Education - Curriculum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Education - Curriculum - Essay Example Research though different than evaluation is a necessary component of curriculum evaluation. Curriculum evaluation is an ongoing process that does not begin at the end of curriculum delivery; instead formative and summative evaluations are used conjointly to create a comprehensive view of the curriculum. Likewise, all those in contact with the curriculum from the teachers to the curriculum design specialist enact curriculum evaluation. This model provides a functional example of curriculum evaluation in which all aspects of the curriculum are evaluated and analyzed for program improvement. Asking the right questions requires understanding of the desired goals in each area of the curriculum. Evaluating educational goals complete with their objectives in each area are the first step in assessment of the curriculum. Curricular components that should be addressed are; is the curriculum relevant, is there a balance in the curriculum, is the curriculum integration desirable, is the curriculum properly sequenced, is there a continuity of programs, are learning’s transferable, is the scope of the curriculum adequate, realistic, and are curricula well articulated between levels (Oliva, 2003)? Understanding the goals for curriculum and students in these areas is the first key to curriculum evaluation. The curriculum specialist must know the key component goals in order to evaluate effectiveness and areas of needs. Asking questions requires research and evaluation. It is important to note that although closely related, evaluation and research, in the curriculum evaluation process are separate tools that combine to create a functional analysis of a program. Evaluation is the process, which determines the effectiveness of a program. Evaluation answers questions such as; is the scope of the curriculum realistic, is the sequence appropriate, is the curriculum age-appropriate, is the curriculum relevant

Business ethics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Business ethics - Term Paper Example However, it is worth to note that such move put my job on the line from two perspectives. Revealing the truth will upset the company through possible sales back clash and ruined image. Internal conscience and professional ethics also push for doing the right thing. Reconciling these two difficult situations constitutes the pressure in making the final decision concerning the defective products. The main question that is important in this case is what ought to be right. In this respect, the monetary gain of an action may not necessarily be right and as such must be shunned. In this respect, it would be important to enlist the Kant ethical theory which emphasizes the moral obligation to do what is right even if it might have small quantitative gain. In the short run, the company may enjoy but individual sales team would be breaching ethical codes expected of them in keeping the truth from the clients. Making such special payments amount to illegal and unethical business practices. It is important to note that legal structure guiding business in United States shuns corruption. Besides, fair competition offers level ground so that firms can compete on quality judged by customer under no undue influence. Critical ethical assessment of the act puts personal conscience on perpetual slavery of guilt on what may happen next and the magnitude of the problem. It is there important to act on the right rather that from the utilitarian perspective which considers only gains. In that respect, I would oppose my company’s plan to pay the $ 5000 special fee. Some of the consideration includes the potential explosion of product defective nature that will ultimately bring the company down. On the other hand such an action would provoke investigation on the legal platform on which such a business is to be operated. Should the authorities find out the illegal arrangement, the

The Cruise Ship Industry Effects Essay Example for Free

The Cruise Ship Industry Effects Essay 1. (a) Critically evaluate the impacts that the cruise ship industry has on destinations. (b) Suggest recommendations that can be used to minimize or mitigate the problems Identified in question 2a. 1. Critically evaluate the impacts that the cruise ship industry has on destinations. The Caribbean represents the main market for the cruise industry. As a major destination, the Caribbean cruised has been activated since early 1980, and has identified itself with the cruising industry over the years. While there are clearly benefits to be gained from cruise ship visits, there are also issues which destinations must consider, in order to optimize benefits and reduce negative impact, ( Manning, 2006). The main challenges encountered by activating the cruise ship industry in the Caribbean are as followed: environment challenges, maintaining market share and growth patterns, the concentration of the cruising industry, the increase in ships capacity, congestion, natural disasters, diversification of the product offered and competition with hotels, (Dridea et al, n.d). Environmental Impacts The environmental impacts of the cruise industry may be positive or negative. This industry may encourage an appreciation of the environment, and generate support and funds for environmental protection, but it can also degrade the marine and adjacent terrestrial environment. The environmental costs of the sector are incalculable given that the cruise ship industry is unregulated and difficult to gauge widely its impacts, despite enforcing environmental standards for the industry. For example, the introduction of the cruise shipping Port Facilities in Falmouth has posed negative impact on the environment. Mott Macdonald (2007) postulates that the major impacts expected from the development of the Port Facilities in Falmouth includes: loss of habitat and biodiversity such negative impacts are a major concern to Jamaican coastal areas where the reefs are already stressed from a number of anthropogenic and natural threats, loss of fish habitat widening of the entrance of the channel will partially remove the reef wall which is a primary habitat to Bermuda Chub .The potential exists for disruption to fish habitat, spawning and feeding grounds and possibly fish migratory routes. This represents a direct long-term adverse impact to the fish community on the reef and in the harbour. Other environmental impact includes: †¢ Loss of Coral Cover †¢ Ecological Impacts ( its associated flora and fauna) †¢ Increased fresh water runoff due to expansion of paved area †¢ Increased potential for oil spills Economic Impact The cruise industry has the potential to provide economic benefits to a port state. These economic benefits arise from five principal sources: 1) spending by cruise passengers and crew; 2) the shore side staffing by the cruise lines for their headquarters, marketing and tour operations 3) expenditures by the cruise lines for goods and services necessary for cruise operations; 4) spending by the cruise lines for port services; and 5) expenditures by cruise lines for the maintenance. The cruise industry has provided the highest economic contribution for the United State Virgin Island, according to the survey conducted by the U.S.-based organization Business Research and Economic Advisors (BREA) during the period of 2005-2006 cruise year , it was concluded that the total cruise tourism expenditures in U.S. Virgin Islands summed up to $362 million. St. Maarten had the second highest per passenger spending rate and the highest expenditure rate, resulting in $246 million in cruise tourism expenditures. However, over emphasis on the economic benefits derived from tourism has often led to adverse physical and social consequences. The reason for this is the simple fact that, as tourism development and tourist activity expands, so too does the potential harm, social impact and potential for human induced harm and disturbance to destination residents and the environment (Jackson 2006). Kenneth (2003), also concur with Jackson that even though the cruise sector has opened up an opportunity for heavy use and instantaneous cash flow from short term but intense use, this had added pressure onto land-based facilities, resulting in congestion, scheduling and control problems, which have affected visitor satisfaction which will result in decline cruise visitors. Other experts in the field agreed with the statements mention above that as the cruise ships continue to grow larger, further investment may be required. Under these types of tourism scenarios with high infrastructure or environmental costs, rapid growth of tourism may result in a stagnation of or even a decline in GDP (Gooroochurn et al (2005); Nowak et al (2003) and Nowak et al (2007). Social impacts Interactions between resident and cruise passengers can have positive effects offering residents the possibility of learning about the world and explore new life perspectives. The largest social issue for a destination is people pollution; increasing cruise activities restrict the space of residents and sometimes push them to adopt different moral conducts. Suggest recommendations that can be used to minimize or mitigate the problems Identified in question 2a. In order for a destination to minimize or mitigate the problems associated with the cruise industry they need to follow in the ‘footsteps’ of the Eastern Canadian, with the introduction of cruise ships into that environmentally sensitive areas of the Eastern Canadian Arctic raises many concerns. However, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) introduced a set of principles, when implemented, could help in the protection of the Arctic and its environment from negative effects caused by tourism. I concur with Kenneth Atherley (2003), that in order to minimize the added pressure onto land-based facilities, resulting in congestion, scheduling and control problems, which have affected visitor satisfaction. Countries need to implement the strategy of Bermuda which placed a cap on cruise tourism, this strategy outline that not more than two (2) ships should be at the Port at one time, and each passenger have to pay $60 head tax, ships operating in their water must employ Caribbean nationals, pay US$1.5 million towards an education fund; each passenger must have a US$30 voucher at the ship’s expense. Additionally, another way to solve the problems associated with the cruise industry in the Caribbean region lies with the tourism policymakers; they need to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, with the ultimate goal of maximizing the benefits derived from tourism, while at the same time minimizing costs/negative impacts. They can also implement carrying capacity strategies which aimed at maintaining the balance between social and ecological monitoring programs. Other strategies to mitigate the negative impact caused by the cruise industry is to monitor and evaluate the impact of cruise tourism on the natural, social and cultural environment in order to ensure the conservation of the resource base; continuously assess the carrying capacity of the existing attractions and services used by the cruise visitor, and develop mechanisms for the management of these sites on a sustainable basis. Encourage the enhancement of existing attractions and facilities and the development of new ones; establish and manage strong relationships with the cruise industry to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes; develop appropriate programmers which effectively convert cruise passengers to long stay visitors. References Dridea R. and Mihai., B (n.d). The Impact of the Cruising Industry on Local Destination Retrieved from http://www.scribd.com/doc/13728721/ Gooroochurn N. and Blake A., (2005). Tourism Immiserization: Fact or Fiction? Feem Working Paper No. 143.05. Fondazione Eni Enrico Matei. Jackson, L. A. (2006). Ameliorating the negative impacts of tourism: a Caribbean perspective. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 18 (7), 574-582. Retrieved from Emerald Database. Kenneth A. (2003). Cruise Industry–Related Challenges Facing Caribbean Destinations. Retrieved from http://www.linkbc.ca/torc/downs1/CaribbeanCruiseIndustry.pdf Manning T,( 2006), Managing Cruise Ship Impacts: Guidelines for Current and Potential Destination Communities. Retrievied from http://www.tourisk.org/content/projects/Managing%20Cruise%20Ship%20Impacts.pdf Nowak J.J., Sahli, M. And Sgo, P. (2003). Tourism, trade and domestic welfare, Pacific Economic Review, 8 (3), pp. 245-258. Nowak J.J.,. and Sahli, M., (2007). Coastal tourism and â€Å"Dutch diseases† in a small island economy, Tourism Economics, 13 (1), pp. 49-65.

Benchmarking as a Tool to Improve Business Practices

Benchmarking as a Tool to Improve Business Practices BenchmarkingÂÂ  (best practice benchmarking or process benchmarking) is a process used in management and particularly strategic management, in which organizations evaluate various aspects of their processes in relation to best practice, usually within their own sector. Dimensions typically measured are quality, time, and cost. Improvements from learning mean doing things better, faster, and cheaper. This then allows organizations to develop plans on how to adopt such best practice, usually with the aim of increasing some aspect of performance. Benchmarking is often treated as a continuous process in which organizations continually seek to challenge their practices. NEEDS AND BENEFITS FOR BENCHMARKING Organizations use benchmarking for a variety of purposes. Some organizations position benchmarking as part of an overall problem-solving process with a clear mandate for organizational improvement .Others position benchmarking more as a proactive mechanism to keep themselves aware of the state-of-the-art business practices. Some of the reasons organizations use benchmarking processes are: STRATEGIC PLANNING It requires a thorough knowledge of the market place, the likely activities of the competition, the state of the art regarding products or services being produced, financial requirements for doing business in market, and the customer base. Benchmarking is useful tools for gathering information in these areas during the process of strategic planning. This type of information can shape a business strategy in a more realistic direction, or at least help identify the risks of doing business in certain markets. FORECASTING Benchmarking information is often used to gauge the state of the marketplace and to forecast market potentials .it also provides a source of information regarding the business directions of key players in the marketplace, trends in product/service developments, patterns of consumer behaviour and so on. in many industries, the business direction of a few major companies can shape the direction of an entire marketplace.forecastion the activities of these types of organizations often provides their competitors and support services companies with important information about future implications for their businesses. NEW IDEAS Benchmarking is an excellent source of new ideas. One of the primary large scale benchmarking is that it exposes individuals to new products, work processes, and ways of managing company resources.benchamarking requires that individuals establish formal contacts outside their oragainizations.the reward is exposure to different ideas and approaches to conducting business. It also provides an opportunity for employees to think out of the box to consider alternative paradigms and to engage in What if thinking. PRODUCT/PROCESS COMPARISONS A common type of benchmarking involves the collection of information about the products or processes of competitors or excellent companies. This information is often collected and used as a standard of comparison for similar products or services of the benchmarking organization. This type of benchmarking confirms more costly with traditional competitive intelligence activities. in these competitions product or service is compared feature by feature with the product or servic3e of the company performing the analysis. GOAL SETTING Benchmarking is used as a means of identifying best practices. The standards set by excellent companies in many cases define what is possible on a state of art performances scale.These goals can help organizations accelerate their performance curves as they strive for continual improvement.Many small to medium size companies cannot hope to achieve the levels of performance of excellent companies that have far greater access to technologies,capital,or other resources.However,these companies can benefit dependant on organizational resources. PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT TOOL Benchmarking is defined as the process of identifying and learning from the best practices in the world. By identifying the best practices, organizations know where they stand in relation to other companies. The other companies can point out problem areas and provide possible solutionsBenchmarking allows organizations to better understand their administrative operations, and targets areas for improvement. In addition, benchmarking can eliminate waste and improve a companys market share. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT TOOL Benchmarking is increasing in popularity as a tool for continuous improvement. Organizations that faithfully use benchmarking strategies achieve a cost savings of 30 to 40 percent or more. Benchmarking establishes methods of measuring each areas units of output and costs. In addition, benchmarking supports the process of budgeting, strategic planning, and capital planning. ENHANCED PERFORMANCE TOOL Benchmarking also allows companies to learn new and innovative approaches to issues facing management, and provides a basis for training. Benchmarking improves performance by setting achievable goals. ENHANCED LEARNING TOOL Another reason to benchmark is to overcome disbelief and to enhance learning. For example, hearing about another companys successful processes and how they work helps employees believe theres a better way to compete. GROWTH POTENTIAL TOOL Benchmarking may cause a needed change in the organizations culture. After a period of time in the industry, an organization may become too practiced at searching inside the company for growth. The company would be better off looking outside for growth potential. An outward-looking company tends to be a future-oriented company usually leading to an enhanced organization with increased profits. JOB SATISFACTION TOOL Benchmarking is growing and changing so rapidly, benchmarkers have banded together and developed how-to networks to share methods, successes, and failures with each other. The process has successfully produced a high degree of job satisfaction and learning. HELPS OVERCOME PARADIGM BLINDNESS Benchmarking is a powerful management tool because it overcomes paradigm blindness. Paradigm Blindness can be summed up as the mode of thinking, The way we do it is the best because this is the way weve always done it. Benchmarking opens organizations to new methods, ideas and tools to improve their effectiveness. It helps crack through resistance to change by demonstrating other methods of solving problems than the one currently employed, and demonstrating that they work, because they are being used by others. COMPETITIVE BENCHMARKING Some authors call benchmarking best practices benchmarking or process benchmarking. This is to distinguish it from what they call competitive benchmarking.ÂÂ  Competitive benchmarkingÂÂ  is used in competitor analysis. When researching your direct competitors you also research the best company in the industry (even if it serves a different location) .(MichaelJ.Spendolini n.d.) BENCHMARKING PROCESS: Identify your problem areasÂÂ   Because benchmarking can be applied to any business process or function, a range of research techniques may be required. They include: informal conversations with customers, employees, or suppliers; exploratory research techniques such as focus groups; or in-depth marketing research, quantitative research, surveys, questionnaires, reengineering analysis, process mapping, quality control variance reports, or financial ratio analysis. Identify organizations that are leaders in these areasÂÂ   Look for the very best in any industry and in any country. Consult customers, suppliers, financial analysts, trade associations, and magazines to determine which companies are worthy of study. Survey companies for measures and practicesÂÂ   Companies target specific business processes using detailed surveys of measures and practices used to identify business process alternatives and leading companies. Surveys are typically masked to protect confidential data by neutral associations and consultants. Visit the best practice companies to identify leading edge practicesÂÂ   Companies typically agree to mutually exchange information beneficial to all parties in a benchmarking group and share the results within the group. Implement new and improved business practicesÂÂ   Take the leading edge practices and develop implementation plans which include identification of specific opportunities, funding the project and selling the ideas to the organization for the purpose of gaining demonstrated value from the process. THE ETHICAL ASPECTS OF BENCHMARKING In benchmarking, ethics is defined as principles, guidelines, or standards that determine a protocol of interaction between individuals and organizations. Many ethical questions may arise in the course of a benchmarking procedure. Two of the main questions which Johnson deals with are: * Can the recipient take credit for developing the idea, approach, and so forth? * If the benchmarking partner received information of tremendous value, can they take credit for it in their advertising? These questions cannot be answered quickly or easily. Partners in the benchmarking process need to communicate their expectations and feelings on these issues, and to follow some basic guidelines. They should establish specific and detailed ground rules. This includes the notion that ideas are not shared to gain competitive advantage, but are shared so both partners can improve or benefit. Questions should not be asked about a companys sensitive data; partners shouldnt be pressured to divulge this information to continue the benchmarking process. Data should be treated as confidential; it shouldnt be used to limit competition or to gain business. (MichaelJ.Spendolini. THE BENCHMARKING BOOK. AMERICAN MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION-AMACOM.) COST OF BENCHMARKING Benchmarking is a moderately expensive process, but most organizations find that it more than pays for itself. The three main types of costs are: Visit costs This includes hotel rooms, travel costs, meals, a token gift, and lost labour time. Time costs Members of the benchmarking team will be investing time in researching problems, finding exceptional companies to study, visits, and implementation. This will take them away from their regular tasks for part of each day so additional staff might be required. Benchmarking Database Costs Organizations that institutionalize benchmarking into their daily procedures find it is useful to create and maintain a database of best practices and the companies associated with each best practice now. TYPES OF BENCHMARKING Process benchmarkingÂÂ   The initiating firm focuses its observation and investigation of business processes with a goal of identifying and observing the best practices from one or more benchmark firms. Activity analysis will be required where the objective is to benchmark cost and efficiency; increasingly applied to back-office processes where outsourcing may be a consideration. Financial BenchmarkingÂÂ   Performing a financial analysis and comparing the results in an effort to assess your overall competitiveness and productivity. Benchmarking from an Investor perspective- Extending the benchmarking universe to also compare to peer companies that can be considered alternative investment opportunities from the perspective of an investor. Performance BenchmarkingÂÂ   Allows the initiator firm to assess their competitive position by comparing products and services with those of target firms. Product BenchmarkingÂÂ   The process of designing new products or upgrades to current ones. This process can sometimes involve reverse engineering which is taking apart competitors products to find strengths and weaknesses. Strategic BenchmarkingÂÂ   Involves observing how others compete. This type is usually not industry specific, meaning it is best to look at other industries. Functional BenchmarkingÂÂ   A company will focus its benchmarking on a single function to improve the operation of that particular function. Complex functions such as Human Resources, Finance and Accounting and Information and Communication Technology are unlikely to be directly comparable in cost and efficiency terms and may need to be disaggregated into processes to make valid comparison. Best-in-class BenchmarkingÂÂ   Involves studying the leading competitor or the company that best carries out a specific function. Operational BenchmarkingÂÂ   Embraces everything from staffing and productivity to office flow and analysis of procedures performed. Energy BenchmarkingÂÂ   Developing an accurate model of a buildings energy consumption with the purpose of measuring reductions in usage. As mentioned earlier, many companies use the benchmarking process: Avon Products, Exxon Chemical, Microsoft, Ford, and General Motors. Xerox is known as the pioneer of benchmarking. By benchmarking, Xerox cut quality problems by two-thirds, cut manufacturing costs in half; cut development time by two-thirds; and while increasing volume cut direct labor by 50 percent and corporate staff by 35 percent. All improvements were not a direct result of benchmarking: The improved process and climate indirectly improved the rest of the organization. General Motors (GM) compares itself to the best-in-class company. This benchmarking shows GM where they are going wrong and that it is possible to do it better. The company compared its labor hours per vehicle to Fords: GM had 30 labor hours per vehicle; Ford only had 19 a dramatic gap. GM also benchmarked from Toyota. Toyota was superior in four areas: defects per vehicle, warranty cost per vehicle, order response time, and fasteners per car. GM needed to improve in all these areas for future success. The company also looked at Suzuki, regarded as a leader in properly painting vehicles the first time. Finally, GM looked at NUMMI in three areas: external JIT parts, internal JIT parts, and fastener part numbers. Due to the suffering automotive market in the early 1980s, Ford needed to change its operations to cut costs. Ford managers believed they could improve processes in the accounts payable department. After gathering, analyzing, and comparing data with Mazdas accounts payable operations, Ford retooled its own accounts payable operations and reduced costs by 5 percent. (DEAN ELMUTI 1997) CONCLUSION Benchmarking has consequences which are beyond the process itself: it reforms all the levels of the company.; modifies the process of manufacture of the product leads(drives) ; also reforms the hierarchical organization of the company, the product itself, and the state of mind of the employeesThere is no doubt that benchmarking is here to stay. Any company should benchmark if it wants to attain world-class competitive capability, prosper in a global economy, and above all, if it wants to survive. These trends are not an option for companies anymore; they should be done by all who want to remain competitive. All companies strive to be profitable, competitive, and successful. Benchmarking can help any company succeed-as long as it is applied correctly ABSTRACT Benchmarking is the search for industry best practises. Improvements from learning mean doing things better, faster, and cheaper. This then allows organizations to develop plans on how to adopt such best practice, usually with the aim of increasing some aspect of performance. Benchmarking is often treated as a continuous process in which organizations continually seek to challenge their practices.Benchmarking is a way to move away from tradition and one of the major strategic management tools. It carefully dissects the organization into segments, and then removes and inserts pieces to account for changing environments. Changes occur once the process has started, and will continue to change and mold the organization for as long as individuals are continuously striving to make it better.

Dark Matter :: physics science space

Dark Matter For centuries, physicists and philosophers alike have wondered what makes up our universe. Aristotle thought that all matter came in one of four forms: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Since then we have come a long way, with the discovery of the atoms and the subatomic particles they are made of. We can even guess at what makes up protons and neutrons. We have since then discovered and predicted the existence of particles other than the atom, such as the photon, neutrino, axion, and many others. Despite all our advances in particle physics and astrophysics, we still don't know what form of matter makes up 95% of the universe. Physicists have named this mysterious substance dark matter, for it can not be detected by observation (it does not emit visible or other frequency light waves). However, we know that dark matter must exist, following Newton's universal law of gravity. There are two ways to prove the existence of dark matter. We know that the universe must have a certain mass in order for its attractive gravitational forces to slow the expansion of the universe which started at the big bang. We can precisely calculate the rate at which the universe is expanding currently, and how fast it has expanded in the past. From this we get the theoretical mass of the universe. This figure falls far short of the visible mass of the universe, which consists of stars, planets, and hot gas. This is how scientists are able to prove that we can only see about 5% of our universe. We can also prove that dark matter exists in galaxies by examining how they spin. When an object rotates in a circular orbit, the object has a tendency to fly off in a path tangent to the orbit. If the stays within the orbit, it has a radial acceleration which is equal to its velocity squared over the radius of the orbit. The only force which is keeping the body in the orbit is the force of gravity, which is dependent on the mass of the system. Knowing this, physicists can calculate the mass of a galaxy by looking at how fast stars orbiting its center are moving. Physicists can also calculate where the highest percentage of dark matter should be in the galaxy. In most cases, it is located in a ring just outside the galaxy. In the case of the galaxy shown in the photo, dark matter must be present in the dark space between the nucleus of older yellow stars and the outer ring of young, blue stars.

Unwelcome Houseguests :: essays research papers fc

Unwelcome Houseguests The great country of America was founded by scores of immigrants fleeing from Europe. The colored hands of immigrants working in America have touched our great railroads, magnificent buildings, and even the food we eat. However, times have changed, and with this change comes a new responsibility for America to control its borders and the people who pass through them. Not only are illegal immigrants invading our land, but they are crying out for employment and federal aid rights. Giving illegal immigrants the rights to driver’s licenses, social security benefits, and employment rights is not only unfair to lawful citizens; it is outright irresponsible. The immigration of illegal peoples, be it from South America, Europe, or Asia, into the United States has quickly become a growing problem.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Illegal immigrants do not, and should not, have the right to obtain driver’s licenses. By even entertaining the idea of giving them driver’s licenses, the public is making it seem as though it is okay to hop our borders and infest our country. Some activists argue that legally giving undocumented residents the right to drive will discourage them from carjacking and other crimes. However, the single most devastating act of terrorism on American soil could have been prevented by the denial of driver’s licenses to illegals. Wodele writes, â€Å"†¦19 airline hijackers easily obtained driver’s licenses to board planes that slammed into the World Trade Center and Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001† (2). Along with the potential danger, other dilemmas arise with the exponential arrival of unlawful peoples in our country.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the biggest problems with illegal immigrants inhabiting our land is the tremendous strain they put on our national budget. According to Human Events, â€Å"†¦households headed by illegal aliens used $10 billion more in government services than they paid in taxes in 2002† (22). Among the largest federal costs used by undocumented immigrants are â€Å"Medicaid ($2.5 billion); treatment for the uninsured ($2.2 billion); food assistance programs ($1.9 billion); the federal prison and court systems ($ 1.6 billion); and federal aid to schools ($1.4 billion)† (Human Events, 22). With our national debt already rapidly increasing due to the ongoing war on terrorism, any money spent towards illegal immigrants is anything but helpful to our already fragile economy. However, illegals do help scratch the surface of the problems of the depleting funds of Medicare and Social Security by contributing with the little taxes they do pay.

Play activity for children Essay

Play is an essential part of every child’s life and is vital for the enjoyment of childhood and as well as social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. Having the time and space to play allows children the chance to keep them physically active and it gives them the freedom to make their own choices about what they want to do. Research shows that play has a range of benefits to the child, family, and the community, as well as improving healthy and quality of life. Play also helps the child improve their self-esteem, self-awareness and self-respect, it gives child a chance to mix with others and develop new skills. Playing can help Manshu with her potty training, such as role-play with dolls could help Manshu understand all about what potty training involves. It could also make the child become much more relaxed about this step in life. For Jessica play (role-play with dolls) could help her understand all about her baby sister and what is happening in the changes at home in her life. Whilst children are in my care I will do my best to offer a range of activities for children to participate in, I will also allow children to give a choice in which activities that the want to participate in, as this will allow the child to become more independent. I feel that it is important for children to be encouraged to do as many activities as possible rather the same thing all the time. By rotating the toys that you have out available for the children to play with it means that they will be learning through play on a range of toys rather than being able to play with the same toys all the time. I think that i t is important that children learn about different cultures and that not all people have the same abilities, children can also learn about these topics through play using ethnic dolls, puzzles, books, art and crafts and cooking food from different cultures. This means having materials, toys, resources in your setting that reflect the diversity of our society. Thus play can help Manshu with her potty training, such as role-play with dolls could help Manshu understand all about what potty training involves. It could also make the child become much more relaxed about this step in life. For Jessica’s play (role-play with dolls) could help her understand all about her baby sister and what is happening in the changes at home in her life. Domestic routines that children can be involved in and how this supports their learning: Activity How can this benefit the child Helping to prepare snacks/food Helps children develop a good understanding of hygiene practices which helps develop personal, social & cognitive development. Using tools (suitable for children) to cut/prepare the food/snacks helps their sensory development and also builds their physical development. Setting the table at meal times This will help develop their independence, it also helps them to learn to follow instruction helping their language skills, matching children’s place mats to their cups & plates can also help learn matching skills, helping their cognitive development. Children could help to tidy up which would develop their social & emotional development. I would make a game out of this & count the things they pick up, helping their mathematic development. Hanging clothes on the line This will help their understanding of how the wind and heat dry things and how we use water for things and not others. Games can also be made of if this using the colours of clothing and pegs etc. Messy Play with Household items e.g. shaving foam, water Messy play encourages children to use their imagination and be creative which helps build self-confidence and self-esteem. Tidying up Children could help to tidy up which would develop their social & emotional development; I would make a game out of this & count the things they pick up, helping their mathematic development. Getting ready for the school run/going out Getting ready to go out children can learn about different body parts as they put on their coast, wellies etc. Then when outside you can help the child’s knowledge & understanding of the world. Climbing & playing on outdoor equipment helps a child’s physical development & co-ordination. It is easy to think about what learning can be achieved from a particular activity but I am aware that some activities may include potential weaknesses for some children, for example ‘preparing snacks and food’ and ‘setting the table’ will not be suitable for younger children in the same way that older children would not benefit from a ‘messy play activity’ which is why having a variety of activities the children can participate in on a daily basis is paramount to their learning. Through observing and keeping a written record of observations of children at play, is a way for you to learn how the child learns, what they enjoy, the development stage they are at and how to plan activities for that child. As children learn through play, when you observe them at play, you will learn the stage they are at, and this will allow you to plan for them individually. You will also learn what kind of learner the child is. Keeping a record of a child’s development is very important, so you can recognise if they are advancing or maybe falling behind some early learning goals. Observations are a great way of sharing information with parents too. Keeping observations will allow you to plan efficiently for each child, knowing where to focus some learning and for you to plan different challenges for the child to allow them to progress. Keeping a learning journal and incorporating your observations into this along with pictures and pieces of the child’s work, will a llow you to keep a good chronological diary of the child’s progress, and make planning run smoothly and well. Children need to be treated as individuals, equally and with respect. The children’s act 2004, has the requirement to treat all children as individuals, and with equal concern. Every single child is different, will enjoy different activities, dislike different activities, and have their own way of learning, through play, and other activities. It is the responsibility of the child carer to ensure they cater for each and every individual need. To do this effectively, you will need to plan for each child, taking observations, and get to know the children in your care well. Everyone that comes to your setting should be welcomed and respected, their beliefs and interests respected as well as their personalities, needs, values, abilities and interests. It is essential that you do not discriminate for any reason, and offer an inclusive environment, and cater and treat everyone equally. Meeting the individual needs of every child is so important, as this ensures they are receiving the best possible care, their rights are being met, opportunities, and an environment that lets them grow and learn at their own pace, securely, safely and happily. The rights of every child are paramount in childcare, when you acknowledge the rights and individuality of every child, you can offer an inclusive setting, where everyone is treated equally and with respect. The best interests of the child must be the primary consideration in all activities concerning the child, and children have the right to be protected from all forms of discrimination. Drop-in sessions can be invaluable in providing support and an opportunity to share ideas, good practice and resources. Planning special days out with the children to the park, museums, libraries etc. can help a child’s development. You could take a camera & let the children take photos, making a storybook all about your day. Meeting up with other childminders for picnics and other days out can help the children form new friendships & help you learn and develop by discussing different ways of play. Other forms of play you could do at home are ‘keep fit’ session, there are a lot of cd/DVDs out there that are made for kids & adults to do, children will find this lots of fun & will help develop their physical development. Whether the day is spent inside or out it should be both fun and informative for the  children and offer a variety in their learning. Although routine is great for children at times it may benefit the children for me to slightly change the routine for example whilst Manshu is potty training I may decide not to attend childminder drop-in or any other sessions to stay at home and develop her potty training in my home, once competent I would reintroduce the outings. Another example of when I might need to slightly alter a routine is if a child becomes unwell and is waiting to be collected early the other child(ren) may need to sacrifice their outing/activity to ensure that the unwell child is safe and comfortable until collected. Regardless of the activity I always adhere to The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the child act which was drawn up in 1989. The act consists of 54 articles stating that all children must be shown respect and that their well- being is the principle factor. The three main areas of this act include:  · Provision (access to food, clean water, housing, education, healthcare etc.)  · Protection (being safe from abuse and discrimination.)  · Participation (having their views heard and participating in making decisions.)