The effects of block scheduling Essay Example for Free

The effects of block scheduling Essay Summary of Current Knowledge and Theory Relevant to Block Scheduling Overview of Perceived Advantages to Block Scheduling Several researchers (Dobbs, W. , 1998; Hurley, 1997; Zepeda, 1999; Staunton, 1997; Staunton and Adams, 1997; Pisapia, and Westfall, 1997; and Eineder and Bishop, 1997) reported the following perceived strengths and advantages by both students and teachers to block scheduling:   Increased teacher preparation time (in both teams and as individuals).   Double the class time for certain core subjects such as language arts and math.   Half as many students for teachers per semester. Additional elective class choice for 9th grade students; more choices for upperclassmen, including options of Advanced Placement and other higher level coursework   More time for completion of labs, incorporating technology, class trips, and other various applications of learned material   Improved school climate and decreased disciplinary referrals   More time to do homework and for guided practice under the direction of the teacherImproved academic achievement by students Ability of students to accumulate enough credits to graduate early. More one-on-one time between teachers and students. In general, surveyed students liked the block scheduling. They claimed to be getting better grades, to have time for more in-depth study, and got more attention from the teachers. They said their lives were less stressed and they liked having a fresh start each semester. Nearly all students asked said they would not want to return to the traditional schedule. One of the greatest effects of the 4 x 4 schedule is that students report having less homework. Of the 37 students interviewed, 20 said they had less homework, 7 said they had more, and 6 said they had about the same. If you dont like the teacher, you dont have to deal with him all year, or if you dont like the subject. When the semester ends, its like a new school year. Youre not bogged down. Clearly, these students reaped academic benefits from the change to the 4 x 4 schedule. Both college preparatory and general students reported they were learning more and receiving more individual attention (Hurley, 1997). Surveyed teachers indicated that they enjoyed lecturing less and spending more time one-on-one with students. Teachers teaching in block scheduling used more of a team approach and allowed them to experiment more in the classroom (Staunton, 1997; Staunton and Adams, 1997). Teachers also reported that their teaching methods and practices changed as block scheduling was implemented. They used a wider array of strategies and activities. In one Florida study of over forty high schools on block scheduling, â€Å"forty percent of the teachers reported less stress at school, one-third reported increased common planning time, and 80 percent noted that they preferred the block schedule to their previous schedule† (Deuel, 1999). There seem to be several perceived advantages associated with block scheduling. Overview of Perceived Disadvantages to Block Scheduling Several researchers (Dobbs, W. , 1998; Hurley, 1997; Zepeda, 1999; Staunton, 1997; Staunton and Adams, 1997; Pisapia, and Westfall, 1997; and Eineder and Bishop, 1997) reported the following perceived weaknesses and disadvantages by both students and teachers to block scheduling: Additional costs in hiring teachers.   Additional costs in adding space for teachers or the need for teachers to ‘travel’ which means he has no permanent classroom. Difficulty in making up work from absences because missing one day equivalent to missing two classes   Some classes clearly benefit from meeting every day (i. e. performing arts classes)   Need for teachers to commit to using new teaching methods   Ninety minutes is a long time to hold the attention of students   Uneven schedules in which the harder classes all end up lumped into one semester making it too difficult and the next semester too easy. The possibility that there will be a long gap in between sequential courses if they are not taken in back-to-back semesters. The primary disadvantage given by surveyed students is that the classes are too long. Students particularly gave this as a weakness when their teachers lectured for nearly all of the time period. Others noted that â€Å"bad classes are really bad when they are held for 90 minutes† (Hurley, 1997). Surveyed teachers voiced concerns about interruptions of sequential material from one semester to the next and consistency issues with students. However, teacher opinion seemed to be mixed about this issue. Some foreign language teachers feared a sequential break between levels (Scheduling Foreign Languages on the Block, 1998). Other researchers found that some schools actually showed an increase in foreign language test scores because students could take level I and level II courses in back-to-back semesters (Schoenstein, 1996). Some teachers felt more comfortable with the lecture approach and had little comfort with experimentation of teaching methods (Staunton, 1997; Staunton and Adams, 1997).

My Philosophy of Teaching Essay -- Philosophy of Education Teachers Es

My Philosophy of Teaching In the field of education there could arise many philosophical ideas of each individual teacher. Many of the past philosophies have been and still are used in today’s education programs, such as the Socratic method. My philosophy will also contain some of the many philosophies of the past and possibly the future. I will state the nature of students, the nature of knowledge, the purpose of public education, method, and curriculum according to my own philosophies, which also may be based the philosophical ideas of previous individuals. The nature of human beings in my opinion, as well as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, is that all human beings are born innocent. We are born into the world without the knowledge that is to be acquired throughout time. When it comes to the nature of knowledge however I do not agree with Rousseau. I believe that each person should construct his own knowledge at the same time as he memorizes other knowledge. In other words, the student should learn and memorize what he has been taught; yet at the same time hold his own opinions and philosophies in mind as well. I believe that the nature of knowledge is also purely relative; it does depend upon the person, place, and time. Not every student is going to be the same. One might not be able to learn in a larger classroom than another might; he may require special attention possibly for the reason that he may have a learning disability, or possibly a short attention span. The overall purpose of education in my opinion is for survival in today’s society and economy. For one person to survive comfortably in this computer –based world of today, one would require skills in mathematics, English, science, and ma... ... retain the lessons. From past experiences I have observed that if the teacher involves the students in the lesson, the children forget that they are learning and realize that they are having fun. This area of participation is important in elementary schools for the purpose of accomplishing the goals in which almost every school sets forth. It also allows the children to feel in control of their thoughts and opinions. My professional development plans include a wide variety of experiences with children in general and in the education field. In the above paragraphs, I have made it clear what my expectations are in terms of the nature of students, the nature of knowledge, the purpose of education, method, and curriculum. I do however, expect them to be subject to change after I have completed the required field experience or my own professional experience. My Philosophy of Teaching Essay -- Philosophy of Education Teachers Es My Philosophy of Teaching In the field of education there could arise many philosophical ideas of each individual teacher. Many of the past philosophies have been and still are used in today’s education programs, such as the Socratic method. My philosophy will also contain some of the many philosophies of the past and possibly the future. I will state the nature of students, the nature of knowledge, the purpose of public education, method, and curriculum according to my own philosophies, which also may be based the philosophical ideas of previous individuals. The nature of human beings in my opinion, as well as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, is that all human beings are born innocent. We are born into the world without the knowledge that is to be acquired throughout time. When it comes to the nature of knowledge however I do not agree with Rousseau. I believe that each person should construct his own knowledge at the same time as he memorizes other knowledge. In other words, the student should learn and memorize what he has been taught; yet at the same time hold his own opinions and philosophies in mind as well. I believe that the nature of knowledge is also purely relative; it does depend upon the person, place, and time. Not every student is going to be the same. One might not be able to learn in a larger classroom than another might; he may require special attention possibly for the reason that he may have a learning disability, or possibly a short attention span. The overall purpose of education in my opinion is for survival in today’s society and economy. For one person to survive comfortably in this computer –based world of today, one would require skills in mathematics, English, science, and ma... ... retain the lessons. From past experiences I have observed that if the teacher involves the students in the lesson, the children forget that they are learning and realize that they are having fun. This area of participation is important in elementary schools for the purpose of accomplishing the goals in which almost every school sets forth. It also allows the children to feel in control of their thoughts and opinions. My professional development plans include a wide variety of experiences with children in general and in the education field. In the above paragraphs, I have made it clear what my expectations are in terms of the nature of students, the nature of knowledge, the purpose of education, method, and curriculum. I do however, expect them to be subject to change after I have completed the required field experience or my own professional experience.

Lord of The Flies Human Allegory Essay

In Lord of the Flies William Golding uses allegories to illustrate the human psyche. Different characters are used to represent different parts of an individual’s mental structure: the impulses of the Id, the rationality of the Ego, and the moral understanding of the Superego. Golding carefully describes each character’s actions to coincide with each part of the psyche. Jack, Piggy, Simon, and Ralph are characters in the story that represent the psyche. According to Sigmun Freud, the Id is the impulsive part of the psyche. Evidence of this is the killing of the sow. To elaborate, the killing of the sow has been deemed a â€Å"symbolic rape,† symbolizing man’s sexual desire. The manner that the boys go about in killing the pigs is based on sexual desire and violence; all parts of the Id. An example of this is the boys chant they recite after the hunt, as well as the lust they receive when chasing the sow. The pig’s head also represents the Id in the boys. The pig’s head becomes evidence of their atrocities brought on by impulsive and animalistic behavior. The boys wanted satisfaction, ultimately achieving it through the brutal murder of the sow. Furthermore, Golding’s Jack has been interpreted to personify the Id. An exemplar is his thirst for blood which gives him gratification. He takes great pride in hunting and killing pigs, eventually smearing the pig’s blood on his face. This is violent and primal, not very productive for the group and is meant as a source of satisfaction. Hunting should be pointless, the boys are on an island surrounded by fruit. Golding states, â€Å"†¦gorging fruit in the forest.†(pg.25). Jack is too busy wanting to hunt that he forgets about being rescued. One instance being early in the novel when a boat appears on the horizon; Jack allows the fire to burn out while hunting; eliminating aspirations of rescue. Moreover, as Jack embodies the Id; Ralph represents the ego. Ralph epitomizes the reasoning among the group. Sine Ralph is the leader, it becomes his responsibility to keep order. The ego makes rational choices while satisfying the Id. For instance, Ralph’s main task is to keep the order and control Jack and his impulses. Ralph delegates jobs: Jack and the choir become hunters and the rest will build the huts. For example, Ralph comes up with the idea the idea that who ever holds the conch gets to talk. Also, Ralph is the one who comes up with the idea to get the boys names. Golding writes,†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦If a ship comes near the island†¦We must make a fire.†(pg.35). This quote shows Ralph’s rational thinking on how to get rescued. Ralph thinks of the sensible thing to do for instance, Golding states â€Å"What was the sensible thing to do?†(pg.196). Due to Ralph’s rational thinking, he has  been interpreted to manifest the ego. Furthermore, readers have drawn conclusions that Piggy represents the super ego, Piggy acts like the conscience for the group; for example, Golding inscribes â€Å"What’s grown-ups goin’ to think? Young Simon was murdered.†(pg.157). This quote communicates how Piggy attempts to guilt the boys for the terrible crime they committed. Piggy comprehends moral values and tries to guilt Ralph for participating in the murder of Simon. Throughout the story Piggy constantly reminds Jack and Ralph about the priorities. He nags them incessantly about the fire, as well as; the importance of the conch and assemblies, the proper way to do a task, and how to act properly. Golding writes, â€Å"There was no Piggy to talk sense.†(pg.196). This quote justifies how Piggy acts like the boys conscience. In addition to Piggy, Simon has also been interpreted to represent the super ego based on his actions throughout the novel. For example, when the little kids wanted the fruit Simon got it down for them. Another example is when Simon attempts to warn the others that the beast is them. Golding states, â€Å"‘You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you?†(pg.136). Moreover, Simon’s moral values become evident when he gives meat to Piggy. Golding exclaims, â€Å"†¦Shoved the piece of meat over the rocks to Piggy.† Simons moral values on how to treat others, based on his actions in the novel clarifies how readers could draw conclusions that he embodies the super ego. Subsequently, interpretations on the novel have revealed Piggy’s death to represent the Id’s complete take over of the island. Golding exclaims, â€Å"The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow †¦the body of Piggy was gone.†(pg.180). Without Piggy, there is no moral reasoning to help make the right choices. After Piggy dies, Jack attempts to kill Ralph to eradicate rational thinking. This is an example of the Id’s superiority and strength over the ego, without the presence of the super ego. Without the super ego deciding the right from the wrong, the Id will take over. In the novel, had the naval officer not intervene, Jack would have completed the Id’s takeover of the egos by killing Ralph. As a final point, Golding uses Freud’s philosophies regarding the psyche to show human nature in Lord of the Flies. Ralph, Jack and Piggy represent the different parts of the psyche and what happens when one falls. Jack represents the Id with his impulses to kill. Piggy represents the super ego through his moral understanding, while Ralph symbolizes the ego, caught between the Id and super ego. Golding illustrates in â€Å"Lord of the Flies† that the Id is most powerful and comes out when a man is subjected to a primitive mindset. The further into this mindset, the stronger the Id becomes resulting in a loss of the ego and super ego. Works Cited Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. New York: The Berkley Publishing Group, 1954.

The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain - 1081 Words

Final Huck Finn grew up in an abusive home in which he has no control over. Huck does not wish to ever go back to such a hell since one knows about such a man to do such harsh things. You’re self-wellness by in which you grew upon throughout the years has turned you into the person you are today. The people you’ve been around, the friends you’ve made, and even the enemies you’ve made have made you who you are today. Huck Finn is like you in such a way. Always trying to figure what’s right and what’s wrong. Always trying to adjust to situations he is in for the better. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Tom Sawyer, a young but brave kid, has made a gang in which he would like Huck to join. But in order for Huck to join he needs to start being more and more respectful to Ms. Watson who adopted Huck from his abusive father. Tom Sawyer, Ms. Watson, and other characters use this sort of morality building to help Huck with him being respectful t o the other folk. Sounds similar, yes? Most of our parents and friends use these types of morality’s in religion, goals, warnings, holidays, and even sometimes themselves such as if you do what they did then you’ll be just as rich as them. Every Action, every word, everything you have received, felt, and have done build your sense of right and wrong. Huck Finn grew up with his abusive father and was an aggressive kid. All he had was his dad but still loving his father, he left and was adopted by a lady by the name of Ms. Watson. HeShow MoreRelatedThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain830 Words   |  3 PagesThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is â€Å"A Great American Novel†, because of its complexity and richness. Twain writes dialogue that brings his characters to life. He creates characters with unique voice and helps the reader connect to the book. Anyone who reads it is forced to develop feelings for each character. 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He is onlyRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain Essay1055 Words   |  5 PagesZambrano Mrs. Patmor AP Lit-Period 5 28 September 2016 Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 1835 Mark Twain embodies realism in almost every aspect of his writing not excluding The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which in he portrays such a lifelike setting that it almost gives you this sense of reality through the point of view of a young man that has an urge for freedom yet struggles to conform to society s norms due to his adolescence. Twain s ability to unmask the true identities of the charactersRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain931 Words   |  4 PagesWolski Mrs. Goska English 2H Period 3 22 October 2014 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Mob mentality is the way an individual’s decisions become influenced by the often unprincipled actions of a crowd. Mark Twain penned The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. 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