Learning and Cognition

Running head: LEARNING AND COGNITION PAPER Learning and Cognition Paper LaTrice N. Weams PSY/ 390 Esther Siler-Colbert, M. S. , ABD April 8, 2013 Learning and Cognition Paper Examining the different concepts surrounded around learning and cognition and how they relate to each other will be the main focus of the paper. Giving a true definition of what learning really is and how behavior determines how someone learns will provide enlightenment on how learning can be achieved when being done according to one’s learning abilities and cognition.What is the definition of learning? What role does behavior play in learning? Learning can be easily described as a combination of â€Å"comprehension,† â€Å"knowledge,† or â€Å"understanding† which has been put together to gain a complete understanding of what is being understood. However, in psychology Gregory A. Kimble (1917–2006), defines learning as a relatively permanent change in behavioral potentiality t hat occurs as a result of reinforced practice (Kimble, 1961, p. 6).Kimble’s definition includes 5 important aspects being: (1) an observable behavior, (2) a semi-permanent change in one’s behavior, (3) the change in behavior does not need to be immediate, (4) experience or practice comes after the learned behavior, and (5) the aforementioned experience or practice needs to be reinforced. The behavior of constantly trying a concept multiple times until the desired level of achievement has been achieved is how learning is done. Since it is hard to show a tangible depiction of what learning is actively B.F. Skinner decided to make a box into which he put animals and was able to physically observe what learning was from watching the animals an action. What are two different types of learning? Describe each one in your response. The two different types of learning are instrumental and classical conditioning. Conditioning is a term that can be used as a descriptive measure f or learning; there are two types of conditioning; instrumental and classical (Olson, 2009).Instrumental conditioning can be described as working for a reward. Putting a child in a room with a gumball machine and pennies can prove instrumental conditioning is real. Once the child sees the gumball machine they will want one out of there. It will only take a few moments for the child to realize that they can put a penny in the machine and receive a gumball. This understanding was determined by B. F. Skinner when he put the animal in a box with a lever that produced a treat when the learned to push the lever.Classical conditioning was introduced by Ivan Pavlov and simply states that someone or something can be trained with a conditioned stimulus to produce an unconditioned response. For instance an adult that has the same lunch break every day at work is classically conditioned. The conditioned stimulus is the certain time of day that they go to break on a daily basis and the unconditio ned response would be getting hungry pains every day at that time once that lunch break has been passed. What is the relationship between learning and cognition? Provide a specific example.The relationship between learning and cognition is one that one needs the other in order to make learning possible. Cognition is the steps that one would go through in order to learn or gain knowledge to a certain skill. From infancy to Adulthood people go through certain levels of expected cognition to aid in the learning process. People are supposed to gain a certain amount of understanding so that learning can be proven that it is actually taking place. One specific example of learning and cognition would be a child learning how to read.They have to go through certain steps to be able to learn to read. Knowledge of alphabets, acknowledgement of alphabets, being able to put alphabets together to create words, understanding of what those words mean, and putting those words together to make senten ces in which understanding is fully acknowledged are the steps that a child goes through to learn to read. This paper has provided an understanding as to what learning is and how behavior is a main factor when it comes to how a person learns.It also provides a definition of what two learning types, which are instrumental and classical conditioning, with understanding as to how the two are distinguished from another. Understanding that cognition is the process that learning is acquired and without it neither one of them could exist alone. References Olson, M. H. & Hergenhahn, B. R. (2009). An introduction to theories of learning (8th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. Kimble, G. A. (1961). Hilgard and Marquis’ conditioning and learning (2nd ed. ). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Language Anxiety Essay

Learning and teaching a language can be considered by many as a very challenging and demanding task due to what the process itself implies. Could you imagine how each language learner feels when he/ she is asked to perform an activity or just to speak in front of the class? Some of them will feel very comfortable but what about those whose hearts often pound really hard, break out in a cold sweat and find it difficult to catch their breath. The disorders introduced previously corresponds to what a considerable quantity of foreign language learners face whenever they are asked to do something in the classroom known as: Anxiety, a term linked to an unpleasant feeling but which can also be helpful when learning a language. To begin with, anxiety in the language learning is considered as one of the most important affective factors, which has been studied since the 1970s. It is important to know what anxiety is, in general terms anxiety is a psychological construct that is described as a state of apprehension, a vague fear that is only indirectly associated with an object (Hilgard, Atkinson, & Atkinson, 1971). It can also be defined as a subjective feeling of tension, apprehension, nervousness, and worry associated with an arousal of the automatic nervous system (McIntyre & Gardner, 1994) or in simple words it is described as a feeling of nervousness or worry. But making a relationship between language and anxiety it is found that according to what McIntyre (1999) stated, language anxiety is the worry and negative emotional reaction aroused when learning a second language. Secondly, anxiety has been found to be a negative feeling but helpful in some ways when learning a language. According to Hortwitz (1986) facilitating or helpful anxiety motivates learners to fight the new learning task, making them to expend extra efforts to overcome their feelings of anxiety. This type of positive anxiety is necessary since students who are not anxious under any condition will feel too relax and they will not even care about their learning process which will cause them to fail at learning a language. F or example, a student who feels anxious but he uses it positively as a way to motivate him to pass the course and learn the target language successfully will obtain excellent results. However, there is a probable risk that is helpful anxiety can easily become harmful anxiety. It is claimed that one third of students learning a foreign language experience some kind of anxiety (Horwitz, et al., 1986). Students facing anxiety is a real and common phenomenon that takes place in the classroom which is normal and helpful at some point but when the level of anxiety starts increasing without any control it will be very harmful so that students should be very careful and recognize the anxiety and do something positive about it before they react to this negative anxiety in a very negative way. What is more, according to some experts as the one mentioned previously Horwitz stated that helpful anxiety occurs only in the accomplishment of simple learning tasks, but not with more complicated learning such as language learning. Lastly, the type of anxiety is an issue that should be identified in the classroom and overcome possible difficulties related to it. Teachers can identify anxiety due to the fact that most of the time when anxiety takes place there are very observable evidence such as physical symptoms, general avoidance or physical actions but what sometimes is difficult for educators is to tackle in the language learning. Some suggestions have been made for teacher to overcome anxiety such as being supportive, encouraging students to relax through music or games, using fair tests, providing meaningful activities, giving meaningful rewards, being clear about classroom goals, helping students to assess their performance, encouraging risk taking and creating a comfortable environment among others. To conclude, it must be said that learning a language implies many affective factors but anxiety is one of the most relevant and an inevitable feeling among second language learners. The matter is Do my students know how to identify anxiety symptoms and do something positive about it? What is more Do I know what to do to diminish language anxiety? When learning a language the answers to these questions can be the difference. To ignore language anxiety within a classroom is not the solution; it will just drive to failure. References Hilgard, E. R., Atkinson, R. C., & Atkinson, R. L. (1971). Introduction to psychology (5thed.). New York: Harcourt. Horwitz, E. K., Horwitz, M., & Cope, J. (1986). Foreign language classroom anxiety. Modern Language Journal, 70(1), 125-132. MacIntyre, P. D., & Gardner, R. C. (1994). The subtle effects of language anxiety on cognitive processing in the second language. Language Learning, 44, 283-305. Robertson, P & Adamson, J (2011). Language Learning Strategies, Beliefs, and Anxiety in Academic Speaking Task. The Philippine ESL Journal, (7), 95-100. Retrieved from http://www.philippine-esl-journal.com/Volume-7.pdf

Influence of Peers Essay

Peer influence on a child can either be bad or good depending upon various situations. It is important that peer influences boost socialization and learning that will have a positive effect on the child. Children learn from others and imitate what they see and hear, so peer influences play an essential role in development. â€Å"A good family social environment, positive peer influences, and good peer relationships tended to increase altruistic orientation† (Ma, 2003). There are many different ways that teachers and parents can help improve social skills and relationships among peers. The most important thing that parents and teachers can do is to improve peer relationships is to provide positive interactions with other children. Allowing children to participate in sports and other social activities that are non-threating, within the school and community setting helps improve social skills and develop healthy relationships. Parents and teachers can allow the child to develop skills on their own time especially in situations where there is a family issue, death of a friend or classmate. â€Å"Researchers have shown that caregivers who respond positively to children’s demands increase the children’s commitment to social relations and their desire to learn and comply with the norms of their social world† (Richaud, 2006). Teachers can include cooperative classroom projects that can help children who need to improve their social reputations. This gives them time to work on developing the small group cooperative skills, while getting to know classma tes in a safe environment. Read more:  Influences that affect children’s development essay Influence of Peers Parents and teachers play a vital role in help children develop skills needed to get along with others and demonstrate positive attitudes that will provide the child with examples of how to socialize with others constructively. Although, issues may arise, children should be allowed to develop these skills at their own pace. â€Å"Peer groups have a large influence on a child’s social development and it is important for a child to begin peer socialization at an early age† (Bojczyk 2012). References Bojczyk, K. E., Shriner, B. M., & Shriner, M. (2012). Supporting children’s socialization: A developmental approach. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc Richaud, 2006). The relationship to attachment and parental styles. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 167(2), 189-210. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/228456303?accountid=32521 Ma, H. K. (2003). The relationship of the family social environment, peer influences, and peer relationships to altruistic orientation in chinese children. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 164(3), 267-74. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/228531738?accountid=32521 ` Ma, H. K. (2003). The relationship of the family social environment, peer influences, and peer relationships to altruistic orientation in chinese children. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 164(3), 267-74. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/228531738?accountid=32521

Critically evaluate the evidence that Piaget underestimated childrens Essay

Critically evaluate the evidence that Piaget underestimated childrens abilities in the pre-operational stage - Essay Example This stage of development lasts from age two to six. Critics have stated that Piaget underestimated children’s abilities in the pre-operational stage and this is based mainly on the following grounds (a) the child in the pre-operational stage is unable to conserve the relationship between the different dimensions of an event (b) Piaget’s theory held that children in the preoperational stage may be unable to understand object permanence (c) Piaget has underestimated the ability of children to see the world from another person’s viewpoint and referred to this as egocentrism. One of Piaget’s major findings about the pre-operational stage was that children cannot conserve different dimensions of an event. For example, when a piece of clay is molded into two different shapes, the child is unable to understand that although the shape is different, the piece is essentially the same.(Salkind, 2004, pp 249). However, in experiments conducted by Wynn (1992), on five month old infants, the findings appear to suggest that infants may even be able to calculate results for simple arithmetic operations on a small number of items. Human beings may therefore possess innate arithmetical abilities. Similarly, Xu and Spelke (2000) have also shown that when extraneous variables are controlled, infants are able to discriminate between large sets of objects on the basis of numerosity. This suggests that Piaget’s findings may be lacking in some aspects. Piaget appears to have underestimated the timing of development of children’s abilities and one example of a cognitive defect attributed to the pre-operational stage is the inability to comprehend object permanence, i.e, that an object continues to exist even when it is moved out of sight.(Hetherington and Parke, 2003). In examining object permanence, Piaget concluded from his observations that young children appear to view objects as ephemeral entities which are constantly made and unmade

THE SAINTE CHAPELLE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

THE SAINTE CHAPELLE - Essay Example Sainte Chapelle, built by Louis IX during the 13th century on the le de la Cit in the center of Paris was a famous example of late gothic architecture. Late Gothic in France, 1240-1550, called Rayonnant and Flamboyant. Rayonnant from rayonner, to radiate or shine, used to describe window traceries. The most visually attractive aspects of the chapel, and considered the finest of their type in the world, are its stained glass (were the Passion was clearly manifested). The stonework is a delicate framework, and rose windows added to the upper chapel in the 15th century. Durham Cathedral was generally considered one of the finest works of 'Norman' cathedral in Europe. Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses (hidden above the aisle vaults) are visually evident in this cathedral. Notre Dame de Paris, built under High gothic period, a period wherein second-story gallery was omitted, but triforium or a three-story elevation was retained and reestablished. The catchiest feature of Notre Dame Cathedral was its Rose Window, built by Jean de Chelles, and was designed in the Rayonnant style. The Virgin and Child were depicted in the center circle, surrounded by figures of prophets. The second circle shows 32 Old Testament kings, and 32 high priests and patriarchs were depicted in the outer circle. Sainte Chapelle's structure was 36 m (118 ft) long, 17 m (56 ft) wide, and 42.5 m (139 ft) high. Fronted by a two-story porch, the Sainte-Chapelle had definite vertical proportions of Gothic architecture, which had been perfected during the 12th century. The architectural representation was that of a building with a single nave, culminated in a chevet with seven panels. Outside, the design was concentrated on the essentials - a sober base and heavy buttresses contrasting with the soaring lightness of the upper parts. The spire made of cedar, 33 meters (108 ft) high, a masterpiece of finesse, made in the 19th century, but an exact replica of the 15th century spire dominated the slate roof. The upper chapel was magnificent in its Gothic architecture - light, color, and space blend to inspire a sense of harmony between art and religious faith. Architects, sculptors and painters obviously took the greatest care with the interior of the upper chapel, as this was the part of the building reserved for the king, his close friends and family, as well as for displaying the religious relics. Supported by slender piers, the arched ceiling seemed to float above magnificent stained glass windows. Most significant of the sculpted decorations in the upper chapel were the statues of the twelve apostles, which lean on the columns marking the bays. With their flowing dress, finely featured faces and hair in flattened curls, they impart a sense of serenity in all who contemplate them. The lower chapel was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, whose statue stands freely next to the central pier of the portal. Low arched ceilings rest on fine columns with decorative carved leaf capitals, connected by anchor braces made of wood or stone. The walls were decorated with trefoiled arcades and twelve medallions representing the Apostles. DESIGN INTENTION The progressive enlargement of the windows was not intended to shed more light into the interiors, but rather to provide an

Inherent Risk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Inherent Risk - Essay Example following paragraphs explains the importance of external auditors as well as internal auditors in the reducing or even eliminating the errors and frauds that stain the financial statements. The first step that the auditors do is to base their audit programs on the inherent risk of each item listed in the financial statements . This topic will further be explained in the following paragraphs(Courtney, Briggs,2004, p139). The company is owned by stockholders. Stockholders can invest their hard earned money in Qantas Airways Ltd. by just visiting the Australian stock exchange and paying for the number of shares of stocks pegged at the hours stock market share. Products. Qantas Airways Limited. is engaged in the transport of air passengers and cargo. The company provides international, domestic as well as internal or regional transport of air passengers and cargo In Australian airspace as well as outside Australia. The company also is engaged in other business activities aside from ferrying human beings from one corner of the world to another. The other financial activities include subsidiary investments in QantasLink and Jetstar. The company is also engaged in the business of inflight catering as well as holiday and travel activities. The above income statement shows that the expenses generated for the year ended June 2007 was 12,756. And, the expenses generated for the year ended June 2007 was 11,593.50 Plus, the expenses generated for the year ended June 2007 was 10,757.70. The inherent risk of this accounting item is that one or more of the accounting staff could recorded an expense in the journalisation stage of the accounting process when there is no right for such recording to occur. Generally accepted accounting principles and international accounting standards states that expenses should be recorded only if the corresponding use of an asset has also occurred. In addition, the accountant could have recorded an expense such as salary expense giving the

Answer 2 questions in form of essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Answer 2 questions in form of - Essay Example This is because the arguments between jurors makes others question their initial instincts which were formulated from actual case arguments, but now they are just arguing among themselves in a fight for achieving personal motives. Where once opinion was based on perceived facts of the case, quests for social dominance have changed facts to merely opinion which is impact whether the youth will get a fair trial. The idea that there are many interpretations of â€Å"the facts† is easily applied to real-life situations. For example, in the educational environment, teachers are responsible for dealing with interpersonal issues between different students at the same age level. In many situations, what the teacher is being told by each student is merely their own interpretation of what actually occurred. In order to make a decision, the teacher must realize that there is always more than just one side of the story and it might become necessary for research to decide what really occurred. A teacher could not give out reward or punishment effectively by drawing on student perceptions of fact. It would be better for the teacher to do first-hand investigation before coming to a decision. 12 Angry Men proved that civility will encourage your opponents to keep listening to you. In the movie, Jurors began to get frustrated by being unable to come to a mutual agreement about the youth’s guilt. Some people were strongly for their position of being not guilty while others simply wanted to come to some decision just to end the deliberations and go home. Juror #10 begins ranting ridiculously in a bigoted tirade, lashing out at others. This tirade makes everyone in the room stop listening to the Juror #10 and his reputation as a competent juror is damaged. Simply because people in the room did not agree with his position, one of the jurors lost their influence to coerce others in the group in order to reach a mutually-satisfying decision about the case. In real-life situations,

Global Financialization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Global Financialization - Essay Example In fact, massive inflows of capital followed by sharp and sudden reversals of capital flow result in crises of exchange rates that have characterized developing and emerging nations (Stiglitz 1081). The macroeconomic troubles stirred by volatile flows of capital have been acutely felt in developing and emerging countries such as Turkey and Argentina in 2001 and the late 90s South East Asia financial crisis, which were all related to flow of capital. These countries suffered from sharp declines in real GDP. A particular reason that leads to rates of exchange having such a significant effect is because, in liberalization and financialization of global markets, it is profitable to be involved in interest arbitrage, which means that one borrows from a specific currency and lends or invests in other currencies, also referred to as carrying trade (Rodrik 1). For example, if interest rates of the Turkish Lira were higher compared to those of the Euro, taking rates of exchange to be stable, it tempts to borrow in Euro credit and then invest or even lend in Turkish Lira. This implies that liabilities, as well as assets, will be in currencies of different countries. Therefore, abrupt realignments in rates of exchange could end up having disastrous effects on the balance sheets of banks or organizations. In addition, capital flow liberalization also lets developing nations accrue current account deficits for a longer time, and at a higher level than they could be during the reign of the Bretton Woods organizations. Financial globalization and liberalization have led to an increase of potential difference in development among countries if the global market financial markets retain their stability and calmness. The revaluation, typically, of financial markets has been accompanied by abrupt reversals of capital flow, as well as crises in exchange rates, all of which show that global financialization is not good for developing countries (Rodrik 1). Governments play a crucial role in the evolution of global financialization, as well as its effects on individual countries and their development. All governments at national level possess a specific responsibility to ensure security and stability of the domestic financial, banking, and monetary systems, which are vital to any economy’s functions. The vulnerable nature of financial and banking systems to crises, failure of markets and instability has virtually produced regulatory authorities and central banks that are aimed at protecting their social interests, as well as for the mediation of their countries’ interactions with international financial markets (Doyran 32). Effective stability and functioning of the financial and monetary systems have become a fundamental requirement as far as development is concerned, which is only achievable via the effective actions of nations.

Writing in the Content Areas Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 12

Writing in the Content Areas - Personal Statement Example During the course of my English 101 category, we learned how to read attentively, how to write a reflective paper, and how to write a passage in context essay. Frankly, I noticed English 101, was easy for me; my instructor was really easy on us, and we were not at all fixed out of our comfort zones. At that particular time, I reflected how fortunately getting easy grades for a little hard work. I was astonished for this result because throughout high school, I always considered college English was going to be much trickier during the course of my English 101 category, we learned how to read attentively, how to write a reflective paper, and how to write a passage in context essay. Frankly, I noticed English 101, was easy for me; my instructor was really easy on us, and we were not at all fixed out of our comfort zones. At that particular time, I reflected how fortunately getting easy grades for a little hard work. I was astonished for this result because, throughout high school, I alw ays considered college English was going to be much trickier Now that with English 101 had ended, I had a task with English 102. Probably due to my approach towards my English 101 category, I deliberated English 102 was going to be alike. I was totally wrong. I can bear in mind the first few days of the course group. The emotion of being prone to the harsh and abrupt reality that I really had to work extremely hard this semester. Uncomfortable at first, I slowly caught on to the quick but the well-organized pace my teacher had set for us. Even though there was an incredible amount of work this time, I reflect back now with a smile. I feel confident now that I could write a victorious essay. I possibly have learned nearly all about writing in present this one semester, then my whole academic profession. In my outlook, I hope to take all of the skills I have learned during my English courses.  

Hebrew Wisdom Essay Example for Free

Hebrew Wisdom Essay This is my introduction to describe the teachings of Hebrew wisdom on diligence and laziness and how does this correspond with the contrast between wisdom and folly? I first want to give the definition of each of the words that I will be addressing during this essay. Diligence means â€Å"the attention and care legally expected or required of a person†. Laziness means â€Å"resistant to work or exertion; slow-moving; sluggish†. Wisdom means â€Å"the ability to discern or judge what is true, right or lasting; insight:. Folly means â€Å"a lack of good sense, understanding, or foresight. Now that we have the definition of the important words that I will be focusing on, lets beginning the discussion of Hebrew wisdom regarding these attributes. The Book of Proverbs was written mostly by Solomon. Solomon asked God and received the wisdom of The Lord and Solomon teaches us about the importance of diligence and not being lazy. Solomon states in Proverbs 13:4 â€Å"The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich†. When we continually seek after wisdom it will enable us to not become lazy. If we continue to be diligent we reap the rewards by  obtaining the knowledge we need to help us in our daily walk and every aspect of our life. Solomon states in Proverbs 4:13 â€Å"Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life†. The Word of God is our foundation to live a diligent life. The Book of Proverbs emphasizes the fear of the Lord as the key to wisdom and knowledge. His wisdom is available to those of us who trust Him and keep His commandments (Proverbs 2:7-10). The Book of Proverbs gives you the lifestyle to follow, the life of diligence or the life of laziness. The choice is ours to make in what path we will follow. The lazy person is one that does not count up the costs, one that want something for nothing, one that will sleep during the day instead of working (Proverbs 13:4; 24:30). As believers we must understand the importance of being diligent and not lazy. We must apply the knowledge given to us through the Word of God and apply it to our lives so that we will not be as a folly person. Folly is one that is lead by the pleasure of this world. According to The Essence of the Old Testament â€Å"under the sun† indicates an earthly perspective, in other words, a life without God. In Proverbs 14, Solomon describes the difference between wisdom and folly. Solomon states that foolishness destroys his own, willfully avoids fearing the Lord, speaks words that are undependable and immature and the fool has no harvest for lack of spiritual strength. The fool leaves no room for accountability to God. Then in Proverbs 15, Solomon speaks of the wise person. He will build his own, maintain integrity because of the fear of the Lord, he produces a harvest, he tells the truth, he maintains a teach spirit and finds gracious favor from the Lord. In my conclusion, I will sum up the teaching of the Hebrew wisdom. We have a choice to obtain wisdom and be diligent or be foolish and lazy. Our reward will be greater if we choose to follow God and use the wisdom that God has given us and be diligent in everything that we do for God so that we will not be like the foolish person and head towards destruction due to self indulgence and doing and speaking evil against God. Those that have the wisdom and diligent, need to be careful that they do not rejoice when their enemy falls (Proverbs 24:17). As stated in Ecclesiastes 12:13, Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. Let’s all seek to be like Solomon and ask God for wisdom, daily so that we can do and say those things that are pleasing to our Heavenly Father. Wisdom is meant to be applied, not just studied or memorized (The Essence of the Old Testament). BIBLIOGRAPHY Edward Hindson and Gary Yates,,The Essence of the Old Testament: A Survey, Nashville, 2012 Broadman Holman Publishers, The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Nashville, 1996 Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition principal copyright 1993

Impacts of Drug and Substance Abuse of Youths

Impacts of Drug and Substance Abuse of Youths Drug and substance abuse continues to be a major problem worldwide, and in particular, Malawi. It is estimated that there are over 12 million abusers in United Stated of America and 500,000 cocaine users in South Africa (Fabiano Maganga,2002, pp124-127). It is a common knowledge that most of the drug and substance abusers are youth and young adults, i.e. the most productive age groups. Most teenagers begin to experiment with substances at an early age which may lead to drug and substance dependence or addiction. This may occur through the progression from experimentation with drugs/ substances to their occasional use and they lead them to the development of tolerance and physical dependence (Malunda Mpinganjira, 2009, p.147). The most common drug in Malawi is cannabis, also called hemp or chamba and the smoking of hemp is increasing rapidly, particularly among young people. Almost every school has some boys and girls who smoke chamba indicating that the drug is very easy to obtain (Fabiano Maganga, 2002, pp.124-125). Risk factors that predispose people to drug/substance abuse are lack of mental or emotional resources against stress, a low tolerance for frustration, and the need for immediate relief of tension or distress (Malunda Mpinganjira, 2009, p. 147). According to Arterburn Burns (1989, pp42-46), biological predisposition, peer pressure, parental attitudes and parenting style are also some of the factors which lead adolescents to indulge in such malpractices. The EAM (1998, p.27), says lack of recreational facilities for the youth makes them to find other forms of recreation such as drugs and drinks. Drug and substance abuse among the youth is associated with a broad range of high risk behaviors. This type of behavior can have profound health, economic and social consequences such deviant behaviors, unprotected sexual intercourse, interpersonal violence, destruction of property and perform poorly in the studies (Malunda Mpinganjira, 2009, p.147). According to Kabwila (2000, p.19), Many cases of indiscipline in schools, homes, sports and entertainment places are as a result of abusing drugs, alcohol, and other substances. Peschke (1993, p.249) said; Death caused by smoking far exceed the death rate from Aids and traffic accidents. The excessive drinking of alcohol is not illegal but it can have serious effects on both the individual and society. Alcoholism is the/ number one socio- medical problem. Alcohol makes a person irresponsible and much more likely to engage in unprotected sex, therefore, a factor in the spread of HIV/AIDS. It can also lead to illness, particularly diseases of the liver (FabianoMaganga, 2002, p.125). Therefore if deaths caused by smoking exceed the death rate from Aids and traffic accidents it is important to analyze the causes and effects of drug and substance abuse among the youths so as to draw out measures of how to help them. According to Malunda Mpinganjira (2009, p.148), drug and substance abuse is worsened by complex socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty and crime in general. Most of the youth that are involved in drug and substance abuse are led into a life of crime. Police records reveal that 90% of the criminals arrested in this country are between the ages of 17 and 30 years of age (Dzonzi, EAM, 1998, p.88). Therefore it is of great importance to examine possible factors related to the abuse of drugs and substances among the youths so as to draw out measures of how to help them. Background information Mkanda Zone is one of the areas affected by drug and substance abuse. It is a Trading center, North of Mchinji District which borders with Zambia. A lot of businesses are being carried out in this area; shops, dealers, and local businesses. Many adolescents especially school going age in this area are engaged in drug, substance as well as alcoholism. Drug and substance abuse is linked to other kinds of irresponsible behavior such as unprotected sex or violence. Such risky behaviors may lead to economic, social, and health problems as individuals as well as nation. For example, some youth participate in deviant peer groups, unprotected sexual intercourse, interpersonal violence, destruction of property and others. Secondary schools are facing a lot of problems because of students who are involved in substance abuse, as a result there are many indiscipline cases happening at school. Some of the students who abuse drugs and substances will not perform well in their studies or they will just drop out of school leading to high number of illiterate people. Adolescents use drugs and substances for various reasons such as peer group pressure, family problems, developmental stage, stress and relief, availability and others (Mueller, 1999, p.317). For a country to develop it needs its young people to become educated, to work hard and become active and responsible citizens. No matter what, the issue of drug and substance abuse remain a major problem among the children and teenagers. Parents and educators should be aware of the extent of drug and substance abuse and its effects. It is therefore important to determine the reasons and nature of substances abuse in youth in Mkanda area in order to be able to suggest measures which could be applied to prevent and control the substance abuse problem. Statement of the problem The youth today are more rebellious, more troubled emotionally, more confused sexually, less idealistic, more critical of values and standards of adult culture and more disengaged from them (Dzonzi, EAM, 1998, P.86). One of the major critical decisions that Malawian youth comes face to face with is on the use of drugs and alcohol. According to Kabwila (2000,p.19), Many cases of indiscipline in schools, homes, sports, and entertainment places are as a result of abusing drugs, alcohol and other substances. It has been said that almost every school has some boys and girls who smoke chamba (Fabiano Maganga, 2002, p.124). Most of the youth that are involved in drug and substance abuse are led to a life of crime. Police records reveal that 90% of the criminal arrested in this country are between the age of 17 and 30 years of age. These crimes are committed daily in Malawi by young people most of them as a result of direct consequence o involvement in drug and alcohol abuse (Dzonzi, EAM, 1998, p.88). When it comes to the subject of drugs and substance abuse, parents, teachers, pastors, police officers, politicians feel out of their depths, understandably so because there is a lot of confusion and inaccurate information around, this is made worse by some highly charged and emotive news stories on the subject (EAM, 1998, p.86). In light of the above, the main research question of the study; Why do most of the youth use substance? From the major research question, the following are some of sub questions: Which substances are used by most of the youth? What are the effects of drug and alcohol abuse on education? Which strategies can be developed to prevent substance abuse among youth? Purpose of the study The major aim of this research was to carry out an investigation why most of the youth nowadays are engaged in drug and substance abuse and even alcoholism in selected secondary schools in Mkanda area. Even though such lessons are taught from their earliest ages (primary school), the syndrome seems to be on an increase. The following were the specific objectives of the study: Investigate reasons why most of the youth in Mkanda area are involved in drug and alcohol abuse. An explanation of the mostly abused drug among the youth in secondary schools in Mkanda area. Identify the effects of being involved in drug and alcohol abuse on their education. Identify the strategies to prevent drug and substance abuse among the youth Significance of study Today, drug and substance abuse continues to grow at rising rates among children and the youths. Young people today are exposed to drugs earlier than before. The study on this topic will be of great importance to the nation of Malawi. Firstly, the findings of this study will be used to educate the youths and their parents on drug and substance abuse in Mkanda area and other areas in Malawi. Not only will the findings of this research educate the youths and their parents but also will help educators and other professionals involved in youth ministries to understand the prevalence of youth drug and substance use and abuse in order to develop effective evidence-based strategies and policies which will be used to control the problem of drug and substance abuse. Surely, creating a drug free society reduces consequences that may arise and produce responsible citizens. Hypotheses Drug and substance abuse is influenced by biological and psychological factors. The researcher in this research paper has the following hypotheses: Locally availability of such substances at lowest prices. Lack of other entertainments. Lack of role model. Limitations This study will be conducted in few schools due to lack of time. Responded might not be willing to complete the questionnaires in which will make the researcher some delays to compile the results. Some respondents will not be free to express the truth from the matter fearing that they are going to be arrested since it is a sensitive issue. Money for travelling to gather information is also an issue to be considered. Time is also limited to carry out this research effectively. Language (English) will also be a problem to those with low levels of education. Delimitations The researcher will not disclose names of those who indulge themselves in the business of selling these illegal drugs and those who are involved in the smoking Indian hemp. The researcher will also not give some money to those who will be involved in answering questionnaires. Definitions of terms and Acronyms Adolescent: The developmental transition between childhood and adulthood. Drug: A substance which has a physical effect on human beings. EAM: Evangelical Association of Malawi HHHIV/AIDS: Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome Substance: Any kind of matter . Substance Abuse: Refers to the use of substances for purposes other than what they are intended for or in excess. Youth: Any person aged in the range of 15-24 years old. CHAPTER 2:  REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE This chapter reviews the related scientific literature. The chapter is divided into five sections. The first section presents an overview of types of drugs and substances in general. The second section deals with the commonly abused drugs in Malawi. The third section contains some of misconceptions associated drug and substance abuse mostly among the youths. The fourth section is concerned the reasons why most people indulge themselves in drug and substance abuse. The next section deals with the effects of drug and substance abuse on an individual. Types of drugs and substances Drugs come in various forms and can be taken in numerous ways. Some are legal and others are not (access. Ewu.edu/à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦education/substance-use-and-abuse/drug-facts.xml). Stimulants. Stimulants are drugs which speed up the bodys nervous system and create a feeling of energy. They are also called uppers because of their ability to make you feel at awake. Stimulants have the opposite effects of depressants. Constant use of stimulants can have very negative effects on the user such as compulsive drugs seeking behavior, anxiety, confusion and insomnia. Examples of such drugs are cocaine, methamphetamines/ amphetamines, Ritalin, caffeine and nicotine (Mueller, 1999, p.372). Depressants. These are drugs which sedate and slow down the activity of the central nervous system. Teens who want to relax or reduce their level of anxiety will often turn to depressants. Many teens will use stronger and more toxic doses in order to enter into the state of euphoria and excitement before the sedating power of the drug takes effect. (Mueller, 1999, p.316). Mueller says these depressants are highly addictive, and long-term users develop physical and psychological dependence on these drugs. Commonly Abused Drugs in Malawi According to Kabwila, (2000, pp.19-20), the term drug refer to a medicated substance taken orally or through injection in order to relieve pain or suffering. Drug and substance abuse refers to the use of drugs and substances for purposes other than what they are intended for or in excess. Continuous use of these drugs leads to addiction. Addiction is defined as a state of periodic or chronic intoxication produced by the repeated consumption of a drug and involves tolerance, psychological dependence, usually physical dependence, and an overwhelming compulsion to continue using the drug which detrimentally affects both the individual and society (Wilkerson, 1971, p.87). In Malawi, the mostly abused drugs are cannabis, mandrax, cocaine, valium, petrol, alcohol and tobacco (MIE, 2011, p.88). Cannabis is locally known as chamba, and tobacco (cigarettes). Alcohol can be traditional beverages such as chibuku and kachasu, and imported alcoholic drinks like beer (Bisika, 2004, p.29). According to Bisika, Malawi has been used as a transit route for other drugs like mandrax, heroin and cocaine (p.29). The main primary drug of abuse among students is cannabis (79.3%) followed by alcohol (19.3%). The predominant secondary drug of abuse is alcohol (30.4%) and cannabis (20%). The commonest method of use for the primary drug of abuse is smoking (77%) followed by drinking (23%) (Bisika et al, 2004, pp53-54). Cannabis. The cannabis plant or hemp is the source of marijuana (chamba), and THC. The commonly used form of cannabis is the dried leaves, buds, and stems of the plant (Mueller, 1999, p.315). Teenagers refer to marijuana as Mary Jane, pot, grass, or weed. Cannabis leaves are prepared and used in the following ways: Prepared like tea and swallowed. Baked into cakes or cookies and eaten. Snuffed like tobacco and inhaled. Smoked like cigarettes-inhaled. Smoked in pipes. Cooked as relish. In Malawi, cannabis is grown widely throughout the country and the production is about 399.3 hectares according to the Cannabis Survey which was commissioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2003 (Bisika, 2004,p.31). Bisika et al. found that the main commercial growing areas of cannabis are Nkhatabay, Mzimba, Kasungu, Nkhotakota, and Ntchisi. Other districts like Dedza, Ntcheu, Chitipa, and Zomba grow in small scale. Bisika came up with hospital records of cannabis related admission patients from 1995 to 2003. Records shows that in 1995, there were 205 patients at Zomba Mental Hospital (the only government-institution that caters for mentally ill patients), but in 2003, the number raised up to 269. According to a psychiatric nurse at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, findings shows that the most common abused drug in Malawi seems to be cannabis (p.30). Bisika further found that police records shows that there are many cases of cannabis trafficting. Narcotics. These are drugs which depress the central nervous system and at the same time relieve pain such as pain killers like panado. Alcohol. In Malawi, alcohol is consumed by the general public and is not as stigmatized as cannabis. According to Arterburn Burns (1989, p.64-67), alcohol is a food because it has calories, is a drug because it alters moods, and is a poison because in large quantities its toxic. The alcoholic is any person who consumes so much alcohol that he or she becomes addicted to the chemical. Braathen (2008, pp.30-31), listed several types of alcohol. Carlsberg is referred to any bottled beer manufactured by Carlsberg Breweries in Malawi such as green, brown, stout and special. Chibuku is another alcoholic product from Chibuku products Malawi Limited made from maize porridge which is much cheaper than Carlsberg beer. Kachasu is another type of alcoholic beverage, made from maize bran mixed with sugar and water and is left for some days to ferment and then is brewed. Kachasu is a strong spirit brewed by local women. Misconceptions Associated with Drug and Substance Abuse Some people indulge in such practice because of the misled information they get from friends which is not true (Kabwila, 2000, p.53). The following are some of misconceptions people have in their mind: Drug and substances give them energy to do work Assist them to ease their tension and stress Relieve their frustrations Make them feel high or enjoy themselves Give them pleasure and leisure Make them more intelligent Give then to do courage to do work Make them to forget their problems. In addition to the above misconceptions, there are also some traditional beliefs in Malawi that encourage the use of cannabis (chamba). Bisika et al. quoted the SENDU report for 2002 reported that some mothers use cannabis to treat measles (2004, p.32). Furthermore cannabis will give them confidence in their relationship with the opposites sex while some think that cannabis can improve their sexual potency. Why Teenagers Abuse Drug and Substances Alcohol, tobacco illicit drugs such as marijuana (chamba) and steroids are some of the most abused drugs and substances (Malunda and Mpinganjira, 2009, p.15). Peschke (1993) came up with some of the causes for one to be indulged in drug and substance abuse like that some seeks the pleasure (p.253). Life is boring so many teenagers find drugs and substances, alcohol to be an exciting form of recreation that is cheap, easy, and fun to do with a group of friend. (Mueller, 1999, p.317). Curiosity and experimentation. Many children will satisfy their curiosity about unknown world of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs by trying them to find out just what smoking, drinking and doing drugs are like (Mueller, 1999, p.316). Teens in their developmental stages like to discover what is good for them. Some young people are always curious about something that is mysterious, adventurous, dangerous, and illegal (Wilkerson, 1971, p.90). Although curiosity is given an excuse for having started a habit, it is often later found out that some character defect perpetuated the drug taking. Peer pressure. The strongest motivator for a young person is the desire for acceptance by peers (ArterburnBurns, 1989, p.43). Young people indulge in such malpractice because of peer pressure. With the desire to fit in and be accepted and loved, children and teens who feel insecure and unloved at home give in the pressure. (Mueller, 1999, p.317). These are also called the social addict or the social give-ins; young people who take drugs because it is the sociable thing to do- everyone is doing it. (Wilkerson, 1971, p.91). Youth think that taking drugs is a prerequisite for belonging to some groups. Most teenagers often begin using and abusing drugs and substances as a result of peer pressure. Lack of adequate family support, failure of parental supervision and excess unsupervised free time also contribute to increased drug/substance use and abuse among teenagers.(Malunda and Mpinganjira, 2009, p.17). Availability. Children and teens find drugs and alcohol easy to get. Even though its illegal to buy cigarettes until the age of eighteen, more students are reported buying cigarettes without asked for proof of age. But the most unbelievable source of alcohol for many teenagers in their parents. ( Mueller, 1999,p.317). Some of the reasons why teenagers are involved drug and substance abuse advertising. Advertisements are especially effective as smoking and drinking recruiters. Tobacco industries and Breweries industries promote their products.(Mueller, 1999, p.318). Teens are fair game for advertising messages that suggest that drinking and smoking lead to maturity, sophistication, beauty, fun and acceptance. Biological Predisposition. Genetic predisposition plays a big role in siblings to chemical dependency. Children from such families whereby both parents are alcoholics, the risks is even higher. Reports from drug and alcohol center shows that usually 50% of the patients come from families where a parent is an alcoholic (ArterburnBurns, 1989, p.43). It is increasingly clear that alcoholism, or the potential for addiction, is passed father to son and from mother to daughter not because of bad home environments, but because of family inheritance pattern. (p.44). Life Crisis. Family problems are another factor for drug and substance abuse for teens. Children who come from homes where there is divorce, separation, an absent parent, discord, marital conflict, unreasonable pressure/expectations, poor communication, abuse or alcoholism are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. Escapers. These are young people seeking to escape from boredom, responsibility, frustration and anxiety.(Wilkerson, 1971, p.91). The life a normal teenager is filled with all kinds of stresses so drug and alcohol often becomes coping mechanisms for teens that have no other way to grow constructively through adolescence. ( Mueller,1999,p.318). Mueller also says that todays pop-culture icons and role models send pro-substance abuse messages through their lyrics, videos and lifestyle, movies, TV, and even fashions. Some teens want to look grown-up. When teens realize they arent children anymore, they dont want to look like children, so they will make an extra effort to look older than they really are. (Mueller, 1999, p.318). Mueller also says that todays pop-culture icons and role models send pro-substance abuse messages through their lyrics, videos and lifestyle, movies, TV, and even fashions. Effects of drug and substance on individual Drug and substance abuse have carries many risks on individual, family as well as the nation at large. Below are some of the abused drugs and substances along with their effects. Alcohol. Medical evidence shows that chronic alcohol abuse leads to severe brain damage which also leads to insanity. Alcohol also causes liver disease called Cirrhosis- hardening of the liver which prevents the free flow of blood causing the liver not to function properly because of many toxins that remain in the blood leading to severe brain damage (Dzonzi, 2004, p.86). Fabiano and Maganga ( 2002, p.125) says Alcohol makes a person irresponsible and much more likely to engage in unprotected sex, therefore high risks of spreading sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) such as HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, alcohol robs peoples money instead of buying basic needs such as food, clothes and good housing; they spend the money on alcohol. The World Book Encyclopedia (1994, p.362), says alcohol can damage the liver, brain and heart, some users lose interest in school or work or have difficulty meeting the responsibilities of a job or family. Fabiano and Maganga(2002,p.124), says alcohol affects a persons ability to concentrate and heavy drinking. Cannabis (marijuana,hashish and THC). The cannabis plant or hemp is the source of marijuana, hashish and THC (tetrahydrocannabinal). According to Mueller (1999, p.315), short-term effects of cannabis include increased heart and respiratory rate, reddening of eyes and sleepiness. Continued use of cannabis leads to more respiratory problems, lung cancer, loss of energy, confused thinking, slow reactions, impaired memory and apathy. Users of cannabis are likely to be violent and to commit crimes and continued use of hemp lead to mental illness. (FabianoMaganga, 2002, p.125). Another effect of hemp is that the mood-altering chemical THC affects hormones in men and causes a temporary loss of fertility (ArterburnBurns, 1989, p.76). Tobacco. Long-term smoking of tobacco leads to cancer, heart diseases and respiratory diseases. Also tobacco smoke is one of the contributing agents to pollution of air (Dzonzi, 2004, p.87). Other drugs (mandrax, cocaine and heroin). These drugs are more likely than hemp to cause mental illness, infertility, impotence, suicide or death from an overdose (Fabiano Maganga 2004, p.126). The World Book Encyclopedia (1994, p.362), says alcohol can damage the liver, brain and heart, some users lose interest in school or work or have difficulty meeting the responsibilities of a job or family. REFERENCES Access. Ewu.edu/à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..education/substance-use-and-abuse/drug-facts.xml. Arterburn, Stephen Burns, Jim (1989). Drug-Proof Your Kids; A Prevention Guide An Intervention Plan. Pomona, California. Bisika,Thomas et al.(2004). Drug Abuse and HIV/AIDS in Malawi; Results from a Rapid Situation Assessment. Centre for Social Research, University of Malawi. Braathen, Stine H (2008). Substance Use and Abuse and its Implications in a Malawian Context- Pilot Project 1. SINTEF Health Report; Oslo, Norway. Dzonzi,Lot(1998). Evangelical Association of Malawi. Lilongwe, Malawi. Fabiano, Margaret Maganga, John (2002). Malawi Secondary Social and Development Studies. Macmillan, Malawi. Kabwila, V.P.(2000). Junior Secondary Population and Sexual Health Education in Social Studies. Malawi Institute of Education; Zomba, Malawi. Malunda, Henry Mpinganjira, Mercy (2009). Jhango, Social and Development Studies Book 4. Jhango Publishing Company, Blantyre. Malawi Institute of Education (2011). Life Skills and Sexual and Reproduction Health for HIV and AIDS Education for Primary School in Malawi; A Training Manual, Domasi, Zomba. Mueller, Walt (1998). Understanding Todays Youth Culture. Wheaton, Illinois. Peschke, Karl. (1993). Christian Ethics: Moral Theology in the Light of Vatican II. New Delhi, India. Wilderson, David and Don (1971). The Untapped Generation. Zondervan Publishing House; Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Increasing Trends Of Smart Phones

The Increasing Trends Of Smart Phones With the emergence of new technologies and communication medium, the world is becoming borderless. This fosters desire to remain connected every moment. Every people like to share information across the world. The digitisation of data, voice, and video has fostered excitement within the customers. The advent of digital television, set-top boxes, MP3 players, mobile phones, digital cameras are entering into everyones home. The Internet with smartly connected appliances has given birth to digital revolution. One such revolution has been emerged in the cell phone industry. Earlier, when cell phones were launched, it belonged to the segment of luxury product. With the digitalisation, the analogue phones moved to digital mobile phones. http://gipscorp.com/blog/tag/mobile-trends/ Source: (Gallagher, 2009) This fostered clear and reliable calls. Additionally, provided features such as call waiting, gaming, global roaming etc. All these digital consumer devices are rising at exponential rate because of its ability to access, modify, and manage information at any time and anywhere in the world. Today, over 3.6 billion people own or use mobile devices i.e. 25% of worlds population and 1.1 billion people access internet through desktop PC. Cellular phones had the maximum growth among all digital devices including computers. Today, more people access Internet via mobile than through computers. With the emerging new technology, innovation, smart phones came in the market. The demand for smart phones is rising at exponential rate. 3. Smart phones Smart phones are the mobile phone having all capabilities of phones i.e. making and receiving phone calls, sms, and accessing the web. It provides computing feature along with connectivity. These are digital phones having features of PDA cellular devices. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is a mobile device that has various computing features like: access to e-mail, store email, play games, exchange faxes and data, browse Internet, send and receives multimedia files etc. PDA allows user to do various computer related jobs such as editing documents, using spreadsheets and databases, preparing presentations etc. It has built-in or option to accept Wi-Fi capabilities, Bluetooth capability and may also offer infrared beam to transfer information between various devices. Smart phones helps user to access email wirelessly, allow communication via voice or text, browse Internet, connect to secure corporate network, synchronize appointments, contacts, and calendars. The smart phones are desig ned in a sleek and lightweight model; QWERTY keypad centric device and a common operating system. Smart phones ability to support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR beaming features makes it more demanding device. The smart phones are the fastest growing segment of the cellular phone market that consists of powerful processors, large screen, operating systems, and abundant memory space. The demands for smart phones are growing and have climbed to 55.2 million in Q1 2010. The growth of smart phones rose to 67% this year (Vincent Chang, 2010). Source: Vincent. (2010). Source: Vincent. (2010). Today, smart phones can be used for diversified purposes replacing the use of previous media, that too with unique and competitive benefits. The mobile can be used for making and receiving calls, it is used to reading text, email messages or books through mobile devices. It has expanded its scope from just communication to distribution of knowledge and absorption of information. It facilitates synchronization of reading positions, browse, download or purchase content over the air and interact with friends globally. It also helps in playing songs, watching movies, listening to radios, watching television etc. 4. Impact of smart phones on the various digital devices we own Smart phones are now become the most lucrative segment of mobile industry. North America and Europes smart phones shipment accounted of 25% of total wireless handset sales in 2009. By 2015, smart phones will increase by 47% of the wireless handset market. In addition to this, smart phones are becoming one of the main Internet access channels. According to a study done by Gartner, mobile phones are expected to overtake Internet access through personal computer by 2013. It is fact that smart phones provides diversified features of various standalone products, and will be owned by the consumers. Smart phones provide multiple features of various handheld devices that will affect the purchase standalone cameras, media player, gaming devices, personal computers etc. It is estimated that smart phones will become the single most common handheld devices in the near future. The feature of smart phones to allow browsing Internet and stay connected has fostered human to bypass even personal comp uters demand. The Internet browsing through smart phones provides faster access to Internet as compared to personal computers. It is more personal medium of Internet browsing. Because of this, smart phones has already bypassed personal computers demand in the recent years. The facility to edit documents work with spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and databases, has reduced the demand for PC. As smart phones are more handy and convenient to carry, people would like to use it in place of PC. Moreover, camera features are provided with smart phones that facilitate consumers to do photography as well as recording through the same device. Listening to music or radios from the air, downloading and uploading music or media files are facilitated through the same smart phones. Therefore, instead of possessing media player to listen music; PC to access Internet; mobiles just to make and receive calls; DVD to watch movies; cameras for photography, etc; it is simpler, easier, convenient, reliable and cheaper to carry one single device having all the above features i.e. smart phones. This will adversely affect demand and profitability of the various digital device producers. Even the craze of application on mobiles are growing and making mobile producers to add new features into the smart phones. The increasing trend of smart phones will subside the need of various digital devices but will also face with various implications. Security threat through mobile will increase; the increasing demand for smart phones will result in heavy traffic congestion that will result in slower and disruptive speed. It will lead to extra burden on the wireless networks. Moreover, advanced features of various digital devices are hard to be included in the smart phones and inclusion of all technology will make it more expensive. The increasing craze to have multi-feature smart phones will increase the demand and also increases its price. Thus, making more profit in growth and profitability to the producers. 5. Introduction to e-commerce Web Technology 2.0 In the era of rapid globalisation, more and more companies are gaining competitive advantage by using internet for direct selling and for communication with the suppliers, customers, creditors, clients, shareholders, partners, competitors who are normally dispersed globally. The use of Internet for the above purpose is termed as Electronic Commerce. Electronic Commerce or popularly know as e-commerce includes all electronically mediated transactions between organizations and the third party it deals with. It includes financial transactions such as buying and selling on the Internet. Also deals with request for some information by the customer or customer feedback through Internet etc. According to Kalakota and Whinston (1997), e-commerce has various perspectives. For instance: The delivery of information, product or services or payment by electronic media. The application of technology towards the automation of business transactions and workflows. Providing service delivery with increased speed and improved quality, along with reduce cost. Online buying and selling of products and information. E-commerce fosters organisation to sell products, advertise, purchase supplies, bypass intermediaries, track inventories, eliminate paperwork and share information. E-commerce helps to minimize the expenses and unwieldiness of time, distance and space involved in doing business globally. This helps to gain better customer service, high efficiency, improved products, higher profitability and increased competitive advantage. With the passing of time, Web Technology 2.0 was introduced. Web Technology 2.0 was the term coined by OReilly. It is transformation of Internet into Web platform having full-fledged computing. According to this, platform is characterized by open sourcing, greater interactivity between user and also providing facility for uploading or downloading anything user desires. For example, web logs, wikis, RSS feeds, social networking, Web API, Orkut, MySpace etc. the technology includes server-software, message-protocols; standards based plugins and various client applications. Some of the e-commerce hosting solutions having Web 2.0 features are: Free blogs many web-hosting providers give blogs free of charges. These are easy to use and friendly with the search engines. Social networking tools chatting scripts and bulletin boards provide power to create a community environment. Multimedia support Multimedia technologies such as Flash and Silverlight, can be used to enhance the experience of each site visitors. 6. Impact of E-Commerce and Web Technology 2.0 in Amazon Inc Amazon is an online retail website incorporated in 1994, USA. The company is listed at NASDAQ (listed in the year 1997 as AMZN) and has global operation in USA, France, Canada, Germany, UK and Japan. Amazon is the first company to sell products directly or becoming a platform for sale of various products. The Amazon was established with the vision to become Earths biggest bookstore but currently it has product portfolio that includes diversified items, ranging from books to household products. It includes music, videos, electronics, toys, beauty products, games, and apparels. The company also offers services such as self-publishing, e-commerce platform, online advertising and co-branded credit card. This global Internet company had around 64 million active global customers and reported revenue of 24.50 Billion in the last financial year. The company also reported 27.9% of sales growth (2009) and consists of 24,300 employees. (Yahoo Finance n.d.). E-commerce technology has been implemented at Amazon. The basic objective was to use Internet for buying books with high speed, convenience, and as enjoyable shopping moment. To have satisfied shopping experience, Amazon Inc created an e-retail infrastructure to meet the needs of the customers. For instance, demand for out-of-print book is fulfilled by, first checking its availability with the suppliers and then notifying customers through email for purchase conditions and price before shipping it. E-commerce implementation at Amazon helped them to have reliable, secure, scalable, better experience, transparent pricing etc (Amazon.com n.d.). Amazon success was achieved due to its loyal customer base and repeated purchases. This was achieved through easy to use functionality; prompt customer service, trusted transaction environment, editorial and customer reviews, manufactured product information and customized web pages with individual preferences, facilities for notifications and re commendations etc. With the help of Web2.0 technologies, its online community provides product reviews, one recommendations lists, buying guides, wish lists, wedding and baby registers. E-Commerce helped to reach customers globally as well as carry its operation in 24*7 modes. Moreover, at Amazon, it subcontracted most inbound logistics and operations, retaining only the order processing, billing and customer service functions. During 1999, it started building its own warehouses in order to have more control over logistics. This simple change I the value chain has a profound impact on the organisation and its cost structure. The firm infrastructure at Amazon id considerably smaller than a traditional retailers, as is the effort devoted to managing it. It requires far less real estate, no investment to build or remodel stores and no stores sales personnel when compared to the other value chains. Human resources has fewer people to hire and train, technology development focuses on the website for taking orders and not on sales systems for retail stores. Amazon has implemented a feature called one-click checkout. This states that if you have provided information earlier like shipping and billing address, credit card numbers, and the user can click on one button to checkout. 7. Impact of E-Commerce and Web Technology 2.0 in eBay EBay is a company formed in the year 1997, California U.S.A. The company is an auction company and also provides online shopping website. EBay holds 88% market share and fosters online person-to-person auction community. The eBay Inc deals basically in three businesses i.e. (Yahoo Finance n.d.) eBay marketplace it provides online e-commerce platform that fosters buyers and sellers interactions and trading with each other. It allows sellers to list items for sale on and auction or fixed price basis. The buyers are given options to bid for and purchase desired items. It also provides feedback forum, verified rights owner programs, safe harbour programs, loyalty programs, and customer support. Online payment services with the help of PayPal, it aims to create new global standards for online payments. It enables customers with an email address for receiving and sending online payments. This provides various services like: Bill Me Later transactional credit for U.S. online consumers at the time of sale, verification of PayPal, withdrawing of money by account holder, trust and safety programs etc. its safety programs are to reassure customers about the secure online service on eBay. Skype Internet Telephony The success of online auction industry depends upon expertise in technology, talented human resource, product innovation, after sales service, technical assistance, customer services, accurate billing, advertising and e-commerce. This also includes gaining a large customer base; retaining existing customers, secure payment and range of products. EBay offers collectibles, real estates, vehicles; office equipments etc. It fosters its customers to create personalized auctions and online stores for selling used or new products. Its peer reviews creates confidence and operation in global market opens new markets. The supply chain at eBay is: The eBay core competencies were bidding site, technical proficiency and usability. Its major focus is on connecting people and focus on community. Therefore, it exploits benefits of customer relationship management. Its revenues are from listing and commission on completed sales. The e-commerce helped eBay to establish worldwide electronic auction. This fostered amazing sales and profit growth over the previous years. The main product helped to increase profits were eBay motors, media and collectibles. E-commerce and Web technology 2.0 also fostered greater impact on the popularity of Amazon and eBay companies. The e-commerce helps the organisation to provide convenience to buyers and sellers. Here, every transaction or request is based on Internet, so buyers job is just to click the items to be purchased, add in the shopping cart and make payment. This helps to save time as well as compare products of different brands from different e-shopping stores. The e-commerce ability to provide safe and confidential transactions creates trust. The company offers to deliver safe and timely products and in some cases, full refund of money if goods are damaged. The web technologies 2.0 includes various social networking platforms such as Face book, orkut, etc. the Face book has 200 million users whereas orkut has 60 million users and Myspace has 110 million users. Among 200 million users of face book, half of the users login on the site each day. The integration of online market place with soc ial networks, provides higher satisfaction to the consumer as here, transactions are done with social friends. Web technology 2.0 allows consumers to play active role in as well as get involved in the website content. This helps the business to gain trust, credibility and popularity. It helps to create communities on the basis on existing products; building relationship and exploring new relationships with their customers. Web 2.0 technologies help to establish and strengthen brand recognition and allow customer to be retained. EBay has detailed feed back report that bridges the gap between organisation and customers. Face book platform is used to promote eBay business. EBay Auctions application helps to show auction listing on personal Face book profile. The customers can also browse friends auctions, search, creating wish lists, comment etc. Thus, e-commerce helped Amazon and eBay to gain competitive advantage through implementing e-commerce in their business as well as web techno logy 2.0 provides various social network platforms to the company. This social network fostered them to shift from static web pages to dynamic websites, where users can upload or give comment or their opinions freely. This ultimately helped the company to bridge the gap between firm and consumer and also fostered better understanding of their customer base, and as tools of promotions to their offerings. Thus, e-commerce and web 2.0 helped organisation to achieve its triple bottom line more efficiently and effectively.

A Hurricane Strikes - Original Writing Essay -- Papers

A Hurricane Strikes - Original Writing It was an ordinary Sunday morning. The rays of golden sunlight shone on the modest but lively village. The constant murmur of chatting filled the morning air. As children played and laughed, the men relaxed with their noses in their Sunday papers and the old ladies gathered to exchange the latest gossip. The huge trees looked protectively down on the village below and their leaves danced proudly in the breeze. In the distance, all the identical cottages had smoke rising from the chimneys. Outside one of these cottages, a tiny tanned sparrow skipped along the concrete path that led up to the welcoming front door. The cottage was set into the grassy bank and branches full with sycamore leaves stretched out from the woodland and occasionally tapped on the old-fashioned window panes. From a cloudless blue sky, the sunlight beamed down onto the cottage’s thatched roof, under which the swallows had happily secreted a nest for their squawking young. Surrounding the cottage was a crooked fence from which dirty-white paint was peeling. Above all the clattering and chattering of the children, the little old lady could be heard, as she shouted at the youngsters to get off the fence. The morning sun disappears as a monstrous, jet-black blanket of cloud suddenly appears; even the wicked and evil ravens hurry to escape the impending storm. The rain lashes down and the shrieking wind hurls itself against the helpless trees, constantly pounding them and quickly removing the remains of the once proud foliage. Everyone immediately senses disaster; suddenly panic-stricken. Screams, shouts and squeals brea... ...ls the boys off for sitting on her fence. The clouds begin to disperse and a frail beam of sunlight marks the boy’s way as he scrambles out of the hole and steps into the world to find an unimaginable sight of destruction. The blissful and cheerful world that he once knew was now just a heap of bricks, rubble and remains of people’s homes. His mind drifts to happier times, when the village was full of rowdy children and the air was filled with constant chit-chat; when there was an essence of life rather than destruction! The boy looks for the fence expecting to see his brother but, to his shock, the fence is amongst the pile of rubble, along with the rest of the town. There, on top of all the ruins he sees a once adored doll. Her sad and lonely marble eyes gazing straight up into the clear, blue sky. Waiting...

Public Education: Funding based Upon Race Essay examples -- Teaching E

Public Education: Funding based Upon Race Education†¦beyond all other devices of human origin, is a great equalizer of the conditions of men—the balance wheel of the social machinery. I do not here mean that it so elevates the moral nature as to make men disdain and abhor the oppression of their fellow men†¦But I mean that it gives each man the independence and the means by which he can resist the selfishness of other men. It does better than to disarm the poor of their hostility toward the rich: it prevents being poor. –Horace Mann, 1848 Public education in the United States is exalted as the â€Å"great equalizer.† This utopian concept would be true if the education provided to all citizens was equal. Unfortunately, the dueling principles upon which the American nation was founded— freedom to accumulate wealth and equality for all—inhibit the establishment and maintenance of equal education. Funding inequities within the United States public education system embody the tension between one’s right to accumulate capital and one’s duty to guarantee equality for all. As the current system stands, the right to accumulate and utilize financial resources prevails. Thus, an educational system that perpetuates the economic inequality of America’s racial groups endures. In the 1954 United States Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, school segregation was found to be unconstitutional. On behalf of the Court, Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote, â€Å"We conclude that in the field of public education the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.† The reasoning behind the unanimous decision diverged from the line of argumentation that had been used by civil rig... ...ll Curve: How Education Matters† in Journal of Negro Education, Vol. 64, No. 3 (1995). Kozol, Jonathan, Savage Inequalities (New York: Harper Perennial, 1991). MacPhail-Wilcox, B. and R.A. King, â€Å"Resource allocation studies: Implications for school improvement and school finance research† in Journal of Education Finance, vol. 11 (1986). Massey, Douglas S. and Nancy A. Denton, American Apartheid (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1993). Murray, Charles, Lossing Ground (New York: Basic Books, 1984). Taylor, W.L., and D.M. Piche A report on shortchanging children: The impact of fiscal inequity on the education of students at risk (1991). Wilson, William Julius, The Truly Disadvantaged (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1987). Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, (1954). Campaign for Fiscal Equity, et al v. the State of New York (2000).

Foucault – Power/Knowledge

Foucault’s theorisation of the power/knowledge relationship Foucault in theorizing the relationship between power and knowledge basically focused on how power operated in the institutions and in its techniques. The point is how power was supported by knowledge in the functioning of institutions of punishment. â€Å"He places the body at the centre of the struggles between different formations of power/knowledge. The techniques of regulation are applied to the body† (Wheterell et al. , 2001: 78) Power is the ability to control others or one’s entity. Accordingly it can be defined as a kind of strength or as an authority. There are various theorisations about the meaning of this term in sociology thus it would be hard to give a comprehensive definition. Is power a relationship? What kind of outcome does it produce? Can it modify behaviour and can it reduce the power of others? (Waters, 1994: 217) All of these questions can be answered in a different way. The point might be over whom and upon what can this power be exercised. Foucault frequently uses power and knowledge together in the phrase power/knowledge. He claims these two are inseparable. A general expression exists which conjoins the two into â€Å"knowledge is power. † Foucault reverses the logic of this expression in arguing that possession of knowledge does not give one power but gaining power means having knowledge at the same time as â€Å"knowledge is already deeply invested with power† thus it is better to agree on â€Å"power is knowledge†. (Appelrouth and Edles, 2008: 643) Knowledge can be expounded as the awareness of some fact or as a skill that the individual achieved or inherited. In Foucault’s interpretation both idea turned up in the analysis of the â€Å"Panopticon† and the â€Å"plague stricken town†. Being aware of the events happened somewhere is knowledge and this knowledge gives power to those whom got to know about that events although this knowledge could not have been acquired in the lack of power as there would not have been any opportunity to get into a position which allows the observation to get to know something. That is the basis of Foucault’s idea about knowledge and power as oneness and the reason for why is important to think other about the â€Å"power is knowledge† and â€Å"knowledge is power† correspondence. Discipline and Punish (1975) is Foucault’s best genealogical investigation. Appelrouth and Edles, 2008: 643) At the beginning he describes a public torture which was a totally accepted from of punishment in the 18th century. Dramatically introduces the whole process without attitudinizing as those days public execution was a common event, the illustrated torture was as real as he presents it. As norms and attitudes changed in lat ter centuries public tortures has become not popular anymore, people were sentenced to go to prison where a completely different penalty system has been running. Foucault describes typical activities and every day life of the inmates. The point of these two presentations is to show that the changes of methods of punishment correlate with cultural and social changes in the all-time society. (Appelrouth and Edles, 2008: 648) In the second part he â€Å"draws a parallel between the aggressive mechanism used by plague-stricken cities in the late seventeenth century and Bentham’s Panopticon which was intended to be the model for the perfectly rational and efficient prison. † (Appelrouth and Edles, 2008: 648) The point of these comparisons is to reveal how knowledge developed and how this development influenced the society. As knowledge grows and becomes deeper the new understanding of the social and physical world â€Å"generates new locations for the application of power†. (Appelrouth and Edles, 2008: 646) Foucault describes two old mechanisms which was widely used, the public execution as an old form of punishment and the actions against plague that emerged in a town. A new type of punishment became popular which aims to punish the soul not the body as it was common before. There is no more physical torture but torture of the soul. These two old mechanisms alien to the latter methods: the usage of new strict rules that determines the prisoner’s life and the new method of control, the idea of the Panopticon which put surveillance from only one place forward. When plague turned up the old system followed the then methods of observation and surveillance, plague was everywhere thus the supporting power must have been mobilized. In this case â€Å"power is mobilized; it makes itself everywhere present and visible; it invents new mechanism; it separates; it immobilizes† etc. o make people act as it was expected in these conditions (because of the plague almost every interactions must have been stopped in the interest of getting rid of the disease). (Foucault, 1975) The Panopticon instead of exercising power from several sides emphasises the importance and perfection of the surveillance focus from one place. The Panopticon is a building which has an annual part in the periphery and a tower in the centre. Next to omitting little details its most important feature is the ability to see into every cells without being visible. The panoptic mechanism arranges spatial unities that make it possible to see constantly and to recognize immediately. † (Calhoun et al. , 2007: 209) The consciousness of being watched make people put on their best behaviour, their best way of acting thus the inmates do not commit any further crimes as it usually occurs that could happen without being watched. The operation of this building gives the opportunity to work with less employees because only a few overseers necessary being in the tower to check all the cells continuously. This way only a few supervisors needed to control these employees thus it is more economical. The supervision of the plague-stricken town would have cost a lot as a complex system ran which needed a big amount of labour force. As techniques develop and new forms of penalty system emerge costs become lesser. Knowledge grows and makes institutions more efficient as knowledge itself is efficient. â€Å"As knowledge grows the techniques of discipline and surveillance multiply such that power takes on an ever-increasing number of forms. † (Appelrouth and Edles, 2008: 646) The question is if knowledge produces more power or comes from power. The major effect of the Panopticon is to induce in the inmate a state of conscious and permanent visibility that assures the automatic functioning of power. â€Å" (Calhoun et al. , 2007: 210) Accordingly power is what is functioning all the time and knowledge could not be without presence of power. Although as Faucault (1975) claims: â€Å"power and knowledge directly imply one another; there is no power relation without the correlati ve constitution of a field of knowledge, nor any knowledge that does not presuppose and constitute at the same time power relations†. Thus knowledge and power can not exist independently from each other. Benthams laid down two principles about power relating to the Panopticon: it must be visible and unverifiable. The inmates will constantly have before their eyes the tall outline of the central tower from which they are spied upon and must never know whether they are being looked, but they must be sure that they may always be so. (Calhoun et al. , 2007: 210) These two principles give the opportunity to exercise power over the prisoners. The other very important thing is that this system is not only successful in prison but in every kind of institutions. Could be practiced in school or even in an office, people became successfully regulated by the power if vision. The idea of the Panopticon is a metaphor for the general presence of a new penalty system which is called the disciplinary society by Foucault. (Appelrouth and Edles, 2008: 644) This society is disciplined by being constantly watched and punished by excluded them from normal society. Criminals and those whom do not follow the laid down rules are not punished in front of public anymore. There is no need to express power visibly to gain belief in it. Waters, 1994: 231-232) â€Å"Panopticonseque surveillance has become so effective that individuals now sanction and normalize their own behaviour without any prompting, surveilling and disciplining themselves as if they were simultaneously the inmate and guard of their own self-produced Panopticon. † (Appelrouth and Edles, 2008: 646) What if that surveillance is not that effective and something breaks the discipline? The w hole system can lose its power when turns out that this observation is not accurate. Surveillance must be continuous all the time otherwise people lose their belief in the power of it. Once someone realises that can commit an offence or just do something against the rules without being caught the whole system can be questioned. The best example for this is public cameras all over the streets nowadays, although people know that they are visible whatever they do still commit crimes and do unacceptable things. The offender can not be completely sure about being watched or not. The same situation prevails in a school or office where the employees and students know that they can be lucky and might be not watched. If once punishment does not take place the individual can take under consideration the fact of being always watched thus disciplined behaviour is not guaranteed anymore. Foucault’s genealogical investigation is about to look on how power/knowledge and forms of punishment changed during the past few centuries. â€Å"Until turn of the nineteenth century criminal deviance was controlled by public attacks on the offender’s body. † (Waters, 1994: 231) Public execution was quite common in the 18th Century (although it is still ongoing even today in some countries), â€Å"Foucault identifies such punishments as political rituals†. Waters, 1994: 231) Torture was the expression of power, presented how the offender is punished if commits an offence against the only sovereign power. This sovereign power was one â€Å"centralized authority, like a king†. (Appelrouth and Edles, 2008: 643) According to Foucault punishment went through another two stages since pub lic tortures (which is the first stage). This form of punishment is considered unacceptable nowadays, but not because it goes too far, â€Å"rather it is because punishment and the power that guides it have taken new, more acceptable forms. (Appelrouth and Edles, 2008: 643) Punishment became invisible and kinder to the body, to be disciplined was the point rather than to be punished. The second stage of penal practices was based on surveillance and discipline what was aimed to harm the mind. (Appelrouth and Edles, 2008: 644) Public execution can be considered as a terrible kind of punishment, but torture of the mind is the worst. Physical pain could have been unbearable during these public tortures but psychical pain over years and years is tougher as it has no end. With the birth of prison power started to practice the new, less crucial form of penalty which may be more sinister than it seems. Foucault’s three stages can be distinguished by the time period when that form of punishment were popular, by the basis of authority/power was in power, and by the methods how these punishments were practiced. In the 18th Century, as it was mentioned before, the penalty system was leaded by a central authority which could have been a king or one single corporation of the government. The method was a kind of â€Å"public corporal punishment† that is in Foucault’s Discipline and Punish the public execution, the public torture. (Appelrouth and Edles, 2008: 646 Table 15. 2) In addition this torture took place in public. Later on among so many changes torture as a public spectacle disappeared. (Foucault, 1975) The second phase of punishment emerged in the 19th-20th Century when the basis of power was a decentralized institution. Methods were based on surveillance and discipline like in Bentham’s Panopticon or in the plague-stricken town. Appelrouth and Edles, 2008: 646 Table 15. 2) Today, in the 21th Century we are in the third stage of punishment where there are multiple principles about the authority of the penalty system, multiple self-regulations exist and power is diffusive. The trend of the second phase is intensified in the third. â€Å"Power has become destructed and individualized†, â€Å"disciplinary individuals† turned up . â€Å"No longer are social structures and specific institutions necessary for the exercise of power and the meting out of punishment. (Appelrouth and Edles, 2008: 646) In Discipline and punish Foucault analyses the ways how the offender is disciplined in different punishment regimes. In early times punishments were crude, â€Å"prisons were places into which the public could wander†. (Wheterell et al. , 2001: 78) The latter form of regulation and power became private. Inmates were closed into prisons with an invisible system. Public could not see into these institutions anymore. Punishment became individualized and â€Å"the body has become a site of a new kind of disciplinary regime. Of course this body is not simply the natural body which all human beings possess at all times. † (Wheterell et al. , 2001: 78) Knowledge determines this body, the knowledge about the offence and offender. â€Å"This body is produced within discourse †¦ the state of knowledge about crime and criminal, what counts as true about how to change or deter criminal behaviour†¦ This is a radically historicized conception of the body. † (Wheterell et al. , 2001: 78) Foucault carried out a genealogical analysis of punishment and discipline. This analysis, among others, was based on the power/knowledge relationship which was at least as altering as the forms of the penalty systems were showed in the historical review. Various techniques were used to punish and these techniques were influenced by the exercised power in one place one time. The perfect institution to practice power and discipline/punish offenders is the building of the Panopticon. According to Foucault this building is the answer for all questions turned up with other methods of punishment. Bibliography Appelrouth, Scott and Laura Desfor Edles. 2007. Classical and contemporary sociological theory: text and readings. Pine Forge Press: 641-665. Calhoun, Craig J. , Joseph Gerteis and James Moody. 2007. Contemporary sociological theory. Wiley-Blackwell: 209-216. Foucault, Michel. 1995. Discipline & punish. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Waters, Malcolm. 1994. Modern sociological theory. SAGE: 217-233. Wetherell, Margaret, Stephanie Taylor, Simeon Yates. 2001. Discourse theory and practice: a reader. SAGE.

Cultural Counseling and Latino Population Essay

A counselor must understand how one’s own cultural differences and worldviews impact the counseling relationship. This paper will examine how I am culturally different from my client and how I would demonstrate cultural competence. Furthermore, I will describe how I can improve my cultural competence with the client. Clients Background Information My client, Alberto, is a 47-year-old Mexican American who has been married to his wife, Angela, for 27 years and has four children. Alberto lost his job and their savings is limited. Angela desires to work to help provide for the family. Alberto refuses to allow his wife to work. Both seek counseling, primarily because their priest has recommended them to do so. Alberto displays resistance to counseling because he believes it is a waste of time. Cultural Differences Counselors need to be mindful of how their own worldviews, biases, and prejudices impact the counseling relationship. By examining the Latino culture and comparing it to my own enables me to be aware of the differences and prevent me from judging and influencing my cultural worldviews on my clients. I would be respectful to their worldviews and incorporate their values in the counseling process. Latino Cultural Worldviews. Alberto’s characteristics heavily reflect traditional Latino family values. The Latino family structure culture is mainly hierarchal, with the father the head and main provider of the household with machismo characteristics such as being dominant and strong (Sue & Sue, 2013). The mother takes on more of the caregiver role, or marianismo characteristics, and focuses on raising the children (Sue & Sue, 2013). The traditional Latino husband/father expects respect and obedience from all the family members. Counselor’s Cultural Worldviews. I grew up in a multiracial family of four.  Both my parents worked very hard, with my mother being the ‘bread winner’ of the family. This is an unusual characteristic in a military household because normally the mothers stay home since constant moving around the country complicates a woman’s career development. It is also unusual in both the Italian culture and Korean culture for the woman to be the main provider in the household. Both my parents acculturated in their own ways before marrying, and swayed from traditional values of their bloodlines. Everyone in the family had a contributing role; whether it was financially or helping around the home, everyone shared responsibility. My parents encouraged my sister and I to work hard and strive for our dreams- whatever it was they supported us. There were no given roles in our family. Rather, our family culture carried a democracy atmosphere where we all worked and made decisions together. Cultural Differences. The main cultural difference is our family systems and the gender role expectations of father and mother. In the traditional Latino culture, the man dictates the household. Whereas in my family, roles are harder to define since my father and mother shared financial and household responsibility. Demonstrating Cultural Competence Latinos often times disagree with gender roles. This is the case for Alberto and Angela. Alberto’s unemployment is causing strain for the family in terms of financial burden and emotional distress. Challenging the father, or machismo, opposed their traditional values. Avila and Avila (1995) and Constantine, Gloria and Baron (2006), noted that traditional Latino men struggle with gender role conflict when experiencing: (1) lack of confidence in areas of authority, (2) feelings of isolation and depression because of the need to be strong, and (3) conflicts over the need to be consistent in his role (as cited in Sue & Sue, 2013, p.413). Alberto’s openness to seek counseling is limited. In the Latino culture, counseling can be viewed as weak (Sue & Sue, 2013). Seeing as Angela wants to work to help make money for the family, conflicting views about roles and expectations has surfaced between the couple. Angela’s conflict revolves around living up to the traditional L atina expectations; meaning that she is primarily a homemaker. Also, Angela’s opinions and voice is discouraged by her Alberto in the counseling session. This demonstrates how many traditional Latinas are inferior in the marriage (Sue & Sue, 2013). Andres-Hyman, Ortiz, Anez,  Paris, and Davidson (2006), advised that counselor must look at the client’s degree of devotion to traditional gender customs (as cited in Sue & Sue, 2013, pp.413-414). As Alberto and Angela’s counselor I would explore their roles within their family and delve into how these roles may be altering and impacting the family. Also, I would address Alberto’s anxiety levels. Furthermore, I would help Angela consider the change involved with assuming a new role in the family. By addressing these issues in the couple’s cultural framework, I would hope to accomplish a understanding and possible compromise. Improving Cultural Competence with the Latino Population Coming from an equal relationship belief, I am challenged not to favor Angela’s desire to work and contribute financially. My perspective clashes with the traditional Latino gender role expectations. I must remind myself that my beliefs are not universal and not best for everyone. One way to improve my cultural competence is to respect the traditional Latino worldview. Since Alberto is a traditional man, I would respect his values of authority and interview him briefly to demonstrate respect (Sue & Sue, 2013). Also, I understand that in a less acculturated family that I need be more formal and less casual. Reflection Cultural competent practices are essential in the counseling profession. Developing an understanding and respect for people with differing worldviews and cultures promotes the counseling relationship. Practicing within the client’s cultural framework is necessary. Understanding one’s own culture and being mindful how it differs from others is primary. Identifying the cultural differences allows the counselor to be mindful and delineate from imposing one’s own beliefs onto the client. References Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2013). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.