to fulfill (Chiland and Alcorn 70). In some societal settings, gender variation is only indicated by the variation in adjective or noun while other societies require a complex grammar changes. For instance, in English, gender transition often involves the change in the transsexual’s first name that is from either changes he/him to she/her or vice versa. However, in some cases where a person never wants to be referred to either sexes or gender us ually uses â€Å"them† or â€Å"ze† and â€Å"hir† as gender natural pronouns or neutral pronouns (Chiland 52). Different societies treat transsexualism differently; thus, most persons never intend to reveal their sexuality especially concerning the gender complication since they fear the reception that the society may offer towards their complicated sexuality. The term transsexualism falls under the broader category of transgenderism that refers to people who are not often comfortable with the gender roles assigned to them. Most groups that fall under this category include transvestites, cross dressers, and genderqueer persons (Chiland and Alcorn 44). Nonetheless, transsexualism is a specific condition under transgender realm; however, it radically differs with both transsexual and crossdresser. Some people often use transsexualism and transgenderism interchangeably, but these terms are never synonymous (Chiland 84). There are many causes of transsexualism; how ever, many intersex data have revealed that genes never cause this gender variation since genes do not define nor determine gender identity. Additionally, the recent intersex infant surgeries have suggested that the same gender problem is never associated with gender identity since there is an enormous consistency between the genitals and upbringing. However, numerous scientific studies are currently suggesting

Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) Coursework

Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) - Coursework Example This paper illustrates that P.J is a young man living with his father in the countryside. His two brothers are living and working in New York. According to P.J, his living situation has not been very pleasant as stated in the â€Å"Health History and Screening†. He lacks company while at home and his father is alcoholic. His mother died when he was only 13 years of age. Two years later after this death, his younger sister passed away. All the above-stated health problems in the â€Å"situation† section have different genesis in origin and time. The problem of duodenal ulcers began in the year 2007 when the client was still in high school. The stomach problem started as a mild upset that later turned into the ulcer. He was put on medication for close to two weeks. The situation slightly improved but he still occasionally feels the ulcers to date. Food intolerance and allergy began in at the early stages of his childhood. The client cannot even remember when and how this problem started. He cannot comfortably eat red meat and milk since they give him severe stomach ache and nausea. When he was diagnosed with ulcers, he became intolerant to more foods such as beans, tea, oily food, green vegetables, sugary foods, spices and others that he could not recall. However, he has learned to assimilate some of these foods with time but the childhood food intolerance not gone away. Besides, he has not made any attempt to find the cure for the intolerance. He believes the intolerance helps him cut the cost of living by eating only a few simple meals. The problem of depression began when P.J was still in high school. As a child, he never knew what stress was, even though he grew up in a family of a humble background. His mother had just died when he was taken to a boarding school far away from home. It was while in school that he started to experience frequent stress and anxiety that led to a long-term depression. The urinary system problem, though not very seve re, started at the age of about 8 years. He could feel a burning sensation while urinating with a thin stream. However, this condition was not frequently felt.