Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

Controversial Argumentative Essay TopicsThe most controversial argumentative essay topics are the ones that tackle the cultural and social aspects of the society. And it is these topics that many students aspire to write.College admissions test and interviews will be dominated by issues of cultural background, which will often keep the emphasis on the past. The discussion of present issues will always lag behind. The approach at that stage is to prove the students' worthiness. It's like looking at a picture of yourself and telling yourself 'look how far you have come, look how much better you are now, here I am, see how well I have been doing!'If you go back in your mind, there will be a few memorable moments in your life where history has caught your attention. Do you remember these? How did they make you feel? If you are going through some life changing event, you may be under intense pressure to write a compelling argumentative essay topic on your own or with the help of others.On the other hand, there are quite a few students who have been born into an environment where people are not interested in reading about history or learning about history or studying history. And in this case the academic subjects become just theoretical, less about living facts and more about fashion and rules that help students to be comfortable in the social environment.Students in these situations will be desperate to find some other way to prove their worth. And this is where you can play your part. You can use your background in a cultural environment to prove your worth to the hiring committee, the college council or your fellow students.In a university these days there are a number of well-known institutes offering courses on various issues of culture and society. These include anthropology, sociology, history, communication, geography, comparative studies, religious studies and several other topics. A good history student can appear at a university with little effort, as the curriculum will not be too demanding on his/her attention span.But the moment you enter into the college or university the college course is not really about the learning of information and knowledge; it is a difficult period for students when they are forced to reflect on their lives and examine their past. This is what colleges must do to hold their students in. Most of the time the colleges get hold of the students only for very short periods, and the students are forced to learn too much and to think too much before the time limit is over. The controversies that come up here are so great, that you can't avoid them.

Psychology free essay sample

While earlier, used editions may be available in the campus bookstore, and differences between the two versions are relatively minor, you do so at your own risk. *Note that we have placed 2 copies of the text on reserve at the Data Porter Library (24 hour loan period). A link to access the course reserves appears on the course web site (below). Course Description and Objectives This is an introductory course in psychology, which meaner that we will be covering all areas of psychology in the course. It is designed to introduce you to the field of psychology as a whole, and to the major theories and findings in the discipline. The course is designed so that you can meet the following objectives: 1 . Become familiar with the broad range of topics that make up the discipline of psychology. 2. Become familiar with the methods of investigation used in psychology, and the strengths and limitations of these methods. We will write a custom essay sample on Psychology or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 3. Develop an understanding of the vocabulary and concepts of psychology that will allow you to study further in advanced courses or through independent reading. 4. Develop the ability to relate the findings of psychological research to your life and to important issues in our society and the world at large. . Think critically about your preconceptions of what psychology is so you can become an informed consumer of psychological information (in the media, Journals, etc ) Course Website (http://learn. Outerwear. Ca): The course website will include reprint slides shown in lectures, the course syllabus and any announcements. You will also be able to check your grades on the course website. The Powering slides will be posted at least 24 hours before lecture, as many students prefer to take notes directly on the slides. That said, having the slides will not replace regularly attending lectures. Attendance is critical for success n this course. Course Content: You will be responsible for materials from two sources in this course: the lectures and the textbook. 20% of exam questions will come exclusively from lecture materials, while 20% will come exclusively from the textbook. The remaining 60% of questions will come from materials that were covered both in lectures and in the textbook. To do well in this course it is necessary to both attend lectures and keep up with the assigned textbook readings. Questions and Contacting the Instructors: The greatest disadvantage of a course this size (250+ students) is the minimal umber of individual interactions you will have with your instructors. We strongly encourage you ask questions in class/after class or to come to our office hours with questions. If you have questions about: * Content: Please direct them to the relevant instructor (see schedule below) or to teaching assistants. * Missed tests: Please contact teaching assistants. * Course website problems: Please contact teaching assistants. * Questions about exams/assignments: Please contact teaching assistants. Other inquiries: Please contact teaching assistants. COURSE REQUIREMENTS GRADING Requirements Tests (32% each): You will take three in-class multiple-choice tests during the semester. The tests will cover material that is presented in the text and in lectures. The tests will not be cumulative. There will not be a final exam. In general, there will be no make-up tests, but i n cases of severe illness or other extenuating circumstances a make-up test will be offered. Given the size of the class written documentation will be required for any make-up test. It is also required that you contact a TA within 72 hours, with your written documentation, to schedule the make- up test. Make-up exams will not occur more than one week after the original exam date. There will also be an optional application paper (see below). 2. Application Paper (Optional 32%): You have the option to write a short paper (1000 to 1500 words in length). In this paper, you will find 1-3 examples of popular media (e. G. News stories, books, blobs, movies, etc ) and analyses them using at least one of the psychological concepts you have learned in this course. This can be anything from a news article about relations between Israel and Palestine to a blob entry about a social issue to a particular characters behavior in a movie or novel. You Just need three referencesone can be the textbook, a second should be from a psychological Journal, and finally you need to reference the media you are analyzing. You are strongly encouraged to contact either the Tats or the instructors with your ideas for the paper before writing it. You will receive specific instructions for this assignment in class. It will be due on Tuesday November 26th by 1 1 :55 pm. There will be no extensions for this assignment and you are encouraged to submit it well before the due date. Your mark on this paper may be used to replace the grade of your lowest mid-term. In the event that your mark on this optional assignment is lower than your mid-term marks, your mid-term marks will not be changed. 3. Psychological experiments/studies you participate in/article reviews (4% + 2% bonus): During the term, you will have opportunities to participate in studies that are being conducted by University of Waterloo researchers. See the description below. Your participation is voluntary. During the first three weeks of our course, there will be a Mass Testing Questionnaire that can be completed on the web. This will count as one research participation credit. You can earn up to 2 additional percentage points in the class by participating in other experiments. Please note that you do not have to participate in experiments/studies if you dont want to. Alternatively (or in addition), you may write up short reviews of articles that are relevant to psychology. Articles that you review must be serious (e. G. A news report of a study that has genuine relevance to psychology) rather than frivolous. You must check with a TA about the appropriateness of any article that you are thinking about summarizing. You may use the sheet at the end of the course outline to guide he writing of your summary. Please turn it in with the summary. In addition, you may not summarize any of the articles that you are using for your application paper or the article s in the Scientific American reader. You complete a total of 4 research participations in any combination of mass testing questionnaire, experimental participation and article summaries (e. . , 2 experimental participations + completing the mass testing questionnaire + 1 article summary; or 3 experimental participations + mass testing questionnaire) for normal course credit. Each hour of research participation/summary/mass testing questionnaire will be worth 1% of your grade for a total of 4%. In addition, I will allow you to participate in two additional hours of experiments (or article summaries) for an additional 1% extra credit for each. So theoretically, you could earn a mark of 102%. There will be no other opportunities to earn extra credit?I cannot grant any special requests for extra credit.

Generating Curiosity in Mathematics

Generating Curiosity in Mathematics Strategies for Enhancing Curiosity in Mathematics One of strategies for enhancing curiosity in mathematics among students is making use of mathematical manipulatives. Manipulatives are obtained from day-to-day objects used by students. Using this strategy, curiosity is developed through connection of mathematical concepts with sensorimotor understanding coupled with explicit verbal-declarative skills.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Generating Curiosity in Mathematics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Another strategy is making students work in groups. The third strategy is to teach all the students together and have one repeat the procedure to the rest. A reward may be given for correct repetition. Lastly, a teacher may use mathematical problems to create games for which every student would like to be part of. In the effort to become champions in a particular game, the students develop curiosity on how to work with n umbers. Purpose of the Strategies For successful performance in the games, when using games to create curiosity among children, a child endeavors to learn the rules of the game. Hence, when games are made such that they feature mathematical analogies, children become curious on how they can be able to learn the rules and the processes of determining the winner (Koch, 2010). The purpose of mathematical manipulative strategy is to make children relate practical scenarios with the concepts taught in mathematics. For strategies of group work and having a single student teach the rest about something that has been taught previously, the purpose is to encourage students to become curious by learning from the mistakes made. How a teacher can apply the strategies in classroom settings To use manipulatives to enhance curiosity in mathematics among students, a teacher can collect colored beads, blocks, or even sticks. He or she has to make the learners sample together blocks of the same color followed by requesting them to count each set of the blocks in an effort to get their answer. Based on color differences, students learn that different objects have different mathematical representations. This strategy would make them become curious about other things, for instance, their number in class based on gender. Using gaming strategy to enhance math curiosity, the teacher needs to let the children engage in plays while keeping the record of scores for each session in the form of blocks with one block representing a score. The blocks for different sessions also need to be different in color. When requested to identify the number of scores in all the games, the main problem would be how to count the total number of blocks. Since the winner will be the team having the largest number of blocks, children are able to have curiosity to understand the precedence of numbers through gaming and the process of determining the winner, which entails addition.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More To induce math curiosity by having students work in groups, a teacher may give students a number of sticks to use in the computation of addition problems. Each student in the group is requested to carry out an addition task while explaining to the rest about every step. When one student completes the task, another student in the same group is requested to also carry out the task. Rewards are given for students who achieve outstanding results. Rewarding not only motivates them but also makes the group members more curious about the process of using the sticks to arrive at the correct answers (Reys, Lindquist, Lambdin Smith, 2012). A teacher can also induce curiosity in math by choosing randomly a student to repeat the process of solving a mathematical problem to the rest of the students. This strategy makes students pay attention and or develop curiosity to know how mat hematical problems are solved so that, should one be chosen to solve a similar problem, she or he will get it right and get a reward. Reference List Koch, J. (2010). Science stories: Science methods for elementary and middle schoolteachers. Wadsworth: Cengage Publishing. Reys, R., Lindquist, M., Lambdin, D., Smith, N. (2012). Helping Children Learn Mathematics. Hobokon, NJ: John Wiley Sons.

One future change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

One future change - Essay Example In this regard, a ‘many-to-many’ model of communication has replaced the latter, requiring organizations to implement multiple online communication strategies that can counter any challenges in the event of a crisis. In the words of Gonzalez & Smith (2010); â€Å"the new internet environment demands that organizations be cognizant of facts that; there is instant access to information by their audiences, stakeholders are today more scattered given the diversity of media available online, people with issues against organizations can with the help of the internet, quickly mobilize to protect their interests and the traditional role of mass media as a gatekeeper and disseminator of information does not exist anymore†. For these reasons, organizations have evolved in their communication to audiences by being more proactive online. Pro-activity in this context require them to engage their audience on all platforms and respond to their concerns so that in the event of a crisis, the mechanisms are already in place and good relationship with the online audience created. Even with many organizations having implemented online crisis management strategies, the next few years will see an acute improvement in how some of these organizations shape their existing frameworks. In this regard, the following can be picked out as the critical issues from Gonzalez & Smith’s (2010) article that will possible be expanded in the short term: Correctly understanding an organization’s audience: As explained by Gonzalez & Smith (2010), an organization in the building materials’ manufacturing industry does not have a savvy audience as a gaming software company. These two entities cannot, therefore, employ the same crisis management strategy in the online world. Most organizations engage in business- to- business and business- to- individual levels, and this calls for a proper understanding of the audience segments so that commensurate communication models are

Advanced organisational behaviour Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Advanced organisational behaviour - Assignment Example The rising technological advancement and the development of human and organisational dimensions are a few of the major considerable steps of BPR in the present business world. In this context, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a crucial role in BPR through providing office automation. It facilitates to expand the business locations, provides feasible flexibility in the production levels and allows faster delivery of products and services to the customers. Eventually, the use of ICT in BPR also facilitates effective and efficient development of the processes through which the organisations perform their business activities (Zigiaris, 2000). Keeping in consideration the pace of transformational changes in the internal structure of business processes and the promising growth of the modern ICTs, the paper intends to briefly discuss about the initial role played by BPR and its various implications towards the continuous development of the modern business organisatio ns during the period of 1990s. The discussion of this paper will also focus on recognising the major factors causing failure of BPR in various dimensions of the organisations across the different regions of the world. Moreover, whether one of the prime causes of failure of BPR was due to insufficient consideration towards the human dimension or not would also be discussed in the paper. Evolution of BPR in the Early Stages Business process re-engineering can be considered as fundamental rethinking as well as essential redesign of business processes in order to accomplish dramatic developments in contemporary measures of performances including product/service, quality, cost and speed of delivery. Furthermore, the re-engineering process comprises a planned, controlled and measured set of actions which are designed to produce outputs in order to attain the interests of the particular market or audience. It involves a well-built importance on the procedure of accomplishing tasks within t he organisation (Hammer & Champy, 2000). During the period of 1990s, the BPR had played a dominant role in developing organisational structures as well as processes through effectively implementing ICTs within the business processes. The continuous and radical development of ICTs has been witnessed to play a key role in developing the organisational performance in their ways of providing goods or services (Netjes & et. al., n.d.). In the past few years, the BPR has gained substantial growth in the organisational development with respect to the various operations of the organisations across the world. During the commencement of the notion of BPR in the early part of 1990s, it was considered as a revolutionary development for the organisations with regard to their different processes including planning, designing, manufacturing, financing, human resource as well as sales and marketing (CSC, 2009). Source: (Center for Advanced Technologies, n.d.) The evolution of BPR had initially appe ared in business management during the mid of 1990s through the publication of influential article of Michael Hammer. The article portrayed an advanced and changed management philosophy which was significantly

Types and importance of on the job training

Types and importance of on the job training In this chapter, different authors view from different sources will be analyzed with relation to On-the-Job Training. 2.0 Introduction According to Peter Drucker (1999) the most valuable asset of a 21st-century institution, whether business or non-business, will be its knowledge workers and their productivity and he further considered the human resource as being the lifeblood of any successful organization which as a result becomes of prime importance that such asset is cared and well managed. One way through which this can be done is training. Training of employees is an important factor if the organization wants to, obviously, achieves its objectives in an effective and efficient manner. Training is defined by Armstrong (2001) as a formal and systematic adjustation of behavior through learning which occurs as a result of education, instruction, and development and planned experience. On his side, Noe (2002) view training as a planned effort by a company to facilitate employees learning of job related competencies. Moreover, Bentley (1990, p.25) stated that the role of training may be seen as ensuring that the organization has the people with the correct mix of attributes, through providing appropriate learning opportunities and motivating people to learn, and thus enabling them to perform to the highest level of quality and service. Lanciono et al. (2004) highlighted the fact that call centre Managers are concerned about the continuous improvement of employees skill, since the products, technologies, and services that they handle are changing at a rapid pace and as a result call centres are often forced to provide employees who service and sell their product with formal training and opportunities to upgrade their knowledge and skills. 2.1 The effectiveness of training Effective training program helps organization to achieve their objectives. Drummond (1989) put forward the general objectives of training activities as being; orienting new employees to the organization and their job, helping employees perform their current jobs well, keeping employees informed of changes within the organization, and providing opportunities for personal development. Sales and Cannon (2001) pointed out that both theory and practice have improved dramatically trainings effectiveness. Kirckpatrict (1996) further affirmed that effectiveness is a concept that consists of four levels: satisfaction, learning results, job behavior and organizational benefits. The effectiveness of training is not only caused by training characteristics but is also influenced by the trainees characteristics and organizations characteristics. The influence of the supervisor (and sometimes the influence of colleagues) on the effectiveness of training was evident in the work of Brinkerhoft and Montesino et al. (1995). Furthermore, Tracey et al. (2001) asserted that for any training program to be considered as effective, trainees have to learn the training content and then apply such learning in the workplace; thus any training program can be conceptualized as being composed of training acquisition and transfer of training. Walter (1998) further alleged that an effective and efficient on-the-job training program is vital for the development of highly skilled employees needed for business success. Jacobs (2003) lay emphasis that training is more effective when trainees possess the pre requisite knowledge, skills and readiness, including technical background, comfort with the use of tools and equipment, literacy, and previous work experience. Effective training is vital to most call centres. 2.2 Types of training With reference to Dessler (2000) and Treven and Mulej (2000), the most popular training methods used by organizations can be categorized by either: Off the job training, or, On the job training. Off the job training Off the job training is defined by Rothwell and Kazanas (1994) as any type of training that is not performed on the job, that is, training which take place in a classroom and which is designed to train groups of trainees rather than individual. Besides, Lewis and Trevitt (1994) reported that off the job training offers learning opportunity through attendance at training fora away from the job or workplace. There are several types of off the job training and De Cenzo and Robbins (1996) summarized them as follows: Types Description 1. Classroom lectures Lectures design to communicate specific interpersonal, technical or problem solving skills. 2. Video and films Using various media productions to demonstrate specialized skills that are not easily presented by other training methods. 3. Simulation Exercise Training that occurs by actually performing the work ; it may include case analysis, experiential exercise, role playing, or group decision making. 4. Computer base training Simulating the work environment by programming a computer to some of the realities of the job. 5. Vestibule training Training on actual equipments used on the job, but conducted away from the actual work setting. 6. Programmed Instruction Condensing training materials into highly organized, logical sequences. However, Jacobs (2003) pointed out that off the job training often do not have the desired relevance. According to Smith and Smith (2008), in the Australian call centres, the Customer Service Representatives (CSR) undergo an initial off-the-job period of induction which covers the product knowledge required but focuses primarily on telephone techniques. During this session, the CSRs will typically role play telephone calls and listen in to live calls being taken by CSRs in the call centre. 2.3 Definition of On-the-job training (OJT) Smith and Smith (2008) further elaborated that after the induction, the CSRs are placed out into the call centre usually with working with an experienced agent thus by gradually learning how to perform, or is being placed in a configured training teams that will not be subject to the same performance as live teams although the trainee will be working with actual customers. On the job training was claimed to be the most common, the most widely accepted and the most necessary method of training employees in the skills essential for acceptance performance. (Tracey 1971, p.30, reported by S. Jones 1988, p.11). Levine (1997) simply stated that OJT is about two people working closely together so that one person can learn from the other. On his side, Campbell (1990) seen on the job training as the same as in an employees normal work situation, as being designed to change the knowledge, attitude and behavioral patterns directly appropriate to the performance of a given task or job. In addition, Siele (1988) considered on the job training as an informal type of training given to employees at the work place, where the trainer plays the role of the immediate supervisor of the employees and its purpose is to improve the employees working skills, efficiency and productivity. Siele (1988) emphasized that on the job training supplements all other forms of training with the additional advantage of being provided to more people in any given year than it is possible at training institutions. According to Jacobs and jones (1995) and Rothwell and Kazanas (1994), OJT refers to a form of training that occurs at the workplace during the performance of a job rather than in a classroom setting. In addition, Jacobs and Jones (1995) and Rothwell and Kazanas (1994) asserted that this form of training is the most widely used method of delivering training for a novice employee by an experienced employee today and is one of the most important components of learning in the work place. Types of on the job training According to Jacobs (2003), OJT as a form of individualized training, can be designed and delivered using two basic approaches: Unstructured OJT Structured OJT According to various authors, the unstructured OJT is used frequently in most organizations whereas the structured OJT is the most recent application of OJT (Hamilton and Hamilton, 1997; Lawson, 1997; Levine, 1997; Filipczak, 1996; Rothwell and Kazanas, 1994) Unstructured On-the-job training Rothwell (1997) formulated a definition for unstructured OJT as an approach in which learners are thrown into the work and the training is based on daily work requirement rather than the learner/worker needs. Jacobs and Jones (1995) indicated that unstructured OJT occurs when trainees acquire job knowledge and skills from impromptu explanations or demonstrations but others, trial and error efforts, self-motivated reading, or simply by imitating the behavior of others. In addition, Rothwell and Kazanas (1994) acknowledged the fact that unstructured OJT are OJT that is not planned or logically organized; training and learning takes place by trainees performing the work or by watching others performing. However, unstructured OJT is accompanied by loads of criticism. Levine (1997) argued that, as an unstructured system, no criteria are established for the quality of training, nor are records of the training maintained. Along with, Filipczak (1993, p.30) added that unstructured OJT à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦does not enforce common work standard. It does not ensure the trainee will perform the way the trainer says they should be done. It allows the trainee to pick up the trainers bad habits along with his good ones. Filipczak (1993) reported that Martin Broadwell confirms that about ninety five percent of OJT is done so poorly that the job is negatively affected. Equally, several studies conducted by Jacobs and Jones (1995) conformed that unstructured OJT leads to increased error rates, lower productivity and decreased training efficiency. On the whole, just as OJT experts (Hamilton and Hamilton et al., 1997) confirm that most of the OJT that takes place in businesses is unstructured, they agree that unstructured OJT is the least beneficial and least effective type of training. Johnson and Leach (2001) also supported the above statement viewing unstructured OJT as being often ineffective and inefficient as compared with structured OJT. Structured On-the-Job Training According to Stolovitch and Ngoa Nguele (2001), structured OJT differs from unstructured OJT in that a systematic planning process is used to design and carry out the training. Lawson (1997) defined structured OJT as a training which is planned and well organized and a one on one program designed to provide the employee with the relevant knowledge and skills required to perform tasks entailed in the employees job. Furthermore, Jacobs (2003) viewed structured OJT as a planned process of developing competence on units of work by having an experienced employee train a novice employee at the work setting or a location that closed resembles the work setting. Moreover, Baron (1997), acknowledged the fact that structured OJT provides the delivery of training in an organized, sequential manner, with the aim of becoming as efficient as possible. Also Chase (1997) contends the fact that structured OJT is inexpensive, quickly developed, takes place at the work site, and focuses on task that ar e directly related to the job. Equally important, Walter (1996) added that structured OJT can increased quality of training, employee morale, and communication as well as decision making along with employees who are trained in new skills very quickly. Empirically, researchers have demonstrated that structured OJT has helped in making valuable contributions in terms of an increased in productivity of an organization. (Bennett and Calvin, 2002; Jacobs and Osman Gani, 1999; Stolovitch and Ngoa Ngule 2001) Jacobs and Jones (1995) stated that structured OJT has the following main points: A planned process, structured OJT requires an investment of time and effort before it can be used. As a result, trainees should be able to learn the appropriate content and achieve the desired training objectives. Structured OJT focuses on the task level of jobs and does not involve an entire job but rather just a small part of it. Structured OJT should be delivered by an experienced employee with the qualifications to become a trainer, thus not every employee can necessarily become a trainer. Structured OJT usually occurs at the job setting, although in some instances. It may occur near the job setting. Many authors among which feature Jacobs (1999), Jacobs and Jones (1992), Jacobs and Gani (1998), Rothwell and Kazanas (1990), and Scribner and Sachs (1990) have detailed the benefits of structured OJT and these benefits include reduced overall learning time, reduced overall training costs, greater flexibility to the needs of the individual worker, positive relationship building between novices and experienced workers/ superiors, higher transfer rates than those cited for classroom and other formal training, and perhaps most importantly, heightened new-worker confidence. There are, generally, two distinct features of structured OJT compared with classroom training: Firstly, DeSimone and Harris (1998) claimed that a trainee has an immediate opportunity to use and practice what he or she has learned on the job and therefore a trainer can achieve learning objectives more efficiently. Secondly, Jacobs (2003) affirmed that the transfer of learning is enhanced in structured OJT environment, especially in the match between the training setting and work setting; because the learning environment is the same as the work environment in structured OJT, a trainee is able to use the same equipments and tools that he or she is meant to use to perform his or her actual work.  ­Ã‚ ­Other studies (Jacobs 1996) have demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of using structured OJT compared with mainly off the job training and unstructured OJT in terms of financial benefits, high satisfaction rating, and fewer quality errors. In complement to, Burkett (2002) showed that employees who learn tasks through structured OJT make fewer quality errors. Moreover, Lawson (1997) put forward that structured OJT is based on adult learning theories and on how and why people learn. Below is a brief overview about what is adult learning about: Adult learning Malcolm Knowles (1978, 1990) was the theorist who first brought the concept of adult learning to a prominent position. Knowles (1990) contends that adults need to control their learning, as well as feel that what they learn has immediate utility, and is focused on issues that directly concern them; adults need to anticipate how they will use their learning, and to expect performance improvement to result from their learning. Knowless (1998) work was among the most guiding one with its six principles of adult learning being summarized as follows: Need to know adults need to know why they should learn something, that is why they need to learn something and how it will benefit them. Self concept adults fight against others imposing their will on them, but having been conditioned through the national school system of a dependent learner, they need to be moved into a self directed learner where they are responsible for their own learning and the direction it takes. Role of experience adults experience should be used in their new learning and the technique should include ways to include the adults knowledge as a tool that they can draw upon and also provide engagement by acknowledging them for their experience. Readiness to learn adults seek out learning as a way to better cope with real life task and problems. Orientation to learn the new learning should clearly define how the new learning will apply to their life in some fashion. Motivation to learn internal motivators are important than the external motivators that adults may receive for more learning. These internal motivators can come in the form of increased job satisfaction, self esteem and quality of life. In similar vein, Birkenholz (1999) asserted that adults with more education have a stronger tendency to participate in adult educational activities rather than those who have less education since as people expand their knowledge base, they also increase awareness of what they do not know. The following table summarizes important characteristics of adult learners and the implications to call center training programs: Adult learners: Implications to call center training programs: Want practical application Develop task-centered and problem-centered training programs. Want their real-life experiences to be recognized and valued Use the learners experiences and examples; develop interactive sessions. Are continuous learners and prefer to manage their own learning efforts Involve learners in development and evaluation of the program; encourage self-discovery and action planning. Have varied learning styles Use multimedia, varied methods of delivery, accelerated training methods. Need to know why they are learning Inform learner of the why behind the training before it begins Are motivated most by internal pressures (themselves) Help learners understand the benefits of training to job satisfaction, self-esteem and quality of life. Source: What Every Trainer Needs to Know About How Agents Learn by Laurie Solomon, published in Call Center Management Review , June 1999. Structured OJT typologies Generally there are four commonly used types of OJT among which features: Job instruction training Mentoring Coaching Job rotation Job Instruction Training (JIT) The JIT consists of four steps which were developed by Allen (1919) to train shipbuilders during World War I (Sleight, 1993). Rothwell and Kazanas (1994) outlined the four steps in the JIT model as follows: Step1 Preparation showing and demonstrating what learners will do; Step 2 Presentation telling learners what they will performed and why; Step 3 Application allowing the trainee the opportunity to practice the skills; Step 4 Inspection checking the trainees work and providing feedback. In addition to Rothwell and Kazanas (1994), Allen (1919) further described in his book that these steps should always be carried out in the order given and that the purpose of step 1 is to get the learner ready to be instructed of step 2 to instruct him of step 3 to check up errors and of step 4 to give a final inspection of the instruction job. However, Ford (1970) argues that the four step model is no longer enough; thus he added two other components objectives and evaluation recognizing that these components are implied by most of the expositions of Job Instruction Training. The amended diagram can be illustrated as follows: According to Ford (1970), the first step is the determination of objectives which describes what the learner will be doing when demonstrating his achievement and how one will know when he is doing it. Even though evaluation is listed as the final step in the model though it is a continuous process. Ford (1970) laid much emphasis that throughout the learning situation, the instructor should reflect on and evaluate each element in terms of the objectives and also he further claimed that evaluation is usually thought of as evaluating the student which in fact is to evaluate the entire learning process as well as a self evaluation of the instructor himself. Job rotation DeSimone and Harris (1998) define job rotation as an activity that involves a series of assignment to different positions or departments for a specified period of time. Wood (1995) added that job rotation is the systematic movement of employees from job to job within an organization, as a way to achieve various different human resources objectives such as: orienting new employees, preventing job boredom or burnout, reward employees, enhancing career development as well as exposing employees to diverse environments. According to Weihrich and Koontz (2002), the basic objective of job rotation is to broaden the actual knowledge of managers or potential managers who are made to move through: Non supervisory work; Observation assignment where they observe what other managers do rather than actually managing the portfolios; Assistant positions in some cases for brief periods in case of unforeseen absences or vacations of other managers. In line with the above statement, Anon (2001) stated that job rotation provides the employee with an opportunity to get a better understanding of the overall company and provide the organization with a more flexible workforce. Jerris (1999) added that excellent job rotation program can minimize training costs while optimizing the impact on training, by making individual in a better position to be flexible, self-motivated, adaptable, innovative, eager to learn and able to communicate effectively. According to Osborne (1996), at the start of job rotation, output may decrease temporarily implying that job rotation does not follow that job interest. DeSimone and Harris (1998) stated that within the job rotation training program, the trainee is evaluated by the trainer at each job, and at the end of training, the trainees evaluation are used as a means to decide in which department or job the trainee will work. Jerns (1999) argued that the possible problems with the job rotation program is that it is costly since job rotation involves a great amount of management time which is spend on lower level employees and it may also increase the work load, thus decreasing the productivity for the rotating employees manager and for other employees. Coaching Smith and Smith (2008) stated that the activities of the trainers after the induction session largely consisted of on-the-job coaching. Harris (1997) described coaching as an informal, unplanned training and development activities provided by supervisors and peers. Albers (1974) views OJT similar as coaching thus defining it as a conscious creation of an environment within which subordinates can learn to become better executives. On his part, Oladunni (1998) added that coaching is those managerial actions and behaviors specifically that focused on developing an employee so that he or she can perform at maximum compatibility. Oladunni (1998) further stressed that coaching maximizes the contribution of both the trainer and the trainee simultaneously and enables the coach to concentrate on other management functions. According to Sullivan (1998) the role of the coach is to facilitate learning as well as guiding learners toward the acquisition of new knowledge or upgrade their skills and equally seeking to influence learners attitudes by acting as a role model or mentor. Mentoring Mentoring, on the other hand takes a more holistic approach and guides the learner through broader aspects of the particular job (Cunningham et al. 2004) Woods and Cortada (1998) view mentoring as a learning relationship in which an individual with knowledge shares that knowledge with his or her colleague. The mentor is usually a supervisor or manager and the intention of mentoring is to support the employees, help orientating them to the job and work environment and preparing the employee for increasing responsibility (DeSimone and Harris, 1998, p.145) Brennan and Little (1996) described the process of mentoring as follows: In the first instance the mentor will be more pro active, supportive and encouraging, but in time the learner develops independence, confidence and autonomy. The mentor then needs to become more critical, challenging and confrontational, encouraging reflection. Effective and lasting learning takes place when learner experience a balance of challenge and support, confrontation and encouragement. Hooling and Resta (2001) support mentorship as a means to improve trainers own professional competency and belief through learning opportunities from trainees in mentoring. Components of a successful Structured OJT Jacobs (2003) held that a system view of structured OJT represents the interaction of several components, such as the training input, training process, the training outputs, and the organizational context. There is no best way to do structured training but however it has been noted that there seem to be some common elements among successful structured system, Levine (1996) stated that the components below may have different significance in different organizations: Management support Levine (1995) maintained the fact that training takes time and that it requires supervisors to allow themselves enough time for preparation and training, with the aim of not thwarting any structured OJT effort; Levine (1995, pp.1) further affirmed that If you cannot gain internal support from the organizations managers and supervisors, dont waste time trying to implement structured OJT. Moreover, Levine (1995) stated that support may come in the form of supplies, funding, materials and recognition of trainers and trainees. On a similar vein, Cleveland and Harne (2003) pointed out that the effect of training in call centres must be understood by all levels of the organizations senior management to ensure ongoing financial support. Formal trainer support process Levine (1995) emphasized that successful system generally have an OJT coordinator, a training manager, or some people outside the work area to provide the support necessary for a trainer; thus may include a dotted line relationship to the training organization. Jacobs (2003) further further put forward that organizations should be prepared to provide additional resources, such as appropriate rewards and incentives, necessary to support trainers in order to manage and develop trainers performance over time. Checklists and OJT training material Checklists is defined by Levine (1994, p.6) as being the foundation of any OJT system. Levine (1997) further lay out that checklists add structure to the training process and they list the specific skills and the employee is checked off as each task is successfully performed. Another document pointed out by Broadwell (1986) is the lesson plan which is intended to guide the training and improve the trainers ability to instruct the trainee. Broadwell (1996) also noted that the lesson plan must include what the trainer will say, show, and do, what the trainee will be expected to do, a timeframe for training, and the job aids and resources that are used in training. Train the trainer Johnson and Leach (2001) advised that prospective trainers are expected to develop training related skills through a train the trainer course. According to Levine (1995), training of the OJT trainer is the key to successful implementation; and that the program should contain high impact activities with the aim of changing trainers behavior from telling to coaching, from demonstrating skills for trainees to performing them with them. Meyer and Marsick (2003) advocated that it is important that the design and delivery, such as conducting needs assessment, developing objectives, creating an agenda, developing instructional event, and evaluating learning outcomes, still need to be included as core components of any train the trainer program. What an effective trainer look like will further be elaborated in the next section. Tracking and Report generation The last component as mentioned by Levine (1996) is tracking and report generation which is an important element for managing the training process as well as for other business reason like the fulfillment of the ISO 9000 quality award and an effective tracking and report generation may also provide valuable information to the stakeholders as well as providing a means of accountability. Smith (1995) stated that it is important to document whether there is a substantial difference between the approaches in the knowledge and skills acquired during the training. An effective trainer Sullivan and Smith (1996) stated that one of the most important elements of OJT training is selecting and qualifying trainers, since according to Harris et al. (2000) the quality of training in the workplace depends to a considerable degree on workplace trainers. As pointed out by Johnson and Leach (2001), OJT supervisors tend to select trainers on the basis of their job experience. However, Walters (2003) argued that even though OJT trainers are subject matter experts and more senior employees as such as they may possessed little competence in how to conduct an OJT program. Johnson and Leach (2001) urge to use expert workers who possess three competencies as follows: Technical competency: this competency is related to the extent to which the trainer possesses a high level of technical knowledge and skills in the area to be taught. Professional competency: this competency has to do with knowledge and skills related to instructional areas including planning, delivery and evaluation of learning. Personal competency: it refers to the personal and behavioral characteristics that influence the way trainers are perceived by others. In supplement to, Jacobs (2003, p.98) proposed two basic requirements that make OJT trainers more effective that is they should have adequate competence in the unit of work that comprises of the training, and they should have adequate competence about the training as trainer. Jacob and Jones (1995), on their side, outlined eight qualities to look for when selecting an OJT trainer. These are: Qualities Brief description 1. Task knowledge and skills The ability to perform the work behaviors at appropriate performance levels. 2. Specialized training Completion of specialized training in the area that will be the basis of the OJT program. 3. Willingness to share their expertise Interest in the development of others. 4. Respect from peers Perception by other employees that the trainer has task expertise, leadership abilities and general problem-solving skills 5. Interpersonal skills Ability to communicate clearly and comprehensively 6. Literacy skills Ability to comprehend resource materials 7. Concern for the organization Showing an interest in helping the organization improve its performance 8. Job expectations Awareness of job expectations and assignments and how these will affect their ability to perform as an OJT trainer In the call centre environment, Akroyd et al. (2006) acknowledged that the supervisor plays an important role, and Therkelsen and Fiebich (2003) argued that a supervisors communication skills are of great importance and that these skills should be a meaningful part of the evaluation process. Strengths and weaknesses of OJT Jacobs (2003) stated that every training program contains its own strengths and weaknesses.

Rap/Hip-Hop: The Effects on Today’s Youth Essay

Abstract Rap/Hip-Hop first became popular among African American and Latinos among youth in the streets of New York during the 1970’s. It was their way of expressing themselves in a friendly manner in the form of speech, fashion, and personal style. Rap/Hip-Hop music was a way for them to get their message out, by telling stories of their lifestyles. However, over the years Rap/Hip-Hop music has become much more popular for its explicit lyrics, reference of drugs, alcohol and sexual explicit videos. Many may ask â€Å"Could Rap/Hip-Hop music have a negative influence on today’s youth, because of its unhealthy messages†? This research paper will examine the effects of rap/hip-hop music on today’s youth and whether or not it has a negative influence. Brenda L. Williams-Capers Professor Dana Taylor English Composition II December 11, 2011 Over the year’s many researchers have conducted studies on the effects of rap/hip-hop on today’s youth. The results have been mixed; however there are indications that some forms of Rap/Hip-Hop music could have negative influence on today’s youth. This is due to the fact that youth start to adapt the negative aspects of the gangster rap, by displaying aggressive behaviors and committing crimes of violence. Rap gets a bad rap because some songs contain explicit lyrics, drugs, alcohol and sex. A study conducted by Ralph J. DiClemente (2003) indicated that teen girls who spend more than 14 hours per week watching the sex and violence depicted in the â€Å"reel† life of â€Å"gangster† rap music videos are more likely to practice these behaviors in real life. Also, this study suggested that those teens were also three times more likely to hit a teacher, over 2.5 times more likely to get arrested, twice as likely to have multiple sexual partners, and 1.5 times more likely to get a sexually transmitted disease, use drugs, or drink alcohol. This is an indication that today’s youth that listen to these songs over and over again for long period of times could have behavior and aggressive issues. Tanner (2009) indicated that there is a sense of injustice that rap is often said to involve young people with the police and courts. The study also indicates that youth who listen to rap music have a stronger connection to property crimes than the crimes of violence, and the likelihood of committing those crimes are probably increased by poverty rather than listening to rap/hip-hop music. In a radio broadcast, Ed. Gordon (2006) mentioned two studies which addressed the effect that rap music has on today’s youth. The first study conducted by The Prevention Research Center of the Pacific instituted for Research and Evaluation in Berkeley, Calif., indicated that rap songs were linked to alcohol addictions, drug use, and violence among youth. Also, a study conducted by The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth, Georgetown University, also suggested that youths are exposure to alcohol thought targeted marketing advertising for beer and ale by 66 percent for youth between the age of 12-20 and 81 percent market exposure to distilled spirits. Nearly two-thirds of rap songs mentioned illicit drugs and nearly half of rap songs mentioned alcohol compared to other types of music. The overexposure to alcohol was connected to cognacs and brandies, both which are linked lyrics in hip-hop and rap music, which rappers glorify and advertise in their songs. Rap music is also used to advertise clothing, sneakers, and cars. Rappers are walking billboards and today’s youth want that same swagger. Cited in The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter (2003), a study was conducted by a group of researchers from Iowa State University and The Texas Department of Human Services who examined over 500 students who had listened to seven violent songs and eight non-violent songs. This study measured student’s aggressive thoughts and their feelings. The results were that violent songs led to more aggressive interpretation of words that also increased the speed in which the students read aggressive vs. non-aggressive works and increased the proportion of word fragments that filled in to make aggressive words. Their study also indicated that the violent songs increased violent thoughts causing youth to act out. The popularity of Rap/Hip-Hop music and Hip/Hop styles has now reached the Middle East. Iraqis youth in are now starting to imitate hip-hop lifestyles of American soldiers. Youth have now started to adapt hip-hop styles such as, dancing, wearing baggy pants, slangy English, and cutting $ signs into their close cropped hair. Tattoos are now also becoming popular among Iraqis youth. This goes against Islam’s strictures on baring their skin. Not all Iraqis welcome the culture of the American Hip/Hop style, because they feel that Iraqis youth are now beginning to reject authority and other forbidden behaviors, like engaging in forbidden love affairs. Iraqis youth feel that their eyes are now open to the outside world since living under Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship. Iraqis youth are now also starting to use the internet and are watching satellite TV, which allows them better understanding of American cultures, both positive and negative aspects. In a book written by Michael Dyson, â€Å"Reflecting Black: African-American Cultural Criticism. He addressed the question† Is Rap music really as dangerous as many critics argue:† Michael Dyson (1993) states that Rap music is a form of profound musical, cultural, and social creativity. He also stated that Rap music expresses the desire of young black people to reclaim their history. He defenses the negative impact on Rap/ Hip-hop music, which the general public claims that Rap/Hip-Hop expresses and causes violence among youth. It is in his opinion that many rappers have spoken against the violence in Rap/Hip-Hop. Rappers KRS-One spoke against black on black crimes in a song titled â€Å"Stop the Violence† and â€Å"Self Destruction†. Rapper KRS-One wanted youths to realize that not all Rap/Hip-Hop music called for violence behavior among youth. Also, rappers such as Will Smith and his partner DJ Jazzy Jeff rapped positive messages to youth about having fun in the summer time, not glorifying drugs, alcohol or sex. Some feel that rap can be negative and positive on today’s youth. Michael Dyson (1993) feels that Rap/Hip-Hop music is getting a bad rap. Could that be true, or is Rap/Hip-Hop really unhealthy for today’s youth? Over the year’s research, books and studied have been conducted to determine if violent and explicit lyrics in Rap/Hip-Hop music really causes or promotes violence in today’s youth. Since it’s beginning in the 1970’s Rap/Hip-Hop has gone from being fun to listen to now being a explicit rated albums. In today’s time Rap/Hip-Hop glorifies drugs, violence, and sex at an alarming rate. Today’s youth are also embracing the lifestyles’ of rappers in their language and attitudes, with their want of money, cars, drugs and alcohol that rappers talk about in their lyrics causing them to become materialistic teenagers. What must we do as concerned parents? We must be aware of what our children are watching and listening to. Parents must be involved in what their children are purchasing and they must ask questions to understand what their children are experiencing. In the 1990’s C. Dolores started a crusade to stop the sale of offensive rap music to minors. Mrs. Tucker outspokenness earned her enemies, however she remained relentless with her crusade against what is called gangster rap. Her concerns were that the lyrics were misogynistic and threatened the moral foundation of the African American community. Conclusion Rap/Hip-Hop music became popular in the 70’s, since than it has changed the world; youth in every corner of the globe have adopted the culture, the speech and the style. Because Rap/Hip-Hop music has become so popular, many people think that this type of music is making today’s youth more violent, due to the glorification of violent, explicit language, sex, disrespect for authority, and disrespect towards women. Just as parents teach their kids not to do drug, they should also teach their kids that rapper is only for entertainment, it is a business for rappers to sale albums to make money. It is a business for them. It is all about album sales. We should all follow Mrs. Tuckers’ example by taking a stand against anything that could have a negative effective on our youth. Rappers should realize that they are role models to most of our youth and stop thinking about their pockets. References DiClemente, R.J., Wingood, G.M., Bernhardt, J.M., Robillard, A., Harrington, K., Davies, S.L., and Hook, E.W. A Prospective Study of Exposure of Rap Music Videos and African American Female Adolescents’ Health. American Journal of Public Health. (2003). Dyson, M.E., Reflecting Black: African-American Cultural Criticism. Minneapolis, MN, USA: University of Minnesota, 1993 p.38 Gordon, E., N News, News & Notes, 8 May 2006 Tanner, J.; Asbridge, M.; & Wortley, S. (2009). â€Å"Listening to Rap: Cultures of Crime, Cultures of Resistance.† Social Forces, 88(2): 693-722. The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter 2003 www.newblackmagizine.com