ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Philosophy of the Methodology The concept of flipped classrooms in the EFL context along with the challenges of teachers while implementing this practice in higher education can be discussed and researched in a variety of ways. During the last several years, the idea of design-based research has proved its potential and the possibility to unite different environments, including education, investigation, technology, and other real-life problems (Kennedy-Clark, 2013). This paradigm is defined as flexible, systematic methodology with the goal to improve existing educational practices through the prism of researchers’ collaboration and its main characteristics, also known as cycles like analysis, design, development, and implementation (Wang & Hannafin, 2005). The strength of this research approach is the possibility to reflect on each cycle following nine main principles to plan and implement new technological approaches. A design-based research approach can be used for different purposes. For example, Herrington, McKenney, Reeves, and Oliver (2007) state that this method helps incorporate several solutions to one particular problem that exists in learning environments with the identification of the most appropriate design principle. Cotton, Lockyer, and Brickell (2009) underline the possibility for practitioners and researchers to improve their interactions and achieve direct benefits with the chosen research context. According to Wang and Hannafin (2005), design-based research can be properly integrated into technology-enhanced learning environments where students gain new skills, receive academic help, and use different technological resources. This research method was chosen for this project to create a solid background for learning and improving a real-life problem of the lack of knowledge about flipped classrooms among both EFL teachers and students. The discussion of ontological and epistemological issues cannot be neglected in this project as it helps to make a correct decision and understand the essence of the chosen systematic design-based research approach. Ontology aims at discussing the type of reality that can be inherent to current research. Epistemology, in its turn, focuses on the measurements of this reality and the methods of its interpretation. There are several paradigms with its characteristics according to which researchers should work: positivism (one reality is supported), constructivism (several truths are based on individuals’ opinions), or pragmatism (new realities are possible regarding unpredictable situations). In this case, the ontology of research is based on the necessity to work with new ideas because of new achievements and discoveries. The epistemology of research is to concentrate on solving problems and promoting change by designing new approaches and ideas. It means that the current research topic has to be discussed through a pragmatism paradigm where the solution to the problem (the lack of knowledge and experience) can be made. The combination of design-based research and pragmatism paradigm creates many opportunities for researchers. For example, it is possible to use different metho
Racial profiling is a disproportionate law enforcement exercises targeting a given racial group for investigation (Parker par. 1). The entire process involves discriminating the people of color using private security practices in various sectors, such as government departments, police, and airline. Racial profiling occurs due to unconscious perceptions that the perpetrators hold towards the blacks. An example of a racial profiling case in the US involves Kendrick Johnson’s family who lost their 17-year-old son through bizarre circumstances at the Lowndes High School gym. In this case, three stories came into fore. The police, on their part, held that the junior fell unnoticed when he tried to take back a shoe out of a rolled-up mat (Crockett Jr. par. 2), and the body was found the following day. The second argument was of the first autopsy that believed that positional asphyxia had caused the death. When the authorities exhumed the body some months later, most organs were missing. This revelation led to a second autopsy, which held that the junior suffered a fatal blow. Surprisingly, from photographic analysis, it that emerged the teenager’s face was swollen and seemed beaten, and left him barely recognizable. However, the parents believe that the death of their child was not an accident. This is the story lawyers, the media, investigators, and the nation gets from the parents. With different stories on the death of the black teenager, the parents find it difficult to accept and move on with their daily lives. The manner in which the security system handled the demise of the African-American high school student indicates how the system devalues black lives. To the family, the loss of their child resulted in both psychological torture and sociological problems, as evident in this article. For example, a year after the death, the parents are yet to report to work, and this has negatively impacted on their earnings. Kendrick’s father, Kenneth, was a truck-driver, while the mother, Jacquelyn, was a school-van driver (Crockett Jr. par. 8). Kendrick’s parents have been championing for the elusive truth on the death of their child and crusading for reminiscences. Clearly, the parents cannot consent into the police findings and the autopsies that key government agencies held. So rooted is racial profiling among the US citizens, as evident in the manner in which some bus drivers could shout at them to “Give it a rest” or “Go home” when they were camping out with cardboard signs next to county courthouse. The way in which the justice system handled the circumstances behind the death of the black teenager represents a society that is less concerned with the plight of the black minority in the nation. Several instances of racial profiling dominate the American history; this has made the black community feel as second-class citizens in the country. With numerous cases on racial profiling, many people in America believe that this act is a serious and continuous problem, even in the 21 st century with a blac
Introduction Climate is the overall weather condition of a region, recorded over a period of 30 years. On the other hand, climate change refers to variations in the standard weather conditions of a place. The terms global warming and climate change are used interchangeably (Toprak, Hamidi, Toprak, & Sen, 2013). Nevertheless, it is imperative to appreciate that there is a distinction between the two. Global warming refers to the increase in the universal standard temperature closer to the earth’s surface. In other words, global warming is one of the components of climate change. Climate change has devastating impacts across the globe. Data from the World Health Organization shows that climate change will contribute to over 250,000 deaths annually between 2030 and 2050 (Toprak et al., 2013). Currently, the rise in temperature in the Arctic is contributing to the melting of the ice sheets. It is estimated that if this trend continues, the ocean level will rise by at least four feet by the end of the 21 st century (Toprak et al., 2013, p. 8). The increase in ocean temperatures is subjecting coral reefs to the threat of extinction. It will have catastrophic impacts on marine species. This paper will discuss climate change and its effects on the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Indicators of Climate Change Brisk population growth, exploitation of natural resources, and high demand for energy are some of the factors that have contributed to climate change in the UAE. Numerous indicators are used to evaluate the magnitude of climate change in the region. They include precipitation, temperature, and change in sea level. As per Greenwood (2014), “UAE has a desert climate, with very mild winters and sweltering and sunny summers, in which the humidity of the Persian Gulf makes heat unbearable” (p. 144). The region does not receive substantial rainfall. The annual precipitation does not exceed 100 millimeters (Greenwood, 2014). The storm is mostly witnessed during winter. The rains are scarce and occur as downpours or showers. The UAE comprises seven emirates. However, the most famous emirate in Dubai as it contains modern buildings and is a significant tourist hub. Dubai experiences low temperatures in January, which goes to as low as 19.5 0 C (Greenwood, 2014). On the other hand, the region is hot in August with the temperature going to as high as 36.5 0 C (Greenwood, 2014). The long-range weather forecast indicates that the majority of the coastal areas in the UAE are at the risk of being submerged due to the rise in sea level. The forecast suggests that climat
Description of the Mitsubishi corporation management The Japanese management system is based on the traditional values of the Japanese society in combination with the measures taken by the enterprises to attract qualified working force t the business in the post-war period after the Second World War. In this respect, the nature of the business relations in Japan is fostered by the traditions and historic circumstances. However, it is necessary to compare the way the business is ran in Japan and in the Western world and find out whether these two types of business are interchangeable and whether there is a slightest necessity for applying the Western type of business management to Japan. At the same time, globalisation is the concept that facilitates the process when the borders blur between cultures which also concerns business, the management tactics, and corporate culture. The image of a company man is distinguished in Japanese business model in terms of employment and management. As indicated in the case cited in the study by Beardwell and Claydon (2007), “…company man may be on the way to extinction in Western firms…” (p. 571). In this case, the concept of ‘company man’ is referred to as a person who is on the lifetime employment and has an extremely high level of corporate culture and corporate commitment to the work, company, other individuals that work there, and the goals set and reached by the company as a whole. So, it can be understood that the skills and achievements of every person are not important whereas the main thing that counts is the company’s achievement and financial performance. Therefore, the lifetime employment can be considered an advantage and a disadvantage in the framework of changing roles and priorities in global business. Analysis of japanese management The main HRM roles in Japan . The main human resource management roles in Japanese companies have a little different function than in other countries of, for instance, Western world. For example, the supervision is a typical role executed by an HR manager in all countries but only in Japan the manager should contribute greatly to the solution of the problem rather than become a part of the problem and simply report about it. In this respect, every manager should be aware of what is going on in the company, especially related to the sector of his/her direct supervision. The system of payment and bonuses does not depend on the performance levels of employees. So, rewards and benefits are distributed in accordance with the age, seniority, and length of employment principles making the promotion on the professional ladder almost impossible for young colleagues in spite of the effective performance or extraordinary skills applied to practice (Tayeb, 2005, p. 41). As reported by
Resolving Ethical Dilemmas There are a lot of factors affecting the way that a person can solve an ethical dilemma. For example, a person of higher power conforms less to other people’s opinions on the individual’s decision (Pitesa and Thau 36). This, of course, does not affect most people’s way of making ethical choices. However, if the person that intends to buy the house has a lot of power, they will probably do whatever it takes to buy it with no concern about others’ opinions. Nevertheless, this person is already concerned with the ethical dilemma, which means that they are indeed worried either about the rectitude of this decision or about what other people will think of it. Either way, this person is presented with a tough choice, especially if they are indeed taking into account the judgment of others. There are other factors that ethical decision making science has been troubled with for two decades now; those are demographic and occupational factors (Kuntz et al. 318). The race, gender, social status and other related characteristics of a person are likely to affect their decision as well. Considering that this may be an argument between younger and older generations, one can argue that there is a significant difference between the way that both house owners and the person that wants to buy the house perceive the situation. It is hard for elderly to sell their house in the first place. Furthermore, if they will know that the house will be torn down, their agreement may be well out of the question. Finally, there is a factor of whether or not the person had already experienced a need to face ethical dilemmas and come to a certain solution. While some researchers believe that any individual is facing new moral dilemma independently and without regard for other ethical predicaments they were involved in, it has been proven that people are able to learn from previous experience regarding ethical problems (Crossan et al. 574). So the person that is willing to buy the house will also have to take notice of any possible previous encounters with any moral dilemma because it is a way to evaluate the current situation and prepare for almost every possible outcome. To summarize, there is a significant number of factors that influence each person’s ability to resolve ethical dilemmas. Aside from the factors that were mentioned in this chapter, there are also such factors as beliefs, religion, political agenda, etc. Thus, the difficulty of finding a solution becomes increasingly higher with each new factor affecting person’s ability to decide. However, ethical decision making also offers some solutions to facilitate the process. The solutions include estimating the predicament, consulting specialists, and various others. With each step carried out in full, the time
Abstract The research is aimed at testing the hypothesis that communication plays a critical role in the prevention of marital distress. The key question resides in whether communication techniques can be effective in terms of improving marital relationships. The study has a qualitative design and bases on the content analysis of the information collected through a specifically worked-out survey. The sample group composed of six couples married for no more than five years. Each couple has had experience in completing a communication program for marital prevention. The findings showed that all the participants managed to improve their marital relationships through communication and continue using the gained skills in their everyday lives for resolving conflict situations. Literature Review On the face of it, marital distress is the sort of experience that every couple is apt to undergo at a certain point in the married life. In the meantime, it turns out that this experience can be excessively challenging for some espousals. Hence, recent research has shown that marital distress is one of the
The story of ‘The Most Dangerous Game’ revolves around General Zaroff’s untiring bizarre hunt for Rainsford. In this book by Richard Connell, the story plot includes three types of conflicts which are Rainsford vs nature (social), Rainsford vs himself (psychological) and Rainsford vs General Zaroff (physical) which were essential elements of this terrific short story. There were situations in this story where Rainsford confronted with him the conflict within himself which he had to struggle with for survival. Rainsford went through an internal conflict when he was in the ocean and had to keep stay focused by not panicking and realizing that his clothes were not helping his strokes and he ‘wrestled out of his clothes’ otherwise he would have drowned. Another situation where Rainsford kept his composure was when Ivan had his gun pointed at him and he had to use his coolheaded approach or Ivan would have him dead. Also when General Zaroff told Rainsford regarding hunting men looking, Rainsford had to think over whether he should or should not attack General Zaroff. Rainsford faced another internal conflict when he was in the jungle for three days and he kept reminding himself ‘I will not lose my nerve. I will not’. Furthermore, Rainsford sought a tree as his hiding place when General Zaroff and had to struggle to keep himself noiseless and motionless. All of his internal conflict management and prolific approach helped Rainsford to fight himself to keep going without getting much-needed rest and conquer himself and General Zaroff to survive and fight his enemy. Works Cited Connell, R. The Most Dangerous Game . Filiquarian Publishing, LLC, 2006.
After several failures, Thomas Alva Edison invented the electric bulb in 1879, and he quoted “If I find 10,000 ways something won’t work, I haven’t failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.” This shows his commitment and determination in his work which finally led to one of the most important inventions of mankind. All his life, he invented so many things which changed the lives of human beings in this world. His most famous quote, “genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration”, is still inspiring the young minds around the world. I would say that this man was my role model and inspiration. It will not be an exaggeration when I say that it is the constant determination and perseverance that has helped me to accomplish something which I yearned for – learning to speak in English fluently. The purpose of this essay is to describe the challenges I encountered in my life in the learning process of the English language and how I overcame the challenges with my persistence and the results of my hard work. I would also like to brief on how the quality of persistence is going to benefit my future life. I hail from the city of Chongqing, a small provincial city in the Republic of China. English was not a part of our primary school education and my first encounter with the universal language came when I was in my 7 th Grade in school, as a part of learning a foreign language. I do not belong to a family of English-speaking m
Introduction For many centuries, women’s rights have been violated by the same people they should trust with protection and appreciation. Home, where women should be treated with love, care, and affection, is the place they experience horrifying events from the closest people who should provide them with happiness and comfort. Domestic violence in many homes has caused great psychological and physical suffering on women in different societies. In worse incidences, women go through life-threatening experiences that result in unhealthy well-being. Additionally, women find themselves unable to voice their issues since their human rights are strictly denied. Nevertheless, a growing body of literature shows that fighting domestic violence against women has gained momentum over the last twenty years. The position of this annotated bibliography is that the vice holds no place in the contemporary society and should be condemned. This paper seeks to analyze domestic violence against women around the globe, its effects, and the measures that societies have undertaken to change the trend. Alhabib, S., Nur, U., & Jones, R. (2010). Domestic violence against women: Systematic review of prevalence studies. Journal of Family Violence , 25 (4), 369-382. The above article presents a lengthy systematic review of a global evidence of the dominance of domestic violence against women. It broadly looks at the issue, where the authors assess numerous studies from different countries. The authors do not restrict their study to a short period, rather studies the issue from numerous databases from 1995 to 2006. They evaluate 134 studies from various countries that provide enough evidence of the prevalence of domestic violence against women and the adverse effects the vice has had for a decade. The data collected from women aged between 18 and 65 years provide enough samples for the systematic review. According to this review, victimization for women entails verbal, physical, and sexual molestation. All these acts result in devastating impacts on the women’s physical body, sense of self, and trust. The article clearly acknowledges that domestic violence has become both a public health and human rights issue. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 5% and 20% of annual mortality is attributable to domestic violence against women. Alhabib, Nur & Jones (2010) argue that the devastating effects of violence against women have called for the international intervention. They say that women across the globe began to engage in collective campaigns against physical, psychosocial, and economic molestation with a view of attracting the international attention. The fact that domestic violence against women causes depression and deaths, it gives enough reason for raising awareness against the vice. Relevance of this Systematic Review of Domestic Vio
“Depression” is a rather popular word today; I would even say it is fashionable. Many people mention it, discuss it, complain about having it, and all of them have different symptoms – some experience aggression, some sleep a lot, some eat obsessively, some cry and fall apart. I am not sure if there is a specific set of criteria that describe a person with depression, so I do not know if I ever had what is actually called a depression. The event that pushed me into that state is now in the past, it made me feel quite awful and I used to be sure that the experience was negative. Today, I am grateful for it because of the healing process it made me go through. My doctor was not a person and not a therapy. It was a place, the most usual for everyone else and the most special place for me. The depressive state I used to experience felt like the time had stopped, like nothing was moving. After a while, the lack of movement made me get up, leave my home and start walking. I honestly do not remember anything that happened on my way. I am sure that if someone watched me walk, they would be left with the impression that I was some kind of a zombie. I was moving with my brain on autopilot. This is how I ended up in a park. What made my thoughtless movement stop was a tree. Actually, there were three trees growing out one spot. Two of them were quite thick and grew straight up. The third tree was thinner and bent at the very bottom, which made it almost horizontal. Since the body of the tree was nearly parallel to the ground, it made a lovely natural bench. Tired from walking and a little surprised to have found myself in a park, I sat down and looked around. The park looked very ordinary. It had trees, benches, loans and some people. Through the blurry lens of my depressive state I saw them as shapeless blobs moving in different directions, even their voices sounded hollow. I closed my eyes feeling like they were of no use and this is when it started. Suddenly, I felt something tickling my finger. It was an ant, carrying a piece of leaf, it ran across my hand since it was on the way, and headed somewhere along the horizontal tree. I followed the ant with a glance and saw another one, and another one. There were dozens of ants on the bodies of the trees. A little higher there was a big night butterfly, probably sleeping, waiting for the sun to go down. At the bottom of the tree I noticed a green caterpillar, folding and unfolding itself trying to climb up. So much was happening on just several inches of the tree bark. I touched it, felt its rough and rugged surface. The tree felt alive, I patted it lightly, as if I was afraid to wake it up, a blow of wind swished its leaves, and it sounded like the tree gave a sigh. The wind brought