Cultural Diversification Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cultural Diversification - Essay Example For the selection of the class I would observe, I imposed two criteria: a) the class should have a cultural mix of Latino, Asian and African language minority students and b) the academic achievement of these students is profound. Communication between teachers and students and among fellow students was recognizably more than what might be expected in a regular classroom. Individualized activities such as worksheets and large group discussions were very minimal. The teacher employed a "learning center" approach where students are formed into groups not more than eight. Group projects are then given and the teacher travels about the room to assist the groups in their activity and to clarify the student's role in the assignment. This strategy provided a very informal family-like social setting where the teachers serve as the guiding head and each group member a reliable brother/sister to other members of the group. These observations made me appreciate Orkwis (2003) when he wrote that the teacher must adapt a teaching method that would include all students and answer to their differences, limitations and abilities. Culturally distinct students usually struggle when they are on their own and when taught in large groups. With the learning center approach, the teacher can assist them more effectively and the students have their group mates fill their limitations. Day 2 The method employed by the teacher for a controversial Science topic was highly interesting. Instead of the usual discussion to class and the worksheet exercises, the teacher initiated a student-to-student interaction. The students were made to ask other students hard questions and it was observed that done this way, other students were more readily to answer and challenge other answers. The teacher's only role was to make sure that the discussion does not go off the topic and that the students arrive at the right answers. I have observed that this was very effective in terms of increasing student participation and involvement with the subject at hand. Cummins (1991) wrote that effective education of culturally and linguistically diverse students could be enhanced by encouraging student-student talk in a collaborative learning context. As I have observed such measure was indeed very effective not only in increasing student involvement but also in interaction among students. They were more likely to seek assistance from fellow students and were more successful in obtaining it. In other words, this method was eliminating the feeling of alienation usually felt by culturally distinct individual. Day 3 Aside from the two previous observations, it was also observed that teachers were very open to cultural discussions. The teachers would even prod students to form a connection with the topic and their culture. Questions like what equivalent term do they have for a certain word or what they practice in their culture were being asked. The students undergo transition from writing in their native language to the English language without much pressure from the teacher. With regards to their literacy development, one can note that it was very high. This may be due to the increased appreciation of topics by

Banning the sale of violent video games to minors Essay

Banning the sale of violent video games to minors - Essay Example Besides, Sony’s Sixais and DualShock, which are motion controlled, have further revolutionized the gaming experience. Video Games often contain violence or sex or a combination of both, which may be inappropriate to children. With so much of entertainment, violence and carnage have found their place in new generation gaming. This paradigm has resulted in encouraging aggressive behavior in children apart from decreasing their involvement in social and other creative activities. Media blames modern day video games as the causative element in triggering violence in children, which is a major concern for today’s youth (Cumberpatch, 2000). An analysis of over 130 studies, selected from 130000 subjects, reveals that violent video gaming leaves lasting impression of aggression in the players (Ferguson&Â  Kilburn, 2010). California State law department has filed a case in the US Supreme Court for banning violent video games in the state. Justice Antinin Scalia along with major ity of jury, however, has rejected the request on the premise that it amounts to restricting young people rights. Thus, the responsibility of protection has shifted over to guardians, who may need to screen the content of video games being played by their children. The case, finally received a ruling in favor of video game programmers, thus leaving the onus on parents. More interestingly, the applicant for imposing sensor ship on violent video game has been Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who once portrayed a violent character in the movie trilogy, Terminator. However, the Americans cannot simple ignore the episodes of violence occurring in the country such as the Long Island incident, where six teenagers were apprehended for violet attack, car looting and breaking into private property. During the interrogation, they have admitted that they were attempting to imitate Niko Belic, a character in Grand Theft Auto IV, a popular video game. There is no need to emphasize the negative con sequences this event can have on the future of these teenagers at a very tender and crucial stage of their lives. Even violent movies can leave indelible marks on the psych of teenagers, who may be lacking in the faculty of rational thinking and informed decision making. Therefore, violent video gaming, which facilitates interaction and control over the outcomes, is more likely to instigate violent behavior in children and cause them more harm. Another major impact of video game on teenagers becomes evident from the fact that it may cause them to remain idle, playing games without engaging in other activities and thus result in unhealthy physique. Most of the games involve more mental activity and less physical exertion and, therefore, it can promote obesity in children. In the present scenario, where lifestyle has become rather sedentary and comfortable, with parents allowing children to eat junk food, the lack of physical activities can be all the more damaging if teenagers contin ue playing video games by ignoring games that require physical exertion. Oliver (2000) contends that 30 years of studies in this regard confirms the linkage between violence in media and problems in children (Olivier, 2000). The American Psychology Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have categorized children into five groups according to their age. These are: toddlers, preschool children, school-aged children, and preteens and teenagers. They also describe the