Vygotskys Sociocultural Theory and Hong Kong Essay Example

Vygotskys Sociocultural Theory and Hong Kong Essay Example Vygotskys Sociocultural Theory and Hong Kong Paper Vygotskys Sociocultural Theory and Hong Kong Paper Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory focused on the affect of the surroundings, namely the culture, peers, and adults, on the developing child. Vygotsky proposed the â€Å"zone of proximal development† (ZPD) to explain the influence of the cultural context. ZPD refers to the range of tasks which a child cannot finish alone since they are too difficult, but such tasks can be completed with guidance and aid from more-skilled individuals. The lower limit of ZPD is the level of skill that the children can reach alone, and the upper limit of ZPD is the level of skill that the children can reach with guidance from a more skilled individual, such as teachers, parents and more-skilled peers. Imagine a child is having difficulty writing book reports. With suitable aid from teachers and parents, this child can improve in writing book reports and eventually he/she can finish a detailed book report after reading on his own. In this example, the upper limit of the ZPD is to finish a book report and the assistance provided by the adults is called scaffolding. The assistance provided by the more-skilled individuals will act as a scaffolding to help the children to develop into their upper limit of ZPD. As the children are making progress, the assistance will gradually reduce and removed when the children can complete the task in their upper limit of ZPD on their own. Vygotsky also emphasized on the importance of language in a child’s development. The use of language by children to self-regulate is called private speech. According to Vygotsky, private speech, which Piaget deemed egocentric and immature, is crucial during early childhood years as children use it for planning, guiding and monitoring their actions and help them finish tasks. Vygotsky suggested that children who use private speech will be more socially competent as children must be experienced in using language to communicate with others before making the transition from external to internal speech. In the past, the main emphasis of education of Hong Kong is to get good grades in public exams, as they provide more opportunity towards success. This results in schools focusing on instructing knowledge to students like feeding chickens in a farm and doesn’t really care whether the students understand the knowledge instructed or not. This exam-oriented style of education ignores the students’ development as a whole, and generates many graduates with good grades in school and struggled in workplace. The old educational style of Hong Kong seems not to fit with Vygotsky’s theory. Nowadays, the emphasis of education in Hong Kong seems to be starting to shift from instructing knowledge to assisting students to construct knowledge. As teachers will not only instruct knowledges, but also guides students in finishing tasks such as laboratory exercises and group projects. This implies the ZPD as teachers will now try to dig students’ potential and help students to reach them. Peer mentors are also very common in secondary schools nowadays. Senior form students will volunteer or be recruited by teachers to assist junior form students to finish assignments or group projects. Cross-age mentoring is more common than same-age mentoring. Same-age mentoring will only occur in class, as students with better understanding on the subject will help explain the concepts to other students and assist them in finishing in-class assignments. The peer mentors are suggested to adjust the amount of guidance according to the progress of the tutees. This implies the scaffolding concept and that culture is important in learning as the tutees are making progress, the peer mentors will reduce the amount of assistance by allowing the tutee to think on his own. Also, the mentors can act as a guide to the tutees so that the tutees can learn from both the teachers and peer mentors. This can also stimulate thinking and the mentors can learn from tutoring as well. The idea of private speech is not very popular in Hong Kong, as children exercising it will be deemed stupid and immature, and parents will feel embarassed and think their children have mental issues. In Hong Kong, a â€Å"good† child should be quiet when working. Therefore, the use of private speech when working on tasks are not encouraged. Students in Hong Kong are now encouraged to take part in various activities such as field trips and museum visits. These activities implies the key concept of Vygotsky’s theory: the importance of culture in learning by creating simulations of real-world circumstances and help students to construct the knowledge the teacher desired. However, such activities are not very popular among Hong Kong students as they tend to think such activities as a waste of time and money. In Hong Kong, the culture emphasizes on creating good results with the least effort. This results in students attending expensive tutorials just to get desired grades and attend desired universities. It seems to me that all the effort from the Education Bureau and schools to turn an instructive, exam-oriented education ystem to a more constructive, all-rounded system are ineffective as the students consider this as redundant. It’s very common for students in Hong Kong to say things like â€Å"I prefer past papers to field trips† as past paper will help students get good grades but field trips won’t. To conclude, implications of Vygotsky’s theory can be found in traditional schools in Hong Kong. In my opinion, the key concept of Vygotsky’s theory and other social constructivists’ theory is to stimulate thin kning and construct knowledge through sociocultural activities. This can definitely help students to develop a better understanding of knowledge and stimulate all-round development as a person. However, the education system in Hong Kong, even with addition of elements to exercise Vygotsky’s theory, is still very exam-oriented. This is mainly due to the reluctance of the students and teachers. As students find these additions of elements redundant and a waste of time, some teachers may also find these additional workload is tiring and ineffective.

Business - Business Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business - Business Strategy - Essay Example The company is responsible for day to day oversight of ongoing project to track the work performance. It needs to effectively manage the vendors as well as the traders who are related to the project. General contractors provide wide range of services to the clients for a tendered fee and a possible duration of completion of the project under an authorised contract for proposed services. Contractor can charge the fees for its services by hour of work basis, by day or lump sum basis. They generally ask for payment from the clients after completion of each part of the whole project or they can charge in pre-mentioned work duration. General contractors take contracts of new project as well as renovation of an old or damaged project. For this type of services they do an effective site visit fpo0r proper understandings of the current situation of the project which is essential for the projection of required work on that project as well as to estimate the overall cost for the renovation. In the process of estimating the total cost of a project they consider the cost of required raw materials as well as the labour and other possible costs. All these are mentioned in detail in the budget. General contractors who work for government agencies are referred as prime contractor. For a business owner perspective, they hired contractor than a group of permanent employees to get the cost advantage. Contractors provide services in a competitive rate as there is also huge competition in contracting market. Apart from this, the client can release the contractor after one project and they do not need to provide training. Subcontractor Subcontractor works under main contractor and their task and obligations are assigned by the main contractor. In a complex project or a long term project, the main contractor generally hire subcontractor to complete different part of the project. Subcontractors are generally expertise of a particular type of work for project and this they are hired by the main contractor for effective completion of the total work. When a wide range of capabilities are required for a project then subcontracting become very useful. The subcontracting part of a project is generally not under the core competencies of the main contractor and for this reason it may assist to the main contractor in diversifying the overall risk and keeping costs under control. So the general contractor receives a better service from the subcontractor which it could not have provided by itself at a lower risk. Many subcontractor works for same companies which allow them to become specialised in a particular skill. In UK, there need to respond to the frequently changing environment and to service a diverse areas of the infrastructure. It has encouraged the subcontractor community for the flexible and diversified work and they have been providing specialised skills and expertise to many general contractor companies (Wrigleys Solicitors LLP, 2009). Financial Analysis for r ecommendation Table 1: Balance sheet of the company LIABILITIES Amount(?) ASSETS Amount(?) Issued(fully paid up) share Capital 200 Fixed Assets 100000 Revenue Reserves 60000 Depreciation 5000 Loans 200000 Â   95000 Overdraft 120000 Stock and work-in-progress 400000 Estimated Tax payable 20000 Debtors 100000 Trade Creditors 195000 Cash 200 Balance 595200 Â   595200 Table 2: Profit and loss statement of the company Particulars Amount(?) Amount(?) Sales

Wise Blood By Flannery OConnor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Wise Blood By Flannery OConnor - Essay Example For instance, Motes has the character of a martyr, despite spending most of his time trying to run away from God. As a child, Haze was convinced he could avoid Jesus if he avoided committing sins. When this does not seem to work, he becomes determined to convert to nothing. Motes cannot go to any place without people mistaking him for a preacher, no matter his actions. Nevertheless, the key purpose of the novel is to show that here is an exploration of repercussions of the decision made by Motes after deciding to reject God. Sin and forgiveness, as a theme is clearly depicted in almost all the characters, in the novel. When Motes pursues the new prophet, Solace Layfield, Motes rams his car and runs over him. Right before Layfield dies; he confesses his sins, including the fact that the car was stolen and asks Jesus for help. This scene serves to the give the novel a moralistic lesson. Readers learn that it is difficult to deny Christ’s salvation in both life and death; in deat h, Layfield does not resist Christ’s presence and asks for forgiveness. The idea in his mind, that, Jesus would have sacrificed his life for every sinner â€Å"in ten million deaths† (p.10), haunts Motes. Motes later comes to a conclusion that he does not believe in such beliefs as evidenced in the text; â€Å"There was already a deep black wordless conviction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ .... The author indicates that Motes soon realized that he was not supposed to watch a naked lady, let alone one in a casket, as it was sinful to do so. Motes punished himself for his actions. O’Connor also quotes for her readers, on her views on sin; â€Å"You can tell people better how terrible sin is if you know from your own personal experience.† (O’Connor 15). It is evident that the author is sending the message; sexuality is sinful. The figure of Christ is the other theme, in the novel. O’Connor informs her readers that before Motes decided to join the army, he wanted to become a preacher. Motes goes home only to avoid Jesus who appears in his mind numerous times. As the author explains, no matter what Motes does Jesus moves "†¦from tree to tree in the back of his mind, a wild, ragged figure motioning him..."(O’Connor 47). It is a figure that reminds Motes he is in dire need of salvation. Hazel Motes returns to the small town only to establish the â€Å"Church without Christ†. Hawk, a preacher in the town informs Motes that he will never run away from Jesus, but despite being told this, Motes still believes that Jesus does not exist. This is evidenced when he says â€Å"I’m going to preach a new church; the church of truth without Jesus Christ Crucified (O’Connor 28). O’Connor’s assertion of the figure of Christ is also depicted through the use of signs. When Motes drives all the way into the country, he stops and sees a sign that says â€Å"†¦Jesus Saves†. This emphasizes the fact that Motes cannot escape Jesus Christ, despites all the efforts used. The working of God’s grace in a person’s life is also another key theme in Wise Blood. O’Connor’s concept of Grace in the central character, Hazel Motes, is strongly enforced

Never Ever Give Up on Life Essay Example for Free

Never Ever Give Up on Life Essay Never ever give up on life! No matter how hard life gets. Everyday one is faced with problems, some are worse than others. Just because one thing in life goes wrong doesnt mean you are to stop and just shut the book. One is supposed to use that as a lesson and keep flipping pages on the book. God put us all on this Earth for a reason. Everyone was made to do a little or major change in this world. Throughout those obstacles we face everyday is how people will insult us and try to bring our self-esteem down to the ground. But no dont let that happen, we are beautiful so dont let anyone tell you otherwise. Relationships! Thats another thing that can mess up a lot of peoples brain. Just because your boyfriend/girlfriend left you, doesnt give you the right to take your life away. You are worth much more than that. Trust me! God created a soulmate for all of us, but its on us to go out and search for it. Dont literally mean go flirt with a thousand people but talk to others get to know them better and determine what they really mean to you and where they stand at. But like I said giving up on life because your partner left you is not a great idea for he/she is happpily going on with their life. Dont you think if they actually felt a little remorse or something they wouldve maybe came back to you or even considered to apologize or something. So my only word of advice is never ever ever give up on life regardless of how bad the circumstance is.

Use of Aphorisms in Steinbecks The Winter of Our Discontent :: essays research papers

In John Steinbeck’s classic novel The Winter of Our Discontent, one can find many general truths and principles, also known as aphorisms. Ethan Allen Hawley, the main character, seems to gift the reader with another aphorism at the turn of every page, but some of these sayings may be considered more remarkable than others. One of the more noteworthy aphorisms is a statement made by Ethan at the end of chapter 6: â€Å"To be alive at all is to have scars†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  While this may not be the theme that Steinbeck concentrates on the most, it is surely one of the most important. Ethan is the most prominent example of this, as he has suffered many misfortunes in his life. Every other mature character in the book also carries these emotional scars; scars on one’s morality, character, and soul. Perhaps what the author was trying to convey is that from the moment one is born, one knows pain and suffering. However, many of these wounds heal with time, and become the scars of the past. Ethan compares the scars that his lack of morality will bring to the scars that his failure has produced, but the truth is that these are not scars at all, but injuries that time will not heal, and conscience will only make worse. His wounds will never mend, they will weigh down on him until drastic measures must be taken to escape the constant reminders of what he has done. Ethan considers and then nearly commits suicide, but he realizes that n o matter what he has done, his daughter needs him above anything else. So he must go on living, scar after scar becoming layers upon layers of discontent on his heart.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Every human being on earth accumulates scars of this nature. From errors made in the past come forth blemishes on the soul that serve as permanent reminders of one’s mistakes, and the scars provide maps to roads not to be taken again.

Learning machine Essay

The author believes that like a learning machine the human brain is capable of adapting anything new regardless of the age of the person. This she deduces this from a number of arguments in the form of research done from different points of view but all leading to her conclusion. The author is not describing other peoples’ opinions. Rather she uses their arguments as the premises to end at the conclusion that she states at the beginning of her excerpt. The author uses information on neural plasticity from presentation done by Gregg Recanzone using animals, Merzenich Michaels’ research on â€Å"shaping the machinery of our brains† using the elderly and   Alison Gopniks’ research on plasticity of the brain using children and the connection to the logic of imagination all from the University of California. Columbia University’s Walter Mischels’ discussion on the ability to control our desires based on the imaginations we put on them and Sir Michael Rutter of King’s college made a presentation of the effects of early institutional deprivation[1]. To arrive at the conclusion, the author used the data from done research as the premises to support her conclusion. Though the author does not use the solid research data to support her argument, she uses the findings of the research as her arguments. The research was done correctly. There are various experiments done where there was need for comparison. There was physical experimenting in the case of study. The author shows only one side of the issue. The author relies on isolated researches, which makes the findings reliable. The author makes a valid conclusion form the data that was well intended for showing that indeed the plasticity and changes in the brain is a life long process. At any time, the conclusions made should be based on concrete and sound arguments. Arguments based on facts or pre-proven researches are valid arguments. To make a conclusion, one needs to provide valid arguments that are in line with the conclusion to be made. The conclusion made should therefore be in tandem with the arguments presented to make a valid conclusion. This is because there can be a situation where there are valid arguments but an invalid conclusion. In the excerpt, the author has used valid arguments in the form done researches to arrive at the conclusion made. The conclusion is also valid. In making a good argument, there should be no assumptions made. In the excerpt, the argument that uses the animal species of a monkey to relate to the human situation is challengeable. Real research in the human context would have been the best line of action in the case study. The education sector in the United States today is a very good example. In the New York Times on 6th July 2010. The unions are accusing the government for â€Å"undermining public education†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Is the conclusion right? What is the basis of their conclusion? In the National Education Association’s convention that began on Saturday, there is no one from the Obama administration is set to speak in the convection. This is despite the previous two-year addresses that the president had made to them. They claim that they have not seen the change they hoped for from the government. â€Å"Today our members face the most anti-educator, anti-union, anti-student environment I have ever experienced,† Dennis Van Roekel, president of the union, the National Education Association, told thousands of members gathered at the convention center.[2] The angered teachers are being blamed for the prevailing situations in the public schools. There is a connection in the article and except, the teachers unions are deriving a conclusion from the arguments that I have briefly summarized among the many more in the article. The concept of using valid arguments to arrive at a conclusion is utilized here. Like any other animal man is no exception to nature. Nature requires that the species adapt to survive. The human brain is the control system of the human body, this makes it the first to respond to the changes and hence give directive to the whole body in order to survive. As we grow, the rate of responsiveness to changes will decrease. The brain is an organ in the human body, all the body tissues are subjected to wear and tear and old age makes the body not able to replace the worn out tissues as fast as before. Therefore, the brain will have worn out tissues that will make it unable to adapt as first as before. BIBLIOGRAPHY Dillon, Sam.2010. Teachers’ Union Shuns Obama Aides at Convention. The New York Times July 6th, 2010. Retrieved on 6th July 2010 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/05/education/05teachers.html?_r=1&hpw Nelson, Leah.2006. A learning machine: Plasticity and change throughout life. Retrieved on July 6th, 2006 http://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/getArticle.cfm?id=2029 [1] Leah Nelson. 2006.   A learning machine: Plasticity and change throughout life. Retrieved on 6th July 2006   http://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/getArticle.cfm?id=2029   [2] Sam Dillon. 2010. Teachers’ Union Shuns Obama Aides at Convention. The New York Times 6th, July 2010. Retrieved on 6th July 2010 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/05/education/05teachers.html?_r=1&hpw

Surveillance in America - 1325 Words

Orwell had a vision of a dystopia that had no freedom. His main goal was to picture â€Å"what might society be like when his son is his age, if the injustice and suffering he had witnessed during WWII continued unchecked† (Agathocleous 7)? He was concerned for the welfare of his son. Wanting to make sure his son would grow up and not worry about things that he is given from birth. Orwell accuracy in his notions So, when asked about his dystopia Orwell’s only response was â€Å"a dark terrifying vision of a world without freedom†. (Agathocleous 7) A world without freedom is hard to imagine seeing that the majority of all living things thrive from freedom. Big Brothers tries to squelch the people of Oceania’s freedom which then causes the American†¦show more content†¦The court complimented the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 which gave the court â€Å"the power to review petitions made by telecommunication companies.† The com panies were trying to keep their customers happy. With all the new ways of being watched and spied on people were getting complaints; therefore they wanted the ability to keep all phone records from the government without due cause. The easiest most effective way to keep the records confidential was to make sure the police have a warrant to receive the records. In 1984 the Thought Police found no need for search warrants they just search and seize. There is no limit on what the Thought Police and Big brother have access to unlike the U.S. government.The prime objective of the FISC is to insure the citizens safety from terrorist attacks. Along with the court came special rules and laws they had to follow or even establish.The court had the right to stop any officer of the law from veering into the privacy of the people. Oceania had no such laws or rules. Everything was how Big Brother wants in the order and time frame of his choosing. Being completely alone can never truly be achieve d. Someone somewhere is tuning into all the things personal. No matter where, no matter the time, the person, or place constant surveillance is a guarantee. â€Å"A party member lives from birth to death under the eye of the thought police. Even whenShow MoreRelatedEssay on Government Surveillance in America2497 Words   |  10 Pagesa myriad of restrictions in surveilling common civilians--all in the name of security and efficiency. This newly-developed form of governance has been termed â€Å"The National Surveillance State.† Amongst the citizens of this country, there is a growing concern for the issue of privacy with such a pervasive form of surveillance, as they feel that they are experiencing a severe infringement on rights that they had previously considered impenetrable. 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