Women in Policing free essay sample

In order to achieve this goal, it is important for law enforcement agencies to Identify and address the adverse affects of disparate treatment of women in law enforcement. Research on the problem of disparate treatment of women officers In law enforcement follows a specific plan. The research begins with problem formation and a topic outline. The research design is explained in the introduction thesis and the outline defines the research question. The research divides the problem into sub-problems.A cause and effect analysis was chosen to identify the social causes and effects of how the occurrence of disparate treatment of women officers correlates with the subtopics of discrimination, sexual harassment, advancement limits and retention problems. Research objectives were guided by the cause and effect analysis of the problem by utilizing the analysis to formulate research question and hypothesis. The research objectives were guided by a literature review. A hypothesis is advanced about what is expected to happen In the research. The research Is designed to look at the relationship between disparate treatment of women police officers and discrimination, sexual harassment, advancement Limits and retention problems. This research Is designed to assess the hypothesis, Women police officers experience disparate treatment. This research accepts certain critical assumptions. The assumptions as the foundation of the research is as follows, This research is designed to assess the hypothesis that women police officers experience disparate treatment. To understand the implications of these critical assumptions for theory and research, experiences and attitudes of sample groups of male and women officers were explored. A method and content analysis of survey data revealed conclusions which supported the hypothesis. Implications of the research of disparate treatment of women police officers will be discussed in the report findings ND discussion. LITERATURE REVIEW This discussion incorporates other researchers views with a dialogue of how the literature review relates to the research being conducted. The research methodology will conceptualize the disparate treatment of women officers in law enforcement. Specific research procedures, such as survey questions, were developed which resulted in empirical observations representing those concepts in the real world. The literature review provides a detailed identification of the overall relevance to existing research as it relates to empirical research of the adverse affects associated tit disparate treatment of women officers in law enforcement.The harms of under representation of women in policing include discrimination, sexual harassment, advancement limits, retention problems, damaged community relations, ineffective response to violence against women, and the excessive force complaints that accompany a void of women in policing. In order to discuss the current status of women in law enforcement, it is important to review the history of women in the profession. Law enforcement has traditionally been a male dominated field ever sinc e the mid-19th century and has been slow to accept women into its ranks.Women in policing make up less than 15 percent of all police officers in the United States (Harrington 2001). Women face many obstacles, and yet have brought about changes in policing. The Jobs available to policewomen were limited until the Civil Rights Act of 1964, (Essen 1999). In the early sasss, law enforcement agencies only hired men as police officers. This was a result of societys view that women were not fit to be police officers (Harrington and Lindsay 2006). In 1971 women accounted for only 1. 4 percent of all police officers. Today women in policing make up more than 13 recent of police officers. Women have made progress in their numbers in recent years but women are still underrepresented in all ranks in policing and women face many obstacles. The Supreme Court applied Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to law enforcement in 1972. Agencies could be sued for discriminating against qualified women. In some cases, the courts issued consent decrees which forced agencies to hire qualified women. Many law enforcement agencies used height and weight limits to prevent women from meeting the qualifications until the courts struck down this practice in 1977 in Dotard vs.. Rawlins. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (ICP) conducted a survey and found that women in policing are both underused and undervalued in law enforcement. While they said that the number of women in policing is growing and progressing through the ranks, it also revealed that there are too few women in law enforcement, woman police officers still face recruiting women, woman police officers face advancement limits, sexual harassment still occurs in many departments, there are few mentoring programs for female officers and women make valuable contributions to community policing.In 2001 the National Center for Women and Policing did a survey of police agencies with more than 100 officers. They found that women make up only 12. 7 percent of police officers. Even these numbers do not paint an accurate picture because only the nations largest police agencies were surveyed and these agencies have the highest percentages of women in policing. The Bis Uniform Crime Report (CUR), which surveyed most of the U. S. Police agencies, including agencies with less than 100 officers, said that in 2003, only 1 1. 4 percent of the police officers were women. FBI, Crime in the United States, 2003). The I-JAR data showed that the majority of the police agencies FBI did not employ any women in policing whatsoever in 2003. In 2001 the National Center for Women and Policing (NCSC) said that a survey of police agencies with more than 100 officers found that women make up only 9. 6 percent of supervisory positions (sergeants and lieutenants) and Just 7. 3 percent of top command spots (captains and above). Women make up about 1 percent (about 200 or so) of this nations police chiefs and sheriffs (Dorothy Schultz 2004).The hiring and selection practices of police agencies create obstacles for women in policing. The selection processes can favor men because they place greater emphasis on an applicants physical strength (Harrington 2001). In the scope of the essential functions of a police officer, research has shown that the current standards, hiring and selection practices in connection with recruitment of police officers, that verbal and mediation skills have more bearing on performance as a police officer than physical ability (Spiller 2000).Because men have an advantage in terms of upper body strength, the small percentage of women in the police profession can partly be attributed to the biased recruiting practices that place a high value on these factors. Studies have found that 60-70% of women officers experienced sexual harassm ent but only about 4-6% ever reported it (Harrington 2001). The lack of reporting could be attributed to retaliation that occurs when women report it (Harrington 2001).This is a form of discrimination that has the result of low retention rates for women officers, and results in a low advancement rate of women police officers (Harrington 2001). Sexual harassment and the stress resulting from it are the two main reasons women cost often give for leaving their law enforcement careers (Lindsay 2006). The high incidence of sexual and gender harassment is an indicator of how men are less than accepting of women as police officers.The term glass ceiling refers to the inability of women to easily advance beyond entry level positions within a police department. Traditionally, white males have had access to advancement over females. Women in law enforcement face discrimination based on preconceived beliefs that women are not cut out to be police officers. Women have to work harder to get into specialty assignment positions such as SWAT or to promote to supervisory positions. This can lead to frustration, giving up and quitting the profession altogether.Women police officers are proven to be capable, women officers are less likely to use excessive force, women officers have proven effective in community-oriented policing, women officers provide an effective response to violence against women and increasing the (Harrington 2001). Women police officers are effective in responding to female victims of violence. Violence against women, including domestic violence and sexual assault, requires an effective and sensitive response from law enforcement. The ICP has estimated that more than 40 percent of all calls for police service are related to domestic violence.It has been suggested that women police officers enhance an agencys ability to respond effectively to violence against women. Research has indicated that women are better at defusing and De-escalating potentially violent confrontations (Lindsay 2006). Female victims of domestic violence are sometimes reluctant to call the police because they believe that the officers will side with the male half of the domestic incident. WAC Los Angels: October 1993), Studies have shown that female police officers are more likely to show sympathy and understanding to successfully handle domestic violence incidents.A 1985 study shoed that woman officers were more involved in domestic violence calls and more convinced of the importance of responding to family fights as a critical police duty (Woman Kennedy 1985). Increasing the number of women in policing could encourage female victims of violence to report incidents to the police. Community relations problems require a trend toward a more communicative and cooperative immunity oriented policing model. Community policing is a policing approach that promotes community, gover nment, and police partnerships. It utilizes proactive problem solving to address crime, social disorder and neighborhood problems. It shifts the focus of police work from a reactive approach to solving ongoing community problems. The emphasis on community policing requires police officers with problem-solving and communication skills so they can interact effectively with all segments of the public. Several researchers have concluded that women tend to be effective communicators, and good problem solvers. Hiring more women in policing, retaining them, and promoting them will help police departments succeed in community policing.Regarding violence, it is important to point out that research has shown that women officers use on a policing style that uses less physical force and is less confrontational than that used by male officers. Women officers are less likely to use excessive violence or police brutality. The Independent Commission on the Los Angels Police Department (1991) concluded that gender bias contributed substantially to excessive-force problems on the LAP. Women in policing face rudder in connection with organizational and social obstacles that are difficult to overcome.One obstacle for women is the biased attitude from males who resist accepting women in policing. This is evident in the high incidence of discrimination, sexual harassment, retention problems and limited advancement of qualified applicants (Harrington 2001). Associations have come up to support woman police officers. The organizations include, the International Association of Women Police (PAW), the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NEWLY), the National Center for Women and Policing (NCSC), and Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFE), to name a few.These organizations provide information, guidance, and support to female officers and those considering entering the profession. These four associations have gone out to educate police administrators, politicians, the media, and the public about the benefits of increasing the number of communities they serve and women should be equally represented to deal with the community challenges that face law enforcement today. Woman officers have positive traits and proven law enforcement capability which is why it is important to provide an equal playing field for women in law enforcement.METHODOLOGY Surveys were administered to a sample group of male and women police officers identifying a relationship between variables, examining multiple factors such as, discrimination, sexual harassment, retention and advancement limits. The results will incorporate facts, predictions and hypotheses. A strategy to collect data with procedures for giving out the survey included selecting male and women officers, providing instructions to participants, establishing data collection procedures and a sampling method. The subjects were contacted by email with a single, unrepeated revue, administered by the researcher.A proportionate number of male and women officers to the total percentage of male and women officers were sampled to examine relationships between the gender based groups. Data was collected and interpreted in an attempt to resolve the problem that initiated the research: the adverse affects of the disparate treatment of women officers in law enforcement. Data, in the form of numbers and statistics, was collected, prepared, processed and analyzed using quantitative analysis. Data, in the form of numbers and statistics, was analyzed using quantitative analysis. The data was interpreted to test hypotheses and conclusions made about the data.Conclusions were made based upon what the data revealed. The final report addresses conclusions related to future theory and research formation. Information gained from research may open new avenues of research to find additional answers to assess the hypothesis that disparate treatment of women officers in law enforcement results in discrimination, sexual harassment, advancement limits and retention problems. The selection of the survey respondents, the target population and the sample size was based upon a preventative sample of police officers from a single law enforcement agency with over 100 officers.The decision about the sample size was based on factors such as: time available, budget and necessary degree of precision. Quantitative questions were assigned to each study participant for each variable. Methods of observation involved reliability and validity as tests to establish the credibility of the observations. Survey questions were designed to be reliable and valid measures. Questions were reliable, providing consistent measures, and valid, answers correspond to what they were intended to measure.There were basically three steps to the improvement of validity of subjective measures: the questions were made as reliable as possible by dealing with ambiguity of wording, standardized presentation, and vagueness in response form, and everything possible was done to get questions that will mean the same thing to all respondents. After preparing the survey, it was given it to a sample group of police officers who were asked to pre-test it and provide feedback. Changes were made to refine it based upon feedback, ensuring consistent meaning to all respondents. Survey questions were designed to obtain ordinal data.The distribution of people choosing a particular label or category was based upon a five- to understand the research the data was measured with the Liker scale. The Liker scale measured a group of 12 questions that were designed to measure a single concept; Women police officers experience disparate treatment. The questions were designed to gauge attitudes toward whether the respondents believe that women police officers experience disparate treatment in the subcategories of discrimination, sexual harassment, advancement limits and retention problems. There were three questions from each of the categories. In the analysis of survey data, relationships between specific subtopics were looked at by ransacking the data. Identifying these relationships between specific topics and the gender characteristics of respondents for an evaluation helped identify which segments changed the most. This process enabled the researcher to identify patterns among the items showing significant relationships. A cover letter was included with the survey clearly stating the intentions of the research. A brief statement explaining why the information was being collected and the respondents were reassured that the information is anonymous.The only specific information collected was the gender of the respondent at the end of the questionnaire. To ensure that valid survey results were collected, instructions were included on how to answer the survey questionnaire. This research was conducted from January 2008 to May 2008 and surveyed a single law enforcement agency of 230 officers. To avoid the reality and appearance of bias, all contact with the agency was designed to be both persistent and consistent. In order to meet these two goals, the following implementation plan was followed. A cover letter and survey questionnaire was given to the Chief of Police of the PoliceDepartment in March 2008. Approval was obtained from the Chief of Police for buy in and to conduct the survey. The surveys were distributed through interoffice mail and returned directly to the researcher. The demographics of the agency consists of 200 male officers and 30 female officers with 87 percent of the officers are male and 13 percent of the officers are female. .8 percent of the officers are supervisors (sergeants) and there are no female command level officers or supervisors above the rank of sergeant. There were 83 responses which included 72 male survey responses and 11 female survey responses.The percentage of male and female responses was consistent with the ratio of male to female officers. SURVEY FINDINGS A theoretical relationship exists between disparate treatment of women officers and women officer discrimination, sexual harassment, advancement limits and retention problems. Women police officers experience disparate treatment. The research will address and identify the social causes and effects of how the occurrence of disparate treatment of women officers correlates with discrimination, sexual harassment, advancement limits and retention problems. The statement is a hypothesis which established causal connections between concepts by testing the data gathered through natural observation (surveys). KEY FINDINGS Discrimination The majority of both men and women feel the idea that force and strength are required; reinforce a belief that women are unable physically to do the Job as well as face discrimination based on preconceived notions that women are not cut out to be police officers but the majority of male respondents do not feel that women in law enforcement face discrimination because of preconceived beliefs. About 1/3 of male respondents believed strongly that women officers are on an equal playing field tit men in all categories and also believed strongly that force and strength are required and that women are physically unable to do the Job as well as men. This is indicative of the evidence that woman police officers still face discriminatory attitudes from male officers. While most male respondents agreed that force and strength are required and that women are physically unable to do the Job as well as men, most male respondents did not believe that women officers are on an equal playing field with men in all categories.Sexual Harassment The majority of both male and female respondents believe that men in law enforcement experience a workplace environment that is less intimidating than women are likely to experience. ; The majority of female respondents believe that women in law enforcement face discrimination based on preconceived notions that women are not cut out to be police officers while the majority of male respondents do not believe this discrimination exists. Advancement Limits The majority of female respondents believe that women in law enforcement have to work harder than their male counterparts to advance beyond entry-level positions within a department while the majority of male respondents believe it is a level laying field. ; One hundred percent of the female respondents believe that women need to work harder to prove them capable of doing their Job as well as their male counterparts while the majority of male respondents do not believe that women have to work harder to prove themselves.

Population explosion speech free essay sample

With the advancement of technology even some control has been made on natural calamities. Through all these measures though death rate has decreased but birth rate has not appreciably decreased. Thus, it will be seen that it is the high birth rate as compared to low death rate, which is the main cause of population explosion in India. In under-developed and developing countries the cost of living is increasing day by day. For an average person it has become extremely difficult to meet both ends and one remains always busy in earning his bread and butter. Neither has he had spare money nor time to join clubs or other recreational facilities. He remains more attached to his family. For his recreation he indulges in sexual intercourse (for which no money is required) resulting into repeated conceptions and ultimately become helpless when his family grows into a large family. This leads to poverty and unemployment which results into immoral acts and encourage thefts, day robberies and even murders. We will write a custom essay sample on Population explosion speech or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page When a young man or woman will remain unemployed and empty pocket he or she will indulge in such immoral acts. This state of affair is seen in a large section of young people. Causes of High Birth Rate: 1. Early attainment of puberty in girls generally upto 14 years of age. 2. Early marriage even at the age of 15 or below. 3. Poverty and low standard of living. 4. Illiteracy. 5. Lack of recreational facilities due to poverty. 6. Lack of awareness regarding methods of family planning. 7. Due to tradition, superstition and faith that the children are the gift of God and are not the result of man’s deeds. This ideology and fate among depressed class in villages is responsible for a large family in poor man’s house. Population explosion is the most serious problem facing our country today. With 16 per cent of the world’s population, India is toady the second largest populations’ country in the world. As on March 1. 1991, when the last census was conducted, the country’s population stood at 846. 30 million, with 439. 23 males and 407. 07 females. The country’s population is currently estimated at about 950 millions. The population growth has been extremely rapid in the last 50 years. The phenomenal growth is now more appropriately termed as â€Å"population explosion†. The phenomenal growth rate in population is largely because of the industrial and technological revolutions that had taken place in the recent times. The new technologies have not only brought down the death rate because of the vastly improved Medicare resulting in increased life expectancies, but had also facilitated increased food production to take care of food needs of the increasing population. Though population explosion is a major problem being faced by several other countries too, with the world population estimated to reach 7 billion by the beginning of the 21st century, the problem is much more severe in India because of the increasing pressure on the limited resources of the country. With the growth of food grains not keeping pace with the increase in population during some years because of the unfavourable weather conditions, the specter of hunger hunts millions of households in the country. Even when the country is fortunate enough to have a bumper crop, these hungry households do not have the economic strength or purchasing power to buy the required food grains. The phenomenal population growth exerts immense pressure on other basic necessities like education, health, housing, clothing, employment opportunities etc. With employment opportunities in the rural areas becoming scarce, population explosion is resulting in increasing migration of rural poor to the urban areas in search of jobs. The increasing pressure on the urban areas is giving rise to more number of slums and this is multiplying the problems in the urban areas as health is the first casualty in slums. To check ill-effects of population growth on the socio-economic front, the Indian government had lunched the Family Planning Programme in 1951. This was later rechristened as the Family Welfare Programme. This programme promotes on a voluntary basis, responsible Planned Parenthood, through independent choice of family planning methods best suited to the people. Though the Family Welfare Programme has resulted in significant declines in death rates and infant mortality besides almost doubling life expectancy, a lot more needs to be done if the population explosion is to be effectively checked. For this, we have to improve the literacy rate, female education and the socio-economic status of the families as population growth is directly linked to these factors. The fact that Kerala could make a lot of progress in checking population growth testifies to the impact of literacy on population explosion. The government  should also intensify its efforts to educate the people on the adverse effects of population explosion. The population explosion can be effectively checked only when the people are inclined towards smaller families. With increasing literacy rate and improved socio-economic status, the people can be educated to adopt a favorable attitude towards smaller families. When this happens, the population explosion can be checked. For centuries of human existence on this planet, our population has remained in proportion to the natural resources available and the other species that have existed. But there has been a rapid increase in human population in the past century. This sudden spurt in human numbers is called population explosion . It is threatening the very existence of the earth. Population explosion is defined as a huge growth in human population over a short period of time leading to shortage of available resources on the earth. Population explosion today is one of the most serious problems the world is facing. A few centuries ago, the worlds population was less than 1 billion. Today two countries alone, India and China have more than billion each. The world population stands at more than 7 billion. The main reason for population explosion is the lack of education and awareness among the poor in developing and underdeveloped countries. Most of the rural populations have no information and awareness about population control mechanisms. Also for the poor man, an additional offspring means and additional helping hand to take him out of poverty in the future. There are several reasons to rein in this monster called population explosion. The main factor however is the resultant shortage of natural resources. Countries natural resources like land, water and forests are limited. As population increases, these resources get depleted fast. Also the governments of respective countries cannot cope up with the ever-increasing demand for man-made resources like houses, electricity, services like transport, health education etc. The result of this widening gap between demand and supply is clearly visible in most developing nations with excess population. The cities are crowded and filthy, the share of poor people is very high, and services are inadequate. The scramble for resources leads to disputes and wars. However there is a ray of hope that humans would definitely be able to put a check on population growth in the coming years. Increased government and non-governmental efforts have led to more awareness among people about population control and in many places; these measures have yielded great success. Government measures like two-child policy, taxing people for an additional child, and rewarding people who adopt family planning measures, have really found favour with the poor. Chinas population has already shown signs of stabilization, and India too, appears to follow suit in the next couple of decades. Once we find our way through this mess, the world will be a better place to live.

Essay Tips For Writing Different Styles of Essays

Essay Tips For Writing Different Styles of EssaysA college freshman is required to write a college essay that will be taken into account by the college admissions committee. As part of this essay, they will select a number of samples effect and cause essays and see how each sample compares to others.Students are expected to make it their best effort to have something unique to say. However, they also need to stand out among other students who are submitting the same kind of essay. There are certain things that can help students stand out from the crowd. These tips will help students develop different styles of writing essays and have a better chance of being selected.The first thing that can help students develop a unique style of writing essays is class concentration. These students need to write in order to have a specific goal in mind. This will help them develop a routine so that their essay is well written and polished. They should only write one or two times a week but as often as possible.Another thing that can help students create an original style of writing is to write according to what is written. A student that writes in a hurry may not have the time to sit down and evaluate what they are writing. They should always use some kind of writer's block technique that will enable them to sit down and edit their writing until they can write to completion.Another technique that can help students develop a unique style of writing essays is to read different writers. They should read each essay, point by point, to see what other authors do. This will allow them to see if they are following a method that will work for them.The most important thing that these students can do is to be willing to write their own essay. Students should always submit a complete essay, but only if they feel that the college is confident that the essay is unique and original.These students should always make sure that their essays are well written. They should always try to be creati ve and have a unique style of writing.

Blogs in Language Learning Analysis Essay

Blogs in Language Learning Analysis Essay Blogs in Language Learning Analysis Essay Example Blogs in Language Learning Analysis Essay Example The present study focuses on the innovative technique of efficient and constructive language learning, namely, the use of blogs with the purpose of enhancing qualitative writing skills. The issue of concern requires not only an in-depth insight into the available secondary data and its consistent analysis, but also a fundamental, diligent and perspective primary research. The given chapter discusses the major aspects, directions and tasks of the methodology of investigation. Enhancing Students Writing through Blogs Research Paradigm The focus of the study should be actualized by the means of proper and relevant choice of the research paradigm. This choice should be justified, since otherwise, the outcomes of the investigation will be unreliable and will lack credibility. The concept of the research paradigm is defined by Taylor, Kermode and Roberts (2007) as â€Å"a broad view or perspective of something† (p. 5). Moreover, Weaver and Olson (2006) define that â€Å"paradigms are patterns of beliefs and practices that regulate inquiry within a discipline by providing lenses, frames and processes through which investigation is accomplished† (p. 460). Hence, the paradigms align both conceptual frameworks and practical guidelines which tend to direct the course of research properly and purposefully. Actually, research paradigms predetermine how the researcher envisions the world in general and the issue in question in particular (Denzin Lincoln, 2005). Therefore, the research process, its direction and stages are predetermined by the chosen research paradigm (Guba Lincoln, 2000). Patton (1990) highlights that paradigms help to break down the multidimensional structure of the world in order to comprehend it better. Denzin and Lincoln (2005) classify the main categories of the beliefs which are considered to be the core elements of the research paradigms. There are ontological, methodological and epistemological categories. The notion of ontology is aligned with the issue of reality and the comprehension of what is real and what kind of reality it is. Epistemological approach is explicated as a branch of philosophy that focuses on the essence of the acquired knowledge and aims to identify the connection between the researcher and the known data. This approach relies on the acquisition and validation of the data. Finally, the scope of methodology deals with the process of â€Å"learning†, or acquiring new knowledge. Actually, the given classification was broadened by Lincoln and Guba (2000). The scholars introduced and discussed two other categories causality and oxiology (Lincoln Guba, 2000). The field of causality is connected with the state of the nature, whereas beliefs in oxiology r efer to the scope of value. The major functions of the research paradigms in terms of investigation include the following, according to Dills and Romiszowski (1997): a) to identify of the rules and laws according to which the world is constructed; b) to learn the ways to acquire, comprehend and validate the knowledge; c) to select and justify the approaches and methods targeted to acquire the intended data; d) to construct or restructure relevant academic space for the researcher; e) to provide relevance and significance of the acquired knowledge. The research paradigm that has been selected as the most appropriate and potentially efficient one in terms of the given research is pragmatism. The pragmatic approach corresponds to my beliefs and my set of ideas about the world, knowledge and ways of acquiring it. Therefore, it has been chosen for the given study. Goldkuhl (2012) defines the concept of pragmatism in the course of the qualitative research as a phenomenon that is focused primarily on â€Å"action and change and the interplay between knowledge and action† (p. 2). Hence, it is a multidimensional and complicated approach to the constructive qualitative research. It is essential to realize that pragmatics deals with a particular activity, and not just an observation or analysis of the monitored aspects. It is important for this study, as far as it provides the investigation with credible factual data and consequent reliable outcomes. Moreover, it is crucial to align the knowledge basis with the actions and experiments in order to receive objective results, which may be, consequently, implemented in practice. Pragmatism has been chosen, the outcomes which are supported by the empirical course are to be acquired. It means that the basic drawbacks and potential perspectives of the currently studied approach will be revealed in t he course of investigation, which will give basic direction and construct the scheme of the practical implementation for the given intervention. The emergence and the initial discussion of the pragmatics as a research paradigm is connected with the names of such scholars as Peirce, James and Dewey (Goldkuhl, 2012). To be more precise, the phenomenon is referred to as the American pragmatism (Goldkuhl, 2012). Nonetheless, the overall conception of the subject of the current discussion should not be restricted to the notion of American pragmatism, but regarded as a vivid embodiment of its particularly essential notions. Therefore, the further course of pragmatic framework development involves the European and East-Asian modes of pragmatic thinking. Goldkuhl (2012) underlines the core essence of the phenomenon of society which relies on action and motion. The same approach may be applied to its structure and interrelation between its constructive elements. Hence, the actions and alterations are considered to form the basis of pragmatism. Actually, the role of the actions in terms of the currently discussed research paradigm is i ntermediary. As Goldkuhl (2012) explicates, the actions are driving forces in terms of alterations in human existence. Furthermore, the scholar emphasizes that â€Å"To perform changes in desired ways, action must be guided by purpose and knowledge. The world is thus changed through reason and action and there is an inseparable link between human knowing and human action† (Goldkuhl, 2012, p. 7). Such approach reveals the unconditional connection between the theoretical and empirical dimensions of research. More precisely, the ultimate meaning of any ides should be analyzes through the prism of practical consequences and outcomes of the given conceptual entity. The differences in theory rely on the discrepancies in terms of practice. One of the central concepts of the pragmatic research paradigm is inquiry. This notion should be regarded as the controlled experiment within which new knowledge concerning the altered conditions and terms of a particular pattern of reality is created. Cronen (2001) defines this concept as â€Å"a natural part of life aimed at improving our condition by adaptation accommodations in the world† (p. 20). Thus, the major target of inquiry is to create new knowledge â€Å"in the interest of change and improvement† (Goldkuhl, 2012, p. 8). This constructive knowledge differentiates practical interventions from simple observation. It should be appreciated that pragmatism in general and inquiry in particular provide vast space and unlimited opportunities for the construction of a set of conditions for the experimental activity. Moreover, the selected approach gives the researcher a possibility to control and augment the conditions, if necessary. It is important as far as the act ivity may result in unexpected ramifications, and, therefore, the whole study setting should be adjusted. Since the scope of pragmatics is broad, there are three main kinds of the chosen research paradigm, namely, functional, referential, and methodological approaches. Functional pragmatics centers on the constructive data, which is acquired through the course of investigation. Moreover, this approach regards knowledge as the basis of actions. Referential type of the pragmatic research positions the notion of knowledge above the significant stance of the actions, whereas methodological kind of pragmatism refers to the processes and peculiarities of knowledge acquiring. The active role of the investigator is highlighted. Such classification of the kinds of pragmatics confirms the pluralistic attitude to the research demonstrated by the adherents to the given paradigm. Hence, the given discussion supports the choice of the research paradigm, as it provides proper conditions that set a constructive experimental scenario, which is expected to result in new knowledge, both theoretical and emp irical, concerning the actual role and efficiency of blogs and language learning. Research Design Design-based research. The next stage in the methodology discussion is the identification of the research design. The notion of research design denotes the way the investigation will be conducted (Harwell, 2011). More specifically, it includes such dimensions as the way the data is collected, the choice of proper instrumental methods and techniques for this purpose, and the tools that are to be incorporated for the subsequent analysis (Harwell, 2011). The contemporary approaches to educational research reveal serious inconsistency and controversy in terms of the alignment of theory and practice (Alghamdi Li, 2013). Neuman (2007) positions the concept of theory as â€Å"a system of interconnected abstractions or ideas that condenses and organizes knowledge about the social world† (p. 24). The scholars Alghamdi and Li (2013) state that it is constructive to start a study with the theory and its profound and insightful investigation and continue the course with the implementation of the acquired outcomes. This practical activity may be either a preliminary test or an actual performance in terms of the educational process. Furthermore, one of the recent problematic issues within the educational research has been particular alienation of the focus of the study from the routine aspects of the daily teaching practice (Sari Lim, 2012). Basically, the roots of the given problem are based on the tendencies of the last decade during which the investigation course is conducted â€Å"about education†, i.e., about generalized issues, challenges and drawbacks, but not â€Å"for education†, i.e., for the actual development of new theories, interventions and innovative educational tools (Juuti Lavonen, 2006, p. 54). Therefore, more practically relevant and in-depth insights, interventions and solutions are needed at the current stage of development of the educational research. As a direct consequence of such problems the educational scope of activity faces in the recent course of time, the alternative approach is necessary. The given study incorporates design-based research, since it closely relates to the pragmatism paradigm and properly aligns practical scale with theory. The design-based approach should be comprehended as a reaction and alternative solution in terms of prevailing tendency to use inefficient traditional methods (Alghamdi Li, 2013). As a result, such research methodologies have failed to align theory with practice so that the outcomes of the studies can serve as the guidance for qualitative adjustment and improvement of the routine practices of language learning. The appropriateness and efficiency of the currently discussed research methodology is achieved due to the fact that it â€Å"combines research, design, and practice into one process, resulting in usable products that are supported by a theoretical framework† (Bowler Large, 2008, p. 39). It is crucial to highlight that the given methodology is not new, as the actual and frequent use of design-based research has started recently, namely, in 1992. Two scholars, Collins and Brown, introduced and discussed this approach in 1992 (Alghamdi Li, 2013). The key constructive elements of this methodological approach include: the investigation of complicated and miscellaneous problematic issues by positioning them in the real contexts and under typical conditions; the known is aligned with the hypothetical and united with technological peculiarities in order to construct a credible and effective solution to the identified problems; consistent and grounded reflective inquiry is expected to provide new knowledge and practical guidance in terms of the issue in concern (Alghamdi Li, 2013). Actually, the design-based methodology relies on the prior knowledge and focuses on the conception and proper comprehension of the whole situation in the context of its complexity, real learning conditions and potential circumstantial drawbacks or challenges (Barab Squire, 2004). The overall purpose of the design-based research is considered to be to â€Å"address complex problems in educational settings† (Sari Lim, 2012, p. 2). Specifically, the given methodology aims to connect the conduct of proactive educational research with the development of new paradigms and approaches for the solution to the topical and controversial educational problems (Alghamdi Li, 2013). The paradigms and theories which are expected to be the ramifications of design-based research are domain theories, design frameworks and design methodologies (Alghamdi Li, 2013). The peculiar aspect of the given approach to the educational research is its combination of some traditional, basic aspects of research with innovative and authentic methodologies. The common characteristic features between this approach and others includes the research based on the participatory actions, ethnography, and experimental activity based on the positivist philosophy (Hoadley, 2011). Nonetheless, the authentic characteristic features are more numerous and influential. Alghamdi and Li (2013) identify such fundamental aspects of the design-based research methodology as â€Å"pragmatic, grounded, contextual, interactive, integrative, and flexible† (p. 5). Due to such features, the currently discussed research approach provides constructive refinement of the data, both theoretical and empirical. Thus, the outcomes of the study are grounded and theory-driven and there is vast space for contextual alterations of the terms of experiment, while it is processing, which allow s to provide plausible and objective results (Wang Hannafin, 2005; Alghamdi Li, 2013). Moreover, the researchers are actively involved in the course of investigation and the experiment is positioned in the real-world setting (Wang Hannafin, 2005; Alghamdi Li, 2013). The design-based research is to be conducted rigorously and in strict accordance to the instructions. Every phase should be documented properly. One of the most vivid examples of how the design-based research should be conducted is enclosed in the Reeves model (2013). This model identifies four phases: the course of analysis targeted to investigate major practical problems; relevant and constructive theoretical framework is involved in order to generate a proper solution to the detected problems; the solutions are evaluated and tested in the correspondent contextual setting; â€Å"documentation and reflection to produce â€Å"design principles† is employed (Cotton, Lockyer Brickell, 2009, p. 3). The stages presented above will be considered as a background for the present study. They refer to the main steps which are needed to acquire objective and credible results. Design-based research and EFL (English as a foreign language). There are diverse constructive methodologies on the current stage of the research tools’ development, but it has been decided to incorporate the design-based approach since it has the potential to discover the most relevant, perspective and potentially efficient guidelines for the improvement of conditions of learning English as a foreign language among Omani students. Reeves and McKenney (2013) state that design-based research is appropriate for the enhancement of language learning. Moreover, it is especially preferable for computer-assisted language learning (CALL) (Reeves McKenney, 2013). Nevertheless, the scholars also highlight that aligning design-based research targets with the issues of CALL is a complicated and challenging practice. The researcher is recommended to conduct an in-depth insight into the prior knowledge and previously performed experiments as well as to construct the whole setting and research program thoroughly. Abdallah (2011) supports the stance that modern technological progress has led to the ultimate necessity to re-conceptualize and introduce innovation to the basic notions of literacy. It is especially topical in the scope of language learning. The scholar discusses â€Å"a new generation of the Web that has been enabling new functions and possibilities for learning such as social networking, easy publishing online, and collaborative construction of knowledge† (Abdallah, 2011, p. 20). As a result, blogging has become one of the most popular networking activities. Moreover, many students contribute to the blogs. Hence, this activity will not be alien or unusual for the participants. It means the course of language learning will be located in the comfortable and constructive setting. The design-based methodology is expected to improve the efficiency of the intervention due to its proactive potential that provides such excellent opportunities as: Design-based research is considered to be perfect for the â€Å"development of robust effective interventions† (Reeves McKenney, 2013, p. 4). These interventions are tested during the design-based research according to such conditions as time, specific approach, balance between theory and practice, peculiarities of presentation and tactics, etc. These aspects are crucial for the EFL learning course. The currently discussed research presents an opportunity to give an answer not only to the question â€Å"Does it work† or â€Å"Is it efficient?†, but to respond thoroughly, fundamentally and extensively to the question â€Å"How can we make this or that approach work?†. Hence, the design-based research may even result in several positive solutions for the outlined issues. EFL needs alternatives in terms of practical language learning, since different students perceive and master foreign languages in their own ways. Therefore, the teacher is expected to construct multidimensional lessons with diverse interactive activities and possibilities for every student to comprehend the learning material, acquire new knowledge and skills according to the curriculum, and become capable to incorporate them into practice. The potential of design-based methodology is also expected to result in professional growth and qualitative enhancement of competencies. Moreover, Reeves and McKenney (2013) underline that design-based research â€Å"(DBR) has the potential to provide powerful insights for educational researchers, practitioners, and all others involved in a given initiative, driven by the data that flows from the various iterative cycles of testing and modifying the intervention† (pp. 5-6). Such active and aspiring role of the researcher provides not only plausible, objective and potentially efficient outcomes, but also significant perspectives for further improvement of the EFL learning. Participants The grounded and motivated choice of participants guarantees proper and efficient outcomes of the study. It is important to outline the age, competence level and location of the participants of investigation and ensure that the necessary quantity of the students participates. In order to eliminate any potential alterations, it is recommended to form a group of 12 students who will be contacted in case current participants refuse due to the unexpected reason. Selection process The selection process will be conducted in two phases: The participants of the study consists of four classes of the 11th grade. Every class will be approached as a separate case study that will be investigated under the similar circumstances and identical targets. To be more precise, the location of investigation will be the Omani basic education schools. The four classes will belong to the 11th grade and will be chosen out of 20 schools. The participants are planned to be chosen on the random basis. Two schools of the aforementioned location will be selected randomly, and then the focus of the study will be narrowed to four classes. In the case of lack of participants for the provision of grounded and credible study, it is necessary to apply for a special permission to invite more students. Firstly, it is obligatory to apply to the Ministry of Education in Oman to receive the permission to conduct the project with such purpose, scope and scale. Secondly, it is necessary to receive a personal permission of the parents of every student. The invitations will be sent via emails and thus the list of participants will be completed. Such random selection process is relevant in the context of the investigation as far as it will contribute to the objectivity of the final outcomes. Apparently, the participants will belong to different competence levels in EFL as well as to diverse social, racial, sexual and political strata. Since the research is not narrowed to any of the aforementioned criteria, it should be objective. The 11th grade is appropriate for the given research, as it corresponds to the age group of the students who use blogs actively, have decent experience in this activity, and experience diverse thematic criteria. The above-presented research is initial and generalized. It is planned to support the final evidential data with more specific and detailed inspections. Thus, four students out of four selected classes will be chosen for the further in-depth study. Such an approach will not only provide a more thorough investigation setting, but will also will permit to align the general ramifications of the initial study of four classes with the results of profound and targeted research. The students will be required to provide a relevant study with constructive details, which is impossible when there are 60 participants. Therefore, the most significant representatives of the constituting groups will be investigated based on their capacity and overall potential. These students will be selected on the basis of representative sampling. The criterion for the representation is a particular class among four groups that the participants belong to. It means that every student will represent a separate class from the Omani basic education schools. The choice of the representatives will be made relying on two types of evaluation, namely, a questionnaire and a pre-writing test. Every class will complete them, and the results will be assessed in terms of a) written abilities of the students; b) their confidence within the technological scope; c) educational experience and English language proficiency of the participants. The chosen students should demonstrate the most significant results in terms of the aforementioned criteria. These aspects are crucial in terms of EFL learning. Since every class will be selected from a separate school and every representative student chosen for an in-depth study will belong to a particular grade, the given method of s election will be incorporated into the research course in order to ensure a representative demographic sample. As an outcome, the given approach is expected to make the way of identifying EFL in-depth learners in the 4 classes effective. Data Collection and Procedure The data collection process will last five months starting from September 2016 until January 2017. The particular classes from the Omani basic education schools will be selected on the random basis from the 11th grade. Afterwards, the conference will be conducted in order to inform the students and the teaching staff about the ultimate purpose, tasks and major expectations of the planned study. Later, four students from each class will be selected for further insightful in-depth investigation. Every student will be asked for the voluntary agreement to take part in the research which investigates the use of blogs in the enhancement of the writing skills of EFL students. This step should be documented. The consent forms will be distributed to the students and their parents will be asked to complete them. This research will be collaborative, as the teachers will help the researcher in the process of the actual project. It is a crucial step, since the teachers know their students well. They are aware of the major problems, drawbacks and challenges in terms of EFL learning. These aspects are crucial for the process of research, as the design-based research permits to unite the theoretical basis of the investigators and the contextualized practical observations of the practitioners. The data will be collected by the means of the mixed method approach. It will involve multiple sources of evidence as well as augment the strength and validity of the whole study. A considerable and versatile amount of data is planned to be used in order to respond to the research questions and fulfill the ultimate purpose of the investigation. Pre-writing test. The pre-writing test is a generalized test targeted to reveal the general writing proficiency of the participants. This test will consist of 20 questions. Each question will address crucial aspects of writing proficiency correspondent to the 11th grade. The time provided for the pre-writing test should be 45 minutes. A close-ended questionnaire. The close-ended questionnaire should be offered to every participant of the study. It will be distributed at the beginning of the first week of the writing class. The major target of the given measure is to determine the IT skills of the participants, the actual level of their ability to write on their L2, and the overall educational background. Moreover, it is important to highlight that the data that will be gathered from this initial questionnaire, along with the outcomes of the pre-writing test, will be helpful for the selection of the four representatives of each class for a further in-depth study. It is recommended that the chosen participants contribute different levels of writing skills, technology confidence, overall educational experience, and actual competence of the English language. Such diversity in the selection process will guarantee a multidimensional focus of the study, since the research that will be consequently conducted may afterward s be applied to different categories of students. It is constructive as far as every class has diversity in terms of L2 proficiency, and this discrepancy often causes problems for the teaching staff. Interviews. The four participants chosen for an in-depth study should be subsequently interviewed. The interviews are planned to be conducted three times in the course of actual research, namely, at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the investigation. The ultimate aim of the first interview is the establishment of the general context of the study. There will be ten guiding questions (Seidman, 1998). The second interview will permit the chosen participants to provide comments, detailed responses, description and reflection upon the whole experience of blogging in the writing class. Finally, the third interview is constructed to unite practice and theory in order to acquire objective outcomes. To be more precise, the participants will be given an opportunity to read texts. The readings will be chosen according to the results of the previous interviews and an approximately accessed level of every participant. Nonetheless, every level will be elaborate according to its poten tial. Furthermore, the readings will be followed by the open-ended questions aimed to provide more insight in terms of the overall experience and the meaning of this experience (Seiddman, 1999). The questions will be molded in a semi-structured form. They will include many topics, issues and prompts in order to encourage the interviewees to develop their responses well. Wallace (1998) suggests a constructive vision for such interview: it is necessary to unite â€Å"a certain degree of control with a certain amount of freedom† (p. 147). The responses of the participants will be recorded. Undoubtedly, such documentation is possible only after the parents’ permission. The cyclical nature of design-based research due to the availability of significant reflection provides an excellent opportunity to inform an action at each stage of the research. Such approach will ensure that data collection and analysis are constructive and ongoing processes. The aforementioned interviews are planned to be instructive, which means that every aspect will be discussed. The outcomes are expected to improve the use of blogs, since appropriate changes may be consequently applied. Introducing the students’ blog. Campbell (2003) identifies and discusses three different types of blogs which are used in the classrooms. More specifically, they include a tutor blog, a learner blog and a class blog (Campbell, 2003). Every type of blog has its proper purpose, function and expected impact on the learners’ efficiency in the course of learning. The currently presented research will use class blogs. Campbell (2003) defines this type of blogging activity as â€Å"the result of the collaborative effort of an entire class†. The students will be asked to set up their own pages in the class blog. Every page should be linked to the particular name. In such a way, it is easy for the researchers as well as other students to identify the author of every post. Furthermore, the students will be encouraged to use blogs for writing activities during classes. Thus, both class and home-based activities should be properly aligned. The study will incorporate the model for student interaction with the help of blogs developed by Campbell (2003), as shown in Figure 1. The participants of the investigation will be asked to use their blogs for several writing tasks simultaneously in order to contribute to the objectivity of the study. Thus, the tasks will include such activities as a) peer response; b) editing; c) revision; d) publishing; e) and writing as the core assignment. All the assignments will reveal peculiar aspects of the currently discussed online learning activity and will specify its core elements. Such multidimensional and interactive nature of the design-based research will help the teaching staff introduce the students to intervention, which is blogging experience targeted to enhance their writing skills. Moreover, it will motivate the students to participate, since they adore such online activities. As a result, this approach is expected to help the researchers keep the course of necessary and relevant alterations during the study. Furthermore, the investigators will become capable of providing continuous and constructive improvements to the research process as well as making necessary changes to the teaching practices and goals in case particular needs arise. Finally, the selected intervention guarantees excellent opportunities for proper critical reflections concerning the final outcomes of the researchers’ actions. Blogging Interaction Model Blog entries In order to maximize the overall usefulness of the blogs, which will eventually lead to the final results and newly acquired data concerning the research question, it is necessary to evaluate the complex and multidimensional tasks the students will be asked to perform. It is especially essential to assess the students’ responses to the use of weblog in their writing classes. For instance, every participant will be asked to post an article on a weekly basis. This article should cover the topics which have been discussed in class. Similar topics may be used by several students, but authenticity is strictly demanded. No group projects should be allowed at this stage of the study. Moreover, the participants will be asked to read their colleagues’ posts and comment on them. Furthermore, it is relevant to underline that the rhetorical functions of the students will positively contribute to the crucial aspects of particular learning strategies and EFL writing strategies in particular. Moreover, other documents should be collected from the students, except for their blog entries, such as writing assignments, critiques which will be acquired during the face-to-face conversations, peer interview sessions, drafts, and writing portfolios. Blogging will be used as illustrated in Figure 2 by Jones, 2006, for the following writing interventions: peer responding, editing, revising and publishing. Teacher’s journal This document is needed to keep a record of the actual teaching experience that will be acquired during the active learning intervention. It is crucial for the teaching staff to record the progress between the levels and identify students’ potential. The teacher’s journal should include ideas and thoughts, pedagogical experiences, feelings and emotional states, changes, mistakes, successful completion of tasks, fear or hesitation accompanying the conducted work, surprises and confusions (Merrian, 1998). Moreover, it will contribute to the overall pedagogical proficiency. The teacher’s journal will reflect on the process of applying blogs to the EFL writing classes and their effects, both short-term and long-term. These interventions should match the needs, interests and the development levels of the students. Furthermore, this methodology will help instructors of other disciplines to adapt and follow the general scheme of incorporating blogs into the curriculum. As a result, this journal will reveal a sequence of difficulties and drawbacks that the participants may face. Students’ reflective journals. Students should also maintain their reflective journals during semester. Every period will be reflected by the means of responses to the guiding questions. The preliminary list of the main questions was developed: Describe your thoughts/feeling and mood when you start your writing class? Describe your writing class today. You may talk about any difficulties/challenges/feelings (negative or positive) or any other thoughts you have struggled with during your writing tasks? Describe the class atmosphere today, the relationship between you and your teacher, and the relationship between you and your colleagues in the class. Post-test The final step of the course will be a writing test. This test will include the major topics and grammar aspects covered during the whole course. The purpose of the given test is to compare the four chosen classes in terms of their writing performance and the progress they have made due to the course. Especially, the effect of the chosen intervention of blogging practice will be addressed. Data Analysis A mixed method approach will be used for data collection in order to guarantee proper and relevant data subdivision into the following types: Qualitative data; Quantitative data. It is crucial to analyze each type of data properly. The quantitative type of data should be analyzed in terms of final results and their reflection of the progress made, whereas qualitative data requires a more profound analysis, comparison and further monitoring. Assuring Credibility of the Study The credibility of the study will be provided by the following aspects: Using a debriefed group of doctoral candidates. Such an approach guarantees academic excellence and reliability; Verification of the contents of the data that has been collected; Surveying the back-up group concerning the major aspects of the study and comparing the results. The aforementioned steps provide solid basis for assuring credibility as far as competent human resources are involved in this process, and the approach to the assuring of credibility is constructive. Ethical Considerations Ethical considerations are the major milestones of the formal side of the study. One of the most important points in terms of ethics is responsibility of the researchers. To be more precise, the consideration of responsibility should be regarded on the multiple levels such as relations with colleagues, students and professionally relevant establishments. â€Å"Ethics education can enable scientists to place their positions into a logical framework from which they can look for consistent approaches to related problems.† (Stern Elliott, 1997). Moreover, the study guarantees confidentiality of the participants’ personal data. It is important to make an emphasis on this particular aspect during the conference in order to highlight the serious scientific approach the researchers follow during their investigation. Along with such, the whole research will be conducted on the voluntary basis, and thus permissions and consents will be provided and documented. Every stage of the study should be discussed beforehand and orient on the parents of the students. Therefore, the study will not interfere with personal and human rights of the participants. Respect for these freedom and rights demonstrate the level of proficiency of the work done. Limitations of the Study It is also essential to form the supportive list of 12 potential participants who will be involved in the case of unpredictable changes. The list will be formed either relying on the personal data of the attendants of the conference, or via the emails provided by the schools’ authorities, as described above. Moreover, it is appropriate to underline the limitation caused by time constraints and potential participant deviation. Furthermore, the possibility of generalization is also a crucial limitation when the outcomes of the study are transferred to another similar context (Lincoln Guba, 1985). Time constraint does not provide a possibility to investigate a big quantity of the participants during a long time period in order to verify the preliminary research outcomes. Furthermore, generalization may become a direct reason of lack of meaningful details and supportive aspects of the whole experience of using blogs at the classroom. The Strengths of the Study According to Shenton, â€Å"the qualitative investigator’s equivalent concept, i.e. credibility, deals with the question, â€Å"How congruent are the findings with reality?† Lincoln and Guba argue that ensuring credibility is one of most important factors in establishing trustworthiness† (Shenton, 2004). The study contributes to the fields of linguistics, methodology and the contextual development of IT. Moreover, the sample approach to learning that has been developed and tested in terms of this study may be successfully adjusted and used in other disciplines. Hence, the congruence of the study is high, especially in terms of the EFL learning, is significant. The reason is the course of linguistic study and perspectives for the given context. Therefore, the reliability and credibility of the results is considered to be the most significant strength of the study. Moreover, it is a multidimensional academic experience that unites innovation and profound knowledge.

Transformations of Thailand Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Transformations of Thailand - Research Paper Example However, this has undergone change. The civil society gas grown and this has developed a participatory political structure in Thailand. This environment has triggered greater abiding of the rule of law and has implemented a system which is more balanced and effective (Thailand Country Report, p.14). The urban elite society has evolved which remains well connected with the senior bureaucrats, international donors and politicians. The loosely cohering and fragmented party system in Thailand has been restructured. The Democratic Party has become highly institutionalized. The number of parties has increased from 1.65 in 2005 to 6 in 2007 and party fragmentation has also increased. The party system was characterized by multi-member system of district election. The civil society has been evolving and is getting more connected to the business associations, bureaucrats and political parties. The workers’ union has been given greater say and responsibility. The NGOs have grown in impor tance. They have also formed alliance with the top bureaucrats and political leaders. The conditions of female workers and children have improved over the years. In the rural areas, the responsibility of self-organisations has increased. The village community has become more cohesive and their actions have become more collective in nature (Thailand Country Report, p.13). ... The Government has implemented policies to allow more cultural space for the Thai-Malays. These efforts were primarily made in favor of preserving the cultural identity of both nations and reducing the impact of the armed insurgency. Thailand has witnessed an increase in the number of programs for creating equal right and opportunities among people (The Asia Foundation, â€Å"Resolving Conflict in the South†). The makers of policy have increased their focus on the development of system capabilities to bring about changes in the educational system in Thailand. This has primary aroused out of the response of the global response to the increasing gap between traditional educational capabilities and the demands of the information system (Hallinger & Kantamara, â€Å"Introduction†). The Thai schools have introduced lessons on cross cultural studies. The country has become more competent in its ability to adapt to changes. Efforts are being made to build the nation’s a bilities to adapt such capabilities. Political Thailand has been undergoing dramatic political transformation. The changes have been incorporated to strengthen the democratic institutions and also as a conflict resolving measure that has been occurring in the Muslim dominated provinces in the southern provinces. The provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat happen to be predominantly occupied by Muslims. The states lying between Buddhist Thailand and Muslim Malaysia are diverse in terms of culture, linguistics identity from the two countries. The development of government policies in Thailand is ethno-centric which has alienated the Muslim community and aroused armed militancy. Transformation programs have evolved for creating and maintaining equal rights and opportunities in favor of the Muslims (The Asia

COMMERCIAL LAW Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

COMMERCIAL LAW - Essay Example However, in protecting the interests of consumers, the Act does not go to the other extreme of compromising the interests of lenders. Since one of the requirements of the Act is that lenders and businesses offering credit are to seek a license before they can enter the business of credit, therefore the Act also protects the interests of genuine lenders by enforcing the repayment of debts that consumers may incur, which cannot be easily escaped. One of the notable provisions of the Consumer Credit Act of 1974 which has often been questioned is Section 127(3) which allows for certain agreements t be completed nullified if they are considered extortionate. This is one of the radical reform measures being undertaken through the new Consumer Credit Act of 2006, which does away with this provisions and introduces some fresh measures for the protection of lenders, such as allowing a wider range of small businesses to also enjoy the protection afforded to individuals. However, the scrutiny and screening of lenders and donors of credit has also increased considerably through the enhanced powers that are provided to the OFT under the new Act of 2006. The Consumer Credit Act of 1974 is specifically formulated to regulate all consumer credit and consumer hire arrangements that deal with amounts that are less than 25,000 pounds (www.dti.gov.uk). Therefore at the outset, by regulating such low cost transactions, it works to the benefit of average low and middle income consumers rather than targeting the rich and wealthy who are few in number. The Act also lays out a definition of the range of individuals who are to be protected by the Act . One of the ways in which the Act protects consumers is by laying down the form and contents which agreements are to be composed of, providing redressal procedures that must be adopted in case there is a default or a termination of the credit arrangement by either party and by disallowing extortionate credit bargains. For

The Reasons Behind Declining Reading Habits Essay Example for Free

The Reasons Behind Declining Reading Habits Essay To acquire the habitof reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost allmiseriesof life. † Reading habithas been a great help in developing knowledge. But today, in an age when browsing thenet, playing with funky handsets and passing non-stop SMS seem to be the order of the day. The internet boom, interactive medium of images, TV and thesilver screen fillingthe minds of the modern youth, taking majority of their free time we have to think seriously how the growing generationswill find time to read. While technology is taking control steadily over individuallives, the reading habitis fast vanishing into thin air. I used to sigh at the city librariespresenting a gloomy picture of gradual decline in voracious readers who used to flock in the evenings. Twenty reasons for decline in readinghabit 1) People think that readingbooks consumes more timethan referringin the computers. Computers seem to be more attractive tothem than books. 2) The question of spending money on books is over-ruled by the thought that everythingis available in acomputer. People prefer to spend money on something else than spending on books. The programs in internet and TV aremore attractive than sitting in acorner and readinga book. 4) With the modern life style visiting placesand other recreationsor hobbies occupy most of our time. 5) There are a thousand reasons today for avoiding readingbooks or literatures. Some even say that her new nail extensionshave made it too difficult to turn pages! 6) There are risks of losing books while carrying them. Moreover, why to carry a burden unnecessarily when there is a laptop available? 7) Now people are more worriedabout earning money and spending every second in finding ways to find sources of income.