Whats in an AP Biology Syllabus Guide and Examples

What's in an AP Biology Syllabus Guide and Examples SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips A great syllabus is the backbone of any AP course, but it can be challenging to create one that fits all the requirements and is easy for students to follow. In this article, I'll give you the ingredients you need for a solid AP Biology syllabus, including all the concepts and curricular requirements of the course. I'll also provide a sample syllabus so you can get an idea of what a syllabus for this class might look like (if you're a student) or how you might structure your version of AP Biology (if you're a teacher). Finally, the end of this article is devoted to a few quick tips for teachers and students on how to successfully teach and learn the material. What Does the AP Biology Course Cover? The curriculum framework of AP Biology was revamped in 2012 and is now organized around four Big Ideas, which are overarching themes that connect the concepts you’ll learn in the course. Within each Big Idea are several â€Å"Enduring Understandings† that students are expected to develop by taking the course.These are slightly narrower themes thatcan be broken down even further into smaller parts that are aligned with specific facts about biological functions. I’ll list the Big Ideas and their corresponding Enduring Understandings in this article, along with the labs that fall under each category.I won’t go into the smaller concepts within the Enduring Understandings so that this guide doesn’t get too long to digest. If you’re interested in a detailed rundown of the more minute concepts involved in AP Biology,check out this page. As students explore the Big Ideas, they are also expected to learn several key scientific practices, and the classwork must cover certain curricular requirements.After I go through the Big Ideas, I’ll list the scientific practices students should develop and the curricular requirements that any AP Biology syllabus is expected to fulfill. Think of each Big Idea as a giraffe. Why? Because it's fun. Live a little. (Yes, I know there are only three giraffes - Big Idea 4 is camera shy.) The Four Big Ideas of AP Biology Big Idea #1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. Enduring Understanding 1.1: Change in the genetic makeup of a population over time is evolution. EU 1.2: Organisms are linked by lines of descent from common ancestry. EU 1.3: Life continues to evolve within a changing environment. EU 1.4: The origin of living systems is explained by natural processes. Labs for Big Idea 1: Artificial selection Mathematical modeling (Hardy-Weinberg) Comparing DNA Sequences to Understand Evolutionary Relationships Big Idea #2: Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis. EU 2.1: Growth, reproduction and maintenance of living systems require free energy and matter. EU 2.2: Growth, reproduction and dynamic homeostasis require that cells maintain internal environments that are different from their external environments. EU 2.3: Organisms use feedback mechanisms to regulate growth and reproduction, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis. EU 2.4: Growth and dynamic homeostasis of a biological system are influenced by changes in the system’s environment. EU 2.5: Many biological processes involved in growth, reproduction and dynamic homeostasis include temporal regulation and coordination. Labs for Big Idea 2: Diffusion and Osmosis Photosynthesis Cellular Respiration Big Idea #3: Living systems store, receive, transmit and respond to information essential to life processes EU 3.1: Heritable information provides for the continuity of life. EU 3.2: Expression of genetic information involves cellular and molecular mechanisms. EU 3.3: The processing of genetic information is imperfect and is a source of genetic variation. EU 3.4: Cells communicate by generating, transmitting and receiving chemical signals. EU 3.5: Transmission of information results in changes within and between biological systems. Labs for Big Idea 3: Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis Biotechnology: Bacterial Transformation Biotechnology: Restriction Enzyme Analysis of DNA Big Idea #4: Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties EU 4.1: Interactions within biological systems lead to complex properties. EU 4.2: Competition and cooperation are important aspects of biological systems. EU 4.3: Naturally occurring diversity among and between components within biological systems affects interactions with the environment. Labs for Big Idea 4: Energy Dynamics Transpiration Fruit Fly Behavior Enzyme Activity Cooperation is always happening in biological systems! This is an approximation of what the inside of a cell looks like at any given time. The Seven Scientific Practices of AP Biology #1:The student can use representations and models to communicate scientific phenomena and solve scientific problems. #2: The student can use mathematics appropriately. #3:The student can engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking or to guide investigations within the context of the AP course. #4: The student can plan and implement data collection strategies in relation to a particular scientific question. (Note: Data can be collected from many different sources, e.g., investigations, scientific observations, the findings of others, historic reconstruction and/or archived data.) #5: The student can perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence. #6: The student can work with scientific explanations and theories. #7: The student is able to connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts and representations in and across domains. The Curricular Requirements of AP Biology Here's a list of the requirements that an AP Biology course must fulfill to be considered an appropriate and thorough survey of the material: The course must use a college-level biology textbook published within the last ten years. Students must connect the Enduring Understandings of each Big Idea to at least one other Big Idea (for example, connect the evolutionary concepts in Big Idea 1 to the idea presented under Big Idea 3 that genetic information is sometimes processed imperfectly, and this leads to variation). Students should be assigned projects and activities outside of labs to meet the learning objectives for each Big Idea (for example, students might do an activity where they create a model of the cell cycle and give an oral presentation on its most important aspects). The course must give students the opportunity to connect biological knowledge to major social issues and current events (for example, a project researching stem cells and their potential to impact the medical field). Labs must give students the opportunity to apply the seven science practices I listed earlier, and the course has to go through at least two labs that correspond with each Big Idea. Labs must make up at least 25% of class time. Students should be asked to demonstrate verbal, written, and visual communication skills with lab reports, summaries of scientific literature or evidence, and oral presentations. I was going to make a joke about teachers wasting class time by trying to get the projector to work for presentations, but then I realized that I don't even know if they use projectors anymore. I'm sure there's some other essential piece of classroom technology that never works by now. What Does an AP Biology Syllabus Look Like? The College Board has released some sample syllabi to help guide teachers in their instruction of the new format of the AP Biology course.The example that I’m looking at divides the class into nine different units of varying length. The resources for the course include: Reece, Jane, et al., Campbell Biology, 9th Edition, 2011, Pearson Benjamin Cummings www.campbellbiology.com (The main text’s accompanying website that provides animations, investigations, PowerPoint and other audio-visual resources) Giffen, Cynthia and Heitz, Jean. Practicing Biology (to accompany Campbell- Reece Biology), 3rd Edition, 2008, Pearson Benjamin Cummings AP Biology Investigative Labs: an Inquiry Based Approach I’ll give an overview of the topics discussed in each unit and the projects and labs students might complete throughout the year.I’ll also provide the approximate length of each unit.In this case, the class met four times a week for two 80-minute periods and two 50-minute periods (4 hours and 20 minutes a week total). Sample AP Biology Syllabus Unit 1: First Week and Introduction (4 classes) Textbook Chapters: Introduction: Themes in the Study of Life The Chemical Context of Life Water and the Fitness of the Environment Lecture and Discussion Topics: Darwin and the theory of natural selection Inquiry as a way to learn science Structure of atoms Emergent properties of water Projects: Make construction paper models of atoms and molecules to illustrate chemical concepts. Conduct an open inquiry on a biological topic of choice; formulate a question, design an experiment, and present the findings. Unit 2: Biochemistry and Introduction to the Cell (11 classes) Textbook Chapters: 4. Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life 5. The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules 6. A Tour of the Cell 7. Membrane Structure and Function Lecture and Discussion Topics: The impact of carbon as the â€Å"backbone of life† How monomers build polymers, including the roles of nucleic acids Examples of organelles that are membrane bound to compartmentalize their functions Membrane structure and function Projects and Labs: Build a 3D cell membrane Diffusion and Osmosis Lab Unit 3: Cellular Energy and Related Processes (14 classes) Textbook Chapters: 8. An Introduction to Metabolism 9. Cellular Respiration 10. Photosynthesis Lecture and Discussion Topics: Metabolic pathways Laws of energy transformation How ATP powers cellular work Enzyme structure and function Harvesting chemical energy: glycolysis, citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation Light reactions and the Calvin cycle Evolution of alternative mechanism of carbon fixation Projects and Labs: Cellular Respiration Lab Photosynthesis Lab Enzyme Catalysis Lab Unit 4: Cell Communication and the Cell Structure (9 classes) Textbook Chapters: 11. Cell Communication 12. The Cell Cycle Lecture and Discussion Topics: Evolution of cell signaling Reception, transduction, response Apoptosis How mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells Evolution of mitosis How the eukaryotic cell cycle is regulated by a molecular control system Origin of cell communication Projects and Labs: Pathways with Friends Modeling the Cell Cycle Cell Division and Mitosis Lab Unit 5: Genetic Basis of Life (7 classes) Textbook Chapters 13. Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles 14. Mendel and the Gene Idea 15. The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance Lecture and Discussion Topics: Genes are passed from parents to offspring by the inheritance of chromosomes How meiosis reduces the number of chromosomes (diploid to haploid) Evolutionary significance of genetic variation that results from sexual life cycles Concepts of Mendelian genetics (laws of probability, inheritance patterns) Genes are located along chromosomes (concepts of gene linkage, mapping distance between genes, causes of genetic disorders) Projects and Labs Fruit Fly Genetics Lab Meiosis Lab Unit 6: Gene Activity and Biotechnology (13 classes) Textbook Chapters: 16. The Molecular Basis of Inheritance 17. From Gene to Protein 18. Regulation of Gene Expression19. Viruses20. Biotechnology21. Genomes and their Evolution Lecture and Discussion Topics: DNA is the genetic material (historical experiments, DNA structure and function, DNA replication) Flow of genetic information (genetic code, role of other polymers, transcription, translation) Mutations Gene expression (operon systems in prokaryotes, eukaryotic gene expression) Virus structure and activity Restriction enzymes, plasmids, transformation DNA technology (how gel electrophoresis works and applications of this technology) Projects and Labs: DNA and Histone Model Biotechnology Lab 1: Transformation Gel Electrophoresis Lab Unit 7: Evolution and Phylogeny (19 classes) Textbook Chapters: 22. Descent with Modification: A Darwinian View of Life 23. The Evolution of Populations 24. The Origin of Species 25. The History of Life on Earth 26. Phylogeny and the Tree of Life 27. Bacteria and Archae Lecture and Discussion Topics: How natural selection serves as a mechanism for evolution Scientific evidence supporting evolution Hardy-Weinberg concept How allele frequencies can be altered in a population Concepts of speciation Origin of life; fossil records Events in the â€Å"history of life† (origin of single-celled and multicellular organisms; mass extinctions; adaptive radiations) Projects and Labs Comparing DNA Sequences Lab PBS Video: â€Å"What Darwin Never Knew† Evolutionary Time: The Geologic Time String Hardy-WeinbergProblems Unit 8: Diversity in the Biological World: Organism Form and Function (22 classes) Textbook Chapters: 40. Basic Principles of Animal Form and Function 43. The Immune System 48. Neurons, Synapses, and Signaling 49. The Vertebrate Brain(Chapters 28-49 will be utilized to provide students with resources for the enduring understandings in this unit) Lecture and Discussion Topics: Evolutionary trends (endosymbiosis, adaptations that allowed plants to move from water to land, reproductive adaptations of angiosperms, environmental roles of fungi, animal body plans, progressively complex derived characters in animal groups) Unique features of the angiosperm life cycles Signal transduction pathways (plant and animal hormones) Photoperiodism in plants Feedback control loops in animals Thermoregulation in animals Energy allocation and use in animals Examples of functioning units in mammal systems (alveoli in lungs, villi of small intestines, nephrons in kidneys) Structure and function in immune systems Structure and function in nervous systems (neurons, resting potential, action potential, synapses) Structure and function of the human brain Projects and Labs: Construct a cladogram for a group of organisms with certain traits Jumpin’ the Gap (students pretend to be components of neural communication) Research project on stem cells and whether they should be used to treat brain and spinal cord injuries Unit 9: Ecology (17 classes) Lecture and Discussion Topics: Aspects of animal behavior Aspects of biomes Models describing population growth Regulation of population growth Community interactions Species diversity and composition Community biodiversity Energy flow and chemical cycling in ecosystems Primary productivity Energy transfer between trophic levels Human activities that threaten biodiversity Projects and Labs Fruit Fly Behavior Lab Dissolved Oxygen and Primary Productivity Lab Design a model of a biome Improving species richness by adding phosphate to a pond - how would you determine how much to add to avoid eutrophication? Present your hypothesis. Investigate how the fungus Pilobolus succeeds as a decomposer? Study adaptiveness of spore dispersal methods In AP Bio, you'll get to hang out with some fun guys. Teaching Tips Writing a great syllabus is the first order of business, but as you probably know, most of teaching is in the execution. If you’re a teacher trying to provide the best experience for your AP Biology students, here are a few tips you might consider using in your lessons. #1: Provide Brief Lecture Outlines Give brief outlines to students before you start your lecture so that they’ll have a clearer picture of what you’re going to cover. I say brief outlines because you don’t want to give them notes that list everything they need to know about the lecture topic.List the main points of the lecture (around 3-5 of them), and list a couple of important subtopics under each. Provide plenty of space between concepts for students to write notes. Theyshould have some incentive to pay attention in class.This will create a better environment where studentsaren't confused or tuned out. #2: Break Up Your Lectures With Class Discussions I remember dreading double-period lecture classes in high school, and I was better than most high school studentsat sitting quietly and forgoing social interaction.You should try to engage the class in a discussion midway through your lecture to break up the monotony.I’d recommend calling on people randomly so that kids will have an incentive to pay attention and more introverted students will get a chance to participate in the discussion. #3: Be Accessible During Labs Chances are, kids will have tons of questions during labs. Sometimes the procedure is a little confusing or the results are different from what was expected.Make a point of walking around the room and checking in with each lab group to ensure that everyone stays on task and students have a chance to ask questions.This can also prevent students from doing the lab incorrectly and wasting time - you’ll catch mistakes early! #4: Model Your Tests After the Real AP Test My AP Biology teacher gave us tests throughout the year whose questions were very similar to real AP test questions. These tests were super challenging (I don’t think I ever got a solid A on any of them), but I was very well-prepared for the AP test.Nothing on the exam was more difficult than the questions I had encountered on in-class tests, so I felt pretty confident. Bobby, what did I tell you about eating the caterpillars!? We need those for the lab! Also, why are you even in AP Biology? Tips for Students Here are a few additional tips directed towards students who want to do well in AP Biology. #1: Do the Readings on Time There’s a lot to cover in this class, so it’s critical that you keep up with the readings in your textbook.If you fall behind, it will be hard to catch up.There also may be important things that your textbook covers that your teacher won’t mention in lectures.Plus, you’ll be able to participate in class discussions and avoid failing any pop quizzes! #2: Take Notes During Lectures Don’t zone out when your teacher is talking!I know it can be difficult, but taking effective notes is a great skill to have for college and beyond.Your notes will also help you study for in-class tests and, eventually, the AP test. It’s easier to study your own notes because they’ll be written in a way that you understand. #3: Ask Questions Don’t be afraid to speak up in class discussions and engage with the lecture topics.If you feel like you don’t understand a concept, ask your teacher about it. Believe me, it's better than finding yourself totally lost later! Also, if you have any doubts about lab procedures or how you should write your lab reports, consult with your teacher before going forward. "This kid is all of us in AP Biology," is what I would say if I wrote for Buzzfeed. Conclusion AP Biology covers a huge amount of information, so writing a syllabus that organizes everything effectively is super important. The four main Big Ideas encompass many smaller themes, each of which covers a variety of complex concepts. The College Board also requires classes to introduce students to seven scientific practices and fulfill a litany of other curricular requirements. Hopefully, the sample syllabus in this article gave you a good idea of what the structure of an AP Biology class should look like and how you might choose to cover all of the material.Guiding students through this intimidating maze of concepts can be pretty difficult! To review, some teaching strategies I recommend are: Providing brief lecture outlines Breaking lectures into more manageable chunks Being available for questions during labs Using tests that mimic the structure and content of the AP test For students, here are a few other pieces of advice that I would suggest following: Keep up with the readings Take notes on lectures Ask lots of questions What's Next? Looking for some good AP Biology review books? Check out my guide to the best books for this year's version of the test. I've also written a complete study guide for the AP Biology test that goes through all the concepts and has links to free online resources that you can use to review. Finally, this article goes through an analysis of whether AP Biology is more or less difficult in comparison to other AP classes and tests. It might be helpful if you're not sure about taking the course or just want some insight into how much you'll need to study for the test! Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Project on leaflet ordering within the workplace Essay

Project on leaflet ordering within the workplace - Essay Example These provide customers with comprehensive information regarding tenancy, ownership, entitlements, neighbourhood plans, safety, security and all supportive systems forming part of the housing scheme. Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the process and effectiveness of changes implemented in the ordering and display of customer information leaflets at KHT’s six offices across the borough. When undertaking changes in any part of an organization’s functioning, the individual, team and organizational levels need to be taken into account. Effectively addressing the issues that require change through relevant management processes, leads to the required results. It is essential to consider beneficial outcomes for customers, cost-effectiveness for the organization, have both vision and pragmatism, â€Å"pay attention to global and local issues, and encourage individual accountability at the same time as enabling team work† (Cameron and Green 2004, p.3). Effective management of change provides competitive advantage, improves enterprise and helps to consistently meet organizational goals. Managing change is a â€Å"complex, dynamic and challenging process† (Paton and McCalman 2000, p.2) involving assessment of the situation, planning tactical, strategic processes, and implementing operational changes. The work profile includes travelling to each of the Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) offices on a weekly basis, to check whether all leaflets pertaining to KHT and its various benefit schemes, support and services are displayed correctly. A short notice inspection revealed that some of the leaflets displayed were out of date. Secondly, it was found that staff members were not willing to take responsibility towards stock taking and ordering fresh stocks according to the requirement. This resulted in the ordering of excessive numbers of the information leaflets, causing expensive wastage. A

Discussion Board 8-1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Discussion Board 8-1 - Essay Example This presents a real risk especially in cases where the counselor has not found a safety shelter for the victim of abuse. Alternative shelter during handling of a case helps isolate a victim from the abusers and encourage in-depth if not complete disclosure (Jackson-Cherry, 2014). Another reason for delay relates to the dilemma that strikes counselors especially when reporting of a case is likely to lead to separation of parents of an abused. A counselor may wish to advance and find justice treatment while ensuring compactness of the family, but fears breakup of the family upon reporting. To deal with such causes of procrastination, counselors need to stick by the laws and ethics of their respective states regarding reporting of child abuse cases. Another way to avoid procrastinations of reporting child abuse due certain fears is to refer clients to other superior authorities or institutions also concerned with protection of children welfare. Alternatively, a counselor can contact a mandated reporter to report the case on behalf. Section 350 of the Hawaii State’s laws against child abuse require quick reporting of child abuse, and outlines provisions for prosecution of a counselor for late reporting of a child abuse incidence (Hawaii.gov,

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. Twain grew up in America’s southern states during the early 1800’s, a time in which moral confusion erupted within the minds of humans. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn s protagonist is a young boy named Huck who freely travels alongRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain1375 Words   |  6 Pagesmention the years spent growing and maturing physically. Teenagers are stuck in an inbetween state where they must learn who they want to become and what they want to be when they grow older. The same is true for Huckleberry Finn, from the book â€Å"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn† by Mark Twain. This is a book that was written in a time of great confusion over moral codes and standards. It was a world split in half by two different worlds of people; those who opposed, a nd those who promoted slavery.Read MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain2083 Words   |  9 PagesSatire in Huckleberry Finn In the novel â€Å"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn† by Mark Twain, we are told a story about a young boy and his slave companion’s journey down the Mississippi River and all of their encounters with other characters. Twain constructed a beautiful narrative on how young Huck Finn, the protagonist in the story, learns about the world and from other adult characters, how he is shaped into his own person. At the time this book was made however, this novel provided serious socialRead MoreMark Twain and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn1575 Words   |  6 Pages Mark Twain and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Controversy Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, is a highly recognizable figure in American literature. Born in Florida, Missouri Mark Twain and his family moved to Hannibal, Missouri where Twain discovered and fell in love with the mighty Mississippi River. The river and his life in Hannibal became his inspiration and guiding light in most of his writing. Although Twain loved the river and did a great deal of traveling, he eventuallyRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain1005 Words   |  5 Pages In the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn written by Mark Twain in the 19th century is about a young boy named Huck Finn and Jim, a runaway slave who go on an adventure. The two travel on a raft along the Mississippi river creating a bond and making memories. Mark Twain presents Huckleberry Finn as a dynamic character who at first views Jim as property and eventually considers Jim as a friend, showing a change in maturity. 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The novelRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain810 Words   |  4 PagesBefore Mark Twain started to write two of his most famous novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark was known to use his characters to display his own thoughts and opinions. â€Å"This device allowed him to s ay just about anything he wanted, provided he could convincingly claim he was simply reporting what others had said.† (Twain, 1283). Mark Twain used this process to be a foundation of his lectures, by manipulating his popularly with his readers. During the story