School Bullying

School bullying is a problem that persists in the society. It affects not only young children who are victims of bullying, but also the adults who were either themselves victims of bullying during their childhood or whose children are victimized. While there is no standard definition of bullying, it is generally interpreted as the â€Å"direct, physical aggression, as well as indirect behavior such as verbal threats† (Smith, 1999, p. 278). Indirect bullying might also include â€Å"leaving others out on purpose, spreading rumors to destroy another’s reputation or getting others to dislike another person† (Olweus). Tattum and Tattum in 1992 described bullying as â€Å"willful, conscious desire to hurt another and put him/her under stress† (Defining Bullying). Some describe it as the systematic abuse of power, and in the cases of children, is reinforced by the lack of awareness of their rights (Smith & Sharp, 1994). Psychologists agree that bullying behaviors occur repeatedly over time and that there is an imbalance of power between the bully and the victim. Smith (1999) also classifies bullying as a subcategory of aggressive behavior, particularly a vicious one, which is repeatedly directed towards a particular victim who is unable to defend effectively. Most focus on the physical aspects of bullying, but indirect bullying poses similar effects on the victims. Bullies seemingly get satisfaction from harming others, may it be physically or psychologically manifested. Studies show that bullies are quite outgoing and socially confident; they rarely show anxiety or guilt in asserting their social position through aggression (Smith & Sharp, 1994). On the other hand, the victims are often those who have no confidence, often exhibiting anxiety in their interactions with peers; they are unable to assert themselves, and they are unable to properly handle the aggression imposed upon them by bullies. Actions are being taken to prevent bullying. The problem in school bullying is that it is often hidden from the supervising adults because the victims are reluctant to complain, perhaps because of fear, while peer groups are also reluctant of providing information. Smith (1999) explained that bullying, at least in schools, exists as a part of the normal interactions between children with different backgrounds and personality characteristics.

Philosophy of Education Essay

Introduction No doubts that the demand for English language proficiency is high as Malaysians enter the international arena. Ergo, the purpose of this paper is to discuss on one of the hottest issues that perturbs the nation – low English language proficiency among Malaysian students. In order to understand more about the issue, we sought to dig the root causes of the issue and in doing so we discovered that the teaching methods applied by teachers because of the factors are contributing to the issue as well. In other words, the factors are interrelated to the reasons why such ill teaching methods are being applied and all these are resulting in low production of good English speakers in Malaysia. First of all, low English language proficiency is the unsatisfactory ability of an individual to speak or perform in English. The overriding concern with this issue is not unreasonable as we need the language to thrive in this 21st century. On the other hand, teaching methodology refers to a set of different principles and methods that are used to instruct students in a teaching and learning environment. In the educational settings, it is rather important to induce the peak performance from the students. This simply means that, we have to conquer the deterrent (i. e. the factors of the issue), whether we modify them or we eliminate them. Like any other issues, there is no such theory as â€Å"one-size-fits-all† solution to handle it. Therefore, we, as the future English teachers want to bring forth several possible recommendations as ways to overcome this issue in hopes that these approaches can truly be implemented and make a difference in the history of English Education in  Malaysia. Issue The pressing issue with low English language proficiency among Malaysian students has been revolving in the ministry of Education. Most students had no problem coping English Language during preschool whereby they were only exposed to the alphabet and very simple words. The real problem began to exist in the elementary level when most of the students were unable to follow the lessons. Students who cannot master English basic skills in this elementary level will breed more problems during the secondary and tertiary level in schools. In primary education, students are not being placed in a very conducive English language learning environment in which they will be given bountiful opportunities to use the language (Ali, 2003). Students fail to use English on a daily basis and when they are forced to use English to communicate, they speak pejorative English which causes the flow of communication to be stymied. This is probably the main reason why students converse in their own mother tongue more often than they do in English. In the modern age of technology, students with low English language proficiency will not make the most out of the internet because most of the websites are in English. If they cannot understand English used in the websites, they will have a hard time attempting to utilize the device. Not only that, the demand of high English language proficiency is around the globe. We can survive here in Malaysia with national language (i. e. Bahasa Malaysia) and our proud dialects yet we need English Language if we want the whole world to know us. Without a good grasp of the English language, students will be deprived of many opportunities in life since English is the international language. Hence, if we want to make a difference in this situation, we will have to start with the primary education. We believe that this issue shall no longer haunt the Malaysians once the root problems have been improvised or rather, solved. Factors The issue with the low English language proficiency among Malaysian students has arisen because the educators are not aware of the manipulative factors behind this tragic scenario. In this section, we will explore these contributory factors. First of all, the number of students is crucial in determining the quality of teaching and learning process. In Malaysia, most of the schools place 30-40 students in one class. In spite of the level of English standard of each student is different, teacher attempts to teach students in the same way. Due to this large number of students in one class, the teacher often has no choice but to apply the boring method – lecture method. To a certain extent, lecture method is appropriate but if that is the only method the teacher is going to apply in class, it will result in dullness and inefficiency. In addition, the large number of students inhibits the teacher to give attention to every single student thus passive learning ensues. Another factor of impeding the students’ ability in English language is that students themselves fall short of initiative and participation in the classroom (Juhana, 2012). Students show no interest in a so-called foreign language and hence very reluctant to get involved with the teaching and learning session. They are inactive to put their own effort in seeking knowledge. For instance, when a student does not understand a certain word in an essay, he or she expects the teacher to provide the meaning. So, instead of waiting for the students to take the initiative to check on the dictionary (which takes time), teacher simply resorts to spoon-feeding method (i. e. providing every material for the students). In the end, only the teacher is learning and the students will merely passively wait on the teacher for answers. In an English class, the reason students failed to use English effectively also attributes to the Eastern philosophy whereby a teacher has the tendency to criticize students’ mistakes very harshly. It demotivates students, making them fearful of speaking the next time and in the worst scenario, students hate the subject and pass up the opportunity of learning. Teachers are impatient with the students’ slips of tongue and they consider such mistakes as a sign of failure. When the students do speak correctly, the teachers think it is how it should be done and they rarely give any words of encouragement or compliments (Hassan & Jamaludin, n. d. ). This tendency indirectly renders the teacher to apply autocratic teaching style which is not helpful for English language learning. This method emphasizes on the teacher’s authoritative identity hence it is very hard for such strict-and-powerful autocratic image to smile and give compliments. Furthermore, due to the exam-oriented platform, many teachers rush through the year in order to push the students to sit for the examination (Ali, 2003). In the English classroom, many teachers have no time to concern with the understanding of students regarding to the rules of grammar, the structures of the sentences and whatnot. For example, they give students essays and require them to copy and memorize. The way to prepare the students for examination the teachers deem best is by drilling. However, such rote learning will only result in stress instead of meaningful learning experience. Eventually, the students are drilled to become competent only on papers but failed completely in daily usage of English. All these factors are equally pernicious in taking a toll on the second language performance among Malaysian students. As educators, we have to generate the strategies to overcome these factors and make the impossible possible. Solutions Previously, we have discovered many factors that indirectly cause the teacher to implement inappropriate teaching methods and so result in low English language proficiency. These factors sum up in one word: teacher-centered. This explains why the teachers are hardly implementing various innovative teaching methods. Teacher-centered method applied in today’s classroom is not effective anymore. Instead of using teacher-centered method, student-centered method which derived from the Modern and Western philosophies should be implemented. Progressivists believe that education should focus on the whole child, rather than on the context or the teacher. Hence, since the number of students is large, the schools should bring in more facilitators in a class to assist the students. This will help the facilitator pays close attention to the students. With the assistance of facilitators in a classroom, there is no reason why active learning cannot take place. For example, one leading teacher can carry out the group discussion and enable the children to experience hands-on learning. A French philosopher, Jean Paul Sartre, suggested that for youth, the existential moment arises when young people realize for the first time that choice is theirs, that they are responsible for themselves. The nature of reality for Existentialists is subjective, and it lies within the individual. They have the freedom to take charge of their own learning as  they are given the opportunity to manage their own learning process. We as teachers are responsible to facilitate the students in their learning process rather than teaching them what to do. This indirectly helps to provide opportunity for the students to take control of their own learning process. As they are interested in what they have chosen to read or learn, they will be the ones who solve the problem (e. g. meaning of a word) instead of being spoon-fed by the teachers. In this way they will be able to make progress in their lessons and participate more. Western philosophers stress on active participation on their learners but to criticize and demotivate the students is not proper in the western philosophy. Western education philosophy believes that providing compliments to the students is an important task for a teacher as it will motivate the students to strive hard. For example, compliments given to the students when they score well in their examination or did a good job in the task or assignments given by the teacher. However, teachers should not only provide compliment when they excel but also to give encouragement when they are not doing so well in the examination. For instance, during an English class, teacher distributes the test papers after the examination, it is not encouraged for the teacher to read out loud the score as it will demotivate and also embarrass the student. It is better that the teacher gives a word of encouragement so to push them to work harder next time. Furthermore, the education ministers should really abolish the exam-oriented system. Instead, the 50% coursework assessment should enter the system. Coursework can include all kinds of fun activities that require students to apply the language learned. This is to overcome the agonizing drilling method. With that, Western philosophy that emphasizes on understanding the subject matter can be very handy in this scenario. For example, the students should learn by understanding the reasons why each part of speech in grammar has different functions. In a nutshell, according to the Western philosophy, students learn by meaningful learning, they do not memorize what they have learnt but rather understand what they are learning. These philosophical resolutions are only useful provided the government, educators, teachers, parents and students and community at large give their best cooperation into making them a success. If we are serious about improvising the English language proficiency among Malaysian students, nothing can stop us, not even the factors of the failure in the first place. Conclusion In conclusion, teaching methodology contributes towards the effectiveness and success of the teaching and learning process. As what we have explored there are several factors that hinder the English Language proficiency among Malaysian students. Among those contributory factors discussed are the number of students, students’ shortfall of motivation, harsh criticism for students’ mistakes and the exam-oriented education system. All these factors are very much harmful in the process of second language acquisition (i. e. English Language). As such, we have provided remarkably appropriate strategies as the solutions to overcome this issue. They are the implementation of student-centered teaching which focuses on the students’ – their ideas and opinions, providing more teachers as facilitators in class, hands on learning (Progressivism), place importance on individual choice (Existentialism), giving compliments instead of criticism (Western Philosophy), and learn through understanding rather than mere memorization (Western Philosophy). Hence, by utilizing all the four education philosophies in moderation which are Modern philosophies such as Progressivism and Existentialism, also the two Western approaches that focus on students rather than the teachers. We strongly agree with usage of the Modern Philosophies and the Western Philosophies according to the needs and suitability of class as what we have discussed. We believe that we can produce an ideal education transformation to develop individual holistically and thus enhance the English Language proficiency by applying and practicing appropriate teaching methods to encounter the troublesome factors. References Ali, M. S. (2003). English Language Teaching in Primary Schools: Policy and Implementation Concerns. IPBA E-Journal, 2-3. Hassan, A. & Jamaludin, N. S. (n. d. ) Approaches & Values in Two Gigantic Educational Philosophies: East and West. Retrieved on March, 22, 2013 from http://www. oerj. org/View? action=viewPaper&paper=7 Juhana, J. (2012). Psychological Factors That Hinder Students from Speaking in English Class (A Case Study in a Senior High School in South Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia). Journal of Education and Practice, Vol 3, No 12. , 103.

English Comp 1 unit 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

English Comp 1 unit 4 - Essay Example What they wish to do on their own time without interfering with anyone else is their own business. In cases where other people are not annoyed to death or put into danger, I really do not care if people use their cell phones. The topic that was chosen was to compare online to on-ground education. In order to do this, it is necessary to look at the pros and cons of each. First we will look at online education, and then travel on to on-ground education. According to Hubpages (2009 p.1), "In August 2005, a survey indicated that approximately 3.2 million students in the U.S chose to enroll in classes online. These students chose online education because it is convenient and effective. However, there are still certain agencies and institutions that refute the enrollment of students in online classrooms because they feel that it is easy to be a dishonest student while taking classes online. The question arises of whether a student would peek into a text book or notes during an examination. This is the main reason why online classes are not offered by all Universities." According to Hugpages (2009 p. 1), "When students attend classes everyday, they are often distracted by outside factors. It may be that the weather is so hot that they cannot concentrate, or that somebody else is wearing better shoes than they are.

Visual analysis of an advertisement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Visual analysis of an advertisement - Essay Example This "Visual analysis of an advertisement" essay outlines the purpose of the image and its message of the Barnardo’s social campaign. The message of this image is straightforward and is embedded in the message at the top, right-hand corner which reads, â€Å"Abuse through prostitution steals children’s lives.† A young girl sits next to an older man in a situation that denotes child abuse and prostitution. The message of the image is to end child prostitution, trafficking and abuse by preventing and restoring the stolen childhood. The campaign with the visual was launched worldwide, intended for a global audience since child prostitution and trafficking is a global experience that happens everywhere (Aldrich, 2003). The image relates to the mindset of everyone, since even those who don’t have children were once children, and it is sad to imagine getting robbed of one’s innocence and childhood. By appealing to the emotions of the audience, the visual seeks to bring attitude change in the audience. Neutral colors are used to give the visual a lifeless effect to the look of the young girl (Aslam, 2006). The image shows a young girl with an aging face and a middle-aged man lying next to her. The aging and lifeless effect of the image means that the abuse of the young children through prostitution makes the children lifeless as a result of being abused by older men since her childhood. Furthermore, the child has a very distressing facial expression that shows the traumatic impact child prostitution has on the children.

Marketing of Art Products Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Marketing of Art Products - Assignment Example This analysis focuses on the various aspects of arts marketing and evaluates whether the different conduits for arts sales could be considered as efficient in their sales and marketing approach. The sales outlets for marketing of art products largely depend on direct consumers, festival or exhibition visitors and also on sponsors. Olkonnen et al (2000) argue that there is little or no academic interest or research studies on the phenomenon of commercial sponsorship on arts, sports and media events. Sponsorship as a study of marketing management is largely defined by marketing mix and mass communication and Olkonnen et al claim that sponsorship could be better defined by applying the approach towards networking and interaction. Networking in marketing of arts focuses on understanding the dynamics of sponsorship as a method of networks and relationships and also interpersonal communication rather than sponsorship as a measure of effects on the audience or consumers. The art festival is one of the major marketing tools through which a large number of art enthusiasts could be assembled to focus on both the academic and the commercial aspects of art. Waterman (1998) writes that despite the prominence and ubiquity of such art festivals these festivals have not been studied or researched to an appropriate degree. These art festivals serve as a platform for new artists and also from a social perspective transform places and settings into environments thriving with the production and processing ad even consumption of the very essence of culture which seem to be available within a specific location. The way a particular culture in manifested and projected becomes very obvious in festivals and festivals play a major role in highlighting cultural aspects of art apart from being a major conduit for the sale and marketing of arts. Waterman (1998) goes a bit further in discussion the implications of these festivals and suggests that support for arts is a pro cess used by elites to distance themselves from the other classes of society. Thus being a patron of arts marks out someone as member of refined or higher social class. However the changing nature of festivals is obvious as from being traditionally innovative and being controlled by artistic directors, these festivals are now increasingly controlled by marketing managers and agencies who have been transforming arts into an industry with a strong potential for marketing and attracting consumers at a large scale. Arts festivals are now seen as serving the dual purpose of marketing the arts products as also advertising the place in which such festivals are held and thus tend to attract sponsors and agencies that have many different marketing approaches and motivations. Waterman (1998) suggests that the concept of festival for arts and economics may be related to tensions between culture and cultural politics. Direct marketing of art objects is one of the more traditional and common ways of marketing and selling art products. Arnold and Tapp (2003) suggest that direct marketing is being increasingly used by non profit organisations to reach consumers, raise sales and revenues and improve long term consumer relationships. In case of selling of arts

Out of town Brown Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Out of town Brown - Essay Example Furthermore, she should explain to the reporter that when the Chief Probation Officer designated her as officer-in-charge, he did not give her authority to discuss the officers recommendations on any case under their watch. In the event where the reporter press Joan to make comments on the probably sentence of the offender, Joan should refrain from making any comments on this matter and ask the reporter to just wait for the official proclamation of the sentence of the offender on the scheduled date. Joan should never attempt to discuss her officers recommendations regarding the sentence of the "kiddie killer" until such time when such sentence has already been made final. Making any premature comments at this point will only raise speculations from the media and may put the Collier County Probation Department in a bad light. In the event where Joan elects to discuss the sentence of the "kiddie killer" with the reporter, she should make it clear to the reporter the reasons behind the sentence. First, she should be able to explain to the reporter that the present mental condition of the boy. Second, she should be able to make the reporter understand that the boy committed the crime after he was subjected to abuse by the victim for several years. Joan should make the reporter understand that the crime committed by the offender is not just one of those random acts of violence but rather it is a result of long years of mental and physical abuse. Third, Joan should make it clear to the reporter that based on expert evaluation; the boy is a low risk for recidivism which makes him relatively harmless to the people around him. Since he is as much a victim of the offense as was his stepfather, he should be given due considerations. A community-based sentence which will allow the boy to slowly reintegrate into soc iety and live a normal life is the most humane way to deal with

A Critical Assessment of an Agency or Funding Regime that promotes Essay - 1

A Critical Assessment of an Agency or Funding Regime that promotes physical regeneration - Essay Example ese agencies and their functioning toward the uplift of the regional economy, it would be interesting to study and understand what urban regeneration is all about and how it evolved. Urban areas are essentially dynamic in nature. Socio-economic factors, environmental and physical factors all interplay and interact together to generate changes in their structures. Moreover, an urban area experiences thrusts from outside which necessitates adaptation to changes while internal dynamics and pressure try to withstand such changes or accept those resulting in either prosperity or decline. Though each problem may not be unique to a specific rural area, yet each challenge requires a distinctive approach towards the generation and implementation of its solution. Since the beginning, urban areas have always performed a variety of functions, offering shelter, providing infrastructure and opportunities for trade and commerce and opportunities for social interaction, being a few of those. As time passed, the importance of each need changed necessitating the requirement for new infrastructure, more space, more facilities for business etc. These changes in the physical structure and functioning of a town and its social life are inevitable since the town has to reorganise itself to meet the changing demands. These changes are also beneficial in a somewhat indirect way since these changes also make fresh demands for improvement of infrastructure and facilities so that the community within an urban area is forced to adjust itself to the new demands and work towards providing better opportunities for growth and progress. The relation between social deprivation and meagre physical infrastructure and facilities had long been an accepted fact and legislations and policies were implemented for improved infrastructure for health and better living conditions. It was gradually realised that merely improving health and living conditions will not contribute significantly towards the