Presentation,Practice and Production approach to language teaching Dissertation

Presentation,Practice and Production approach to language teaching between the critiques and the proposed alternative methods - Dissertation Example Cook (2011) maintained that the term foreign language refers to â€Å"a language acquired in a milieu where it is normally in use† (p. 140). Meanwhile, a second language may be defined as â€Å"one that becomes another tool of communication alongside the first language †¦ [and] is typically acquired in a social environment in which it is actually spoken† (Cook, 2011, p. 140). The aforementioned distinction, therefore, is grounded on two dimensions: social and location. The social dimension deals with meeting the communicative need of the learner whereas the location dimension has something to do with the usage of the language in the native locale of the learner (Cook, 2011). Richards and Rodgers (2001) emphasized that current issues in language teaching has been around for centuries and has remained unchanged. Throughout the centuries, the study of foreign languages has shifted importance from one language to the next. In a world where six out of ten individuals sp eak a language which is different from their mother tongue, speaking two or more languages has become the norm rather than an exception. Five hundred years ago, Latin was the prominent language used for education, commerce, religion, and government, particularly in the Western World. During the 16th century, other languages rose to prominence such as French, Italian, and English. These languages eventually supplanted Latin as the language of choice for verbal and written communication (Richards and Rodgers, 2001). Though Latin was relegated as a subject of study in schools, it has become a model for instruction for foreign languages. Instruction was composed of grammar rules, declensions and conjugations, translation, and writing sample sentences. In addition, parallel bilingual texts and dialogues are utilized in teaching. For modern languages, the mode of instruction remained the same in most aspects. Students are provided textbooks on abstract grammar rules, vocabulary lists, and sentences for translation. However, this approach was grounded on the grammatical system of the language, limiting its ability to facilitate genuine communication. This traditional approach to foreign language instruction was referred to as the grammar-translation method (Richards and Rodgers, 2001). In the United States, the grammar-translation method was known as the Prussian method, due to its German scholarly origins. This method has seven characteristics: (1) the goal of foreign language study is grounded on mental discipline and intellectual development; (2) reading and writing is prioritized over speaking or listening; (3) vocabulary instruction is confined to reading bilingual word lists, dictionary study, and memorization; (4) the sentence is the basic unit of teaching and practice; (5) accuracy is prioritized; (6) grammar instruction is deductive in nature; and (7) the speakers native language is utilized as the medium of instruction (Richards and Rodgers, 2001). The gram mar-translation method was widely used for European and foreign language instruction until the 1940s. However, it has been subject to much criticism, mainly on the grounds that its approach to teaching foreign languages mostly involved pointless memorization of vague grammar rules and vocabulary, and translation of stilted or literary prose, much to the frustration of countless students. Mounting opposition to this approach led to the development of new methods of

Specific public policy case in USA during the government shutdown Essay

Specific public policy case in USA during the government shutdown - Essay Example The issue of national security in the United States is one of the most sensitive issues. After the Twin towers were attacked in 2001 security policies were given priority over other policies during appropriation of funds by the legislature (Campbell, 2008). However, as the national security stabilizes and the country becomes more and more secure many proponents are of the opinion that the appropriation has now become too much in comparison with its contribution to the status of the national security (Klein, 2013). Some legislators, in the events leading to the government shutdown, were proposing a cut, while others were of the opinion that the move to cut on military expenditure will only prove costly in the long run. This paper will discuss the government shutdown of 2013 and then go ahead to explore the US security policies using several sociological and political theories to analyze the key themes of the policy and ponder on the future developments and the alternative course of ac tion. The paper will also employ the Eugene Bardach policy analysis model to bring out the contentious issues and their possible alternatives. The Bacchi model will also be integrated to problematize the issue and discuss the presumptions of the policies. The US Government Shutdown The United States of America operates under a federal system of government. This government offers a wide range of public services in the areas of health, education, social security, medical, insurance and the country’s security while the other services are offered by the individual states to the citizens. For it to offer these services, it needs funds, which are allocated to each of its department by the legislature. The last government shutdown took place in 2013 under the President Obama administration from October 1 to October 17 when a bill was signed. A shutdown of the federal government happens when there is no Appropriation bill that has been signed that allocates the various government dep artments to continue spending funds (Bill, 2013). These funds are allocated at the start of a fiscal year and when the year ends if there has not been any more appropriation from the Congress, and then the government has to shut down because of the funding gap that is created. The 2013 government shutdown took place because the Republicans, and the Democrats could not agree on the funding of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare. This act was signed into law in 2010 but has created deep divisions in the House of Representatives and the Congress. The Republicans who are controlling the House of Representatives want to cut the spending, and the amount allocated to this policy whereas the Congress which is dominated by the Democrats did not support the cut. This confrontation led to the shutdown as the House of Representative passed a bill that had suggested a funding cut which was rejected by the Congress (Steinhauser, 2013). The main reason behi nd the Republicans proposing a cut in spending is because the government deficit in budget had already hit 15.7%, and the International Monetary Fund was already considering not lending the US government any more funds because of their rising debt levels; the credibility of borrowing was in question. During the 16-day shutdown, however, the Congress continued passing specific bills that addressed specific policies, which were then signed by

Globalisation and crime report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Globalisation and crime report - Essay Example That notwithstanding, with improvements in the transport sector an individual can decide to conduct business in foreign countries by moving freely from one location to the next i.e. a person living in Nigeria can transact business in Abu Dhabi and return home the very day. In essence, the issue of international integration has been made easier thus keeping the entire world in touch with each other (Barak, 2009). Globalisation has enabled people to follow world events conveniently from wherever they are in the world since they affect them. Through social media people know what is happening around the world in real-time without having to travel all those distances, updates in social media and international news outlets makes information dissemination quick and convenient as persons around the globe can keep up in touch with the affairs of the world in real time (Loader & Sparks, 2002). Increased integration on a global front has led to a significant number of issues being managed from a global front, for instance, there are universal laws that govern the action of each individual, the world economy is also being monitored at a global level, etc. (Barak, 2009). Comparative criminology is primarily concerned with crime and trends in criminal justice systems across various cultural, historical and geopolitical contexts. It seeks to unravel how different societies view crime and how they respond to crime. The primary aim of comparative criminology is to elaborate the similarities and differences of the various communities’ response to crime and explain the legal processes that are taken in response to such acts (Siegel, 2012). Comparative criminology is basically theoretical in nature since it is based on examining statistical records of various societies to assist it to come up with theoretical evaluation and testing of the data to come up with informed assumptions. Furthermore, comparative

Ethical dilemmas and the law Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ethical dilemmas and the law - Research Paper Example Michael had full knowledge that his childhood best friends were the ones being prosecuted for a wrongdoing, but in spite of this, he had acted as prosecutor to the case as if he had actually defended the victim although he did not. In the first place, there was already a plan on Michael’s part to use the case to chase the remaining jail guards, who had molested and tortured them, while they were incarcerated at the Wilkinson Home. As a prosecutor, Michael was obliged to present evidences that will prove John and Tommy’s involvement in the crime. It was Michael’s responsibility to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that his were friends were not innocent, and that he, as a prosecutor, will not tolerate a wrongdoing even if it had been committed by someone close to him. However, this was not the case because Michael was certain of his conviction to help his friends, whatever it takes. Crucial decisions that take into account the due process of law need to depend on et hical considerations (â€Å"The importance,† 2004, p. 4). Prosecuting lawyers should have their own set of ethical standards to avoid instances, when a defendant will be convicted of a crime he or she never committed (Tucker, 2012). While these ethical considerations or standards are applicable to the job of a prosecutor, it may become different if the prosecutor uses his position in the case to let the defendant escape the punishment of law or to reverse the case in favor of the defendant’s party.

Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 120

Essay Example He also helps the composers connect their creative and innovative ideas with the need of the audience for musical freshness and beauty. The various types of classical music are played free of charge with the major goal of building talents. The article made me reflect on and think about a number of things as far as talent development is concerned. Firstly, it gave me a picture of the university as a place that is not only meant for academic excellence but also a place to nurture talents in other fields. This is contrary to the misconception held by many that the university involves serious study with no play. It is quite interesting that the Music Today Festival is organized and coordinated by one of the university’s senior professors, Kyr Robert. It also made me reflect on the importance of music, especially for professional means. Considering that the professor heads the music department in the university, it seems that there are institutions that value music not only as a way of entertainment but also as a profession. I also came to understand that there are students studying music as a course, just for professional purpose. This made me remember one question that is very common, especially among journalists, when interviewing musicians; â€Å"apart from music, what else do you do?† many people have taken music not as a career but as a way of entertainment. The article is a good source to teach the society on the importance of music not only as a means of entertainment but also as a profession. In other words, the article mainly triggers thoughts about the importance of music in the society as well as the role of music as a way of relaxation to enable students study better. One thing that surprised me is that the festival is not only unique in the University of Oregon alone. Several other institutions place a high value on music and use it as a way of nurturing talents and enhancing

Dance Critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Dance Critique - Essay Example They exhibited a high degree of professionalism and this could clearly be seen in the techniques used by them. On the technical side, the design and lighting of stage was quite apt and set the right mood for the show. The costumes of the dancers complemented each other with the main duo wearing a color that contrasted well with the color worn by the rest of the group. The title of the piece is the introduction to the ‘Allegro Brillante’ which opens with a brief meeting of the two main dancers in a stylistic entry. The stage seemed a bit small and restricted but the dancers did not seem to show it. The rest of the dance was an interweaving of the whole group, alternating between the girls and the boys and finally ends with a flourish as they dance gracefully with their partners with nimble footwork. All the dancers exuded high energy as they flitted, jumped, twirled or tiptoed with nimble and graceful steps. The music too was very apt and effective as it had the same energy exhibited by the performers. The costumes suited the high energy on stage and were not only modest but lent itself to the flow of music and dance. The dancers were well trained and this could be clearly seen in the techniques used by them which looked graceful and appealing. The aesthetic ability of all the performers was brought out through their facial expressions that portrayed the emotions embedded in the piece. The background of the stage was a dull blue with a single dull spotlight that was flashed on the center of the backdrop. The stage area was well lit with soft white lights that accentuated the costumes and movements of the dancers. The second piece I choose to critique in the ‘Allegro Brillante’ is the solo performance by Maria Tallchief. The choreographing for this piece was highly technical with a lot of twists and twirls by the dancer whose body language was so graceful as it was ethereal. The dancer had enough space to move around with great flourish and was not

My part of team assignment week 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

My part of team assignment week 2 - Essay Example A way to ensure that the transportation company provides its best effort is by establishing long term relationship with the company. Internal factors that can cause variability in the JIT system include employees, machines, and inaccurate specifications. The JIT inventory system is used by accountants as a measure to lower inventory costs in order to increase profitability. Too much inventory hurts the liquidity of an enterprise. The company that made famous the JIT inventory system when it began to use it as a tool to improve the productivity of the company is Toyota Corporation. Toyota realized that in the auto industry the nature of the business implied that there were many different types of inventories. There are many parts in the auto assembly process. All cars are made up of hundreds of different parts. The JIT system at Toyota allowed the company to saved money by reducing the amount of inventory in the company’s warehouses. After Toyota introduced JIT in the 1970’s many companies followed suit and implemented the system. JIT inventory can be applied to any business industry, but it has greater applications in the manufacturing sector. The JIT system was adaptive at Toyota allowing the company to adjust inventory levels based on the size of the production batches. To take further advantage of the JIT inventory model Toyota designed car models with compatible