Social Context

Topic: To what extent do I feel my social context has impacted on my
development, particularly my cognitive development?

Social context refers to the immediate environment in which individuals live. Normally, our social context can influence our development in many ways more especially to our cognitive development, which refers to the development of ability to think and reason (Lurii︠a︡, 1976). Due to many things that are carried out in our immediate environment, we are able to develop our thinking and reasoning capacity. This means that the ways in which people develop are more influenced by social context. For instance, social context may influence our peer relationships. Additionally, our social context may influence our cognitive development as it helps in shaping our language development. The fact that our language are the one that shape our personality, it can be seen that social context is a powerful tool that enhances our cognitive development (Keil, 1992). Things that take place in our social context can also influence our development. For instance, if a child is born in a family where older people are respected, he or she will grow knowing that it is moral to respect our elders, as they deserve.

Our immediate environment also influences our moral actions. This is because when a child in born in a family where children are taught moral behaviour, he or she will grow knowing how to carry herself in a moral way. However, if a child is born in a family where children are not taught moral things, he or she will end up being an indiscipline person. This shows that it is essential for one to be grown in a social context where people carry out moral things. This is because the child will grow up following things that were done in his or her society. From the above, it can be seen that social context can influence our development especially our cognitive development.

References

Keil, F. C. (1992). Concepts, kinds, and cognitive development. Cambridge, Mass. [u.a.: MIT Press.

Lurii︠a︡, A. R. (1976). Cognitive development, its cultural and social foundations. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press.

Physical conditions of schools in America

Introduction

Jonathan Kozol is a writer in America who has visited a number of schools where he says that most of the schools practice inequalities and harassment by discriminating children mainly because of race and poverty levels. Children are subjected to harsh conditions at various schools especially in those states where poverty is the main agenda. There exist a lot of disagreements between the state and local control agencies where many children are subjected to force education under harsh conditions since most of the schools in America are governed by a poor education system.

The conditions of the school in America is not favorable especially the public schools which are far different from the private schools. Kozol uses logic to explain the fact that children in schools are discriminated and separated on the basis of their skin color and the race (Kozol, p.234). This is very unfair and injustice way of running schools especially if the schools are public and meant for every child. Most of the best schools in America are attended by Americans who are wealth and can afford good services. Kozol for instance visited a school in East St. Louis named Dr King which curriculum deals with pupils from diverse backgrounds (Kozol, p.234). The schools highest percent is African American which shows that most of the schools practice unfairness and injustice in their curriculum and schedules. The surrounding of public school is not favorable and the physical structures are not pleasing and need renovations so as to make learning for children easy and enjoyable.

The buildings in schools are not well managed and are poorly maintained such that moulds can be found growing in those schools. Some schools have gardens while others lack such gardens as a source of aesthetic which makes children feel very sad for example pupils in Dr King school (Kozol, p.234). Water flows to classes through the stairs which is very uncomfortable for both pupils and staffs. The government does not provide funding for the maintenance of schools and education of poor children especially the African-American children (Kozol, p.234). The poor children remain under harsh conditions which is very unfair which contributes to their failure later on. The government should fund the poor students and also renovate their schools so as to enhance their success future on.

          The minority people who are the poor children receive the least education opportunities and their curriculum is governed by segregation, separation and discrimination. The poor schools have very low grades and performance since of the condition of their schools unlike those in wealth schools who perform excellent since the conditions there are favorable and the best (Kozol, p.234). The education system in America is unjust and will son contribute to failure of more children nationally if the education system will be that unfair and unjust. Children should speak for themselves since they are the victim of this unfair education system in the country. This school in St. Louis is well known as a school where blacks study and die and where most students are unsuccessful mainly because of its bad conditions as a result of the poor education system (Kozol, p.234).

The government should renovate such schools in order to bring success to deserving students and also motivate the students together with their teachers. Racial discrimination and economic injustices in schools should be stopped if success is to be maintained in the country (Kozol, p.234). The government should support poor and needy students for them to become successful just like the wealth students from rich backgrounds who school in the best schools. The ones advantaged are children in wealthy schools who can always get what they want including the best teachers.

Conclusion

The American government from the above point of view is seen to neglect the education sector since it is clear that racial discrimination is rampant in most schools and should be stopped. The education system is not just enough and promotes to failure of innocent students. The physical building in most schools is not goods and thus the government should intervene.

Works Cited

Kozol, J. Savage inequalities: Children in America's schools. New York: HarperPerennial. 1992. Print.

Academic Dishonesty Report

Limitations of the research conducted

There were a number of limitations from the research. Some students were unable to understand the questions well and instead gave wrong answers according to their understanding. Some students due to the fact that they are of low moral standards answered the questions wrongly and incredibly. This is one of the outcomes of the research. The survey questions dealt more with the number of those who cheat and their genders instead of dwelling more on the reasons why they are cheating. The questions are supposed to focus more on why the students cheat and not the number of those who cheat. The study was carried out using a very small number of students. The seventy two students can not make a true conclusion to say that almost all college students cheat. The number is supposed to be a large one for the correct conclusions to be made.

Report scope

The research was carried out in only one institution. This information may not be accurate since many universities have different methods of supervising the exams. The research was supposed to be carried out differently using large number of students and professors. This will enhance accuracy especially over similar time periods. The research was supposed to include different students with different experiences and by doing this the research could be termed as accurate.

Report organization

The different given surveys and findings plus the interviews are to be presented to the research analysis team. Here the findings are discussed and the reasons as to why students cheat are clearly analyzed. Many universities are supposed to be analyzed to check whether the finding from one of the universities applies to them all which was different in this case. Only one university was analyzed. The final thing to be done is suggest ways which can be put in to action to enable the percentage of cheating in colleges to be reduced.

Why college students cheat

                                                        Research methods on why students cheat

The research method used was mixed results from a qualitative and quantitative research which involved surveys and experimental methods. From the above research the main objective is to know why college students cheat in their exams and assignments. It is also to know the number of students who cheat and their gender. According to the given results from the survey, it is true to conclude that female students cheat more than male students. It is also true to say that seniors and juniors cheat more as compared to freshman, sophomore and fifth years whose cheating percentage is very low. It is true to add that, in a given quiz or test, the percentage of those who cheat is more than the percentage of those who do not. The percentage of those who copy an assignment is also very high compared to the numbers that do not (Rettinger & Kramer.2008). In addition, from the above analysis it is true to conclude that students cheat because they failed to understand the given assignment. A good percentage too cheats because of lack of enough time while the other percentage cheats since they are too lazy to do the assignments by themselves (Rettinger & Kramer, 2008). The percentage of those who do not cheat is very low thus making a true conclusion that most college students cheat in their tests and assignments which is very unethical according to school’s laws and regulations. Cheating is therefore an alarming issue in schools and the reason that most students cheat because they did not understand the given materials is not credible. The issue of lack of enough time is also not convincing enough and therefore students should follow rules and regulations to the letter.

Peer influence

There are many reasons why students cheat from the done survey and analysis which confirmed that cheating is very high in schools and especially colleges. Students cheat simply because of peer influence and pressure. As a result of one person copying, then the neighboring students are tempted to copy thus leading the whole group to copying (Rettinger & Kramer, 2008). This research was done using experimental methods and was confirmed to be true as according to the survey analysis and information. It is true from the research that certain students justify their actions due to various given circumstances. Students cheat even though they know it is not right to cheat since of the called cheating culture. It is analyzed that the numbers of those who cheat as a result of their peers is high as compared to those who do not thus this is a contributing factor in cheating cases (Rettinger & Kramer, 2008). Peers influence is the most reason in colleges since the peers will encourage one another that they are actually doing the right thing which is obviously wrong. This as a possibility cause of cheating should be avoided by carrying out good morals.

Neutralizing attitudes

This is whereby students justify their reasons to cheat and which can be seen as true but in real sense are not according to the given rules and regulations of exams (Mark, Simkin & McLeod, 2009). They are justifications made by students who are actually cheating in order to console themselves that their reason for cheating is good enough. They do this in order to avoid guilt feeling since it is an offence to cheat. The students who are used to cheating have high neutralizing attitudes than those who do not cheat (Mark, Simkin & McLeod, 2009). They go on cheating since they have the attitude and reasons to cheat which are of cause unjust. According to the neutralization theory, students cheat as they justify themselves to be doing the right thing which is unethical in the society (Mark, Simkin & McLeod, 2009). The researchers say that this is not an enough reason for students to cheat and is accompanied by several factors.

Many cheating motivators

There are many opportunities for those who want to cheat. The cheating materials are readily available for example in the case of plagiarism; the materials are readily available on line via the internet. It is important to note that most papers from graduates are plagiarized from the internet which is very unethical. Students should avoid cheating by all means (Mark, Simkin & McLeod, 2009). Most students cheat since they want to pass and pursue different goals in life. They cheat since they want to succeed through the easiest way possible. This though is not a very good reason to cheat since students should work hard in their studies. Some students justify their habits using the time factor where they attribute their cheating as a result of lack of enough time. This is not justifiable and credible since there are other successful students who do not cheat. Students justify themselves using the culture that sees cheating as a normal culture and thus motivating students to cheat (Mark, Simkin & McLeod, 2009). Cheating is regarded as a normal way of doing things in various universities and colleges and this culture is a motivation to students who consider it as a right thing just like everybody considers it.

Small penalties received

Different institutions have different rule and regulations. According to this study many students cheat since the consequences of cheating are very minimal or none at all (Rettinger & Kramer, 2008). This motivates students since they do not get punished as a result of cheating. They therefore consider cheating as a normal and the right culture. Most universities are now advising for faculties to grade grades accordingly and award zero to those students who cheat (Rettinger & Kramer, 2008). The instructions are not followed and thus students go ahead to cheat since they will go unpunished. Most professors are lenient to students and they do not notice the misconduct since the number of students is high and the time is not enough to do a proper checkup whether cheating is available or not. Professors are also lenient since they do not want students to keep on falling as this will create a disturbing environment for the students (Rettinger & Kramer, 2008). Students will continue to cheat if they are not properly punished for their unethical behavior.

Moral ethics and behaviors

It is clear to say that those students with low moral ethics cheat as compared to those who have high morals. This is the best reason why some students cheat while others do not. It is the most accurate reasons for students to cheat since those of low morals are prone to cheatings as they are used to break each and every regulation (Rettinger & Kramer, 2008). For students to minimize the rate of cheating, they must upgrade their moral standards. Plagiarism is not easily noted like exam cheating is since exams are done at open places while assignments are carried out elsewhere (Rettinger & Kramer, 2008). This is a contributing factor to rate the level of morality in students. Moral upright students neither cheat in exams nor at home nor are successful.

References

Rettinger.D, & Kramer. (2008).Situational and Personal Causes of Student Cheating

Mark G, Simkin, McLeod.A. (2009). Why Do College Students Cheat?

The Hijra of India And How They Are Exploited

Introduction

             This research paper describes the hijra who are a social and religious group living in the northern part of India. They are neither female nor male in their gender and are described as men who adopted the characteristics and behaviors of women. They are mainly involved in prostitution despite being religious and play the role of women. They are commonly referred to as beggars and people who blessed children traditionally. Serena Nanda describes hijras as people who are exploited for sex since they act and dress like women (Nanda, n.d). They do not have other means of surviving a part from begging and being prostitutes. This research paper focuses on the lives of the hijra from Serena’s perspective. Most hijras come from poor backgrounds, which turn them to beggars and prostitutes from this research. Most medical and literature reports and research shows that hijras are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections and the dangerous human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS. Most authors view hijras as vulnerable since they are referred to as prostitutes (Nanda, n.d). Most university students have researched on hijras at their master levels and viewed them as vulnerable group. In the perspective of Haider, he shows the members of the public view that hijira negatively (Agrawal, 2014). They thus receive less employment services compared to other people. Hijras are perceived as violent people and people who are not easily associated with according to Haider. Human security of the hijra is affected as shown by Jami since the group is highly vulnerable and is perceived to cause violence. Hijras are widely diversified as Haider researches. Most people and university students do not realize this.

             Hijras according to Serena Nanda is a social group made up people who are neither female nor male. They are commonly referred to as female since they dress and behave like women. Serena says that answering who hijras are is the most difficult question since it is still not yet agreed on how to describe the hijras (Nanda, n.d). Hijras are still debated in Pakistan in order for people to discover who they are (Agrawal, 2014). They may be placed thirdly after male and female since they are viewed as neither female nor male. Initially the word hijra is used to stand for an impotent person. One who has failed to perform sexual roles is referred to as a hijra. Hijras as researched by Serena are described as males who have adopted the female gender. People who are willing to undergo emasculation or have already gone through it are known as hijra as Sonya says in her research (Agrawal, 2014). Emasculation is a term referring to those people whose penis is removed and a vagina constructed instead. There are two types of Hijras. There are those that are born as Hijras and those who develop to become hijras. Khusra are Hijras who have been emasculated and survive just like women. There is a distinction between the born Hijras and non-born Hijras since human security is affected. Zenana are type of Hijras who have not desired to undergo emasculation but have a strong femininity yet they are males (Agrawal, 2014). Hijras impact greatly on human security and thus many people research much on hijras and the diversity of hijras.

             Hijras are viewed as prostitutes since they have strong femininity. They behave like women even though they are males where most of them undergo emasculation in order to make them complete females. Most Hijras become prostitutes since they lack employment opportunities in order to earn income. Most people are not ready to employ Hijras since members of the public view them negatively (Agrawal, 2014). Older and young Hijras from the interview worked as prostitutes in order to earn money to support them. Hijras are viewed as cheap people for sex and thus many people use them for cheap sex. They also do dancing which earns them income apart from prostitution. Most male refer to Hijras as the cheapest prostitutes since they charge as little as below two hundred rupees. The Zenanas are paid as low as fifty rupees, which is far below other prostitutes (Agrawal, 2014). Thus, they are exploited for sex unlike other prostitutes who are well paid for one to get their services. Most Hijras are exploited even though they are beautiful and of the right age. Some do not have negotiation skills, which make them, earn little compared to other female prostitutes. They are beaten up if they fail to get the necessary amounts of money. Hijras are employed in hotels as prostitutes and are forced to sleep with the customers for money even at their small age. This shows how other people exploit them. They sleep with many clients in a night but with the limited minutes (Agrawal, 2014). Most Hijras contract the sexually transmitted infections at their young age. They suffer from gonorrhea, syphilis and other transmitted infections at their young age, which is a threat to their health.

            Other people in the modern society evidently exploit Hijiras, which is a threat to their security. They are exploited for sex. For example, young Hijras and Zenanas are exposed to sex at an early age (Nanda, n.d). They become prostitutes even at their old age from the interview carried out. They are contacted with sexual transmitted diseases where the society views that as a pay for their sins. They are involved in prostitution since they cannot get employed as people view them negatively (Agrawal, 2014). The old Hijras who cannot participate in dancing are left to beg and rely on peoples help. They are seen begging on restaurants in vehicles, which are caught on traffic jams. This shows their desperation since they cannot get employed and cannot participate in other useful activities. Hijras are not exposed to education thus showing why they are easily exploited. They are involved in less paying jobs like cleaning and tailoring. They perform low salary jobs such as cooking and can be dismissed any time their identity is discovered (Agrawal, 2014). For example, one Hijra who worked as a cook for the army was dismissed after people discovered he had a heart of a woman. Hijras have their reasons of becoming prostitutes but people should not despise them and exploit them since they are human beings too. They should be supported in order to accept themselves. People should respect them since they are part of the community. They should not be viewed as outcasts.

            Hijras support prostitution and thinks it is right. They do this since they have no other source of income. They are not educated unlike other people and this makes them inferior. They do not have the right to become prostitutes but because of people despising them and denying them jobs, they end up becoming prostitutes. They are not educated and trained on dangers of prostitution (Agrawal, 2014). Prostitution endangers their lives, which is a threat to, their population. Most are infected with the deadly HIV virus, which results to death. Others contact other sexual diseases, which harm them. Prostitution is a means of earning income among the hijras but it is not right. Some are involved in other low paid jobs such as cleaning, tailoring and cooking. Some perform these tasks and since they do not get enough money, they practice prostitution too (Nanda, n.d). Most males associate hijras with prostitution and consider them as the cheapest paid prostitutes. They are not respected and instead exploited for sex and other activities. Prostitution should not be the only source of income for the hijras. They can come up with other activities instead of prostitution (Agrawal, 2014). They can urge the government to support them in order for them to get access to education. Through education, the hijras can realize their value and importance in the society and can even get employment in better paying jobs. Prostitution is wrong since it causes bad effects to the person.

            Hijras even though they are exploited should not perceive themselves as low esteemed people. They should realize their value in the society and exploit their talents. They should not practice prostitution or view prostitution as main source of income. Education should be an option instead of prostitution (Nanda, n.d). This will solve the problem of health security among the hijras. Another option can be securing themselves jobs as nurses since they have a good heart. Traditionally they were known to take care of sick people and thus becoming nurses is a good carrier for them. They are also proposed to become police officers since they will be able to deal with criminals at night. They can become tax collectors since people fear their curses and will give tax when it is due (Nanda, n.d). Some hijras also administered vaccines to children since people trust that hijras poses some special powers which can bless kids. Hijras should be respected just like other people in the society. They should not be harassed even in schools as they are harassed currently. Many hijras drop out of schools since other children harass them. They are despised by other people, which discourage them. People should learn to respect the gender of others and treat them right regardless of the gender. The government should intervene and help the poor hijras in order to show them that they are appreciated regardless of their gender.

Conclusion

            From the above discussion, it is evidently noticed that hijras are common in the Indian countries. The research focuses on the exploitations hijras go through and solutions researched in order to help them. Hijras are important people in the community and people believe they have special powers used to bless new borne children. They are exploited and involve themselves in prostitution in order to earn income. Research shows other jobs hijras can involve in to instead of practicing prostitution. They are important people who should utilize their talents in the community. People should respect them since they are members of the society. The government and other associations should encourage people to respect the hijras and should fight for their rights.

References

Agrawal. A (2014) Gendered Bodies: The Case Of The Third Gender In ‘India’

Nanda. S (n.d) Neither Man nor Woman..Hijras of India

Support group report

1. Summary of the products
2. Introduction
3. Summary of all the findings

Support group report

Liberty University sent a representative from the university’s counseling department and program to attend four open meetings of Alcoholic Anonymous. .as the representative sent I was to attend those four open meetings which I attended. The purpose of the support group is to help the member cope with their addiction in the present and in future. The meetings took place at the mental healthcare centre at Phenix City Alabama- Address, 3170 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy S, Phenix City, AL 3686(334) 298-2405.

Introduction

The meetings of Alcoholic Anonymous were very effective. I was able to learn more things which I didn’t previously know. This report contains the findings of a four day meeting, the challenges encountered and the measures the group has put in place in order to attract more members. The idea for the study originated from the counseling department at the liberty university where I was sent as a representative in order to attend the meetings.

Summary of all findings

To begin with on my first meeting, the new comers were given time to introduce themselves. There were around ten newcomers including me. I took that good chance explaining to the members to the members that I was a student in the liberty university counseling program and that I was a representative of Liberty University, of counselors and of the Christian faith. The newcomers and I were given a warm welcome. The chairperson introduced to the group a certain explained how the alcoholic anonymous group has helped him until he is n longer an alcoholic. He urged many people to search and invite more members’ in order to solve the challenges that are faced by alcohol addicts. We were then recruited as members and the recruitment was free of charge. Members were then asked for any suggestion and after various remarks the meeting was closed with a prayer and members were asked to keep time during the next meeting. I observed that the group kept time and the leader had good leadership qualities on emphasizing team work and team building. We were taught on the history of alcoholic anonymous group and what it has done in the past years as the most influential group in the United States.

The next meeting was still at the same venue. The chairperson welcomed all the members and also the new members. The new members were given a chance to introduce themselves. The chair person outlined the importance of the group. The new members were taken by various group leaders and taught on various aspects. This becomes the first therapy. The new members were given time to interact with the old members and given time to express their feeling on addiction both negative and positive. The new members felt a sense of belonging and become so close to the group. They were taught on how to gain trust from members and how to gain confidence. The new members still had to undergo therapy, guidance and counseling as they continue being members. Members were then asked to meet on the next day and with a prayer the meeting was closed.

At the same venue and time members gathered for the next meeting. In this meeting the guidance, counseling and therapy for the new members continued. Members were guided on their various responsibilities for their actions as well as accepting life and its challenges. New members are taught and able to realize that they share similar attributes characteristics, experiences and feelings with the other members of the group. The new members are made to realize that the other members in the group have overcome the problem of addiction and that they have the power to overcome the same problem (Woodside, & McClam, 2009). The members get to learn different experiences which may be they never experienced and by doing this members are motivated to stick more to the group. This was the last lesion learnt on that particular meeting and members were invited for the next meeting.

On my forth and last meeting, members were urged to remain supportive to the new members. The new members were urged to see the group as a family whereby they can rely on it for various supports they require. They were taught on various strategies of solving different problems they face from the group. They were taught on ways of modeling the behavior and attitudes of the other group members. The members were taught on various skills of avoiding alcohol and even medication in cases where it was necessary. Parents were urged to be good examples of their children and act as role models for children to follow. This was my last meeting and from my meetings I observed quite a number of things. The group is so positive and is gaining more members each day with no charges on membership.

The group uses some of the theories used by Dr Corey in his DVD as he provides guidance and counseling for a patient (Corey, 2012) The alcoholic anonymous group gives guidance and counseling to its members such that they are able to stop the addiction and the ones not yet addicted are able to learn on how to live free from alcohol. Free guidance and counseling is provided until a member is delivered from the alcohol addiction.

Conclusion

It is very important for group leaders to communicate well and share joy and also remain natural. Group leaders in this Alcoholic Anonymous group were very cooperative and showed team work is necessary. Group leaders were dynamic and could cover different topics thus making sure those members understood clearly and given good guidance and counseling. A group is mostly preferred to provide therapy for drug addicts since one is not isolated and members are able to witness the recovery of other people. By doing this one is able to interact with more people and thus getting closer to the community (Kleissler, & McGuinness, 2003). Groups are necessary in treating problems that are commonly experienced by alcohol addicts such as depression, shame and isolation. Group leaders in this group were able to bring people together such that nobody felt isolated.

I was able to identify several challenges facing the group. One of them being the fact that professionals, educated people and the ones employed were not members of this group. Specific commonalities are not seen in this group especially people of a given social class and some legal status and other religious personalities. Another challenge is that several problems are experienced when trying to describe the function that mechanisms of change play in the group treatment of alcoholics.

References

Corey, G. (2012). Theory & practice of group counseling. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage    Learning.

Cormack, P., & Storbritannien. (2009). The report of the Consultative Group on the Past in Northern Ireland: Second report of session 2009-10 : report, together with formal      minutes, oral and written evidence. London: Stationery Office.

Kleissler, T. A., LeBert, M. A., & McGuinness, M. C. (2003). Small Christian communities: A vision of hope for the 21st century. New York: Paulist Press.

Woodside, M., & McClam, T. (2009). An introduction to human services. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Brooks/Cole.

What is a not for profit organization?

         Not for profit organizations (NPO) are organizations that the law allows to use excess income to be able to carry out the objectives of the organization. In most cases, NPO are similar to profit organizations, the only difference is that they do not exist to make profit and dividends. This does not mean that the organization cannot make profits of their own. In fact, the general rule is that the profits generated by such companies can only be used for the self preservation of the organization as well as the expansion or plans that the organization plans to engage (Mcmillan, 2008, p.23). In a nutshell NPOs can be described as organizations without owners that are allowed to make profit which in turn realize the operation of the organization. Thus, NPOs generally are not used to benefit individuals but rather organizations and their purposes and management. Similar to profit organizations, most NPOs have board members or rather controlling members. These organizations pay their employees but also have some employees or persons who work for the organization on voluntary terms (without payment). The functions of most NPOs vary depending on the activity that the organization aims to participate in for example, economic activities, representation, management to mention but a few. The aim of all NPOs as earlier mentioned is not to gain success that comes in terms of wealth but rather to earn the satisfaction of giving some sort of value to the people they are administering to.

In most cases, and in most countries, NPOs are incorporated under statute which means that they are legal entities just like individuals are. They may be either membership or board only, regardless of their state, most countries recognize the commendable jobs that these organizations do for society and reward them by giving them tax exemptions.

Why was your chosen organization set up and what are its main aims and objectives?

The company has chosen to create a community group whose key function will be to help in the development of small businesses in the region. More often that not, small businesses in a society always end up suffering in situations where bigger corporations establish base in a particular organization. A case scenario in this case would be where a larger food provider such as Starbacks coffee or McDonalds sets up a chain in a smaller community. This would translate to most it not all of the smaller fast food shops closing up because they cannot afford to compete with such major completion. The aim of our community group is not only to create a united front for all the smaller businesses but also to create a forum where the business owners can meet, share ideas as well as receive training (Brown & Ruhl, 2003, p. 18).

The objectives of the community group are to strengthen the smaller enterprises in the community by teaching them good business skills. They also include the uplifting as well as financing of these small businesses where possible in order to increase profit for these business and to help better the lives of the owners. Finally, the objective of the organization is to help the members create a united front as far representation of these small businesses is concerned in that particular society. As well as the creation of a forum where these enterprises can share on their personal experiences as well as challenges as far as the operation of a small business is concerned in that particular community.

How is the organization structured and managed?

The organization will comprise of different members as well as groups that will form part of the members. These individual members will comprise of individual owners of small businesses in the community. It will also consist of representatives from the TSD Analysis ltd, local banks associations as well as the town’s representative’s office who will individually form members of the community group. These members will then elect a board of directors who will represent at least all stakeholders in the group. The board will be directly in charge of running the operations of the organization including the making of crucial decisions concerning the organization and will be assisted by a team of paid trained people who will be in charge of handling the activities of the organization (Glaeser, 2003, p. 71). Other than the election of board members, it is the duty of the members to convene regular meetings as well as amend the organizations by laws.

Among the team of employers that the organization will employ will include a team of competent lawyers who will represent the organization and its interests as well as a team of accountants and business trainers as well as other employees needed for the management of the organization. While on one hand some of these employees will be paid for their services, others will be there on a voluntary capacity.

It is important that the organization comply with all rules and legislation that deal with NPOs or risk losing angering the government.

Identify how the core ‘functional areas of business’ are carried out within this organization.

In most cases NPOs are similar to profitable companies as far as the functionality of the business is concerned. The board of directors that are appointed by the members carries out the administrative function in the organization. These people are in charge of the day to day running and management of the organization. These people are able to answer questions concerning the organization and how it is being run.

The other functional area is the finance function. This organization will be able to deal with the financial needs of the small business owner. Therefore in one way or the other there will have to be a financial department to be able to manage the organizations stream of income (Walraven, 1995, p. 19).

The human resource function is also very important for the organization. This is because it is charged with the duty of ensuring that the employees of the organizations are well managed. Most NPOs have to rely on one form of employee or the other. These employees are either paid or in some cases work voluntarily for the organization. Either way, a system has to be in place that would ensure that the employees are well managed by the organization.

In our case, we could conclude by adding the research and development function. This is because other that the fact that the core company revolves around research. The organization relies on research as a tool to be able to further develop the small business owner’s agenda.

Finally, the production function is important for the organization for its main agenda is to provide a service that would please all stakeholders in the long run.

Comment on how this organization’s external context differs from that of the supermarket you studied for Assessment 2.

This particular organization is different as far as its external context is concerned from that of the supermarket because of the core function of both organizations. On one hand, the supermarket is influenced by profit generation, the organization is not working so hard to rake in profit but rather to benefit the people that it was created to help in the first place. This would mean that an item such as marketing in order to draw in customers is replaced by sensitization as awareness campaigns which are done for social benefit (Migliore, 1995, p. 62).

There is also the fact that for the organization, competition is not an issue unlike the supermarket. The supermarket has a competitive business environment in which it has to function in to be able to make profit. On the other hand, there is no need to compete as far as the community group is concerned. The external social environment is favorable to the community group as far as its reception into the community is concerned because the community is able to recognize with the efforts being made by the organization in terms of social responsibility whilst the outlook my totally be different when society looks at the supermarket. Society in generally lenient as far as NPOs are concerned because while other profit making organizations have to follow strict guidelines, the law is often lenient to the NPOs. Therefore, the running and maintenance of an NPO is less of a stress that the management and maintenance of a profit making organization.

References

Glaeser, E. L. (2003). The governance of not-for-profit organizations. Chicago, University of Chicago Press. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=212632.

Mcmillan, E. J. (2008). Model policies and procedures for not-for-profit organizations. Hoboken, N.J., Wiley. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=219774.

Walraven, G. (1995). Business thinking in not-for-profit organizations. Gaithersburg, Md, Aspen Publications.

Migliore, R. H. (1995). Strategic planning for not-for-profit organizations. New York, Haworth Press.

Brown, H. H., & Ruhl, D. L. (2003). Breakthrough management for not-for-profit organizations: beyond survival in the 21st century. Westport, Conn. [u.a.], Praeger.

Admission Essay

What significant relationships and life experiences have you had in giving or receiving help that have motivated you to enter the field of social work?

My experience in the military plays a major role in my wanting to venture into social work. In my years in the military I was able to brash shoulders and interact with the vulnerable and defenseless in different communities in India and Indonesia. During my service in South Korea, I was privileged to volunteer as an English teacher to children whose parents had been in the military but had died. I found this experience to be satisfying. I also got the chance to give back to society without expecting anything in return. This experienced enabled me to realize that although in a small way I can be able to give back to the society by helping the vulnerable and less fortunate. The military also taught me the value of self sacrifice and service to all irrespective of whom they are or their background. After my experience in South Korea, I realized that I had so much self gratification so I decided to go for a volunteer mission in Mexico.

My military training experience also played an important role in my motivation. When I first entered military school, I was a naïve, clumsy, out of shape, undisciplined, and hated people yelling at me—all qualities that kept me on every Drill Sergeant’s Radar. I was very close to being kicked out in the first week, and I almost let them. I wanted to run and never come back. But to where? I couldn’t go back to school; I couldn’t get a job making enough to support myself, because I really did not possess any skills. This was the only thing that I could do. I went to the Drill Sergeant and asked him for another chance, he gave it to me. Saying “This is not high school; if you want something, you are going to have to work hard and earn it.” From then on I pushed harder, did pushups and sit-ups every night while people were asleep. I told myself that it was not alright to quit, and I did not quit. It was hard, but I ended up graduating with my peers. This motivation of knowing that I can archive anything with hard work is what motivated me to apply for a social work career.

The USC School of Social Work prepares students to prevent and mitigate severe social problems, which challenge the viability of multifaceted diverse populations. Discuss your experiences with and feelings about working with populations different from your own.

During my period in the military I was not only able to work with colleagues from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, but also to interact with other people from different parts of the world such as India. These interactions not only assisted me in learning more about this people but also helped me learn about their cutlers. Most of the countries that I was posted to were countries that were less fortunate than our beloved countries. These countries were ravaged with a lot of social injustices such as war, famine and poverty. It was quite sad to experience what this unfortunate people were going through and feeling the need to help them yet knowing that I can only be able to help one person at a time.

On a lighter not, I enjoyed learning all the different cultures that I was exposed as well as the different languages that I learned from this people. I also got to understand the different ways of living out there and how these populations adopt to these ways of living. This experience and knowledge will greatly help me in social work since in this field I also have to interact with different people from different backgrounds and cultures.

The USC School of Social Work is dedicated to providing excellent graduate education for people destined to create social change. What social welfare areas interest you and why?

I am most interested with public administration, due to the fact that I worked for public service under the military. I am also interested in community development. Community development will help me utilize the skills I learned and acquired in the military and apply them in my work.

What social problem(s) most concerns you that might be addressed with an MSW

The biggest problem that concerns me and which I would report to an NSW is child maltreatment. In the year 2004, there were 3 million reports of child maltreatment in the US alone. It was approximated that four children die of maltreatment everyday and a large number of these deaths are unaccounted for. For a country that claims to love our children, this is a large number so yes, given an opportunity to address an MWS I would definitely talk about child maltreatment.

Why getting a degree is important even when you have already a stable job

Introduction

Many people perceive education as an institution created by the society. It should however be noted that education is a function of the society that arises from the nature and the characteristics of the society itself. It is aimed at maintaining its functions that will ensure the survival and convenience of the society. The Filipino formal education system consists of three stages, the elementary, secondary, technical, vocational, and tertiary education. Of the four stages, the tertiary level is the highest. At this level the degree is comprise of two levels, which are the undergraduate level and the graduate level degrees.

The importance of a degree

Income benefits

In every country where studies have been done, the evidence is that additional education raises income and reduces poverty; often by very substantial amounts. Micro-level breakdowns within developing countries show an inverse relation between education and poverty. This also applies in the Filipino society where the poverty levels are alarmingly high. This means that the higher ones level of education, the more one gets to earn. It explains why most of the people with technical level education go back to university for higher education. In Philippines’, like all developing countries better-educated workers have lower unemployment rates than less-educated workers. Therefore, the better-educated Filipinos tend to be employed more frequently in the superior occupations and tend to earn higher incomes while working.

There is an international belief that people who have qualifications that are under a degree contribute less to the economy than their colleagues who have degree. This stereotype has led to the marginalization of these individuals

The growing global market for students from developing countries has resulted in a greater demand for the graduates concerning both the destination of students as well as the level of education. With respect to the destination, developing countries are themselves trying to attract students from other countries to come work in their countries. Most of these people go because of the earning they will get which is much better than if it was in their individual country. This also acts as an attraction of the students to go for higher education.

Higher education is now easily and cheaply available both locally and internationally to the Filipino. This means that individuals are able to easily pay for this education. On the other hand, this concept works as a disadvantage to the same individuals because more and more people are pursuing higher education. The production of more graduates into the job market means that those under qualified or non-degree holders have to be sacked to create job employment opportunities for the graduates.

Due to poverty rates, most Filipino families are only able to provide their children with basic education, which consist of primary and secondary education. If a family tries hard, enough they can put their children through technical or vocational training. This means that when these children start earning a living they can pay for their own higher education. This is what happens in most cases with such students. However, this does not happen all the time because in some cases the individual has to provide for the family and can ill afford to pay for this education.

Attaining higher education will help the communities that they come from. Since most degree enable individuals to earn better salaries, than Filipinos want to get degree so that they can go back to the communities that brought them up and help them.

Degrees are mostly associated with professions. Many people go for degrees because unlike vocational training degree are associates with building professional careers such as engineers and doctors. This cannot be achieved through vocational training.

When an individual earns their degree, there is a certain degree of honor that is accorded to that person by not only their family but with the community as a whole. The community is able to recognize the individuals’ academic achievement. The individuals’ family is also treated with a lot of respect for being able to bring up and educate a bright and well-learned person.

In most organizations, a degree holder will hold a more authoritative position than the other less qualified individuals will. This means that they are trusted with greater responsibility and more often than not are put in charge of the other less qualified.

Attaining a degree is currently becoming a growing trend in the Philippines with more and more people going back to school. This means that Filipinos are no longer just interested in attaining basic education but are going on to attain even higher education. This acts as a great contributor to the economy of the country since a literate states economy grows faster that others due to sufficient labor provided by its graduates. The Filipino government has been encouraging the Filipinos to go for higher education to be able to provide an educated workforce for the countries economy.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why individuals pursue higher education in the Philippines. It is however important to recognize the leading reasons are for financial and social empowerment. Even though higher education is not forced on any individuals, the world is advancing at a very fast pace and the people who are likely to benefit are those that have attained high levels of education.

Bibliography

Forest, J. J. F., & Altbach, P. G. (2006). International handbook of higher education. Dordrecht: Springer.

Information Resources Management Association., & Khosrowpour, M. (2004). Innovations through information technology. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Publishing.

Dy, M. B. (1994). Values in Philippine culture and education. Washington, D.C: Office of Research and Publications and the Council for Research in Values and Philosophy.

Obasi, I. N. (2008). Private higher education and public policy in Africa: A contrasting case of Nigeria and Botswana. Göttingen: Cuvillier.

Reading Comprehension Professional Development Plan

My professional goals and their application

The following are some of the learning goals related to

1. Reading the literature

• Developing personal appreciation of various types of genres

In order to accomplish this goal I will ensure that I keep the record of all the books read. Participation in various literature discussions can also help to appreciate the different literature genres.

• Reading silently information to gain insight

 This goal can help to me to understand the information gotten from different books. In addition, this goal can also help me to gain insight on the various issues of life for instance my role in the society.

• Reading at least five book written by the same author

Reading different books written by the same author can help me to understand the issue that the author deem important. Most importantly, reading books from the same author can also help me develop the interest in writing my own book.

2. Reading informational text

• Evaluating the main ideas in a text

            This goal will help in ensuring that I fully understand the various concepts found different textbook. Moreover, this goal will also help me in answering various questions in exams. In addition, this can also help me to understand how the main ideas relate to other ideas in the text.

• Know how to use various text features

            This goal will allow me to know how to use the text feature such as the sidebars and hyperlink to locate information. In addition, this will allow me to know how to relate the information gotten from these features to the main idea in the text.

3. Reading foundation skills

• Know how to apply word analysis skills

This goal will allow me to understand the common prefixes and derivatives suffixes. In addition, this will also allow me to decode words with common Latin suffix.

• Improve on my fluency in reading

This goal will allow me to read text and understand its meaning. Moreover, the skill will also help me to develop proper reading habit.

Professional growth and their effect my learning Social-emotional, behavioral, academic, etc.

       These goals will have various effects on my learning activities. First they will help to boost my social-emotional attitude. This is because with good reading habit, I will be able to become smart in my studies and therefore boost my social emotional attitude (Peine, 2008). Moreover with improved reading skills I will also be able to increase my vocabulary and the language skills. In relations to the behavior these goals will enable me to develop reading habit. Most importantly, these goals will allow to developed effective reading habits. Another important point to note is the fact these goals will help ensure that I am able to improve on my academic performance. This is because these goals will allow me to read and understand the various question asked in the exam.

How the goals connect to the current position

These goals connect to the current position several ways. First, these goals will help me to improve my current literature reading habits. Second, these goals will help to boosts my current academic performance. In relation to this, it is evident that currently I have not been performing well in my literature exams. This therefore implies with the implementation of these goals I will be able to improve on my performance. In addition, these goals will also help me to continue with my thirst for knowledge.

Wisconsin Educator Standards will that promote my professional growth

The following are some of the educator standards that will help me to develop my professional growth.

The teachers know the content

       In relation all the teachers understand the central concept and the tools of enquiry of their discipline (Cullingford, 2006). This will in turn help me to understand my literature studies.  In addition, the teachers can also create a learning experience that will allow me develop the necessary attitude in my studies.

Teachers know how children grow

       The teachers have the ability to understand how different student grow. This therefore implies that the teacher has the ability to support the intellectual, social and personal development.  This can also help me to achieve my goals since my teachers can help to advice on the best ways to deal with my weak areas.

Teacher know how teach

       The teachers understand varieties of instruction giving strategies. In relation to this, the teachers understand how to integrate things like technology with learning. This will therefore help to ensure that am able to know how to integrate technology in my learning.

Teachers know how to test student progress

       It is evident that the teachers are trained on how to check the progress of the student using the formal and the informal methods. This standard will therefore help me to understand whether am to achieve my growth strategies.

How to collect data on my professional growth

        The first is through collecting the performance data over a certain period. This can help me to establish whether there is improvement in my academic performance.  In addition, I will also check whether I have been able to achieve my target of reading five different literature books per week. In order to check on this one I will use my records to see the number of books that I have read. In addition I will also use my observation method to see whether there is any improvement on my reading skills. Moreover, I can also use the comment from the teachers. This can help to gauge my performance on the professional development.

How I will collect data on the effect of growth on my student learning

       In order to establish of the effect my growth on my learning. I will first check on my performance in the literature. This will help me to understand whether the am able to accomplish my objective. I will also check on my fluency in reading various books. This is because one of my objectives was to improve on my fluency in reading. In addition, I will also check on my ability to evaluate the information provided in the different textbooks. This will therefore help me to understand whether I was able to achieve the goal of ensuring that I evaluate the information provided in a textbook. Moreover, I will also use the comment from my friend concerning the new changes to evaluate my emotional changes.

Reflection of how I have grown professionally

       After going through the professional growth plan, I have been able to grow professionally in several ways. First, I have been able to ensure that I write down whatever I want to achieve. Another way that I have been able to ensure that I grow professionally is by ensuring that I analyze whatever, I have achieved within the specified time. It is also important to note that I have also been able to learn from various writers on how to be successful in life. Most importantly I have also been able to learn how to negotiate whatever I want. In addition I have also been able to read the various professional publications by different authors. This has helped to equip me with the necessary knowledge to ensure that I achieve my career aspirations. It is also important to note that I have also offered to help other student to also develop professionally.

Summary of my professional growth and reflected on my student learning

The above professional growth has helped to improve on my student learning in several ways. First, I have been able to improve on my class work performance in literature. This therefore implies that the reading habit that I developed has really played a part in this improvement. The profession growth plan has also helped to improve on my ability to evaluate the content of various books. This has in turn helped to improve on my understanding of questions in the exam. Moreover, the professional growth plan has also improved on the way I relate to other student. In relation to this I have also been able to increase my participation in the group discussions.

Summary of the reflection on how I grew professionally

            The professional growth plan has helped me to grow professionally in several ways.  First, it has helped I have developed a habit of analyzing whatever activities I take part. This is to help in identifying the areas that I need to improve. The professional growth plan has also helped me to increase my professional knowledge through reading various publications. In addition this plan has helped me to realize the importance of planning my work. 

References

Cullingford, C. (2006). Mentoring in education: An international perspective. Aldershot [u.a.: Ashgate.

Peine, J., & Peine, J. (2008). The educator's professional growth plan: A process for developing staff and improving instruction. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

• Ideology Hegemony
• Ideology hegemony initially theorizes the manner in which domination as well as exploitation relationship are integrated in the predominant ideas of the society. Distinct levels of ideology homogeneity exist depending on the level of societies which exist. A research carried out by Nelson & Robison (294) to examine the linguistic construction as well as the reproduction of hegemony that inscribes an increasing decisive ideology of social inequality which deny values some marginally located Americans and at the same time placing value on others.

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• Professional Growth Plan
• Introduction
•             The professional growth plan refers to a formal learning opportunity that can help one to improve knowledge and skills. This plan can also help one to make a meaningful engagement in the study and the various related activities. Some of the reasons for undertaking this professional development are to help improve on listening skills and refine on my leadership skills. This professional growth plans will help to explain some of the ways that I can improve on these skills. In addition this plan will also help to provide the insight into the new practice and explore the advance understanding of the content and the resources. This plan will also help to present various ways to cope up with the challenges in the course of the professional development. Moreover, the plan will also help to provide and designed evaluation plan that can help to assess the skills learnt. Most importantly, the plan will help to illustrate the role of technology and research in professional development. Finally, the plan will also help to show the role of professional development in the commitment to lifelong learning.

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