Reflection Analysis Observations

Introduction Group dynamic is essential in determining its course. Our group was characterized with trust, care, and fairness. In fact, no one cared to note each other’s background. We accepted one another as equals within the group. This was essential in enabling us to achieve group cohesion. Moreover, it aided us in performing group activities without hindrance. This paper will reflect on leadership, group theory, and group skills (D.W. Johnson P.J. Johnson, 2013, p. 27).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Reflection Analysis Observations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Theme, dynamic or pattern noticed Our members were democratic, trustworthy, and caring. These important elements were achieved early in the group meetings through sharing of roles within the group (Johnson, D.W., Johnson, 2013, p.121). In fact, even though one of us had more experience with aircraft than the rest, she never showed it in a manner to suggest intimidation. We considered ourselves equal and in each turn, a new DA was selected to moderate our group tasks. The group was therefore democratic and showed a pattern of trust and leadership (D.W. Johnson P.J. Johnson, 2013, p. 122). Provisional explanation/hypothesis The group did not have age and careers issues. In fact, as said earlier, only one person was knowledgeable on aircraft issues. We therefore depended heavily on her solutions for a single session only. Moreover, the attitude in the group did not allow us to consider aspects like age and careers as issues of concern. Instead, we treated each other equally. In essence, everyone had equal opportunities to be the DA. Evidence The fact that everyone got equal chances of becoming a DA as well as in contributing to the solution of issues in the group did not allow us to classify ourselves in any category, class, or age. In fact, as said earlier, only one individual had experience in aircraft related task. This was only helpful in the second discussion. However, she still ensured that our discussions were taken into consideration after an excerpt from her experience. Analysis of theme, dynamic or pattern The dynamic, pattern or theme of our group revealed both formal and informal authority. However, this depended on the kind of role given to each individual after a democratic selection. For instance, the Designated Authority (DA) moderated group activities. This afforded him/her formal authority over us during group proceedings. However, other tasks like note taking, observers, among others toke informal authority as they took keen interest on contributions from each individual.  However, it is necessary to not that the first meeting was quite cautious and everyone, including myself, was quite hesitant to take formal authority. Fortunately, one of the group members volunteered and we never looked back (D.W. Johnson P.J. Johnson, 2013, p. 122).Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Discomforting evidence that exists The group did not have any issues. In fact, only the first meeting was characterized with high tensions. However, this was because we had not met as a group before. Moreover, we did not know what was required of us in the group. In addition, we were hesitant to give contributions. However, this did not affect us anymore after the first meeting. In fact, we gelled quite easily and we were able to agree to most solutions in our discussions. Conclusion Our group was characterized with leadership, trust, and care. In fact, everyone was involved in-group discussions. Except for the first meeting, everyone was happy to contribute to the discussions. Moreover, we gelled quite easily since cohesion was achieved quickly within the group. In addition, we trusted each other quite easily and decided on issues through democratic ways. However, we also gave the minorit y and opportunity to explain reasons for their choices. Group dynamic was therefore achieved with leadership skills observable in each individual (D.W. Johnson P.J. Johnson, 2013, p. 122). Reference Johnson, D.W., Johnson, P.J. (2013). Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. This essay on Reflection Analysis Observations was written and submitted by user Benson L. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sample Appeal Letterâ€Academic Dismissal from College

Sample Appeal Letter- Academic Dismissal from College If youve been dismissed from college for poor academic performance, your college will most likely give you an opportunity to appeal that  decision. The best approach is to appeal in person, but if the school doesnt allow face-to-face appeals or if the travel costs are prohibitive, you should plan to write the best appeal letter possible. (In some cases, you might be asked to do both- the appeals committee will ask for a letter in advance of the in-person meeting.) Qualities of a Successful Appeal Letter Demonstrates an understanding of what went wrongTakes responsibility for academic failuresOutlines a clear plan for future academic successConveys points in an honest tone In the sample letter below, Emma was dismissed after she ran into academic trouble because of difficulties at home. She uses her letter to explain the extenuating circumstances that caused her to perform below her potential. After reading the letter, be sure to read the discussion of the letter so that you understand what Emma does well in her appeal and what could use a little more work.   Emmas Appeal Letter ThoughtCo. Dear Dean Smith and Members of the Scholastic Standards Committee: I am writing to appeal my academic dismissal from Ivy University. I was not surprised, but very upset to receive a letter earlier this week informing me of my dismissal. Im writing with the hope that you will  reinstate me for next semester. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to explain my circumstances. I admit I had a very difficult time last semester, and my grades suffered as a result. I dont mean to make excuses for my poor academic performance, but I would like to explain the circumstances. I knew that registering for 18 credit hours in the spring would require a lot of me, but I needed to earn the hours so that I was on track to graduate on time. I thought I could handle the workload, and I still think I could have, except that my father became very ill in February. While he was home sick and unable to work, I had to drive home every weekend and some weeknights to help out with household duties and to care for my little sister. Needless to say, the hour-long drive each way cut into my study time, as did the chores I had to do at home. Even when I was at school, I was very distracted with the home situation and was unable to focus on my schoolwork. I understand now that I should have communicated with my professors (instead of avoiding them), or even taken a leave of absence. I thought I could handle all of these burdens, and I tried my best, but I was wrong. I love Ivy University, and it would mean so much to me to graduate with a degree from this school, which would make me the first person in my family to complete a college degree. If I am reinstated, I will focus much better on my schoolwork, take fewer hours, and manage my time more wisely. Fortunately, my father is recovering and has returned to work, so I should not need to travel home nearly as often. Also, I have met with my advisor, and I will follow her advice about communicating better with my professors from now on. Please understand that my low GPA that led to my dismissal does not indicate that I am a bad student. Really, Im a good student who had one very, very bad semester. I hope you will give me a second chance. Thank you for considering this appeal. Sincerely, Emma Undergrad A quick word of warning before we discuss the details of Emmas letter: Do not copy this letter or parts of this letter in your own appeal! Many students have made this mistake, and academic standards committees are familiar with this letter and recognize its language. Nothing will torpedo your appeal efforts faster than a plagiarized appeal letter. The letter needs to be your own. Critique of Sample Appeal Letter Any student who has been dismissed from college has an uphill battle to fight. The college has indicated that it lacks confidence in your ability to succeed academically, so the appeal letter must re-instill that confidence.   A successful appeal must demonstrate that you understand what went wrong, take responsibility for the academic failures, outline a clear plan for future academic success, and demonstrate that you are being honest with yourself and the committee. Many students who appeal an academic dismissal make the mistake of attempting to place the blame for their problems on someone else. Certainly external factors can contribute to academic failure, and it is fair to describe extenuating circumstances. However, it is important to own up to your own mistakes. In fact, acknowledging mistakes is a major sign of maturity. Remember that the appeals committee does not expect college students to be perfect; instead, they want to see that you recognize your mistakes and have learned from them. Emmas appeal succeeds fairly well in all of the above areas. First of all, she does not try to blame anyone but herself. She has extenuating circumstances- her fathers illness- and she is wise to explain them, but she doesnt make excuses. Instead, she acknowledges that she did not handle her situation well. She owns up to the fact that she should have been in contact with her professors when she was struggling, and ultimately should have withdrawn from classes and taken  a leave of absence  when her fathers illness started to dominate her life. The overall tone of Emmas letter is sincere. The committee now knows  why  Emma had such bad grades, and the reasons seem both plausible and pardonable. Assuming she did earn solid grades in her earlier semesters, the committee is likely to believe Emmas claim that she is a good student who had one very, very bad semester. Emma also presents a plan for her future success. The committee will be pleased to hear that she is communicating with her advisor. In fact, Emma would be wise to have her advisor write a letter of support to go with her appeal. A few elements of Emmas future plan could use a little more detail. She says that she will focus much better on [her] schoolwork and manage [her] time more wisely. The committee is likely to want to hear more on these points. If another family crisis arises, what will Emma do to ensure that she is able to stay focused on schoolwork? What is her time management plan? She wont become a better time manager simply be saying she will do so. How exactly is she going to learn and develop more effective time management strategies? Are there services at her school to help with her time management strategies? If so, she should mention those services and describe how she will utilize them. On the whole, Emma comes across as a student who deserves a second chance. Her letter is polite and respectful, and she is honest with the committee about what went wrong. A severe appeals committee may reject the appeal because of the mistakes Emma made, but many colleges would be willing to give her a second chance. More on Academic Dismissals Emmas letter provides a good example of a strong appeal letter, and these six tips for appealing an academic dismissal can help guide you as you craft your own letter. Also, there are many less sympathetic reasons for being kicked out of college than we see in Emmas situation. Jasons appeal letter takes on a more difficult task, for he was dismissed because alcohol took over his life and led to academic failure. Finally, if you want to see some common mistakes students make when appealing, check out Bretts weak appeal letter.

How Cell Phones Changed Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

How Cell Phones Changed Society - Essay Example The following research paper includes the positive impacts and how cell phones have changed the lives of the people living in society. Finally a conclusion has been drawn related to the research done (Glotz, Bertsch and Locke 220). Cell phones Cell phones mostly and primarily known as mobile phones can be said to be as a device that can receive and make calls using some radio link while moving along a wide geographic area. This is widely done using some mobile operator’s cellular network. As compared to this the cordless phone can be used only within a short range of single, base station, while the cell phone does not require and base station. Cell phones along with the telephone also have several other functionalities like text messaging, emailing, internet access, gaming, business applications, and photography and so on. The cell phone which provides these above mentioned capabilities are referred as smart phones. Cell phones have become the need of every individual in order to stay connected with the society. This has become one of the basic amenities of life for the modern society people. Cell phones tend to have several features which make them a need for the common man to use it in their day to day life (Horst and Miller 18). Cell phones have changed our society In the recent period, cell phones have become a staple need and necessity of society around the world. Since its beginning as a big and bulky device, cell phones have become a sleek and pocket sized device which is required in the day to day life of the people. The device has been conceptualized in the year 1947 and since the life of the people within the society has changed a lot. Cell phones in the current period have become the main means of communication for people around the globe. Cell phones have become the need of the day as they are now a day’s also said to be as the internet devices. Now a day’s lacks of people around the globe are using cell phones to surf internet, listening to music, checking emails. It the current society scenario it can be said that it can be feasible to live without computer, television or telephone, and still indulge and have all these luxuries provided by these devices, in the palm of one’s hand using cell phones (Ling 32). Cell phones has changed the society lived in the past earlier there was telephones that were used by people to contact others when they were at home but with the invention and wide spread use of cell phones it has made possible to contact person directly where ever they are. Cell phones have made people to be contacted 24*7 for 365 days a year. With the use of cell phones people can roam around the world with constant touch with their families and business people. The cell phone technology has provided us with convenience, safety, PDA’s, alarm clocks, high communication abilities and all these in just one device (Straubhaar, Larose and Davenport 276). Cell phones have changed the whole meaning of multitasking of what it was 20 years ago. This device has enabled people to do various and varying tasks at the same time and remaining in touch with the family members and friends without any limitation of the physical presence to remain in contact. It has changed the way people work. The introduction of cameras on mobile phones has led to creation of a generation of

Entrepreneurship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 15

Entrepreneurship - Essay Example e strengths and limitations of the business, primary areas where the entrepreneur requires in developing expertise and economic risks in starting the venture. It reflects the dynamic procedure of planning, and reviewing the agenda of the business over time. Business plan assists executive talents realize an entrepreneur’s idea and determine the viability of the business in investing resources and time. The two most crucial aspects of a business plan are mission statement or idea and information analysis. This is because a business plan states the mission or the idea of the business in a clear and brief manner. The business idea communicates the venture’s philosophy, ideas and core values. Organization information, on the other hand, communicates the organizational structure of the venture to investors and members. It also indicates the financial status, information flow, decision-making process and new ideas of the business. Gumbert, David , Harold Klein, and Robin Sands. How to Really Create a Successful Business Plan: The Importance of a Business Plan in Building Your Business : [the Essential Elements of a Great Plan]. Boston, Mass.: Inc. Magazine,

Water Pollution and Drinking Water Safety Research Paper

Water Pollution and Drinking Water Safety - Research Paper Example The earth surface is 72% water most of it in liquid form. Drinking is a major use of water and, this draws the boundary between clean and polluted water. Water pollution is the introduction of foreign substance or contaminant on natural water sources such as rivers and lakes. Water pollution is a life-threatening problem and it has been attributed to civilization and increased human activities. Water that is available for drinking is continuously replaced by polluted water. This essay will investigate the implication of water pollution on drinking water. Different forms of water pollution can broadly be classified as natural and artificial pollution. Natural pollution is the introduction of foreign substance on water bodies through natural processes. This includes water pollution through soil erosion and other biological process such as decay. On the other hand, artificial pollution is the introduction of pollutant into water bodies through human activities. This includes intentional and unintentional dumping of material in water bodies. Industrial wastes, raw sewerage, agricultural chemicals, and domestic refuse are the main artificial water pollutant. Water pollution can be either point source or non point source. Point source water pollution refers to the entry of pollution through a single or a major point (Postel 97). This is a major characteristic for pollution caused by industrial waste. Non point source pollution refers to the introduction of pollutant through a multiple points. This is a major source of pollution for water bodies such as rivers passing through urban centers. The high rate of pollution of surface water has increased the importance of underground water as a source of drinking water. Unlike surface water, ground water is free from artificial pollution. However, ground water is prone to natural pollutant that makes it unsafe for drinking. Chemical substance such as sodium, iron, and manganese are the main pollutant of ground water. The lev el of concentration these substance determines the level of water pollution (Postel 91). In most cases, chemical pollution of ground water reaches severe levels making it unsafe for human consumption. This indicates that pollution is a major problem and a problem that threatens humanity. Pollution of ground water contributes to the scarcity of drinking water since ground water is the only alternative for safe drinking water that people have. Impacts of water pollution Pollution depletes water that is available for human consumption or for drinking. This is a problem of particular interest to developed countries. Despite being developed, people in these countries do not have access to drinking water due to pollution. India and China leads other countries in terms of water pollution and scarcity of safe drinking water. This is a contradiction since countries like China have abundant fresh water sources. Similarly, India has massive water resources despite its rivers being among the mo st polluted. Lack of safe drinking water in these countries is well indicated by the number of deaths that results from water poisoning (Cloete 104). It is estimated that in India 14, 000 people die annually due to water poisoning. The children are the most affected by lack of safe drinking water. Currently the country’s medical facilities handle over 1000 cases resulting from water related problems. Most of these cases are fatal and they cause most infant deaths. A survey carried by Habitat for Humanity on water bodies in US indicated that 47% of lakes in the country are at a severe state of pollution. In addition, 32% of bays and estuarine are polluted. This statistics shows that the countries suffer from acute water pollution a

Impact of Globalization on Translation

Impact of Globalization on Translation Introduction Under the circumstances of globalization, the demand for high-quality and high- speed translations has been increasing worldwide. Satisfying these demands may result of the increasing of time and cost for translators and translation companies. Thus how enhance the quality and productivity with low cost is one of the problems. In order to achieve the time and cost saving, the computer assisted translation (CAT) tools is playing an important role in translation industry. The CAT tools enabling to cover the whole translation process at a time has been created and commercialized by the language industry in recent decades (Austermuhl, 2001). Amongst translation tools, translation memory (TM) systems are considered as the effective tools due to increasing translation productivity by offering previous translation automatically (Austermuhl, 2001). However, there are various TM systems worldwide and which is the most effective may vary depends on individual requirements such as language syste m or text types. This essay will attempt to assess two TM systems, SDL Trados Studio and Wordfast classic, by comparing each feature of operational functions. To compare and assess two TM systems, the concept of TM systems, features of respective TM systems first will be explained as background knowledge of the discussion in this essay. The outline of TM systems Translation memory is a database of multilingual texts which allow to storage both the source and target text segments in parallel and retrieved accordance with the set criteria (Austermuhl 2001 cites Expert Advisory Group on Language Engineering Standards, EAGLES ). Namely, the target text is first divided into segment units and stored in TM through translation process. These stored segments are available to be reused for the new translation project. If the segments stored in TM are perfectly matched or similar to the new source text, TM offers the previous translations automatically to a translator. The translator can decide whether these offered translations should be accepted or not. Also it is possible to revise the previous translations in TM through and after translation. Esselink (2000) points out some disadvantage of TM as follows: The Final layout of translated text is not displayed until finishing the translation. In this case, proofreading after the translation is required. Some problems may occur in TM management, especially in the case of multilingual project. Revising TM after re-converted into the original style is not available, namely, in order to update TM, the translated file is required to be converted into TMs acceptable format again. Time consuming due to the requirement of converting the source text into the appropriate format for translation. TM filter is not updated when the source text is a new file format. As a result, some arrangement is required in order to be accepted. Changing the structure of the text is not available within paragraph. It is necessary to create the file filter depend on the file format if it is different from the default. Considering above mentions, he (2000) suggests that the material text should be examined before translation, and translators should decide whether to use TM, because in some cases, translating without TM is more effective than using TM system. Meanwhile, TM has recognized as effective and time-saving technology for massive translations, especially technical or manual text which include some repetitive use of technical terminology (Mitkov 2007). This is mostly due to the effectiveness against reducing duplicative work and to enhance the uniformity of terms. For example, in the case of the continuous translation project of the specific field, the TM is offered to the translator and the technical terms will be transferred from TM precisely to the new source text. By this means, TM allows translators to share the unique terminology used in the specific field and contributes to maintain the translation quality. The specific features of Wordfast Classic TM operational functions Wordfast Classic is defined as a CAT tool designed as a Microsoft Wordâ„ ¢ add-on. Its lightweight, flexible structure makes it easy to install and use (Wordfast 2010). This CAT tool comprises some useful operational functions, such as terminology management, importing exporting glossary and TM, document conversion, analysis and alignment (Wordfast 2010). Amongst the operational functions, some beneficial features of Wordfast Classic will be explained here. ITI Bulletin (2006) points out that Wordfast Classic is simple to use, which can not only apply to Word but also to Power Point, Access and Excel files by connecting directly with Word application interface. It is also compatible with other machine translation programs such as PowerTranslatorâ„ ¢ and other CAT tools such as Trados, by converting TM into another format which is appropriate for respective program and exporting it (ITI Bulletin 2006). Importing other TM to Wordfast is also available (ITI Bulletin 2006). In addition, alignment function allows editing the translation stored in TM after translation. Since this CAT tool is available of free download to own computer with some limitations, those who are considering to use this tool can try and examine how useful or not for them before paid registration(ITI Bulletin 2006). If download PlusToolsâ„ ¢ and add-in to the source document, Wordfast Classic is available for a variety of file format from HTML/ XLM to other tagged files (Miller 2002). However, there are some important reminders for using Wordfast Classic. One of them is that it is necessary to do clean-up TM after translation for updating the TM database (Miller 2002). Since database is stored as txt. format, revising the translated text is possible without Wordfast (Miller 2002). Thus translators tend to forget to update TM and glossary. As a result, the accuracy of TM will be lost and TM can not apply to other new translation project. The specific features of Trados TM operational functions Trados TM which comprising the source and target segments, is created in the Translation Memories view (Trados 2010). Respective segment pair of the source and target is called a translation unit and it is possible to add some information for each translation unit such as when it was created and updated, and who created it (Trados 2010). Thus it might be useful to manage the translation history. The translation unit is displayed in parallel, which is conducive to comparison of the source and target segment when editing. There are three types of matching function: fuzzy, context and 100% match (Trados 2010). Although the default of Fuzzy matching rate is set at 70% or over, this rate is able to be changed (Trados 2010). Context match is applied when the source text and TM segment match perfectly and have the same context (Trados 2010). 100%match means the source text segment match exactly with the TM segment (Trados 2010). In terms of the segmentation, Trados can customise the segmentation rules depend on respective languages; Chinese, French, English, German, Spanish and Japanese, which are supported by Trados (Trados 2010). Therefore, there is not required to adjust the segmentation each time. As mentioned above, fuzzy match is applied when the matching rate is 70% or over (Trados 2010). This indicates that if the matching rate between the source and the TM segment is less than 70%, TM will not return any translation (Trados 2010). Therefore, if preferring more or less than 70% matching customise of the fuzzy matching rate should be required. Comparison of feature between Wordfast and Trados TM With the avobe description as background, the feature of Wordfast and Trados TM will be compared and assessed. First of all, in terms of using TM in othe tranlation tools, both Wordfast and Trados can import/ export TM database by converting the file type into the acceptable format for respective TM. For example, Wordfast TM is stored in txt. format, while Trados TM is stored in sdltm. format. If converting Trados TM to Wardfast, it is necessary to export to a tmx.file. Then open it with MS Word and open Wordfast, then select it as TM. Likewise, Wordfast also can export its TM by converting TM into tmx.format, open Trados, creating new empty TM and import the txt.file. Secondly, although creating or opening Wordfast TM is almost as simple as that of Trados, Trados TM is enriched with various optional functions, such as Enable character-based concordance search and fuzzy match threshold, compared with Wordfast. However, when compareing the source segment with target segment for translaiton, Wordfast seems to be more useful than Trados. In wordfast, the segment is highlighted with gray color and it is not allowed to jump sentences till click the icon which represent to confirmation each time. By contrast, Trados does not have any specific functions which privent from moving to the next segment. As a result, skipping segment sometimes occur in Trados. Since generally translation project have a tendency to demand for high-speed and quality, translators are often forced to work long hours a day. This will result in a higher rate of translation leakage. Finally, while Wordfast can not allow a user to confirm the translated text layout during translation, Trados can display the finished translation within the edditing window. Therefore, the TM user can available to confirm the translated text layout even during translation. This display function of Trados might be effective to time saving, because the mistranslations or text layout and presentation can be recognized easily and translating and modifying can be available simultaneously in the editing window. Conclusion Although Wordfast and Trados share certain simiralities in those operational functions such as the availability of importing/ exporting TM, some merit and demerit of respective TM were also recognized. It is difficult to recommend which is more excellent CAT tool, bacause the detarmination of merit and demerit is affected by the situation. In the case of the massive translation team project, Trados may be more effective than Wordfast due to a variety of optional function. On the contrary, if translating relatively simple and short text, Wordfast may be convenience due to its simplicity of program configuration process. Therfore, it might be significant to examine which CAT tool is suitable for the translation text or project.

How Democratic Is the American Constitution? Essay -- Book Reviews Rob

Robert Dahl's book How Democratic is the American Constitution, reminds us that the American Constitution wasn't the only possible base for a democratic system in America. In this book Dahl explains some of the democratic and undemocratic aspects of the American constitution. He also explains what should be changed to improve it. In chapter 2, Dahl begins explaining about the Framers of the constitution who had the task of basically creating a new government that combated all of the problems of the new United States of America. The Framers desperately needed to gather knowledge on how to go about creating a new society but, there was very little information that would help them. Dahl then listed a few events in history that if the Framers knew about it would have significantly changed the way the constitution was created. First, there was a peaceful democratic revolution which altered the way the constitutional system would work. Second, during this revolution new political institutions would be created, this would significantly alter the way the Framers setup their framework of...