Educational and Cultural Experience Essay Example for Free

Educational and Cultural Experience Essay In research undertaking the methodology section is one of the crucial areas to be tackled in a proposal document. This is due to the fact that it forms the basis of the results of research findings. A research can be faced with big challenges due to a wrong choice of the method to be used. To avoid this good planning of the method is essential and more in order to get reliable results. The issue of reliability establishes that a research should have the ability to show consistency in the results even after a study is done by different researchers repeatedly. Reliability in research study can also be enhanced through good structure of the methodology. When the correct data collection methods are used, proportional samples are collected and the correct method of analysis is used in a research can achieve validity. In a research, the research problem forms the basis of research (Morgan et al. ,1980), and this is where the study should focus on. The methodology can take on either the positivist approach also known as the quantitative, or take the post positivist approach also known as the qualitative approach. The qualitative approach is a more detailed than the quantitative approach as it lays more emphasis on the finer details of the data and in most cases, it involves a researcher’s judgment and interpretation. Quantitative approach deals more with quantification like calculating the population sample, population size among others. The choice of the researcher on either the qualitative or the quantitative approach depends on whether the research/study is inclined to the natural sciences or the social sciences (Finch, 1986); (Easterby-Smith et al. 1991). 3. 1 Role of the Researcher The role of the researcher is an integral part of the evaluative process in the qualitative research. I am a certified teacher of mathematics, music and elementary education. Prior to the classroom, more than ten years were spent in insurance investigative claims work. The occupation included extensive ‘on-the-job’ training in organization, communication and interviewing skills. I was also deployed to Kuwait and Afghanistan, respectively, and have over 15 years in the United States military acquiring certain proficiency as a planner, liaison, administrator and human resource specialist. Co-operative inquiry involves at least four different kinds of epistemology; in other words, ways of knowing. Presentational knowing results from experiential knowing and provides the first form of expression through narratives and various expressions of art. Presentational knowing is expressed through ideas and theories. Practical knowing is modeling how to do something and is portrayed in a skill or competence. These epistemologies are compatible with each other. If knowing is grounded in experience, expressed through stories and images, understood through sounds ideas, and expressed in worthwhile action in one’s life, then knowing will be ‘more valid’ (Reason, 1999). 3. 2 Research Design To appropriately analyze the participant’s stories, the research will employ a narrative framework that serves as a screen through which the story of the participant may be examined. This method also becomes an avenue for which the participant may critically reflect on his own perspectives in order to construct or reconstruct meaning in his own life world. The considerable narrative analysis approach requires a level of scholarship and sensitivity which I am preparing to employ. This approach involves a human science observer that is a sensitive of the subtleties of everyday life. Ardent reading of relevant texts of the humanities, history, philosophy, anthropology and the social sciences as they pertain to the domain of interest is a main ingredient to the effectiveness of this proposed research (van Manen, 1990). For this study, the researcher actively participates in examining the experiences of a translator in the delivery of translation of language and culture amidst the socio-political challenges of the past. Qualitative research is exploratory in nature and is best suited for understanding phenomena. The approach should remain pragmatic for the researcher in order to remain in a tentative state with regard to applicable variables or desirable themes which may enable appropriate examination of the individual’s experiences. 3. 3 Data Collection Methods During my 12 month deployment as a liaison officer, I commenced amicable communication with each of the translators who accompanied me to the daily meetings. During my tenure, I engaged in many open discussions concerning cultural and social differences, nuances in communication and language disparities. After a few months, I presented some of my proposal ideas and opened discussion to the possibility of participation in a study I was contemplating. Several of the translators asked me to serve as their advocate in order to petition for the United States Special Visa. So, over the last year, many of these translators have since relocated to various communities in the United States. Both secondary and primary data sources will be used. The triangulation method of data collection will involve the use of interviews, literature review and case studies (Zikmund 2003, pp. 1-745). The primary data method that was used is the questionnaire method of data collection. Questionnaires were distributed among the Afghan officials, Liaison officers, and interpreters. There were also case studies that were conducted for other three countries to know about the experiences of interpreters in the other countries compare with the ones in Afghanistan. This also drew an insight of the various experiences of interpreters in other countries. There was the use of literature review in order gather information on the educational and cultural experiences of interpreters generally. The literature in this research included research journals, books, articles and sources from university libraries (Dick, 2000). Interviews also form pertinent component data collection methods. This enabled the getting of a clear picture of the plight and livelihood of Afghan interpreter, their mode of operations, factors affecting them and future predictions on their cultural and educational experiences. The four categories of quality management in research were highly considered. They include; validity, reliability, ethics and rigor (Zikmund, 2003). Reliability of a research is its ability to have consistence in results. This was done through controlling the sample by stratifying the population to get a more representative sample. Validity is the ability of a scale to measure what it is intended to measure but not going beyond the topic of the study. The triangulation method was used to control this aspect in research. Ethics involves adherence to the norms accepted in gathering of information. This was ensured by providing secrecy on the information collected from the subjects. The rigor of the research was directed towards efficient sample size in a critical facet in any investigation. The main purpose a researcher will utilize a sample is to reduce the charges and collect important data faster (Zikmund, 2003). The key purpose of data collection was to ensure a rich set of description was obtained. To achieve this, the interviews were transcribed in real time by the interviewer. The responses were then reduced and analyzed by adopting principles of data codification and clustering (Miles et al, 1994). 3. 4 Sources Researches normally rely on secondary data to enable them gain initial insight into the research problem. The classification of secondary sources of information is on the basis of internal or external sources referring to information acquired within the organization or outside the organization. The secondary sources are liked for their cost saving aspects and time saving. Secondary sources of information are supposed to be searched prior to conducting primary research, and usually for the literature review section of a research. This is because secondary information provides useful background that identifies main questions and all other issues that will need to be tackled by the primary research (Steppingstones, 2004). The disadvantages that are associated with the use of the secondary sources range from the unavailability of pertinent information on the research topic, to the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of some secondary sources. Other disadvantages associated with secondary sources arise where data is available in a format other than that required by a researcher, and the age of the information particularly where the information is several years old and may not reflect the present circumstances. This makes it necessary to limit secondary information to sources which are not more than six years old (Steppingstones, 2004). The data gathered for this research is from a wide range of documentary sources relating to the cultural and educational experiences of interpreters in general as well as those specifically relating to the plight and livelihood of the Afghan interpreters. These mainly included policy documents, academic and the non-academic documents. First, journals on livelihood of Afghan interpreters were searched. Second, electronic databases were searched using key words like ‘interpreters’, ‘translators’ ‘Afghan interpreters’ and ‘experiences of Afghan interpreters’. Third, Afghan government website for International communication and the website for the International Security Assistance Force were searched. Literature review included both conceptual and empirical works with about 25 articles reviewed for this study. 3. 5 Interviews Interviews in a research are useful in getting information behind a participant’s experiences. This is particularly important because an interviewer may be able to pursue in-depth information regarding the topic of study, and also the fact that interviews serve as follow-ups to responses obtained from questionnaires. Qualitative research interview should seek to give a description and meaning of central themes regarding the experiences of the subjects, by seeking to cover both the factual and meaning level. It was important that a guided interview approach was adopted so as to ensure that same general areas of information are gathered from each interviewee (Valenzuela et al. , 2004). The interviews dwelt on the following areas: †¢ Educational and cultural background of interpreters. †¢ The relationship between educational background and cultural background of the afghan interpreters. †¢ How the educational and cultural backgrounds shape the livelihood and experiences of the afghan interpreters. †¢ What the future hold for the afghan interpreters and their plight given the limited educational background as well as the rigid cultural backgrounds. Once the data is collected through the open-ended interview process, the documents will be transcribed. After transcription, to ensure a correct analysis of the data, the participant will be shown the transcription and asked if what is written is aligned with their viewpoints. The data will then be analyzed from the transcription. Qualitative research is exploratory in nature and is best suited for understanding phenomena. The approach should remain pragmatic for the researcher in order to remain in a tentative state with regard to applicable variables or desirable themes which may enable appropriate examination of the individual’s experiences.

Free Essays - Alienation in Landscape for a Good Woman :: Landscape for a Good Woman Essays

Alienation in Landscape for a Good Woman In her introduction to Landscape for a Good Woman, Carolyn Steedman claims that "this is a drama of class" (22); she blames her mother's working-class background -- where "fierce resentment against the unfairness of things, was carried through seventy years and three generations ... [and] dissolved into the figure of [her] mother" (30) -- for her own joyless childhood. The shocking portrait of Steedman's mother, who tells her children repeatedly both in her actions and words how unwanted they are, redefines the culturally normative nurturing role of motherhood. While Steedman's passionate argument -- that her mother's history of material inequality was responsible for the creation of this monster-martyr-mother -- must not be discounted, it is incomplete. Her claim is convincing; however, her mother's poor decisions were also contributory causes. For example, Edna selected a married man who already had a daughter as the prince who would fulfill her desires for property, material goods and status which seems risky at best. However, her desperate, failed attempt to become his wife through motherhood after ten years of cohabitation is striking for both its evident lack of foresight and blindness to reality. It is difficult to imagine that her fantasy whereby life would somehow improve from this decision ever had the chance to be anything but a recipe for failure, especially since she pinned her hopes on this ploy not once,but twice. Perhaps Steedman wishes to imply that her mother's working-class status is responsible for her poor decision making skills. She certainly wants to convince us that her mother's desire for things is not trivial; and she blames her "mother's sense of unfairness, her belief that she had been refused entry to her rightful place in the world" (112), on her working-class status. While this is certainly a key factor in the disturbing tale, it is not the only factor; therefore, the story is more than a drama of class, for this complex portrait of Steedman's mother is that of a vain, mean-spirited, bitter woman whose priorities were in disorder. The fact that Steedman's mother's working-class relatives did not visit this "illegitimate" family indicates that her lack of a marriage certificate was unacceptable within her own class as well.

Relating 7 C’s of Teamwork to Chak de India

Overview of the movie The film revolves around the central character of the film, Kabir Khan, the ex-star player of Indian Hockey, who had lost an opportunity to score a goal under penalty stroke and was accused of fixing match with the Opposite team (Pakistan). After seven years, he emerges from nowhere to coach the Indian Women hockey team from scratches. Even he dares to challenge selectors have a clash with the formidable Indian Men team to get selected for participation in World Cup. Team is rag bunch of girls with own agenda [pic] ? The film based on a real-life story makes a deeper impact on the students of management.They can visualize the concept of the story and apply it in job areas later on. ? It provides guidance for not only being an effective manager but also how to be best and a role model for others in whichever area they enter,† ? ‘CHAK DE’ helps us to understand concepts like human resource management, strategy, motivation, determination, leaders hip skills, ambition, teamwork and making the most out of the worst kind of situations. ? The film proves that â€Å"Where there is a will, there is a way† Importance of teamwork â€Å"None of us are as Strong as all of us†¦.. [pic] The Benefits of team work are as follows: ? Increased Productivity ? Improved customer service ? More flexible system ? Employee empowerment ? Competitive advantage ? More ideas 7 c’s of teamwork 1. Commitment ? It is the foundation for synergy in groups ? The time spent up front getting all team members on the same track will greatly reduce the number of derailments or emergency rerouting 2. Contribution ? The power of an effective team is in direct proportion to the skills member possess and the initiative members expend. Each one in a team should contribute because if a few team members shoulders most of the burden,the team runs the risk of member burnout, or worse – member turn-off. ? To enhance balanced participation on a work team, leaders should consider three factors that affect th elevel of individula contribution : inclusion, confidende and empowerment. 3. Communication ? For a work group to reach its full potential, members must be able to say what they think, ask for help, share new or unpopular idea. ? Communication should be friendly, open and positive. To enhance team communication, leadres can provide skill r=training in listening, responding and the use of languages as well as meeting managemnt, feedback and consensus building. 4. Cooperation ? F. A. C. T. S. model of effective team member behaviors (follow-through, accuracy, creativity, timeliness and spirit) may serve as a guide for helping teams identify behaviors that support synergy within the work team. 5. Conflict Management ? It is inevitable that teams of bright, diverse thinkers will experience conflict from time to time Leaders help work teams to manage conflict effectively, the team will be able to maintain trust and tap the c ollective power of the team. 6. Change Management ? Tom Peters, in Thriving on Chaos, writes â€Å"The surviving companies will, above all, be flexible responders that create market initiatives. This has to happen through people. † It is no longer a luxury to have work teams that can perform effectively within a turbulent environment. ? It is a necessity. Teams must not only respond to change, but actually initiate it. 7. Connections When a work team is connected to the organization, members discuss team performance in relationship to corporate priorities, customer feedback, and quality measures. ? When a work team has developed strong connections among its own members, peer support manifests itself in many ways. Relating 7 c’s to CHAK DE INDIA Team building process in the film is very significant. Sixteen players from different parts of the country with different backgrounds and diversity meet for the first time for a common cause. Relating each C of team work to â₠¬Å"CHAK DE INDIA† 1) Commitment The initial entry of the players of the team is interesting. The players introduce themselves as representative of their respective states in the introductory session, except Vidya Sharma, who says that she is from India, which subsequently makes her way to be captain of the team. † Mujhe Sirf ek mulk ka naam sunaai deta hai – I.. n.. dia â€Å" This shows that the leader wants the team to be aware of their goal and be committed to it. The coach is committed to achieve the goals and he wants every members commitment †¢ There was emergency derailment or rerouting, when they go abroad to play for the world cup. ) Contribution †¢ Team also need self-leadres who takes responsibility for getting thing done . This quality can be observed in Vidhya Sharma. †¢ Bindia naik is seniuor player, however work team need people who have strong technical and inrepersonal skills and willing to learn. She was not at all willing to lear n and lacked in interpersonal skills. †¢ At the end, When team was in need of Bindia Naik ,the coach empowered her and she was motivated to play well and the taem had won against Argentina. She aws only the player who could break back to back manning of the opponent. 3) Communication The goals are clearly communicated to the team by the their coach. †¢ The coach’s approach in training the team is not friendly. †¢ It has been oserved that the coach comminicates the team in a negative for eg . Women can not play hockey, however this motivates the team to play much better. †¢ Open communication can be oserved when the coach is training all the girl and pointing out their mistake. He was giving a fair feedback ,so that the team will improve. 4) Cooperation †¢ â€Å"We do it right the first time† this has been lacking in the movie cause they had lost very badly in their match with Australia. Preeti and Komal are the girls who play for them selves, n ot for the country. They hardly cooperate with each other. How ever, in the crucial final match, they come together and work together to ensure that India wins. †¢ Creativity Can be observe when all the team members forgive mistake , respect differences and cooperates with each other to achieve the goal †¢ Gunjan the senior player keeps her ego aside, and develop a generous spirit (You cant have your way all the time and –to add value develop a generous team spirit) 5) Conflict Management The Coach Changes the sleeping position of the girlto resolve confluict and encourage team spirit. He also passes a rule that no staying with your state girl. †¢ Komal Chautala (Chitrasi Nayak), the ace center forward of Haryana state gets punished for entering into an argument with Preeti and punished for a week with 5 similar offenders. †¢ In the same way Balbir Kaur, Aliya Bose, Bindia Nayak and the one more girl from Darjeeling gets punished for misbehaving. †¢ A t the end Komal & Preeti Resolve their conflict and the team had won the final match against Australia ) Change Management †¢ Bindia Nayak, the right half senior most player for her lifetime from Railways is dormant for her cool reaction in the field and become water –girl for the team during the world cup . She is neutralized several times in the film for her ego. Even if she is most professional player of the team, she is not allowed to play for her undisciplined behaviour. †¢ Her position was changed from forward to center †¢ When you need the best, by pass all your rules and call her. SRK goes and requests her to play when India has to confront Korea.She was the need of the time. Punch word-Compromise with the ego. †¢ 7) Connections †¢ Coach tries to develop a connection between the team to encourage team spirit. †¢ Some times crisis and conflicts help in team building. The show down with the street Romeos in the McDowell outlay was the found ation of team building and confidence building. Punch point-When there is a crisis, the team members come together. †¢ In the finals all team members develops a sort of connection including Preet & Komal. [pic]

The Roman King Ancus Martius

King Ancus Martius (or Ancus Marcius) is thought to have ruled Rome from 640-617. Ancus Martius, the fourth king of Rome, was the grandson of the second Roman king, Numa Pompilius. Legend credits him with building a bridge on wooden piles across the Tiber River, the Pons Sublicius, the first bridge across the Tiber. It is often claimed that Ancus Martius founded the port of Ostia at the mouth of the Tiber River. Cary and Scullard say this is unlikely, but he probably extended Roman territory and gained control of the salt-pans on the south side of the river by Ostia. Cary and Scullard also doubt the legend that Ancus Martius incorporated the Janiculum Hill into Rome, but do not doubt that he established a bridgehead upon it. Ancus Martius is also thought to have waged war on other Latin cities. Alternate Spellings: Ancus Marcius Examples: T.J. Cornell says Ennius and Lucretius called Ancus Martius Ancus the Good. Sources: Cary and Scullard: A History of Rome T.J. Cornell: The Beginnings of Rome. Ancient Rome Glossary Go to Other Ancient / Classical History Glossary pages beginning with the letter abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz