Mastering Mathematical Facts Essay Example for Free

Mastering Mathematical Facts Essay The basis for success in elementary mathematics is mastering basic facts which mean that a student should acquire the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide basic numbers automatically (O’Connell, 2009). Regardless the importance thereby attached, it is very hard to dismiss the relationship between mental computation of basic facts and the memorizing power of a student. The strategies-based approach emphasizes mostly on developing mastering skills from the natural informal knowledge that the child has (Andrew Carroll, 1999). This is better than the usual rote approach which presented such drawbacks as inducing anxiety due to demand for quick performance. Also, students had a tendency to adapt the element of memorizing facts in these rigid schedules rather than application of thoughts in solving mathematical problems. Strategies-based approach requires that the natural thinking of children is utilized whereby informal mathematical knowledge is set as basis to understand harder concepts after learning simpler facts. To help students master basic facts, the elementary step involves testing them on subtraction and addition where they are required to work out simple tests in real life situation. In the meantime, the students should be encouraged to develop patterns, think logically and use their manipulative skills in solving these exercises. It should be noted here that unlike adults who will process this information directly from their memory, children will use the direct manual counting, a technique referred to as direct-modeling technique. As their understanding gradually develop over time, some students would tend to grasp concepts at a faster rates than others where they can use even more than one strategy in solving mathematical problems. It is therefore very important to request students to share their strategies with their peers in class in order to help them advance to more efficient methods and encourage development of self-invented strategies (Steinberg, 1985). ? References Andrew, C. I. and Carroll, M. W. (1999). Teaching children mathematics, 5 (9):508(8) O’Connell, S. (2009). Mastering basic math facts. Retrieved August 09, 2010, from http://www. qualityteacherdevelopment. com/blog/25/mastering-basic-math-facts/ Steinberg, R. M. , (1985). Instruction on derived facts strategies in addition and subtraction. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education , 16: 337-55.

Hiring Gets Off on the Right Foot Essay Example for Free

Hiring Gets Off on the Right Foot Essay Nike has adapted their employee selection techniques by using a computer-based interviewing system that aims to select suitable applicants for a specific job (Bohlander, 2007, p. 284). The said system can be very useful to the company’s human resources department since it makes their job a lot easier. However, the efficiency and effectiveness of the said process should still be proven. Generally, the said computer-generated interview can be very beneficial both to the applicant and human resource department. Nevertheless, it also has some setbacks although these setbacks are negligible and can be ironed out. The computer-based interviewing system is applicable especially to large companies like Nike; on the other hand, a company should not solely rely on this type of employee selection process. Other ways of employee selection should still be utilized such as accepting walk-ins in a personal interview rather than a computerized one. Analysis The computer-assisted interviewing system tries to narrow down the selection of qualified applicants to a minimum so that the human resource department need not spend time on all applicants (Bohlander, 2007, p. 285). This is successfully met by the said system since modern high technology usually reduces the clutter of office work. As in the case of Nike, computer-based interviews can be of great help if the number of applicants is really large. By doing so, few people are needed in the human resources department. Also, by subjecting the applicant’s to this computer interview, human resource managers will have the idea how the applicants cope or adapt with technology. Are they computer literate and able to keep up with the idea of a computer interviewing them? Do they easily understand instruction by merely looking and reading at a computer monitor? These are some of the questions that can be answered by employing such a process. In addition, the three customer-related scenarios in the computer-generated interview are very practical and realistic scenarios to test the applicant’s approach to the real job at hand. The system has many advantages as has been pointed out in the previous discussion, yet, it also has some weaknesses. One very important factor in choosing the right person for the job is his emotional health. Using the computer-generated interview, Nike cannot account the applicant’s emotions and feelings while the interview is going on. Thus, the computer cannot tell the company of the level of confidence an applicant has when the interview is done. Furthermore, there will always be Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) concerns when it comes to employment selection processes. In this case at hand, the company surely provides EEO since the computer is not programmed to unjustly cater to a selected group of applicants. Thus, discrimination that a human resource officer may unconsciously bring when interviewing an applicant may be eliminated. Recommendations On the whole, the computer-based interviewing system is beneficial if it is used hand in hand with other types or ways of employee selection. However, on its own, it is very inefficient. It can be suggested that personal interviews should still be employed by the company since this kind of interview are the most spontaneous and revealing. Also, to further develop the computer-based interviewing system, besides the printout, it will be better if the company will include a video camera that could record the features, facial expressions and gestures that an applicant may have while answering questions. By doing so, the applicants emotional aspect can also be observed. A psychology test can also be included in the computer-based interview to evaluate the person’s emotional health. Summary and Conclusion Positively, the computer-based interviewing system is a great innovative for the human resource department of the company. As the number of applicants for a particular job increases, the feasibility of this method also increases. However, it is still insisted that the computer-generated interview should not be the sole factor in selecting the right person for the job. Personal interviews will always be more helpful. Surely, Nike should be concerned that the interview they are doing is far from public relations. Public relations require people in the process, also, an interview is a conversation between two people, however, the computer is not a human being, and it is only a machine. Therefore, the computer-based interview is one of the means of employee selection but it is not the end. It is only one way of the many methods an effective complex employment selection may have. References Bohlander, G. , Snell, S. (2007). Managing Human Resources, 14th Ed. Mason, USA: Thomson South-Western.

What Is Crime Analysis And Intelligence Analysis Criminology Essay

What Is Crime Analysis And Intelligence Analysis Criminology Essay Crime analysis is the methodical study of crime and confusion problems in addition to other police-related issues which includes sociodemographic, spatial, and temporal factors to make it possible to the police in criminal concern, crime and disorder decrease, crime prevention, and evaluation. (Boba 2005, 6) A detailed explanation of each aspect of this definition assists to prove the different elements of crime analysis. In general, to study means, to examine closely, to investigate, and/or inspect information. Crime analysis, then, is the alert and organized examination of crime and disorder problems in addition with other police-related matter. However crime analysis is a reactive approach which means that you are reacting to find means to reduce crime. As crime is happening it then transforms to a proactive approach so that it transforms data to important information and supports crime prevention. Criminal Intelligence  is the information gathered, investigated, and/or distributed an effort to expect, prevent, or monitor criminal activity.   Criminal Intelligence  is information collated or collected, analyzed, reported and disseminated by law enforcement agencies relating to types of  crime, identified criminals and known or suspected criminals. It is effectual when dealing with organized crime. Criminal Intelligence is improved by using  surveillance, informants, interrogation and research. Introduction The area for my particular study is a playground and its surroundings in the outskirts of Victoria; it is between the village of Sannat and Victoria. The zone is located in Tac-Cawla which  is a place with a very small population.   The SARA model The SARA model is the  most common procedure for acting problem-oriented policing (POP). The acronym SARA means Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment. Scanning contains looking at data, meeting and talking to people, and observing the area so as to identify potential problems. Analysis includes studying potential problems to establish if they be worth of intensive attention and, if so, trying to improve precise descriptions and explanations of them. Response includes searching for a broad range of explanations and then deciding and implementing the ones with the most assure. Assessment involves collecting of data after the response to establish if the problem has been at least reduced if not eliminated. If success has not been attained, then extra investigation and another set of responses may be needed. A notion that was build to help enhance the SARA  model is the problem analysis triangle. The victims, offenders, and locations are the three sides of the triangle. When examining particular problems, officers are promoted to focus on victims (who are the victims, what are the damage they suffer, why are these individuals offended and not others?), offenders (who are the offenders, why do they commit these offenses?), and locations (where do the problems happen, why do they happen in some particular places and not others?). Thinking carefully on these issues makes sense because crime and other police officer problems normally are not erratically dispersed. To a certain extent, crimes and many other problems are focused between comparative small number of offenders, victims, and localities. Scanning The reason of this procedure is to verify that a continuous and considerable problem exists. The procedure involves of collecting data and information from different sources to support the claim that a problem exists. Some problems will be immediately evident, while others may require more investigation. During my scanning procedure it involved the studying of the circumstances to verify that a problem is being existent. It also included the gathering of data on what, when, who, where, why, and how. I also identified frequent problems by using different methods and grouping comparable incidents into subjects of groups. What When Who How Why Bicycles Thefts 12:00 16:00, 20:00 22:00 Children aged between 7 to 15 Going around in the entrances of flats. Vandalism, Personal used for their bicycle. Vehicle/Other Vandalism 19:00 onwards Teenagers Passers by, Children living in the area Vandalism, just for fun. Because of such limitations to enter the playground. Vehicle related thefts 21:00 onwards Male people People living in the area, passers by. Personal use for their vehicle, vandalism Theft from persons 9:00 11:00 Unemployed people Stopovers To acquire their needs. Gas Thefts 8:00 9:00 People living in the area Passing by For themselves Abusive Language 10:00 12:00, 4:00 21:00, 23:00 1:00 Teenagers Gathering of groups. To show power. Illegal Barbeques 19:00 23:00 People living in the area Gathering of people in the playing field. Most people live in flats. Garbage bags 19:00 14:00 People from the area Hump garbage bags left in different points. Most people do not take account of time of garbage collection. Drug Traffickers Between 10:00 am 13:00p.m Unemployed people Car stopping, handover exchange Traffickers live in the area. Analysis The reason of this stage is to expand a complete understanding of the whole problem. At this stage its very important to establish response plan which includes resources for dealing with particular problem. The process involves by using the information gathered to delineate the particular problem while studying the past the type of problem. It also includes using knowledge to expand a hypothesis and choosing useful resources. When analysing my area, it comes out that its a suburb area with quite a high population. During my scanning process it comes out that the area is a housing estate. Housing Estates are usually built and run by the government to facilitate housing to those who does not have affordable housing. This means that most of the families have very low incomes. In many cases they are also unemployed. It also comes out that some of the families have social problems where family members which are part of this society living very close together will have conflicts. Sometimes these problems are impossible to avoid and people living in the same flat doe not get along. Some social issues include domestic violence, unemployment; people hold different opinions about situations like unplanned pregnancy and many others. All these issues correlates why people commits such crimes like theft, vandalism, foul language and other related crimes. Response The idea of this step is to develop a general strategy that is designed to tackle the community problem. The three main one are developing, selecting and implementing. At this point in time it depends on the degree how analysis has been carried out. One has to make sure that the first two steps have been completed. Such solutions can be designed to reduce, eliminate and dealing with the problem. In my opinion in this particular area one has to develop ownership and awareness. To remove such opportunities one has to control the environment. Example of this must be CPTED, Block watch and Volunteer Patrols which can be done by the community itself. Include also such services such as crime prevention units and engage civil law to control public trouble. Response can be reinforced by the police such as protection like surveillance and strategic enforcement. A championed idea as a response must be the social development by implementing new programmes. Assessment The reason of this is to appraise the procedure and the effect of the response strategy. This means to evaluate whether the response strategy was adequately linked to the problem or has it been reduced or eliminated. However for this study one cannot apply this part. What is causing the crime problem and linked theories Rational Choice Theory This theory holds that people freely choose their behaviour and are stimulated by the evasion of pain and the pursuit of pleasure. Persons calculate their choice of actions in compliance with each options facility to create advantage, pleasure and happiness. Rational choice produce a micro view point on why individual offenders decide to commit such crimes like tearing the fence or breaking the markers around the filed; people choose to appoint in crime because it can be rewarding, easy, satisfying and fun. The central principle of this theory is that individuals are rational beings whose behaviour can be personalized by a fear of punishment. (Siegel and McCormick, 2006). This applies to the crime problems I have identified during my observation where such crimes where committed to pursuit pleasure such as vandalizing. Breaking down the markers around the fields its only done to give power and pleasure to the young ones. Similar to this also goes when tearing the fence surrounding the ground; it only gives pleasure to these individuals as they can enter when ever they want. Routine Activity Theory Developed by Cohen and Felson (1979), routine activities theory necessitates three components be present for a crime to occur: an encouraged offender with criminal aims and the power to act on this preference, a suitable victim or target, and the absence an individual who can prevent the crime from happening. These three helps for a crime to occur. Routine activities theory provides a macro perspective on crime in that it predicts how changes in social and economic conditions influence the overall crime and victimization rate. (Felson and Cohen 1980) Criminal activities are a structurally significant phenomenon, which means infringements are neither accidental nor insignificant events. Routine activities theory associates the pattern of offending to the everyday patterns of social interaction. Therefore crime is normal and is reliant on available opportunities to offend. If there is a target and there are rewards, a motivated offender will commit a crime. This means that having people coming out in the same times having the same routine are targets for crime such as thefts from persons and households like cars, garages etc. Opportunity Theory Crime opportunities are very connected to its time and space. For example being without any lights during the night gives more opportunity for vandalizing and stealing. These opportunities are very specific like stealing a car for joy riding have different pattern than stealing it for parts. Another example of this theory is when a routine is assessed regularly a weak point is assessed and can be used by the offender to take the opportunity to commit crime. Also it is a good opportunity for the offender when bicycles and other household which are valuable and unattended. This came out during my scanning process. Another crime goes when people takes out their garbage bags during the night, this gives opportunity to others to leave there waste leaving the area very dirty. Self Control Theory of Crime This theory is about the lack of people self control as the important factor behind criminal behaviour. This theory suggests that people who were incompetently parented before age 10 develop less self control than those who were raised with better parenting. Research was found that low level of self control is linked with criminal and impulsive conduct. This theory is related to my study because many children stay for long hours in the playing field area, which means that most of them are not monitored by their parents and so there is no one to correct them when they are using such language and finally committing such crimes. Broken Windows Theory The broken windows theory says that in a neighbourhood area where buildings have broken windows, individuals are more likely to commit and engage in bad behaviour. Hirschi argues that it can be from different aspect maybe offenders think that they are not going to get caught or there is no one who cares. Examples to my study leaving bikes left unattended in the field are more likely to be stolen than well parked next to an apartment. The same goes to vehicles when left parked, unattended in a field is more likely to be stolen and vandalised than one parked in a parking. Recommendations After working on this project I recommend some recommendations linked to theories and demonstrate them in practice. Firstly I will organise the community and develop awareness and ownership on such crimes which are an opportunity to such offenders. I will work as much as possible with existing forms of informal social control like parents and community cohesion to regulate such behaviour and self control. Then I will regulate the environment to remove broken windows and opportunities like volunteer patrols, neighbourhood watch and CCTV cameras. This will also help to reduce routine activities and such crimes related to this theory. I will also engage civil laws to control public trouble and individuals think twice before committing crimes freely. This applies to the rational choice theory. Finally I will educate and implement new programs as part of the social development. Strength and Weakness For the purpose of this report I will go through some strengths and weaknesses. If the population is well educated, it will automatically reduce such crimes. This is because if neibourhood watch is implemented, the community will report such crimes and helps the offender to think twice before committing crime. On the other hand because most of the buildings are flats and its a housing estates one will mind others business. Also if the area is inspected it will automatically reduce crimes as the offender will be aware that he/she will be caught. Alternatively the area must have adequate lightning during the night. If the area is cleaned from time to time and well kept and law enforcement is implemented individuals are afraid to offend as they might be caught. However if law is enforced and there is no surveillance it not worth implementing such laws. Although individuals might become more frustrated and no matter what they try to be more negative. Conclusion Finally in my opinion if I have to implement what has been recommended if crime is not eliminated at least its reduced. I think that a change will occur no matter what the effort is. Although it might take some time for people to understand such implementation at the end of the day I think that it will effect some of them. Even though there might be obstacles I am sure that there will be a reduction on the occurrence of the problem, reduction on the harm done and positive aspects of the interventions.

Prison Overcrowding in California Essay -- proliferation, penal codes,

Introduction The proliferation of prison overcrowding has been a rising concern for the U.S. The growing prison population poses considerable health and safety risks to prison staffs and employees, as well as to inmates themselves. The risks will continue to increase if no immediate actions are taken. Whereas fighting proliferation is fundamentally the duty of the U.S. government, prison overcrowding has exposed that the U.S. government will need to take measures to combat the flaws in the prison and criminal justice system. Restructuring the government to combat the danger of prison overcrowding, specifically in California, thus requires reforms that reestablishes the penal codes, increases the state’s budget, and develops opportunities for paroles to prevent their return to prison. The following context will examine and discuss the different approaches to reduce the population of state prisons in California in order to avoid prison overcrowding. Defining the Problem The problem is that regardless of different methods and approaches to prevent prison overcrowding, California still have one, if not, the largest prison population when compared to other states in the nation (ALEC, 2010). Prison overcrowding, defined by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, or CDCR, is when the prison housing capacity is exceeded, creating less spatial room to accommodate inmates (CDCR, 2008). California’s 33 state prisons currently accommodate at least 140,000 inmates. California’s 33 state prisons are so crowded that it has put at serious risks the lives of inmates, prison staffs, and employees. Even with several mental and drug treatment rehabilitation facilities available, California state prisons still have t... ...Prison Overcrowding: California." ALEC: American Legislative Exchange Council. American Legislative Exchange Council. Retrieved October 13, 2013 from Organization of CDCR Executive Staff website: http://www.alec.org/initiatives/prisonovercrowding "Realignment AB 109 in California." Realignment (AB 109) in California. Retrieved October 13, 2013 from Shouse Law website: http://www.shouselaw.com/realignment.html Zhang, Sheldon. "Preventing Parolee Crime Program." Program: Preventing Parolee Crime Program (PPCP). National Institute of Justice, 15 June 2007. Web. 26 Nov. 2013. http://www.crimesolutions.gov/ProgramDetails.aspx?ID=72 "The Cornerstone of California’s Solution to Reduce Overcrowding, Costs, and Recidivism."California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Retrieved October 13, 2013 from CDCR website: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/realignment/

Essay on the Structure of William Faulkners A Rose for Emily

The Structure of A Rose for Emily    William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily" is a story that uses flashbacks to foreshadow a surprise ending. The story begins with the death of a prominent old woman, Emily, and finishes with the startling discovery that Emily as been sleeping with the corpse of her lover, whom she murdered, for the past forty years. The middle of the story is told in flashbacks by a narrator who seems to represent the collective memory of an entire town. Within these flashbacks, which jump in time from ten years past to forty years past, are hidden clues which prepare the reader for the unexpected ending, such as hints of Emily's insanity, her odd behavior concerning the deaths of loved ones, and the evidence that the murder took place. Without bluntly saying it, Faulkner, in several instances, hints that Emily has gone mad. At a few points in the story, the narrator mentions Emily's Great Aunt Wyatt, who "had gone completely crazy at last" (paragraph 25). This is the narrator's insinuation that insa... ...was a desperate act of a lonely, insane woman who could not bear to loose him. The structure of this story, however, is such that the important details are delivered in almost random order, without a clear road map that connects events. The ending comes as a morbid shock, until a second reading of the story reveals the carefully hidden details that foreshadow the logical conclusion. Works Cited Faulkner, William. "A Rose for Emily". An Introduction to Literature, 11th ed. Ed. Barnet, Sylvan, et al. 287-294. Essay on the Structure of William Faulkner's A Rose for Emily The Structure of A Rose for Emily    William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily" is a story that uses flashbacks to foreshadow a surprise ending. The story begins with the death of a prominent old woman, Emily, and finishes with the startling discovery that Emily as been sleeping with the corpse of her lover, whom she murdered, for the past forty years. The middle of the story is told in flashbacks by a narrator who seems to represent the collective memory of an entire town. Within these flashbacks, which jump in time from ten years past to forty years past, are hidden clues which prepare the reader for the unexpected ending, such as hints of Emily's insanity, her odd behavior concerning the deaths of loved ones, and the evidence that the murder took place. Without bluntly saying it, Faulkner, in several instances, hints that Emily has gone mad. At a few points in the story, the narrator mentions Emily's Great Aunt Wyatt, who "had gone completely crazy at last" (paragraph 25). This is the narrator's insinuation that insa... ...was a desperate act of a lonely, insane woman who could not bear to loose him. The structure of this story, however, is such that the important details are delivered in almost random order, without a clear road map that connects events. The ending comes as a morbid shock, until a second reading of the story reveals the carefully hidden details that foreshadow the logical conclusion. Works Cited Faulkner, William. "A Rose for Emily". An Introduction to Literature, 11th ed. Ed. Barnet, Sylvan, et al. 287-294.

Emotional Burdens Which Precede the Ultimate Tragedy Awaiting a Charact

Death is extremely final, and life is theoretically the greatest thing that anyone can lose. Whilst reading a tragedy that culminates with death, the majority of readers would say that death is the most significant tragedy of the story. Death is the result of primary dangers, which are the immediate physical dangers that result in death. But the tragedy of death is typically preceded by characters succumbing to other dangers. The dangers preceding death are secondary dangers, such as the character flaws of pride and paranoia. Emotional burdens can also be secondary dangers, as Bobbie Ann Mason discusses in her essay â€Å"On Tim O’Brien’s ‘The Things They Carried.’† She states that the main struggle in â€Å"The Things They Carried† centers around the intangible baggage that the men carry, despite being at war where their lives are in danger. Secondary dangers are the source of the physical and/or mortal primary dangers. In Edgar Alle n Poe’s â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado,† Montressor creates Fortunato’s primary danger by trapping him in a catacomb. In Tim O’Brien’s â€Å"The Things They Carried,† the primary danger is war. The supernatural Boogeyman monster is the primary danger in Stephen King’s â€Å"The Boogeyman.† These dangers are deadly, but the tragedies of death are byproducts of characters succumbing to the secondary dangers that they face. Thus, the tragedy of death may not be the â€Å"ultimate† tragedy. Despite death being the final tragedy, the ultimate tragedy is succumbing to dangers such as emotional burdens, paranoia, and pride. Emotional baggage can be the catalyst of a seriously dangerous event. In â€Å"The Things They Carried,† â€Å"[the] immediate drama is the effort ... to contain the emotion, to carry it,† (Mason). Emotiona... ...is true of paranoia and pride, as too much of either of these can lead to dangerous situations. The paranoia, pride, and emotional burdens that characters face culminate to result in the ultimate tragedy of the story. Works Cited King, Stephen. â€Å"The Boogeyman.† Night Watch. Stephen King. Mason, Bobbie Ann. â€Å"On Time O’Brien’s ‘The Things They Carried.’† The Story and Its Writer: An Introduction to Short Fiction. 8th ed. Ed. Ann Charters. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2003. 1515-1516. Print. O’Brien, Tim. â€Å"The Things They Carried.† The Story and Its Writer: An Introduction to Short Fiction. 8th ed. Ed. Ann Charters. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2003. 1001-1014. Print. Poe, Edgar Allan. â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado.† The Story and Its Writer: An Introduction to Short Fiction. 8th ed. Ed. Ann Charters. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2011. 1109-1114. Print.

Education Is Life Iself Essay

Once John Dewey said, â€Å"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.† It is quite difficult, even impossible to contend for the statement. We should clearly understand that education is a long process which lasts for the whole life. More than that life is the best teacher we might ever have. In other words, we can denote that we live educating ourselves and educate ourselves for living. First of all, it is interesting to note that the notions â€Å"education† and â€Å"life† can be regarded as identical ones. The matter is that speaking about education we keep in mind that it is not just a period of life but a lifelong process of learning. As Albert Einstein once noticed, â€Å"Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at growth.† Keeping to the point it should be also mentioned that education can be given and taken anywhere – at school, university or home. It doesn’t matter. However, there is no better teacher than life itself. Nobody can dispute it. People learn much deeper and more effectively through their own actions and mistakes. Life motivates, directs, controls and evaluates us. Life teaches us. What is more important, life is always fair towards us. That is why we consider life to be the best teacher. To sum up, it should be said that every person has his own attitude towards education. For some people education seems to be an obligation, even a burden, for others it is the meaning of life, for the rest it can be a means to achieve some higher goals†¦ but there is no doubt, education is the most powerful tool that has a certain impact on our lives. The other question is how to use this tool. Nukhayeva Kamila