Best Ways to Study According To Cognitive Psychologists

Introduction There has been heightened attention on the processes of learning from a psychological perspective. This is because there is need to optimize learning opportunities in order to gain maximally from the education system, which is coupled with shortage of time and other resources.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Best Ways to Study According To Cognitive Psychologists specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Many researchers have taken different angles of approach in addressing this issue. Whilst some are taking a broad approach by considering many variables, others are addressing specific variables. In order to come up with a concise and efficient method or model of learning effective for students, analysis, and review of these different researches becomes important. This paper deliberates on different suggestions proposed by different researchers regarding the best ways to study. It offers a rigorous a nalysis and review of their work from which, best study methods are proposed. I hope that learners find this paper very nourishing in optimizing their learning skills. Study-Test Combination Assessment tests in education are as old as the education system itself. Since time immemorial, tests have always been an important way of determining the degree of understanding of learned content. Many psychologists appreciate the importance of tests in enhancing cognition in learners. Tests provide means by which the brain allocates addresses to specific problems. Therefore, it becomes easy to retrieve the information stored in these memory allocations when similar problem is encountered. However â€Å"learning through testing† needs more specific and concise approach in order to reap its full benefits. It is claimed â€Å"a combination of study and tests is more effective than spending the same amount of time reviewing the material† (Rohrer Pashler, 2010 p. 2). This is in cont rast to what many learners and learning institutions do. It is recommended that learning and reviewing of materials be sandwiched with tests. Similarly, continuous assessment in learning institutions should be practiced. This way learning process is improved and content retention enhanced. It has also been observed that the type of test determines quality of learning process and the rate of retention of learned material. Tests requiring recalling of learned materials are more beneficial as compared to multiple-choice tests. Recalling tests have been found to improve information retrieving process.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Spanning the Learning Period It does not come by surprise that conventional learning consists of short bursts of intense learning. This is because time, among other resources is very much limited. While this may seem like a solution to prevailing lea rning challenges, it undermines the very essence of learning. According to Rohrer Pashler â€Å"if a given amount of study time is distributed or spaced across multiple sessions rather than massed into a single session, performance on a delayed final test is improved† (Rohrer Pashler 2010, p. 3). When learning is done in a short spasm two main issues worth consideration arise. First, cognition is hampered since there is hardly any time to process all the learned materials within the given time. Secondly, the span in which such materials can be recalled is greatly reduced. Tests done to determine the effect of spacing learning period suggest that, relatively longer time spans enhance cognition and memory as well. It is therefore highly recommended that learning should not be taken in short bursts but rather distributed over a reasonable period in order to achieve a long lasting result. When spanning is coupled with continuous assessments, the overall cognition results are ev en more astounding. Interleaving The technique of interleaving refers to the idea of mixing up different pieces of information that needs to be learned. In conventional mode of learning, similar learning objects are presented in sequence such that learner gets more exposure and experience with these learning objects. Although this may seem to be a good way of improving cognition, it does not offer a long lasting learning effect since the materials are much more likely to be forgotten after a short period. In order to harness the logic potential of the brain, the interleaving concept needs to be incorporated in the learning process. Learning should begin by understanding different concepts, which are then mixed up. This makes it possible to identify and comprehend the different relationships that exist between the different concepts. Interleaving would certainly improve the learning process in mathematics. This is because different mathematical concepts are dependent. Additionally, m athematical concepts build up stepwise from simple to concepts that are more complex. Interleaving enhances understanding and logical thinking of the concepts. Consequently, this makes it possible to process similar or different problems in the future. Learners should endeavor to interleave different concepts rather than taking them as independent blocks of concepts. In fact, the power of logical reasoning is more powerful than memory.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Best Ways to Study According To Cognitive Psychologists specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Conventional learning common in the field of mathematics and sciences present learning as a block and later present assessment tests at the end of these blocks. Whereas this may enhance understanding of that particular concept, it is important to incorporate previously learned concepts with the newly learned concept. This way, previously learned concept s will be more understood and the new concept will be easily understood since underlying foundation has already been recalled. Testing Effect Rohrer Pashler presented their argument into how test enhances learning by considering type of tests and test-learning combination as the main variables of their argument. However, Roediger Karpicke presented quite similar argument but using â€Å"test timing† as the main variable. In their test concept, â€Å"phenomenon of testing effect† they addressed the issue of timing of tests in the learning process in order to maximize the possible benefits. It is a common phenomenon in most education systems to have distinct time for learning and time for doing exams. However, many psychologists who claim that it hinders the process of continuous learning, which is more effective in the end, have criticized such setting. Roediger Karpicke suggest that tests should be well distributed throughout the learning period. In fact â€Å"If s tudents are tested on material and successfully recall or recognize it, they will remember it better in the future than if they had not been tested† (Roediger Karpicke, 2006, p. 2). It is important to consider the best way to do the timing of the tests for effective learning. They did a study in which they determined, among other factors the relationship between timing of the test and rate of retention. The overall results showed that short simple tests almost immediately after content has been read followed by more comprehensive test after considerable period greatly increased content retention capacity. It is thus suggested that tests should be incorporated in learning and most importantly done immediately and after the learning period. This will greatly enhance the learning process and the content learned will be retained for a long duration of time. Spaced Content Presentation Clustered presentation of concepts and learning content has been greatly criticized by Seabrook, Brown Solity. According to their research and study, distributed learning sessions realize better content retention as compared to clustered learning. They claim, â€Å"Effectiveness of teaching may be improved by increasing the degree to which lessons are distributed† (Seabrook, Brown Solity, 2005, p. 1).Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Spaced presentation calls for distribution of learning content over a number of lessons as opposed to presenting the whole content in a single sitting. For instance, short bursts of learning usually common in conferences, workshops, and seminars may only be retained for a short while. This can be compared to a concept that has been learned and developed throughout a given semester. In the latter case, learned concepts are stored in the memory for a very long time. It is indeed possible to argue that it is easier to comprehend and recall content that has been presented severally as compared to content presented once. According to the phenomenon, they term as â€Å"spacing effect† more memory will be allocated to sets of information that is consistently presented. From this theory, it can be deduced that learners need to configure their learning programs such that learning is not clustered. Learning should be taken as a continuous process in which new ideas build up stepwise in well-spaced learning periods. Instead of taking compact five-hour study sessions, the same can be divided into, say, five short learning sessions with each session being a buildup of the previous session. Mixing Mathematical Problems Mathematics is arguably one of the most difficult subjects in the world. In fact, countries such as U.S have devised proficiency assessment for mathematics through the no child left behind act (NCLB). The importance of mathematics cannot be underestimated and actually, robust approach to learning mathematics is needed. Taylor dedicated an article in discussing ways in which learning mathematics can be enhanced. Taylor suggests a unique methodology of addressing issues in learning mathematics. Mathematical problems and tests should be shuffled up rather than presenting specific set of problems for a given learned concept. Rohrer Pashler share the same sentiments in their interleaving theory. However, Taylor’s idea departs from the interleaving t heory by specifically addressing how to mix the mathematical problems and tests as compared to interleaving which suggests mixing of concepts while learning. The results of Taylor’s study favored â€Å"mixed grill† testing format over the conventional method. He claims â€Å"when practice problems relating to a given topic are spaced across multiple practice sets, a student who fails to understand a lesson (or fails to attend a lesson) will still be able to solve most of the problems within the following practice set†(Taylor, 2007, p. 15). The underlying cognitive psychology theory is that mixed problems prompts the brain to recall previously learned concepts and uses them to build up new ways of solving new problems. This prompts us to deduce that the best way to learn mathematics is not taking concepts as independent. Mixing up problems from previously learned concepts with newly, learned concepts will go a long way in enhancing learning mathematics and improv es retention capacity (Taylor, 2007). Overlearning The concept of overlearning is perhaps the most widely used learning approach. Although ubiquitous, overlearning approach certainly is counterproductive when long-term returns are considered. It may appear, as subject mastery when something is repeatedly done after the concept has been understood. Although many proponents of overlearning propose that it enhances retention, other research indicates otherwise. When long-term retention is the primary objective, then overlearning becomes counterproductive. After doing a rigorous study on relationship between overlearning and retention Rohrer et al found out that â€Å"overlearned 10 items were more often recalled than the poorly learned 20 items when participants were tested 1 week after learning, but this benefit disappeared by 4 weeks† (Rohrer et al., 2005, p. 10). It is thus safe to conclude that learning should be moderated such that overlearning does not occur. Learners shou ld aim for perfection and mastery of the subjects in question. This will have a long lasting content retention effect and hence more beneficial. Conclusion Learning is truly a multivariate concept that demands different ways of approach in order to harness the limited resources in learning. As it has been discussed, wide varieties of approaches to learning do exist. Testing should be incorporated in the learning process to enhance understanding of the concepts. Spaced rather than block presentation of learning content should be encouraged as it results to longer lasting retention. For mathematicians, mixed up mathematical problems are highly encouraged as it makes it possible to build up new concepts on top of the old ones hence better understanding and retention of learned concepts. Although overlearning may seem to be a good learning approach, it is not recommended for learners aiming for long term content retention results. When all this approaches are incorporated in, learning p rofound results are certain. References Roediger, H Karpicke, J. (2006). Test-Enhanced Learning. Psychological Science, 17: 249. Rohrer et al. (2005). The Effect of Overlearning on Long-Term Retention. Appl. Cognit. Psychol. 19: 361–374. Rohrer, D and Pashler, H. (2010). Recent Research on Human Learning Challenges Conventional Instructional Strategies. Educational Researcher, 39: 406 Seabrook, R Brown, G. (2005). Distributed and Massed Practice: From Laboratory to Classroom. Appl. Cognit. Psychol. 19: 107–122. Taylor, D. (2007). The shuffling of mathematics problems improves learning. Instr Sci, 35:481–498 This research paper on Best Ways to Study According To Cognitive Psychologists was written and submitted by user Marcus Valentine to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

When All Are Treated Equal Professor Ramos Blog

When All Are Treated Equal As of thus far, there have been many great short stories and poems to analyze for American identity. The task to choose from just two of these was difficult alone because there have been so many insightful ones – Carl Sandburg’s â€Å"Chicago† and Zitkala-Sa’s â€Å"Impressions of an Indian Childhood† are two great ones to talk about that easily have essay potential. However, I ultimately decided on W.E.B. Du Bois’ The Souls of Black Folk and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s â€Å"Babylon Revisited† because these two authors directly talk about two major issues that helped define what it meant to be an American at that time – slavery (Du Bois) and the Great Depression (Fitzgerald). It is unique to note when these two works were written: one after the end of slavery and the other at the beginning of the Great Depression.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Du Bois is not afraid to state in these two chapters (â€Å"I: Of Our Spiritual Strivings† and â€Å"III: Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others†) his hopes of what America should give the black people: the right to vote and to be treated equally instead of as inferior beings. â€Å"He simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and an American, without being cursed and spit upon by his fellows, without having the doors of Opportunity closed roughly in his face† (Du Bois and Levine 563). Du Bois was born in 1868, three years after the end of slavery yet in the time of The Souls of Black Folk, racism had found a different way to thrive in American society: Jim Crow. The Jim Crow laws were doctrines established by Congress to separate African Americans from white Americans, made popular by the Supreme Court’s 1897 decision in Plessy v. Ferguson. â€Å"Of Our Spiritual Strivings† is about Du Bois’ declaration of equality for black people. It also accurately describes how Du Bois felt when it came to being black: â€Å"Why did God make me an outcast and a stranger in mine own house? The shades of the prison-house closed round about us all† (Du Bois and Levine 563). This quote alone exemplifies Du Bois’ anger at being treated differently, shunned as an outcast and a stranger in his house. What does this phrase, â€Å"mine own house† mean, though? Du Bois does not refer to America as his house, instead he is talking about his own body, bringing it to a more personal level. As I previously stated, Jim Crow was being used around the same time that The Souls of Black Folk was written to separate the two races, establishing the separate but equal doctrine that was most prevalently used in the Southern part of the United States where Du Bois worked at Atlanta University, perhaps explaining how he further felt isolated from his body. A key observation in the first chapter that Du Bois points out is that the â€Å"Negro† should be included in the classification of American peoples. â€Å" There are to-day no truer exponents of the pure human spirit of the Declaration of Independence than the American Negroes; there is no true American music but the wild sweet melodies of the Negro slave† (Du Bois and Levine 567). Du Bois is most probably referring to this part in the Declaration: â€Å"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness† (US 1776).All men deserve to be treated fairly and equally under the law of America – this is Du Bois’ argument for himself as well as all other African Americans. A part of this quote could also be a reference to the struggles faced by black Americans in the time of The Souls of Black Folk: â€Å"There are to-day no truer exponents† – Du Bois is making the argument that black people are just as deserving or, perhaps even more deserving, of American rights than white people due to the black slaves’ unjust torture and imprisonment by their owners, not to mention the severe discrimination after freedom. It seems as if the rivalry between W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington paved the way years later to a similar rivalry for the black American population: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Walter Rucker, who wrote an article about Du Bois’ contributions to black society makes a similar statement: â€Å"Du Bois effectively created a model for the community-control black nationalism that Black Power advocates of the mid to late 1960s would passionately argue for† (Rucker 38). There is an interesting aspect to point out here: W.E.B. Du Bois and Malcolm X could both serve as members of the Black Power movement which demanded for black rights; whereas Booker T. Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., while also similar, have a difference. Dr. King not only participated in peaceful protests but was one of the major leaders of the Civil Rights movement but would Washington have also participated in the Civil Rights movement? It is hard to say concerning his speech at the Atlanta Exposition which did not necessarily call for complete equality and justice for the black American population but rather to provide jobs and education for them – this is exactly why Du Bois criticizes him so much in â€Å"Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The chapter is appropriately given the title of â€Å"Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others† because Du Bois is attempting to send a message to his philosophical opponent – that black Americans can do much more than get a job; instead, they can be leaders of any field in any community. One of the most key quotes in this chapter gives some insight to Du Bois’ criticism of Washington: â€Å"In these years there have occurred: 1. The disfranchisement of the Negro. 2. The legal creation of a distinct status of civil inferiority for the Negro. 3. The steady withdrawal of aid from institutions for the higher training of Negro† (Du Bois and Levine 573). Du Bois writes this conclusion after stating that it is a result of Washington’s insistence on black people giving up their demand mostly for civil rights but also among other factors such as political power and higher education in order to be treated as equal.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Du Bois is concluding that Washington is to blame for all of black Americans’ problems? No, even Du Bois states this himself: â€Å"These movements are not, to be sure, direct results of Mr. Washingtons teachings† (Du Bois and Levine 573). Instead, the whole purpose of the chapter is a message to Booker T. Washington and others like him to advocate for the civil rights of black people instead of encouraging them to feel satisfied that they have just survived another day. How does The Souls of Black Folk contribute to American identity? It takes it a step further – it wishes for a black American identity in a white American society. Du Bois is stating to the world that black people in America are Americans despite their different skin color. Lastly, to sum up Du Bois’ message – all black men should be created equal just as much as all men are created equal. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s â€Å"Babylon Revisited† is quite a different story than The Souls of Black Folk because it is a fictional story set during a real-life event, the Great Depression. Charlie Wales is an American trying to move on after losing it all in the stock market crash and trying to regain custody of his daughter Honoria from his sister in law Marion and her husband Lincoln. Wales is having trouble doing this as a result of a double whammy: he is a recovering alcoholic and Marion blames him for her sister’s death. However, Charlie is able to visit Honoria and never loses hope of being reunited with his daughter. As we have discussed during class time, the significance of the daughter being named Honoria as in honor. So, would Charlie’s way of achieving honor be successful by being with Honoria? It is possible that he has done this already with his addiction to alcohol. Wales has admitted that he struggled with alcohol abuse and he has turned a new leaf but yet it is still not enough to satisfy Marion. This is evident when Charlie explains his reason for only having one alcoholic drink a day and when asked is if she sees the purpose of it, Marion’s response is â€Å" â€Å"No†, said Marion succinctly† (Fitzgerald and Levine 997). It might be possible Marion believes that Charlie shouldn’t have any alcohol at all. Alcohol, like drugs, is an intoxicating agent that when drunk, can disorient people and possibly, can make them extremely violent. F. Scott Fitzgerald was an alcoholic and his wife, Zelda, was admitted to a mental institution after the partying days of the Jazz Age, quite similar to Charlie’s situation with his wife, Helen. The theme of trauma is prevalent throughout the story – Marion has trauma over the death of Helen while Charlie has it over multiple issues such as trying to regain money after the crash, achieving sobriety and the fear of completely losing his daughter. The question that I believe Marion is asking Charlie is which trauma does he suffer from more: losing alcohol or Honoria? By the time the story begins, Wales is already sober and determined to be united with his daughter. Why is it that Marion cannot see this? Does she not want to? This could be a reasonable conclusion since she already has a bias towards Wales over Helen’s death. Yet, this apparent bias should not cloud her judgement on what is best for Honoria. Literally, Marion’s reasons for keeping Honoria are countless but will any of them really affect Honoria emotionally? Probably not as much as keeping her from Charlie since she adores her father so much. An additional way to prove how much Wales has changed is the way he feels about Duncan and Lorraine. The very fact that he is not associated with them anymore is a milestone for Charlie’s road to redemption. Unfortunately, the two mess everything up for him when they show up at Marion and Lincoln’s home asking for him, completely ruining Charlie’s goal of gaining Honoria just when they were going to give him custody. This is ultimately why the story is left on a cliffhanger instead of a happy ending, simply because Marion has yet another reason to doubt on how Charlie could provide for Honoria. Make no mistake, though, Wales does not deserve to wear a halo and be put up on a pedestal – he did lock Helen out of the house which could have been a factor in her death. All of this in mind, does Charlie deserve to have redemption? Elsa Nettels, in her analysis on â€Å"Babylon Revisited† weighs in by stating if Wales’ predicament is hopeless: â€Å"Fitzgerald’s story does not render final judgement of the characters or reveal the ultimate effects of their actions†¦ the decisive force is hate, which leaves the reader to wonder whether Charlie will be forced to â€Å"pay forever† † (Nettels 265). Hatred is the connection which ties The Souls of Black Folk and â€Å"Babylon Revisited† together – hatred against black Americans for being black and against Charlie Wales for his past lifestyle. Hate is not an aspect of a true American yet it has existed on American land before America was even a country. The Founding Fathers said that all men are created equal but when will all persons be treated equal? The United States is full of people who are different and it is our differences that make us American. This is exactly why society must unite together to work against hatred before hate itself becomes a part of American identity, speaking as if it hasn’t already. Du Bois, W.E.B., and Robert S. Levine. The Souls of Black Folk: Chapter I: Of Our Spiritual Strivings. The Norton Anthology of American Literature: Ninth Shorter Edition, Volume 2, W. W. Norton Company, 2017, p. 563, 567, 573. Fitzgerald, F. Scott, and Robert S. Levine. Babylon Revisited. The Norton Anthology of American Literature: Ninth Shorter Edition, Volume 2, W. W. Norton Company, 2017, pp. 997. Nettels, Elsa. Howells A Circle in the Water and Fitzgeralds Babylon Revisited. Studies in Short Fiction, vol. 19, no. 3, 1 June 1982, p. 265, EBSCO Academic Search Complete . web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=6sid=726e4630-7f75-4cf8-aab9-53c195633eea%40sdc-v-sessmgr05. Accessed 5 Apr. 2019. Rucker, Walter C. â€Å"‘A Negro Nation within the Nation’: W.E.B. Du Bois and the Creation of a Revolutionary Pan-Africanist Tradition†. Black Scholar, vol. 32, no. 3-4, 1 Sept. 2002, p. 38, EBSCO Academic Search Complete . web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=19sid=e2282fb7-eff6-434d-a266-89233e3e8ddc%40sdc-v-sessmgr06.  Accessed 31 Mar. 2019.

Heroines and Heroes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Heroines and Heroes - Essay Example In addition, they are also perceived as exotic, erotic and dangerous to males. It raised problems within the issues of globalization because it creates a bias against certain women and thus denies them the chance to be on an equal footing (Jiwani 186). The full text offers little indication that a hero can be globalized. Due to the stereotypes against minorities, there is always going to be a gap. This underrepresentation is mainly created by the media and its portrayal of the minorities. It is impossible for the hero to be disconnected from a particular culture. For example, in the example of the role of Tia Carrere, there is the discontinuity between her Asian roots and her western roots. Her education, connection to her farther and line of work endear her to the western culture and thus create a bias (Jiwani 187). There is a general portrayal of Asians, whether female or male, as scheming and untrustworthy or victims, but never neutral (Jiwani 188). The success of Eurasian heroes is problematic, because of their genealogy. They are descended from Caucasian males who have conquered the exotic Asian woman (Jiwani 187). In addition, the comparisons to the other members fuel the stereotypes against the Eurasian women. This is a problem because instead of illuminating the Eurasian woman in a positive light, the success creates more visibility for the stereotypes (Jiwani

How did the term 'Butskellism' arise Was it justified Essay

How did the term 'Butskellism' arise Was it justified - Essay Example In this paper the historical view will look at the content of ‘consensus’ and how it emerged and was translated into actual policies. In short what actually was the postwar consensus? There onwards the academic debate which surrounds and is continuing as we write; so to speak; will be examined. The core questions like; was it a consensus or was it political rivalries misnamed as consensus? Was it an elite consensus or a broad consensus of electorate to the political center? Reference will also be made to the consensus or otherwise of the interest groups (trade unions etc.). An attempt will be made to situate this discussion within the overall structural matrix of British Political System. The purpose is to show that the structure and the dynamics within, actually construct constraints and boundaries which form the context of UK Politics and any radicalism/drastic change is perceived as out of context. This argument will be supported by a brief comparative political analy sis with mainland European model. It will also be supported by referring to the underlying core value structure of UK, which forms the basis of any socio-political construct. The consensus has probably always existed in British Politics, in its different variants, within the confines of practically two-party parliamentary system. This will be demonstrated in the later part of this paper, as for now, as a point of departure of this paper, it is suffice to address the ‘postwar consensus’ and it’s ‘moderately satirical’ Economist typification as Butskellism. It is perhaps an erroneous assertion to call consensus; postwar. It did not spring up suddenly between two political antagonists just after the Second World War. The War time Conservative government was a consensus government. The achievements of the Coalition Government of 1940-45 are termed as the harbinger of postwar-consensus (Addison.1975). Our assertion however is that consensus is the quintessential British Political

MEA and PTE Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

MEA and PTE - Research Paper Example Ford is also one of the largest automobile producers of automobile in the international market. Social: The social issues faced by Ford and the automobile industry are mainly related to the cultural values and codes reflected by the organization. Goerzen & Beamish (2008) noted that the growing population and the demand for better transportation system has increased the scope of business for automobile firms. However, the increased cost of living and the rising fuel prices are major worries for the consumers in context of purchasing automobiles. Technological: Technology is one of the driving forces of the business firms in the existing scenario. The growth and development of technological aspects has allowed the organizations to expand their market space over internet and also enhance their operational performance with the help of robotics (Morris, Schindehutte & Allen, 2011). However, the opportunity cost of the firms is increasing and the technicality in the operations is also reducing the control of the management on the production functions of the company. Economical: The economical condition of the international market place was largely shaken with the recent global financial crisis of 2007-08. Amidst these economical instabilities, Ford was already facing financial crisis as their profits were falling (Hellriegel & Slocum, 2011). Apart from these, other economical complexities include currency fluctuation, taxation, government policies, etc are also major economic hurdles for the company in the international market. Environmental: The environmental concerns for the automobile organizations are growing rapidly. With the increased demand for vehicles, companies such as Ford have also increased their production process resulting in increased energy usage and creation of industrial waste which is hampering the natural environment. Moreover, the amplified amount of

Therapeutic Communication And Mental Health Nursing Essay

Therapeutic Communication And Mental Health Nursing Essay Therapeutic communication is a practice in which the nurse deliberately controls a client or assists the client to an improved understanding through verbal or nonverbal interaction. (Mosbys Medical Dictionary, 2009). According to Russell Delucas 2010, therapeutic communication is a type of psychotherapy that uses vocal and nonverbal skills. It is an interpersonal relation between the nurse and the client throughout which nurse centers on the clients specific needs to uphold an effectual swap of information (Videbeck 2010, p.99). Our socio-cultural context discloses some secreted realities that Pakistani culture holds in mental health setup. It is the culture that influence on individuals perception of stigmatization against mentally unstable, which could be reduced by therapeutic practices across cultures from health care providers. (Rethink, 2007). The importance of therapeutic communication in mental health nursing is that it provides the patient in confidence to play an active role inhis/her own care. Besides, it also helps the nurse to better care for the patient. Therapeutic communication is an crucial tool above all other interventions in mental health setting, for optimistic results, for building of nurse client relationship, for ventilation of sentiments, for exploring fundamental approach of patients about themselves and their illnesses (Morrissey Callaghan, 2011). The worth of a therapeutic relationship depends on the capability of health care worker to converse effectively (Banar, 2011). Individuals are born with not only the ability but also the compulsion to self-ventilate (Daniels 2004, p.69). In a relationship between nurse and patient, a nurse ought to establish qualitative therapeutic relationship with their client which will be influenced by worth full communication skills (Desmond Copeland 2000, as cited in Daniels 2004). As we encounter many patients around us in health care setting, who needs to express their feelings and talk but have some distress and needs motivation and encouragement from health care provider. A similar example that came under my clinical observation was that a 21 years old Raeez admitted in Baqai hospital with the diagnose of anti-social personality. Initially, neither patient was showing his interest to talk and interact with others nor was maintaining good eye contact. He also refused to talk with us, but as a result of expressing his feelings through therapeutic communication like giving attention to immediate interaction, motivation and encouragement, client became socially interacted. The two modes of communication are well defined by Daniels, 2004. He states that people communicate not only verbally through words but also nonverbally through actions. In the light of clinical scenario, due to verbal and nonverbal skills patient started expressing his sentiments. Moreover, he says that time and place are significant to the component of therapeutic communication. The amount of time is not only important but how it is spent qualitatively is the priority to be concerned. He also states that touch is the potent mean for communication that ensure patients that there is someone to care for them, give them respect and aids in building therapeutic bond between nurse and patient. In addition, a nurse must understand the ethnic consequence to avert potential complications. .Besides, active listening is the keystone of all communications (Daniel, 2004). It involves patience, interest, concentration and being aware of what the client is not saying or picking up on hints as to the real message (Tamparo Lindh 2007, p.18). In relation with the scenario, the nurse made the patient the center of attention and motivated him while communicating effectively. Furthermore, accepting the client is the most important to therapeutic communication. Every nurse should aware of her own prejudices and approach each client from a perspective of recognition (Daniels 2004, p.77). Additionally, questioning is another vital communication tool that helps in building rapport and trust, showing empathy, comprehends clients experience and elicits essential health data (Daniels 2004, p.75). Besides, directing, focusing, reflecting, clarifying, summarizing, maintaining silence is some of the other therapeutic tactics that must be applied while interviewing (White, 2004). Therapeutic communication is attained when desired results are skillful. Contrary, there are certain factors that hinder the ultimate desire to get, termed as barriers.One of the main barriers is environment (Fielding, 2006). It is also observed in clinical setting that wards are usually overloaded that doesnt make the patient feel comfortable during conversation. Reflecting to the scenario, patient neither showed interest to talk nor maintained eye contact as others were also interviewing at that moment. Unkempt appearance, gestures, long hair that dangles on or over the client while providing care and breathes scent also hinders communication (Timby 2009, p.95). Another negative aspect arises when the clinician loses focus and empathy for a patient (Russell-Delucas, 2010). Sullivan (1954, as cited in Lorebell n.d.) considers anxiety as a chief barrier to effective communication. Response to anxiety can be motivating or distressful. In relation to the scenario, the patient refused t o talk that increased nurses anxiety but her response to anxiety was motivating that helped her in effective communication. Beside, giving false reassurance, passing judgments, using platitudes, defending yourself are some other barriers that impede therapeutic communication (White 2004, p.117-118). Additionally, cultural and age variations, comprehension and proficient differences, tongue barrier and way of thinking are other obstacles (Klimova Semradova, 2012). The impact of therapeutic communication is that it facilitates clients autonomy, emphasizes a holistic view of a person, communicate that nurse is here to listen, help and plan for their betterment (Banar, 2012). In opposing, non-therapeutic communication converses that patients dignity and care is not our priority that make him feel disregarded and not the valuable creature (Morrissey Callaghan, 2011). In the light of Pepleus interpersonal theory (1988, as cited in NURSEINTERRUPTED 2012), communication is central aspect in nurse-client relation. This two way communication explores underlying feelings, needs and emotions that patients possess. Peplau focuses on verbal aspects of communication that aid the client heals and overcome infirmity. In Peplaus theory, four major phases are talked about (Dinga Karvininen 2008). Formerly, the phase of orientation includes giving a helping hand when patient needs support and is uncomfortable due to certain situations. Here, identifying and assessing the problem, recognizing and planning the use of the needed resources sum-up this phase. Next is the identification phase. Here, due to care and support, client images the nurse as a vital portion of his life. This can be beneficial and can hinder the essence of a professional relationship. To come out of it, nurse should encourage independent activities for patients. Moreover continuous validatio n of clients perception of care should be reinforced. Then comes the exploitation phase which is combined with resolution phase where patient is satisfied with the given care and he tries to be more independent for better recovery. Egan (2002,as cited by Jootun McGhee 2011), used the acronym SOLER for non-verbal communication i.e. sit facing the patient directly, maintain an open stance, lean forward to some extent, establish and keep eye contact and adopt a comfortableposition. These are some of the strategies that regulate communication process and helps patient to ventilate their expressions. Arthur (2010) suggests that therapeutic gatherings must be conducted in a peaceful, quiet, regular tenor of voice to deliver that the environment is safe and harmless.Besides, encouraging the client to use any of the modes of communication like jotting down, symbolic sketches may also promote therapeutic communication (Jootun McGhee 2011). Moreover, cognitive therapy encourages client to examine their beliefs and explore alternatives that promote therapeutic communication (Scottsdale, 2011). In conclusion, nurses need to understand that therapeutic communication can make patients well-being and quality of life healthier. It is a health care provider who can use this dynamic and collaborative process to encourage, influence, instruct, provide mutual support and attain crucial information essential for sense of healthiness and comfort for the patient. It can only be achievable if above discussed therapeutic tactics are followed while evading the obstacles. Word count: 1,298

Performance Management Reality Check Essay -- Business, Goals, Functi

How many of the 14 characteristics of an ideal system are present in the system you are evaluating? The Women's Resource Center at Southern Oregon University is currently using a performance management system that I believe has present all 14 characteristics. As a small organization doing work that is at many levels personal, our performance management system is one of the most highly held processes of our jobs. Our work at the Women's Resource Center calls for us to express ourselves, voice our opinions and beliefs, stand up and fight for change, and engage in our work emotionally. Due to the level at which we hold our jobs close to our hearts, evaluating our performance and gaining feedback on the work we are doing is extremely important not only for our management but also for the employees. Our individual goals must be aligned with organizational goals. As the goal of our work is to improve the lives of women and girls, our organization would not function if individual goals were anything other than that exactly. Our work is deeply rooted in the passion and motivation of the employees and volunteers involved regarding this goal. We are working as activists who are seeking and creating change and see no limits to the differences we can make personally in our community, region, and even globally. (Aguinis, 2009) The system is thorough as each employee is evaluated every school term and all major job responsibilities are included in the evaluation. There are three steps to the system. The first step is a self evaluation form that is filled out by the employee and acts as a tool for self-reflection. The second step is an informal evaluation with the staff manager. The final step is the formal evaluation with the coordinat... ... bad idea to have a process laid out. For our system to become more ideal we should develop a rating system that minimizes subjective aspects and does not rely so heavily of human judgement. We should also develop an appeals process that is formal in which employee that feel an error has been made may be able to challenge unjust decisions and correct errors. (Aguinis, 2009) I believe that the managers and the coordinator should work together to develop the appeals process and then bring the process to the staff to gather opinions, and feedback. I believe that the coordinator knows best how the process would be more efficient and effective but I would also want to hear from the staff to make sure the process makes sense and is accessible from their perspective. This is a process that really needs to work on both ends of the organization for it to be effective.