...those narratives benchmarking is introduced as the modern management tool as well as the most effective quality enhancement method. It seems that benchmarking really works. Why is it so? There may be many practical reasons like “building on the work of others makes sense“, “it can lead to cooperation“ or that the method is concrete and well documented (Keehley, et.al 1997) However, it should be self-evident that any method adopted from the business life, is most likely to fail in defensive organisations like the universities.( Some further critics of the benchmarking, see for example Gooden & McCeary, 2001, Dervitsiotis, 2000; Palfreyman, 1999).) Surprisingly enough, this seems not to be true with benchmarking. There is an increasing interest to apply benchmarking in the higher education organisations (Schofield, 2000). The unexpected reaction compels us to set the philosophical question, what is the hidden nature of the benchmarking process? What is the secret of benchmarking? In the Enqa-workshop group of benchmarking experts approached the subject under the heading of “benchmarking philosophy“. During next pages I will utilize some ideas of our “creative morning session“. To create something new,...
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...Bachelor of Theology, Turabian Format Liberty University Online My definition of a good education has always been graduating high school and an accredited college with a degree until I read Kohn’s article. It is true that high school and collegiate work can further you in life, but good grades and a degree alone do not in itself equate to a good education. A good education is not defined by pure knowledge or place of learning but rather the type of information taught that can be used throughout life in a meaningful and resourceful manner. “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23, KJV). A good education is a conglomeration of many different things, so it cannot be just schooling. It cannot be defined only as excellent grades, seat time at school, memorization, or knowledge of useless information in preparing for life. A good education, in other words, cannot be defined as purely a formal education in itself. I am acquainted with people who are very intelligent and book smart, and have completed their collegiate time and degree, but still do not have the ability to utilize the information they have gleaned from various teachings in a classroom. Another false definition of a good education is just utilizing good common sense you may have been given. There must be a learning process involved in each situation to constitute an education. “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth...
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...Running head: Differing definitions of critical thought Differing Definitions of Critical Thought Victor M. Fraser Capitol College Abstract This paper attempts to compare and contrast the differing definitions of critical thinking as defined by various writers on different publications. It appears that no matter how critical thinking is defined, the same components are standard, and the conclusions are somewhat similar and hold true. A true definition of critical thinking is by no feat an easy task. It is a complex and controversial notion difficult to define and also to study. Many definitions have been proposed by several experts. One high profile definition states, “We understand critical thinking to be purposeful, self regulatory judgment which results in interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and inference, as well as explanation of the evidential, conceptual, methodological, criteriological, or contextual considerations upon which that judgment is based ….. The ideal critical thinker is habitually inquisitive, well informed, trustful of reason, open minded, flexible, fair minded in evaluation, honest in facing personal biases, prudent in making judgments, willing to reconsider and persistent in seeking results which are as precise as the subject and the circumstances of inquiry permit.” (Facione, 1990a, p.3). As can be seen from the all encompassing definition a lot goes into determining the...
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...Etiquette of Genuine Gentlemen The first step to being a gentleman is of course showing respect. Or is it courage? Or education? Although Jem Finch may think that most of the men that live in Maycomb are gentlemen, Atticus Finch says otherwise. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Jem characterizes himself along with his father as being true gentlemen. What makes up a gentleman? One might ask this question when trying to find out what the true definition of the word is. If one were to look up gentlemen in the dictionary the definition would be: a man from a good family; a well-bread male, but if Atticus Finch were to define the word the definition would be completely different. Atticus believes that to be a true gentleman...
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...Exercises 25.1 Vibration of a Pendulum (page 491) 1. The time it takes for one back-and-forth motion of a pendulum is called the . 2. List the two things that determine the period of a pendulum. 3. Circle the letter of each statement about a pendulum that is true. a. A longer pendulum has a longer period. b. A shorter pendulum swings with a greater frequency. c. Mass does not affect the period of the pendulum. d. All pendulums swing at the same rate. 25.2 Wave Description (pages 491–493) 4. What is simple harmonic motion? 5. Is the following sentence true or false? A sine curve is a pictorial representation of a wave. 6. Circle the letter that describes the source of all waves. a. a temperature change b. a change in pressure c. something that vibrates d. an electrical current Match each phrase with the correct word or words. © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliate(s). All rights reserved. Term 7. crest Definition a. distance between successive identical parts of a wave 8. trough b. low point on a wave 9. amplitude c. vibrations per unit of time 10. wavelength d. high point on a wave 11. frequency e. distance from a midpoint to a crest 12. hertz f. unit of frequency 13. Is the following sentence true or false? As the frequency of a vibrating source increases, the period increases. 25.3 Wave Motion (pages 493–494) 14. Describe the wave that forms and what is transmitted when a stone is dropped in a pond. 15. Sounds waves are a(n) that travels...
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...Is Education A Profession Or A Craft? One of the most controversial issues in education industry is actually the primary definition of the term education. Whereas many believe that education is actually a craft, others still believe that education is a craft. Further, others think that education is a combination of professionalism and craft. This paper looks at the definition of the terms, profession and craft, in the efforts of coming up with a proper classification of education. Sacs presents a taxonomical definition of a profession as, “possessing a diverse range of characteristics differentiating them from other occupations. These characteristics centrally encom-passed knowledge and expertise – as well as others such as playing a positive part in the community” (Sacs, 2012). Following this definition, it can be argued that education is actually a profession since teachers have diversified characteristics that set them apart from other forms of occupations. However, Tyreman proposes a more open distinction between a profession and craft. According to Tyreman, “Professions are distinguished from trades and crafts by their dependence on values and the theoretical underpinning of what they do” (Tyreman, 2008). It can be posited from this definition that craft is actually less skewed towards theory of practice. Craft is more of hands on experience as opposed to theoretical driven undertaking, which defines a profession. Professor Gordon presents a more rational argument...
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...that followed. Even though some people were not always happy with some of his ideas. Today, he is recognized as one of America’s greatest inventors. Benjamin Franklin was a true American because of his dedication to starting, sustaining, and stabilizing America as a country. One of Franklin’s most contributive works to America besides his diplomacy was the Declaration of Independence. Not only did Franklin help write this document, but he was also the oldest person to sign it. Franklin published an annual book called Poor Richard’s Almanac. In this book Franklin included both important and useless information. Franklin predicted temperatures, told tales, included some of his favorite quotes, and had many fun facts published in this book. This is one of Franklin’s most famous quotes; “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” This saying shows Franklin’s intelligence on time management. Here Franklin claims to be a precise, healthy, and wise person. Benjamin Franklin’s leadership did not only influence the people of his time, but this great quality still influences the people of today. Many people today think of Franklin as a proud pillar of our national heritage. Most of Franklin’s education was self-taught through his hard work and dedication to learning. This education helped Franklin in many ways to write many books, outsmart other politicians, and create new inventions. Franklin knows he can’t relive his life so he decides that writing a book...
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...RUNNING HEAD: Key Issues Paper Key Issues Paper SPE 537 Professor Sharon Hill-Wooten Key Issues Paper There are many issues that focus around the term learning disability, which has led to many discussions amongst researchers, legislation, doctors and educators. There has been much legislation to be passed regarding the term learning disability and the entire field of special education. Based on the text reading one issue that is discussed and debated often is defining learning disability. In 1969 the category of learning disability was first included in federal education legislation. That year, the General Subcommittee on Education (of the House Committee on Education and Labor) presented to the House of Representatives a bill entitled "Special Programs for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities," (). Throughout the years this issue has been a continuous debate the definition of learning disability has changed many times. Until IDEA provides more specific guidelines it is said there will be variability in how children are evaluated. Another issue that was prevalent early was the differences in the type of learning disabilities children were faced with. In the early 20’s kids were diagnosed as been mentally retarded, it was later found in the 1940’s that there was a difference in how the kids were learning. Upon realizing this research and evaluations were geared toward finding the different disabilities and how kids were learning. Many...
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...is a direct causal link between poverty and crime. Hardly does a day pass before the highlights in, say, a newspaper, radio or TV, report of crime associated with the poorest areas of any subject society. We are more easily appalled to hear of a burglary in those places where the rich and the well-off live than in the slums, for example. But, is it always true that poverty is an impetus to crime? This paper challenges this assumption by showing how an unclear definition of what we mean by ‘poverty’ and ‘crime’ or ‘criminal activities’ makes it difficult not only to identify crime or a criminal activity but also to prevent it. What, then, can be conceived as a more elaborate definition of poverty? According to the Scottish Poverty Information Unit (as cited in the BBC, 2012), “poverty is defined relative to the standards of living in a society at a specific time. People live in poverty when they are denied an income sufficient for the material needs and when these circumstances exclude them from taking part in activities which are an accepted part of daily life in society.” Certain facts can be deduced from the above definition. Firstly,...
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...Abstract Leadership can have several definitions. Researchers can take many different approaches to studying leadership and leadership styles. Indicators can be examined to determine the effectiveness of leaders and potential leaders. It can be argued that leaders are not “born”; they are trained and taught skill sets that develop their leadership style. Leadership approaches are classified into the following five approaches: the trait approach, the behavior approach, the power-influence approach, the situational approach, and the integrative approach. I believe the behavior approach may be a better suited approach for companies like the one I worked at for eight years. Table of Contents Introduction 4 Research 4 Behavioral Approach 4 Workplace 5 Pros and Cons.................................................................................................................................6 Conclusion......................................................................................................................................6 Reference........................................................................................................................................8 Week One Leadership can be defined many ways. One way to define it is; Leadership is “the behavior of an individual . . . directing the activities of a group toward a shared goal.” (Hemphill & Coons, 1957, pg. 7) Most definitions of leadership involve the idea of providing...
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... many people still couldn’t figure out a direct definition for equality. To this day, the definition of equality is still debated over and over again. According to democracy, there are five different subsets of equality, each representing a particular aspect of status, rights, and opportunity....
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...Education "Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your confidence." The above cliché can be regarded as one of the best definitions on education which sums up the essence of this so-called concept. Generally, individuals believe that a person who enters a university with their competent knowledge as an educated person who should be honoured and welcomed with open hands. I myself is a university student who is reading for the degree. Through the fleeting period that I stayed at my university, I was truly unfortunate to feel that a bundle of my fellow students are not even able to grasp the true meaning of this so-called concept. It is pathetic that they endeavour to comment on the subject aggressively though they are totally an ignoramus to it. The sole blame should not be put upon them because the certain responsibility for this incapability of accomplishing the apex of education lies on the hands of the authority. Thus in order to devastate this poisonous outcome with its roots, first the authorities should take measures to inculcate the behaviour of a true educated person in the hearts and minds of the students despite the knowledge provided through the study materials. It says that "There is strength in numbers". Without complaints, I too admit that Unity is the most indispensable component to march along the path of life without fear, but it should be perceived that unity does...
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... 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………………2 2 Introduction The question of what does it mean to be well-educated is addressed by author Alfie Kohn. Mr. Kohn expresses, “It’s not enough to memorize facts or score well on tests but a good education is hard to define.” The author shares some personal reflections about his wife Alisa, as an illustration in building a foundation to help provide the answer to the question, what does it mean to be well-educated. Mr. Kohn outlines his wife’s educational background, her current employment, and certain perceived deficiencies in her education. The author’s conclusions are markedly different than my own, inasmuch as I am convinced that to be well educated means to possess a balanced education that exhibits orthodox academic achievement, and practical knowledge that contributes to the fulfillment and enjoyment of daily life. The author shares: When I met Alisa, she was at Harvard, putting the finishing touches on her doctoral dissertation in anthropology. A year later, having spent her entire life in school, she decided to…apply to medical school. Today she is a practicing physician…She will, however, freeze up if you ask her what eight times seven is because she never...
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...LIFELONG LEARNING Success…that word has many definitions, and each person defines it differently according to their own personal goals and achievements. Though the definition may be different for everyone, one thing remains true; to be successful you must never quit learning in your lifetime. Alvin Toffler, and American novelist and futurist, once said “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” The world is constantly evolving, constantly becoming more technologically advanced, to stay afloat in the ever-changing world you need to develop the skills necessary to learn throughout your life. Many jobs are now being replaced by technology, like the mailman is now becoming obsolete due to email and other modes of communicating via the internet, those people need to adapt and relearn many things to stay in the workforce. Using learning as a precaution for my future not as a chore I need to get out of the way, this will help me ensure that I have a future career/job no matter the circumstances that arise. The 21st century, often called the age of information, requires us to learn constantly in any field of work. The information in your workforce doubles every 2-3 years, so lifelong learning is a minimum requirement for any workforce. As I get into the career I chose, my learning will not end when I leave the secondary school I studied at. The knowledge, skills and training I acquire during my...
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...1: The first thing stated about critical thinking on the Kenney critical thinking handout is to “ask questions”. List here any TWO items that follow: * Be willing to wonder * Define terms 2: The first thing stated from the EWU catalog regarding general education core requirements is that “Eastern defines liberal education to include..” List here any TWO items that follow: * Intellectual skills * Habits of minds 3: Complete the definition “the art of ________analyzing and evaluating _”; 4: The first learning outcome listed is “ability to identify important questions and problems”. List any TWO outcomes that follow: * Development of autonomous self-directed, self-disciplined and self-correcting * Moving beyond ego, socio, and ethnocentric perspectives. 5: The first element of thought listed is “point of view.” List here any TWO elements that follow: * Purpose; issues-question-problem * Sources of information 6: The first trap to be aware of is “something is true because ‘I believe it’. List here any TWO traps that follow: * I want to believe * I have always believed it 7: What is the definition given here for group think/brainwashing? * Definition: A mode of thinking that people engage in when they are deeply involved in a cohesive in-group when members strivings for unanimity override their motivation to realistically appraise alternative courses of action. 8: At the end of the quarter the student will be asked to...
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