Project Classroom Makeover, By Cathy Davidson - 1310 Words

Change takes on the course of a gradual shift away from the traditional and into the modern. Such a process can take on the identity of many forms but in the end, they all contribute to the advancement of society. Throughout â€Å"Project Classroom Makeover,† Cathy Davidson explores the need for such change in America’s educational system as it lags years behind the modern standards. Technology serves as an impetus to change and reform this antiquated system through facilitating new means of learning not previously available. While technology does have its benefits in the classrooms, it cannot alone replace the interactions between students and teachers because there are limits to the extent computerization can recreate human connections.†¦show more content†¦Teaching in the modern age has not adopted any of these techniques which leads to ill-suited high school graduates without the proper preparation for the in-demand jobs. For the educational system to chang e, it must teach the necessary skills needed for students to succeed in the real world. However, since the modern-day learning system still just stresses skills required for â€Å"middle management and factory jobs,† there is not much new in the modern age of schooling because it just borrows on old techniques and reuses them at a time in which they have become obsolete (60). Thus, although technology seems to rebrand the learning protocols of America, it serves as an element that both facilitates learning and a faà §ade that takes away from the true reform needed to overhaul the anachronistic system. Even though technology does not fully resolve the problem with education, it leads to a change and a greater emphasis on collaborative learning and thinking at new levels, previously unseen in the educational system. Davidson details an experiment she initiated to understand how the new generation learns with technology. Her study focused on â€Å"crowdsourcing [which] means i nviting a group to collaborate on a solution to a problem,† in this case the group being the students from Duke University (53). Davidson’s study lead to an immense amount of collaboration between the students and it could all happen in real time. For example,Show MoreRelatedProject Classroom Makeover, By Cathy Davidson1169 Words   |  5 PagesJennifer White Professor Lee ENC 1102 25 September 2015 Summary Cathy Davidson is an English and humanities professor at Duke University. She has published over twenty books, many dealing with technology and education. In â€Å"Project Classroom Makeover,† she argues that the way the United States teaches students is not preparing them for the skills needed for success in the twenty-first century. To illustrate her point, Professor Davidson presents the historical development of the educational systemRead MoreProject Classroom Makeover By Cathy Davidson Essay1396 Words   |  6 PagesEducation is a very powerful tool in the twenty-first century; the power of knowledge allows an individual to advance his social and economic status. â€Å"Project Classroom Makeover† by Cathy Davidson demonstrates the necessity of a customized education system in modern America while explaining why traditional learning is slowly reversing true American values. Since the late 1800s, the United States of America has developed a reputation of â€Å"r ags to riches† because of the success stories of John D. RockefellerRead MoreProject Classroom Makeover By Cathy Davidson1384 Words   |  6 Pagesto be a change in the way that the education system was set up. In her essay, â€Å"Project Classroom Makeover†, Cathy Davidson discusses how the â€Å"one size fits all† model of learning hinders students from learning in a new and modernized way. She suggests the notion that using technology to teach and learn can be effective in many ways. Davidson shows that using technology presents the opportunity for a traditional classroom to become more inclusive and creative. The â€Å"democratization of knowledge† is theRead MoreProject Classroom Makeover By Cathy Davidson1594 Words   |  7 Pagespresence of technology. Nowadays, technology has become a major part of our lives and created a huge change in this world, and gives an opportunity for children to enhance their creativity and adapt to change quickly. In C athy Davidson’s article, â€Å"Project Classroom Makeover†, Davidson discusses how vital the process of unlearning is to students and present education system. Unlearning discourages students from learning in a fashion that has all the pre-set directions, and gives independence to studentsRead More`` Project Classroom Makeover `` By Cathy Davidson Essay1970 Words   |  8 Pagesplans would inevitably result in failure because their proponents blindly believe in the efficiency of equality. They neglect how people are motivated to improve and to test their limits by their instinct to compete. In her writing â€Å"Project Classroom Makeover†, Cathy Davidson proposes egalitarian plans consist of a â€Å"democratization of knowledge† (54) which depends on crowdsourcing and â€Å"working together collectively† (51). In Davidson’s perspective, problems will be solved by allowing everyone the equalRead MoreAnalysis Of Project Classroom Makeover B y Cathy Davidson2143 Words   |  9 Pagesstill individuals who are also motivated by their own values and dreams. These people are willing to step outside of the realm of ‘standard success’ and strive for what constitutes as success in their opinion. The following texts- â€Å"Project Classroom Makeover† by Cathy Davidson, â€Å"Biographies of Hegemony† by Karen Ho, and â€Å"An Army of One, Me† by Jean Twenge- all demonstrate the conflicts and consequences of social construct and self-desires on our perceptions of success. While social construct influencesRead MoreAnalysis Of Project Classroom Makeover, And An Army Of One : Me, By Cathy Davidson1547 Words   |  7 PagesIn all three texts, â€Å"Project Classroom Makeover,† â€Å"Biographies of Hegemony,† and â€Å"An Army of One: Me,† the authors, Cathy Davidson, Karen Ho, Jean Twenge, respectively, explore different ideas of â€Å"the Self.† They defined and expand ed what it meant to be an individual through curiosity. How was the â€Å"Self† developed? What were the main factors of a more â€Å"self-celebrated† society? Why are aspects of narcissism seen more and more today? These answers were discovered when the idea of â€Å"self-focus† wasRead MoreAnalysis Of Karen Lee s Project Classroom Makeover Essay1236 Words   |  5 Pageson the top of the chain of command dictate the social norms for the remaining individuals on the antithetical end of the spectrum. Individuals with traits outside these norms are ostracized and looked down upon by the hierarchy. Cathy Davidson’s, Project Classroom Makeover, promotes the use of customization in the education system to accommodate every students’ learning habits over the current use of standardization and curriculum based teachings. On the other hand, Karen Ho’s, Biographies of HegemonyRead MoreInquiry Based Opportunities And Narcissism Essay1226 Words   |  5 PagesBased Opportunities and Narcissism The question of how to properly teach children has been constantly debated over ever since the existence of the education system. On the precipice of such debate are two outspoken critics, Cathy Davidson, author of â€Å"Project Classroom Makeover,† and Jean Twenge, author of â€Å"An Army of One: Me,† who have both denounced the traditional school curriculum. Their beliefs, that public school have ruined students by placing too much emphasis on self-esteem as well as contentRead MoreHow Technology Has Profoundly Affected The Way Humans Live, Work, And Play1576 Words   |  7 Pagessystem. The outcomes of innovative technology in the classrooms have triggered many individuals to share their perspective on this subject. Cathy Davidson’s â€Å"Project Classroom Makeover† explores the essentials of incorporating technological innovation in the classrooms. Davidson’s work utilizes how the practice of innovative technology in schools will reform the education system in society. The utilization of innovation in the classroom allows for the usage of more interactive educational tools

Reflection On Gpp3o - 1072 Words

GPP3O: Summative C: Course Reflection: I decided to take GPP3O because of my interest in teaching and the science behind living a healthy life. I hoped that peer tutoring in a food and nutrition class would give me the chance to experience a teacher-like role in a class partially related to my field of interest. My expectations were met and I enjoyed a semester of growth as a tutor, as I also watched the tutees around me grow and learn. Throughout the course I have made connections with students and become a better leader, all while learning new things about myself and others. There were many surprising happenings throughout the semester. One of the most unexpected events occurred during my summative leadership activity. A certain†¦show more content†¦About a month into the semester Alex began to use a speech to text software on a chromebook to type up assignments. Alex continued to complete work in this way, until one day very recently when he/she decided to physically type up a recipe. I wasn’t convinced when Alex said that he/she was going to type it into their cookbook, but I encouraged an attempt. The whole recipe was typed up in less than twenty minutes after much slow-paced letter by letter typing. Although Alex still has a long way to go, the progress that I observed and played a part in is impressive when you consider how far he/she has come. Another goal that I have had since the beginning of the course was to adopt an engaging and effective teaching style. My aim has been to take the positive traits of teachers that I have enjoyed, while keeping in mind the characteristics and mannerisms that I have disliked, and crafting my own unique teaching style. As I have lead class discussions, group readings, and mini-lessons throughout the semester I have began to develop a teaching style through trial and error. I have paid special attention to the list of 25 pointers for successful tutees from assignment two and and focused on making my tea ching interactive, supportive, equal for all, and respectful. I have learned to appreciate that, concerning a students individual success, a teacher taking the time to listen to their student is just as important as the student listening to the teacher.

Aero-Space Engineering †The New Field of Engineering Free Essays

Aero-space engineering is a new field of engineering that has tight links with the fields of astro-physics, theoretical physics, chemistry, structural engineering, and space dynamics. It is definitely an old form of engineering if we refer to the space launch in the 1960’s, but this field is considered new because the new theoretical propositions in both space chemistry and astro-physics were put to test. New methods deserved new application. We will write a custom essay sample on Aero-Space Engineering – The New Field of Engineering or any similar topic only for you Order Now First, aero space engineers takes part in the designing of launch pads stationed in a body of water, say in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Engineers in the 1960’s to 70’s faced the difficulty of achieving bouyancy of launch pads due to some miscalculations or rudimentary tools. Because of advances in theoretical physics, these calculations were corrected. Aero-space engineers were able to develop launch pads that can be released from bodies of water. They were also able to develop spacecraft parts that can withstand the temperature in space. They were also the once who developed highly efficient landing tools for rovers and the Viking satellites. Because of the difficulty of their work, an aero-space engineer has to study the environment of a place (a planet or satellite) before the major design for a landing probe start. They would have to consult with other scientists trained in other fields to get data and advice. They would have to coalesce these pieces of data to dvelop or modify space equipments. The more complicated the data, the more complicated is the resulting technology. It is then of no doubt that an aero-space engineer would have to take a wide range of courses from ecology to physics to astro-physics. This would ensure that the would-be aero-space engineer has a wide-range of knowledge when it comes to design and modification. Although aero-space engineering is offered only in some American universities, its prospect for the future is great. There is a wide array of possibilities waiting for any graduate of the new field. NASA is offering wide range of job (highly paid) for these graduates. Reference: The Princeton Review. Career Profiles: Aero-Space Engineer. Princeton Review Publishing, 1997. Related links: http://www.discoverengineering.org/Engineers/aerospace_engineering.asp http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerospace_engineering    How to cite Aero-Space Engineering – The New Field of Engineering, Essay examples

English Language Tests and Linguistics

Question: Discuss about the English Language Tests and Linguistics. Answer: Introduction The term diagnosis is a widely used medical term and is derived from the Greek word diagignoskein meaning distinguishing or discerning. Generally associated with the identification and recognition of the cause and nature of a disorder or disease, the term diagnosis distinguishes and connects a disease and its symptoms. Medically, some psychological, mental, and physiological symptoms are examined to determine and identify the disease because of which the symptoms arise. A diagnostic process measures, assesses, gathers data, interprets the collected information and data.. A diagnosis is the very first and the most important step in the treatment of a patient. It is only after diagnosis that a doctor can prescribe medicines and eventually treat the patient. Wrong diagnoses of a disease may lead to severe implications (Lee, 2015). In the field of language, the terms diagnostic testing and diagnoses are used to analyze and test language. Diagnostic language assessment or DLA is a widely known and accepted tool employed in the present times by language teachers, language testers, applied linguists, and writing researchers at large. The DLA is a useful tool to pinpoint the problems of students to learn a language. It identifies the root cause of a problem and provides a measure to the learners and the teachers as well. Over time, there has been a gradual shift in the mode of testing. The focus has shifted from screening/selection oriented testing to a more learning-oriented assessment (Boerma et al., 2015). In such a scenario, where the emphasis is laid on a learning induced approach rather than a mere testing approach, diagnostic language assessment identifies the potential of an individual and promotes a scope for greater learning outcomes that is otherwise beyond the test makers reach. Several factors have pro mpted the use of such assessment approaches. Assessment tools like the DLA extract finer diagnostic information from evaluations and develop new evaluation tools. The first step is the formative assessment in which the learning process of the students are monitored continuously to identify the problems that the learners face to reach the learning goals. It provides feedback to the learners as well as the teachers. This helps to adjust and fix the learning and teaching accordingly. Formative assessments are usually classroom based and low staked. For the DLA to be successful, an explicit feedback is highly essential (Owens, 2013). The functions of DLA The diagnostic language assessment has great demand for it has heightened the awareness of wash back effect. The wash back effect is the degree to which particular language test prompts the learners and teachers to do a task which they would otherwise not do to inhibit or promote learning. The Diagnosis language assessment is highly different from the existing language assessment tools. While assessing the strengths and weaknesses of a learner, it is assumed that the targeted competency of the student is fully functional, healthy, and normal. The functioning and normality states are evaluated differently in diagnostic language assessment since most of the learners of the second language are in the developmental stage. The most crucial function of DLA is to identify the weaknesses of learners and the underlying causes, and then help them to overcome those shortcomings. The need is to help learners move to the next level of learning. The DLA fishes out the areas of improvement and help s them to overcome their deficiencies thereby enhancing their potential. However, apart from identifying and improving the deficiencies, Diagnosis Language Assessment distinguishes the weaknesses from the strength. If possible, the weaknesses are further analyzed and pinpointed. Until and unless a correct diagnosis is worked out, the process of disentangling and decomposing continues at different specificity levels. An ideal DLA would thus represent, describe and identify the weaknesses in a specified and detailed manner. The weaknesses must be presented in parallel with the strengths (Carter McRae, 2014). New elements must be built into the existing structures of skills, knowledge, and processes. The relationship between the weaknesses and strengths of the learners must always be kept in sight to enhance the operation of functioning and learning. DLA generates more detailed and accurate information about the strengths and weaknesses of a learner. It highlights the causes and helps to produce a solution to the problem. Apart from summative test scores, the DLA reports the weakness strength pattern thereby making a special effort to make one understand the attribute/component scores (Drasgow, 2015). The essence and difference of DLA lies in the fact that it gives due attention to diagnostic feedback. Though feedback and increased specificity is a vital part of the Diagnosis language assessment, researchers do not consider granularity to be an absolute concept. They think that it is a relative one for it is difficult to determine the specific areas of feedback and diagnosis in DLA. For instance, some scores of skill section like speaking, reading, writing, and listening may provide a more accurate dossier compared to the total score. However, the attribute or sub skill score such as that of specific understanding, general understanding, and the skill of inference, analyzed through the cognitive diagnostic from the reading segment of a test may provide more specific knowledge in comparison to the reading section taken alone. In fact, each of the attributes can be subdivided into micro-level skills and attributes (Torre Minchen, 2014 ). The question that arises here is how an individual can then determine granularity or specificity in different contexts of DLA. The first step may be to conceptualize specificity as a continuum rather than simply considering it a dichotomy. Next, a more reformulated, concrete question arises such as what feedback specificity levels can be most effective for learning activities that would be remedial (Hongjun Feng, 2015). The standard of diagnostic information must be specified for both the teachers and the learners, so that weaknesses can be identified and acted upon accordingly. Other factors such as test purposes, test design, student characteristics, and assessment construct must be considered and kept in mind to determine the optimal specificity level for feedback and diagnosis. In such a scenario, it is essential to examine carefully the feedback of accumulated body of research It is essential to focus on the characteristics of learners like learning styles, learner background, and language proficiency (Damankesh Babaii, 2015). The Diagnosis learning assessment is both forward and backward looking. It is a backward-looking process for it assesses what the learners have learned and what they have not in the past. It is forward looking as it has an explicit goal to facilitate and impact remedial learning by providing guidance and feedback for activities that are designed to strengthen the weaknesses that have been identified and hence increase the growth potential. The DLA is intended in such a way that it is relatively more specific, individualized, customized and direct to the needs of teachers and learners. It is fundamentally crucial to ensure the effectiveness and accuracy of diagnostic feedback (Xie, 2016). Other language tests Diagnostic language tests like the Chaplen Speeded Grammar and Vocabulary Test is used in Manchester University. Itis a test to gauge the knowledge of the learner in English language. A percentage score is given for the total number of correct answers. Students generally score approximately 50- 90% in this test. Getting more than 90% indicates that the student is very much efficient in language of the native speaker. Scores below 40% indicate the inefficiency of the student in language. The test uses a multiple choice questions format in which the Grammar and vocabulary of the students is tested within twenty eight minutes. These sections test the lexical and structural knowledge of the student. Each section comprises fifty questions and a word or phrase is omitted in each question. The student must choose the correct option from the list of answers. Students are asked to choose the correct verb, adjective, preposition, articles and other parts of speech. The time allotted to the stu dents for completing the task is very short. This is done to hunt out the more proficient students. This process of elimination helps to mark the students quickly. The system is combined with an OMR system which means that many students can be tested at the same time and the results can be given in a very less time. Moreover, it contains short essay type questions that must be completed in thirty minutes. However, tests like Chaplen are neither for testing language production nor for testing language skills. It is just a narrow aspect of language competence used to recognize the grammatical and lexical proficiency. Tests like TOEFL and IELTS are much more internationally recognized, expensive, and sophisticated than such Diagnostic language assessments. IELTS and TOEFL take a long time to test the students but they test a broader range of language skills. Tests like IELTS have a total of 40 questions and have a variety of questions such as the multiple choice, sentence completion, map/ diagram/ plan labelling, summary completion or note/ form/ table completion. It also has tests based on listening skills. The test is divided into four sections. The first two sections deal with situations set in everyday social contexts. Section one comprises questions based on conversation between two speakers. Section two has a monologue. The final two situations comprises questions based on training and educational contexts. The time allotted for the test is 30 minutes. An additional 10 minutes is allotted for transfer. During listening test, students write anaswers after listening to the question. At they en d, they are supposed to transfer their answers from the question paper to the answer script. Certificated markers mark the listening test. These certificated markers are monitored regularly to ensure reliability. After the marks are given at the test centre, all the answer scripts are returned for analysis to the Cambridge English language Assessment. The scores rae presented in half bands and whole bands. A Band Score conversion table is generated for each version of the listening test. The scores are then transferred from 40 into the 9-band scale. Components of DLA The Diagnostic Learning Assessment has three components. The core component is diagnosis whose goal is to identify both the strengths and the weaknesses of the learner that prevents the individual from moving beyond the current state of knowledge, competence, ability, proficiency, and learning. Diagnosis identifies the impediments that come in the way of the learner. Diagnosis requires utilizing various instruments such as questionnaires and tests. It includes processes for understanding the strength-weakness patterns of learners by analyzing, collecting, and scoring the data of test takers. It even classifies learners into groups with the same pattern of strengths and weaknesses (Urmston et al., 2016). It is essential to distinguish the strengths from the shortcomings at this very stage and also pinpoint the underlying or root causes of weaknesses. It may require several rounds of diagnostic testing. The second component of DLA is feedback. It is designed to summarize, describe, and give the results of diagnosis to the teachers, learners, and various other stakeholders. DLA facilitates the future learning process of language learners through a carefully designed remedial activity and feedback. This feedback must be acted upon by the teachers and the learners as well (Xie, 2016). Once the weaknesses and strengths are identified, the information must be communicated to the teachers and learners so that they can take the recommended and necessary steps to strengthen the weaknesses and increase the potential of the learner. The practice of diagnostic feedback includes providing an enhanced report stating the score and having the summary of the comparison of strengths and weakness patterns of the learner. The report may contain both the qualitative and quantitative information regarding the knowledge and skills of the test taker. The quantitative dossier must comprise the attribute or skill scores in case of multiple choice questions section or dimension/ analytic/ trait scores in the constructed-response section. It must also contain section and total scores. The quantitative information can be presented visually or graphically. Thereafter, a verbal description may be submitted so that learners can easily understand them. This would enhance the meaningfulness and interpretation level of the information extracted diagnostically (Shohamy, 2014). The third and final components are the instruction and remedial learning. The term remedy is also used widely in the field of medical science. In DLA, treatment or remedial education comprises a set of activities designed to solve the issues of the learners and enhance their learning process. The attributes that were considered weak are taken up, and appropriate measures are taken to reach the desired goals of proficiency and knowledge. In fact, remedial learning forms a crucial component of the Diagnosis Language Assessment and the last and final step. It is this element through which learners can gain knowledge of the steps that must be taken to improve themselves (Alderson et al., 2014).There are three major kinds of remedial learning. They are, firstly, therapeutic programs provided by the DLA developers, and for which they are responsible. It comprises acting upon the feedback received from the diagnosis of the learner through the DLA system. Secondly, the institutes and teacher s can provide remedial instruction or learning programs to the students. Thirdly, the learners can garner self help to learn activities for themselves. This would assist them to carry on remedial activities independently without the aid of teachers, institutes, or DLA developed programs. Schools and educators can play a vital role in the development and implementation of a long term or short term remedial learning program. This may run along with the school curriculum or may be embedded in the regular instruction. The school coordinators and administration must consult and collaborate with the DLA developers to inculcate DLA in the school curriculum (Nichols et al., 2012). Challenges faced by DLA The first and foremost challenge faced by DLA is that there is no absolute criterion to determine the absolute granularity. There is a lack of understanding in defining the parts and subparts which must be decomposed in various contexts. There is a further lack of the development of instruments, tests, procedures and tools to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the learners at different levels and link those results to the remedial learning activities. Researchers try to define and identify essential attributes (skills, processes, and knowledge) in cognitive diagnosis approach (CDA) (Torre Minchen, 2014). These attributes are considered the underlying factors that impact the learning process and performance (Bachman, 2014). The strength- weakness patterns are identified and defined by the attributes in the Q-matrix. Such attributes are also used in Diagnosis Language Assessment. However, these attributes may not always be helpful in pinpointing and assessing the strengths and we aknesses of the learners at specific levels. The specificity and quantity of dimensions or attributes may get constrained due to several logistic considerations. It may get affected by the type and number of tasks and the analytical tools. Moreover, it is mandatory to understand ways to link the specific and overall assessment results. Though diagnostic feedback is a crucial component of DLA, the field seems to have a rudimentary understanding of the things it should contain. They are unaware of a proper feedback structure and the remedies that would be useful in the learning process. Another significant issue regarding DLA is that there is a fundamental dilemma to meet conflicting requirements. These include satisfying psychometric requirements and providing feedback based on DLA so that it becomes meaningful and productive. It is crucial to establish links between various components horizontally. Links must be drawn up between the qualitative and quantitative information generated by DLA. There must also be a connection between diagnosis, feedback, and remedial learning. Apart from reflecting the results of diagnosis correctly and accurately, it must align itself with the remedial activities strictly to ensure greater effectiveness and a positive impact (Owens, 2013). Validity of Diagnostic Language Assessment Talking about the validity of Diagnostic Language assessment, Conti-Ramsden (2012) argues that there is very little guidance guidance available in literature when it comes to testing foreign or second language. There is almost no guidance on how to conduct a diagnostic test and what are the appropriate diagnostic tests. Moreover, there is neither any theoretical basis nor any validity of diagnostic tests in language. However, researchers are making efforts in this field to improve and develop the situation. When a variety of tasks including open writing task and multiple choice questions was employed on learners, it was seen that diagnostic tests are able to provide a comprehensive feedback of the strengths and weaknesses of the learners. Moreover, Chapelle,(2015) had investigated the validity and effects of cognitive reading skills assessment on learning and teaching. It was found that diagnostic tests are highly valid and are able to provide informative feedback to students and tea chers. Diagnostic tests can provide proper feedback about some particular points in language. Self assessment is an important tool in diagnostic test. However, another research conducted by Torre Minchen, (2014) indicated that approaches like the Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment or the CDA is more effective than the DLA in providing diagnostic feedback. I Deal as a Language Assessment tool Students with diverse cultural contexts, disciplinary backgrounds, and varying cultural perspectives come to Deakin University. To assess the language proficiency of students, test like IELTS can be conducted. However, a lack of common standard and a diversity of background of students makes it difficult to identify the students who need guidance in language development. Deakin University thus conducts a post entry English language diagnosis. For this purpose, Deakin University chose iDeal which comprises a diagnostic tool, language development resources and screening components. The diagnostic tool has ten subcategories across listening, reading, and writing. It is at the level of subcategories that immediate diagnostic feedback score is given in the form of percentage. Development and resources strategies are linked to each subcategory in such a way that students can choose the areas they must focus. The best thing about iDeal is that it is available at no cost to all domestic, postgraduate, undergraduate, international, off and on campus students. It is easily accessible as it is present online. It provides professional as well as academic versions. It points out the immediate language developmental needs and directs them to relevant language programs. However, the system has faced several issues. It is unable to determine the shape or overall framework. There is a communication gap between the students, staff, and IT developers. Nevertheless, the University is working upon the issues and trying to develop the language assessment tool to help students. Conclusion Diagnostic assessment is of great help in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of students who are learning English as a first or second language. It caters to the particular needs of students and helps them to plan activities for the development of skills. Diagnostic language assessment thus identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the learners and focuses on developing the weaknesses through remedial measures and activities. It enables a detailed analysis and creates a responsive report of the tasks or items. It generates feedback so that students can act upon their weaknesses and improve them. Diagnostic tests focus on specific elements and address the specific needs of the learner. The approach of DLA is individualistic, unlike other generic placement tests. References Bachman, L. F. (2014). Ongoing challenges in language assessment.The companion to language assessment. Carter, R., McRae, J. (2014).Language, literature and the learner: Creative classroom practice. Routledge. Damankesh, M., Babaii, E. (2015). The washback effect of Iranian high school final examinations on students test-taking and test-preparation strategies.Studies in Educational Evaluation,45, 62-69. de la Torre, J., Minchen, N. (2014). Cognitively diagnostic assessments and the cognitive diagnosis model framework.Psicologa Educativa,20(2), 89-97. Drasgow, F. (Ed.). (2015).Technology and Testing: Improving Educational and Psychological Measurement. Routledge. Green, A. (2013).Exploring language assessment and testing: Language in action. Routledge. Hongjun, Z., Feng, P. (2015). Computer assisted language testing and the washback effect on language learning. InNational Conference on Big Data Technology and Applications(pp. 191-199). Springer Singapore. Lee, Y. W. (2015). Future of diagnostic language assessment.Language Testing,32(3), 295-298. Lockwood, J. E. M. (2015). Diagnostic English Language Tracking Assessment (DELTA) Writing Project. Nichols, P. D., Chipman, S. F., Brennan, R. L. (Eds.). (2012).Cognitively diagnostic assessment. Routledge. Owens Jr, R. E. (2013). Language disorders: A functional approach to assessment and intervention. Pearson Higher Ed. Shohamy, E. (2014).The power of tests: A critical perspective on the uses of language tests. Routledge. Torabian, S. (2014). The Washback Effect of Quizzes on the Grammar Skill.The Iranian EFL Journal,16(11.0), 108. Wang, Y., Bao, J. (2013). Washback Effect on Second Language Acquisition Test: A Case Study of College English Entrance Exam. InInternational Academic Workshop on Social Science (IAW-SC-13). Atlantis Press. Xie, Q. (2016). Diagnosing university students academic writing in English: Is cognitive diagnostic modelling the way forward?.Educational Psychology, 1-22. Zhan, K. (2014). The Washback of TEM4 and the Basic Teaching of Major English.Journal of Shanxi Radio TV University,2, 015. Urmston, A., Raquel, M., Aryadoust, V. (2016). Can Diagnosing University Students English Proficiency Facilitate Language Development?. InPost-admission Language Assessment of University Students(pp. 87-109). Springer International Publishing. Alderson, J. C., Brunfaut, T., Harding, L. (2014). Towards a theory of diagnosis in second and foreign language assessment: Insights from professional practice across diverse fields.Applied Linguistics, amt046. Lee, Y. W. (2015). Diagnosing diagnostic language assessment.Language Testing,32(3), 299-316. Chapelle, C., Cotos, E., Lee, J. (2015). Diagnostic assessment with automated writing evaluation: A look at validity arguments for new classroom assessments.Language Testing,32(3), 000-000.

The Education System Essay Example

The Education System Essay This point has caused one of the main criticisms of looking at cultural deprivation as the reason for working class underachievement. Critics have argued that working class parents seem less interested and less encouraging because of their situation and circumstances. They want to show their children what life is like realistically for the working class, that high occupational status is a dream. Another criticism of cultural deprivation has been by those who feel that material factors are more important. These critics are structuralists, and think that it is important to focus on what parents can provide materialistically that would encourage their children to do better at school, for example a quiet room for homework and appropriate books. If there is not enough money for books, the student has to get a part-time job which is likely to result in less time spent on schoolwork, thus not doing well in exams. There are other critics of cultural deprivation who feel it is important to look at factors of the school which affect the performance of different social class students. For example, there are subcultures (anti-social, anti-school) which working class students are more likely to be drawn into, and so their educational performance is obviously affected. The next explanation was a criticism of the last one material deprivation, or material factors. These theorists believe the students homes background influences and affects them the most. This is very much a structuralist view. The argument is that working class parents cannot afford the materials necessary for their children to do well. We will write a custom essay sample on The Education System specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Education System specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Education System specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The children are likely to share bedrooms with other siblings and dont have a quiet place for study, and my have to get a part-time job if their parents are not financially secure. Working class parents are also less likely to be able to attend parents meetings because they have a clash of time with work. Working class students are less likely to continue to higher education because their parents simply cannot afford tuition fees and the extra necessities of university. All these negative aspects of material deprivation are why many sociologists argue that material factors are why working class students are relative failures in the education system. However, as with inheritance and heredity, and cultural deprivation, material factors have also been criticised. Those who do not believe in material deprivation focus more on in school factors and how these affect performance. They argue it is more important to look at how the school can provide materialistically, but overriding this, culturally. For example, they look at the dominant culture and value system of teachers. In school, teachers have authority and students of working class, in particular, feel intimidated and do not want to do well. This often results in a case of teacher versus student values debate. Where the teacher may encourage the benefits of education, the student may feel that the teachers authority and nagging is discouraging. There are many other in school factors that sociologists have put forward, which became the next explanation interpretivist arguments. The interpretivist explanation for working class underachievement focuses on in school factors. They believe there are many things that happen inside school which prevent working class students performing as well as middle class students. One of these factors is subcultures, both anti-school and anti-social. Working class students find themselves easily drawn into these subcultures, often with excuses such as the teachers picking on me so Im not going to his/her lesson. Peer pressure is also a major issue in anti-school subcultures. When one student decides that school isnt for them and does not attend, they need somebody or several fellow students to truant with. Students who may have previously conformed do not want to be left out and join the anti-school feeling. Two important in school factors of the interpretivist argument are teacher labelling and streaming. Labelling is where a teacher prejudges a working class student, labelling them as useless, thus giving middle class students more attention and support. This drives working class students away in anti-school subcultures and holds them back from educational success. Streaming is where students are split and taught in groups of their perceived ability. David Hargreaves, an interactionist, claimed streaming created an increased amount of feeling inferior as lower stream boys progress to more mature ages. This affects how they feel towards education and more than often results in poor exam performance. As older students feel inferior and join anti-school subcultures, younger students find themselves without role models and in turn feel anti-school. Both labelling and streaming involve teachers stereotyping students of all social classes, which can lead to discrimination, e. g. sexism and racism. Again, interpretivists have also found themselves being criticised for their views. The critics are structuralists who feel it is more important to look at out of school factors and the students home background, in other words material and mainly cultural factors at home. Focuses are on things such as the values of and attitudes to education at home, and religious and cultural values. Critics argue that parents of working class students have very different values and attitudes to education than middle class parents. For example, working class parents may find it important to emphasise survival as key in their childrens futures, whereas middle class parents could believe in encouraging their children to aim as high as possible and achieve all they possibly can. Religious and cultural values are also important in the structuralist view. Where features of religion may interfere with how students are taught, their parents may choose to pull them out of the education system. A current example of this is the banning of the Muslim scarf in French schools. It is a vital aspect of Islam for females to wear a scarf, so where I has been banned, huge protests have been held and many Muslim parents have taken their children somewhere Islam can be practised and the children can be educated. Critics of interpretivists also think peer pressure in the area where the student lives is important. If there is an anti-school subculture in the area, the student is extremely likely to be a part of it as it its where they spend most of their time. As time has passed, each of the explanations offered for working class underachievement have become more developed, and have also faced more criticism. The first sociologists to look into this issue believe intelligence is inherited and measurable, and middle class parents are generally more intelligent. They also believe in IQ tests and think they are an excellent way of measuring intelligence. However, there are opponents to this suggestion who believe IQ tests are unfair and cannot be used to test member of different social classes and people of subcultures within social classes and ethnic groups. There are many weaknesses and not many strengths to the argument of inheritance and heredity. Though the sociologists argue that intelligence is inherited from parents, there has not been a study to prove that this is so, i. e. no evidence has been provided to back up this idea. They do, on the other hand, not deny that there are less intelligent middle class students and more intelligent working class children. I agree with the critics who claim that IQ tests are unfair because when an IQ test is created, it will in some way be biased to a certain group (usually the middle class). There would be questions on the test that working class children would not be familiar with, thus failing to perform well and being labelled unintelligent. This is an extremely unfair way to explain why working class students are relative failures in the education system. Cultural deprivation was offered by those sociologists who felt working class children were brought up in a culture where people around them placed a lower value on education and where their parents were much less interested in their schooling than middle class parents. I agree with the critics who say that it is unfair to say working class parents are uninterested in their childrens education because it is their circumstances that put them in that position. A weakness of this argument is that although a researcher may have looked into a working class family and found that their argument was proven correct, not all working class families are this way and many do encourage academic success. As a reason for working class underachievement, cultural factors are important to look at but do not apply to all working class families. The sociologists who argue that material deprivation at home is the cause for working class underachievement have a strong argument. They claim that working class parents are unable to afford the materialistic requirements of school and that this forces their children to fall behind and perform badly. Though this is a very valid argument, it is important to look at other factors as well as materialistic factors at home. For example, material and cultural factors at school are equally important, and should all be taken into consideration. The interpretivist argument focused on in school factors and how these affected the performance of students. The sociologists looked at things such as anti-school subcultures and teacher labelling and streaming. Like the sociologists who agree with material factors, interpretivists fail to look at other factors. They see in school factors as the sole reason for working class underachievement, which is not correct. Though it is also a valid argument like material deprivation, it should not be forgotten that the home background of a student is equally important to look at as well as the state of the school. I think that inheritance and heredity do not cause working class underachievement, but that a combination of cultural and material factors both at home and at school cause working class students to be relative failures in the education system. Where each individual theory counts out the others as valid reasons, I think this is wrong and that all count equally towards working class underachievement.

Clinical psychology essayEssay Writing Service

Clinical psychology essayEssay Writing Service Clinical psychology essay Clinical psychology essayThe Asperger Syndrome (and High-Functioning Autism) Diagnostic Interview (ASDI): A Preliminary Study of a New Structured Clinical Interview.What is the proposed purpose of the ASDI?The article makes it clear that the purpose of the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Interview (ASDI) is to diagnose such psychiatric disease as autism spectrum disorder in children and adults of certain age groups. The interview is intended especially for clinical psychiatrists who are well acquainted with the symptoms and methods of treatment of the Asperger syndrome and other psychiatric or psychological disorders in the autism related spectrum. The interview is based on the investigations of the clinicians and aimed at diagnosing the Asperger Syndrome in the autism spectrum. The article’s purpose is to investigate the affected children and adults who find it difficult to socially interact having delayed motor development and uncoordinated movements.It is well known that chil dren and adults with the Asperger syndrome have difficulties in cognitive or language development. In this regard, the interview presented in the article takes into account all of the peculiarities of children affected by the Asperger syndrome or other autism related disorders. The sphere of diagnosis included impaired social interactions, speech, communicative challenges, verbal skills, movements and other signs of disorder of the interviewed group of people who suffer from Asperger syndrome. Thus, the major aim of the ASDI is to investigate the symptoms of the disorder in order to find the best means of its treatment. It needs to be mentioned that ASDI proved to be effective in diagnosing siblings or parents who comprised the major part of the informants. Finally, it is worth saying that with the help of self-awareness and therapy, the majority of children and adults learn how to cope with all the challenges of the Asperger syndrome. Thus, ASDI is not only an effective way of diag nosis, but also a way of helping the affected individuals to cope with the challenges related to the Asperger Syndrome.What are the strengths and weaknesses of using the ASDI for clinical psychologists interviewing clients who may fall on the autism spectrum?The major strength of the interview lies in the fact that it turns to be an effective way of diagnosing the Asperger Syndrome. It is proved by the results of the ASDI carried out by clinical psychologists. However, the established diagnoses of the Asperger Syndrome are impossible to distinguish from other psychiatric or psychological disorders and normality. It turned out that the interview failed to show the distinction between the Asperger Syndrome and autism. Thus, there must be certain exclusive criterion for autism.Moreover, the interview has a number of other weaknesses as well. Thus, it needs to be mentioned that as the informants were either parents or their siblings, the results obtained could be applied to only first-d egree relatives as a key group of informants. Furthermore, the results of the interview are applicable to only those cases when the informants have known the individual with the Asperger Syndrome or other autism spectrum disorder for certain period of time. However, there should be carried out separate studies apart from the interview. The studies should be conducted with the involvement of informants other than siblings and parents.In such a way, it would be reasonable to recommend the ASDI for making preliminary diagnostic decisions when young people or adults are supposed to suffer from autism spectrum disorders, including the Asperger Syndrome. Taking into account all of the above-mentioned weaknesses of the interview, it is worth saying that the ASDI cannot be used as a final means of diagnoses, but rather as a direction for further deep clinical examination of adults and children suffering from the autism spectrum disorders and the Asperger Syndrome in particular.Clinical psyc hology   essay part 2

Political ideologies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Political ideologies - Essay Example However, despite having attempted to define the word, it must be noted that there cannot really be any single definition for the term ‘ideology.’ This is because different people look at the word with different meanings; some might imply it to be some sort of an identity thinking, others might look at it as some sort of a necessary illusion. Many people feel that an ideology is something that should be ruled by the dominant thoughts within society. However, this is a wrong notion because in just the same way, a minor section of society might be thinking along different lines, and creating their own set of beliefs which might not be as acceptable, but are something that they live by anyway. Ideologies may also be termed as illusions or mere fragments from within the thought process of a person. Some of the world’s famous ideologies that have been penned down have included the works of Hegel, Marx and even Georg Lukacs. It has been known through studies in history and politics that the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries have had a great impact on how people live today. These eras marked the inception of ideologies laid down by famous thinkers and intellectual powerhouses. Names like Freud, Keynes, Darwin and Smith shaped the way people existed, and gave life new meanings. They spoke about various things ranging from evolution to economics and helped people understand the reason for their existence. Thus, this is how an ideology might create conflict within culture and society, and the people because not everything is compatible with each other. It depends from one person to another. For example, if one actually would like to understand what the term signifies, then they must do it by putting themselves in different people’s shoes and trying to ascertain what they might be going through and how they might perceive a certain