Children's Reading Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Children's Reading Behavior - Essay Example Some of these things are discussed here. Certain characteristics of a good reader are also identified. The role of a teacher is more important in teaching a child any language skill than that of a parent. Hence some guidelines of how to become a good teacher are also mentioned. The main idea is to inculcate a good reading habit in our younger generation which will help them in future. Reading is one of the basic skills that children must acquire at an early age. Not being able to read in present times is a great handicap. Some children are natural readers and have the ability to start reading at the early age of 3, whereas others need a push. Natural readers are not to be confused as born readers. They do not just wake up one morning and start reading. They go through a developmental process in which parents and teachers play a vital role. Children of this age are given a favorable environment in which they are encouraged to participate in educational activities such as reading. A teacher is specially trained to help guide the children in learning to like reading whereas a home environment cannot always do this. A colorful classroom, vocabulary and letter charts on the wall, objects beginning with the same letter placed together, and more similar settings will surely encourage a child to learn more eagerly. This environment is difficult to provide at home. Nursery student's specially enjoys reading nursery rhymes. ... assroom, vocabulary and letter charts on the wall, objects beginning with the same letter placed together, and more similar settings will surely encourage a child to learn more eagerly. This environment is difficult to provide at home. Nursery student's specially enjoys reading nursery rhymes. I believe that is because they have a certain tune which is easy for the young minds to memorize and the lyrics also make up an interesting tale about a character that appeals to them .It has been seen from experience that reading rhymes to this age group is one of the best ways to promote reading habits. Children will love to pick up a nursery rhyme book for reading. Parents can contribute to this easily since the rhymes being taught at school re still the same ones that were taught in their times and I am sure parents still remember them I sure do! Children of this age enjoy being read to. It has been my personal experience that at the story telling time when children gather around the teacher to listen to a story being told, they are most focused. They love to make guesses about what is going to happen next. I think that is the correct time to encourage a child to read further by himself in order to find out how the story progresses. Moreover, I believe that phonics has also made reading easier and interesting. Previously, when this practice wasn't followed, a child had to be told repeatedly and also had to memorize which letter made which sound. Phonics has made that simple. Now it is easy for a child to associate a sound with a letter thus making it comparatively simpler to form words and read them. Some children also enjoy reading at this age as they are provided encouragement from home. Parents who read aloud to their children for at least 30 mins a day are more likely to

Adult Learning Theory Essay Example for Free

Adult Learning Theory Essay Holt (2011), it is stated that it is necessary to bring both concepts of the Bible teaching and contemporary adult learning theories together for the most effectiveness. In the Holt article; it is shown that Biblical explanation and interpretation assist the adult learner in gaining knowledge. The choices one makes gives real world perspective and power can only be obtained by the Holy Spirit. The article discusses the styles in which adult learning makes a difference, whether androgogy, transformative learning or self-directed learning (Holt). Adult Learning Theory for the Twenty-First Century† discusses the goals of educators to better prepare themselves to better deal with adult learners. Over the last 15 years, learning theories have changed very aggressively (Merriam, 2008). As adults continue to develop human physiology changes, thus learning teaching styles have to change to keep up. It has been recognized that with time everything that adults experience is part of the learning process. It has been further recognized that educators have to increase their tool set to involve creative and artistic modes of teaching to reach a wider audience. Both articles cover the ever-changing dynamics of the human psyche and educational styles and requirements in dealing with adult learning. Educators have to continue to increase knowledge both for themselves as well as those whom they are educating. Where the styles of the teaching process in the Holt (2011) article differ from the Merriam (2008) article, they both recognize the changes in adult learners. It has been recognized over years and will continue for years to come that educators of adults will have to continue honing their skill sets to accommodate the learning styles of adults. Since adults learn differently from children it is important to include the learning styles necessary to maximize the efforts of educators. As adults learning styles change it will be necessary for those educating adults to change also. Reflection After reading both articles and realizing the application in my own life and learning style, I conclude that adults learn differently. There were moments of complete frustration as I was putting my thoughts together as I can tend to be somewhat of a perfectionist. I had the realization that time management and organizational skills are imperative when completing an assignment of any type. The Holt (2011) article caught my attention initially because of how I tend to study and read the Bible in particular. I am coming to understand more and more how I learn and further realize that the concepts of knowledge, choice and power are applicable in my own life. I am intrigued by the concept mentioned in the Holt article and will consider its application to my current Bible study methods. The Merriam (2008) article is interesting in the fact that I had no idea how challenging it is for educators to keep up with the learning curve that is necessary to continue teaching the increasing number of adult learners. Being out of the college environment for so long, I realize it is not as easy to just get things done with all of the demands of life as I know it. I can see how both articles and their teaching styles have a positive impact on dealing with adult learning. With all of the influences of culture, music, art, etc, it is imperative that educators find a way to keep up with the demands of educating the population of adults returning to increase their knowledge to keep up with fast paced American culture. I now have a new respect for teachers on all levels. It is interesting that adult educator’s find is so necessary to effectively reach adults. It is increasingly more common for adults to return to school for a number of reasons, and are driven to succeed for just as many reasons. Thankfully educators realize the change necessary to comprehend the goals of those adults striving for successes related to educating themselves. References Holt, R. A. (2011). Teaching that transforms: Facilitating life change through adult Bible teaching. Christian Education Journal,  8(2), 450+ Merriam, S. B. (2008). Adult learning theory for the twenty-first century. New Directions For Adult And Continuing Education, Volume 2008, Issue 119, 93-98. DOI: 10. 1002/ace. 309

The History Of The Probation Process Criminology Essay

The History Of The Probation Process Criminology Essay There is not a single idea about what constitute probation, but there are clear indications about the idea that all probation practices and systems to match and adjust development of place and time in terms of economic, cultural, criminal justice and political philosophies while preserving some key elements of its origin and in virtually all cases, orientation and professional identity of probation officers. Across the world, probation is in a state of state of flux or a state of crisis, although to varying reasons and varying degrees in some cases. An introduction of probation and further development, criminal justice system should be developed on existing social structure and it must also be supported by working to enhance what is already there. It should not be taken as external solution to internal criminal justice problems, (Hink, 1961) governance or penology, but it must be taken as a possible framework into which locally feasible and desirable solutions may be fitted. For effective process of probation, there must be planned introduction of probation, as an effective, non custodial sanction and cost efficient, the following paper presents history of probation, in case of probation process, legal pre-conditions and legislative pre-conditions should either be established or exist either in law, procedure or policy in professional rules of practice, Process of probation, difference between formal, informal, misdemeanor and felony probation, and in the last it presents leading theories governing probation process and which alternatives can improve the process of probation. Probation process and historical roots: Origins of probation can be traced back to early English practices, and this practice gradually developed until 19th century. Several countries made significant contributions during 1880. Probation process began to receive acceptance in United States of America during 1870s. Essentially it developed from the beginning of twentieth century, while many reasons with varying degrees, throughout Europe and North America. The process of probation has its roots from two distinct origins, civil and common law, but the historical development of probation also influenced by the development of infantile justice system positivism in ideologies of control (Blumberg,1979) outside of criminal justice system and criminology. As opposed to repression, from historical perspective evolution of probation reflects tension between control, care and custody, individualism and discretion versus legalism and reintegration. From 1800s to present time, probation process officers have been trying in different w ays to remake, (Hink, 1961) reform, restructure and remould the lives of offenders into good, law bidding and honest citizens. After World War, II it was strides in majority that made that led to the development of modern and complex probation service structure that exist now. It was the optimistic views that exist at that time, in the efficiency of social work with offenders to achieve probation officers and perfectibility of man in 1960s that were part of a criminal justice system, which was moving toward the rehabilitative ideal. Method of social work, casework was used for rehabilitation of offenders was attempted. In the coming years, other techniques were used by probation officers, such as including group work, task centered work, community work, behavioral contracts, family therapy, behavior modification, reality therapy, and social skills etc. Probation service was standing at the very heart of penal practices and policy; twenty five years ago from now. The emphasis was on rehabilitation, resettlement, social case work and individualism, social work and reintegration approach to social problems. The prevailing problem of crime was understood as problem of families and individuals, and families in the need of help and support of communities that were disadvantaged and disorganized. The focus of intention was not only crime itself but the instant offence being a matter of mostly legal concern, instead the social and personal problems that underlay this criminal behavior. (Best, Birzon,1962). Crime was a trigger for intervention, a presenting symptom, rather than probation officers focal point action. It was the probation service that led agency carrying forward a progressive program for controlling the crime, through social intervention. It was the vanguard of effort to humanize and rationalize practices of penal to use expertise, social work techniques, trained clinical judgment, and criminological knowledge to deal with crime. For instance, it was dr ew support and part of the project of welfare state, with its concerns for solidarity through state inclusiveness, (Blumberg,1979) integration, provision etc. and with distinct rationality, a habit of thought that looked for social problems and solutions to deal with any emerging problem and a style of reasoning. The process of probation has also been a part of power relations and wider structure of organizations. This part of power relations gave the enormous prestige and authority to professional expertise. With the expansion of personalized social services, and creation of extensive social work, the professional society reached its halcyon days in 1960s. In the process of creation of extensive social work, network, probation service was featured as s long established and highly skilled agency, (Hink, 1961) deriving authority from the court-based functions as well as its credentials of social work. In professionalized context, social problems including family breakdown and resettl ement, crime and delinquency that required social solutions and trained professionals and social workers. At an accelerating pace over last five years and over last two decades, field of criminal justice and criminal control, has been reconfigured in important ways. Although its relation to process has been, problematic that transformation was deeply implicated by probation service. The philosophy and movement underpinning it that followed created a shift towards human containment and deterrence as motivation in sentencing. A justice model emerged in late 1970s and early 1980s, as did the concept of just deserts. (McEachern, Newman,1969) In 1990s deprivation or incapacitation of liberty became the methodology followed by alternatives of alternatives to imprisonment, another correctional philosophy evolved, a combination of all previous philosophies but on that relies greatly on risk control techniques within crime reduction activities. Process of Probation: In the probation process, if a defendant pleads guilty, no contest, or is found guilty, the judge may request investigation for pre-sentence probation department. In the process of compiling the investigation, an interview of defendant is conducted by probation officer, moreover reviews the criminal history and personal background information, (Hink, 1961) contacts the victims if institutions are involved, after this recommendations for sentencing are made to judge. On the basis of this information, defendant may be sentenced by judge for up to one year. It is the responsibility of probation officer to monitor and ensure the compliance with conditions orders by judge. If there is non-compliance with terms and conditions it will probably result in further actions by court. These actions may include imposition of suspended jail time or fines. Juveniles may be sentenced to detention for failing to comply with court orders. (McEachern, Newman,1969). Probation sentence may include following conditions: Costs of court or Fines: The person who is facing the probation will be responsible for payments of fees, fines, court costs imposed on that specific case. Judge can impose $999 as maximum fine, depending on the basis of type of offense. (Best, Birzon,1962) The probationers have the option of performing community service in lieu of payment of fine, fees and costs. Detention / Jail Judge has authority to order to probationer to serve a jail sentence, depending on the type of offence. Moreover probationers who failed to comply with terms or found in violation of probation terms and conditions of their sentence may found in contempt of court and sentenced to jail or detention. Home detention: In case of violation of probation, violating probationer may face home detention. He will wear electronic ankle bracelet that monitors and ensured the probationers whereabouts. Probation officer will be notified immediately if probationer moves outside the range of his home, in this case, probationer is subject to further court action. Community Service: For young and adult, probationers to comply with mandatory service hours of community and they must also have option to perform community services in lieu of payment of their fines, fees, and costs related to probation. This community service must be performed at charitable and non-profit agencies. All young probationers under age of 17, are required to perform related community service hours through department f probation that are supervising the community service program. Probationers with age of 18 years old, have option to select community service agency on their own. A list of city department and non-profit agencies that utilizes the community service work program is available online. Life Choices Educational Classes: Probationers are required to attend court mandated classes, who are under the age of 25, presented by Street Beat program and designed to help the adults and young people to set goals and gain success. These mandated classes encourage the probationers to examine decision-making process that led them to have positive life skills. Mandated classes are also offered in Spanish. Counseling: Probationers may be required to comply with court ordered treatment and counseling who are assessed to be experiencing substance abuse or mental health issues. Services of counseling are also available through county agencies or privately. Adult probationers who present substance abuse issues. These issues of substance abuse can be referred to weekly substance education group, with which department currently contracts. Restitution: In case of victims except traffic violations, probationer may be ordered by court to compensate the victims for out of pocket losses. A total of $8,805 was collected in the form of restitution in 2011. Breathalyzer Tests and Drug Urinalysis: Probationers with substance abuse may be required to submit random alcohol breathalyzer tests and drug urinalysis test. This testing procedure is administered by several local vendors in Longmont. Probation Officers: Role of supervision is to supervise defendants while remaining in the community. Standard size of caseload may vary from 45 to 300 individuals according to locale. Caseload sizes are increasing depending on financial considerations, as departments leave some probation officer position vacant. Some specific caseload sizes are legislated but cannot surpass those limits. Supervised Probation: Supervised probation is also known as formal probation. Supervised probation is granted to an offender who must report in a person to his or her probation officer. Formal probation is used in case of more serious offenses. Under the jurisdiction of probation department, all adults placed on formal probation. (Stalans, Yarnold, Seng, Olson, Repp, 2004) Probationers under supervised probation are required to check in with an officer, strict conditions of probation and subject to home visit. Supervised probation is also searchable type of probation. Non-supervised probation: Non-supervised probation also known as summary probation, court probation or called summary court probation. Both federal and state government place formal probation on individuals, to determine if a defendant will be placed on formal or informal probation, Sentencing guidelines may apply to some extent, the judge has some sentencing leeway. Offenders will receive informal probation on acts such as violation of traffic rules or certain misdemeanors. Traditionally, informal probation does not include searchable probation; the person having the condition of searchable probation may have their home, person and car searched by law enforcement. . (Best, Birzon,1962) People on non-supervised probation, do not assign with a probation officer and also they are not monitored. Probationers under informal probation are asked to report to judge periodically. Informal probation has terms such as attending any drug or alcohol treatment program, or to complete community service requirements. This type of probation is of short duration may be of one month. After the probation is over, it means that offender has fulfilled the terms of sentence. The differences between felony and misdemeanor probation: The difference always does not clear between felony and misdemeanor probation from state to state in different countries and U.S as well. If we wish to define the misdemeanor probation, it can be defined as maximum length of time a person can be imprisoned for the committed crime, this period usually no more than one year, whereas in case of felony, minimum time of imprisonment is one year. So it can be said that any crime that is not felony, is a misdemeanor by nature. (Stalans, Yarnold, Seng, Olson, Repp, 2004) In case, if property is stolen or purposeful damage has been done to property, charge of misdemeanor or felony will be decided on the basis on the basis of dollar amount of damage or missing property. For instance, if any person incurs purposeful damage in Arizona, that costs under $250 dollars or charged with misdemeanor. If however, the damage is between $250 $2000 USD, the charge is generally a  class 6 felony. Higher amounts of damage may up the class of the felony a nd result in more time in a penitentiary. Leading theories governing the probationary process: From the past three decades, the principal for effective application of parole and probation process have received favorable mention in practitioner circles. By zero tolerance for behaviors that are better characterized as nuisances than as precursors of criminal acts and desire to appear tough on crime via harsh punishment, implementation of probation and parole has been fragmented or nonexistent and also subject to political sentiments. Some practitioners and policy makers market increased violations as a public safety enhancement even though there is no evidence to support this belief. The role of probation officer is very critical in effective process of probation; he is the one who makes sure the successful implementation of policies, procedures and laws about probation. There are different categories of probation officers and have different duties according to their roles, but some general duties are commonly shared by all categories. From start till the end of process of probation, probation officer remains critical in the process. He must conclude the probation case while including all the key information and details of probation process, causes and implications on that case by law and their implementation in an effective way. Conclusion: Probation process is an effective element to reduce criminal activities in a society. Probation process aimed at not only punishing the offenders but it also delivers policies that are concerned about correction of society and individuals who are causing disturbance in the society. There are also different categories of penalties and imprisonment (Whitehead,1987) depending on the age of the offender, and this so good, as imprisonments have been decided about while keeping in view it psychological impact on the offender. Probation process is necessary for affective implementation of laws and policies about sound and safe functioning of societal process.

The Night Stalker Essay -- Case Review

The Night Stalker Richard Ramirez is an infamous serial murderer who terrorized Los Angeles, California in 1985. The media gave him the name the â€Å"Night Stalker† when he was on his vicious rampage of forcing himself into the homes of his victims late at night and committing his heinous crimes. Though he was only convicted of thirteen murders, he had many more victims. His crimes were so random, disorganized, and impulsive that the law enforcement officials of Los Angeles had no luck finding Ramirez for months as he grew increasingly more violent. (Tripod.com, 2012) Finally, in August of 1985, the police had enough information from many of his victims to release a sketch of him to the media. The sketch had only been on the news for one day before he was recognized while trying to steal a car, and he attempted to flee when the civilians began to shout that he was the â€Å"Night Stalker.† Before long, a mob formed and attacked him. One of the men finally subdued him by hitting hi m on the head with a pipe. The police arrived to arrest Ramirez just in time to keep the mob of angry civilians from killing him. (Bruno, 2012) He was convicted of forty-three counts which included rape, burglary, murder, and sodomy on September 20, 1989. The â€Å"Night Stalker† was sentenced to death on October 3, 1989. He is currently on death row in San Quentin. (Bruno, 2012) Richard Ramirez was born Ricardo Leyva on February 28, 1960 in El Paso, Texas. He was raised by his parents Julian and Mercedes Ramirez along with five siblings. When Mercedes was pregnant with Richard, she was exposed to toxic chemicals while working in a factory. The effects of the chemicals on pregnant women were not known at the time, but researchers believe that could have... ...r his killing rampage began. He was held accountable for his crimes and will never again see the outside of a maximum security prison. Works Cited biography.com. (2012, January 1). Richard Ramirez biography. Retrieved March 28, 2012, from biography.com: http://www.biography.com/people/richard-ramirez-12385163 Bruno, A. (2012, January 1). The Night Stalker: Serial Killer Richard Ramirez. Retrieved March 28, 2012, from trutv.com: http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/ramirez/terror_1.html Grise, J. (2000, December 1). Richard Ramirez. Retrieved March 29, 2012, from New York University: http://www.nyu.edu/classes/keefer/ww1/grise.html Tripod.com. (2012, January 1). "Night Stalker" Richard Ramirez: From the Bowels of Hell. Retrieved March 30, 2012, from tripod.com: http://members.tripod.com/ol_dirty_paul69/theabyssofthemind/id8.html

China vs. american economy

China's economy will become the biggest in the world sometime very soon. According to the World Bank, the size of China's economy is $10. 1 trillion, compared with $14. 6 trillion for the U. S. , based on purchasing power parity (which adjusts exchange rates to account for the different prices people pay for goods and services across countries). But China is narrowing the gap in a hurry. Over the past 10 years, the annual real growth of China's gross domestic product averaged 10. 5 percent, compared with 1. ercent in the U. S. The Chinese economy increased at an annual rate of 9. 6 percent in the first half of 2011, vs. a rate of less than 1 percent in the U. S. America's days as top dog of global output are numbered, at best. Should we care? People from Thomas Friedman to Niall Ferguson cite the looming change at the top of the world economic rankings as a bellwether of broader American decline. â€Å"We are the United States of Deferred Maintenance. China is the People's Republic of Deferred Gratification. They save, invest, and build.We spend, orrow, and patch,† complained Friedman in a recent New York Times column. And yet having the world's largest economy isn't all it's cracked up to be†and you need look no further than the history of China and the U. S. to see that. The swelling size of China's economy may be a source of pride to the Chinese people, but America is still by far the better place to live†and will remain so for a long time. Although economists are skeptical about China's ability to sustain its current levels of growth, most agree it is only a matter of a few years before the Middle Kingdom's

essay123 Essays - Architecture, Lighting, Stage Lighting

essay123 Essays - Architecture, Lighting, Stage Lighting There are a lot of components that I take into consideration when picking out light and fixtures. Modern styles stand out to me the most because of the city living I choose to live in. City style living is all about maximizing your space as much as possible. Having brighter walls with neutral colors always makes a home feel bigger than what it actually is. I love retro looks because it gives me a sense of sleek, spacious, and cool vibe s to any home I've seen. After reviewing throughthe brand page I found threecompanies that were most appealing to me based strictly offthe appearance . They are Lois Poulsen , Vesoi lighting, andNEXT.I then went to each website to learn more about the products.Louis Poulsen stood out to me because of the unique structureof most of the fixtures. I appreciated the type of bright/white light the company showed on each piece. I visualized someof the lamps and wall lights in my common area for study areas and vanity lighting. The main concern that turned my away from the company was the pricing because I did not find it very reasonable. I then came across Vesoi lighting and was instantly drawn to viewing more of the suspended lighting. The chandeliersand suspension light s are very elegant and visually pleasing to look at. The E1 3 30/so Suspension light is ab s o l ut ely magnificent and my favorite item. I was amazed thatalmos tevery product I loved on site page and thepricing was very reasonable. However,I then quickly realized that I could not personally see these fixtures in my home. I would only purchase these items to use in an area for business and not in ho me. After reviewing all three, it was very evident that NEXT would be my brand of choice. As I stated before, I am a big fan of modern designs and NEXT provide s that look with almost all the pieces on the brand page . As a college student the energy efficiency rating, energy saving, long life span, and eco friendly aspects became a plus. I love white and silver lights and they had the most variation I have seen with a very elegant touch to each item. They had different indoor and outdoor lighting with the same design, which I found very convenient. I reviewed the company's policy on warranty and delivery that was very impressive for the brands customer care. I also read more on smart controls, which I was not previously aware of. It explained that integrates occupancy, daylight, demand response, dimming, and energy saving components which I thought was absolutely stellar. The Alien M Easy Floor Light was amazing to me. I could really see that piece in my home now or any home I choose in the future. The design was very pleasing to look at and I know that it would make a great piece for conversation because most lighting fixtures are not designed that way. The DNA Wall and Ceiling Lamp is absolute a must have. The desi gn is so innovative to me and can real ly add finishing touches to any home design. Sleek, sexy