Pedagogy of the Oppressed Chapter 2 Reflection Essay Example

Pedagogy of the Oppressed Chapter 2 Reflection Essay Example Pedagogy of the Oppressed Chapter 2 Reflection Paper Pedagogy of the Oppressed Chapter 2 Reflection Paper Pedagogy of the Oppressed, falls into the political philosophy genre. After I read Chapter 2 of Pedagogy of the Oppressed, my first thought was about the reservation boarding school system. Indian schooling started with missionaries and teachers in missionary schools were at least as interested in salvation as in education. According to many observers, the discipline of the schools usually included getting Indians to dress, speak, and act like white people. Native Americans serve as perfect â€Å"containers† and â€Å"receptacles† for teachers of that time. (Freire 4) Many teachers that teach in Tribal communities often use the concept of â€Å"the teacher know everything and the students know nothing†. (Freire 8) This semester I had a teacher that said, â€Å"I’m going to teach you as though you know nothing†. This goes to show that teachers, even in current times are obsessed with their authority over students. The â€Å"banking system† only works to the extent of students being able to regurgitate what the teacher tells the student. The students do not learn when they are told to memorize items, just so the student can get a good test grade. I have experienced this during my academic career. I personally retain more information when teachers communicate and tell me why I need to learn what I need to learn. â€Å"’Four times four is sixteen; the capital of Para is Belem. The students records, memorizes, and repeats these phrases without perceiving what four times four really means, or realizing the true significance of â€Å"capital† in the affirmation ‘the capital of Para is Belem,’ that is, what Belem means for Para and what Para means for Brazil. † This type of teaching is taught everywhere. I feel as though it is worse for Tribal communities, and I’m only saying that because the high school drop out rate is higher among Native Americans th an other ethnicities. Not to mention, in the university level, the graduation rate is lower. I believe, is because of the quality of education we, Native, people receive in Tribal Communities. This reading was fairly difficult. I am not used to reading such complex writings. In order to understand the reading more efficiently, I think it would be better to start with something slightly simpler. This is the first time I have ever read something of this magnitude, I enjoyed it. I felt as though it challenged me to break out of my comfort zone. Bibliography Freire, Paulo. Pedagogy of the Oppressed. New York: Continuum International Publishing Group, 2000.

Lies, damned lies and statistics - Emphasis

Lies, damned lies and statistics Lies, damned lies and statistics There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics. So said Benjamin Disraeli (and later Mark Twain, who was quoting him). Yet the public (and thats all of us, at one time or another) continues to be sucked in by reports based on spurious logic and facts of dubious provenance. If youve ever wondered why, you should read Risk, by Dan Gardner. Its a fascinating explanation of why we fall for sensationalist writing every time. The link between the MMR triple vaccine and autism is one of the latest examples of the triumph of hype over reality. Reports of a link were based on a study involving just a handful of children. And countless subsequent and much bigger studies failed to confirm it. So the UK Government issued a statement saying that there was no link. And thats when it all kicked off probably helped by the Governments denial. (After all, if the Governments denying it, then it must be true, right?) The newspapers began filling up with studies of children whod received the triple jab and then went on to develop the condition. Queues formed at clinics offering measles, mumps and rubella vaccination in three separate injections (a method that unlike the triple jab had never been tested on a large scale for either safety or efficacy). More and more people sought alternatives, such as homoeopathic vaccination. And crucially vaccination rates plummeted, to way below that required to produce herd immunity. Now, years later, measles infection rates have climbed dramatically more than 1300 last year in the UK alone, compared with just 56 ten years ago. The World Health Organization has abandoned its hope of eradicating the disease in the short term. And all because of a dubious, almost certainly unrepresentative study. So why did we fall for it? It would be tempting to say that most people lack the technical knowledge to assess statistics properly. That may be true, but theres more to it than that. Psychology plays a huge part. Our emotions are produced in the parts of the brain that evolved long before the parts that enable us to reason. And we make judgements usually subconsciously based on emotion (or gut feel) long before we use logic to work out if our gut feeling is right. Then theres innumeracy. According to French neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene, were slower to compute 4+5 than 2+3. In fact, humans innate skill with numbers isnt much better than that of rats and dolphins. Its just that weve learned how to overcome it with a lot of effort. (When polled, 45 per cent of Canadians didnt know how many millions there are in a billion, for example.) So instead, people rely on gut feel: autism is a Bad Thing, so MMR must be bad. Logic never really gets a look in. Risk explains in a clear and compelling way why our lives are dominated by irrational fears (as well as why we dont worry about the things we should worry about). Its the perfect antidote to the current epidemic of negative news. And if you dont want to read that, heres another statistic for you, this time from the late comedian George Carlin: Think about how stupid the average person is; now realise half of them are dumber than that.

Technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 9

Technology - Essay Example In case the private body functions in a public capacity and it is owned, controlled and funded by the state, then it should be considered as a public body. However, a private corporation is subject to the FOIA request when they utilize public funding under the conditions that the entity performs the functions of the government, government is involved in regulation, and when the entity is formed by the government. Also, the federal standards should not be used in determining the public funding by the private corporation, and the criteria by FOIL should come into play in matters related to the functioning of the private agency (Halstuk & Bill, 2006). The traditional privatization approaches of the public services can be approached in a perspective which considers government as hierarchical and ineffective, and that it involves both benefits and difficulties while importing efficiency and flexibility in the corporate world to provide for the public services. Bring the for-profit corporation to the delivery of the traditional government services is contentious. Some of the questions that may arise are whether the state can be sued along the private corporation and whether the government actors are entitled to immunities. The two partnerships can be of considerable legal work and to untangle. Youth detention centers and private prisons are under control of the government entities, such that more money is realized by having more inmates (Silverman, 2007). On the other hand, the economic difficulties facing the private sector in using the public funds for the non-traditional services is caused by the reassessment of the priorities for county and municipal governments. Government is faced with problems when trying to balance services to the community and the declining tax revenues (Halstuk & Bill, 2006). Fraud, waste, abuse and corruption are problems in government programs. FWAC in small businesses led to Nancy Pelosi, who was the house speaker instructed

Samsung Electronics case Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Samsung Electronics case - Article Example (3) They had attracted a lot of resources from foreign investors which allow them to sell the chips at lower prices in order to gain a market share. The production methods used are cost effective. 2. Samsung’s business-level strategy. a. The sources of Samsung’s cost advantage in DRAMs in 2003 are a result of the fact that it invested heavily in technology which made mass production at a relatively lower cost possible. For instance, the cost breakdown of producing a 256 Mbit DRAM in 2003 was: Average selling price is $5.08 while the fully loaded costs are $4.15. Thus $5.08 - $4.15 = $0.93. This entails that it has an operating profit of $0.93. on the other hand, it can be noted that Micron’s costs for the same DRAM are: Average selling price $4. 48 while the total costs are $6.52. This means that Micron is operating at a profit of -$2.04 since the total production costs are higher than the selling price. b. The source of Samsung’s ability to charge a price premium in DRAMs in 2003 includes the following: It has a health financial position in the market. For example, the operating costs of the company are lower than the average selling price of the 256Mbit. Data in the case shows that the average Price premium for Samsung is 34 % compared to the operating margins of 53 % of the other competitors. This puts the company in a position charge price premiums since it has little operating costs compared to other competitors. The other reason is that it customizes its product to suit the needs and interests of the customers. c. Samsung’s business-level strategy is based on a competitive advantage in cost leadership. Evidence to support this view includes: (1) The total production costs are lower than the average selling price which is cost effective. (2) The company can produce a large volume of DRAMS at a relatively lower cost. (3). The company can cut a large quantity of chips at the same time at the same cost. d. Identify the chara cteristics of the industry that hinder the successful use of an integrated business-level strategy. The main challenge is that the company can operate at a loss if the other product line fails to perform to the anticipated expectations. This integrated business level strategy can involve a scenario where a company integrates more than two product lines. The main challenge is that the other product may not be that competitive in the market which entails that it can also affect the performance of the other product. 3. Recommendations a. To strengthen the company’s competitive position in light of the threat of large-scale entry by the Chinese companies, Chairman Lee could: (1) Differentiate the products (2) He can also diversify the products where two or more product lines can be offered under the same brand name. (3) He can also lower the prices of the products in order to gain a large market share through attracting a lot of people to its products. Of these options, different iation is the most viable because it makes the company and its products unique from the other players and products offered in the market. Through differentiation strategy, the organization is in a better position to attract more customers through offering products that are valued by the buyers through their uniqueness. However, a potential problem with this approach is it may be costly to acquire sophisticated equipment that can be used to produce unique and state-of-the-art products that are

Elijah McCoy :: essays research papers

Elijah McCoy was born in Colchester, Ontario Canada on May 2, 1844, the son of former slaves who had fled from Kentucky before the U.S. Civil War. Educated in Scotland as a mechanical engineer, Elijah McCoy returned to the United States and settled in Detroit, Michigan. He began experimenting with a cup that would regulate the flow of oil onto moving parts of industrial machines. His first invention was a lubricator for steam engines, U.S. 129,843, which issued on July 12, 1872. The invention allowed machines to remain in motion to be oiled; his new oiling device revolutionized the industrial machine industry. Elijah McCoy established his own firm and was responsible for a total of 57 patents, the term â€Å"real McCoy† refers to the oiling device used for industrial machinery. His contribution to the lubricating device became so popular that people inspecting new equipment would ask if the device contained the real McCoy, This helped popularize the American expression, meaning the real thing. His other inventions included an ironing board and lawn sprinkler. Elijah McCoy died on October 10, 1929 after a year in the Eloise Infirmary, Eloise, Michigan, suffering from senile dementia caused by hypertension. He was buried in Detroit, Michigan. Elijah McCoy was born in Colchester, Ontario Canada on May 2, 1844, the son of former slaves who had fled from Kentucky before the U.S. Civil War. Educated in Scotland as a mechanical engineer, Elijah McCoy returned to the United States and settled in Detroit, Michigan. He began experimenting with a cup that would regulate the flow of oil onto moving parts of industrial machines. His first invention was a lubricator for steam engines, U.S. 129,843, which issued on July 12, 1872. The invention allowed machines to remain in motion to be oiled; his new oiling device revolutionized the industrial machine industry. Elijah McCoy established his own firm and was responsible for a total of 57 patents, the term â€Å"real McCoy† refers to the oiling device used for industrial machinery.

Discussing the architecture of Michelangelo

Mannerism refers to a time of European art that began around 1520 in Italy, and lasted until around 1580 to 1600, when the Baroque style of art and architecture began to replace it, but it did continue in many forms until the 17th century. The characteristics of Mannerism include artificial qualities that go against the harmonious, natural elements of High Renaissance art, and a great deal of sophistication, complexity and innovation in design.Michelangelo was one of the greatest practitioners of Mannerism for several reasons. Elegance and innovation are two of the primary elements of Mannerism, and Michelangelo certainly practiced both those elements in his art. Some of his greatest architectural and artistic endeavors contain these elements, combined with sophistication in the design and execution of the works such as the Sistine Chapel's ceiling. The paintings on the ceilings have stood the test of time, and retain their beauty, complexity and eloquence even today.In addition, the concept of painting on the ceiling of a wondrous piece of architecture was also one of Michelangelo's innovations, illustrating how he actively participated in the Mannerism movement. In architecture, Michelangelo also excelled as a Mannerist. â€Å"Mannerist architects were no less interested in ancient classical architecture than were their predecessors, but they found other qualities in ancient Roman architecture to exploit. In fact, they often displayed an even greater knowledge of antiquity than did earlier artists† (Italian Mannerism or Late Renaissnce, 2009).Michelangelo's greatest architectural achievements, such as the Laurentian Library in Florence, helped indicate he was a Mannerist by its' obvious breaking of many architectural rules of the time, showing not only its elegance, but its novelty and sophistication, as well. Michelangelo uses classic design in his building, but adds a new way of assembling them throughout the design in novel and unusual motifs. In th e Palazzo Farnese in Rome, Michelangelo used unnatural and manufactured views throughout the building, another trademark of Mannerist buildings. Many architects view Michelangelo as one of the geniuses of the movement.His, â€Å"Medici Chapel in San Lorenzo was executed, in Vasari's opinion, ‘in a style more varied and novel than that of any other master,' and ‘thus all artists are under a great and eternal obligation to Michelangelo, seeing that he broke the fetters and chains that had earlier confined them to the creation of traditional forms† (Italian Mannerism or Late Renaissnce, 2009). Michelangelo knew how to push the envelope in design and execution, and was interested in change, rather than copying other styles, which are also elements of the Mannerist style of architecture.His greatest Mannerist achievement is St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, a massive project that took him over 18 years to design, and was not completed before his death. This beautiful build ing was dominated by a huge dome that would have been incredible had it been completed during Michelangelo's life. Later changes to the building altered the dome and its effect on the overall building design, but it was one of his greatest achievements, and the innovation and spectacular dimensions of the design helped cement Michelangelo as one of the premier Mannerist architects and artists of the day.Mannerism eventually fell out of favor in Europe, and was replaced by other forms of architecture, including the intricate and detailed Baroque, which followed Mannerism. It was one of the greatest epics of Italian architecture and design, led by one of the greatest artists of all time, Michelangelo. Works Cited Italian Mannerism or Late Renaissnce. (2009, January 16). Retrieved from Italian Mannerism: http://www. cartage. org. lb/en/themes/arts/Architec/MannerismArchitecture/ItalianMannerism/ItalianMannerism. htm Janson's History of Art. (2007). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education , Inc.

What Is Disruptive Selection

Disruptive selection is a type of natural selection that selects against the average individual in a population. The makeup of this type of population would show phenotypes (individuals with groups of traits) of both extremes but have very few individuals in the middle. Disruptive selection is the rarest of the three types of natural selection and can lead to the deviation in a species line. Basically, it comes down to the individuals in the group who get to mate—who survive best. They are the ones who have traits on the extreme ends of the spectrum. The individual with just middle-of-the-road characteristics is not as successful at survival and/or breeding to further pass on average genes. In contrast, population functions in stabilizing selection mode when the intermediate individuals are the most populous. Disruptive selection occurs in times of change, such as habitat change or change in resources availability. Disruptive Selection and Speciation The bell curve is not typical in shape when exhibiting disruptive selection. In fact, it looks almost like two separate bell curves. There are peaks at both extremes and a very deep valley in the middle, where the average individuals are represented. Disruptive selection can lead to speciation, with two or more different species forming and the middle-of-the-road individuals being wiped out. Because of this, its also called diversifying selection, and it drives evolution. Disruptive selection happens in large populations with lots of pressure for the individuals to find advantages or niches as they compete with each other for food to survive and/or partners to pass on their lineage. Like directional selection, disruptive selection can be influenced by human interaction. Environmental pollution can drive disruptive selection to choose different colorings in animals for survival. Disruptive Selection Examples: Color Color, in regards to camouflage, serves as a useful example in many different kinds of species, because those individuals that can hide from predators the most effectively will live the longest. If an environment has extremes, those who dont blend into either will be eaten the most quickly, whether theyre moths, oysters, toads, birds or another animal. Peppered moths: One of the most studied examples of disruptive selection is the case of ​Londons peppered moths. In rural areas, the peppered moths were almost all a very light color. However, these same moths were very dark in color in industrial areas. Very few medium-colored moths were seen in either location. The darker-colored moths survived predators in the industrial areas by blending in with the polluted surroundings. The lighter moths were seen easily by predators in industrial areas and were eaten. The opposite happened in rural areas. The medium-colored moths were easily seen in both locations and were therefore very few of them left after disruptive selection.​​ Oysters: Light- and dark-colored oysters could also have a camouflage advantage as opposed to their medium-colored relatives. Light-colored oysters would blend into the rocks in the shallows, and the darkest would blend better into the shadows. The ones in the intermediate range would show up against either backdrop, offering those oysters no advantage and make them easier prey. Thus, with fewer of the medium individuals surviving to reproduce, the population eventually has more oysters colored to either extreme of the spectrum. Disruptive Selection Examples: Feeding Ability Evolution and speciation isnt all a straight line. Often there are multiple pressures on a group of individuals, or a drought pressure, for example, that is just temporary, so the intermediate individuals dont completely disappear or dont disappear right away. Timeframes in evolution are long. All types of diverging species can coexist if there are enough resources for them all. Specialization in food sources among a population might occur in fits and starts, only when there is some pressure on supply. Mexican spadefoot toad tadpoles: Spadefoot tadpoles have higher populations in the extremes of their shape, with each type having a more dominant eating pattern. The more omnivorous individuals are round-bodied, and the more carnivorous are narrow-bodied. The intermediate types are smaller (less well-fed) than those at either extreme of body shape and eating habit. A study found that those at the extremes had additional, alternate food resources that the intermediates didnt. The more omnivorous ones fed more effectively on pond detritus, and the more carnivorous ones were better at feeding on shrimps. Intermediate types competed with each other for food, resulting in individuals with ability on the extremes to eat more and grow faster and better. Darwins finches on the Galapagos: Fifteen different species developed from a common ancestor, which existed 2 million years ago. They differ in beak style, body size, feeding behavior, and song. Multiple types of beaks have adapted to different food resources, over time. In the case of three species on Santa Cruz Island, ground finches eat more seeds and some arthropods, tree finches eat more fruits and arthropods, vegetarian finches feed on leaves and fruit, and warblers typically eat more arthropods. When food is abundant, what they eat overlaps. When its not, this specialization, the ability to eat a certain type of food better than other species, helps them survive.