Reflective Learning Essay

What is Reflective Learning? There is no one definition of reflective learning as it is an idea based on looking further into a subject or matter in depth. Then analysing it and processing it to a different level. It is a learning skill that requires ongoing development through further education and into a career. Evelyn M Boyd and Ann W Fales state that reflective learning is the process of internally examining and exploring an issue of concern, triggered by an experience, which creates and clarifies meaning in terms of self, and which results in a changed conceptual perspective. Evelyn M. Boyd and Ann W. Fales. The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Journal of Humanistic Psychology SPRING 1983 vol. 23 no. 2 99-117 John Dewey in the early 21st century had a theory that Personal Development had to be from the personal perspective. Over recent times he had observed that learning practises had become impersonal and in order to achieve a greater understanding of learning, a person had to use â€Å"I.† His belief was  Ã¢â‚¬ËœActive, persistent and careful consideration of any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the grounds that support it, and further conclusions to which it leads†¦it includes a conscious and voluntary effort to establish belief upon a firm basis of evidence and rationality’ (Dewey, 1933). My understanding of the term is that a review of information gathered or imparted needs to be looked at later in time to re-evaluate your interpretation and understanding of it and its relevance to you. It also allows an individual to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and develop their learning skills over time allowing them to review and improve their work. During a learning process such as the Foundation Degree in Business Management, reflection, is vital to understanding learning skills and career pathway but also gaining a greater insight into fellow pupils learning styles and develop the students’ ability to learn and progress through the modules. Improving the quality of work and gaining a greater understanding of their own skills and strengths throughout time at college or university. Students may have difficulty in regarding a Reflective  Learning module as a serious part of study. The subject or module is down to the individuals’ attempts to understan d themselves and honesty plays a large role in the process. Should an individual decide to ignore their weak points and only focus on their perceived strengths, then they miss the opportunity to improve their weak skills and don’t reflect on the correct areas of work. This could result in not gaining the important key skills for the workplace and may not achieve the level of degree they expect. Many academics also struggle with the subject due to the fact it is written in the first person whereas academic work is always in the third person. The ability to re-frame information and analyse an experience is a key skill in many graduate jobs. This skill will be used going forward within the work environment as part of Personal Development. Reflection within business development and project work will be expected. To know how to move forward in business is to know where it is coming from. Questions would be asked if they had learnt from previous experience or what issues had arisen that needed to be addressed or could be done differently or improved upon. Therefore the need to prove this learned skill is vital. David Kolb (1984) is well known for his development of the Kolb cycle – or cycle of experiential learning. Kolb developed his theory in the 1980’s his ideas are used today as part of reflective learning. This is a simplified version of his learning cycle. Concrete experiencing (have an experience) → Active experimentation Reflective observation (try out what you have learned) (reflect on the experience) ↑ ↓ Abstract conceptualising (learn from the experience) ↠ Kolb’s theory ELT is now considered by academics, business managers, tutors  and trainers to have discovered and developed a fundamental concept that explains human learning behaviour and that helps others to learn. It is used to this day in many forms throughout academia and business. ‘Experiential Learning: As the Source of Learning And Development’ 1984 Prentice Hall INC

Strategic Analysis essays

Strategic Analysis essays The United States offers a stable economy for the semiconductor industry but one that is not growing as rapidly as some of the other key markets. In 2004 the GDP for the United States was estimated at $11.75 trillion with a GDP growth rate of 4.4%. The United States is not expected to experience a sharp increase in GDP with growth probably hovering around 4% to 5%. What the United States lacks in growth it makes up in stability. The United States provides a stable economy for semiconductor companies in which to operate. The United States also has a relatively low rate of inflation with a 2004 estimate of 2.5%. It is important for a country to have a low inflation rate so that consumer prices remain stable over the years. Investment of businesses in fixed capital such as factories, materials, and equipment is another key economic indicator that affects an industrys external environment. In 2004 15.7% of the GDP consisted of investment by businesses in capital assents. This wa s the lowest rate among the four key markets in which the semiconductor industry operates. This low number is a reflection of the decline in GDP growth that is currently occurring inside the economy of the United States. This rate also reflects that many companies may be investing in capital assents in other countries that are experience faster growth. The unemployment rate in the United States though is among the lowest of the four key markets, with a rate estimated in 2004 to be 5.5%. An unemployment rate in the United States near 5% is understood to mean that the economy is at full employment. It is impossible to have a rate of unemployment of zero due to the nature of employment cycles there will always be some that are unemployed but looking for jobs. A low unemployment rate also represents a strong and stable economy. The United States though is faced with a very large trade deficit, and imports for 2004 were estimated at $1.476 trillion ...

Essay Sample on Ethan Frome The Analysis of Metaphors and Imagery

Essay Sample on Ethan Frome The Analysis of Metaphors and Imagery There are various instances of imagery in Ethan Frome. Edith Wharton uses metaphors throughout the entire book. I noticed many but two particular ones were most prominent. The symbolism helps develop the characters in the book. It helps pull us into the book making us feel as if we are truly there. The first metaphor that I noticed was how the color red was brought up in the entire book. Edith Wharton used many different shades of red in describing objects in the novel. Each time that red is used it symbolizes something different. The opening red metaphor that was brought up in the book is when Ethan is waiting for Mattie so that they can walk home. I think that by the way he is looking and thinking about her, the red scarf in her hair is representing lust. It may not be deep lust towards her but more of a hopeful desire. The next thing that we see is Mattie blushing. Many times when Ethan and Mattie are together, her face will turn crimson. They both are secretly in love with each other so she feels self-conscious when she is with him. A different time that red is in Ethan Frome is Mattie’s quilt. Ethan is the person who notices the quilt is red. Edith Wharton is yet again symbolizing his love and desire to be with her. Being with Mattie is all that he can fantasize about. Ethan is so in love with her that he notices every little detail about her and her lifestyle. I think that because her quilt is something personal it is symbolizing how Ethan wishes to be in a more personal part of her life. However, he knows that his desires are not possible because of Zeena. Another instance in the book where red appears is when Ethan remembers the summer picnic him and Mattie attended together soon after she arrived at Starkfield. Ethan reminds Mattie that she was wearing a pink hat. Edith Wharton is trying to show because pink is an early shade of red it is symbolizing the early stage of Ethan and Mattie’s love for each other. It was more like a warm friendship that they were beginning to develop. The last metaphor for the color red was the pickle dish. I think that the pickle dish represents Ethan. The pickle dish is one of Zeena’s most important things but she keeps it hidden and unused on a top shelf. She does the same thing with Ethan. It does not even seem like they are married because they hardly communicate and he is just like a possession to her. Then while Zeena is gone, Mattie gets it down from the shelf with out asking. That stands for how Zeena considers Mattie taking Ethan away from her. The pickle dish is broken unintentionally and when Mattie and Ethan try to hide it, Zeena finds out. The metaphor for that is that Mattie and Ethan try to hide their love for each other and Zeena suspects it. The second important use of imagery in Ethan Frome is the pet cat. When Zeena goes to see the doctor and Mattie and Ethan are having their one night alone together the cat always seems to come between them. I see Zeena as the pet cat. She is there to remind them that Ethan is married and it would be wrong for him to do anything with Mattie. â€Å"They drew their seats up to the table, and the cat, unbidden, jumped between them into Zeena’s empty chair.†(Page 83) Then when they are about to have a close moment together holding hands the cat jumps up on to the table and knocks off the forbidden pickle dish. I think that this symbolizes Zeena’s efforts to separate Mattie and Ethan from each other. In addition, when they are sitting by the fire alone together Ethan is feeling hopeful that something will happen but then the cat jumps up into Zeena’s rocking chair. This reminds Ethan of his wife. It is a small thing but it ruins the moment completely. Edith Wharton makes good use of imagery in Ethan Frome. You can see many different things as symbols. I think that each one helps refine and enhance each character to a point where you can really think how they are thinking and more fully understand them personally. I enjoyed this book and all of the author’s metaphors. You can order a custom essay, term paper, research paper, thesis or dissertation on Ethan Frome topics at our professional custom essay writing service which provides students with custom papers written by highly qualified academic writers. High quality and no plagiarism guarantee! Get professional essay writing help at an affordable cost.

What Will Current Politics Do To Writers

What Will Current Politics Do To Writers I just declined a podcast with a very well-known  writers entity because they wanted me to delve into the dynamics of current politics and how it will affect writers when it comes to grants. I did not want to open that can of wormsthe forecasting and judgment of liberal versus conservative thinking. They suggested that it was just factual, and I said in this environment, where being factual is still considered taking sides, I could not participate. Sad, but tempers are running still too hot right now.   Frankly, if National Endowment funds were completely cut off, Im not sure the average writer would be able to tell, because more of their funds go to dance, art, music, and such. Yes, funds would be cut off from nonprofit retreats, some school creative writing projects, and individuals whove earned fellowships (about 50 per year, half of which are translations of works). But . . . the average writer attempting to earn a living would not feel it. Because  the average writer doesnt live off grants. New writers cant qualify. However, the successful writer, whether new or seasoned, is a scrappy writer. I did not want to get into that conversation about current politics, just like I refuse to discuss writers block. Who needs an excuse to feel like less of a writer? Just like you write through writers block, you pitch and submit to  whatever market is out there, with or without financial support. It doesnt change who you are as a writer. You are still writing. You are still being creative. When you decide the power is yours, not theirs (regardless who they are), you will thrive.

The Attitude of the American Soldiers during and after World War Two Essay

The Attitude of the American Soldiers during and after World War Two - Essay Example It looked as if there would no peace in the near future. There was a difference of twenty years between the First World War and the Second World War. Adolf Hitler who had made Germany unstable by his cruel targets in mind signed deals with Italy and Japan. He was a fanatic who had the aim of world domination in his mind and to him signing this deal would help him to a greater access to other countries of the world and help him achieve his aim of ruling the world. At the time Germany took over Poland, subsequently Britain and France declared war on Germany and they all fell in to a serious war with high casualties on both sides. The main reason the war broke out was, that there were a lot of unresolved issues from the first war. Countries still nursed injuries and had grudges against each other. America at first had shown its support for the allied forces but had never physically participated in the war. They had offered all kind of support to the allied forces and had said that if ne ed arises they would surely help them out (Terkel, 1984). The soldiers were at a calm and peaceful state, they were aware there was a war going on and they were like sleeping partners in it. It was amazing that despite being a part of Allied forces, there was no sense of fear or tension in the American soldiers. They all thought that life was normal and would continue to do so. Only if some terrible news from the Allied army reached to them then the atmosphere would become somber. A soldier from the world war two said that, now as he thinks back he feels that it was like a serene and peaceful state, like calm before the storm. The soldiers went about their normal drills and there were no special drills or any other guerilla activities being conducted at the American camps. They were providing assistance to the Allied forces in the form of weapons and other arms. They were also providing assistance in the form of other material helps. It was a much sidelined place that they had in wa r earlier. They were psychologically at a stage of calmness and felt that they would not be harmed and they were at ease. There was a sense of security that the soldiers had, they felt as they were not attacking and physically harming any country they will not also face anything. No one will attack them and they can get through this war without any casualties. The Americans had lost a lot of people in the world war one and therefore they had quite much insecurity with sending their men again to a war. Although there was a sense of security in the minds of people and as well as soldiers, because many people assumed it as a false sense of security, because they felt, even if the soldiers are not participating in the war physically, there is proxy war by providing ammunitions and declaring your support for the cause. It was a matter of time before the American soldiers also got involved in the war. The soldiers on the other hand were at some point estimating that they might have to go in for physical combat or t some point they thought that they might get dragged into it. Whatever they though and felt, they were not prepared yet. They had a lot of things to be done and theirs bases were as and as peaceful as they would during the time of no war (Adams, 2000). While the whole world war is going in the backdrop the participation of Americans was limited to the table talks, cutting of trade ties and helping out by political conferences and maneuvers. This type of attitude made the soldiers believe that

Iron and silk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Iron and silk - Essay Example In the book, several times, people exert authority over him in a way he finds frustrating. This essay seeks to address several issues raised by Salzam in his book Iron and Silk, such as people frustrating him and others through exerting authority over them in a brutal way. One incident was when he killed a large rat during a lesson out of pure reflexes. A student suggests that he takes the rat across to the rat collection center so that he can receive a reward. He does not however get it as he is told that the reward is restricted to students killing rats in the dormitory. Later on a student explains to him that the official statements concerning rats is that they were no longer existent and that only internal documents that foreigners cannot read admit to the rat problem. Since he had killed the rat, he could not be rewarded as that would imply that they admit to the presence of rats and they could be criticized. Usually, I have found people to do what would appear to be a silly thing in order to protect how others think about them. It is in their nature to want to control the information that other people receive about them which informs their opinions towards them, for example how people carefully select what to post on face book. In this scenario, the institution would rather have denied the rats’ presence to an outsider that had seen one and obviously knotted their being than to admit to the public that they actually war. To them, it was a case of choosing the better evil. His restraint in this situation is however recommendable as he refuses to dwell for long on his grievances. This they probably did to protect their own reputation as an institution. It has been argued that actions that are felt to be wrong produce a need to withhold knowledge of them from others, which produces guilt and hostility. This implies that if one has been unable to solve a problem well and satisfactorily, they feel ‘forced’ to commit another action that

The impact of advertisement on female customers in Doha Research Paper

The impact of advertisement on female customers in Doha - Research Paper Example This "The impact of advertisement on female customers in Doha" essay outlines the effect of an ad on the society. According to Brooks (2008), recent trends in Doha’s advertisement content suggest that 70% of people seen in food advertisements belong to the female gender. These advertisement figures are usually of lean and slender body shapes. This creates perceptions that slender and lean figure represents the ideal body weight of women in modern societies. Relevant psychological studies indicated that portrayal of idealized thinness in the advert media falls contrary to actual average body weight of female consumers around Doha. In this case, women tends to develop negative moods and personal perceptions whenever their actual body weights fall short of the idealized body figures seen in advertisements. The worst part is that these adverts largely communicate messages on fast food. As a result, female population usually tries to emulate the celebrities in advertisement by consuming the advertised fast food products. In this context, social studies indicate that teenage girls in Doha are unhappy about their actual body weights. Brooks (2008) emphasize that they are striving to consume fast food in an effort to attain idealized body weights seen women within commercial adverts. Importance of this research comes in on the effect of fast food consumption among the teenage population. It is undeniable that fast food presents negative health results like obesity and high cholesterol level in the body. In this case, the research seeks to ascertain the role of advertisements in influencing current nutritional trends witnessed among the female population in Doha. In the essay, we acknowledged earlier that this research paper