Essay on Educational Psychology and Learners

Essay on Educational Psychology and Learners Essay on Educational Psychology and Learners Principles of Learning Introduction The following assignment discusses motivation, learning activities, organisation of information, communication and feedback. The theories of psychologists will be referenced to the examples given for motivation and the organisation of information. Theories include those of Abraham Maslow, Jerome Bruner and David Kolb. Motivation Students attend Learning Resources IT training on a voluntary basis, and are therefore highly motivated. These students are intrinsically motivated. Borich & Tombari describe this type of motivation as follows â€Å"intrinsic motivation influences learners to choose a task, get energised about it, and persist until they accomplish it successfully, regardless of whether it brings an immediate reward† (p210). This description closely matches how our learners behave. Our students have recognised that they would benefit from improving their IT skills, have sought out and identified a resource to help them achieve this, and are happy to attend a programme that does not award a certificate. Some students are extrinsically motivated, as there are external factors for responsible for their attendance. An example of this if they are referred by academic staff for additional IT support, or if they are experiencing problems with an assignment involving IT. Social learning theorists such as Albert Bandura believe that observing peers shapes learners’ behaviour and that the social environment can influence personality Zimbardo, McDermott, Jansz & Metaal (p460). This could explain why some students attend because their peers are already competent in using a computer. If friends and family are IT literate then the learner feels they should be too. As more people become adept in using IT, then more people will follow this behaviour. Whatever the motivation factors, when a learner attends a learning programme it is the responsibility of the tutor to maintain their motivation. The learning environment Introduction A tutor’s first consideration is to establish and maintain an effective learning environment. Learners need to feel secure and emotionally safe. As the humanist psychologist Abraham Maslow’s (1962) Hierarchy of Needs shows, physiological and safety needs must be satisfied before a person can progress. These needs can be applied to a computer workshop as discussed in Reece & Walker (p101). To satisfy physiological needs the tutor must ensure that the room is not too hot/cold, the chairs meet health and safety regulations, and learners have adequate breaks. Many students feel insecure and apprehensive about learning IT, to ensure they feel emotionally safe it is important that the tutor show empathy. Computers must be regularly maintained and software properly installed to ensure the learner does not have to struggle with technical difficulties. Learning activities The Humanist psychologists believe behaviour is unique to each individual. We are not all motivated by the same things and we all have different aims and expectations. Borich & Tombari describe the humanist theory as follows: â€Å"It is called humanist because the primary focus is the inner thoughts, feelings, psychological needs, and emotions of the individual learner† (p285). The Humanistic approach should apply choosing teaching methods and planning learning activities. Learning activities must be structured to meet the needs of all learners. This can be a challenge as some learners expect formal instruction and the tutor-led approach, while others want to work independently, requesting help as required. Learners can become frustrated and de-motivated if the workshop is not at an appropriate level and/or the teaching methods and activities inappropriate to their needs. Psychologist Carl Rogers stated that the learner should be placed at the centre of the learning process through active self-discovery. He also stated that â€Å"the job of the teacher, in his view, is to

Strengths and weaknesses on a few cultural theories Assignment

Strengths and weaknesses on a few cultural theories - Assignment Example The study aimed at finding out whether the frameworks can help managers. The study analyzed values in 47 countries with a desire to make conclusions on cultural inclinations. As a result, national differences became the basis for the organizational processes brought by managers. Greater sensitivity came to the aspect of culture in relation to decision making. However, these three frameworks have a positive and negative side that affects the perception of users (Smith, Peterson, Schwartz, 2012). This paper explains the strengths and weaknesses of Hofstede, Schwartz, and Trompenaars frameworks in relation to culture. The paper concludes that the Hofstede framework presents a logical scenario of conducting human resource research. Cultural theories shed light on the issues in a society that are valuable. Cultural theories have contributed to the field of consumer behavior and international marketing. This has become a reality by placing emphasis on the cultural inclinations of consumers and markets at large. Â  Hofstede, Schwartz, and Trompenaars denote some of the common cultural theories that help in understanding human and market behavior. Hofstede is one of the cultural theories that look at the dimensions of culture in individuals. This theory indicates that the culture of a society will have effects on the values it portrays. Furthermore, the theory tries to relate the values and behaviors of human beings in order to formulate logical conclusions. Hofstede can be used to explain differences that can be observed among different cultures (Minkov, 2007). This theory presents four dimensions to explain cultural values in society. Power distance is one dimension, and it explains the potency of a social hierarchy. Additionally, there is the dimension of individualism verses collectivism that explains the level of integrating individuals into groups. Furthermore, the third dimension, which is uncertainty avoidance, explains the extent that members of

R&D Proposal TMGT421 (R&D for HVAC Replacement) Essay

R&D Proposal TMGT421 (R&D for HVAC Replacement) - Essay Example This essay stresses that the HVAC systems are vital towards energy consumptions as well as thermal comfort especially in the residential buildings. These conditions can only be met by using effective and efficient HVAC equipment that in this project is the air conditioners. The essential integral part in energy conservation using this HVAC equipment or the air conditioner is the design of the equipment, control system, distribution system, and the building envelope as well as the optimization of the system. The improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the HVAC systems requires high level of understanding of the inter rations in the system issues especially the primary engineering issues. Additionally, detailed trades off issues relating to the energy conservation designs must be exploited fully before conclusion are drawn and recommendation made and National Academies Press. This paper makes a conclusion that the desired air conditioner will be designed not to run continuously as it is in air conditions that are being used currently. This kindly of system design will be achieved through installation or embedding thermostat into the home used air conditioners so that it is automatically switches off and on the once the desired temperatures are attained. This modified air conditioner will reduce the amount of energy used in running the air conditioner thereby leading to a great deal of energy conservation. This kind of energy conservation system will help reduce energy consumption rates that will reflect as low electricity bills.

Benefits of Nonverbal Communication Essay Example for Free

Benefits of Nonverbal Communication Essay Certain things are not conveyed by words or verbal means because individuals are not simply skilled to deliver or are not trained to explain in appropriate means or symbols. An officer can definitely learn from an understanding of nonverbal communication as he/she will be able to gain the nuances of an offender or parolee’s responses whether these are in consonance with the gaze in his eyes, the confidence of gait, or the studied looks that he may portray during the sessions that might transpire with the officer (Messina, Training in Nonverbal Communication). An officer who has spent a lengthy time studying people in this kind of profession, the difficulty usually lies in studying those who are mentally deranged, or the offenders who are so evil that they are capable to manipulate even the most intelligent officers, when possible. Their eyes convey differently where their talk or smiles carry them to a different level (Carrick, 2006). Art in any form conveys the reality that a human’s world is enriched by the kind of communication inherent in being human. Even one’s attire may speak a million things about the person or his intentions. People communicate both through verbal and nonverbal modes. Though we mistake verbal communication is clearer, yet often the reverse is truer (Messina, Training in Nonverbal Communication). People frequently understand our gestures more than our words. Hence, the adage â€Å"Actions speak louder than words. † Nonverbal communication is taught and performed frequently on an almost instinctive level. People get attention by using nonverbal signals and every so often the attention is usually due to an unpleasant manner by which these signals were conveyed. Most people who employ body language utilize such behavior to conceal the self for fear of rejection. The result would mean no real deep connections and deters other people to develop such deep and beneficial relationships. Many of those who realize their need try to unlearn years of covering up and attempt to make themselves known to avoid (Messina, Training in Nonverbal Communication). Every individual has inadequate stock of body language and utilizes the same manners to show specific emotionality. Body language and/or gestures, and a host of physical and psychological signals take place in clusters. This means that when a particular body language is used, it may not mean much as when it is used alongside many other forms of communication (Messina, Training in Nonverbal Communication). The officer then must continually make use of every opportunity as a learning experience as people are dynamic and continually changing. Reference: Carrick, Damien. 31 January 2006. The Law Report. Parole Boards. Messina, James D. Training in Nonverbal Communication. Accessed from Analysis of Cultural Communication and Proxemics http://www. unl. edu/casetudy/456/traci. htm

The Leaching Requirement During Irrigation Essay -- Soil Reclamation A

The Leaching Requirement During Irrigation The leaching of soluble salts from the plant rooting zone is a pivotal concern when irrigating cropland. Irrigation water is used to maintain crop productivity, so drought conditions need not occur to induce irrigation measures. Irrigation simply provides supplemental precipitation that may not be achieved through natural processes, i.e. rainfall. Basically, leaching is described as passing additional water through a medium to remove unwanted materials. This is usually achieved through two types of ponding. Additional water is pumped onto the soil surface and allowed to accumulate until surface ponding occurs. There are two mechanisms that perform this duty, continuous or intermittent ponding. Intermittent ponding, applying the excess water in intervals, is more favorable for milder climates where evaporation rates are low (NATO, 1994). Continuous ponding, applying all the water at once, may not be appropriate given geographical, climatic, or user-related constraints. Salts accumulate in the soil profile over time, therefore, leaching may serve as a form of soil â€Å"reclamation†. Normally, leaching curves are developed to determine the amount of water that may be actually required to reduce the initial soil salinity by a certain percentage (NATO, 1994). Although rainfall and the present soil already have saline concentrations, additional salts are added to the soil via irrigation water. Moisture is then extracted by the processes of evaporation and transpiration, and the salts begin to precipitate. Now, the salt balance of the soil profile changes: excessive salt concentrations are introduced without having adequate outlets. If located it the plant’s root zone, ... ... Sustainability, Vimieo, Portugal. Rhoades, J.D., J. Loveday (1990) Salinity in Irrigated Agriculture: Irrigation of Agricultural Crops, Agronomy #30, pp. 1107-1103. Schwab, G.O., D.O. Fangmeier, W.J. Elliot, and R.K. Frevert (1993) Soil and Water Conservation Engineering. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York pp 395 United States Salinity Laboratory Staff, Richards, L.A. (ed) (1954) Diagnosis and Improvement of Saline and Alkali Soils, Agriculture handbook No. 60, United States Department of Agriculture pp 37 & 38. Water Quality Technical Committee of the Irrigation & Drainage Division of American Society of Civil Engineers (1990) ASCE Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice #71, Agricultural Salinity Assessment and Management, pp243-247. Woodard, Guy O. (1969) Sprinkler Irrigation, Sprinkler Irrigation Association Editor’s Press, Maryland pp 125.

Review Questions Chapter

Coral reefs are elaborate networks of crevices, ledges, and holes made up of calcium carbonate; coral polyps are tiny animals that build coral reefs by secreting a crust of limestone around their bodies that accumulate once multiple polyps die.Coral reefs help moderate atmospheric temperatures by removing CA from the atmosphere, act as natural barriers that help protect of the world's coastlines from erosion by battering waves and storms, provide habitats for a variety of marine organisms, produce about one-tenth of the global fish catch, one-fourth of the catch n developing countries, provide Jobs and building materials for some of the world's poorest countries, and support fishing and tourism Industries worth billions of dollars each year.Coral bleaching is when a coral becomes stressed and the algae on which it depends for food and color die out, leaving an underlying white or bleached skeleton of calcium carbonate; this occurs because of increased water temperatures and runoff of silt from the land. 2. The two major aquatic life zones are saltwater (marine) and freshwater life zones. 3. Phytoplankton (plank plankton) are multiple types of algae; Zooplankton (animal Lankan) are primary and secondary consumers which feed off phytoplankton (primary consumers) or other zooplankton (secondary consumers these range from protozoa to large invertebrates such as Jellyfish. Alternation are much smaller plankton that may be responsible for 70% of the primary productivity near the ocean surface. Nektons are strongly swimming consumers such as fish, turtles, and whales. Penthouses are bottom dwellers that attach themselves to one spot (e. G. Barnacles, oysters, worms, lobsters, crabs). Decomposer are organisms (mainly bacteria) which break down the organic compounds in the dead bodies and wastes of aquatic organisms into simple nutrient compounds for use by aquatic producers. 4. A major advantage of living In an aquatic life zone Is the fact that there Is high biodivers ity.A disadvantage Is that It Is constantly affected by human activities. 5. The four factors that determine the types and numbers of organisms found in these layers are temperature, access to sunlight for photosynthesis, dissolved 02 content, and availability of nutrients. 6. The marine systems provide climate moderation, carbon doodle absorption, nutrient cycling, waste treatment, reduced storm impact, habitats and nursery areas, emetic resources and biodiversity, scientific information, food, animal and pet feed, pharmaceuticals, harbors and transportation routes, recreation, employment, oil and natural gas, minerals, and building materials. . The coastal zone Is the warm, nutrient-rich, shallow water that extends from the Estuaries are regions where rivers meet the ocean. Coastal wetlands are land areas covered with water all or part of the year. Mangroves are the tropical counterparts of salt marshes. Temperature and salinity vary greatly in estuaries and coastal wetlands becau se seawater and freshwater mix, because tidal and river flows vary, and cause of land runoff.These have such a high NP because of high nutrient inputs from rivers and nearby land, rapid circulation of nutrients by tidal flows, presence of many producer plants, and ample sunlight penetrating the shallow waters. 8. The intertribal zone is the area between low and high tides. Rocky shores are beaches with a remarkable variety of species that occupy different niches in response to daily and seasonal changes in environmental conditions such as temperature, water flows, and salinity. Sandy shores are beaches with niches for different marine organisms. . Barrier islands are low, narrow, sandy islands that form offshore from a coastline. These are sought for human development because they are beautiful; however, these are at risk because the can be damaged or destroyed by flooding, severe beach erosion, or storms. The dunes should be protected because they serve as the first line of defense against the ravages of the sea. 10. Coral reefs are vulnerable to damage because they grow slowly, are disrupted easily, and only thrive in clear, warm, and fairly shallow water of constant high salinity.Humans impact coral reefs negatively by causing ocean warming, soil erosion, algae growth from fertilizer runoff, mangrove destruction, bleaching, rising sea levels, increased UP exposure, damage from anchors, and damage from fishing and diving. 11 . The open sea is the sharp increase in water depth at the edge of the continental shelf separated from the coastal zone. Its three main vertical zones are the epiphytic zone, the bathmat zone, and the abyssal zone. The NP per unit of area is so low because of its size. 2. Humans destroy coastal wetlands for agriculture and urban development, destroy mangroves for agriculture, development, and aquaculture, erode beaches because of coastal development and rising sea levels, degrade ocean bottom habitats by dredging and trawler fishing, an d damage coral reefs. 13. Freshwater life zones are the freshwater bodies of water. The two main types are standing (lentil) bodies of freshwater and flowing (lactic) bodies of freshwater. 14.Freshwater systems provide climate moderation, nutrient cycling, waste treatment, flood control, groundwater recharge, habitats for many species, genetic resources for biodiversity, scientific information, food, drinking water, irrigation water, hydroelectricity, transportation corridors, recreation, and employment. Unify, and groundwater seepage fills the depressions in the earth's surface. The literal zone is the zone near the shore which consists of the shallow sunlit waters to the depths at which rooted plants stop growing.The liniment zone is the open, sunlit water surface layer away from the shore that extends to the depth penetrated by the sunlight. The profoundly zone is the deep, open water where is too dark for photosynthesis. Then benthic zone is the lowest part of the lake where mos tly decomposer and detritus feeders are located. 16. The three types of lakes are the oligarchic (poorly nourished) lake, atrophic well nourished) lake, and the mesospheric (middle) lake. 17. Surface water is the water which doesn't seep into the ground or evaporate.Runoff is surface water once it flows into streams. A watershed is a land area that delivers runoff, sediment, and dissolved substances to a stream. The floodplain zone is generally populated by cold-water fish. The transition zone is inhabited by producers and cool- and warm-water fish species. The floodplain zone is populated by producers such as algae, contractible, and rooted aquatic plants along the shore. 18. Inland wetlands are lands covered with freshwater all or part of the time.Marshes, swamps, prairie potholes, floodplains, and arctic tundra in the summer are examples of inland wetlands. Seasonal inland wetlands are wetlands that are only covered by water during certain times of the year. 19. Dams, diversions, and canals fragment 40% of the world's 237 large rivers. Flood control methods built along rivers alter and destroy aquatic habitats. Cities and farmlands add pollutants and excess plant nutrients to nearby streams and rivers. Many inland wetlands have been drained or filled to grow crops or have been covered with concrete, asphalt, and buildings.

The Range of Statistical Data Sets

In statistics and mathematics, the range is the difference between the maximum and minimum values of a data set and serve as one of two important features of a data set. The formula for a range is the maximum value minus the minimum value in the dataset, which provides statisticians with a better understanding of how varied the data set is. Two important features of a data set include the center of the data and the spread of the data, and the center can be ​measured in a number of ways: the most popular of these are the mean, median, mode, and midrange, but in a similar fashion, there are different ways to calculate how spread out the data set is and the easiest and crudest measure of spread is called the range. The calculation of the range is very straightforward. All we need to do is find the difference between the largest data value in our set and the smallest data value. Stated succinctly we have the following formula: Range Maximum Value–Minimum Value. For example, the data set 4,6,10, 15, 18 has a maximum of 18, a minimum of 4 and a range of 18-4 14. Limitations of Range The range is a very crude measurement of the spread of data because it is extremely sensitive to outliers, and as a result, there are certain limitations to the utility of a true range of a data set to statisticians because a single data value can greatly affect the value of the range. For example, consider the set of data 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 7, 8. The maximum value is 8, the minimum is 1 and the range is 7. Then consider the same set of data, only with the value 100 included. The range now becomes 100-1 99 wherein the addition of a single extra data point greatly affected the value of the range. The standard deviation is another measure of spread that is less susceptible to outliers, but the drawback is that the calculation of the standard deviation is much more complicated. The range also tells us nothing about the internal features of our data set. For example, we consider the data set 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 10 where the range for this data set is 10-1 9.  If we then compare this to the data set of 1, 1, 1, 2, 9, 9, 9, 10. Here the range is, yet again, nine, however, for this second set and unlike the first set, the data is clustered around the minimum and maximum. Other statistics, such as the first and third quartile, would need to be used to detect some of this internal structure. Applications of Range The range is a good way to get a very basic understanding of how spread out numbers in the data set really are because it is easy to calculate as it only requires a basic arithmetic operation, but there are also a few other applications of the range of a data set in statistics. The range can also be used to estimate another measure of spread, the standard deviation. Rather than go through a fairly complicated formula to find the standard deviation, we can instead use what is called the range rule. The range is fundamental in this calculation. The range also occurs in a boxplot, or box and whiskers plot. The maximum and minimum values are both graphed at the end of the whiskers of the graph and the total length of the whiskers and box is equal to the range.