Balance Sheet and Public Sector Reform Essay Example for Free

Balance Sheet and Public Sector Reform Essay Financial control 1.1 Assess the relationship(s) between a financial system or function and other systems or functions in an organisation Answer: Information and records are of critical importance to the functioning and controlling of systems in general, including organisational systems. Given the central importance of information and records to systems operation, including public sector organisations and the societies they exist to govern, we should not be surprised to learn that public sector reform efforts that overlook the information component often fail to meet their immediate objectives and the longer-term goal of establishing a framework for good governance. Efforts to improve the management of public sector records in many countries have been hampered by a gap between the National Archives and the government’s record-creating departments. The result has been that most of the records in the custody of the Archives are over forty years old, while the records in government departments remain unmanaged. Some National Archives have inspecting powers, but there are few professionals trained to manage current records. Moreover, there are rarely systems in place to ensure that semi-current and non-current records are transferred to secure accommodation or appropriately destroyed. The introduction of computerized systems, often a key part of public sector reform projects, is compounding existing record-keeping problems. These computerized systems are using information that may be seriously flawed and based on collapsed paper-based systems. It is because effective management of records is so crucial to achieving public sector reform objectives, which lead to good governance, that restructuring must encompass the management of records. Restructuring of records and archives management processes must be seen as an integral part of the restructuring of core government processes to ensure the success of public sector reform efforts. 1.2 Describe the systems of accounts and financial statements used to control a financial system Answer: Financial statements are the primary means of communicating financial information to parties outside the business organization. The four basic financial statements: Balance Sheet Income Statement Statement of Cash Flows Statement of Retained Earnings ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS In small enterprises there can be different kinds of accounting systems such as external, internal and tax accounting. Annex 3 summarises data per Member State concerning accounting system requirements for small enterprises. On the basis of this data, the following descriptions of accounting systems are given: Internal accounting Internal accounting, also called management accounting is based on the enterprise’s internal accounting procedures and recorded accounting information. Internal accounting is intended for managers within organizations, to provide them with the economic basis to make informed business decisions that would allow them to be better equipped in their management and control functions. For example, managers may want to be able to assess the contribution or the profitability of different products or services that they supply by comparing the revenues and costs that they generate. Unlike external accounting information, internal accounting is usually confidential and it is accessible only to the management. In most cases, small enterprises do not use internal accounting at all due to their size. Internal accounting is normally not governed by national legislation. However, in some Member States internal accounting is compulsory even for small enterprises. External accounting External accounting, also called financial accounting is concerned with the preparation of financial statements for decision makers, such as the owners, suppliers, banks, governments and its agencies, customers and other stakeholders outside the enterprise. External accounting makes use of the accounting information from the internal accounting system. In the preparation of the external accounting, the small enterprise may be governed by local 1.3 Analyse financial information contained in a set of accounts or financial statements Answer: The two main sources of data for financial analysis are a companys balance sheet and income statement. The balance sheet outlines the financial and physical resources that a company has available for business activities in the future. It is important to note, however, that the balance sheet only lists these resources, and makes no judgment about how well they will be used by management. For this reason, the balance sheet is more useful in analysing a companys current financial position than its expected performance. The main elements of the balance sheet are assets and liabilities. Assets generally include both current assets (cash or equivalents that will be converted to cash within one year, such as accounts receivable, inventory, and prepaid expenses) and noncurrent assets (assets that are held for more than one year and are used in running the business, including fixed assets like property, plant, and equipment; long-term investments; and intangible assets like patents, copyrights, and goodwill). Both the total amount of assets and the makeup of asset accounts are of interest to financial analysts. The balance sheet also includes two categories of liabilities, current liabilities (debts that will come due within one year, such as accounts payable, short-term loans, and taxes) and long-term debts (debts that are due more than one year from the date of the stateme nt).Liabilities are important to financial analysts because businesses have same obligation to pay their bills regularly as individuals, while business income tends to be less certain. Long-term liabilities are less important to analysts, since they lack the urgency of short-term debts, though their presence does indicate that a company is strong enough to be allowed to borrow money. The balance sheet also commonly includes stock-holders equity accounts, which detail the permanent capital of the business. The total equity usually consists of two parts: the money that has been invested by shareholders, and the money that has been retained from profits and reinvested in the business. In general the more equity that is held by a business, the better the ability of the business to borrow additional funds. In contrast to the balance sheet, the income statement provides information about a companys performance over a certain period of time. Although it does not reveal much about the companys current financial condition, it does provide indications of its future viability. The main elements of the income statement are revenues earned; expenses incurred, and net profit or loss. Revenues consist mainly of sales, though financial analysts may also note the inclusion of royalties, interest, and extraordinary items. Likewise, operating expenses usually consist primarily of the cost of goods sold, but can also include some unusual items. Net income is the bottom line of the income statement. This figure is the main indicator of a companys accomplishments over the statement period. Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/financial-analysis#ixzz1uKymsDuW 2.1 As a manager you need to fully understand your role in the budgetary process. It is the most basic financial planning and control tool. Every manager needs to know what costs are associated with their department, and how in relation are they doing to that budget. You might achieve your departmental goals, but if you go over budget in order to achieve those goals, you create financial problems for the company and jeopardize your own job performance review. In most cases, part of your performance appraisal will be based on whether or not you were within budget for the year. Budgets need to be realistic. You can’t just say at a whim you need 20 new people, just as upper management can’t say you have only $10 for a years’ worth of training classes. Budgets are used to investigate variances, whether you went over or under budget, and address the reasons for the variances. You need to always look at ways to control those variances by controlling costs. By being on top of your budget, you might be able to make changes before it’s too late and you end up having to reduce staff or eliminate a branch of your department. There are basically two types of budgets, a capital expenditure budget and operating budget: 1. Capital expenditure (also known as â€Å"Capex†) relates to costs associated with plant and equipment. This is equipment that generally lasts for more than a year such as a copy machine. 2. Operating budget, which is related to the normal day-to-day operations and expenditures such as payroll, supplies, and miscellaneous. There are two types of budgets within an operating budget, sales budgets and expense budgets:  · Sales budget is associated with comparison and variance of the actual revenue brought with the projected revenue.  · Expense budget applies to all areas incurring operating expenses, including the sales department. This is the budget we will focus on. CASH BUDGET FOR 90 DAYS Beginning cash balance $ 320,000 Add: Estimated collections on accounts receivable750,000 Estimated cash sales 250,000 $1,320,000 Deduct: Estimated payments on accounts payable $ 800,000 Estimated cash expenses 150,000 Contractual payments on long-term debt 150,000 Quarterly dividend 50,000 $1,150,000 Estimated ending cash balance $ 170,000 2.2 Budgetary Control is defined as the establishment of budgets, relating the responsibilities of executives to the requirements of a policy, and the continuous comparison of actual with budgeted results either to secure by individual action the objective of that policy or to provide a base for its revision. 2. Salient features: a. Objectives: Determining the objectives to be achieved, over the budget period, and the policy (ies) that might be adopted for the achievement of these ends. b. Activities: Determining the variety of activities that should be undertaken for achievement of the objectives. c. Plans: Drawing up a plan or a scheme of operation in respect of each class of activity, in physical as well as monetary terms for the full budget period and its parts. d. Performance Evaluation: Laying out a system of comparison of actual performance by each person section or department with the relevant budget and determination of causes for the discrepancies, if any. e. Control Action: Ensuring that when the plans are not achieved, corrective actions are taken; And when corrective actions are not possible, ensuring that the plans are revised and objective achieved. Budgetary Control is an integral part of management. It consists in comparisons between the results of actual performance and budgeted performance. Central to this kind of comparison is Standard Costing and Variance Analysis. The purpose of this article is to clarify simply to the leaner, reader, and others peoples who related with accounts, budgets, costing department. 01. Variance Analysis: In a well-run organization the comparison between actual and budget is used as the basis for deciding the appropriate action. This document sets out how the analysis is used to highest effect. The procedure is actually part of the normal control process. Any variation from expected performance, in terms of budgets, where income or expenditure did not occur as expected. Variance analysis is the act of determining the drivers for those variations. Variances are noted and accounted for. A decision can be made to reduce expenses or reallocate resources. This technique greatly reduces the need for comprehensive review cycles. 2.3 Budget and Budgetary control, both at management and operational level looks at the future and lays down what has to be achieved. Control verifies whether or not the plans are understood, and puts into effect corrective measures where deviation or underperformance is occurring. This article Techniques of Budgetary Control examines how budget and budgetary control can impact on the performance of the organizations Techniques: Budgetary Control is an integral part of management. It consists in comparisons between the results of actual performance and budgeted performance. Central to this kind of comparison is Standard Costing and Variance Analysis. The purpose of this article is to clarify simply to the leaner, reader, and others peoples who related with accounts, budgets, costing department. What variance analysis is all about, avoiding pure technicalities and the terminology of accountants? Notice is confined to costs and cost variances in this article. A similar dealing of revenue and revenue variances would also be compulsory to acquire a proper perspective. Following explained The Budgetary Control Techniques 01. Variance Analysis: In a well-run organization the comparison between actual and budget is used as the basis for deciding the appropriate action. This document sets out how the analysis is used to highest effect. The procedure is actually part of the normal control process. Any variation from expected performance, in terms of budgets, where income or expenditure did not occur as expected. Variance analysis is the act of determining the drivers for those variations. Variances are noted and accounted for. A decision can be made to reduce expenses or reallocate resources. This technique greatly reduces the need for comprehensive review cycles.

James Joyce Essay -- essays research papers fc

In selecting James Joyce's Ulysses as the best novel of the twentieth century, Time magazine affirmed Joyce's lasting legacy in the realm of English literature. James Joyce (1882-1941), the twentieth century Irish novelist, short story writer and poet is a major literary figure of the twentieth-century. Regarded as "the most international of writers in English ¡K[with] a global reputation (Attridge, pix), Joyce's stature in literature stems from his experimentation with English prose. Influenced by European writers and an encyclopedic knowledge of European literatures, Joyce's distinctive writing style includes epiphanies, the stream-of-consciousness technique and conciseness. Born in Rathgar, near Dubtin, in 1882, he lived his adult life in Europe and died in Zurich, Switzerland in 1941. The eldest of then children, Joyce attended a Jesuit boarding school Clongowes Wood from 18888-1891 and Belvedere College, another Jesuit school from 1893-1898. In 1902, Joyce graduated from University College and went to live in exile in Europe unable to tolerate the narrow-mindedness of his native country. Ironically, Ireland and Irish people become the subject of his short stories and novels. The two central preoccupations of his work are a sense of betrayal. Ireland, dominated both political and economically by Britain and religiously by the Catholic Church caused Joyce to regard them as "the two imperialisms" (Attridge P. 34). Roman Catholicism is an integral aspect of the novel A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. In 1917, the English novelist H.G. Wells in a review of the novel in the New Republic wrote, "by far the most living and convincing pic ture that exists of an Irish Catholic upbringing." Joyce's focus on betrayal was a consequence of the downfall in 1889of the Irish leader Charles Stuart Parnell when he was attacked by the Irish Catholic Church when named a correspondent in a divorce case. This treachery left an indelible mark on Joyce's mind. 	Joyce literary talent emerged at Belvedere as he began to read the work of European writers and in particular the Norwegian dramatist, Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906). At the age of eighteen, Joyce wrote an essay entitled "Ibsen's New Drama" which was published in the Fortnightly Review. When Ibsen sent him a note of thanks, "the awestruck Joyce resolved to learn Norwegion... ... days the about life span of his characters-as Joyce world do in 'The Dead' in Ulysses, and perhaps in Finnegan's Wake." (Atteridge p.65) There was an increasing concentration on form and language in Joyce's five novels. In A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Joyce in a few lines, describes Stephan, Dedalues's mood and characters. Works Cited 1. Arnold, Armin. James Joyce. New York: Frederick Ungar Publishing Co., 1969. 2. Attridge, Derek. The Cambridge Companion to James Joyce. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1990. 3. Benstock, Bernard. "Joyce, James." Twentieth Century Authors. New York: HW Wilson Company, 1942. 4. Cahalan, James M. A Critical History. Boston: G. K. Hall & Co., 1988. 5. "Joyce, James Augustine Aloysins." Microsoft Corpuration. Encarta. CD-Rom. Encarta. 1993-1996. 6. Kalasky, Drew. Short Story Criticism. Detroit: Gale Research Inc., 1995. 7. Kenner, Hugh, Fritz Senn, E.L. Esptein, Robert Boyle, SJ. A Starchamber Quiry: a James Joyce Centennial Volume, 1882-1982. New York: Methuen & Co. Ltd, 1982. 8. Rice, Thomas Jackson. James Joyce: Life, Work, and Criticism. Frederiction: York Press LTD., 1985.

Oil and Non-Oil Economy of the UAE Essay

The general dichotomization of the economy of the United Arab Emirates is into the oil and non-oil sectors. While the aggregate output remains dependent on oil production, the United Arab Emirates is focusing on the development of its non-oil sector as part of its diversification plan. However, its ability to develop fully its non-oil sector depends on the performance of its oil sector. One consideration is the relative contribution of the oil and non-oil sectors to the economy. The other consideration is the ability to the oil-sector to support the diversification plan in the non-oil sector. Abed and Hellyer (2001) explained that in 1998 the production of crude oil accounted for less than a quarter or 22 percent of gross domestic product. However, even if the contribution of crude oil production to aggregate output is less than a quarter, the impact of the sector on the economy is much bigger. Oil exports contributed 37 percent of earnings in foreign exchange and 60 percent of public sector revenue. The oil sector contributes to the aggregate economy in four fronts, which are business investment, household income and consumption, public spending, and net exports. This substantiates the claim that the oil sector comprises the backbone of the UAE economy. Further growth occurred in the oil sector in 2006 with the Ministry of Information and Culture (2006) reporting that the oil and gas sector contributed 28 percent to aggregate output. Concurrently, there is also growth in the non-oil sector, particularly in manufacturing and financial sectors. The UAE Federal Government (2008) further reported that oil and gas production experienced further growth by contributing one third to gross domestic product. This is primarily due to programs intending to optimize oil and gas production in the different emirates. At the same time, there is also solid growth in the non-oil sector. In the next years, the contribution of the oil sector should stabilize at one third of the economy and the non-oil sector becoming a stronger contributor to economic growth. This would allow the UAE to maximize returns from the oil and gas sector to boost growth in the non-oil sector. UAE Economic Developments to Achieve Diversification The United Arab Emirates is already on its way towards economic diversification. Although, the oil and gas sector remains as an important sector, the UAE has achieved developments in the non-oil sector. There are areas of economic developments that the UAE has to focus on to achieve diversification. Dunning (2005) identified the optimization of resource base as a means of achieving diversification. The UAE has to hone the potential of its key resources to establish different industries. The country has already done this by continuously developing its oil and gas sector. However, it also needs to optimize the resource base for the non-oil sector such as the development of land through urban planning or the urbanization of peripheral lands to provide venues for manufacturing and services sectors or the maintenance of natural resources for tourism. Another economic development needed to support diversification encompasses structural changes. According to Shihab (2006), the economic structure needs to support the needs of the non-oil sector. One way of achieving this is influencing employment patterns to develop labor force for the non-oil sector. This means investing in human services such as education and health to ensure labor productivity. Muysken and Nour (2006) stressed on the deficiencies in the educational system and low level of skills of the labor force as areas for improvement if the UAE wants to succeed in diversifying its economy. Another way is the establishment of different industries to broaden the economic base and create employment. A third economic development is integration of infrastructure and social structures to support diversification. DeNicola (2005) explained that infrastructure developments are necessary to attract investments and create employment opportunities for non-oil industries. Shihab (2006) explained that social factors such as the development of a culture of consumerism and calm co-existence among local minorities and expatriates support growth in the non-oil sector. Justification for Diversifying the UAE Economy Imbs and Wacziarg (2003) explained that the overall justification for economic diversification is sustainable growth by spreading economic risk across different industries. Economies reliant on a single sector such as the reliance of the member countries of the Gulf Cooperating Council on the oil sector also face high risks in the long-term because oil is a non-renewable resource (Fasano & Iqbal 2003). There are also specific reasons for the goal of the UAE for diversifying its economy. One is avoidance of the effect of the oil curse theory, which explains that dependence on oil has long-term negative effects on the economy. Oil exporting countries gain revenue by relying on price fluctuations in the global market alone, which does not require investments or efficiency that in turn precludes long-term development of economic capabilities or competencies. Revenue generated from oil is sufficient to support welfare services, placing focus on allocation instead of production. (HSBC Middle East 2003; DeNicola 2005) Another justification is the maximization of revenue generation through resource development. Diversification would enable an oil dependent economy such as the UAE to gain revenue from its other resources. Sole reliance on oil limits the revenue generating potential of the economy and hampers economic efficiency by idling resources. (Shihab 2006) Another related reason is resolving revenue volatility. Dependence on oil involves the downside of volatility in the long-term because oil is non-renewable, which means oil reserves will eventually run out in the future. Oil dependent countries need to develop other sources of revenue to ensure continuity of revenue generation even after oil reserves have dwindled. (Gylfason 2004) Still another justification is human development by creating employment opportunities for the young population. The UAE has a predominantly young population, which means a pool of intellectual and skill resource able to support the development of non-oil industries. Diversification enables the economy to develop its human resources to increase quality of life and sustain productivity. (HSBC Middle East, 2003; Muysken & Nour 2006) Non-Oil Sector in Economic Diversification for Sustainable Economic Development The Ministry of Information and Culture (2006) explained that the non-oil sector contributed 72 percent of the GDP of the UAE. This reflects the potential of developing the non-oil sector to achieve economic diversification and ensure sustainable economic development. The non-oil sector comprises goods manufacturing and services, with the former contributing 57. 9 percent and the latter contributing 42. 1 percent to GDP from the non-oil sector. Industries under goods manufacturing are agriculture, livestock and fisheries, mining, manufacturing, construction, and electricity, gas and water. Industries under services include restaurants and hotels, transportation, storage and communication, real estate and business, and social and private services. Diversification is already apparent in these various industries and there is still wide room for the development of these industries and the establishment of new industries. Hejmadi (2004) explained that development of the economic free zones were crucial to the development of different industries in goods manufacturing and services. These zones provided a venue and incentives for the flow of both domestic and foreign investments into diverse industries to create employment opportunities and contribute to the growth in aggregate output. Apart from the continuous development of these industries, a potential industry for diversification in the non-oil sector is tourism. Sharpley (2002) explained that tourism is becoming a ubiquitous means of achieving economic diversification for many countries seeking to secure long-term economic growth. Tourism fits the resource approach to sustainable growth since the UAE has many tourism destinations to attract tourists and its cultural openness also comprise an impetus for foreign tourists. Blanke and Mia (2006) reported that travel and tourism already exist as an industry in the UAE and contributing 1. 1 percent to GDP. There is wide potential for development. However, there are challenges to tourism development requiring investments in destination development and promotions (Sharpley, 2002; Henderson 2006) References Abed, I. & Hellyer, P. (Eds. ), 2001. United Arab Emirates: a new perspective. London: Trident Press Ltd. Blanke, J. & Mia, I. , 2006. Chapter 22 assessing travel & tourism competitiveness in the Arab world. [Online] Available at: http://www. weforum. org/pdf/Global_Competitiveness_Reports/Reports/chapters/2_2. pdf [Accessed 25 January 2009] DeNicola, C. , 2005. Dubai’s political and economic development: an oasis in the desert?. Williamstown, MA: Williams College. Dunning, T. , 2005. Resource dependence, economic performance, and political stability. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 49(4), pp. 451-482. Fasano, U. & Iqbal, Z. , 2003. GCC countries from oil dependence to diversification. Washington, DC: International Monetary Fund.

Breast Massage For Greater Breast Health And Cancer...

Breast Massage for Greater Breast Health and Cancer Prevention by Moving the Lymph By Melissa Gallagher | Submitted On September 28, 2012 Recommend Article Article Comments Print Article Share this article on Facebook Share this article on Twitter Share this article on Google+ Share this article on Linkedin Share this article on StumbleUpon Share this article on Delicious Share this article on Digg Share this article on Reddit Share this article on Pinterest Expert Author Melissa Gallagher Gentle therapeutic breast massage and lymphatic breast care are ideal for maintaining healthy breasts, reducing pain, swelling and other breast problems. Research shows that Regular massage can help prevent and detect breast cancer. According to Susun S. Weed, author of Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way, breast massage helps to prevent breast cancer by improving the immune system and moving lymph fluids through lymph nodes under the arms. Research indicates that our lifestyle choices create and support our breast health as they do overall health and wellness. Food and supplements, exercise, eliminating exposure to toxins, eliminating smoking, wearing well fitted non-underwire bras, reducing stress and balancing hormones are a great start. What isn t discussed in prevention and general health is breast massage and maintaining healthy breast lymph. The lymphatic system is part your immune system. The lymph (blood plasma and white blood cells) circulates through

A Assessment Of K Class And Personal Research - 983 Words

I would like to give a realistic assessment of the diverse ways to pay for my education as a result of the ACA class and personal research. As demonstrated in the power point presentation there are five types of financial aids discussed. Significantly important to me were grants and scholarships, due to the fact you do not repay any money back. As a perfect illustration of a frugal person to pay for their education these formulate an appositive route for me to take. The ramifications of my impoverishment has lead me to pursue additional grants and scholarships for my schooling and living expenses. Although there are other forms of financial aid, I am disabled, I have found the other viable financial aid that might be able to benefit my†¦show more content†¦Although, it almost negatively influenced my past summer semester when I was bedridden. I wanted to withdraw from classes. Right away, I got assistances from my advisor and instructor informing me not withdraw, just do you r best. In like manner it reminded me this is what I was taught as a child. Consequently, I would not quit and I earned a GPA of a 4.0 and will try my best to maintain that average. How I calculated the GPA, took two classes that were three credit hours each received an A in both classes, multiplied the credited hours by my grades then divided with total hours. Balanced against my health and the chance of losing the financial aid I will move forward. Just encase I may need to be informed about SAP this class has edified me. I will now explain the three types of criteria or measurements for evaluating SAP and the appeal procedure. I will explain Financial Grade Aid Point Average this is calculated from 1-24 credits you are obligated to obtain a 1.6 GPA; 25-47 is 1.8 and the last criteria for more than 47 credited hours must be 2.0 GPA. Depending on what your major is the above GPA’s I’ve mentioned could eliminate you out of some programs. The second prong is SAP is staying in at least virtuous graces in the completion rate. This is an additional information I had never heard of. It is essential to have completed 67% of all attempted courses. Students cannot withdraw from class due to failing grades habitually without ramification. The

Essay on Standardized Testing - 1458 Words

The No Child Left Behind Act and Standardized Testing: State, National, and International American Education has been a work in progress for the past century and a half. To measure its progress, successes, and failings, there are standardized tests. These tests have been used to compare schools, states, and nations. The key subjects being tested as a universal measure are mathematics, reading, and science. To help improve the scores on these tests, the United States put into law the No Child Left Behind act in 2001. When mention of this act is made, it brings several serious questions to mind. What is the No Child Left Behind act? What is it doing for our education system on a local, national and international scale? And how does it†¦show more content†¦A pointed question would be: is it working? One of the purposes of standardized testing is to answer that question. In the U.S. today, there is a great deal of emphasis being placed on children passing the many standardized tests that have been imposed. By means of standardization, education can now be weighed an d have its progress tracked. The performance of students is now a matter of numbers and statistics. The most ambitious form of standardized testing as a form of comparison is the Program for International Student Assessment or PISA. This international testing includes 60 nations belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and ranks the performance of 15-year-old students in the core subjects. When the results of the 2009 PISA testing were released, the United States was faced with the harsh reality that our students are falling behind. American students placed 14th in reading literacy, which shows no improvement since 2000, 25th in mathematics, which is still below average, and 17th place in scientific literacy which was an improvement from the below average scores in 2006. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan granted that it was a small victory in his 2009 address, but he remained firm in the fact that America can do better (Duncan, 2010). Such ques tions as why the low scores are being produced and what to do about it are still a matter of heated debate. Members of the Common Core, who wrote an extensiveShow MoreRelatedStandardized Testing1272 Words   |  6 PagesSynthesis Essay on Standardized Testing Standardized testing in the United States started in the mid- 1800’s (Standardized Tests - ProCon.org). This kind of testing was originally created to measure students’ performance and progress in school (Standardized Tests - ProCon.org). In recent years, the public school system has relied heavily on the information this test provides, in doing so creating controversy. Other than being a student myself, and participating in multiple standardized exams such asRead MoreStandardized Testing : Standardized Tests1186 Words   |  5 Pages Standardized Testing Impact Standardized testing is known to improve students’ education, but is it really needed in school? Standardized testing determines whether a student is prepared for the next grade based on their test scores. While some students do great on their test others struggle a lot. Not all students are good test takers; majority of the students do good in school but struggle when it comes down to testing. While many agree that standardized testing helps improve studentsRead MoreStandardized Testing And Standardized Tests1204 Words   |  5 Pagessomething we have all nearly fallen asleep to over our years of standardized tests. I myself can be included with you in that experience and I hope to give you a little more information on these all too familiar tests this afternoon. Today we are going to look at the origins of standardized testing, the purpose of standardized testing, and standardized tests around the world. But first, I want to ask you another question: what is standardized t esting? Is it A) something that has been used for some time inRead MoreStandardized Tests : Standardized Testing963 Words   |  4 PagesOct 2015 Standardized Testing in Florida In recent years Florida’s standardized testing program has taken a turn for the worst. After doing away with the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) the debate has only grown due to flood of new tests being created such as the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) or End of Course Exam (EOC). These tests are administered to test students’ abilities at the end of the school year. In spring of 2015, with only two months of testing between the EOC’sRead More Standardized Testing Essay836 Words   |  4 PagesStandardized Testing Scholar Bill Ayers believes standardized testing in schools does not accurately measure what is necessary to be successful in life. Ayers insists that Standardized tests such as the American College Test (ACT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) measure specific facts and function which are among the least interesting and slightest important information that children should know. In an article titled â€Å"Testing the Right Way for Talent†, written by Hugh Price, arguesRead MoreStandardized Testing Should Be Standardized Tests1329 Words   |  6 PagesPretty much everybody in this generation has taken a standardized test in some level of schooling. A standardized test is defined as a â€Å"test that requires all test takers to answer the same questions, or a selection of questions from a common bank of questions, in the same way, and that is scored in a standard or consistent manner, which makes it possible to compare the relative performance of individual students o r groups of students† (â€Å"Standardized Test Definition†). There is lots of debate aroundRead MoreThe Use of Standardized Testing1088 Words   |  4 Pagesthe use of standardized testing has spanned centuries, some of the earlier studies include data from the early 1900’s. According to Frazier (2009), â€Å"there is a significant difference in scores on standardized tests when students have completed a technology education program†. This study shows a correlation between the use of technology within the school system and achievement on standardized tests. Students that are exposed to technology education are more likely to do well on standardized tests. Read MoreEssay On Standardized Testing1137 Words   |  5 PagesStandardized testing in public schools has become a norm across the United States. But, in Texas it has been found that students spend more time taking standardized tests than any other state (â€Å"Too Much Testing†). Standardized testing may be an asset to measure education, or more measure testing skills across the nation, but at what cost does it come? What are its effects on moral within the public education system, and how does the state government of Texas interact within it. Why does the TexasRead MoreThe Shortcomings of Standardized Testing1636 Words   |  7 PagesSince the U.S. Congress passed the No Child Left Behind program, standardized testing has become the norm for American schools. Under this system, each child attending a school is required to take a standardized test at specific grade points to assess their level of comprehension. Parents, scholars and all stakeholders involved take part in constant discussions over its effectiveness in evaluating students’ comprehension, teachers’ competency and the effects of the test on the education system. ThoughRead MoreThe Limitations Of Standardized Testing Essay705 Words   |  3 PagesThe limitations of â€Å"standardized testingà ¢â‚¬  as a rigid and narrow criterion for gauging the educational capabilities of students in public education. The criterion for standardized testing relies on narrow areas of knowledge that define a hierarchical imposition of â€Å"intelligence† testing that forces the student to perform ion a constrained academic environment. This type of testing has become a mechanized tool to reject the individual needs of the student in a linear testing methodology. The importance

English Language and Linguistics Lesson Plans

Question: Describe about the English Language and Linguistics for Lesson Plans. Answer: Introduction Lesson plans for any particular subject should have adequate data to distinguish the individual item based on which the entire lesson plan has been prepared. On the other hand, a lesson plan is supposed to have relevant contents which should be clearly understandable for the learners. However, at the same, it should be considered whether the substances of the lesson plans are worth motivating or not. The purpose of this following report is to review lesson plans for English grammar and linguistics and after that to produce in-depth criticisms of those lesson plans prepared for both teachers and students. Therefore, the report aims to analyze whether the prepared lesson plans are appropriate to give lessons by judging the point of views of both teachers and students who belong to the intermediate level. The analysis of the teaching schedules for both the teachers and the students have been established with the support of different well known learning theories such as behaviorism theory, innate theory and the theory of social construction. Additionally, the report has considered all those essential methods of teaching to support the criticism. Critique of the teachers books The very initial lesson plan for the teachers begins with a brief account about the chief focus of the entire lesson plan which indicates that the lesson aims to teach the way of using "be able to" in the context of failure and success. A lesson plan should state its goal and instructional objectives at the very beginning of the program (Cajkler et al. 2013). Teachers book at its very opening has said that the purpose of the plan and how it is divided into two individual phase. Instructional objectives such as how the aim of the project will be executed have been provided alongside in the introductory stage. According to the lesson plan, the purpose of the first phase is to advise teachers about how they can guide students to learn the usage of certain grammatical phrases which is followed by how teachers can guide students to focus on pronunciation. Nevertheless, the second phase of the plan for the teachers concentrates on how teachers can guide students to give focus on vocabulary . To make the lesson plan more understandable, the program is even segmented into several sections such grammar, pronunciation, speaking, vocabulary, and reading, speaking and listening. According to teachers point of view regarding giving lessons, a teacher expects that a lesson plan should provide a set of actions which could be applied to the students (Arends 2014). At the beginning of the teachers book, there has been given eight steps that the teachers should use in case of giving lessons on grammar. Therefore it seems that instructional objectives have well given and considering the right guidance regarding which teaching should be paid when seems workable. The lesson plan has mentioned that each task which the teachers should follow step by step should be done in a particular time frame though there is less mention of the exact times. A lesson plan for teachers is supposed to set the time of the tasks which are going to be done step by step should mention how much time the teachers should give for individual work (Reece and Walker 2016). Nevertheless, the lesson plan appropriately indicates about the teaching practices those will be provided to each child. Different teaching methods are there to address different kinds of approach regarding teaching (Richards and Rodgers 2014). Following the given steps to teach grammar mainly, it seems the lesson plan has followed both the direct instruction and cooperative learning style. Cooperative learning style that falls under student-centered teaching approach helps teachers to teach how to develop social growth as in this style students get the opportunity to study in groups (Larsen-Freeman and Anderson 2013). On the other side, the direct instruction which is probably the most traditional method of teaching instructs teachers to make teaching demonstration and lecture oriented. Lesson plan in the grammar section includes involvement of students both individually and in the group. The grammar section of the schedule even gives examples of the common mistakes those frequently happen from the part of the students. Therefore, it seems that in the grammar section the lesson plan has successfully p rovided clear guidance to the teachers. In the beginning, it appears that the grammar section has been prepared following the Behaviorism theory. By the behaviorism theory, learners minds are empty which should be filled with knowledge. Furthermore, the knowledge and experiences for the student will be given new changes in behavior will be required (Kendall and Hollon 2013). The grammar section of the lesson plan seems to bring modification in the students sense of using grammar. However, the method in this section does not follow the aspect of the behavioral theory that believes students minds are empty vessels. It is because the initial instruction says that teachers should ask the students to express their individual thought regarding the given article. Therefore, the instruction style is found to follow the Constructivism theory more accurately than the former one. It is the constructivism theory that says people or students constructs their point of view based on the given knowledge or experience (Gopnik and Wellman 2 012). The pronunciation part, on the other hand, is little tiny though offers instruction and found to follow the personal model of inquiry-based style of learning. The personal design is observation oriented in which students learn by observing and imitating the particular process that is used by the teacher. Following this learning style, pronunciation part instructs that the teachers should play audios and should make a sentence which would be followed by the actions of the students right after. Similarly, the vocabulary section instruct on playing sounds and demonstrating sentences. Nonetheless, instructions in the pronunciation, speaking, and vocabulary section of the learning plan are composed considering the Constructivism theory. According to constructivism hypothesis, construction of individual understanding should be done with proper help of a teacher (Kiraly 2014). Each of these parts instructs the teacher to ask the students to make news sentences or to show their individual un derstanding by the given knowledge. On the other hand, teaching method wise, lesson plan on vocabulary, speaking and pronunciation and even in reading and speaking part relate to the cooperative or delegator style. In most of the part in the lesson plan, it seems the planner has given stress upon the theory of constructivism along with the cooperative and direct instruction teaching style. The final instruction part in the lesson plan has also maintained the constructivism theory though has used mixed teaching techniques. Considering all of the parts in the lesson plan, one thing can also be deducted that, the theory of innateness is related to all of the guidance as in each case the teacher is advised to ask the students to make new sentences or express their assumption. Innateness hypothesis says that human beings possess at least some features and knowledge regarding language following which the tasks are established keeping in mind about the capabilities of the students (Samelsdttir 2015). Most importantly, the schedule is made with easy and understandable tasks. Therefore, the assignments are clear. Additionally, provided materials also seem appropriate for the grade level. Unfortunately, there is very less instruction given to make an observation upon the children and few guidelines have been provided to evaluate the outcome after teaching. However, there are som e instructions to get feedback from the students after the class in the speaking and vocabulary, to listen and speaking section. Nevertheless, the plan is little less coordinated with other aspects of school program though it is not required and the schedule is beneficial for needs of the students as the tasks are prepared to develop the students social growth. Critique of the students books Considering the lesson plan made for the students, it seems that the given assignments are provided by the teaching schedule done for the teachers. A lesson assignment is done for the students; need to be prepared in a way which should be understandable and workable for the students (Borg 2015). Unlike the lesson plan prepared for the teachers, students book or teaching schedule has not started with defining the purpose of the entire lesson plan though the primary context which is failure and success have been mentioned in the heading section of the book. The instructions are clear, and almost every task instructs the students to give answers after following the instructions. A lesson plan for the students required to be a clear course and should form as a written guide for the learners (Myhill et al. 2012). The lesson goals have not been explicitly mentioned though specific directions on the objectives for learning such as how to proceed to complete given tasks after reading or obse rving have been provided. The initial one follows the pattern and learning objective presented in the grammar section provided in the lesson plan made for the teachers. Understandable phrases, materials, and use of funny and attractive pictures in the students books are indicative of the fact that the lesson plan has been made to attract the eyes of the learners at first. Materials such as short descriptive stories with tasks like completing short sentences, answering quick questions seem relevant and appropriate to increase the level of interests of the students. As per students' point of view, learning becomes interesting and enjoyable with attractive and funny pictures, short stories (Cohen 2014). The grammar section, therefore, should be appreciated for fulfilling learner's basic learning requirements. However, it is unfortunate that the lesson plan should have specified the grade level at the top of the chapter. Considering the learning pattern given in the students book regarding the grammar, pronunciation and speaking part, it seems that the schedule has been formed the base of the learning process that is project based. The project based style approaches the authentic instructional learning type which is considered to be useful in the case of engaging students' interest and encourage them (Sztajn et al. 2012). Unfortunately, the pattern does not match with some instructions of teachers lesson plan such as directing the students to work in pair or group have not been followed in the lesson plan made for students. However, the tasks created for individual learners address two fundamental concepts of social cognitive theory which are observational learning and reproduction. According to the basic concepts of this approach learning by observing and retaining students to reproduce new behavior or knowledge are required to optimize the educational growth of the students (Carter and McRae 2014). On the other hand, the constructivism hypothesis has also been maintained throughout the student's book as every task in the lesson instruct the students to give answers or their individual expression on behalf of each given assignments. The duties demand students' participation and judge their personal capability and level of assumed knowledge by directing them to provide answers. The vocabulary part on the other side instructs to answer in pairs along with other instructions for individual assignments. The reading and speaking sections behold an article that is easily assumable and comprehensible, and it implicates that the design is made to give an enjoyable and comforting atmosphere to the students. Hence, the lesson plan seems manageable, and the provided contents prove relevant and appropriate for the learners and the grade level. However, some guidelines should have been provided for the students to help them judge their capability. Conclusion From the above report, it can be deduced that lesson plan for the teachers' has been made following student based cooperative and inquiry-based learning style. Step by step instructions have been provided in the guideline scheme, and the materials also seem convenient and apt in the case of teaching. Proper introduction and motive of the lesson plan have been given in the teacher's books though students' books do not contain something like that. Nevertheless, both educators and students lesson plan consider using audiovisuals to make the learning process more enjoyable and exciting. Most importantly, both of the lesson plans are designed considering the hypothesis of constructivism. However, there is less observable data for evaluative criteria in both teachers and students books. It should have been given as a lesson plan could not be called efficient without them. Reference Arends, R., 2014.Learning to teach. McGraw-Hill Higher Education. 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