Marketing and Unilever free essay sample

Their mission is â€Å"TO ADD VATILTIY TO LIFE† UNILEVER INTERNATIONAL HISTORY †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Unilever is a multi-national corporation, It was created in 1930 by the Lever Brothers and Dutch margarine. Today the company is fully multinational with operating companies in over 100 countries, Employing about 179000 employees With 400 brands spanning 14 categories of home, personal care and foods products, no other company touches so many peoples ives in so many different ways. From feeding one’s family to keeping one’s home clean and fresh, Unilever brands are part of everyday life. †¢ UNILEVER PAKISTAN LIMITED †¢ †¢ †¢ Lever brothers was established in Pakistan in 1958 first site in Pakistan was RAHIM YAR KHAN Largest FMCG company now operating at six locations in Pakistan The enjoys a leading position in most of its core Home and Personal Care and Foods categories, e. g. Personal Wash, Personal Care, Laundry, Beverages (Tea) and Ice Cream. It operates through 4 regional offices, as well as 4 wholly owned and 6 third party manufacturing sites across Pakistan. We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing and Unilever or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page †¢ SUNSILK †¢Launched in 1954, in the UK, sun silk had quickly become Unilever’s leading international shampoo brand. By 1959, it was available in eighteen countries worldwide. †¢In the 1980’s, Pakistan had a largely under-developed market in terms of personal care products. †¢The launch of Sun silk in 1983 introduced FMCG industry in Pakistan to redefine the lives of its people. BCG MATRIX OF UNILEVER BCG MATRIX OF UNILEVER STARS High growth rate high market share QUESTION MARK High growth rate low market share CASHCOW Low growth rate high market share DOG Low growth rate low market share PRODUCT SUNSILK is one of the star Products of Unilever, and comes under the category of personal care products. Variant: Soft and smooth Label color: Yellow Benefit: Keep hair strong and beautiful Variant: Black Label Color : Black Benefit: Rich and shine black hair Variant: Soft and smooth Label Color : Pink Benefit: Shiny and beautiful dry hair Variant: Long and thick Label Color : Green Benefit: Shiny manageable thin and limb and thin hair Variant: Damage Repair Label Color : Orange Benefit: damage Repair Shampoo Variant: Anti dandruff Label Color : Blue Benefit: removes dandruff SUNSILK SHAMPOO 400g 100g 200g 6ml PRICE SUNSILK is the market leader and it therefore sets the market price. SUNSILK SHAMPOO Rs 200 to Rs 300 PKR Rs 150 to Rs 170 PKR 400g Rs 88 to Rs 95 PKR 200g Rs 5 PKR (Sachet) 100g 6ml PLACE SUNSILK available in all †¢ †¢ Small stores Supermarkets †¢ Utility stores †¢ General Stores †¢ Medical stores †¢ Shopping malls PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES †¢Door to Door Services †¢One -On -One Selling †¢Special Channel Distribution †¢Road Shows †¢Schools programs †¢Spot Selling †¢Store Intercepts †¢Stall activities †¢In store conversions †¢Television advertisement †¢Product labels †¢Websites †¢Call centers †¢Free washes and gift hampers SEGMENTATION SUNSILK shampoo will be using gender and age as the basis for segmentation. †¢ This segmentation is demographic. †¢ Market age of segmentation of female of age 16-21, then 21-40 and then above 40. TARGETTING †¢ Main target market is Females between age 16-40 but they target the whole market. POSITIONING †¢ When every young adult want to give himself a new look , SUNSILK offers him FAMILY SIZE bottle in 165 PKR. †¢ It changes packing and size to attract new customers DIFFERENTIATION †¢ It does different things like gang of girls. †¢ It offers expertise of hair care experts. The product is relevant among wide masses because of its quality, affordability and constant innovation. †¢ Hierarchy is horizontal so that all the managers have good collaboration with each other that’s why UNILEVERS hierarchy is so much supportive in this regard. SUPPLIER †¢ They have no threat from supplier’s specifically as they have made a contract with suppliers. †¢They gave them raw material like chemical’s other thing’s. MARKET INTERMEDIREIS †¢ As far as financial intermediaries concern, UNILEVER have good name in this matter. They are using old chain with the popularity of their product’s. CUSTOMER †¢ They are well defining with their target market and market segmentation. †¢ Unilever? s product is neither gender specific nor for only one social class. So, we have enough people to cater with. PUBLIC †¢ Public is interested in their product as it may bring a financial interest to our stakeholders and other major factor of this is our media public. †¢ It’s a very good source for them as it lounge under unilever’s company n a very respectable product SUNSILK. The product of UNILEVER (SUNSILK) is not for the specific age, it covers the following area †¢Female †¢Male †¢Kids †¢So the demographic area is huge for that product ECONOMIC †¢ As the social class we cater are economically sound and the product of UNILEVER is give also comfort with respect to prices. NATURAL †¢ Our natural environment is quite sound in this regard. As the raw material we use is nether injurious to health nor damages the environment. †¢So people prefer to use that of product . TECHNOLOGICAL Unilever is using latest technology for making the product and for handing the operations. Technology helps in making the products and fulfilling the demands on time.

Running of Multinational Internet Firm

Running of Multinational Internet Firm Introduction Running a multinational internet firm necessitates a clear understanding of increased existence of values within the diverse cultures involved in the online business. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Running of Multinational Internet Firm specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The subsystems of the firm have to adjust to an effective organizational structure in order to facilitate different values in the organization. Effective integration of values can be achieved by increasing knowledge in leadership, as this helps in highlighting the changes that are taking place in a given segment. This goes along with creating competent staff as well as evaluating the structure used in relation to the organizational culture. But what type of structure best suits multinational internet retailer? How can someone build a diverse culture that creates room for creativity amongst the technical staff? And how would someone eval uate the success of organizational structure and culture? Type of Structure That Would Best Suit Multinational Internet Retailer In the recent past, it has come to the attention of multinational internet retailers that a number of cultural practices affect their business operations, namely, language used, religion, laws and politics, the level of education, social organizations, and technology, among others (Weitz, 2002). And in this regard, a vast majority of the multinational internet retailers has taken the initiative of evaluating organizational structure that would best suit multinational organizations. The fact that understanding customers’ needs enhances productivity and better management of a given firm makes regionalized organizational structure best suited to a multinational internet retailer. This emanates from the fact that a regionalized organizational structure creates an avenue for corporate culture, thus facilitating decision-making process for each segment. More so, a regionalized organizational structure is in a position of recognizing synergies, and this makes it easier to reform them. It works under the platform of midway between the centralization and decentralization, thus facilitating local operations that are based on a global framework.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In addition, a regionalized organizational structure suits a multinational internet retailer because, despite the fact that it would want to operate under a centralized structure in a bid to retain the company’s values and standards, it is extremely hard to achieve organizational goals due to differences in culture and economic status between diverse countries across the globe (Weitz, 2002). Hence, a multinational internet retailer can only acquire speed and comprehensive information of diverse cultural practices and economic capabiliti es of different regions by strategically placing several regional headquarters, especially in areas characterized by diversity. How Would You Recommend Building a Culture That is Inclusive of Diverse Cultures and Accommodates Highly Creative Technical Staff? In order for an organization to achieve long-term benefits and survival, it must learn how to build a culture that accommodates diverse cultures and highly creative technical staff. However, even though diversity is characterized by innovation, it does not mean that any organization characterized by diversity has creative technical staff (Mead, 2005). Therefore, it is of utmost importance for multinational companies to not only entertain diversity but also acquire knowledge on how diversity can lead to creativity. This knowledge should involve two major factors: accommodating core beliefs of workers and formulating global goals. In accommodating core beliefs of workers, the management should highlight workers beliefs with regar d to performance achievement, enhance their faith in education by revealing perseverance, exhibit equal value for each worker, and encourage collaboration through promoting inquiry and teamwork that facilitates implementation of new practices (Mead, 2005). global goals, on the other hand, can be achieved by enhancing an effective leadership program that promotes diversity in workplace, increasing the level of engaging employees in the decision making process, increasing the level of challenges in the multinational firm, offering bonus for challenging jobs, and enhancing technology in the operations of the multinational organization (Mead, 2005). How Would You Measure The Success Of Your Organizational Design In Structure And Culture? It is of utmost importance for the management of multinational firms to note that even though cultural diversity is closely associated with performance improvement, it is also faced with a number of challenges. With this is mind, the measurement of suc cess of an organizational structure and culture should emanate from assessing the impact of culture on the organizational structure adapted, assessing the impact of culture while adapting to a new organizational structure, and assessing the impact of culture on performance of the organization (Mead, 2005).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Running of Multinational Internet Firm specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is a fact that multinational organizations are greatly influenced by the culture of people within a given locality. For instance, developed countries are more inclined to coming up with products that take due diligence in environmental conservation than the developing countries. Therefore, the structure adapted by a multinational organization can be termed as successful if it takes consideration of people’s culture living in a particular locality. The impact of culture while adapting to a new organiza tional structure should also be measured since cultural diversity without innovativeness does not amount to profitability (Mead, 2005). The multinational organizations are normally characterized by changes, and therefore they change their vision and mission overtime. In this regard, the structure adapted by a multinational organization can be termed as successful if the workers are ready to approve the innovative ways of carrying out business operations. Culture plays a crucial role on performance of an organization, and this necessitates coming up with an organizational structure that shares a common organizational culture. This emanates from the fact that organizations that lack a discernable culture are characterized by unpredictable performance (Mead, 2005). Therefore, the structure adapted by a multinational organization can be termed as successful if workers from diverse cultures are able to resolve their differences to a level where they can achieve a common ground. Referen ces Mead, R. (2005). International management: Cross-cultural dimensions. Malden, Mass: Blackwell.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Weitz, B. A., Wensley, R. (2002). Handbook of marketing. London: SAGE.

Explain the different rules and approaches taken by judges when Essay

Explain the different rules and approaches taken by judges when interpreting an Act of Parliament, giving examples from case law, and critically analyse their advantages and disadvantages - Essay Example These rules were developed many years ago in the English law and have been used through the doctrines of stare decisis and judicial precedent. Historically, there are various reasons why there may be need for interpreting statutes. One reason is that people making and drafting the laws may, sometimes fail to give meaning to certain words that they are necessarily implied. In other cases, the rules may be described by broad terms and judges have the discretion of give meanings depending on the prevailing situations. In other instances, certain words may be ambiguous. On the same note, development of situations and prevailing circumstances are often unforeseeable hence need for interpretation of the situations. Lastly, certain errors may occur during drafting and inadequate wordings which may call for interpretation by the judges (TOLLEY 2009). This rule received its foundation in the 16th century in the Heydon’s case( 1584). The judge relayed several rules that should be used for mischief rule to be effective. The courts consider the common law before the enactment of the legislation. Secondly, the courts normally consider the defect that the inception of the law was supposed to tackle. Thirdly, the courts consider the remedy that parliament had in mind while making the law. Fourthly, the judges have a duty to ensure that they recognise the significance of the remedy and make any necessary rulings that would counter the mischief that the law sought to rectify (SPICER et al 2006). During the formulation of the mischief rule, most of the laws that the court relied on were common law developed through precedent, and not parliament legislations. In that regard the use of the concept was still new and has changed over time. In Smith v Hughes of (1960), the court deliberated on this issue. In this case, contrary to the provisions of the law that prohibited soliciting for prostitution within premises and streets, the

Thorstein Veblen Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Thorstein Veblen Paper - Essay Example In his first, famous book, the theory of Leisure Class, he coined the system of spending as being â€Å"conspicuous consumption†. He was intensely critical of businessperson concerning their greedy and the tendency of spending money for things, which are not even productive. Thorstein Veblen described the wealthy class using hyperbole and some humours in order to show hierocracies of people who are wealthy. This paper will try to analyze the impacts of economics that Thorstein Veblen has contributed to, in the field of the economics (Peil, 2009, p.121). Impact of Thorstein Veblen in the field of economics Veblen in the field of economics makes his readers aware of American small-scale, which was intensely competitive was giving its ways for the large-scale monopoly trusts. He further explained by emphasizing that the monopolistic practices administered prices, which meant that, there was a charge in what the traffic will bear; as well as, the limitations of producing high qual ity for the sake of raising the prices and maximizing the profits. However, the case of the emergence of the leisure class which led to wasteful as well as, conspicuous consumption for status. ... While technological knowledge to be the common stock that is held as well as, carried forward by the community collectively, but it is not a creative achievement of the individuals who are working in isolation of self-sufficiently (Veblen, 2004, p. 103). Veblen continued to argue that every new invention in addition to innovation comes in, to a given degree, which is made by individuals. However, he is a social individual because every change made must always be made by individuals who are immersed in a community plus exposing to disciplines of the group life because it runs in the community and all life are group life. Subsequently, welfares that are generated by the social wealth are substitutes to the material output; however, it is a necessary condition, which is suggested to be for the long-term developments of the material output (Krugman, 2009, p.124) The bonds of interaction may be fragile, while the human society may be at a lower level of development if there fails to be st ructures of the community as well as, trust. Technology knowledge has become a common theme that is used in economics today. However, the study shows that, in some states for example Kerala, which is in India, the social wealth provided a foundation for high standards of living but less Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. A similar notion that seemed to have the same meaning to that of Veblen was developed. The notion was all about the social structures of schools accumulations. The institution is that to be suitable for providing a reproductive foundation for the growth and accumulation, since social wealth is able to promote growth at the same time to be essential to dimensions of the quality life. He explains further by analyzing that when

Assessing Learners in Lifelong Learning Essay Example for Free

Assessing Learners in Lifelong Learning Essay Critical reflection is an important aspect of teaching and learning effectively; as stated by Petty (2009:520) ‘as you reflect, your ‘theory in use’ improves, and so you become not only more effective, but also more adaptable and better able to solve problems.’ Through critically reflecting on your own practice, you become more able as a teacher and thereby improving your learner’s ability to achieve. This unit will be exploring assessment by way of critical analysis and evaluation. 1.a) How you select and apply assessment types and methods to meet the needs of learners, ensuring that the assessment evidence that is produced is valid, reliable, sufficient, authentic and current. Due to the vast array of assessment types and methods available, it is important that I research effectively which assessment methods and types meet the needs of my learners. Within AS and A Level Psychology that I teach, there are formal assessment methods used at the end of topics and the course that are marked in accordance with AQA guidelines. These tend to be similar methods of summative assessment, including mock exams and essays, as these are the most appropriate and effective methods of summative assessment in terms of what my learners need to know. However, upon exploring assessment in more details, it is clear that I could diversify in terms of the summative assessment methods I use. As stated within DTTLS Course Day Five Reflective Journal; ‘Whilst I am quite diverse with regards to formative assessment, I tend to use the same assessment methods with my learners for summative assessment. This is normally case studies and essays at the end of topics, and mock exams at the end of modules. Even though I understand that the reason I do this is to ensure that learners are prepared for their exam at the end of the year, I am not developing my learners as fully as I can.’ This has become an area of development for me for future planning and preparation; ‘As a result, I will be exploring ways to increase diversity within my summative assessment methods over the next few months.’ (DTTLS Course Day Five Reflective Journal). Through exploring summative assessment and researching this in more detail, I have been able to use different methods of summative  assessment to ensure that it meets the needs of learners and the course type; ‘The latter part of this session involved learners working together to present the three definitions of abnormality. In order to meet the needs of learners, I ensured that all learners were involved in presenting a different definition of abnormality than the one they completed the leaflet on. This is to ensure that learners get maximum exposure to the different definitions and are able analyse and evaluate at least two effectively.’ (Session 6 Self Evaluation Form, Individual Differences, 27/03/14). Through mixing up the assessment methods, so that learners were able display what they had learnt through written English, verbally and using ICT to produce a PowerPoint presentation ensured that this form of summative assessment at the end of the topic meet the needs of all learners within my learning environment. By giving learners the opportunity to present the definitions of abnormality in a variety of ways at the end of a topic enabled me as a teacher to identify whether learners had acquired the correct type and quantity of knowledge, and by not giving them a mark or grade ensured that they did not feel in competition with each other, or that they were being compared to other peers by way of national standards (Petty, 2009). By researching assessment and using a variety of formative assessment methods to assess learners during the courses and subjects that I run within my organisation, I am more able to identify those assessment methods that meet the needs of learners as well as the requirements of the course. This is supported by knowledge obtained on informal assessment. For example, ‘Such informal assessment includes question and answer to confirm understanding, which I use regularly throughout the session plans†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..This is largely due to ensuring that I getting immediate feedback on what learners know so I can check understanding to ensure that all learners have grasped the concept, to work individually with learners that have not, and enable those learners that have to move on. This is to ensure that I am meeting all learners’ needs, and engaging learners effectively.’ (Session 7 and 8 Self Evaluation Form, Positively Girls, 27/06/14). Ensuring that assessment types and methods are valid, current and reliable is an important factor and is an area I have identified for improvement within  my own self reflections; ‘In order to ensure that I am assessing effectively, I should be reviewing my assessment methods regularly to ensure that they are fair, valid, reliable and ethical (Gravells, a. 2012). This will be an area of development for me for future sessions and topics.’ (Session 7 and 8 Self Evaluation Form, Positively Girls, 27/06/14). Through completion of DTTLS Day Courses, I have become more confident in identifying assessment methods that are valid; ‘Working with the whole group on assessment methods we currently use was an activity that was useful in exploring how we all use assessment, as well as reinforcing how I use assessment. When I was discussing an assessment method I used to test learners knowledge of validity and reliability, I felt more confident when encouraged by my other membe rs of the group that it was a valid assessment method.’ (DTLLS Course, Day Five Reflective Journal). Having discussed in detail assessment on Day Five DTLLS Course has given me more confidence in identifying current, reliable and up to date assessment methods; ‘Another group activity that I found helped to encourage deeper understanding and acquisition of knowledge of assessment was exploring what things assessment criteria should be. Within the group, we came up with some key words that we felt were important, such as validity, reliability, up to date/current, reliable, specific and achievable. Anne then put up on the window other things that assessment criteria should be, and this enabled me to acquire more knowledge about assessment criteria. I hadn’t thought about transparency as part of assessment criteria before, and thinking through the variety of topics within assessment criteria, I was able to understand more clearly expectations of assessment. As a result of this, I am becoming more aware within my teaching practice of why assessment is used and what assessmen t criteria are about. I now feel more able to develop methods of assessment more effectively using this.’ (DTLLS Course, Day Five Reflective Journal). I feel that I am becoming more aware of how to use assessment within my teaching and learning so that it is effective, reliable, and current and meets the needs of learners. Trying out assessment methods and types is an area that I have been exploring, as supported by evidence within self reflections; ‘Trying out different assessment methods is supported by Petty, G (2009), whereby through trial and error of resources, teaching and learning methods and assessment, we are able to, as practitioners, develop  learners holistically and enable them to achieve their full potential.’ (Session 5 and 6 Self Evaluation Form, Positively Girls, 26/06/14). Through trial and error, I have been able to adapt session plans and schemes of work to ensure that a variety of assessment types and methods are used; ‘Within the session plans that I have created, I have given myself various opportunities to assess learners. Having explored the difference between formal and informal assessment has enabled me to become more confident in how I assess learners; I use a variety of informal assessments throughout my session plans’ (Session 7 and 8 Self Evaluation Form, Positively Girls, 27/06/14) 1.b) ways of using peer and self assessment to promote learner involvement and personal responsibility in the assessment for and of their learning Throughout my teaching and learning practice, I regularly use self and peer assessment to promote learner involvement; ‘I also observe learners when they are peer assessing, completing activities through role play or discussion so I can see informally how learners are getting to grips with knowledge and whether they are able to apply it effectively.’ (Session 7 and 8 Self Evaluation Form, Positively Girls, 27/06/14). Looking at prior self-evaluations and self-reflections has enabled me to focus on peer-assessment specifically within my teaching practice; ‘Through exploring previous self-evaluations, and identifying areas of development, I focused on identifying ways to encourage more peer assessment.’ (Session 5 and 6 Self Evaluation Form, Relationships, 25/06/14). When identifying ways to introduce peer and self-assessment, it is important to ensure that any disadvantages are considered and thought through; ‘Through researching both self and peer asse ssment, it has been indicated that learners are more likely to be harder on themselves than on others (Hillier, Y 2002. ‘Reflective Teaching in further and adult education)’ (Session 5 and 6 Self Evaluation Form, Relationships, 25/06/14). The research that I have conducted into peer assessment gave me the knowledge to trial it as an assessment method within my teaching practice; ‘In order for learners to feel more confident, as well as give them new ways to reflect and assess on others work and equip them with more life skills, and a as result of the  research I have undertaken, I opted to explore the use of peer assessment more regularly first. Within my session plan, there were several ways that I enabled this to take place. For example, when learners were trying to meet learning objective ‘Demonstrate understanding of relationship breakdown through research and context’ learners had the opportunity to present findings back to the class, and other learners to give feedback.’ (Session 5 and 6 Self Evaluation Form, Relationships, 25/06/14). This activity enabled learners to assess each other’s learning within the session, and gave them the opportunity to critically consider other lea rner’s work. Within this session, I have also shown how peer assessment can be used to promote learner involvement; ‘This worked quite well, as learners were very positive about their peers, but due to having spent nearly a year with this class, most felt comfortable to give constructive feedback. I was surprised at the level of maturity that learners displayed, and everyone participated well.’ (Session 5 and 6 Self Evaluation Form, Relationships, 25/06/14). Self-assessment also has many advantages as an assessment method within teaching and learning; When supporting learners to achieve objective ‘demonstrate understanding of learning objectives’ they were given key questions to answer, and then a model answer sheet for learners themselves to ascertain whether they had been correct. This enabled the learners within my classroom to clarify goals and make a judgement about their own work (Petty, 2009).’ (Session 3 and 4 Self Evaluation Form, Positively Girls, 25/06/ 14). Through self- assessment, learners within this session developed skills that they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to; ‘learners discussed with their peers their answers, and this encouraged deeper thinking, and therefore, retention, about what they had learnt in this session.’ (Session 3 and 4 Self Evaluation Form, Positively Girls, 25/06/14). It also gave learners personal responsibility for their learning; ‘It appeared that giving learner’s responsibility for their own learning through self-assessment motivated them to do well.’ (Session 3 and 4 Self Evaluation Form, Positively Girls, 25/06/14). Throughout exploring self and peer-assessment with my learners, I have been able to promote learning, motivate learners and engage them for significant amounts of time; ‘Through self and peer assessment in these sessions, it is clear that learners are more engaged and making significant progress in understanding what emotional  and physical health is, as well as identifying when emotional or physical health is not at its optimum level.’ (Session 5 and 6 Self Evaluation Form, Positively Girls, 26/06/14) I have been able to identify many benefits to learners through the use of self and peer-assessment, and will be continuing to use and develop these as assessment methods within my session plans and schemes of work. 1.c) how questioning and feedback contributes to the assessment process Questioning and feedback contribute to the assessment process in a variety of ways. Within the learning environment itself, questioning techniques have been shown to have positive impact on learners progress in terms of assessment; ‘I used questioning techniques, such as prompting and re-directing when learners were not relating feedback specifically to the presentation, and this enabled learners to stay on track (Reece and Walker, 2007).’ (Session 5 and 6 Self Evaluation Form, Relationships, 25/06/14). This enables learners to engage in the topic at hand and successfully complete the assessment activity. Questioning effectively also enables learners to identify areas that they need to acquire more knowledge on, and to identify how they are doing in terms of assessment Tummons, 2011). Through research and knowledge acquired on assessment and questioning, ‘I have been able to encourage learners to think more deeply by how I question them based on knowledge obtained from concepts on deep and surface learning (Reece, I. And Walker, S. 2007). (Session 7 and 8 Self Evaluation Form, Positively Girls, 27/06/14) This has contributed positively to the assessment process as learners are re-directed and re-focused to the topic at hand, and are given immediate feedback on their discussions via questioning. Feedback to learners is an important part of the assessment process, as it enables learners to develop and grow by providing them with constructive information about how they are doing and how they could do better, as well as providing guidance and support where needed (Tummons, 2011). It is important that feedback given is positive and constructive, and that learners do not feel demoralised or overwhelmed as a result of feedback; Learners that were presenting were pleased with their feedback, and also had areas for development for future presentations.’ (Session 5 and 6 Self Evaluation Form, Relationships, 25/06/14). I have researched the  importance of feedback to learners and have tried to ensure throughout my teaching and learning practice that I give effective feedback to learners; ‘I was able to provide constructive feedback to learners one on one as well as a group, supporting their discussion and providing appropriate feedback so that learners were able to identify if they were completing the activity correctly, and support and guidance given to them if they were not. I am realising the importance of feedback from and to learners and am exploring ways to increase formative assessment throughout the session so that I can pick up learner’s difficulties more quickly and get them back on track (Hillier, Y 2005. ‘Reflective Teaching in Further and Adult Education’).’ (Session 4 and 5 Self Evaluation Form, Individual Differences, 25/03/14). Feedback from the learners themselves is an important aspect of the assessment process, as without their input, it would b e very difficult as a practitioner to identify what your learners enjoyed, engaged in, found difficult etc†¦. Feedback should be clear and unambiguous, understood by learners, timely, and delivered appropriately (Tummons, 2011). I continually ask learners for feedback through the courses and subjects that I deliver to ensure that assessment is effective and meets requirements of feedback as stated above; ‘Following previous self-reflections completed within my teaching file on evaluation of topics, I asked all learners to complete an anonymous evaluation at the end of the last session in order for learners to let me know their views on how the session had been planned and delivered, the use of resources, assessment at the beginning, during and at the end of the topic, and how inclusive teaching and learning approaches were within the sessions.’ (Session 7 and 8 Self Evaluation Form, Positively Girls, 27/06/14). I have found that, by asking learners for feedback, it increases their self-esteem and confidence, as they feel that they have an input into how they are being taught and assessed, and this in turn, has a positive impact on their motivation, which is an important aspect of feedback that I have noted within self-reflections; I will be using comments made within their feedback for future sessions, as it is important for learners to feel that they are being listened to, and how they feel they work best (Armitage et al, 2012. ‘Teaching and Training in Lifelong Learning’). (Session 5 and 6 Self Evaluation Form, Relationships, 25/06/14). Lastly, questioning and feedback not only contributes to the assessment process, but to my own  professional development, and how I provide feedback to others; ‘It also gave me insight into critical evaluation of myself and others; this task enable me to explore giving feedback to others and being able to do so supportively, and positi vely’.(Day Four Reflective Journal) 2.a) the assessment requirements and related procedures of your learning programme The learning programme that I regularly teach within my organisation is AQA AS and A level Psychology. This learning programme is subject to assessment requirements as defined by AQA and I ensure that schemes of work and session plans are completed accurately to ensure that assessment can take place that is accurate and specific to the programme requirements; ‘The planning of this session was done in accordance with scheme of work that has been produced by myself in line with AQA specification requirements. As a result of this, I have specific aims to meet in a set period of time, which does not give me much room to be creative.’ (Session 1 Self Evaluation Form, Individual Differences, 20/03/14). As mentioned within this quote, it is important to ensure that I am knowledgeable about types and methods of assessment so that I am able to complete activities and tasks that are relevant and valid for learners as well as the programme. It is also important that I ensure that all requirements of each topic within AS and A Level Psychology are met; this means that it can be difficult to ensure that learners have a deeper understanding of a topic and to develop skills such as critical analysis and evaluation, but it is an area of development for me for future topics and Psychology courses; ‘The planning enabled me to meet AQA specification requirements, but it did not enable learners to discuss Psychopathology in detail and therefore gain a deeper understanding of it. As a result of this, I will be exploring more ways in which I can do this next year.’ (Session 1 Self Evaluation Form, Individual Differences, 20/03/14). 2.b) How you carry out and record assessments to meet internal and external processes and requirements There are a variety of ways in which I carry out and record assessments to meet internal and external processes and requirements. Within my organisation, our internal processes are in line with external process in terms of assessment, which provides a consistent approach and overview to how learners are assessed. For example, AQA has a mark scheme in accordance with how they mark specific elements of the Psychology Course. I have used this within activities used for assessment, such as through PSYA2 Individual Differences; Assessment for Learning Booklet (appendix one). This booklet enables me to assess how learners are doing throughout the topic of Individual Differences, and within the Scheme of Work for this topic; there are opportunities for learners to complete parts of this booklet. During Session 7 Monday 31st March, the assessment activity is ‘to complete pages 1-8 of PSYA2: Individual Differences Assessment for Learning Booklet.’ Each section is marked and I record learner’s marks in my teaching and learning assessment folder. These marks are also evident within learners Individual Learning Plans, which are introduced at the beginning of the year for each learner, and developed partly due to information acquired throughout the DTLLS course; ‘I have had one to one sessions with all learners since Day Two DTLLS to review their individual learning plans, and this has enabled me to see if all earners are on track, progressing, and if not, why not? As a result of this, further support for some learners has been identified and learners can see that I am keeping track of where they are and that, most importantly, I am interested in how they are doing.’ (DTLLS Course, Day Two Reflective Journal). However, it is clear from exploring self reflections from DTLLS Day courses and my teaching portfolio that I do not evidence how I carry out and record assessments in detail, and this is an area for devel opment for me for future self reflections. 2.c) How you communicate assessment information to other professionals with an interest in learner achievement It is important, when conducting assessment, that it is shared with colleagues appropriately within the organisation that I work in. Through training days that are held within my organisation, I have ensured that colleagues have appropriate information given to them in regards to assessment, particularly with regards to sharing good practice and exploring how we can effectively assess our learners;  Ã¢â‚¬ËœWithin discussions had on assessment on this training day, we explored sharing assessment information with colleagues. Having thought about this and looking at how this is currently done within my organisation enabled me to come up with a few ideas to ensure effective communication and support for assessment within the sixth form. I have discussed this in more detail within my review of teaching and consider it important enough for learner’s progress to identify i t as a development need for teaching practice’. (DTLLS Course, Day Five, Reflective Journal). Through communicating assessment information to others, I have become aware of the need to do this more regularly to ensure that all relevant colleagues and professionals have up to date information regarding assessment, as well as providing support and development within assessment for all; ‘I have become more aware of communicating assessment information to colleagues and other relevant people within my organisation. Whilst we have meetings and do discuss learner’s progress, I feel that it would be useful to have a professional development session once a term to share good practice on assessment and learners progress and ensure the session was interactive, and that staff could share resources and assessment methods with others.’ (DTLLS Course, Day Five Reflective Journal). Following this, sixth form meetings now take place once every half term in which assessment is the sole agenda item. This has enabled all colleagues to place importance on assessment, and enco urages colleagues to develop assessment types, methods and practice for the benefit of the learners, as well as the sixth form as a whole. 3.a) ways in which minimum core elements can be demonstrated and applied in assessing learners in own specialist area Throughout my teaching and learning practice, I identified early on my limited knowledge of Minimum Core. Since starting the DTLLS Course, I have had many opportunities to demonstrate and apply minimum core in assessing learners in my own specialist area of Psychology AS and A level. I regularly show my capabilities in terms of evidencing some areas of the Minimum Core, such as writing and language; ‘I felt that I demonstrated writing within the minimum core well, by presenting information on PowerPoint and through Abnormality booklet clearly, effectively, with a font size and type that was easy to read and legible, as well as using appropriate language that was in line  with learners ability.’ (Session 2 and 3 Self Evaluation Form, Individual Differences, 24/03/14). The Abnormality booklet was designed to be used as an assessment activity, for learners to work through during the course, and supports the use of Minimum Core and application to assessing learners. I have also been able to recognise areas of development within the Minimum Core and have worked on these to ensure that learners within my classroom are benefiting from valid and up to date assessment; ‘However, it is clear that there is a lack of numeracy within my session plans, and this is an area of development for future sessions.’ (Session 2 and 3 Self Evaluation Form, Individual Differences, 24/03/14). Following this, I researched numeracy within the Minimum Core and how I could apply it within my teaching and learning practice, in particular to assessment; ‘One of my areas for development in previous sessions (Session 2 and 3 self-evaluation form Individual Differences) was to research ways to increase numeracy as part of the minimum core†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. I explored ways in which I could do this†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. I ensured that I communicated processes within drug therapies and treatment of schizophrenia effectively, by use of video as well as practical demonstrations that I completed during this session. I also put drug treatment and treating schizophrenia into context and supporting learners to make sense of this and how it could be represented by exploring key studies, as well as analysing and evaluating drug treatment as a valid approach. This enabled learners to compile evidence, with support, and to think through processes logically to enable them to develop their learning skills.’ (Session 9 and 10 Self Evaluation Form, Individual Differences, 01/04/14). By using numeracy within the formative assessment activity as described above, enabled me to effectively demonstrate use of the Minimum Core within assessment. As a result of becoming more aware of numeracy within Minimum Core, I now feel more confident to demonstrate competency of this within the learning environment and within application of assessment activities for learners; ‘I did use diagrams during this session, and this supported numeracy within the Minimum Core, as I evaluated and assessed the diagram, mad e decisions concerning content knowledge and skills to ensure pupils were able to understand the concept of the diagram, and selected appropriate format and style to communicate this to pupils (through use of diagram).’ (Session 12 to 15 Self Evaluation Form, Individual Differences, 07/04/14 and  09/04/14). Due to extensive research on the Minimum Core and how to apply this within my own specialist area, I have become more competent in a variety of areas, including demonstrating competency within language and ICT; ‘As stated in previous self-evaluations, I have found it difficult to differentiate between minimum core and functional skills, and having researched this, as well as using the information gleaned from DTLLS Day 4, I am becoming more confident in doing this. For example, I can evidence personal ICT skills, personal language skills and explicit knowledge about active listening within minimum core for future sessions (Lifelong Learning UK, 2007 ‘Inclusive Learning Approaches for literacy, language, numeracy and ICT).’ (Session 3 and 4 Self Evaluation Form, Relationships, 24/06/14). However, I also recognise that further development is needed within this area to ensure that I am skilled, capable and experienced with regards to Minimum Core and its application to assessment; ‘This will be an area of development for me for future sessions, as I am still not confident in evidencing this and will need to ensure an adequate time frame and approach to gain more knowledge and evidence this successfully.’ (Session 3 and 4 Self Evaluation Form, Relationships, 24/06/14). 4.a) the effectiveness of own assessment practice taking account of the views of learners It is important, when looking at assessment, to explore the effectiveness of my own assessment practice taking account of the views of learners. I regularly ask learners for feedback on the session that they have completed, and value their input with regards to teaching and learning; ‘I also asked the learners how they found this resource and what I could do differently next time. Learners were pleasantly surprised that I had asked them; they stated that they were not used to teachers asking them for feedback and stated it made them feel valued. I resolved to ensure that I do this more regularly, as I understand the importance of learner feedback to ensure that they reach their full potential and I am able to become more successful in my teaching and learning practice.’ (Session 6 Self Evaluation Form, Individual Differences, 27/03/14). Input from learners on the AS and A Level Psychology Course that I run has an impact on how I complete assessment, and  the effectiven ess of assessment methods used. It is clear through exploring self reflections that I use a variety of assessment types of methods, as supported by quotes from self reflections within this assignment. However, learner feedback on individual vs. group assessment methods showed that; ‘[learners] enjoyed group work as opposed to independent work on tasks or activities; learners stated that they preferred working with their friends, as they were more comfortable and it enabled them to discuss the task more confidently.’ (Session 5 and 6 Self Evaluation Form, Relationships, 25/06/14). Whilst it is important that learners are listened to, I need to ensure that I balance this up with evidence and knowledge gained through research and support from colleagues and tutors;’ However, it is also important to note that moving learners out of their comfort zone enables them to use skills they might not know they had, and give them the opportunity to grow and become expert learners (The Excellence Gateway Treasury, [online] Available at: http://tlp.excellencegateway.org.uk/tlp/xcurricula/el/ ). ‘ (Session 5 and 6 Self Evaluation Form, Relationships, 25/06/14). I also ensure that I explore the effectiveness of my own assessment practice throughout self reflections completed as part of the DTLLS Course; ‘Due to regularly assessing learners work and activities that they participate in, it is clear that learners meet objectives and progress through the course, but I need to explore different ways to assess to enable pupils to become expert learners and challenge them more (Day Five DTLLS Course).’ (Session 3 and 4 Self Evaluation Form, Relationships, 24/06/14). I am able to identify areas for development, as shown in the quote above, as well as areas in which I am effective with regards to assessment; ‘My observation report clearly shows that I use formative assessment during sessions, as well as informal summative assessment through the plenary from the first part of the session. This ensures that I know where my learners are at before starting the second session, so I am able to adapt or change any part of the session plan or resources if required to ensure all learners have grasped the concepts they are required to know before moving on.’ (Session 3 and 4 Self Evaluation Form, Relationships, 24/06/14). Whilst completing this DTLLS Course, it is clear that I understand the importance of assessment and its effectiveness, as well as demonstrating ways in which I can ensure that assessment is  effective within my teaching and learning practice; ‘I recognise more and more the importance of assessment, and am more aware of how I use assessment and the effectiveness of this within my session plans and on how learners learn. As stated by Gibbs (cited in Bryan, C and Klegg, K 2006. ‘Innovative Assessment in Higher Education’); ‘Assessment has more impact on learning than teaching’ and this is something that I consider more often when constructing session plans and putting them into practice. For example, written English ensures that I have evidence of concepts that learners have grasped and how effectively they have managed to do so, and this feeds into future session plans.’ (Session 7 and 8 Self Evaluation Form, Positively Girls, 27/06/14). 4.b) ways to improve own assessment practice Having had the opportunity to explore self reflections from DTLLS Day Courses and my teaching portfolio, I have been able to identify ways in which I can improve my own assessment practice. With regards to assessment types, I have identified initial assessment as an area of improvement within my professional practice; ‘I have since been exploring ways in which I can use initial assessment with my next cohort of learners who will start in September to identify skills of new learners, find out more about them and how I can support their needs.’ (DTTLS Course, Day Two Reflective Journal). It is also important to remember where and how initial assessment occurs, to ensure that learners come into an environment that is comfortable, engaging, well signposted and is inviting; ‘It helped me to think about how learners enter my learning environment- were reception friendly? Do they feel comfortable? Were people rude or welcoming to them? I did not put much thought into this before, I think I had focused too much on learners first impressions when they meet me and come into the learning environment. This has led to me thinking of the bigger picture and discussing with colleagues how we run sixth form induction days, open days etc†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ (DTLLS Course, Day Three Reflective Journal) I could also improve my own assessment practice by diversifying with regards to types of assessment; ‘When looking at how I used assessment within this session, it is clear that I tend to use the same types of assessment; observation, written English, through completion of  tasks and question and answer to confirm understanding. Whilst these are all relevant assessment methods, it is important to ensure that I am creating diversity in my assessment method to ensure all learners can achieve.’ (Session 3 and 4 Self Evaluation Form, Relationships, 24/06/14). Ensuring that I have a clear understanding of assessment methods and researching the variety of methods will enable me to provide variety to learners with regards to assessment. Lastly, I have found that through completing self reflections, that I am able to critically consider how I use assessment within my teaching practice and am always striving to develop myself with regards to this; ‘Evaluating each session during this topic is enabling me to critically consider the teaching and learning approaches I use, as well as assessment and learner involvement. This benefits not only me but the learners within my sessions, and I will strive to complete self evaluations more often to improve my teaching practice.’ (Session 4 and 5 Self Evaluation Form, Individual Differences, 25/03/14). Conclusion There are many ways in which I explore assessment, and completing this critical reflection has enabled me to identify where I complete assessment well, such as meeting learner’s needs through assessment methods and types, and demonstrating competency within minimum core, as well as identifying areas for improvement, such as carrying out and recording assessment information. It is important that I continue to critically reflect on my own practice to ensure that I am applying theory gained to practice in teaching and learning, and developing myself as a practitioner;’ Reflecting on my teaching practice has enabled me to think more critically about how I meet the needs of learners, how I challenge learners but ensure that they are not overwhelmed, how I ensure I meet equality and diversity needs within the classroom, and how I assess.’ (Session 12 to 15 Self Evaluation Form, Individual Differences, 07/04/14 and 09/04/14). As stated by Tummons (2007:71) ‘if we use our reflective practice to explore critically the assumptions and preconceptions on which we base our training and teaching practice, we can build on our understanding of learning and  teaching and enhance our professional knowledge.’ References Gravells, A (2012) Preparing To Teach In The Lifelong Learning Sector. London: Routledge. Hiller, Y (2005) Reflective Teaching in Further and Adult Education. Continuum; London. Petty, G (2009) (4th Edn) Teaching Today. London: Cheltenham Nelson Thornes. Reece, I. Walker, S. (2007) (6th Edn) Teaching, training and learning: A Practical Guide. Tyne and Wear: Business Education Publishers Ltd. Tummons, J (2011) (3rd Edn) Assessing Learning in the Lifelong Learning Sector London: Learning Matters Tummons, J. (2007) Becoming a Professional Tutor in the Lifelong Learning Sector. London: Learning Matters Jones, P. (2014) Session One Individual Differences; Psychopathology. Introduction to Psychopathology (20/03/14) Jones, P. (2014) Session Two and Three Individual Differences; Psychopathology. Definitions of Abnormality (24/03/14) Jones, P. (2014) Session Four and Five Individual Differences; Psychopathology. Failure to Function and Definitions of Abnormality (25/03/14) Jones, P. (2014) Se ssion Six Individual Differences; Psychopathology. Presentations on Definitions of Abnormality (27/03/14) Jones, P. (2014) Session Nine and Ten Individual Differences; Psychopathology. Biological Approaches and Therapies (01/04/14) Jones, P. (2014) Session Twelve to Fifteen Individual Differences; Psychopathology. Evaluation and Analysis (07/04/14 and 09/04/14). Jones, P. (2014) Positively Girls Self Evaluation Session Three and Four; Stress, Worries and Relaxation (25/06/14) Jones, P. (2014) Positively Girls Self Evaluation Session Five and Six; Emotional and Physical Wellbeing (26/06/14) Jones, P. (2014) Positively Girls Self Evaluation Session Seven and Eight; Friendship and Communication (27/06/14) Jones, P. (2014) Session Three and Four A Level Psychology; Maintenance of Relationships Self Evaluation (24/06/14) Jones, P. (2014) Session Five and Six A Level Psychology; Breakdown of Relationships Self Evaluation (25/06/14) Jones, P. (2014) Reflective Journal Day Two (February 2014) Jones, P. (2014) Reflection Journal Day Five (May 2014) Appendix One; PSYA2 Individual Differences; Assessment for Learning Booklet

Crusades :: essays research papers

While the goal of the Christian Crusades was only successful once, it still brought about many changes in the time including an end to feudalism, advancement in warfare, and expansion of trade. The Seljuq Turks began to take over â€Å"the Holy Land† in Palestine and this upset Pope Urban II. He was eager to regain the Holy Land and thus began the First Crusade. The French and Italian lords led armies through Palestine to their main target Jerusalem. They were heavy armor and wool while marching through the desert and because of this some died of heat exhaustion. Despite this problem, they reached Jerusalem and after many vicious battles the city was captured. Now most of the Holy Land was under European control. The Europeans brought many of their customs with them including feudalism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Turks slowly began to regain control of the Holy Land. They united and began to take back cities that were captured as a result the Second Crusade began. King Louis VII and Conrad III led armies to Damascus but they failed to recapture the city and the Turks still held power. In 1187 Saladin, a Muslim leader, gained control of Jerusalem. Frederick Barbarossa, King Philip II, and King Richard I led armies to take back the Holy Land in the Third Crusade. On the way there Barbarossa drowned so his army turned back. Philip and Richard got into a fight and Philip went back to France to take back land from the English. Richard went on to the Holy Land but failed to recapture it. He did make a truce with Saladin which allowed Christians to enter the Holy land and control of some towns.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There was one last effort to take the Holy Land back by Pope Innocent III who put together French knights in the Fourth Crusade. The knights left on ships provided by Venice and were asked to attack Zadar, a rival trading city to Venice. Since Zadar was a Christian city the knights who attacked and looted it were excommunicated. The knights went on to attack and loot another Christian city Constantinople. The Crusades led to changes in the middle ages.

Deschooling Society Essay

Introduction: This term paper is about De schooling Society which is a book written by Ivan Illich. The book is more than a critique – it contains suggestions for changes to learning in society and individual lifetimes. Particularly striking is his call for the use of advanced technology to support â€Å"learning webs†. In this paper, we will first see what is meant by de schooling society and then what is the need for de schooling and is it necessary to disestablish a school. After seeing the reasons for de schooling, we look at the phenomenology of school which gives the phenomenon of school. Then we will see the rituals in the current school system and discuss about them. Later we look at the model for evaluating institutions and then propose the idea of learning webs and thus conclude with the requirements of a good education system and what an educated person should be able to do. What is De schooling Society? The process of receiving education or training especially done at School is called Schooling. The main goal of Schooling is to learn things from what is taught by teachers in the school. Here learning, education, training, guidance or discipline is derived from experiences and through lessons taught by teachers. De schooling society is a critical discourse on education as practised in modern economics. It is replacing school with natural learning. It specifically refers to that period of adjustment experienced by children removed from school settings. It is the initial stage where one gets rid of schoolish thoughts about learning and life in general. If one is given time to adjust to the freedom of no school routines and not being told what to do every minute of the day, then they have lots of time to relax, try new things, to discover their interests and rediscover the joy of learning. This is the idea of de schooling. It is like a child recovering from school damage. â€Å"SCHOOL ING IS THE SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR TEACHING†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. DE SCHOOLING IS THE SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR LEARNING.† Why we must disestablish a school (why de schooling) Ivan Illich feels that there is a need to disestablish school by giving examples of ineffectual nature of institutionalized education. According to Illich â€Å"Universal education through schooling is not feasible. It would be no more feasible if it were attempted by means of alternative institutions built on the style of present schools. Neither new attitudes of teachers toward their pupils nor proliferation of educational hardware or software, nor the attempt to expand teacher’s responsibility will deliver universal education. The current search for new educational funnels must be reversed into the search for their institutional inverse: educational webs which heighten the opportunity for each one to transform each moment of his living into one of learning, sharing and caring. â€Å" The present school system believes that more the treatment, better are results and leads to success. It confuses teaching with learning, grade advancement with education, a diploma with competence and fluency with ability to say something new. Medical treatment is mistaken for health care, social work for the improvement of community life, police protection for safety, military poise for national security, the rat race for productive work. Illich shows that institutionalization of values leads inevitably to physical pollution, social polarization, and psychological impotence and most of the research now going on further increases in the institutionalization of values and we must define conditions which would permit precisely the contrary to happen. He believes that care only makes students dependent on more treatment and renders them increasingly incapable of organising their own lives around their own experiences and resources within their own communities. With the present system poor children lack most of the educational opportunities which are casually available to middleclass people. To solve this they started a program â€Å"Title One† which is the most expensive compensatory program ever attempted anywhere in education, yet no significant improvement can be detected in learning of these disadvantaged children. Special curricula, separate classes or longer hours only constitute more discrimination of poor. Thus this system has failed to improve the education of the poor. Advantages of rich over poor range from conversation and books in the home to vacation travel and a different sense of oneself and apply for the child who enjoys them both in and out of school. So a poor student will generally fall behind so long as he depends on the school for advancement or learning. Poor needs funds to enable them to learn. Neither in North America nor in Latin America do the poor get equality from obligatory schools but in both the places, the mere existence of school discourages and disables the poor from taking control of their own learning. All over the world, school has an anti educational effect on society: school is recognized as the institution which specializes in education. The failures of school are taken by most people as proof that education is very costly, very complex, always mysterious and almost impossible task. Education disadvantage cannot be cured by relying on education within school. Neither learning nor justice is promoted by schooling because educators insist on packaging instruction with certification. Learning and assignment of social rules are melted into schooling. The major illusion on which the school system rests is that most learning is the result of teaching. Teaching only contributes to certain kinds of learning under certain circumstances. But most people acquire most of their knowledge outside school. Most learning happens casually, and even most intentional learning is not the result of programmed instruction. For example, normal children learn their first language (mother tongue) casually, although faster if their parents pay attention to them. But the fact that a great deal of learning even now seems to happen casually and as a by-product of some other activity defined as work or leisure does not mean that planned learning does not benefit from planned instruction and that both do not stand in need of improvement. Illich illustrates the idea of learning with a practical example. â€Å"In 1956 there arose a need to teach Spanish quickly to several hundred teachers, social workers, and ministers from the New York Archdiocese so that they could communicate with Puerto Ricans. Gerry Morris announced over a Spanish radio station that he needed native speakers from Harlem. Next day some two hundred teen-agers lined up in front of his office, and he selected four dozen of them-many of them school dropouts. He trained them in the use of the U.S. Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Spanish manual, designed for use by linguists with graduate training, and within a week his teachers were on their own-each in charge of four New Yorkers who wanted to speak the language. Within six months the mission was accomplished. Cardinal Spellman could claim that he had 127 parishes in which at least three staff members could communicate in Spanish. No school program could have matched these results.† Further experiments conducted by Angel Quintero in Puerto Rico suggest that many young teen-agers, if given proper incentives, programs, and access to tools, are better than most school teachers at introducing their peers to the scientific exploration of plants, stars, and matter, and to the discovery of how and why a motor or a radio functions. Opportunities for skill-learning can be vastly multiplied if we open the market. Schools are even less efficient in the arrangement of the circumstances which encourage the openended, exploratory use of acquired skills. The main reason for this is that school is obligatory and becomes schooling for schooling’s sake. Most skills can be acquired by drills, because skill implies the mastery of definable and predictable behaviour. Education is the exploratory and creative use of skills, however, cannot rely on drills. It relies on the relationship between partners , on the critical intent of all those who use memories creatively, on the surprise of unexpected question which opens new doors. It is now generally accepted that the physical environment will soon be destroyed by biochemical pollution unless we reverse the current trends in the production of physical goods which is possible by de schooling. Instead of equalizing chances, the school system has monopolized their distribution. Equal educational opportunity is indeed both a desirable and a feasible goal, but to equate this with obligatory schooling is to confuse salvation with the church. A de schooled society implies a new approach to incidental or informal education. Thus he says that not only education but society as a whole needs de schooling. Phenomenology of School In order to make the schooling process better and to search for alternative methods in education, we must start with an agreement on what do we mean by â€Å"school†. We need to have clear idea on what a â€Å"school† is and what is the difference between â€Å"teaching† and â€Å"learning†. We can do this by listing the functions that are performed by modern school systems, such as custodial care, selection, indoctrination, and learning. We could make client analysis and verify which of these functions render a service or a disservice to teachers, employers, children, parents, or the professions. We could survey history of western culture and information gathered by anthropology to get an idea of schooling. And we could recall the statements made by many people before and discover which of these the modern school system most closely approaches. But any of these approaches would oblige us to start with certain assumptions about a relationship between school and education. Hence we begin with phenomenology of public school. We can define the school as the age-specific, teacher-related process requiring full-time attendance at an obligatory curriculum. Age: School groups people according to age. This grouping rests on three unquestioned premises. Children belong in school. Children learn in school. Children can be taught only in school. Illich thinks that these unexamined premises deserve serious questioning. If there were no age-specific and obligatory learning institutions, childhood would go out of production. The disestablishment of school could also end the present discrimination against infants, adults, and the old in favour of children throughout their adolescence and youth. Institutional wisdom tells us that children need school. Institutional wisdom tells us that children learn in school. But this institutional wisdom is itself a product of schools because common sense tells us that only children can be taught in school. Teachers and Pupils: Here children are pupils. School is an institution built on the axiom that learning is the result of teaching. And institutional wisdom continues to accept this axiom, despite overwhelming evidence to contrary. Illich says that most of the learning is without teachers. Most tragically, the majority of men are taught their lessons by schools, even though they never go to school. Everyone learns how to live outside school. We learn to speak, to think, to love, to feel, to play, to curse, to politick, and to work without interference from a teacher. Even orphans, idiots, and schoolteachers’ sons learn most of what they learn outside the educational process planned for them. Half of the people in our world never set foot in school. They have no contact with the teachers, and they are deprived of the privilege of becoming dropouts. Yet they learn quite effectively the message which school teaches. Pupils have never credited teachers for most of their learning. Schools create jobs for schoolteachers, no matter what their pupils learn from them. Full-Time Attendance: The institutional wisdom of schools tells parents, pupils, and educators that the teacher, if he is to teach, must exercise his authority in a sacred precinct. This is true even for teachers whose pupils spend most of their school time in a classroom without walls. School, by its very nature, tends to make a total claim on the time and energies of its participants. This, in turn, makes the teacher into custodian, preacher, and therapist. In each of these three roles the teacher bases his authority on a different claim. The teacher as custodian sets the stage for the acquisition of some skill. Without illusions of producing any profound learning, he drills his pupils in some basic routines. The teacher as moralist substitutes for parents, god, or the state. He instructs the pupil about what is right and what is wrong, not only in school but also in society at large. The teacher as therapist feels authorized to enter into the personal life of his pupil in order to help him grow as a person. Defining children as full-time pupils permits the teacher to exercise a kind of power over their persons. A pupil who obtains assistance on an exam is told that he is an outlaw, morally corrupt, and personally worthless. Classroom attendance removes children from everyday world of western culture and plunges them into an environment far more primitive, magical, and deadly serious. The attendance rule makes it possible for the schoolroom to serve as a magic womb, from which the child is delivered periodically at the end of the day and end of the year until he is finally expelled into adult. Ritualization of progress: Illich sees education as being about consumption of packages where the distributor delivers the packages designed by technocrats to the consumer. Here teacher is the distributor and pupils are the consumers. Thus in schools, children are taught to be consumers. Illich’s criticism of school is a criticism of the consumerist mentality of modern societies; a model which the developed nations are trying to force on developing nations. In this view a country is developed according to indices of how many hospitals and schools it has. In terms of school Illich criticises the system which offers a packaged education and awards credentials for the successful consumption of the packages. The packages are continually being re-written and adjusted but the problems they are supposed to address remain same. This is much more than simply a racket to produce more textbooks and exam syllabuses; this is a commercial activity mirroring the marketing processes of the industry. Children are the obligatory recipients of these marketing efforts. As the teacher is the custodian of rituals of society so schools as institutions are the places for the promotion of myths of society. Illich is especially concerned with this in developing nations where he sees a wrong direction being taken as these countries adopt the consumerist model of the west/north. Education is the means by which these societies get sucked into the consumerist way of doing things. More schooling leads to rising expectations but schooling will not lift the poor out of poverty; rather it will deprive them of their self-respect. Most basic schools operate according to the notion that â€Å"knowledge is a valuable commodity which under certain circumstances may be forced into the consumer†. Schools are addicted to the notion that it is possible to manipulate other people for their own good. For Illich, schools offer something other than learning. He sees them as institutions which by requiring full-time compulsory attendance in ritualised programmes based around awarding credentials to those who can consume educational packages and endure it for the longest. It is thus training in â€Å"disciplined consumption†. Institutional Spectrum: In this chapter Illich proposes a model for evaluating institutions. He contrasts convivial institutions (which mean friendly, lively and enjoyable institution) at one end of a spectrum (left side) with manipulative ones at the other (right side) to show that there are institutions which fall between the extremes and to illustrate how historical institutions can change colour as they shift from facilitating activity to organizing production. In line with the theme which occurs throughout the book that his criticism of schooling is more to the point than some traditional Marxist challenges to contemporary society Illich points out that many on the left support institutions on the right of his scale i.e. manipulative ones. Of all â€Å"false utilities,† school is the most insidious. Highway systems produce only a demand for cars. Schools create a demand for the entire set of modern institutions which crowd the right end of the spectrum. A man who questioned the need for high-ways would be written off as a romantic; the man who questions the need for school is immediately attacked as either heartless or imperialist. Just as highways create the impression that their present level of cost per year is necessary if people are to move, so schools are presumed essential for attaining the competence required by a society which uses modern technology. Schools are based upon the hypothesis that learning is the result of teaching. Irrational Consistencies: He argues that educational researchers and thinkers are more conservative than in other disciplines. He argues that without a new orientation for research and a new understanding of the educational style of an emerging counter-culture the educational revolution will not happen. Our present educational institutions are at the service of the teacher’s goals. The relational structures we need are those which will enable each man to define himself by learning and by contributing to the learning of others. A key theme in this work is the criticism of the idea that learning is the result of teaching. In Illich’s analysis education is a funnel for educational packages. Illich opposes this with an idea of ‘learning webs’ which are about â€Å"the autonomous assembly of resources under the personal control of each learner†. In this chapter Illich criticises some of the ideologies of schooling which he sees in apparently radical initiatives such as the free-school movement and the lifelong learning movement. He points out that free-schools still ultimately support the idea of schooling as the way of inducing children into society. Illich sees manipulative institutions as being those where â€Å"some men may set, specify, and evaluate the personal goals of others†. It is very clear that Illich means it when he calls for the de schooling of society. Learning Webs: Illich’s practical vision for learning in a de-schooled society is built around what he calls ‘learning webs’. Illich envisages 3 types of learning exchange; between a skills teacher and a student, between people themselves engaging in critical discourse, and between a master and a student. Illich also considers the de-institutionalisation of resources. He proposes that resources already available in society be made available for learning. For example a shop could allow interested people to attempt repairs on broken office equipment as a learning exercise. He suggests that such a network of educational resources could be financed either directly by community expenditure. Whether he is talking about skills exchanges or educational resources Illich envisages non hierarchical networks. The professionals in Illich’s vision are the facilitators of these exchanges not the distributors of approved knowledge packages in the school system. He envisages two types of professional educators; those who operate the resource centres and facilitate skills exchanges and those who guide others in how to use these systems and networks. The ‘masters’ we have mentioned above he does not see as professional educators but rather as people so accomplished in their own disciplines that they have a natural right to teach it. Illich’s programme is practical and thought out. He proposes new institutions of a convivial nature to replace the manipulative ones of the current schooling system. In these new institutions there is no discontinuity between ‘school’ and the world; (though this is most definitely not ‘lifelong learning’ which seeks to extend schooling throughout adult life). There is no ritual of induction of the next generation into the myths of society through a class of teacher-preachers. Illich is interested in learning as a human activity carried out for obvious purposes – to gain the benefits that learning the new skill brings. Educational resources are usually labeled according to educators’ curricular goals. Illich propose to do the contrary, to label four different approaches which enable the student to gain access to any educational resource which may help him to define and achieve his own goals: Reference Services to Educational Objects – which facilitate access to things or processes used for formal learning. Some of these things can be reserved for this purpose, stored in libraries, rental agencies, laboratories, and showrooms like museums and theatres; others can be in daily use in factories, airports, or on farms, but made available to students as apprentices or on off hours. Skill Exchanges – which permit persons to list their skills, the conditions under which they are willing to serve as models for others who want to learn these skills, and the addresses at which they can be reached. Peer-Matching – a communications network which permits persons to describe the learning activity in which they wish to engage, in the hope of finding a partner for the inquiry. Reference Services to Educators-at-Large – who can be listed in a directory giving the addresses and self-descriptions of professionals, paraprofessionals, and freelancers, along with conditions of access to their services. Such educators, as we will see, could be chosen by polling or consulting their former clients. Conclusion: Illich argued that the use of technology to create decentralized webs could support the goal of creating a good educational system. A good educational system should have three purposes: It should provide all who want to learn with access to available resources at any time in their lives; Empower all who want to share what they know to find those who want to learn it from them; Furnish all who want to present an issue to the public with the opportunity to make their challenge known. An educated child should be able to: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Read, write, and communicate effectively; Think creatively and logically to solve problems; and Set and work toward goals. Bibliography: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deschooling_Society http://ournature.org/~novembre/illich/1970_deschooling.html http://www.natural-learning.net/000154.html http://www.livingjoyfully.ca/unschooling/getting_started/what_is_deschooling.htm http://www.webster.edu/~corbetre/philosophy/education/illich/schooling.html