The American Education System Essay -- Education Reform

To understand how to solve a problem, we must first understand what we are trying to fix. For example, can a carpenter without any medical experience repair a heart valve? Of course not, he or she must first obtain the proper education necessary to perform such a complex operation. The same can be said about the American education system. Throughout America’s history parents, educators, and government officials have been debating what changes must be implemented for American children to receive every opportunity possible to gain an education that will prepare them for the future. However, these cries for reform are so demanding that many times the reforms created to please the people are pushed through so fast that consequences are never completely considered. These latest cries for reform came after the annual report by Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) was released in December 2010 stating that 15-year-old American students ranked average in mathematics, reading, writing, and science (Duncan, 2010). â€Å"Average† might not be much of an alarm to many; however, when companies, such as Microsoft, have to hire software engineers from other countries to fill positions because American’s are unqualified, it brings everything to another level (Guggenheim & Chilcott, 2010). The use of standardized, multi-choice, fill in the bubble tests to hold schools accountable for what is taught within their walls has become detrimental to the education system. Standardized testing is designed for a system of equality for which the school system is not. Teachers and schools cannot be held to the same accountability as other schools when there exists no equality in them in regards to budgets, resources, qualifications of teachers, ... ...earning, to be educated by those of a greater understanding. If children are to have the ability to contribute to society, and be able to succeed in life, a proper education must be made available to them. Not an education of learning how to take tests, but one of knowledge - an education given to them that teaches them how to apply mathematics in their lives, to use the sciences to understand the world around them, and to be able to read and be enlightened by its message. The public school is a place that students should want to go, hunger to go. It should not be a place of stress or fear due to an upcoming test. It needs to be a place where all have the freedom and opportunity to learn. Standardized tests had their moment in time; now the focus needs to be turned to a more in-depth education of understanding how to apply their knowledge to their everyday lives.

Major differences between the two theories Essay

The obviously notable difference between Bandura’s social cognitive theory and Beck’s cognitive theory is the bias that each has towards behavior. For instance, Bandura’s model is more behavioral, whereas Beck’s model is inclined towards psychotherapy or seems to provide psychological solutions to problems. The social cognitive theory (by Bandura) is presented in an agentic perspective. It explains why people exhibit differences in self-organization, being proactive, participation in self-reflection, and in self-regulation (Bandura, 1986). In essence, the theory does not just show that human beings have different capabilities, it also shows that other factors such as the environment play a major role in shaping behaviorism (Bandura, 1986). The theory further describes human beings as producers as well as products of what they make (the proverb manners maketh man should be true). Bandura’s theory also gives the socio cognitive aspects of human beings, for example, why they act in particular manners and what elicits such behavior. Additionally, the theory also gives reasons why the human nature is vast in terms of capabilities and how humanity is fashioned by direct and observational experience that is integrated in a variety of forms. In contradistinction, Beck’s theory gives a picture of the phenomena underlying dysfunctional beliefs (Beck, 1976). This theory does not just describe personality, but provides solutions to psychological problems. This is achieved by the model’s blow-by-blow analysis of the casual agents of depression and how depression can be remedied (Beck, 1976). Beck’s theory seems to give mediation approach in solving psychological problems by encouraging patients to be participants of the problem solving process rather than passive and helpless respondents. Another difference between the two theories is the triad used in each of the theories, which forms the basis of the entire illustrations and discussions. Bandura’s model is a triad with behavior, environmental factors and personal determinants as the main elements. On the other hand, Beck’s cognitive model consists of behavior, antecedent events and consequences (Beck, 1976; Beck, 1998). The triads may seem to portray a similarity between the two models but in real sense they exhibit differences since the explanation of how the elements in the triads affect each other or act on their own is slightly different. For instance, in Bandura’s theory, the description of how the factors in the triad affect each other revolves around cause and effect. One of the factors, such as the environment is implied to be a cause (or a factor that determines) of behavior. Thus, there is emphasis on reciprocal determinism. On the other hand, Beck’s triadic illustration of the factors that shape personality and character is influenced by the person (self), the world and the future. In this context, it is evident that personality is affected not just by behavior but also by other events that occur in life. In fact, Beck (1976) describes the person (self) as the main source of ideas to solve depression problems with reference to the world and anticipation of a better future. Conclusion Bandura’s Cognitive Theory and Beck’s Cognitive Theory seem to have more similarities in that they describe personality and the factors shape it. Many elements described in each theory’s triad show convergence in meaning. Major differences between the two models lie in the description of the models. While Bandura’s model is inclined towards behaviorism, Beck’s model provides an explanation of psychological dysfunctions and possible remedies. References Bandura A. (2006). Psychological modeling: Conflicting theories. Chicago: Aldine Transaction. Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W. H. Freeman Company Bandura, A. (1986).Social foundations of thoughts and action: A social cognitive theory. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Professional Technical. Bandura, A. (1976) Social learning theory. New York: Prentice Hall Bandura, A. (1971). Psychological modeling: Conflicting theories. Chicago: Aldine- Atherton. Beck, A. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. New York: Guilford Press Beck, A. (1976). Cognitive therapy & emotional disorders. NY: International Universities Press. Beck, A. (1998). The Integrative Power of Cognitive Therapy. New York: Guilford Press.

Keeping Your Flower Bulbs and Garden Safe Essay - 533 Words

Growing spring flowers from bulbs can be a rewarding venture that improves your gardens aesthetic interest. That is, if the bulbs ever reach the flowering stage. If rabbits frequent your property, your hard work might be in vain. With their sharp teeth, these uninvited intruders can viciously nibble the emerging buds off various bulbs and destroy your garden. There are various things you can do to protect your spring flowers from these deceptively cute critters. Plant Undesired Bulbs Planting rabbit-resistant bulbs in your garden can keep the nibbling intruders at bay. Spring flowering bulbs that rabbits dislike include ornamental onion (Allium spp.), Daffodil (Narcissus spp.), which thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant†¦show more content†¦Bury the bottom of the fence 10 inches deep, making sure to bend it a few inches outward in a L-shape to keep rabbits from digging their way into your garden. (See References 4) Try Other Methods Other methods that you might want to try to keep rabbits from eating your spring flowers can include allowing a dog or cat to roam the garden. Flashing lights and noise-making devices might also keep the critters at bay, but isnt guaranteed to work, and unless ultrasonic, the noise can be bothersome to nearby neighbors. The unpleasant prickly texture of evergreen limbs of a Christmas tree, placed on the soil where your bulbs are buried, can also keep rabbits away. (See References 5, p. 107) Key Concepts †¢ rabbits eat flowers †¢ protecting spring flowers †¢ flower bulb protection †¢ keep rabbits out References †¢ †¢ Penn State Extension: Critter Resistant Spring Flowering Bulbs [http://extension.psu.edu/plants/master-gardener/counties/allegheny/news/2011/critter-resistant-spring-flowering-bulbs-1] †¢ The Old Farmers Almanac: Gardeners Guide to Bulbs [http://www.southwoodcommunitygarden.org/uploads/7/6/0/5/7605184/bulbguide-5081.pdf] †¢ Hicks Nurseries: Protecting plants and Bulbs from Critters [http://www.hicksnurseries.com/documents/howto/Protecting%20Plants.pdf] †¢ UC IPM Online: Rabbits [http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7447.html] †¢ Home Gardeners Problem Solver; Denny SchrockShow MoreRelatedClean and Green7078 Words   |  29 Pagesin your house can reduce indoor air pollutants by more than half. Great choices are English ivy and peace lilies, which absorb toxic gases like benzene and formaldehyde. 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