Different Cultures Learning Styles Essay Example for Free

Different Cultures Learning Styles Essay The word culture has been derived from the Latin word â€Å"cultura† which means to cultivate (Online Etymology Dictionary, 2009). Generally it refers to the manners, norms, values, knowledge, attitudes, art, habits and behavioral practices that are preferred and chosen as ideal by majority of the people of the society. With the encroachment and progress in the hi-tech world of today, different cultures across the globe have rapidly undergone the process of acculturation. Thus, learning of diverse cultures around the globe is not a big issue. There are various styles by which one can easily get versed with the multitude of cultures. Some of the styles are as follows. Worldly classroom set up If we have a look at different traditional classrooms of different countries, as well as different classrooms in various cities within one country; we will witness that a number of similarities and differences exist. There are some common factors like discipline, teaching atmosphere, syllabus, curriculum, learning, traditional teaching tools and classroom sitting style; that are common to all classrooms in any part of the world. The difference comes in the degree of effectiveness in teaching, learning, resource input, extra facilities like heating and cooling system, comfortable sitting arrangements and provision of latest technology etc. These factors definitely contribute to creating differences in the scale of learning among the students. Traditional Classrooms around the world Another very popular and effective style of learning culture is the traditional classrooms around the world. Traditional classroom tends to favor cultural learning to its fullest. It is one of the best places where students can interact for a long duration and learn different regional cultural aspects with the passage of time. Interaction of young students with their fellow age group students and teacher with the students definitely promotes broadening of cultural patterns. These written and unwritten rules, which we call culture, consciously or unconsciously, affect people around us. Students at an early young age being quick observers and imitators are swift in picking, absorbing and following various cultural traits and values. Thus, classroom either at primary, secondary or higher level plays a vital role in learning one’s own as well as other cultures prevailing around us. Today’s American culture verses others If we look into different cultures prevailing across the globe, we see impressions of American culture on rest of the world; reason being advanced technological development. America has played a vital role in diffusing its cultural traits to other cultures. Whether it is progressivism, technology, living patterns, habits, music, entertainment and even mind sets of the people; American influence is clearly visible. Nevertheless, many of the traditional and deeply embedded cultures like Islamic, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Greek cultures still are maintaining their identity, and have truly preserved their norms and values to a great extent. CUSTOMS AND COURTEOUS Taboo of learning in world cultures Every culture in every society observes certain taboos and manners. There are certain issues and topics that are considered forbidden in some cultures like restrictions on sexual activities and relationships, restriction on various diets, incest taboos, exposure of body parts, social-economic class, medical disorders and diseases, alcoholism, depression and divorce. Taboos vary from culture to culture; a taboo in one culture might not be a taboo in another. These taboos are learnt via culture and transmitted to generations. Adapting in different societies Adaptation level of culture and manners varies from society to society. There are various factors like education, technological advancements, public awareness, and values among the old generation that play their role in the adaptation of the culture. Researches have shown that technological advance societies have greater tendency to accept change and modifications as compared to the traditional backward societies (Whitehead, 2005). Learning styles in different communities Learning styles also vary from society to society. For example some societies are seen under great influence of electronic media like TV, radio, and internet. Where as some get inspiration from print material, poetry, literature, newspapers, and classrooms. In illiterate societies people have their leaders, teachers, religious scholars, parents and grandparents as a source of learning. TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASS ROOM The progress of classroom learning Importance of the traditional classroom learning can never be ignored in any society, thus with the advancement in technology, teaching as well as learning has now become a trouble-free chore. Gone are the days when teachers just used to use simple black board for communication. Progress in the classroom learning can easily witnessed with the use of tools like multimedia, overhead projector, computer, audio and video tapes etc (Integrated Publishing). Many Audio Visual aids are available to teachers so they can perform their job quite comfortably. Making use of virtual class rooms has facilitated the teachers in loads. It saves a lot resources and time when the instructor and learner communicate from their locations. It further promotes distant learning, and makes the learning process enjoyable and reasonably priced (Integrated Publishing). Degrees pertaining to technology A lot of degrees that are related to technology are being offered these days. Computer science, instructional technology degree, technology in distance education, diplomas in virtual education, teleconferencing courses etc are definitely rewarding degrees in today’s modern day. Well advanced students with technologies today The amalgamation of Internet with the latest technological aids has played a vital role in enhancing the learning process among the students. Utilization of technology has no doubt drastically brought several changes in the learning of the individuals. Teleconferencing, virtual universities, online degrees and distance learning have very well equipped the students with latest tools and techniques (Conner, 2006). Moreover it provided the students with an opportunity to interact with a number of qualified teachers and students from within their homes. Several chat rooms, discussion forums are available in order to facilitate the students in broadening their views and thinking. We can safely say that well advanced students are equipped with latest technology today (Conner, 2006). POST SECONDARY LEARNING AROUND THE GLOBE Education in America Generally it is believed that education in America provides chances and corridors to achievement. Post secondary educational learning in American society carries great value and importance, as it contributes to the social, economic, cultural, political, mental and visual development of the nation. It therefore focuses on the expansion of critical thinking, promotion of exploration and research, problem solving, developing insight, adopting skills and proficiency among the youth. So that nation could be gifted with highly professional, mobile, innovative and productive individuals at higher levels. Education in Japan If we look into the post secondary educational learning in Japan, we observe that the aims and objectives prevailing are not much different from those prevailing in America. Both being highly advanced and developed countries, more or less focus on similar learning methods. Impacts of European methods of learning are also visible. However, along with similarities, Japanese educational learning system does have some uniqueness as well, like the Special course schools are similar to non-university education in US. Education in Australia An influx of migrants from more than 100 countries, Australia is basically a British-European society. In earlier times post secondary education meant university education. Main aim behind the post secondary education is the development of mental power (intellect), university should be the center of professional training of students. Along with this, in order to cope with the latest trends it is indispensable to inculcate in students such abilities that will help them to become experts in a specific field of study, put out their best and add to the relevant work in their field. It too has influences of British and American educational learning on it. Conclusion In today’s society, there are a multitude of different cultures. In this paper you will learn about the different types of learning styles around the world. You will also be able to understand the different how technology has greatly improved learning and how different regions of the world have different technologies used for learning. References Conner, M. L. (2006). Introduction to a e-Learning Culture. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from Ageless Learner: http://agelesslearner. com/intros/elc. html Integrated Publishing. (n. d. ). THE SELECTION AND USE OF AUDIOVISUAL (AV) AIDS. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from Integrated Publishing: http://www. tpub. com/content/religion/14229/css/14229_324. htm National Governors Association. (2007). Innovation America. A compact for Postsecondary Education . National Governors Association. Online Etymology Dictionary. (2009). Retrieved July 22, 2009, from Online Etymology Dictionary: http://www. etymonline. com/index. php? search=culturesearchmode=none Whitehead, B. (2005, Oct 24). Educational technology allows for flexibility in learning and teaching. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from web-conferencing-zone. com: http://www. web-conferencing-zone. com/4030-educational-technology. htm

Toys R Us and Subsidiaries Essay -- GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Toys R Us and Subsidiaries Running Head: Toys "R" Us Financial Analysis Note: Consistent with the financial report, all amounts are expressed in millions except per share data. Ernst & Young, LLP, independent auditors for Toys "R" Us Inc. and Subsidiaries issued an unqualified opinion on the company’s financial statements as of February 1, 1997 and on the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the three years ending February 1, 1997, February 3, 1996 and January 28, 1995. The report by the independent auditors and their issuance of an unqualified opinion serves to provide reasonable assurance to stockholders, management, regulatory agencies and the public, that the financial statements are materially correct. Materiality is interpreted to mean that there are no unrecorded adjustments which would impact the decisions or opinions of the readers of these financial statements. The inclusion of the auditors’ report in the year-end financial report lends credibility to the presentation and allows the users including investors and potential investors to rely on the information as presented. Common Stock & Treasury Stock The company does not have preferred stock and has not declared or paid dividends on its common stock. As of February 1, 1997, Toys "R" Us, Inc. and subsidiaries had authorized 650 shares of par value $.10 common stock, of which 300.4 shares were issued. 12.6 shares were held in treasury stock leaving 287.8 shares issued and outstanding. The book value of the common stock issued and outstanding was $14.56 which is down from February 3, 1996 at which time the book value was $18.8. The total paid-in capital for common stock was $ 518.8 as of February 1, 1997 and $572.8 as of February 3, 1996. The average price per share received by the company for all common stock issued since inception of the corporation as of February 1, 1997 was $ 1.73. Ratio Analysis "There’s a saying that the nice thing about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from." (Maciag, 1998) It is important to choose carefully the ratios to be analyzed to be sure that there is relevance between the data and the conclusions drawn from it. When choosing industry standards, it is important to select like industries with commonalties that support comparison of results. It would not be appropriate to compare the financial statement of t... ... beating the industry averages for inventory turns. In addition their receivables consistently exceed industry standard by a significant amount. References Enhanced Analytics. (May 16, 1999). S&P Personal Wealth. Available: http://www.personalwealth.com. Industry Info. (May 16, 1999). S&P Personal Wealth. Available: http://www.personalwealth.com. Maciag, Gregory, A. (April 13, 1998). A wake-up cal for industry standards. National Underwriter. P29. Meigs, Robert F.; Williams, Jan R.; Haka, Susan F.; Bettner, Mark S., (1999) Accounting. p 619. Mills, John R.; Yamamura, Jeanne H. (October 1998). The power of cash flow ratios. Journal of Accountancy. V186 n4 p53(7). Stocksheet: Media General Quick Source Data-One Wev Page—Toys R Us INC. (5/16/99) Available: http://www.stocksheet.com. Thomson Investors Network Company Report: Toys "R" Us Inc. (5/15/99). Available: http://www.thomson.com. Vital Stats. (May 16, 1999). S&P Personal Wealth. Available: http://www.personalwealth.com. Wallstreet Research Net Report: Toys R Us Inc. (May 7, 1999). Available: http://www.wsrn.com. Berry, Donna Gorski. (Mid-Oct 1998). Mouths of the millennium. Dairy Foods. 73.74.

Managing Regulative Community Relationships

The introduction of the new technology has created a massive change in the global educational system. As of the present time, the proprietary educational industry is the trend in the academic arena. As clearly mentioned, the Internet is most commonly utilized for this reason. Academic companies who opt to provide educational services and gain amiable profit at the same time take advantage of this opportunity that is provided by technological revolution. In fact, â€Å"proprietary colleges are considered a cost efficient mode of course delivery† (NEA, Internet). To be able to have a fine share in the educational industry, which brings the proprietary educational companies with the profit that they ought to have, the regulations for the said system are strongly imposed by the government and some organizations that control them. This is to be able to ensure that the education provided by such companies is considerably of high level, amidst the profit-centered motives that they have towards the services that they provide the students who are enrolled in their curriculum offerings. In this regard, it could be noted that the regulations created for this type or proprietary companies tend to allow the developmental measures that could be taken into consideration. By being able to further develop their systems of employment as well as their class offerings that are open to the public, they are allowed to balance both their services and their profit share in the market. In comparison with the less stringently regulated industries such as the ones found in the internet (e.g. Amazon.com), proprietary education industry is able to attract an ample amount of market share in the educational industry which in a way, helps them attain the profitable goal that they have aimed upon creating the virtual educational institutions. Among the regulations that controls the proprietary educational companies’ activities is the corporate citizenship. This is a regulation that indicates that companies that provide public service, such as education, should have â€Å"a shift from a paradigm of doing no harm as one of adopting a role for a positive good (Tuck, Internet). This means that an educational company found in the virtual world must not only see to it that they are doing no harm to their clients but they are also able to provide their ‘stakeholders’ with the ample service that they give, which refers to the positive good of the corporate missions. As a result, many students are further attracted to the system of education that virtual universities or colleges offer. Certainly, the convenience that it brings the students is highly motivational for young students or even professionals who would like to learn more to take advantage of the course offerings provided by the said type of educational provisions. However, the profit-oriented goals of the company at times redefine the service that these educational companies are providing their clients. Wanting to actually earn an amiably high amount of returns from the effort that the administrations put forward for organizing such types of institutions over the net, they are usually grabbed away from the excellent educational service that they are expected to provide their students. Hence, as a result, the financial stability that could ensure the company’s future existence in the proprietary educational industry is dimmed and less given attention. As known to many, the risks in any kind of industry changes over the years. This is why Lucy Benholz has pointed out in one of her articles that â€Å"foundations from different regions and sizes have found that building strong relationship with the policy makers when times are good will afford them some access to the resources that are further stretched on all sides†(Internet). This mainly points out the fact that as the policies and regulatory systems of the industry changes over time, it would be helpful for the companies to develop close relationships with the policy makers. This way they are able to earn for themselves an access to the provisions and resources given by the regulatory board creators to help them readjust their systems and still be able to attain the profit-centered missions of the company. If this is not considered by the administration, it could be well expected that the company would have a hard time dealing with the adjustments that has to be done and in later times, it would not be impossible for the virtual company to loose its track and be eliminated in the proprietary educational industry. BIBLIOGRAPHY Tuck, Jackie. (2005). Managing community relationships, reputation and sustaining competitive advantage. School of Business University of Ballarat. http://www.latrobe.edu.au/csrc/fact2/refereed/tuck_lowe_mccrae.pdf. (January 3, 2007). NEA Research Update. (2004). Proprietary Education: Threat, or Not? http://www2.nea.org/he/heupdate/images/vol10no4.pdf.   (January 3, 2007). Bernholz, Lucy. Managing up in down times. http://www.blueprintrd.com/text/managingup.pdf. (January 3, 2007).      

Miller delivers tension Essay

Act two opens with a scene of great contrast to the climax at the end of Act one where the curtain falls on â€Å"their ecstatic cries†. In Act two, we begin to learn the relationship between John and Elizabeth in more detail. Miller creates a sense of tension and conflict between John and Elizabeth by using detailed stage directions to communicate to the audience how the actors are feeling and their thought tracks through their movement on stage and their facial expressions. The tension during Act two is made even more dramatic by contrasting with the coldness and quietness at the start of Act two. At the beginning of Act two, Miller has purposely included very detailed stage directions about how Proctor’s house should appear on stage. Firstly, Proctor’s common room is â€Å"low, dark and rather long† which although is common for a Puritan living room, it suggest an unpleasant atmosphere within the household. â€Å"As the curtain rises, the room is empty† is also included within the opening set of stage directions. The room is empty and still which again creates a contrast to the hysteria of Betty and Abigail’s accusations of witchcraft and the heated argument between John and Elizabeth. One reason for Miller to create this contrast could be that he wanted to make the peaceful start to Act two make the ending of Act one and the argument between John and Elizabeth seem more dramatic and to make parts of Act two with John and Elizabeth seem more controversial. As John enters the living room, he â€Å"halts† as he hears Elizabeth singing. Miller may have added this â€Å"halts† because John is not knowing what to expect Elizabeth to be like with him because of the unsaid words that still lie between them about John’s affair with Abigail, or because he is enjoying listening to Elizabeth’s singing. John could also be worried that Elizabeth may question his whereabouts of that afternoon because he is late returning home. Elizabeth’s first words are, â€Å"What keeps you so late? † which suggests to the audience that Elizabeth has a lack of trust in John because of John’s affair. John gives a credible explanation, â€Å"I were planting far out to the forest edge. † and then tries to start a conversation. However, Elizabeth’s responses are laconic, â€Å"Aye. â€Å", â€Å"That’s well. † and â€Å"Aye, it would. † which suggests that Elizabeth does not want to talk to John. This could be because Elizabeth is still hurt because of the relations between John and Abigail or because Elizabeth’s mind is elsewhere because of all the accusations of witchcraft circulating through out Salem at this time.

Western Influence is destroying Indian Culture essays

Western Influence is destroying Indian Culture essays The word CULTURE has been derived from a French word CULTURA which means to cultivate, to till, to grow. Therefore culture is a process of growth through the means of education, discipline, training etc.. Western and Indian cultures are diametrically opposed. The reason for this is that western culture is based on the principles of MATERIALISM, whereas Indian culture is based on the tenets and principles of SPIRITUALISM. Materialism stands for worldly possessions, wealth, canons of economics, material gains etc., whereas spiritualism stands for moral values, ethics, scruples, virtues and the power to distinguish between right and wrong, between good and evil, between correct and incorrect etc. It is essential to have material possessions in this world. It is a source of sustenance. It is a must to have economic advancement and liberalisation alongwith globalisation. Scientific advancement is another sphere where India as a country needs to develop. Technological development is essential for India today. With the advent of cable TV and the Internet, urban India is very well connected with the rest of the world and is abreast with the latest happenings and goings on. We need wealth to make our lives comfortable and to improve our quality of living, but at the same time we must remember that in the process of acquiring the above, we must never lose our power of distinguishing right from wrong, good from evil, and must allow the ecclesiastical to rule over the material. The attainment of worldly possessions overriding morals, scruples, ethics and virtues will bring about the ruination of man. The cradle of culture in India is the family system. This is where the growth, rearing up and breeding of individuals in this country develops. The western influence of materialism seems to have infiltrated into our family system, specially in the urban areas. Love and affection for youngsters and respect for elders seems to have become the e ...

Strange Heaven by Lynn Coady Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Strange Heaven by Lynn Coady - Coursework Example And here adds to the hilarious, complicated life of the Joan his husband, Robert. Joan tries to keep the lid on, but she's no match for Robert's wild profanity. Facing all these dilemmas, anyone would wonder how she is trying to handle her dysfunctional family. Uncle Albert arrives to whisk her back to the bedlam of home and the booze-soaked social life that got Bridget into trouble in the first place. Uncle Albert, a kind man who saves his eloquent wrath for outsiders, springs Bridget from the hospital for Christmas. He was the only person who thought of Bridget and has concerns about her depression or maybe the only person who feels how tough was Bridget’s experience was. He’s the only person who sees the problem while everybody is working on their own dysfunctions. He was the only person who observed that she was changed. Byron, an acne-ridden geek with bizarre delusions of grandeur. As described by Coady, life on the ward is both a nightmare and laugh-out-loud funny experience. Byron seems to be annoying and arrogant, continues his desperate bids for Bridget’s attention. He explodes and have to be put in the quiet room where he'd sit cross-legged and howl like a hound.

Analysing and responding to the two articles ( comparing bth articles) Essay

Analysing and responding to the two articles ( comparing bth articles) - Essay Example Texts communicated over the pagers were finally given the form of SMS during the 90s with a restricted length of 20 characters only. Not until 2001 texting rocketed as GSM companies finally made their way out on charging for these SMS and then arriving at lowest SMS package rates. Texting has been given an affirmative agreement that it helps and improves literacy rather than hindering literacy and shattering the roots of English language that has been previously regarded as the penmanship for the illiterates by John Sutherland, University College London in his research paper back in 2002. As the critics to the use of texting John Humphry has been blaming SMS for savaging the English language and destroying the vocabulary, there are others as David Crystal that recognizes the fact the Texting has added a new dimension and it’s not at all a disaster to English language. Moreover the short abbreviated words such as â€Å"xlnt† for â€Å"excellent† and â€Å"gd† for â€Å"good† were seen before in a dictionary of abbreviations by Eric Partridge back in 1949, there were no text messages there. Many texters really don’t disrupt the words and vocabulary in fact as the length of the text increases the standard orthography and information also increases and that is dealt with intelligence. T9 dictionary is also reserving the standard orthography and the new texters (particularly older and conservative people) go in line with this while texting. They find it quick, simple and easy that way. Moreover the use of institutional messages is all around us that adhere to the traditional orthography standards and refuse to depart from them at all. They forbid the use of abbreviations and even the templates stored in the cellular phones use for quick messages are in complete proper English. According to American and Norwegian studies the use of abbreviations is relatively low that is 20% and 6% respectively. The point arises how it is rui ning the roots of English language. So for those who say SMS has been raping our vocabulary is so much mistaken as they have been nurturing the misconceptions and they are just not ready to give technology an edge. The critics realize the fact that a text is farther cheaper and saves time as it costs relatively far less than that of a voice message. The voice messages may last for ten minutes but you can easily go through a text message in less than a minute. That is time saving! A text definitely has distinctiveness associated to them. None of the texts are linguistically novel. This practice has been in there for centuries when the early computers used the informal texts centuries ago and also the same texts used in chartrooms before the onset of GSM texting services. The critics regard the missing of punctuation mark between words as a very destructive phenomenon to English language and they frequently associate it with the arrival of texting. That is hoax. Many of the texts incl ude alpha numeric for their completion. For instance, â€Å"2† for â€Å"to† and â€Å"4† for â€Å"for†, â€Å"C† for â€Å"see† and â€Å"u† for â€Å"you†. These rebuses are not a new thing. Some people take this as disrupting the communications but they forgot that while solving Christmas puzzles and even short hand used same abbreviations at various times so why associating all this to texting failures only? Many words such as â€Å"