Structural Family Therapy

Structural Family Therapy (SFT) has a few interventions within the theoretical model that I could see myself using with clients (families) from diverse backgrounds with diverse presenting problems. I am in agreement with the way this model looks at the different types of families and the types of issues they present with such as the patterns common to troubled families; some being â€Å"enmeshed,† chaotic and tightly interconnected, while others are â€Å"disengaged,† isolated and seemingly unrelated. This model also helped me understand that families are structured in â€Å"subsystems† with â€Å"boundaries,† their members not seeing these complexities and problems that are going on between them. Compared to the four family and couple therapy models in this paper, I think this model fits the most with Adlerian assumptions for the following reasons. This model understands and speaks to the complexities in the family system, the roles that each member takes on how they relate to each other, of power, and hierarchy, thus treating the family system holistically. This is also similar to the emphasis on democratic parenting skills that Adler focused on, with the aim to help families understand that relationships based on power and hierarchy are not effective in the long run. A few other similarities between SFT and Adlerian interventions are the use of reenactment, metaphors, and focusing on the family’s strengths to work toward a common goal of a changing the existing structure of the family to a healthier one. Role of the Therapist: When using this model, I would be comfortable as the therapist as my goal would be to join the system using myself to transform it. In that role, I would be active and directive, determining the structure of the therapy and facilitating the process. This model may work better with families from diverse background because from personal experience and understanding, it may be easier for Asians to let the therapist take on the facilitator role, structuring and directing because most Eastern cultures and families are run that way. I like the aspect of this model where the therapist seeks to change the maladaptive patterns by choreographing family interactions in session in order to create the opportunity for new, more functional interactions to emerge, using the major techniques of joining (engaging and entering the family system), diagnosing (identifying maladaptive interactions and family strengths), and restructuring (transforming maladaptive interactions). By learning how to use this model well, I could learn to assess and facilitate healthy family interactions based on cultural norms of the family being helped when using this theoretical model in practice. Interventions: Most of Minuchin’s interventions under this model resonated with me, however it seems as if this model (and Minuchin himself) tends to be quite directive, I will have to keep in mind that for some families this may not be the best approach to take because they may find it offensive and crossing their (the family’s) boundaries. I also think that with the use of common sense and after building an alliance with the family, the direct approach can be a healthy no-nonsense way of helping the clients see the problem, and facilitating change may not be a process that gets dragged on for months. I think practicing the intervention of joining could benefit me as a therapist because I as the therapist would support specific behaviors or verbalizations to increase the strength and independence of every member of the family, subsystems, and alliances. I could do this by adjusting to the communication style and perceptions of the family members to â€Å"join† the system, making the goal to establish an effective therapeutic relationship with the family. I can also resonate with using restructuring where I would be able to utilize therapeutic interventions that bring about change through modification in the family structure. Functional Family Therapy Theory: Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is a theoretical model that fits with me for the following reasons. FFT’s three intervention phases- engagement and motivation, behavior change, and generalization- are straight forward techniques for the therapist to follow and interventions that are interdependent. I like the systematic approach to understanding families in this model, and that it can be used as a prevention and intervention model when dealing with family systems. I think this model is quite similar ith Adlerian assumptions because the use of techniques such as engagement and motivation establishes a family-focused perception of the presenting problem that serves to increase the family members hope and expectation of change, decrease resistance, improve alliance with one another and create greater trust between family and therapist, reduce negativity within family, and assist in building respect for individual differences and values. Clinician s provide concrete behavioral intervention to guide and model specific behavior changes such as parenting, communication, and conflict management. Role of the Therapist: As a future therapist whose goal is to practice with diverse populations, I would be comfortable using functional therapy because of the flexible integration of clinical theory as part of the model’s design which offers an opportunity to meet families where they are most comfortable, understand and encourage their natural social networks and to provide culturally and linguistically responsive services as truly part of the treatment process. I think this model has flexibility and extends to all family members and thereby results in effective moment-by-moment decisions in the intervention setting, thus being systemic and individualized. In my personal opinion and experience, I find that the field of psychology is lacking in diverse cultural competencies as much as the society is diverse in its population. I believe that as with using any theoretical model, the therapists’ cultural knowledge needs to include understanding of the many cultural considerations influencing the effectiveness of treatment when dealing with clients from diverse backgrounds. When servicing the individuals in the family, care and attention needs to be directed towards family and community norms and values around help seeking, secrecy and confidentiality, family roles, child rearing and spiritual practices. Interventions: One of the main interventions of Functional Family Therapy that resonates with me is that one of the prime goals of this model is to identify the primary focus of intervention (the family) and reflect an understanding that positive and negative behaviors both influence and are influenced by the relationships each family member has with one another. Therefore, making functional therapy a multi systemic program, meaning that it focuses on the multiple domains and systems within which families live and interact with one another. Within this context, FFT works first to develop family members’ inner strengths and sense of being able to improve their situations by using skill building techniques. These characteristics provide the family with a platform for change and future functioning that extends beyond the direct support of the therapist and other social systems. As hopeful as it may sound, when using this theoretical model, I as the therapist could lead the family to greater self sufficiency that work for them as a team, and not against each other. Solution-Focused Therapy Theory: The way the Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) theoretical model fits me is that it focuses on exceptions to the family’s problem, working towards a change in behavior which can naturally develop through this process. I think this model is similar to the Adlerian assumptions where it is future oriented and personally, I think it is quite an insight-oriented model, not getting too deep into one particular family member's â€Å"pathology,† but rather focusing on what the system can do to adapt to it, and allows the family decide if that â€Å"pathology† is a problem or not. Like the Adlerian model, SFT looks at the family system holistically, taking every member into account yet working as a whole towards a common goal of having a healthier relationship with one another. I think this is an essential aspect in family therapy because he therapist is not only dealing with one individual, but a few, with different personality types and world views. Role of the Therapist: The aspects of this theory that I like is that it differs from some traditional therapy models and does not focus on the cause of the family’s problems nor dictated the way the family is supposed to work, but focuses more on a better approach that moves the family focus off of what is wrong and onto what is right, stresses the resources and skills clients already have and bring into therapy, and helps the family members take on the role of the experts (which they hold anyway) and take responsibility for setting their own goals and reaching them. Putting this into practice, I would see the family not become stuck in a passive and helpless role as a family unit, locked into a problem narrative they rehearse over and over again, but more active participants in the therapeutic process. From the South-East Asian perspective, this model could be effective working with multi-cultural families because the therapists maintain a future more directed focus, with language like â€Å"as things get better†¦ † â€Å"lets work on positive reinforcement with the kids this week†¦ â€Å". From my personal experiences and observations, because the idea of therapy is still a very new, almost unpopular concept, it is difficult for South East Asians to do too much ‘processing’ of a negative situation, and would rather prefer to focus on the positive, which in turn may give them insight into the negative, leading to a positive change. Interventions: The intervention that resonated with me in this model is that solution building is the goal, and as the family changes the language that shapes how they think about the problem, they change the language that shapes how they think about the solution. This model does not put too much emphasis on what is missing and that which causes woe for the family, but what is positive and present and that which can lead to a healthier relationship amongst the family members. From my viewpoint, there are quite a few similarities between SFT and the interventions used in the Adlerian model that resonate with me personally and I will use as part of my interventions in the future. For example, asking each member the ‘miracle question’ such as â€Å"if one night you were sleeping and a miracle happened and fixed this (the presenting problem) problem, what would that look like? As it is the goal from the Adlerian perspective, the key with this question from the SFT perspective is not to immediately â€Å"find the cure†, but rather to refocus their attention on the elements they need to construct a new and positive story of how their life is going to be. I also like the intervention in this theory that rather than summing up wha t the therapist thinks the client is saying, the therapist asks questions to focus and direct the client's thinking and view; which in turn gives the other family members a chance to listen and understand where the family member is coming from as well. The solution may not even look like it will fit or resolve the problem, however a small enough change will nudge the system in a different direction and that may be all that is needed for the family to move towards a positive change. Integrative Behavioral Therapy Theory: Integrative Behavioral Therapy (IBT) is a newer model based on traditional models of behavioral couples therapy. In this particular model, one of the goals of therapy is to help the couple understand that some problems can be resolved by compromise, but realistically some likely can not. Also, the aim for this model is to help the couple see that it is not the incompatibilities, but the rigid, negative, and excessive emotional responses that can develop from these unresolved issues that creates the problems and misunderstandings between them. I do believe the models of this theory because it is helping the couple realize that talking about how they feel and think about problems sometimes is necessary before they go on to accept them. Also, I like the approach of the theory that most partners can learn ways to alter the negative emotional responses they have to problems, responses that make them, as well as their partners, unhappy. However, on the other hand, this theory tends to have an optimistic approach that most partners can learn new ways to resolve relational problems, but realistically human behavior is not as easy to change as this theory predicts it can. Role of the Therapist: I can see myself using parts of this theoretical model for the following reasons. I think this model has somewhat of a no-nonsense approach and suggests that simply talking about how one feels and thinks about a problem is not very helpful; rather, teaching the couple to do something about it is what can really help them. However, for the partners to learn ways to break bad patterns of behavior that cause problems in their relationship, as this model suggests, is easier said than done in some relationships. As this model suggests, most partners can learn new ways to compromise and resolve problems, making each other happier, it is a concept that may be quite challenging for couples to put into practice outside of the therapeutic setting, where they have the therapist to play the role of the coach in their relationship. Therefore, as much as I love the idea of a couple not only talking the talk, but walking the walk, this may be a struggle with most couples who are stagnant in their ways and thoughts, it would certainly take it’s time (as well as money) in putting this theory into practice. Interventions: While I could see the interventions in this model being a little easier to work with when working with an individual, it would be difficult with a couple because I would not only be dealing with one personality type, but two different one’s, sometimes very different. Further, at the end of therapy, it is hard to know if the couple will recover from their problems well enough to have a healthier relationship. Thus, not knowing that the initial improvements that the couple works on during therapy even appear to last as the couple goes onto being and making it on their own. The addition of a â€Å"communication skills† to this therapy may be able to help improve the lasting effect of treatment to some extent for the couple. Emotion-Focused Therapy Theory: The theoretical model of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) would be a good fit for me for the following reasons. The speaking and understanding of emotions is a huge part of any/every relationship, and this theory views both partners as lacking in some skills in misunderstanding such emotions; men need to expand their emotional repertoire and women need to feel powerful enough to express their needs. Also, validation of one’s feelings, i. . fear, sadness, hurt, anger, is an important part of growth, intimacy and understanding between a couple. It is when emotions are not heard or misunderstood that couple’s begin holding grudges and the relationship undoubtedly suffers. That is why this model of therapy is so important, is because it focuses on an individuals emotions, which is one of the most salient parts of change in human behavior, in turn validating the partners' emotions and attachment needs, responding genuinely to the partners individually, and try to stir the two partners' own ability to heal themselves and their relationship. In my opinion, EFT is humanistic based, and believes the couple can heal itself. This way, I as the therapist should not be doing more work than the couple, rather leading them in a direction that does not shows a patriarchal pathologization of connection and attachment (women's ways of relating), and idealization of separation and individuation (men's ways of relating). Role of the Therapist: I would be comfortable using this theoretical model in the future for the following reasons. I believe that in this model the therapy session is used as a healing time where a corrective emotional experience between partners happens, and it is that process that leads to the method of therapeutic change. EFT has the unique factors of seeing change in therapy where there is focus on the partners emotions, in turn leading the therapist to empower the clients. When used in a clinical setting, I believe I would benefit from using this model because I would be able to help my clients understand that when one partner expresses their underlying feelings, the other should change their perceptions in an understanding way after hearing their feelings. Also, with this model I would be able to teach my clients to learn to understand their underlying emotions and to productively express their emotional needs to their partner. Foremost, pointing out to my clients that they both need to take responsibility for their emotional needs and to be able to receive validation from the other partner for those needs. Being from a South-East Asian background, I have noticed that I am pulled towards therapy models that are culturally sensitive. EFT is culturally sensitive as universal emotions between the couple are examined, but placed in a personal cultural context. For example, shame is universal, but shame takes on an additional role in the Pakistani culture. Anger is universal, but often takes different forms when men and women express it. Responsibility is universal, but what's â€Å"a man's responsibility† and â€Å"a woman's responsibility† is determined but the culture's views of marriage. Interventions: One of the interventions in this model that resonated with me is that I, as the therapist, have to seek out vulnerable emotions in my clients, and very slowly build the awareness of them, an example can be of moving from â€Å"uncomfortable† to â€Å"upset† to â€Å"hurt† eventually. On the other hand, this may be difficult to do in some clients with a South-East Asian and/or Asian and/or Middle Eastern descent because most individuals from that region find it difficult to face their emotions or being vulnerable in front of a ‘stranger’ (the therapist) because of cultural upbringing. Hence, it may be a challenging concept to bring into practice when dealing with population from the East because most people from that part of the world are raised and taught to conceal their emotions and not expose them to show one’s vulnerability, which in turn means being a failure for individuals. This means, I as the therapist will probably need to take more time building a relationship alliance with my clients so we can make use of the valuable interventions that this model provides. Another salient part of this model I can see myself using in practice is when I am uncovering the â€Å"primary† or underlying emotions, I notice the language the partners use. For instance, the partner's may say things like â€Å"I feel like I'm drowning,† it may seem dramatic, but it captures an intense, painful, and powerful emotional experience of the individual. I can point out to my clients that the â€Å"secondary† emotions of anger and resentment are far easier to show and talk about which many couples end up doing.

What Is the History of Easter

If Easter is a holiday that was created because of Jesus, then where did all the eggs and bunnies come from? Well, as I have said many, many times before, Christianity is based on much older religious texts. (Many of which were destroyed to keep the origins of Christianity a secret. Hence why they've burned so many libraries throughout history) If you want to know the long, drawn out history of Easter, then I shall share it below. Easter History : Christian and Pagan Traditions Interwoven The history of Easter reveals rich associations between the Christian faith and the seemingly unrelated practices of the early pagan religions.Easter history and traditions that we practice today evolved from pagan symbols, from the ancient goddess Ishtar to Easter eggs and the Easter bunny. Easter, perhaps the most important of the Christian holidays, celebrates the Christ's resurrection from the dead following his death on Good Friday. . . a rebirth that is commemorated around the vernal equinox, historically a time of pagan celebration that coincides with the arrival of spring and symbolizes the arrival of light and the awakening of life around us. Ostara, Goddess of Spring and the Dawn (Oestre / Eastre)Easter is named for a Saxon goddess who was known by the names of Oestre or Eastre, and in Germany by the name of Ostara. She is a goddess of the dawn and the spring, and her name derives from words for dawn, the shining light arising from the east. Our words for the â€Å"female hormone† estrogen derives from her name. Ostara was, of course, a fertility goddess. Bringing in the end of winter, with the days brighter and growing longer after the vernal equinox, Ostara had a passion for new life. Her presence was felt in the flowering of plants and the birth of babies, both animal and human.The rabbit (well known for its propensity for rapid reproduction) was her sacred animal. Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny both featured in the spring festivals of Ostara, which were initially held during the feasts of the goddess Ishtar | Inanna. Eggs are an obvious symbol of fertility, and the newborn chicks an adorable representation of new growth. Brightly colored eggs, chicks, and bunnies were all used at festival time to express appreciation for Ostara's gift of abundance. History of Easter Eggs and Easter Candy The history of Easter Eggs as a symbol of new life should come as no surprise.The notion that the Earth itself was hatched from an egg was once widespread and appears in creation stories ranging from Asian to Ireland. Eggs, in ancient times in Northern Europe, were a potent symbol of fertility and often used in rituals to guarantee a woman's ability to bear children. To this day rural â€Å"grannywomen† (lay midwives/healers in the Appalachian mountains) still use eggs to predict, with uncanny accuracy, the sex of an unborn child by watching the rotation of an egg as it is suspended by a string over the abdomen of a pregnant woman.Dyed eggs are given as gifts in many cultures. Decorated eggs bring with them a wish for the prosperity of the abundance during the coming year. Folklore suggests that Easter egg hunts arose in Europe during â€Å"the Burning Times†, when the rise of Christianity led to the shunning (and persecution) of the followers of the â€Å"Old Religion†. Instead of giving the eggs as gifts the adults made a game of hiding them, gathering the children together and encouraging them to find the eggs.Some believe that the authorities seeking to find the â€Å"heathens† would follow or bribe the children to reveal where they found the eggs so that the property owner could be brought to justice. Green Eggs . . . . . . and Ham The meat that is traditionally associated with Easter is ham. Though some might argue that ham is served at Easter since it is a â€Å"Christian† meat, (prohibited for others by the religious laws of Judaism and Islam) the origin probably lies in the early pr actices of the pagans of Northern Europe.Having slaughtered and preserved the meat of their agricultural animals during the Blood Moon celebrations the previous autumn so they would have food throughout the winter months, they would celebrate the occasion by using up the last of the remaining cured meats. In anticipation that the arrival of spring with its emerging plants and wildlife would provide them with fresh food in abundance, it was customary for many pagans to begin fasting at the time of the vernal equinox, clearing the â€Å"poisons† (and excess weight) produced by the heavier winter meals that had been stored in their bodies over the winter.Some have suggested that the purpose of this fasting may have been to create a sought-after state of â€Å"altered consciousness† in time for the spring festivals. One cannot but wonder if this practice of fasting might have been a forerunner of â€Å"giving up† foods during the Lenten season. Chocolate Easter bunn ies and eggs, marshmallow chicks in pastel colors, and candy of all sorts, most of which are given out as personalized gifts during Easter . . . these have pagan origins as well! To understand their association with religion we need to examine the meaning of food as a symbol.The ancient belief that, by eating something we take on its characteristics formed the basis for the earliest â€Å"blessings† before meals (a way to honor the life that had been sacrificed so that we as humans could enjoy life) and, presumably, for the more recent Christian sacrament of communion as well. Shaping candy Easter eggs and bunnies to celebrate the spring festival was, simply put, a way to celebrate the symbols of the goddess and the season, while laying claim to their strengths (vitality, growth, and fertility) for ourselves.The Goddess Ostara and the Easter Bunny Feeling guilty about arriving late one spring, the Goddess Ostara saved the life of a poor bird whose wings had been frozen by the snow. She made him her pet or, as some versions have it, her lover. Filled with compassion for him since he could no longer fly (in some versions, it was because she wished to amuse a group of young children), Ostara turned him into a snow hare and gave him the gift of being able to run with incredible speed so he could protect himself from hunters.In remembrance of his earlier form as a bird, she also gave him the ability to lay eggs (in all the colors of the rainbow, no less), but only on one day out of each year. Eventually the hare managed to anger the goddess Ostara, and she cast him into the skies where he would remain as the constellation Lepus (The Hare) forever positioned under the feet of the constellation Orion (the Hunter). He was allowed to return to earth once each year, but only to give away his eggs to the children attending the Ostara festivals that were held each spring. The tradition of the Easter Bunny had begun.The Hare was sacred in many ancient traditions and was associated with the moon goddesses and the various deities of the hunt. In ancient times eating the Hare was prohibited except at Beltane (Celts) and the festival of Ostara (Anglo-Saxons), when a ritual hare-hunt would take place. In many cultures rabbits, like eggs, were considered to be potent remedies for fertility problems. The ancient philosopher-physician Pliny the Elder prescribed rabbit meat as a cure for female sterility, and in some cultures the genitals of a hare were carried to avert barrenness.Medieval Christians considered the hare to bring bad fortune, saying witches changed into rabbits in order to suck the cows dry. It was claimed that a witch could only be killed by a silver crucifix or a bullet when she appeared as a hare. Given their â€Å"mad† leaping and boxing displays during mating season as well as their ability to produce up to 42 offspring each spring, it is understandable that they came to represent lust, sexuality, and excess in general.Medie val Christians considered the hare to be an evil omen, believing that witches changed into rabbits in order to suck the cows dry. It was claimed that a witch could only be killed by a silver crucifix or a bullet when she appeared as a hare. In later Christian tradition the white Hare, when depicted at the Virgin Mary's feet, represents triumph over lust or the flesh. The rabbit's vigilance and speed came to represent the need to flee from sin and temptation and a reminder of the swift passage of life.And, finally, there is a sweet Christian legend about a young rabbit who, for three days, waited anxiously for his friend, Jesus, to return to the Garden of Gethsemane, not knowing what had become of him. Early on Easter morning, Jesus returned to His favorite garden and was welcomed the little rabbit. That evening when the disciples came into the garden to pray, still unaware of the resurrection, they found a clump of beautiful larkspurs, each blossom bearing the image of a rabbit in i ts center as a remembrance of the little creature's hope and faith.Ishtar, Goddess of Love, and the First Resurrection (also known as Inanna) Ishtar, goddess of romance, procreation, and war in ancient Babylon, was also worshipped as the Sumerian goddess Inanna. One of the great goddesses, or â€Å"mother goddesses†, the stories of her descent to the Underworld and the resurrection that follows are contained in the oldest writings that have ever been discovered. . . the Babylonian creation myth Enuma Elish and the story of Gilgamesh. Scholars believed that they were based on the oral mythology of the region and were recorded about 2,100 B.C. E. The most famous of the myths of Ishtar tell of her descent into the realm of the dead to rescue her young lover, Tammuz, a Vegetation god forced to live half the year in the Underworld. Ishtar approached the gates of the Underworld, which was ruled by her twin sister Eresh-kigel, the goddess of death and infertility. She was refused ad mission. Similar to the Greek myths of Demeter and Persephone that came later, during Ishtar's absence the earth grew barren since all acts of procreation ceased while she was away.Ishtar screamed and ranted that she would break down the gates and release all of the dead to overwhelm the world and compete with the living for the remaining food unless she was allowed to enter and plead her case with her twin. Needless to say, she won admission. But the guard, following standard protocol, refused to let her pass through the first gate unless she removed her crown. At the next gate, she had to remove her earrings, then her necklace at the next, removing her garments and proud finery until she stood humbled and naked after passing through the seventh (and last) gate.In one version, she was held captive and died but was brought back to life when her servant sprinkled her with the â€Å"water of life†. In the more widely known version of the myth, Ishtar's request was granted and s he regained all of her attire and possessions as she slowly re-emerged through the gates of darkness. Upon her return, Tammuz and the earth returned to life. Annual celebrations of this â€Å"Day of Joy†, were held each year around the time of the vernal equinox.These celebrations became the forerunners of the Ostara festivals that welcomed Oestre and the arrival of spring. A section on the Goddess Inanna (the Sumerian version of the Goddess Ishtar), her myths and symbols, is included with the myths of the goddesses at this website. Easter eggs, the Easter Bunny, the dawn that arrives with resurrection of life, and the celebration of spring all serve to remind us of the cycle of rebirth and the need for renewal in our lives. In the history of Easter, Christian and pagan traditions are gracefully interwoven.

Why Teachers Are Important

Why Teachers are Important Teachers are important because they educate the students by preparing them for a triumphant future. The number of human beings in the world is increasing every second of every day which is why it is not a surprise that teachers other than special education teachers hold about three point five million jobs (McKay, Dawn R. ). As each child grows older, he/she needs to learn in order to survive; teachers are the ones to instill knowledge (DeRoy). Every single person needs an education. To start most careers, a college degree is required.In order to get that college degree, an individual must complete grade school and high school and receive a high school diploma or GED, then complete college courses to learn the degree of choice. Children must be prepared for school and this starts with parents teaching them basic understandings of their alphabet and numbers (Archived: Early Childhood Education). If the students are not equipped with the basic knowledge, then they are bound to drop out of school (Shargel 19). Throughout the world, there are seventy two million children who are not getting the proper schooling they need (DeRoy).These children cannot better themselves through life without an education that can help them through the struggles of everyday life that only schooling can support. In those schools, teachers teach every single person how to write, how to read, how to do multiplication and addition facts, and how to write essays (McKay, Dawn R. ). Many people can think back and remember every teacher they have ever had, and if they cannot remember every one, then they at least remember their favorite one. Teachers are the ones who educate generations of people globally (DeRoy).There are many different teachers all over the world. There are teachers, who teach driving; there are teachers who teach art, and teachers who teach pupils how to construct machines. There are even teachers who teach teachers! All teachers however have to st art off somewhere, and that’s in a class room. Once schooling requirements have been met and some experience has been made, some teachers can become school administrators or can even get additional training and become a school librarian or a guidance counselor. Public school teachers in every state are required to have a achelor’s degree (Haugen, Lee). There are many states in the U. S. that even require a Master’s degree within a certain time frame. The future teacher must have fulfilled an official training program that includes earning a specific amount of educational credits. When it comes to teaching early education such as preschool, the requirements for training differ; some states require a bachelor’s degree while others accept just an associate’s degree (McKay, Dawn R. ). Absolutely all teachers, in every state, and the District of Columbia are required to be licensed.To get a teaching license, one must generally pass an exam that demonstr ates proficiency in basic skills and proficiency in the subject area that is desired. Licenses are normally issued by state boards or departments of educations (McKay, Dawn R. ). Since the world’s population is growing the teaching occupation is growing exceedingly as well. Employment of kindergarten through secondary school teachers alone will grow as quickly as all occupations through 2018. Location is key. Jobs are not meant to be everywhere in the world, if that was so then jobs would be given to anyone with a high school diploma.Also grade level and the subject specialty will have a great affect on job opportunity (McKay, Dawn R. ). In many schools today, students are required to have at least three years of a language course. People who have completed up to three years of a language are more likely to get a job over a competitor who has not had this extra information. Teachers are more likely to get a job over someone else if they indeed, can speak another language beca use they can help students who do not have English as their first language, which produces maximum learning efficiency (DeRoy).The most basic and most important teachers in the world, however, are grade school and high school teachers. Every single student must pass each grade in elementary school in order to go on to high school. Then in high school, the student must pass grades nine through twelve in order to receive one tiny piece of paper that gives individual opportunities in life. That piece of paper is called a diploma (McCourt). That one little piece of paper can make or break a person’s entire life. A diploma or equivalent, GED, is without any exception, required for college. There is no way to skate around it and hope to get in without one.Teachers need to be able to handle students, and teach them the curriculum that is required for the grade level. What makes a great teacher so incredible is their personality. They capture the minds and attentions of their pupils and without realizing it, get the students to understand the topic and remember it. Many students become teachers themselves because they loved their teacher and wanted to follow in the footsteps of them (College Board). A man named Eric Hanushek says that â€Å"teacher’s quality matter so much that a student is likely better off in a bad school with a good teacher than a good school with a bad teacher. If the teacher is good at his or her job, then odds are that student is going to do well academically no matter what. An author and teacher William Sanders once wrote that : â€Å" although an effective teacher can facilitate excellent academic gain in students during the years in which they are assigned to them, the residual effects of ineffective teachers were measurable two years later, regardless of the effectiveness of teachers in later grade. † In simpler words Sanders is saying that if a pupil has one exceptional teacher, then their learning can become corrupt f or years to come.Teachers indeed have an impact. Those students whose guardians are poor may have a hard time in school, but if they were to receive excellent hard working teachers who are willing to teach them, that problem could very well disappear entirely (Hanuskek). There are many ways that a parent or guardian can put their child through schooling. The government is here to help everyone be the best that they can be in this world, for themselves and for the community as a whole (Archived Early Education). Many people sending their children to school worry about their food consumption.They worry that the kids will sit astray with no food while others have a plentiful lunch and snack. Proper schools will not let that happen. A child will not go hungry or thirsty while a teacher or administrator is in that building. These are formative years in children’s lives, and the education and attention that every student requires is very important in determining the future of those pupils (Teachers: Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary). College teachers and professors are more tough on their students than those who teach younger levels.This is because those teachers know what the real world is like (DeRoy). They have hands on experience. Each and every teacher knows how hard it is to get into college, get good grades, graduate, and get hired in a respectable school. They know that students need to get the degree of their choice in order to start a career. The individual needs to buckle down and get to work. Some students may have had bad study habits or bad learning habits in general and the college teacher will help to improve these abilities but will not however hold one’s hand while doing it (Haugen, Lee).College teachers typically teach about seven courses in their subject for example ranging from calculus, statistics, algebra and geometry. Not only may they teach graduates, but they could very well teach undergraduates as well. The tea chers in college do not necessarily teach pupils who have just gotten out of college and are not yet twenty years of age. They can teach all different ages that have no limit. A professor could be teaching someone that is the same age as their grandmother. Knowledge has no age limit and everyone is capable of retaining new material (Teachers—Postsecondary).Many teachers have very different and complicated schedules. Unlike grade school and high school classes that take place all day everyday Monday through Friday without change, these teachers have different obstacles. They may teach three classes a week and each class may be at different times every day. Many college teachers find the environment intellectually stimulating and rewarding because they are surrounded by others who enjoy the subject that they are teaching (Teachers Count). This is very different from younger grades and can be very stressful on students but teachers normally grow accustom to their hectic schedule . Teachers—Postsecondary) An impact that a teacher has on a student is extraordinary. Students spend more time with their teacher than they do with their parents or family while going to school. Teachers are no longer just training their pupils mind for an education but are affecting the intellectual, emotional, and social development of each student they meet (Teachers Count). Teachers are respected by others because they are viewed as knowledgeable about different subjects of school and because they take care of society’s children.Students look up to their teachers for guidance when they are most vulnerable (Rose, Mike). If a student is unsure about something they ask their teacher and trust that the answer given to them is the right response. A teacher spends an entire year with a handful of students. In that time they should have a pretty general idea about each and every pupil in the seats before him or her. Through the teacher’s words and through their act ions, they are being a role model to a student. The teacher provides a special window for the student on a possible future (Adviser, Teacher, Role Model, Friend).Teachers make the world go round. Teachers have the ability to shape and mold the attitudes and values that their pupils possess. This possession can be beneficial with extraordinary outcomes. The society needs decent human beings who know right from wrong and who know how to help the community so the world can be a better place. By teachers enlightening students with more in-depth attitudes they are shaping the world with a strong society (Adviser, Teacher, Role Model, Friend) Teachers are the foundation of this world.They bestow knowledge to all people of every age. Teachers do not just instruct math skills or English skills. They teach moral lessons to everyone willing to learn. When it comes to knowledge, the poorest person in the world could be rich, rich with knowledge. A teacher cannot just stand in front of a room a nd teach. The material in which they preach must be accurate and the students must understand it. One cannot call himself or herself a teacher if the students are not learning the material. The opinions of society can be very influential.If teachers are being viewed negatively than the students are not going to take the teachers seriously and will not respect them not soak up the information that they need (Shargel 19). A proper and positive learning environment is not all that is needed to educate students. Teachers need to radiate positive attitudes and let their students know that they are in charge and that they are there to help the students for a triumphant future that they will need to survive in the world full of seven billion people (McKay, Dawn R. ).

Benifits and Disadvantages of Coaching PowerPoint Presentation

Benifits and Disadvantages of Coaching - PowerPoint Presentation Example Knowledge gets transferred from one individual to another through the process of coaching. It is partly different from teaching in that in coaching, the tutor essentially adopts such a behavior that makes him/her the role model for the learners whereas in the course of learning, the tutor just has more knowledge about the subject as compared to the learners. He/she may not at all be involved in the subject of discussion. All that matters is the conveyance of knowledge to the learners whereas in coaching, the coach essentially tells the followers how to do a certain task. It involves display of certain characteristics that are consistent with the demand of the subject of discussion. Therefore, a coach assumes the responsibility to behave and act professionally so that he/she may rationally decide what to deliver when, how and how much. The same professionalism is inculcated in the followers as they accede to the instructions of the coach. Coaching provides the learners with an opportu nity to identify their weaknesses and discover their strengths with the guidance of the coach. Coaching is a coherent process whose various stages are sensibly linked to each other. In the initial stage of coaching, the coach tells the followers what is expected of them once they master a certain art.

Hypothetical Case Analysis (Contract Agreement) Study

Hypothetical Analysis (Contract Agreement) - Case Study Example An acceptance, therefore, is the act of the offeree of agreeing and approving the offer as it is. An offer may be responded to in 5 ways: (a) acceptance; (b) explicit rejection; (c) counter-offer, in which the offeree quotes, for example, a lower price; (d) a statement of neutrality (e.g. ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I’ll think about it’), and; (e) not answering at all (Schane 142). In the problem, at hand, Wally makes two kinds of response: (a) a statement of neutrality, viz. he will be asking his parents about it, which implied no effect on the offer, and; (b) a counter-offer to Eddie by agreeing to buy the computer at a lower price, i.e., $1000. There was no acceptance at this point but neither was there an explicit rejection. On the other hand, there is a counter-offer which needs an acceptance from Eddie. The legal effect of this letter is that even though a counter-offer is made, the original offer is left hanging, and not explicitly rejected, conditioned on the acquiescence of Wally’s offer. Assuming that there was still a valid offer by Eddie standing on July 19th, there is no binding contract between Eddie and Wally after Wally had accepted the offer through a fax on July 19 because the acceptance only validly took effect at the time it was received by Eddie which was on July 21, a day after the lapse of the period the offer is to take effect. The implication is that the revocation took effect before the acceptance, making the revocation valid. This is because under the rule of acceptance, the mailbox rule, which makes an acceptance effective the moment the offeree sends his/her acceptance, does not apply to instantaneous acceptance like fax (Miller & Jentz 181-182). An acceptance by fax, therefore, takes effect only, like all other instantaneous communication, after actual receipt of the acceptance by the offeror. Similarly, a revocation, on the other hand, takes effect only at

Marketing strategies of the Sage Gateshead Case Study

Marketing strategies of the Sage Gateshead - Case Study Example The intention of this study is Sage Gateshead as a famous centre for musical performance, education and conference situated in Gateshead on the south bank of River Tyne, which is found in the North-East of England. It began operations in 2004 although it was launched sometimes back in 1950s. The location of Sage is part of the Gateshead Quays development which encompass the BALTIC basis for modern Art and the Millennium bridge of Gateshead. The Sage Gateshead region entails a â€Å"curvy glass and stainless steel† construction modeled by Foster and associates, Buro Happold who participated as structural engineer, Arup as an acoustic and Mott Macdonald – building services, with observations from Gateshead Quayside and Newcastle, Tyne Bridge and the millennium bridge at Gateshead. The entire planning and development process cost more than 70 million pounds, money that was contributed mainly using the National Lottery grants. The main outworker was Laing O’Rourke. S age Gateshead centre has a variety of patrons, mainly the Sage Group Plc who raised a big lot of money to have the construction in their name. They have also been playing vital role in supporting generous activities of the Sage Gateshead since its outset. The research analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis). The paper also answers vital questions concerning Sage Gateshead that helps to bring out a clear image of Sage Gateshead. ... It examines its history, facts and figures about Sage Gateshead, its marketing strategy and how it outshines its strongest competitors in the region. The paper also looks at its SWOT Analysis where it examines the strongholds of the company and its weak points and threats (Furnivall, 1999). Brief History of Sage Gateshead The Sage Gatehead’s Concourse is mostly compared to a large railway station or airport fatal and the hustling and bustling crowds and absolute scale of the space under the high-ceilinged roof surely induced that idea. However, the comparison continues since to get into The Sage Gateshead is to link together with other travelers on a voyage of musical exploration that started several years ago and has several achievable destinations (Foster and Sargent, 2007). The initial departure point was the identification for opportunities for the North East people to participate in live music whether as contestants, listeners or student were extremely restricted by inade quacy of facilities of the type that were present in almost every other provinces of England. This means that North Eastern region was lugging behind in terms of entertainment and learning about musical concepts. In early 1990s, through motivation from Northern Arts and artistes, the now famous pop group of Northern Sinfonia started functioning on plans for a new performance hall (Menon, et al., 1999). They were soon joined by the folk development group, the Folk works which hastily became obvious to all who believed that what was required was â€Å"more than just a performance hall† (Mcgregor, 2008). During the same time, it was noted that the region had several young individuals interested in

Foundation of public heath open book Exam Assignment

Foundation of public heath open book Exam - Assignment Example Statistics also report high levels of cirrhosis in poverty-stricken countries, and the cause of such increased incidence rates in those places is partly due to malnutrition. Malnutrition, therefore, is an indirect cause of cirrhosis as it disrupts the immune mechanisms of the human body. Further, infections may lead to the development of cirrhosis. For instance, hepatitis non-A, non-B, or B can cause cirrhosis cases (Prasad, n.d.). Hepatitis B, non-A, or non-B are all diseases that affect the liver, and consequently lead to the development of liver cirrhosis. Studies continue to document the relationship between various agents and cirrhosis. What remains clear though is that alcohol-containing substances appear to have a more direct relationship while other factors such a disease and malnutrition aggravate cirrhosis or spur it development. The direct and indirect contributing factors are of equal importance as they are associated with a disease that does not have any treatment. Health disparities mean variations that exist between cohorts or groups of people. These variations can impact the frequency that group gets diseases, the number of people who get sick, and the frequency of mortality due to the disease. Common populations affected by health disparities include ethnic and racial minorities, rural areas’ residents, children, women, and the elderly, and people with disabilities (NIH, 2013). Health disparities mirror a deficiency of efficiency with health care systems and thus lead to unnecessary costs. Mortality ratios for cancer of the lungs are elevated for men from Ireland and Scotland. The rates are also elevated for women from the two countries. Contrarily, the rates of lung cancer are low for women as well as men in migrant groups in the UK from countries such as W Africa, E Africa, S Asia, and Caribbean (Aspinall PJ, 2004). Still on cancer, prostate cancer appears to affect more black people than

Gangs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Gangs - Essay Example They are therefore a center of violence and poor morals in a society. Many innocent lives have perished in their hands after being assaulted with firearms and crude weapons. They commit these atrocities in order to gain control of the areas they dominate and to instill fear or intimidate authorities and the general public. Gangs are now everywhere; streets, in almost all neighborhoods, schools, internet and other spheres of everyday life. In United States it has been found that of all crimes committed, gangs are responsible for 80 percent of them. This paper aims at discussing gangs, why they form and who is attracted to them and why. Gang statistics United States has a high prevalence of gang violence together with a number of its neighbors like Mexico and Brazil. Gang members totaled slightly above one million by the end of 2010 who are affiliated to more than 25,000 groups (Larence, 2010). Unfortunately, only 15 percent of the gang population is behind bars considering the waves o f crime they commit year after year in the US. Another fact is that juveniles form 40 percent while the rest are adults while more than 90 percent of all members are males with females taking an average of 8 percent. It is important to note that about 60 percent of gangs disallow female membership. Gang activities seem to be more prevalent in cities with at least 250,000 residents although gang related crimes are also high at 86 percent in those cities averaging 100,000 inhabitants (Larence, 2010). Gang formation In considering why gangs form it is important to appreciate that gangs are groups of two or more people with the intension of supporting each other in the commission of delinquent or criminal activities (Larence, 2010). These group behaviors can be lowly organized while others can be quite sophisticated as to be termed as organized criminal gangs with organized crime networks as the case is with big cities in the US. There are many reasons why gangs are formed with some bei ng more significant than others. The following are the major reasons why they are formed together with what they offer to their members. Social discrimination and rejection In the United States there is considerable ethnic and racial discrimination due to the presence of Hispanic, White, Indian and Black populations (Larence, 2010). There has been tension among these groups and gangs are formed to cater for the interests of each. Some of the interests range from the need for dominance and control of one race or ethnic group over another to offering security in neighbors. In the process gangs find themselves indulging in criminal activities of robbing and killing people from other races or ethnic origins. Members of these gangs then feel accepted for who they are and the sense of belonging tends to raise their self esteem. Acceptance is therefore what the group will offer which in turn increases the racial and ethnic gaps among people. Absence of family connection and other values Th e family unit has failed in many affluent nations with increasing divorce cases, disunity among family members, lack parental love and adult role models and disciplinarians. All people require to be loved and be respected. The current family units have failed to offer unconditional love to the youths resulting into many of them turning to gangs which acts as surrogate families. There have been many social constraints as well as economic ones

Reasearch Paper on the Book A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway Research

Reasearch on the Book A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway - Research Paper Example The work was published after Hemingway’s death and as a consequence is often considered unfinished. It was edited extensively before it was published with editors wanting the work to appear in a form which Hemingway would be proud of, rather than incomplete. It is likely that Hemingway would have written and edited the novel further had he lived. Written in simple sentences and with non-complex structure which is typical of Hemingway’s work, the book focuses on the content itself, telling a story of Hemingway as a young, often struggling, artist. Before examining the themes of the book it is important to understand how the two versions differ, as there is significant difference between the two published editions of the book. These differences can potentially blur the themes of the novel, despite the attempts of editors for both versions to stay true to Hemingway. The Restored Edition, which is the version which is being considered in this study, is an edited edition of the book which was released 45 years after the publication of the original work. The changes were made by Hemingway’s grandson, and consists of reordering of some of the stories, the restoration of some portions of the book that were cut from the original and the removal of some edits . In the forward by Sean Hemingway, he considers that the difference between the two editions is much like the differences between different versions of the Bible. There is no way of knowing what the original intent was of the author, thus both versions are different interpretations rather than one version being correct and the other not. The overarching theme of the novel which ties together the stories and the characters is that of hunger. This hunger is not just hunger in the physical sense, but also in the artistic and the emotional sense. The title of the book draws reference to this theme, suggesting that Paris itself acts in some measure to sate this hunger. Likewise, Paris can be conside red a moveable feast in the manner that the memories that are made in Paris stay with the person and influence them for the rest of their life. Paris is by many counts, a city of fantastic opportunities, of art, culture and food. Because of this, it can become a feast which one can deeply indulge in. Early in the book, the author extensively describes his physical hunger. He had given up journalism in order to focus on his art and as a consequence he had no money and little food. He spoke of the way that walking along the sidewalk one could smell the food that people were eating. He considered that being hungry was good for discipline and that it helped him to understand art. He had a clearer, sharper view when he was hungry and found that he saw beauty much clearer. At this point he is married, and hides from his wife the fact that he does not plan on eating for the day, instead telling her that he is eating out with friends. This physical hunger is not consistent across all the st ories, instead, the focus shifts to artistic and emotional senses of hunger. Throughout the stories, Hemingway wanders the city as an artist looking for inspiration and stimulation. He moves from one such event to another as if they were meals through which he is seeking to fill himself. He appears to feast on the gossip, the scandal and intrigue that surround him, using it as fuel for his writing, and for his passion.