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High School Student Reward Systems

pearlfreeman — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:48:41 +0000

Every teacher struggles, sooner or later, with the issue of setting up a reward system. It would be great if students were motivated by the intrinsic (psychological) value of gaining an education. The reality is that it takes a while for students to be motivated to learn for the sake of gaining knowledge. This is where the reward systems come into play. There are two main types of reward systems, exchange value, and positive behavior support. Let’s take a look at both and examine the benefits and drawbacks of using each system.

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Exchange Value
In the exchange value reward system, students are given a slip of paper, postcards, tokens etc. that symbolize the value of good behavior and/or participation. These objects serve as a symbol of what they are worth and really aren’t worth anything themselves. In a way, this is similar to a piece of paper that really isn’t worth much on its own, but society gives it value by calling it “money.” Usually, students take these objects to the teacher and exchange them for a prize, piece of candy, gift certificate etc.

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The benefits: This reward system is relatively low cost to establish since the goal is that students will want to accumulate more of the symbolic objects in order to receive a larger prize. The teacher establishes the value system, and so can make them worth as much or as little as he or she chooses. Also, a competition factor comes into play where students compete with each other to have the most and the best of the prizes offered.

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The drawbacks: Some students may get discouraged with how long it takes to earn enough of the objects to “buy” something of “value”. They also may not buy into the reward system if the prizes aren’t to their liking. One never wants to make the mistake of giving rewards in a predictable fashion because then, good behavior will only be present if a reward is given. These drawbacks can be conquered when one person gets a universally acknowledged “amazing” prize and spreads the news through word of mouth. Also, major prizes should only be given sporadically, such as once a quarter.

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Positive Behavior Support
The Positive Behavior Support reward system is based on supporting desirable behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. Usually, those that abide by the rules of the PBS system get some sort of monetary, verbal or exchange value prize for their good behavior.

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The benefits: PBS systems are established at the outset of a class or school year. They are only strong when bought into by a lot of people and established across the board. The students who thrive best within the PBS systems are those who value their place in the system and the positive opinion of authority figures.
The drawbacks: Rewards cannot be emphasized more than the validity of the system as a means of establishing a desirable and productive learning environment. Students will only buy into a system if they experience the negative aspects of not having the system in place.

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Christian Education: Why Are We So Biblically Illiterate?

tiffanyscott — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:53:15 +0000

Why, in a culture where nearly everyone can read, has access to a Bible, and has a church on every corner, is there such biblical illiteracy? I believe the answer to this question is to be found springing from the society we are a part of:

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First, there is a diminished stress on education. We see this in lowered national standards. Lowered expectations. Lowered requirements. We emphasize “feeling good” about yourself and therefore we accept mediocrity. Defining educational excellence and striving for it is old-fashioned and exclusionary.

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Second, there is an emphasis on “rights” over “responsibility.” The phrases are so common they are cliched: “I deserve it.” “It’s my right.” Whether or not we’ve “earned” it is irrelevant – because I want it, it’s my “right.”

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Third, there is a lack of balance in our use of time. The latest handheld techno-gadgets have become our Bibles, traveling with us wherever we go, providing structure and order to our days, advising us of what we can and can’t do. The thing they don’t provide is balance, rest, prioritization, and peace. We have become multi-tasking people instead of single-focused persons.

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Fourth, there is a “quick-fix” mentality. We live in a culture of sound-bites, immediate access, convenience technology, and instant gratification. We are unwilling to sweat and wait and work for what we want.

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Think for a minute of how this cultural worldview plays itself out within the Church:
With our diminished stress on education, we are content with teaching the bare basics of the faith in our churches. We are so concerned that people will become “overwhelmed” or “frightened” by the harder truths of Scripture, or by an in-depth study of doctrine, that we don’t present it to them. We keep them on a milk diet, and then wonder why they can’t digest meat.

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The cultural emphasis on “rights” means that we look at the benefits of Christianity … answered prayer, spiritual gifts, leadership, etc. … as our “rights” as children of God. The thought that the fullness of these things comes only through a life of obedience and daily discipline is unpalatable.

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Our schedules show our lack of balance in our lives. How often do you have in your daily plan: “Quiet time.” “Prayer time.” “Weekend spiritual retreat.” “Time for a long, quiet, unhurried walk – may take all afternoon.” We have planned God right out of our lives. Instead of providing us more time to spend on our spiritual development, we have less, because we schedule the time we have down to the wire.

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Finally, our quick-fix mentality has lost to us our entire Christian history of devotion, dedication, spiritual formation, solitude, labor, and suffering. We have no time to wait for what is good, and we don’t have patience with pain. We will not tarry for wisdom, nor work for fulfillment. If maturity cannot be gained in five-minute easy-to-understand devotional readings, then it won’t be gained at all.

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Why are we biblically illiterate as the Church? The above points can be summarized neatly:

We do not stress education.
We do not stress responsibility.
We do not stress balance.
We do not stress perseverance.
Without these, biblical knowledge – and spiritual maturity – cannot be achieved.

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Preparing For A College Education

cindygonzalez — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:28:55 +0000

You’ve probably heard that by the time your child graduates high school it will take a fortune to go to college. While public colleges and universities are reasonable for many families right now, the cost is expected to rise to over $100,000 in 18 years from now. Want to send your child to that same private school you attended? Be prepared for a tuition of close to a quarter of a million dollars.

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But if you start right now, you are going to be just fine. Time is the biggest factor in saving a large amount of money. It can work for you if you start today. If you wait until you child is in high school, it will not be your best friend — it will just move too fast.

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I don’t know where to begin, you may be saying. So many parents aren’t saving for their children’s education because they really don’t understand what they will be facing. Many expect grandparents or other relatives to help out. But they don’t realize that 18 years is a long time and a lot can happen.

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Start saving now. Every little bit counts. Remember that the early you start, the less it will cost you. Interest works for you in many ways. Even a few dollars a week can end up buying several classes later on.

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Start by estimating what your child’s education will cost. At 5% inflation, the average public university may cost around $24,000 a year in 18years. If you have older children, the cost in ten years will be around $16,000 using the same calculations.

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Use these numbers to get you motivated. And yes, some of the education costs may be covered by scholarships and financial aid, but you never know. It is better to save too much than not enough.
You can simply use an online calculator to determine how much you will have to save each year to reach your goal. Remember, interest is working for you here, so it isn’t as simple as dividing the goal by the time you have to save. You will find that the sooner you start, the less you put in.

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Keeping this in mind, a savings account or money market account doesn’t pay very good interest. Most advisors recommend that if you are starting early, you should be aggressive. Stock funds out-perform other investments over the long term. Remember, this is an investment that requires your attention. Don’t just put it somewhere and leave it. Pay attention to the performance of the funds. As you get closer to your child’s high school graduation, start moving the money into more conservative investments.

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Many people want to know which is more important, saving for retirement or for a child’s college education? You can do both. Make your retirement your priority, but don’t ignore the savings for your child. Parents that are disciplined in saving money will teach a child a lot in life. Just as the college experience will.

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Top Accounting Schools In The U.S.

cindygonzalez — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:14:54 +0000

For those Americans interested in financial careers, getting into one of the top accounting schools in the U.S. is a necessary step. Though opportunities in accounting, general business, and marketing do exist for people who did not attend one of the top accounting schools in the U.S., obtaining a great job after graduating is easier for graduates of well-known colleges and universities.
A number of online degree programs for associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in accounting are available, but rarely are any of these institutions considered one of the top accounting schools in the U.S. However, institutions such as DeVry University, University of Phoenix, Florida Tech Online, and Western Governor’s University can be good options for people who do not have the time to attend an in-person accounting program due to job or family obligations.
One of the top accounting schools in the U.S. is at the University of California, Los Angeles Anderson School of Management. Those interested in a financial career can study financial accounting, management accounting, and taxation. UCLA offers account programs from the undergraduate level through Ph.D. It is also a great educational value financially, especially for California residents.
The Account and Management Unit at Harvard Business School is another fine accounting program at one of the world’s most prestigious private Ivy League universities. Accounting offerings up to the Ph.D. level include options in management and business economics. While the education at Harvard Business School is extremely expensive, often exceeding $40,000 per year, there are a number of scholarships and fellowships available. Harvard indisputably opens a number of career doors that are shut to most people, so any expense or loans incurred are usually worth it especially when it comes to an accounting career.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is another one of the top accounting schools in the U.S. that offers a good educational value, especially for residents of North Carolina.
Getting into a good business or accounting program usually requires excellent SAT or GRE scores, good grades, a variety of math courses, and an excellent admissions essay. State schools are usually the most affordable option, but they give priority to applicants from their own state. Anyone looking for a serious career in accounting should strongly consider going beyond an undergraduate degree.
Students short on money may want to seek an associate’s, or two-year degree, in accounting from a local community college. Then they could start working in the field, usually as a clerk or assistant, and attend a local four-year college at night for their bachelor’s degree. Getting into one of the top accounting schools in the U.S. as a transfer from a community college is also a great way to make up for grade deficiencies at the high school level. Those hoping to get an advanced degree in business or accounting need to do as well as possible in their undergraduate major and also take on extracurricular activities.

No matter what your financial situation or educational background is, with enough dedication and patience you can start a career in accounting with the aid of a good state or private college.

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Benefits Of Early Math Education

pearlfreeman — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 13:53:41 +0000

The benefits of early math education is a neglected topic. There are many initiatives in place to foster language and reading, while math has been overlooked. Part of the problem is that many of the people who go into the early education field are not fond of math themselves. The benefits of early math education are far reaching though and cannot be ignored.
Indicator of Future Success
Studies by the Society of Research in Child Development report that a child’s knowledge of number concepts when they enter school is a good indicator of future success. This information should encourage all parents and educators to introduce math at early ages.
Naturally Curious
Children are naturally curious. They are interested in just about everything, using this trait can allow for wide strides to be made in mastering number concepts at a very young age.
Build Confidence
Understanding numbers, shapes, colors, patterns and counting at a young age builds confidence. Knowing how to manage the items in their world creates a sense of ownership with their surroundings, as does learning the lingo. Being able to decipher the language of math and relate it to themselves is an important building block.
Capable
Children are capable of learning deeper math concepts than usually assumed. Given the opportunity to learn math skills at a young age builds necessary connections in their spatial awareness. Everything in math is both concrete and abstract, learning these concepts takes time to develop and mature. Early exposure allows the mind to process the skills needed to proceed.
Easily Incorporated
Luckily introducing math at a young age isn’t difficult. Chatting about putting one sock on each foot or asking them to hand each person at the table one napkin easily introduces the concept of one to one correspondence. Learning to count is one thing, learning how numbers relate to concrete items is another stage in their development.
Helps in Language Development
Activities to develop math skills, also promotes language and literacy skills. Increasing the vocabulary needed to process math helps children discuss their world. These skills are highly necessary when they start to read. Knowing numbers, shapes, “more than” and “less than” gives them a new way of telling and understanding stories.
Progressive
Math builds on a set of knowledge, each concept relating to skills the children already have. Progressively learning at an early age, can side step failures due to gaps in knowledge. Those gaps are what makes many children give up on math in later years.
Ideas to Introduce Math at an Early Age
Many of these activities need little to no preparation. Learning happens all day for a young child. Make the most of the in-between times, errands and daily chores. Incorporating math concepts is easy, but remember to keep the conversations light hearted and matter of fact. Forcing math is a good way to turn them off to learning.
Knowing Numbers
Count everyday things while you go about your day. Learning that numbers are symbols that stand for something concrete is a huge leap in knowledge. Counting becomes more than words to song.
Let them play with number magnets. Teach them the names while they are holding them up. Eventually ask them to show you a certain number.
Writing numbers at a young age is more art than math, but it’s good for their fine motor skills.
Squeeze in counting during their playtime; ask how many crayons they have or how many blocks are in their tower. With enough counting experience, children learn that five blocks are five blocks no matter how they are stacked.
Play a game, like asking them to hop 4 times, or see if they can take 10 baby steps. This is fun and passes the time while waiting for an appointment.
Matching
Equal and not equal are important concepts in math. Have children help match socks, or coins.
Play dominos, there are lots of preschool versions out that might be more fun than the traditional set.
Have them copy your facial expression
Make a block tower and have them copy it
Play an easy game of concentration, use shapes and fewer cards to start
Classifying and Sorting
While matching concentrates on what is alike, sorting focuses on what is different. Have them sort their dolls according to size, or put their cars in groups according to color or type of vehicle.
Try sorting by their rules. Give them a pile of shells or buttons to sort and see what they come up with.
Play sorting games in the bathtub. See which toys float and which ones sink.
These skills are so basic to adults that it is easy to forget that we ever learned them. Developing these fundamental skills through play will help children progress much faster in both math and literacy.

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Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

M.T. Floyd — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:13:52 +0000

If we compile a list of the most frequently read and the most immensely effective books in the field of self help and inspiration, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People will surely be at the top. This book is one of the most highly recommended books ever simply because it offers great value for both your time and your money. It is based on the idea that what makes successful people achieve great heights is their way of handling life – in other words, their habits.

Our habits are what define us. Good habits make us a better person where as bad habits like smoking or telling impulsive lies destroy us. It actually takes a lot to quit bad habits and embrace good ones but once it is done, it can literally change our lives. Good habits are a blend of knowledge, skill and desire. Here is a brief overview of the seven habits that author Stephen R. Covey talks about in this bestseller.

Habit One: Be Proactive

What sets us humans apart from other living beings is self awareness and the ability to choose our responses. We are responsible for our actions; we alone have the power to control our reactions to situations or circumstances. In our life, we can choose to be either reactive or proactive. Suppose that at work, you feel great if your boss is happy with how you perform; if, on the other hand, he is not satisfied, you feel terrible. This is a reactive approach: in this way, we let situations or other people’s actions control us. Reactive people frequently use words like “I must”, “if only”, “they made me”, and “if I had”, among others.

By choosing to be proactive, we become aware that we can improve our lives by actively making decisions for ourselves, instead of just reacting to external forces that do not lie in out circle of control. By focusing on our circle of control (the things we can directly change and influence), we can start being proactive in our life. Unlike reactive people, proactive people choose words like “I prefer”, “I will”, “I choose to”, and “I can”: you can see there is a world of difference between the very feeling of these words and that of the words used by reactive people!

Habit Two: Begin with the End in Mind

Set your goals, identify your values. Basically this habit is about developing a principle-based mission statement that you can stick to for life. Develop your goals on the basis of these mission statements. Write the script of your life in harmony with what you are.

Habit Three: Put First Thing First

‘Things which matter most should never be at the mercy of things which matter least’- Goethe

Schedule your priorities – this will make time management much easier for you. It will also help you in attaining balance in your life. Identify key roles in your life like that of an employer, a father, a son, or a brother, and consciously make time for each of them.

Habit Four: Think Win/Win

In relationships and work, strive to find arrangements that are good for everyone. Instead of going your way or my way, go for a way that is better for all. This will help develop mutual trust and understanding for all the involved parties, and make for healthier work/ personal relationships.

Habit Five: Seek First to Understand, Then to be understood

One of the key habits is to listen – really listen. By listening, I mean listening without making prior judgments, and arriving at a decision only after taking the time to diagnose the issue. It is important to seek understanding before you attempt to get your point across.

Habit Six: Synergize

If you want to expand your power to influence, be prepared to be influenced as well. Find ways to leverage individual differences to create a better whole.

Habit Seven: Sharpen the Saw

It takes time to really master whatever you are focused on, but it takes only little things to dramatically increase the effectiveness of your efforts. Make small, positive changes in your physical, emotional and spiritual self to create a huge impact.

7 Step guide to financial Prison Break

M.T. Floyd — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:23:55 +0000

photo by Martien@Arnhem, Flickr

So you want to break out from your financial Prison? Ok, well here is my 7 step guide on how to start doing that:

1. Write down your financial plan. Understand your actual situation and choose realistic goals for future.

2. Take control of your financial situation. Learn how to read and write a financial declaration.

3. It’s important to understand the difference between assets and liabilities. What is cash flow and why it’s so important ?

4. Buy assets first , liabilities second.

5. Start a part time business. This is the best alternative if you are a self employee.

6. Don’t work for money. Put money to work for you. It’s not so hard as it seems to be.

7. Improve your financial and investment knowledge.

How to Feel Your Innovative Power

M.T. Floyd — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:04:19 +0000

photo by Jayhurst, Flickr
Have you ever wondered if you are truly capable of feeling the innovative power that you have or being able to channel that to reach your true potential?

Innovation is simply a creation of a new type of product or device that is the result of hard work, study and experimenting. Most people if asked would say that they don’t feel that they have what it takes to harness this inner innovative power, but really anyone can be capable of it.

It basically comes down to whether or not you believe that you have innovative power and how you think about it. If you think that you can not be innovative or come up with anything new and impressive, than you probably won’t, but if on the other hand you have a positive approach to things, you can accomplish and invent anything you want to.

Here are some good pointers to help you find your inner innovation power:

Always listen intuitively to your mind and your thoughts
Don’t waste your time listening to what other people say as this will only bring and add confusion to your thoughts and your mind
If you do have a fresh new thought, utilize your time and efforts in applying the idea and making people understand
Even if it brings negative feedback at first, stick with it and be positive
Always invest enough time to do it right- this does not mean that you have to devote all of your spare time to it, but be smart enough to manage your time
If you feel yourself getting frustrated and confused, exercise. This helps to clear your mind and allows you to focus
Listen to your ambitions. When you think you have ambitions and dreams to do something great, do not forget about them believe in them.
Find your own way of doing something to listen to your inner innovative powers, don’t go by what everyone else says, and try your own approach.
Always put your all into everything that you do, approach every obstacle and challenge with passion and each endeavor with a new zest.

Following these steps can truly help you follow and listen to your innovative power that you might have not even known you had.

The Golden Rules of Innovation

M.T. Floyd — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:41:51 +0000

photo by vdaskalov, Flickr
It may not always be easy to be different from everyone else, and follow your intuition instead of follow everyone else, but if you truly want to make a difference and be innovative, you have to be able to step out of the normal box and see yourself in a whole other light.

There are many people out there who have learned how to do this and who are very successful at it. The reason they are able to do this is because they follow the golden rules of innovation. These rules may take some time to harness and perfect, but once you make the decision to do it you are already half way there.

The three golden rules of innovation:

1. Be creative – do not be afraid to step out of the proverbial box and do something a little different, maybe a little crazy. Do something new, try new things, do different things or put a spin on an older way of doing something. You can take ideas and methods of old things and use them to inspire you to do new and better things. Avoid repeating the same old ideas, but look at them in a whole new light.

2. Be bold – don’t be afraid of being afraid. Do not be afraid to stand up to someone who doesn’t believe in what you are doing or believes that you will fail, instead have enough confidence to believe in yourself and what you are doing. Face the world with courage and don’t be afraid to take a chance on something new.

3. Be focused – stay focused on your ideas and your visions in order to achieve greatness. Don’t lose sight of your dreams and your goals. Know where you want to be and focus on getting there. Don’t give up if something doesn’t work the first time or even the fifth time, reevaluate the situation and find a new and better way of making it work.

Sometimes it can be hard to stay focused with all of the outside noise that surrounds us every day, but learning to listen to your inner voice can help you follow the rules of innovation and lead you to achieving your goals and being where you always dream you can be.

Steps to Create New Realities in Your Life

M.T. Floyd — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:30:00 +0000

photo by Claudio.Ar, Flickr

Have you ever wanted to come up with a new creation or change and recreate a part of your life to make it better? If so, you have to believe that it is possible and that you are capable to do it. Whatever your desire may be, it is yours for the making and is possible if you believe and know that it already lies within you. Think of it this way, if you really want to achieve something or have it happen to you, you have to feel it first – in other words, feel grateful for it before it is yours.

You need to be able to create new realities for yourself , and place a sort of mental order for something different and new and you can achieve this through ways of hoping, praying, dreaming and positive thinking. You have to realize what it is you truly want and how you want to feel when you have it.

Here are three simple steps to help you create new realities:

Ask for it – determine what it is you want and ask. This can be in the form of thinking specifically about what you want and feel it – feel what it will be like once you have it or once you achieve it, feel the happiness and be grateful. Your thoughts are the conduit for your new realities.
Affirm it – declare the new realities that you desire. If you are trying to lose weight, picture yourself being that weight, happy and all of the good feelings that go along with it. Visualize this new way of thinking and how you will feel once you are able to attain it.
Act on it – when you believe in yourself and in your dreams, you will have to act on them to make them come true. Act boldly and have confidence that you can achieve what you want and you

You may have to adjust your plans as you go along, but creating new realities starts in the mind and you have to believe in yourself and that you can achieve them. You have to commit to the idea of succeeding in your dreams and turning those dreams into new realities that are happy and positive.