Sustainability of the marine environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sustainability of the marine environment - Essay Example Researchers have argued that the realized unfavourable changes in the environment are a result of human actions that have been selfish to facilitate short-term utility at the expense of the environment. Consequences have included extreme emission of carbon monoxide gas among other green house gasses towards global warming and its secondary effects. Extinction of biotic factors has also been a significant factor in human actions. The marine environment has particularly realized diversified human activities such as marine transport and other economic activities like fishing that induce direct and indirect impacts on the environment. While responsible exploitation of the marine environment would ensure its sustainability, personal greed among economic stakeholders have identified threats to sustainability of the marine environment. I, in this paper, reflect on the current marine environment condition and achieved success in the environment’s sustainability. The marine environment is currently susceptible to diversifies sources of pollution that threatens its ecosystem. Human activities have continually polluted the marine environment, directly and indirectly, and the effects are significant to marine lives and derivable benefits from the biotic factors. Plastic debris is an example of significant pollutants in the environment and research indicates its role in killing the ecosystem’s fauna and flora. The litter that may be deposited in large masses through waste disposal or may accumulate over time affects marine animals by trapping them. This limits the animals’ survival potentials by hindering their locomotive potentials and reduces their ability to search for food and even defend themselves from predators in the ecosystem. The animas also suffer from intoxication when they ingest the litter that may be poisonous. Similarly, plastic debris may cause physical injury to the animals, and even plants, because of physical impacts as the debris ar e introduced into the environment. The plastic debris further has secondary effects as the primary death of plants and animals in the water masses further pollute the environment (Derraik 2002, p. 844- 850). Activities such as exploration of natural resources from marine base and chemical use on the water surface also identify current pollution of the environment. Oil spill that has been a significant problem in the past, with the Gulf of Mexico spill being the latest, together with oil leaks from vessels and machineries that operate on or below water surface have been major pollutants. Strong frameworks for preventing and managing further occurrence still lack and this demonstrate vulnerability of the environment and its habitats to future effects of the leaks and spills. Threats in oil spills affect marine habitats and hinder economic activities in the environment. It affects animals’ physiology and significant pollution levels may cause death. Chemical components of oil al so impair cells in marine plants and animals and may force the biotic factors out of their shelters. These effects result in ecosystem imbalance and have consequences on resources from the marine environment. Such pollutants may also hinder economic activities in the environment such as transport and resource exploitation. The direct role of human activities in the pollutions means that these factors can be regulated by ensuring responsible application of resources in the marine environment (ITOPF n.d., p. 2; Xhelilaj and Sinanaj 2010, p. 20, 21). Many threats have also been associated with different marine ecosystems. While these threats may not have direct pollutant effects on the environment, they affect marine lives and threaten economic

Paper on the Movie Crash Essay Example for Free

Paper on the Movie Crash Essay The movie crash is a combination of many different things including labeling theory. Crash is not just a movie about car crashes, but also of cultures and values. There are several intertwined lives and personal relationships with a common point of prejudice involving ethnic issues. The narrative is circular, as the films message about racial discrimination develops as a snowball, the director Paul Haggis shows us how prejudice is the most central issue. The political crime that is shown on the film gives the audience an understanding of how betrayed a civilian can be by the law enforcers. Racist ideologies are perpetuated through discourse, actions and even of misunderstanding. It is possible to understand the interconnected nature of each core characters and how a certain attitude interferes with a subsequent event among others. The racial profiling is also seen extremely harshly. Being in the 21st century these things are overlooked, but there are still many people who classify people because of their race and what they look like. The characters in Crash are shown in their humanity attitudes sometimes negligible, sometimes admirable. The film is far from a Manichaeism to address the issue that no human being is totally good or totally bad by nature. The cop played by Matt Dillon takes contrasting positions its portrayed both in times of abuse of his position of authority, to take advantage of Christine (Thandie Newton), as in heroics, saving the same girl in a traffic accident. People who condemn the prejudice facing black people can be absolutely phobic about the Arabs or Latinos. Behaviors are variable according to the circumstances and, therefore, can not judge a person independent of them. The different ethnicities also portray minority groups which are barely hanging on by a thread in society, we see this mainly in the Arab family. People with certain ethical values succumb before a higher offer, a personal benefit exactly like status inconsistency. Detective Graham Waters (Don Cheadle) is adamant in his ideals, but when given the opportunity to save his brother delinquent, he gives up his own principles and sells itself in favor of a family gain. That was a perfect example of people’s status changing consistently. Crash deals with ethnic prejudice analyzing multiple variables and deepening both motivations as consequences. The discrimination against any racial group, is present deep within every character in the movie. The nurse Shaniqua Johnson, black, shows anger on receiving the trespasses officer Ryan (Matt Dillon), but on another occasion directs all his hatred of a particular group of immigrants. Even those who at first appears to be incorruptible, as Officer Hansen (Ryan Phillippe), being disgusted by the racist behavior explicit companion Ryan, in the end, ends up having a prejudice outlook. His values may not have changed but his vision of morality changes because of the people he has been surrounded with. Rationally, condemns discrimination of fellow, but when the situation is outside the limits of rationality and asks for a quick response, intuitive, Hansen suspects the black who gives a ride and, a movement that seems suspicious, you know that is under threat and shoots. Even those who fight and seems strongly supported by human values, can not escape an ingrained prejudice, supported by education in a racist society. How could it be, Crash also addresses the role of the media through the character of Cameron (Terrence Howard), director of television. Cameron is forced to redo a scene where a black actor spoke without slang characteristics and therefore fled to their stereotype. By repeating the scene, also repeated a pattern of behavior expected for a black. Cameron, who holds a certain power to work in a vehicle of communication is cut off the possibility of spreading a change in society or at least not condoning what he considers to be wrong. Even when a black occupies a prominent position and has the possibility to intervene, larger forces interfere with his freedom of action and he finds himself with his hands tied. Overall it was a great film to watch. I was completely surprised by how explicit it was and how it showed even in the first 8 minutes of the movie how race and ethnicity sort of control everything. People who don’t want to discriminate are in fact prejudice and surprised by the fact that they are. The characters in the movie change and evolve, which was good to see because it means that with time less and less people can be discriminating, it just all depends on how they are raised and their beliefs; nature vs nurture debate has all of this taken into consideration.

Research Methodology in Education Research

Research Methodology in Education Research Introduction This chapter explains the methodological underpinnings of the study. I provide justifications for the investigative and analytical paths adopted. I discuss the aim of the Critical Theory paradigm and its philosophical positions on epistemology, ontology and methodology in a research enterprise. Also addressed are the people involved, research instruments, data collection procedure, and data analysis. Figure designed by the researcher Figure 1 Conceptualisation of Research Design Philosophical Underpinnings of Critical Theory The study centres on issues of power, class, privilege and the consequent social relationships. Being aligned with the anti-colonial framework described in Chapter Two, the study is situated within the tradition of Critical Theory. Creswell (2014) puts Critical Theory under the umbrella of a transformative worldview. ToFay (1987), issues of empowerment, irrespective of gender, class, and race, are central to Critical Theory. Lincoln, Lynham, and Guba (2011) state that the research aim of Critical Theory is to critique, seek change and liberate. Per the theoretical framework, the study advocates for Ghanaian H.E to acknowledge and respect African worldviews and perspectives. The study argues that the dominant Western paradigms that shape Ghanas higher education do not adequately empower the Ghanaian student. This consciousness is necessary to make Ghanaian students a subject of the education experience to help reorient higher education and make it emancipatory. Table 1 summarises the ontological, epistemological, and methodological beliefs shaped by Critical Theory. Table adapted from a book source Item Critical Theory Ontology Historical realism reality shaped by social, political, cultural, economic, ethnic, and gender values; crystallised over time Epistemology Transactional/subjectivist; value-mediated finding Methodology Dialogic/dialectical Table 1 Basic Beliefs of Critical Theory (Lincoln, Lynham, and Guba, 2011) Research Approach Qualitative A qualitative approach was most appropriate for this research because it offers a better opportunity to provide in-depth understanding of the subject matter. It provided the best avenue to investigate the research questions. Design Critical Studies In line with the philosophical outlook of critical theory, I employ   McMillan and Schumachers (2010) critical studies framework because my research seeks to find out how privilege, class, and power acquired through Ghanas H.E can be translated to serve societal good. According to McMillan and Schumacher (2010), critical studies design emphasizes ideas like dignity, dominance, oppressed, authority, empowerment, inequality, and social justice (p. 347). Researchers employing a critical study design must advocate for and stimulate change. Methods of Data Collection Employed McMillan and Schumacher (2010) note that observation and interviews are common methods employed in critical studies (p. 347). Denzin and Lincoln (2011a) also mention that qualitative research is inherently multimethod (p. 5), albeit there is an imperative to provide sound rationale. Accordingly, I employed autobiography to illustrate my locatedness, a literature review, and face-to-face interviews as methods for this study. Action Plan Table designed by the researcher Research Questions Data Needed Methods Analysis Purpose 1. What does it mean to be educated in Ghana? Lived experience Autobiography The education environment, teaching, and learning How an educated person is recognised in Ghana 2. What are the main features of the historical development of H.E in Ghana? Secondary data Literature Review Historical analysis of the conceptions in traditional African and Western perspectives To present the different notions and purposes of H.E traditionally (African), during colonialism and contemporarily. 3. How elitist is H.E in Ghana? Primary data Fieldwork. Interviews through semi-structured interview guide Manually by presenting the themes in the responses To explore ways to mitigate the asymmetrical power relationships in H.E 4. What are the alternative means of funding H.E in Ghana? Primary data Fieldwork. Interviews through semi-structured interview guide Manually by presenting the themes in the responses Borders on access and de-commercialisation of H.E 5. What are the possible futures of H.E in Ghana? Primary data Fieldwork. Interviews through semi-structured interview guide Manually by presenting the themes in the responses Relevance of H.E Table 2 Summary of How Research Questions were Answered Question 1 What does it mean to be educated in Ghana? To answer this, I employed my experiences throughout school to illustrate the process of education and consequent characteristics that identify the highly schooled. Autobiography is a reflection on events of the past and a careful presentation of such accounts. Pictures and other artefacts help to illustrate the accounts presented in narratives (see Ellis, Adams Bochner, 2011). While this method locates me in the study (McMillan Schumacher, 2010) and offers insights into the broader outlook of H.E in Ghana, it comes with its shortfalls. Autobiography is criticised as being too artful and not scientific, or too scientific and not sufficiently artful and self-centred (Ellis et al., 2011, p. 283). Delamont in Ellis et al. (2011) accuses autobiography (as part of autoethnography) as lacking extensive fieldwork. Anderson, in Ellis et al. (2011), contends that the use of personal experience makes autobiography biased. I acknowledge these inadequacies and the shortcomings of human memory, hence my concentration on events during my university education. Furthermore, for my experience not to appear isolated, I engaged with other autobiographical accounts and literature to support my accounts to provide rigour. As Ellis et al. (2011) suggest, the credibility of the writer offers reliability in autobiography and the realistic nature of the account is the scale to measure validity. The strengths of autobiography are its ability to reduce prejudice on a phenomenon, and encourage personal responsibility and agency (Ellis et al., 2011, p. 280). Question 2 What are the main features of the historical development of H.E in Ghana? I employed secondary data (literature) in this regard. According to Neuman (2006), an extended literature review as a method gives the opportunity to explore the vast materials on a study. Literature provides a worthy source of information due to the dynamism and diversities in humanity. It is the basis of building and enhancing knowledge, skills and attitudes the foundation of education.   A literature review grants credibility to the study as a good review increases a readers confidence in the researchers professional confidence, ability and background. To Neuman, an extended literature review locates the study in a framework and demonstrates its relevance by making connections to a body of knowledge (p. 111). Further, a good review points out areas where prior studies agree, where they disagree, and where major questions remain. In addition, it identifies blind alleys and suggests hypotheses for replication (Neuman, 2006, p. 111). As part of my extensive literature review, I employ the works and speeches of prominent African Presidents and scholars to make a case for the type of higher education that would be meaningful in Ghana. Similarly, I employ academic literature and views of a former Ghanaian President and other political leaders to argue how colonial relations continue to survive in Ghana. Furthermore, I employ proverbs an embodiment of African oral traditions and culture as an example of an African knowledge base that can shape H.E. I utilise selected proverbs to argue that H.E in African perspectives promotes the public purpose. Fieldwork Questions 3, 4, and 5 Fieldwork is integral to many forms of research qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. It helps to comprehend and appreciate many social phenomena. Indeed, many academic disciplines are both fields of theory and practice and fieldwork is also integral. Peake and Trotz (1999) acknowledge the significance of fieldwork: it can strengthen our commitment to conduct good research based on building relations of mutual respect and recognition. It does, however, entail abandoning the search for objectivity in favour of critical provisional analysis based on plurality of (temporally and spatially) situated voices and silences (p. 37). Research Instrument I used a semi-structured interview guide as instrument to conduct the interviews. This was important to help elicit detailed information on the subject. Interviews are useful to elicit thick descriptions (Geertz, 1973) of knowledge and insight into realities. Denzin (2001) describes thick description as deep, dense, detailed accounts (p. 98), which provide alternative perspectives to that of the researcher. McMillan and Schumacher (2010) also note that critical studies are multi-method and say, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦observation and interviewing are used most often. The key is to gather the right form of information that will support the advocacy desired (p. 347-348). People Involved (Respondents) The respondents for this study were people who work or had worked within Ghanas public universities. I had a proxy who helped identify and made initial contact with prospective respondents. I interviewed a retired Professor who is the Chairman of a university council. He has been advocating over the decades for education in Ghana to reflect African culture and worldview. I accepted the recommendation from my proxy to interview him. He is vastly knowledgeable but inclined toward African worldviews. It was important to get such an individual at the apex of university decision-making to offer some insight on the inner dealings of universities. Another respondent was a former Pro-Vice Chancellor of a public university who is on a post-retirement contract. His past role in the university equips him to offer reason why the status quo remains and the difficulties that come with transformation. It is difficult to tell his biases but he does not seem entrenched on specific worldviews. A former Registrar of a public university who happens to hold a Ph.D was also interviewed because Registrars in Ghanaian universities are in charge of the day-to-day administration of the university, and hence have rich knowledge on the administrative setup of public universities. His strengths lie in administration. There was a traditional ruler (paramount Chief) who happens to be a Professor in a public university. He is predisposed to favour African worldviews and share light on how difficult or easy it is to fuse African worldviews in the university structure. His knowledge and promotion of ancient African history and African American studies indicates his inclinations. The next respondent was a Christian Reverend Minister who is also a Senior Lecturer. His specialization is in Performing Arts and how theatre can be used to develop societies. His works indicate immense African cultural advocacy despite being a Christian priest. I interviewed a former director of an Institute in a public university (position equal to a Dean). He is a Senior Lecturer in the field of Education and his inclinations are quite difficult to tell. The next respondent is a playwright and Lecturer who prior to his academic life held a top position in an international development agency. He was selected due to his knowledge of Ghanaian developmental issues and his deep insight into African cultural worldviews. Furthermore, I interviewed a respondent with expertise in Development Studies. He is a senior research fellow at the social division of an institute in a public university. Lastly, there was also a linguist and who is interested in African liberation and consciousness. His works and views are very political against the West. He is very knowledgeable in African culture and ancient African history. Cumulatively, the respondents have accrued over 200 years of experience working in universities. Data Collection/Procedure I had a proxy in Ghana who agreed to help identify and make initial contact with potential respondents. Though he once held a high position in a public university, he had no power or control over the respondents. After the respondents agree to participate, I liaised with the proxy to arrange a meeting and scheduled the interviews. Prior to the interview, I sent the interview guide to the respondents via e-mail so they could form their thoughts on the issues therein. The respondents expressed interest in the study and offered lots of encouragement. Even though I desired to interview females, the proxy found it difficult to locate them they were either busy or out of the country. I scheduled the interviews for an hour but most of them offered more than an hour two hours in some cases and they were willing for follow-up communication. Some offered references and suggested books that would contribute to the research. It was daunting and quite intimidating going to interview such high profile personalities. Voices like, Are the questions going to make sense to them, and do I know enough to engage an intellectual discussion with these people? kept echoing in my mind. Despite these butterflies, I was assured that the questions were shaped by concerns and gaps in literature. I also had it in mind that I was on a mission to learn. Nevertheless, the process came with obstacles. There were several instances where we rescheduled meetings because the respondents were unavailable. In some instances, they had impromptu engagements so they sacrificed our scheduled meeting. The classic experience was driving for about 150km from Accra to another region only to find the respondent chairing a function that closed late. He informed me of his schedule but we both thought the programme would finish early. At the end, he was visibly exhausted and had to drive about 80km home (in another region). He asked me to sleep over and make the 80km to his house the next day for the interview. I made the journey but did not get to see him immediately as there were many people waiting to see him. Eventually, when I had the opportunity to meet him, my lack of traditional knowledge was severely exposed. His elders and members of his council would not entertain English/Western protocols, so I had to fall on the limited Palace protocols I know to navigate that space. He nevertheless was extremely helpful and introduced me to many other scholars. From a Western perspective, these issues border on power but the African in me acknowledged that these delays were not intentional, though frustrating and expensive. It was obvious they were busy; besides, I saw their acceptance to participate as a favour as there were no payments or incentives.   There is an African proverb that With patience, one can dissect the ant and see its intestines. Data Analysis To quote Patton (2002), qualitative analysis transforms data into findings. No formula exists for that transformation. Guidance, yes. But no recipe. Direction can and will be offered, but the final destination remains unique for each inquirer, known only when and if arrived at (p. 432). My data analysis began with the growth of the thesis. In the course of writing the theoretical perspectives and the literature review, some thematic areas began to emerge. The major themes bordered on notions of elitism in Ghanaian/African H.E, a lack of community-oriented values in Ghanaian/African H.E, and the African renaissance and pride. I employed these as pre-determined themes on which I formulated research questions. Therefore the responses were to answer questions that came out of these themes. I analysed the field data manually by adopting an inductive approach of qualitative data analysis. I transcribed the interviews into text and separated [it] into workable units (McMillan Schumacher, 2010, p. 369). I organised the responses and grouped them under the various research questions and read the transcripts thoroughly to identify comments pertinent to answer the research questions. I highlighted these comments and looked out for new observations and insights that could offer other understandings to the study. I examined the field transcripts to identify emerging themes and patterns, made interpretations out of the themes, and considered them in regard to the literature and theoretical framework. I subsequently present the findings and discussions in anecdotes (McMillan Schumacher, 2010). Credibility Credibility in qualitative studies refers to the extent to which findings and analyses of the study are realistic (McMillan Schumacher, 2010). To ensure this, I designed the interview guide based on issues raised in literature. In addition, I endeavoured to interview different people with different expertise within the university structure. Though I could not get any respondent from government institutions, the respondents offered worthy responses as some have occupied different positions in government institutions. A technique I employed to enhance credibility of the study was to send the transcribed interview to the respondents via e-mail for them to confirm the transcription appropriately captured their thoughts. I consequently provide detailed narratives from the respondents. Giving that the respondents did not object to the transcripts, the quotations offered in the analysis chapter of this study reflect the data collected. Reflexivity Chilisa (2012) argues that the closeness between the researcher and respondents may affect the truth value of research as it becomes difficult to distinguish between their experiences. In this study, I acknowledge my biases, and clearly illustrate and justify them both in my theoretical and methodological perspectives. The nature of Critical Theory and critical studies makes the issue of reflexivity quite tricky as the research is shaped and designed by biases that must be checked. Being conscious of my biases, I left the selection of respondents in the hands of a third party. Besides, the respondents are established academics who I could barely influence especially regarding what to say. I also devoted significant space to the voices of the respondents in the analysis chapter to clearly illustrate their thoughts and maintain the truth value of the study. Though triangulation helps in addressing trustworthiness of qualitative studies, the nature and status of my respondents made triangulation quite impossible. I could not use independent auditors, as suggested by Lincoln and Guba (1985), due to ethical restrictions. However, by sending the transcribed interviews to the respondents to validate, I was able to enhance the credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability of this study, ensuring trustworthy findings that a reader could transfer and generalise in a similar space. Conclusion In this chapter, I have outlined the research design used in the research. I have argued that adopting a qualitative approach is appropriate to answer the research questions. Employing a critical studies framework justifies the aim of helping transform social relations between the schooled and unschooled in Ghana. It offers empowerment to students of Ghanas H.E by offering alternative perspectives to help emancipate the schooled from dominant Western perspectives. Through my proxy, I was able to interview knowledgeable people in Ghanaian universities who offered rich information on how H.E can serve a public purpose. I used the inductive method of qualitative data analysis by highlighting responses that answer the research questions. The emerging themes from responses were synthesised and presented as anecdotes. In the next chapter, I will describe, using my lived experiences, how the educated individual is constructed in Ghana. My autobiographical approach will indicate how the process of schooling divides society and confers notions of superiority and difference to the highly schooled a phenomenon the study conceptualise as colonial.

Metamorphis: Relating to Personal Incident :: essays papers

Metamorphis: Relating to Personal Incident Twenty minutes had past since I was set on to the table to dry. I did not want to dwell upon my fears which were inevitable to occur, so I could do nothing but observe all the minute details that were once so trivial and overlooked but now seemed to be of such great importance. The first thing to catch my eye was the lighting in the room, I was not sure if the lights were set to be dim or if it was from all the clouds of exhaled smoke which also left a distinct smell of the burnt herb. To my left I saw the many burnt out roaches in the ash tray, which at this point could hold nothing more. To the far right I saw a sandwich bag which was now packed with nothing but broken branches and seeds. It was obvious what used to be inside. I looked toward the door and saw the towel that plugged it so no smoke would get out in the hall. On the dresser I saw what I think they called a steam roller. The most horrid device that I had ever used. I looked at the cylindrical tube, that once used to be a transparent red but now had become a solid maroon from all the smoke which stained the plastic, and noticed its simplicity. It looks like nothing more than a plastic pipe that was only about one and a half inches in diameter and only about six inches long. The bowl which rested on top could have been easily assembled at a hardware store. It amazes me how something could be so simple but still so destructive. One of the people in the room slowly approached me as the effects of his artificial happiness wore away. His trembling hands somehow managed to embrace me by my head and lay me to rest upon his lower lip. Before his upper lip came to rest upon the top of my head I opened my eyes and peered into his mouth using what little light I had. In all my like I had never thought I would again see what I had saw for those few seconds. His tongue was stained black. It was not totally black as if it was coated with tar but it had a slight tint on both the sides, almost purple. Just as I started to realize what I was seeing and what was going on I felt his top lip seal my freedom away.

Finding Forrester and Outliers Essay

My views on the book were that it was inspiring and show the realistic views on life. The Outliers is set of stories that shows the errors in human nature, however, it also shows the paths of those who overcame the obstacles on the way to success. Outliers is a book that reveals how the most powerful people, those that have become idols when talking about success, had the greatest luck and opportunities already around them. When Bill Gates, owner and founder of Microsoft, was only in junior high he was already exposed to computers. Computers during Gate’s time were such a rare and limited resource that even most scientists couldn’t get a hold of one. I personally thought this was a book of good teachings. It shows that everything takes time and luck to become successful. Through his stories; 10,000 hour rule, Trouble with geniuses, two demography luck, and etc., shows a that you must put time and effort into your part and hope that fates grants you the luck. The realist ic side of Outliers is that as far as working hard can get you, success relies on a hidden aspect of luck which I like. Outliers gives off the message that you must work harder than anyone so your opportunities grow. Not to beat yourself up if something doesn’t go your way because some people are just born luckier than others. The movie Finding Forrester was a movie about a lost Bronx teenage finding his way with a help of an acclaimed author; William Forrester. Jamal lost in his own innate environment, found refuge in Forrester’s apartment. Forrester, who first was cold towards Jamal soon learned to care for Jamal like his own child. The Duo continued throughout the movie, building a father and son relationship. A relationship neither of them wanted but eventually could not live without. With the help of one another they were able to overcome one another’s problems. Forrester was once again able to go see the world he long hid from again. Forrester was given back his freedom and courage to enjoy life again, a problem he struggled with for over 40-50+ years. For Jamal, his gift was skills pasted down by Forrester, the skills he spent decades acquiring. Forrester had given Jamal everything he had back left on earth; his voucher at the writing contest, his apartment, his next book, and  his l egacy. Forrester had given Jamal everything he needed to excel and overcome any obstacles in his future. Whether you like the truth or not, never distort the truth. I believe that is what Malcolm Gladwell is trying to saying that in chapter 7. Distortion leads to miscommunication which leads to disaster. Chapter 7 talks about a discussion between pilots/co-pilots to radio towers. A real problem with pilots being to nonchalant over broadcast that it leads to fatal crashes. It shows that being nonchalant during serious matters is dangerous and potentially fatally acts. Outliers talks about how by â€Å"Sugar-coating† any type of information is dangerous because it leaves the listening party with a false sense of situation and confidence. Simple communication cannot be done correctly without both parties at a clear understanding on the topic. Otherwise you give a giant game of telephone, and as kindergarten has taught us; you only need two people to change the original message. Even if the outliers puts the â€Å"Sugar-coating’ in more of an extreme light it shows the very r eal side of how â€Å"Sugar-coating† can cause disaster.

The Role of a Trainer / Assessor

The role of a Trainer / Assessor In my opinion, the role of a trainer / assessor is:- * Liaise with clients / learners and the sponsoring organisation. * Completing Individual learning plans with learners. * Preparing session plans / Scheme of work. * Conducting inductions where appropriate. * Delivering of training sessions. * Carry out one to one sessions. * Conduct assessments and tests. * Marking learners work and providing feedback to learners on progress throughout the course. * Complete assessment results forms that has to be submitted to awarding bodies within the stated deadline. Complete course reports that have to be submitted to awarding body within the specified deadline. * Maintain learners’ attendance records. * Handing out certificates at the end of course and submitting evaluation to the awarding body at the required time. * Carrying out duties including collection of enrolment forms that are forwarded to central administration by specified times. * A trainer / assessor is expected to monitor the behaviour of learners and advise management where incidents which causes concern to staff or learners.Such matters may include discrimination, bullying, equity issues, language and literacy problems that are affecting student performance. * Monitor classroom safety and OH&S issues (Duty of Care) and advices of matters that need to be reported for follow up in premises that have been provided by clients. * Must always source out ways of providing help and support for learners. * Must have an understanding of the Equality Act with the ability to set boundaries. * Excellent Time management skill Plan for first 30 days at work|Week 1| Date| Topics| Details| Time| Notes| MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday| Getting to know the ethos of the organisation, | * Understand the rules and regulations * Who are my learners / my client group * My duties and work structure * Get to know my boss / verifier and colleagues * Work materials and resources available to me * Start building folders for learner / clients * Go through the list of learners / Clients * Booking one to one sessions * Sending out letters where needed. 9:00am to —–pm| (1) It is important for me to understand the rules and regulations of the organisation in order for me to know the boundaries set for learners and me. | | | | | (2) Important to understand how my workload and duties has been structured, set targets, deadlines etc. | | | | | (3) Meeting the team, seeing and understanding how they work is useful and will guide me. A meeting with the verifier is important. | | | | | (4) Imperative to see what work materials that I need to use and what resources that are available for my learners and I. | | | | (5) If there is a list of clients already, seeing the list of learners and their files will be useful. | | | | | (6) Booking learners to meet with me for a one to one session to complete individual learning plans and getting to know each other and their needs. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Week 2| Date| Topic| Details| Time| Notes| MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday| Initial assessments and planning| * Getting to know my learners / clients. Understanding their needs * Agreeing mile stones with learners * Planning and sourcing various training materials and resources for my learners / clients * Planning training sessions / assessments * Booking training sessions / assessments * Consulting with management / verifier to give and gain feedbacks| 9:00am to —–pm| (1) The plan is to see approximately 7 learners per day booked at 30 minutes intervals. | | | | | (2) Using the one to one information to source out what resources and support needed for each learner / client. | | | | (3) A design for the training session to commence, it needs to include various methods to include all learners, i. e, visual, audio, handouts and games. | | | | | (4) Booki ng in house training sessions, group and individual sessions, source out the needs and work materials for each learner. | | | | | (5) Consulting with verifier and management to ensure that I am on the right track. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Week 3| Date| Topics| Details| Time| Notes| MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday| Start of training / assessments. | * Start first training session * Hand learners feedback form to rate session * Next session with learner * Agree on review dates * Updating of learners data base * Send management feedbacks * Liaise with management / verifier. * Prepare for the next day. | 9:00am to —–pm| (1) The amount of clients seen in a week for training will depend on the amount of clients in group sessions or a one to one sessions and locations. | | | | (2) Review dates will be on a fortnightly plan or as designed by the orga nisation. | | | | | (3) At the end of each session / day learners data base must be updated. | | | | | (4) Ensure feedbacks are handed in and liaise with line manager. | | | | | (5) Make calls to learners to be visited the next day to ensure they remember the appointment, liaise with their managers to ensure that the session is still ok to go on. | | | | | (6) Ensure that all learning materials and resources for the next day sessions are ready. | | | | (7) Liaise with management / verifier for feedback and support where needed. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Week 4| Date| Topics| Details| Time| Notes| MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday| | Training sessions| * Continue training sessions * Making appointments for new sessions and booking review dates. * Liaising with management / verifier. * Ensuring resources and work materials available. * Complete all documents. * Assess learner’s work * Update learner’s database. Confirming next day’s appointments. | 9:00am to —- pm| | | | | | | (1) Continue training sessions and re-capping on previous session, confirming the next session. | | | | | | (2) Ensure reviews are booked with learners, send out emails to notify / remind learners. | | | | | | (3) Review learners work handed in. | | | | | | (4) Ensure that all documents are completed on a daily basis to avoid back log and loss. All learners database must be updated each time new information comes in and after each review, assessment or test. | | | | | (5) Always ensure that there are work materials and resources available for learners. | | | | | | (6) Ensure that all appoints for the next day are confirmed, a re-booking should be made on the same day of receiving a cancellation. | | | | | | (7) Ensure communication with verifier / management, complete feedbacks, submit feedbacks etc. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Week 5| Date| Topics| Details| Time| Notes| MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday| Training and Review sessions. * Conduct training sessions * Start first review session using individual learning plan. * Provide feedbacks and set new mile stones. * Complete learners database * Liaise with management / verifier. * Book sessions and confirm next day’s sessions / meetings * Complete all needed documents. | 9:00am to —- pm| (1) Ensure that there is a feedback from learners after each session. | | | | | (2) Ensure all reviews are carried out promptly, fairly, with positive and encouraging notes to it. Set new goals after a review of previous goals set in the individual learning plan.Adopt the PSP Mode. | | | | | (3) Ensure learner’s database is completed and booked next review session and one to one tutoring if need be. | | | | | (4) Ensure all documents are completed promptly and correctly. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Week 6| Date| Topics| details| Time| Notes| MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday| Training, Reviews and Tests| * Continue training sessions. * Continue reviews, setting new mile stones and providing feedbacks. Set Tests where needed depending on awarding body. * Liaise with management / verifier. * Book new appointments and confirm next day’s appointments. * Update Learners database * Complete various documents needed. | 9:00am to —-pm| (1) Set tests when required to do so by verifier and management. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |