Lack of Connection between Educational Research and Practice Essay Example for Free

Lack of Connection between Educational Research and Practice Essay Educational research is conducted on the premise that an expansion of knowledge in the area of classroom teaching should automatically lead to improvements in the classroom, not only with respect to teaching styles but also the academic progress of students. All the same, this enhancement of knowledge is not always welcomed by teachers (Kennedy, The Connection). According to Mary M.  Kennedy, the author of â€Å"The Connection between Research and Practice,† teachers may fail to apply new knowledge based on research for the following reasons: (1) The research is not authoritative or convincing enough to move teachers to alter their practices; (2) The teachers find it difficult to directly apply the new knowledge because they consider it irrelevant to their particular concerns or questions on the subject of teaching; (3) The research findings may not have been communicated in an understandable way; and (4) It is impossible for the educational system to accept the changes entailed by new research-based knowledge (Kennedy, The Connection). G.  Reid Lyon, the Chief of the Child Development and Behavior Branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, expresses dismay at the lack of connection between educational research and practice: Scientific research can inform beginning reading instruction. We know from research that reading is a language-based activity. Reading does not develop naturally, and for many children, specific decoding, word recognition, and reading comprehension skills must be taught directly and systematically. We have also learned that preschool children benefit significantly from being read to. The evidence suggests strongly that educators can foster reading development by providing kindergarten children with instruction that develops print concepts, familiarity with the purposes of reading and writing, age-appropriate vocabulary and language comprehension skills, and familiarity with the language structure. †¦One hopes that scientific research informs beginning reading instruction, but it is not always so. Unfortunately, many teachers and administrators who could benefit from research to guide reading instructional practices do not yet trust the idea that research can inform their teaching (Lyon). The lack of connection between educational research and practice astounds many researchers. Even so, this lack of connection is sometimes approved by researchers. In the case of reading, for example, there are researchers who perceive that theories are â€Å"neither practical nor profitable† given that reading is â€Å"a complex phenomenon (Calfee and Drum 183). † These researchers even assume that â€Å"theoretical analysis is unnecessary, if not impossible† in this area (Calfee and Drum 183). Thus, there appears confusion with regards to applying educational research in the classroom. Seeing that the educational researchers do not always agree amongst themselves, it is unsurprising that teachers find it hard to understand new research-based knowledge before they can apply it. Teachers may not only disagree with educational researchers, but they also disagree with education reformers that base their ideals on current educational research after sifting through the disagreements among researchers (Kennedy, Reform Ideals). Research suggests that the teaching practice is strongly influenced by the values of the teachers themselves (Aguirre and Speer; Brickhouse). In other words, teachers may simply disagree with educational research that blatantly conflicts with their beliefs about their practice. According to Argyris and Schon, such is the difference between â€Å"espoused theories† and â€Å"theories in use. † Despite the advice of researchers as well as reformers, teachers may simply find it impossible to apply educational research in the classroom when their own beliefs conflict with the ideals of others. Kennedy has experienced the conflict between teacher practice and expectations while teaching in a different culture. Working in Thailand, without immediately appreciating the practice of teaching expected in the new culture, she was rather confused about the method of teaching that she was expected to adopt. She believed that she was right in her teaching style; however, the expectations of the Thai school administrators and students differed. â€Å"It took me a long time to adjust my practice to accommodate their expectations,† she wrote later (Kennedy, Learning to Teach). Of course, if she had failed to adjust, she would have found it difficult to succeed in the new culture as a teacher. Educational research is meant to influence teacher practice (Kennedy, Means and Ends). Nevertheless, resistance to change is a reality that must be confronted by all organizations, whether they are academic in nature or purely for profit. Teachers may believe that a certain educational finding is irrelevant to their concerns or questions about teaching. Still, the real reason why teachers do not always apply current educational research in the classroom is that they believe that their own practices are correct at any given time. In spite of Kennedy’s focus on the connection between educational research and practice, it took her a â€Å"long time to adjust† to a new culture of schooling. Given that educational research is growing by leaps and bounds nowadays, it is but natural for other teachers also to take a long time to adjust to new knowledge in the classroom. Change may sometimes be imposed upon the teachers, as in the case of new technologies that must be adopted in our times in a large number of schools around the globe (Bell, Codde and Bell). When change is not imposed upon the teachers, it is difficult for them to decide on the kinds of changes to adopt and disregard. According to a website on education: Educational research is potentially a great resource for supporting learner-centered practices, but there is a disjuncture between the worlds of the educational researcher and the practitioner (whether faculty member, instructional technologist, or learning designer). A few ears ago at the International Conference on Learning Sciences held in Ann Arbor, keynote speaker Linda Roberts commented on a 500+ page proceeding, saying This is fabulous, relevant, and meaningful work the only problem is: no one who needs it is going to read it. That is, there is not much of a bridge between research and practice (â€Å"Bridging Teaching and Learning Research and Practice†). Educational research has consistently focused on student-centered practices. Nonetheless, the constantly growing amount of research is expected to bewilder teachers about the appropriate teaching styles to adopt at any given time. The adoption of new technologies was considered necessary change. In cases where change is not considered urgent, however, there is bound to remain a wide gap between educational research and teacher practice. As mentioned previously, even educational researchers disagree about the kinds of changes that must be considered relevant or irrelevant. Hence, teachers are left with no choice but to take â€Å"a long time to adjust. † Teachers may additionally choose not to adjust to new knowledge. This is because the teacher’s values are imperative in the classroom. His or her belief system may not concede to a certain change in teaching style. Besides, change is often very difficult to adjust to. Hence, the lack of connection between educational research and practice is unavoidable in reality.

Ishmeal and Maya Angelou :: essays papers

Ishmeal and Maya Angelou There are many different views on how people should live our lives. All of these different philosophies come from many different places. They come from religions, people's cultures, and their morals that they have been taught. People live by these rules they were brought into from the day they are born and do not question them. In "A Rock, A River, A Tree", by Maya Angelou and Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn, both attempt to show how humans should live their lives and survive in a community. There way of changing the world is to convince readers to stand up and speak out about how to save the world. Daniel Quinn specificly helps readers to see that our lives are governed by matured laws that humans refuse to acknowledge-- this causing their, our destruction. In Ishmael Daniel Quinn sets the idea of having to think differently by having the book being told my a man who's teacher is a talking Gorilla. The Gorilla's name is ironicly Ishmael. Ishmael teaches captivity which he has been in his whole life and has mastered. As a Gorilla he has a totally different view on the world. He states in many ways that he believes that we must stand up for saving the world. In the beginning of the book Ishmael is talking about Germany before and during World War Two. He talks about how everyone followed the story if they believed in it or not "because the people around you made you captive" by the story by believing in it. Behind that story is another one the makes your mind think that maybe if that one person did stand a few people would realize that it was wrong and stand up too, and maybe the WWII or the holocaust would have never happened. Later in the book they are working on why people are knowingly destroying the world and doing nothing about it . Ishmael tries to explain that they "try not think too searchingly about the world they're leaving their children to cope with." He says that they are "pacified" about the subject. This is Quinn's way of using a scare tactic on the readers, to make us believe we are brain washed and need to rebel. Later in the book there is another story about how men kept jumping off from the edge of a cliff with a flying contraption, believing it will work all the way up until they hit the ground, think in the way that they "made it this far without a scratch".

Major Assignment

This assignment must be done in pairs; individual assignments will not be accepted. Preferably. You must select a person from within your tutorial group as your assignment partner. 3. Your assignment MUST be word processed. Hand written assignments will NOT be accepted. 4. Ensure that your names, ID No's, tutor's name and tutorial day and time are stated clearly on the cover page, which can be downloaded from Model. 5.A penalty of 10% will be deducted each day or part thereof that the assignment s late. Check late assignment policy. 6. Use proper in text referencing, footnotes and a bibliography. Popularized/copied assignments will be awarded a ZERO (O) mark, 7. 8. 9. Font size of 12 should be used with single line spacing. Word limit for this assignment is 1500 words. All answers will have to be submitted into TURN-IT-IN on model on the due Case Article: Read â€Å"Whininess seeks mining lease extension† by Archon Ala, Fiji Sun 5th March, 2013. [A copy of the article is attac hed on next page] RequiredCompile a based on the following questions, in light of reading the case article and relevant readings. In writing your answers, you may provide quotes from the article to support your answer. Assume that you and your partner have been appointed as consultants and have been requested by the investors of Asia Pacific Resources Limited to provide them a business report in regards to the following: * Explain which underlying ‘accounting assumption' is managing director Mathew Hugging most concerned about and the reasons for his concerns.I * â€Å"For the investors, the Government and the landowners the only way in which to earn income from Whininess is by operating the mine. † * Clearly explain how each party would earn income from the Whininess mine. I * Evaluate whether ‘exploration costs' for mining companies' are assets? Why or why not? I * Evaluate whether the land on which the Whininess Mine sits, is an asset of Asia Pacific Resources Limited or the landowners. * * Evaluate whether the company would have a liability in regards to the damages to the environment as a result of mining.

UK Trade Relations Report - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 8 Words: 2297 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Economics Essay Type Research paper Did you like this example? Sales Strategy We aim to strengthen our sales by establishing close liaison with potential clients. We will kick-start by proposing free consultation with regards to overall cost, delivery and service. Also, we intend to disseminate our management teams vast experience both with German gift manufacturers and artisans, as well as our expertise regarding the trade environment so as to attract our targeted segments of the market. Sales Forecast Sales rely on the various contracts that the business is likely to acquire in the two market segments. Revenue includes three sources: a commission rate charged from clients as per the dollar amount of the goods traded or moved, a projected average cost and lastly, an undisclosed profit margin. A strong rate of growth is expected at the commencement of the business activity. The statistics below present the expected financial position over the next three years: Side by side, the company will initiate and maintain an expensive marketing campaign, which will guarantee maximum visible presence of the business in its targeted market. Following is an outline of the marketing strategies as well as the objectives of the company. Marketing Objectives à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Developing a website having companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s name and contact information with online directories so as to ensure an active online presence à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Establishing effective relationships with reta ilers, wholesalers, and distributors, both in the domestic as well as international markets Marketing Strategies In order to materialize a high inventory turnover, the company intends to incorporate several traditional and experimental sales as well as marketing strategies. The Import Export Company will advertise campaigns through internet, print as well as electronic media, public relations and word of mouth referrals. In addition to these propagating techniques, the company intends to develop strong communication and contacts with domestic and international trade brokers at the very start of the business. This will eventually create a strong network of brokers that will immediately start to divest product inventories. Mr Doe, having had extensive experience contacts in the industry will use this existing network of brokers to source products on behalf of the company. The companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s management aims to use a full-fledge marketing campaign in order to increa se its sales. This campaign will involve search engine optimization technique, which will enable the company to increased visibility when certain key-words related to import and export are typed in the search bars of major search engines. The companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s website too will be designed very carefully so that it showcases companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s operations, product lines, policies about trade and carrying items, as well as information on how to become a trade partner with the company. Organizational Plan and Personnel Summary Corporate Organization Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "UK Trade Relations Report" essay for you Create order Management Personnel The main officers forming the backbone of our company are, President Mr. Ali, Head of Exports Mr. Hassan, and Head of Imports -Mr. Umar, all of whom graduated with honors from the University of London,with a bachelors degree in Marketing in 2012. Such a qualified management makes it possible for the company to have strong capabilities and leadership in all aspects of trade relations, contracting, logistics, and selling. Financial Plan Underlying Assumptions The annual revenue growth rate of the Import Export Company will be 16% The owner will get $125,000 of the total debt funds for development purposes of the business The acquired loan will have a 10-year term, with an interest rate of 9% Sensitivity Analysis There is no doubt about the fact that the companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s revenues will be affected by changes in the global economy. These changes mainly include the varying fluctuations of currency. However, since the business will function as both an importer as well as exporter of products, the effects of the tug of war between weak dollar vs. strong dollar are likely to cancel out each other. The Business Opportunity As far as UKà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s trading industry is concerned, domestic investment and overseas trade are vital for its prosperity. This is the reason that the government, through its trade and investment policies, seeks to help UK businesses in succeeding overseas and also encourage international companies to work with UK-based businesses. In order to create new markets and trading opportunities, thereby keeping the trade market alive and working, the government is also working to remove trade barriers. This will also enable equal acce ss to markets for both the suppliers and consumers. In this way à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" ensuring market access on fair terms and keeping markets active and open à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" makes it possible for the rules-based international trading system to thrive effectively. Trade partnerships with countries outside EU can pose challenges in the form of long distances and communication problems arising due to the difference of languages and business environment. Nevertheless, it can also bring with it a wide array of valuable business opportunities. The UK has a vast network of trade relations with non-EU countries, and is ever-interested in to do business in open markets that comply with the World Trade Organisationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s (WTO) rules. Therefore, it seeks to resolve issues of trade barriers through its own efforts as well as EUà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s help. As far as open markers are concerned, it takes EUà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s help in negotiating commitments that are legally approv ed by the WTO or seeks to contract bilateral trade agreements. Aiding material as well as practical support is available to help a budding company find business opportunities, trade missions, market information, financial support, as well as advice on custom duties, tax, and trade (international) paperwork. The guide given below presents a summary of the support and opportunities a business can take due advantage of when trading in international markets of the Commonwealth, American and the Asian and Pacific regions. Trade Opportunities Key Sectors UK Trade Investment has distinguished several number of export opportunities that UK businesses can engage with in the following sectors: Food and Drink Education Electronic Healthcare Systems Renewable Energy Biotechnology Security UK Trade Relations with the Commonwealth The Commonwealth refers to a diverse group that includes 53 countries, comprising of developed, developing and the least developed countries (LDCs). It includes both large countries, such as India, as well as small island nations. Markets of these countries offer a plethora of trade opportunities for UK in almost all sectors, including, agriculture and Information Technology. In the case of developing countries and LDCs, you can bid for contracts that are funded by aid agencies. For Commonwealth countries, you can do business through subcontracting to larger businesses that are already involved in trading with these countries. The UK as well as EU has close relations with the Commonwealth. Both the UK and the Commonwealth approve of the benefits that come with reducing trade barriers, however, the Commonwealth also works to ensure that the developing countries are not unfairly made to face competition from larger, developed and rich er countries. The Commonwealth privileges its member countries, including UK, through preferential trade access. Commonwealth countries also constitute many regional trading groups named as follows: Africa, Caribbean and Pacific countries (having a trade and aid agreement with theEU) the North American Free Trade Agreement the Association of South East Asian Nations the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas the African Union the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation Trade agreements also exist between most of these organizations, EU and the UK. You can easily procure information with regards to developments in trade policy from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). For country profiles, business opportunities, trade missions and exhibitions, you can get in touch with UK Trade Investment (UKTI). Also, UKTI offers support and assistance to small businesses. UK Trade Relations with the US For UK businesses, the US is the main overseas investment market as well as export market. The US market is quite diverse because the country has many states and regions and it also constitutes a free trade area with Mexico and Canada. The USà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s business culture and several other practical facets of living and working are different from those of UK. Therefore, it would be easier and more cost-effective to work with those UK businesses that are already involved in trading with the US or US businesses that are already established in the UK. A notable change in USà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s trade policy has recently taken place, according to which climate changes need to be prioritized. This has created new business opportunities with respect to environmental systems and products. The UK and US also share bilateral trade relations and in 2007, theEUand US created the TransAtlantic Economic Council (TEC), that comprised of business forums, while legislators and consumers used this platform to promote open trade. UK Trade Relations with Canada After the US, the UK is categorized as Canadaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s second biggest trading partner in the world. The government signs contracts bilaterally, as well as through the Commonwealth and theEU. Trading with Canada brings several advantages with it; thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s no language difference, the business culture is familiar and the number of UK businesses established in Canada is considerably high. Also, in the exporting arena, UK products have the advantage of preferential tariffs, granted to them by the Commonwealth agreements. This gives UK businesses advantage over businesses of otherEUcountries. Canada and theEUare also currently involved in negotiating an agreement with regards to an economic partnership. The strongest sectors of UK-Canada trade are technology, science and clinical research. Opportunities also exist in the sectors of oil and chemicals, media services and engineering. You could benefit from the additional opportunities offered by the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and the 2012 Olympic Games in London. UK Trade Relations with the North America Free Trade Agreement Area There exist manifold trade opportunities for UK businesses in the markets of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which include US, Mexico and Canada. The UK has bilateral trade relations with these three countries, both on an individual basis as well as through EU. There are already many UK business trading and investing with the NAFTA countries. It would be preferable, both in terms of convenience and economic feasibility, for you to start trade in collaboration with these businesses. Also, the NAFTA countries, in an attempt to combat climate change, offer business opportunities in the environmental market as well. It is necessary for you to acquaint yourself with NAFTA rules if you wish to trade within this region. NAFTAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s regional market is quite intricate and integrated. Also, much of the manufacturing market has been shifted to Mexico sinceNAFTAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s inception in 1994. Resultantly, Mexico has seen rising prosperity and developme nt of its consumer market. One third ofthe NAFTAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s trade is concentrated in the sectors of energy, automotive and agriculture. These sectors and the resulting trade, however, have been adversely affected because of the current economic crisis. Also, NAFTAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s trade benefits have been unevenly spread among the three countries, all of which want to revise certain parts of the agreement. These three countries also involved in bilateral free trade with other countries. For example, Mexico and EU have a free trade agreement, while negotiations between Canada and EU are still in process. The US and the EU also have a free trade agreement. UK Trade Relations with the Free Trade Area of the Americas The Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) comprises a total of 34 member countries. This means that there is a vast range of different economies involved, which would create numerous business opportunities for UK companies. There are also several industries in these countries, also imposing several national laws on businesses. Themember countries of FTAA, including some Caribbean islands and all of the Americas, are working to create a free trade area, which includes the North American Free Trade Agreement as well. The working groups ofFTAAare currently working on the following nine trade issues: Services Agriculture Market access Government procurement Dispute settlement Investment Intellectual property Subsidies, countervailing and anti-dumping duties Competition policy Special committees have also been created to take care of: Participation of civil society Smaller economies Institutional issues E-commerce TheFTAAkeeps its Hemispheric Customs and Tariff Database for market access updated. In addition to delivering country information and contacts to national governments, the FTAA also works with regional development banks, for example, the Inter-American Development Bank. The UK and FTAA countries have bilateral relations. The UK also becomes a part of EUà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s bilateral relations with these individual countries and also its negotiations on a region-to-region basis so that a trade co-operation agreement could be developed with theFTAA. UK Trade Relations with Asia and Pacific The UK and individual Asian and Pacific countries have a bilateral trade relationship. These countries present a variety of business opportunities, including basic and high-tech industry and services. Aid-funded trade also exists between these countries and the UK. The Asian and Pacific countries comprise of small islands and LDCs, including Bangladesh, and also major economies like China, Japan and India. Smaller but sophisticated economies like Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia and South Korea also exist in this region. Recently, bilateral government discussions were held between the UK andTaiwan, China, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Korea. The UK, through the Commonwealth and the EU, also indulges in regular trade contacts with countries of the Asian and Pacific region. EU has region-to-region as well bilateral agreements with several Asian and Pacific countries. The most strengthened of these is with members (the Pacific island) of the Cotonou Agreement on Trade and A id. There are dialogues going on in this respect with China and Japan as well. Also, free trade agreements are currently being negotiated with the Association of South East Nations (ASEAN), Korea, and India. Aid and trade agreements are also being made with the Central Asian countries of the Caucasus. Through the EU, the UK also takes part in region-to-region co-operation in trade and consistent contacts with the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC), ASEAN, and the Asia-Europe Meeting.