Aproaches to learning †Theories of learning styles and learning strategies Essay

Kolb (1984), in introducing the idea of the experiential learning cycle and of learning styles, defines learning as the process whereby â€Å"knowledge is created through the transformation of expertise†. He suggests that ideas are not fixed but are formed and modified through current and past experiences. His learning cycle consists of four stages; completing each stage is important to improve learning in the next stage : Active Experimentation (The learner actively uses the theories formed and also tries them in new situations. The latter takes him back to the start of the cycle. ) – Concrete Experience (The learner is encouraged to become involved in new experiences. ) – Reflective Observation (The learner reflect on his experience from different perspective. Enough time and supportive feedback is helpful in this stage. ) – Abstract Conceptualisation (The learner forms ideas and logical theories. ) Of course, not everyone acts in the same way, some prefer considering all possible alternatives whilst others like trying out as much as possible. Hence, Kolb associated four learning styles with his learning cycle: the Converger, who applies ideas in a practical way, the Accommodator, who carries out plans and tasks involving him in new experiences, the Diverger, who has good imagination and ideas, and finally the Assimilator, who creates theoretical models. Kolb also points out that learning styles are not fixed personality traits but relatively stable patterns of behaviour. Based on Kolb’s model Honey and Mumford (1992) developed a similar model with new terms for Kolb’s learning preferences (Honey and Mumford terms in brackets): Active Experimentation (Activist) – Concrete Experience (Pragmatist) – Reflective Observation (Reflector) – Abstract Conceptualisation (Theorist) According to Honey and Mumford four learning styles can be distinguished: the Activist, the Pragmatist, the Reflector, and the Theorist: Activist’s strengths: – Acting quickly; interested in actually doing things – Putting ideas into action Activist’s weaknesses – Lack of planning and attention to detail – Unlikely to consider many alternatives Pragmatist’s strengths – Integrating theory and practice. – Testing things out to get correct solutions Pragmatist’s weaknesses – Lack of imagination – Impatient – Not interested in concepts and theories Reflector’s strengths: – Collecting data from variety of sources – Reflecting on experiences Reflector’s weaknesses: – Needs a lot of time before he is able to start – Dislike precise instructions Theorist’s strengths – Creating theoretical models – Paying attention to detail and systematic analysis Theorist’s weaknesses – Overcautious – Relies on logic and usually does not trust feelings – Needs a stated purpose. Honey and Mumford developed a Learning Styles Questionnaire to be used as a checklist to identify one’s learning preference. Kolb states the combination of all four learning forms produces the highest level of learning by allowing more powerful and adaptive forms of learning to emerge. But still, there is the danger of labelling people as ‘theorists’ or ‘pragmatists’ although most people exhibit more than one strong preference. To overcome this problem other theorists, e. g. Schmeck (1988) and Entwistle (1998), use the expression ‘learning strategy’ which also includes personal traits. According to them people can not be labelled because they usually react flexibly on learning, depending on the expected outcome: A student may read a book about the British history because he is actually interested in or because he needs to read it to pass an exam. Either way involves learning, but in the second case the student is unlikely to take notes about facts he is interested in but those the tutor may ask. Bibliography: Bendrey, M. et al (1996), Accounting and Finance in Business. London: Continuum. Cottrell, S. (2003) The Study Skills Handbook. New York: Palgrave Macmillian. Entwistle, N. (1998) Styles of Learning and Teaching. London: David Fulton Publishers. Brown, R. and Hawksley, B. (1996) Learning skills, studying styles and profiling. Dinton: Mark Allen Publishing. Honey, P. and Mumford, A. (1992) The manual of learning styles, Maidenhead: Peter Honey Publications Ltd. Honey, P. and Mumford, A. (2000) The learning styles helper’s guide. Maidenhead: Peter Honey Publications Ltd. Kolb, D. A. (1984) Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.

A short history in bioinformatics Essay

Due to the influx of information from numerous research studies conducted by scientists under the coverage of Molecular Biology, the ongoing process has fueled the need for the development of a system that shall be able to organize and collate information – that is, Bioinformatics. From Tiselius’ design of the process of electrophoresis, to the development of the alpha-helix by Pauling and Corey, and consequently the improvement of Pauling and Corey’s model to the double-helix by Watson and Crick, developments on protein crystallography, the creation of the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network or ARPANET, the creation of molecular models, and so on, these various events and situations were taken collectively developing the need and recommendation for the creation of a model or framework that will handle information simultaneously, efficiently, and reliably. (Sadek, 2004) From the developments and discoveries of new information based on the processes and techniques employed in the field of Molecular Biology, supported by the attention and interest granted to computers and technology during the eighties because of the dawn of the era of technology, the role of Bioinformatics was realized, emphasized, and consequently developed. Scientists, as well as various organizations, industries, academic institutions, and such, have continued to develop and improve Bioinformatics. The results constitute the engineering of various applications or softwares since the concept of Bioinformatics was framed during the seventies. Each program or application that was structured were designed to carry out multifarious and specific tasks and responsibilities including DNA sequencing or mapping, the organization of data according to priorities, use, needs, concerns, problems, etc. Some of these applications or softwares include the PC/GENE, PROSITE, SEQANALREF, etc. (Agarwal, 200-) At present time, Bioinformatics continue to evolve and develop as man consciously obtains more complex information and experience developments from previous knowledge and established theories or concepts. In addition, as numerous problems and conflicts related to Biology and its practical application including lessons or concepts arise, Bioinformatics as a practical and essential field in Science and Technology will continue to look for solutions in order to address these concerns. The changing landscape of society, particularly its move from traditionalism and individualism to modernization and globalization, influences changes and transformations in Bioinformatics. BIOINFORMATICS: Molecular Biology, Computer Science, IT, and Statistics In order to deeply understand how Bioinformatics work, we need to go over the structure and features of the subfields that it constitutes, such as Molecular Biology, Computer Science, IT, and Statistics. Molecular Biology is a branch of Science that deals with the analysis of various molecules within living things in general. Various types of cells from man, animals, and plants are studied and analyzed in order to determine molecular compositions, and consequently learn determine their structures and compositions, their reactions to other molecules and substances found within living things, their functions and contributions to human life, or life in general including plants and animals, and so on. Molecular Biology also studies Deoxyribonucleic Acid or DNA compositions of living things as they contribute knowledge and information on Genetics. This particular aspect focuses on structuring how molecules reproduce through DNA replication within a cell. (Hyman, 2003) Computer Science and IT are both products of the fusion between Science and Technology. They function because of the build-up of information that constitutes Molecular Biology for the purposes of quantifying and qualifying facts and data into meaningful sequences, models, or formations that may be interpreted, analyzed, and synthesized. Some of the specific contributions of Computer Science and IT include the storage, construction, and reconstruction of DNA sequences, a thorough genome analysis by accessing various related information in databases managed by IT, the construction of graphic organizers or visual representations of information for clarity and direct presentation of facts, the timely and efficient transfer and receipt of information across databases and information systems, and the collation of variable information about protein sequences. (Keedwell & Narayanan, 2005) Statistics, as a mathematical and scientific approach to analyzing and interpreting data, contributes to Bioinformatics by allowing scientists to test the weight or magnitude of information and provide quantifiable data that may be interpreted according to established standards or guidelines. Information, facts, or data, obtained through experiments and consequently, the findings obtained by molecular biologists from thorough analysis and evaluation an in depth research studies are labeled with values leading to the formulation of estimates, predictions, or likelihoods of the occurrence of various phenomena. Moreover, Statistics is important in allowing computers and various technologies to determine how facts or data are to be translated in order to arrive at scientific conclusions of generalizations. (Ramsden, 2004) By and large, the unique features and contributions of these fields in Science, Technology, and Mathematics, meld together in order to build the foundations of Bioinformatics. Information from Molecular Biology are utilized and transformed to numerical data through Statistics, and both informational statements and figures are stored in computers and other technologies including IT systems or processes, IT functions, standards, guidelines, etc. for easy access and retrieval, synthesis, analysis, and interpretation, and are consequently managed through IT systems and processes. BIOEDIT BioEdit is a software application made available for Windows Operating Systems that is used to reconstruct how DNA, nucleic acids, and amino acids are arranged in order to follow the superlative sequence of these substances based on rules and standards derived from previous studies and analyses by molecular biologists and geneticists. Aside from these functions, BioEdit also runs to provide users with graphic simulators that construct drawings or illustrations, chartings and mappings, etc. , BLAST searches, and alignments. (Salemi & Vandamme, 2003 and Tsai, 2002)

Gender inequalities in the workplace Research Paper - 1

Gender inequalities in the workplace - Research Paper Example Although it is evident that there have been significant gains in the workplace regarding equality in recent times, it is also evident that progress, to ensure equality, has stalled or slowed down. Despite being more than five decades since the idea of empowering women to participate in all the key sectors of the economy was born, it is evident that women face issues related to sexism in their workplace. In effect, this has had an effect of slowing down the gains achieved in ensuring equality. In the United States, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was one of the instruments that contributed to the participation of women in the workplace. This article not only prohibits discrimination due to gender, but also prohibits discrimination of people from the workplace based on their origin and religion (Gregory 1). Inadvertently with the advent of Title VII, it is evident that the world witnessed sweeping changes in the economic and social trends, which enhanced the participation of women in the workplace with the statistics increasing ever since. In the contemporary world, the United States continues to witness women rising in positions of power and their elevation to professional and corporate levels that were previously not fathomed. Despite all these achievements, various issues continue to underline inequality in the workplace. Sex discrimination in the workplace and other key areas of the economy might have subsided although it has not ended. Commenting about the participation and discrimination of women in the workplace, Abrams noted, â€Å"The present day finds us not at the end of the path, but navigating a crucial bend in the road† (1183). In this regard, women have realized that they have made substantial gains in the workplace although there are factors that inhibit their participation in the workplace. In line with this, it is crucial to point out that today’s woman can secure

Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 13

Research - Essay Example The study also evaluated the effects of oral healthcare on intracranial pressure. Data was collected from 45 intubated patients who were admitted in ICU for 1 year. The data was collected using oral assessment guide and oral cultures during intubation and then 2 days after extubation. Occurrence of intracranial pressures linked to oral care and ventilator-associated pneumonia were then recorded. According to the findings, oral health of critically ill neuroscience patients deteriorates during intubation and then improves to baseline levels in two days after extubation. This is because intubation leads to an increase in yeast and oral gram-negative bacteria. Among the patients checked in, around 24% of them had cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia (Prendergast et al., 2009). Among those examined, overall intracranial pressure decreased significantly after oral healthcare. Oral health among NICU patients deteriorates in the course of intubation and improves after extubation. The level of oral health deterioration depends on time taken during intubation. The longer the intubation time, the more the oral health deteriorates. In addition to this, when patients are subjected to intubation, their health seems to deteriorates regardless of the nature of their sickness (Prendergast et al., 2009). Intubation contributes to aggravation of oral health among neuroscience patients in intensive care units. However, implementation of oral healthcare does not seem to influence intracranial pressure negatively. Oral care needs to be explored in order to promote systemic and oral health of neuroscience patients in intensive care units and determine its impact on ventilator-associated pneumonia. Nurses should examine the oral cavity of patients every eight hours followed up by suctioning to remove secretions. The nurse should then brush the patient teeth using an antiseptic like chlorhexidine. The mouth should then be rinsed using sterile water. It is important to

It is believed globalisation is beneficial but only for the developed Essay

It is believed globalisation is beneficial but only for the developed world it is an evil concept for the underdeveloped world. Comment on this statement - Essay Example s, not only in traditional international trade in goods and services, but also in exchanges of currencies; in capital movements; in technology transfer; in people moving through international travel and migration; and in international flows of information and ideas. Globalization has involved greater openness in the international economy, an integration of markets on a worldwide basis, and a movement toward a borderless world, all of which have led to increases in global flows. Michael D. Intriligator’s paper (2001) indicates several sources of globalization over the last several decades. One such source has been technological advances that have significantly lowered the costs of transportation and communication and dramatically lowered the costs of data processing and information storage and retrieval. A second source of globalization has been trade liberalization and other forms of economic liberalization that have led to reduced trade protection and to a more liberal world trading system. A third source of globalization has been changes in institutions, where organizations have a wider reach, due, in part, to technological changes and to the more wide-ranging horizons of their managers, who have been empowered by advances in communications. A fourth reason for globalization has been the global agreement on ideology, with a convergence of beliefs in the value of a market economy and a free trade system. A fifth reason for globalization has been cultural developments, with a move to a globalized and homogenized media, the arts, and popular culture and with the widespread use of the English language for global communication. It must be understood that globalization has clearly changed the world system and that

Proposal & Annotated Bibliography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Proposal & Annotated Bibliography - Essay Example major aspect consisting of the effects of the potentially more economical and eco-friendly cars, including hybrid supercars, hybrid everyday cars, and electrical cars. Week 8: Find and visit any local manufacturers of new generation cars where I will ask questions about the relevant details regarding the environmental friendliness of the cars. Annotate the bibliography. This book is very essential for my research on the new generation of cars purposefully because it is the seventh report that the National Research Council has carried with the aim of creating more partnerships for the new generation of cars. Prospects indicate that the book composes of concrete data based on the progress of automobile programs and gives the reader more than just insights into the subject. As such, it will facilitate my research given that it has corporative research findings and developmental programs from the largest manufacturers of cars such as Ford Motor Company and General Motors. This review offers greater knowledge into the concepts behind the ongoing hybridization of the automobile world. In its preview, the book considers the essence of providing readers and researchers a base for advent knowledge on where these manufacturers of hybrid cars get their financial support. Additionally, the book offers an interdisciplinary nature of hybrid electric cars, which fall under the category of the new generation cars. With a wide range of findings and observations made and documented by very competent researchers from the National Research Council, this book offers a structural composition of the measures the users of the new generation of cars have to consider when using them. With that respect, this book is essential for this research, as it will provide a basis for understanding the level of eco-friendliness offered by these new generations of cars. Perhaps unwittingly, the tagline of this book makes it understandable that the new generation of cars requires to be not only

The Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Vietnam War Soldiers Essay

The Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Vietnam War Soldiers - Essay Example exposure to a traumatic event, and is re-experiencing that traumatic event; also showing or exhibiting signs of avoidance to certain stimuli, an increased arousal in particular situations, and presenting with symptoms which are present for more than 1 month, of which there is clinical significance with a diagnosis of functional distress or impairment (Jenkins 2003, pg. 10). Vietnam Veterans have suffered for years with this disorder but there was a time where they suffered in isolation and received barely any recognition from the medical world with regard to having a legitimate mental illness and needing help (Beall 1997, pg. 917). Now however, in current day there is obvious attention to this type of mental disturbance and soldiers who have gone and not received therapy in the past are now getting significant amounts of quality care in order to try and bring back some sense of decency and good in their lives. There is still a lot of study that needs to be given to this mental illness but many questions have been solved through much of the research in the past and present that has been carried out. The history of PTSD was initially identified during the Viet-Nam era although instances of it existed before then. Both American soldiers and Vietnamese soldiers suffered and do still suffer with PTSD in their lives. Not only were the soldiers affected mentally by the brutality of the war but an estimated 50% of Vietnamese families, including children have been defined as showing signs of PTSD throughout the years, especially during the Viet-Nam War period. Young (1995) states that those who were directly exposed to much of the fighting in Viet-Nam, either due to being a Vietnamese female in a village or a child, it is feasible to assume that they still suffer with involuntary symptoms of traumatic stress that is related to what transpired in Viet-Nam. For the American soldiers there have been many signs and noticeable warning symptoms of the onset of PTSD