Australian Vocational Education and Training Essay -- Australian Educa

This essay discusses on the Australian vocational education and training (VET) as a formal learning system that is intended for out-of-school youth who are past secondary education. It explores the drivers that shape the economic, social and political contexts in which VET was established like human capital theory, changing nature of work, globalisation, lifelong learning and the learning society. The paper analyses and evaluates the VET strands and mode of delivery and argues that VET is a good channel for out-of-school youth to be mainstreamed to the job industry but the mode of delivery is not sustainable. The experiences of VET practitioners interviewed and the researches on disengaged learners and reasons of early leavers were used to support the argument. It also explains the impact of VET had on my institution and the implication on my teaching practice using the concepts of reflexive modernisation, globalisation and lifelong learning. The formal education system in the Australia is divided into three levels: (i) basic education which is handled by the Department of Education (DepEd), (ii) technical/vocational which is handled by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and (iii) higher education which is handled by Commission on Higher Education (CHED). In addition, there is a preschool level and a non-formal component that provides basic literacy and livelihood skills to out-of-school youth and adults who have either not attended school at all or who dropped out of school early. Basic education, which usually starts at age six, is divided into 7 years of primary schooling and 5 years of secondary schooling. TESDA provides pre-employment preparation in middle-level technician and craft skills. At the... ...ok of readings. And, this time I made use of NCVER which is indeed a very good resource for teachers of adult education. Lastly, I conferred with my mentor as regards to this assignment because she is directly involved with VET and interviewed VET practitioners for me. The part of my assignment I consider the weakest would be the implications of VET in my teaching practice because I know I need to substantiate my explanation on the identified implication however perhaps because I am not directly involved with VET I cannot really reflect on how I should view my teaching practice. On the other hand, the part of my assignment that I consider the strongest are the three arguments I discussed against VET mode of delivery because I was able to back up my arguments with researches, concepts and experiences of VET practitioners to stress my point.

My life after five years from now

I am an adolescent who have just completed high school and has started attending college. My academic progress is satisfactory and I am getting good grades. By nature I may be considered a shallow person who takes things rather lightly. I don’t go much deeper into any problem to really comprehend it. Although, I am gregarious and fun loving, basically I am an introvert and I keep my personal life sheltered as I don’t take people into confidence easily. I have a weak personality and lack self confidence. To camouflage this, I always try to be over friendly and talkative with my friends. But deep down, I don’t trust my friends and never share my innermost thoughts with them. If things don’t work out according to my expectations, I become a recluse, and refuse to discuss it with anyone. My outlook is conservative and can not accept any open show of affection easily. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure has totally blinded my vision and obstructed my rational thinking capacity. Although I am well aware of my drawbacks, I am unable to change for the better. Currently my vision about life is blurred by my short sightedness and lack of wisdom and experience. I would like to change these negative attributes and enhance my personality. The vision of my life five years from now is a complete transformation of my personality. I’ll accept my friends as they are and respect them as an individual. I’ll take some of my friends into confidence and share my problems and successes with them. I’ll always listen to their point of view before taking any difficult decision. I’ll shed my pessimistic and gloomy attitude and encounter any problem with a positive mind. I’ll acknowledge my fear, will analyse it and make a conscious effort to eliminate it from my system, in a slow but determined way. This negative personality trait affected me greatly and prevented me from taking right kind of decisions at the right moment. I’ll overcome fear with double determination and become a person with an independent personality, who can take right kind of decision at the right moment, and can dream, believe and act towards realising his cherished goal. Career-wise I have not thought of any particular profession which I would like to pursue within the course of next five years. While I’ll concentrate on my studies to ensure good grades, on spare times I would do odd jobs to earn some extra money. Since travelling excites me a lot, I would take up part time job in travel agencies such as tourist guide or interpreter which will take me to exotic tourist places. While accompanying the tourists, I’ll visit beautiful islands, see exotic landscapes of steep mountains, and lush green vegetations. Sometimes I’ll lie down in solitude on a sandy beach, and gaze at the blue azure sky. Associating with nature will give me a clear perspective on life and what it holds. I’ll shed my superficial self and emerge a more genuine person who will appreciate anything from beauty of nature to the beauty of a girl from aesthetic sense. This will help me to get into a permanent relationship, which till now is eluding me. I want to confidently go in the direction of my goal of transforming my personality within five years from now. Only time will tell how far I’ll be successful in changing my negative personality traits and become a person who is honest with himself and with others and have emotional strength, integrity of character, clarity of mind and confidence in others. If I fit the personality mentioned above within five years from now, my goal of personal transition will become a reality. Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â  

Models of Addiction Essay

The addicted person can be a composite of patterns of behavior, predisposition, and social environment. Generally, he is preoccupied with the substance or behavior of choice and will continue to practice the addiction in increasing amounts of time and material. Cessation results in withdrawal symptoms and discomforts both physically and psychologically. In spite of attempts to cut back or cease the activity, the addict will continue to his behavior to his own detriment and destruction. There are many factors that need to be considered when addressing causation, allowing the models of addiction to fall into three basic categories; medical, social, and psychological. Medical Models This model rests on the assumption that disease states are a result of a biological dysfunction, possibly one on the cellular or even molecular level (Doweiko, 2012). The disease or dispositional concept allows the addict to bear no responsibility for the addiction (Jenkins, 2014). Because of underlying physical abnormalities, the addict is not able to control the use of the substance or his behavior. This is the primary way of viewing addictions in the United States, according to Doweiko (2012). The cause here is considered biological or hereditary. A problem here is the potential for denial of personal responsibility. Genetic factors consider vulnerability, predisposition, and how genes come together to increase risk for addiction. Patterns over time and generations can be helpful in research and in understanding possible solutions. This idea is limited in that research is narrowly focused on biological and genetic factors versus other factors.   Social Models This model views peer pressure, social policies, and availability as major contributing influences surrounding addictions. It is mainly concerned with conformance and deviance, what helps, and what is a risk. Unhealthy relationships, dysfunctional families, and environment play a major part in the cause of addiction in this type of model (Jenkins, 2014). Inadequate coping mechanisms and vicarious learning contribute to the problem. The focus is on family, peers, personal relationships, and learned behaviors. The moral volitional or willful sin theory relies on social sanctions to remedy addiction and sees it as a weakness of character. The greatest hope here is that changing peers, places, and things offers recuperation. On a spiritual level, the degrading effects of sin illuminate the need for redemption (Jenkins, 2014). This compulsion is seen as a form of idol worship, as it places the obsession before God. It hinders spiritual growth and alters the image of God within the believer. Social models are limited in that relationships are difficult to measure (Jenkins, 2014). Rather than how the addiction develops, the emphasis is on recovery. Genetic predisposition and other areas are not taken into account or ignored and the individual’s ability to resist is not contemplated. Psychological Models With the rise of psychoanalysis came the psychological models of addiction. The addict is considered as being immature developmentally and as having fundamental traits that contribute to the problem. There is the belief that the dilemma is reinforced both socially and MODELS OF ADDICTION 4 environmentally creating a learned response through classical and operant conditioning (Jenkins, 2014). It is thought that the addict uses defense mechanisms to remain in denial about his predicament and will use cognitive justifications for otherwise unacceptable behavior (Doweiko, 2012). Conclusion From the various models used to understand and explain addiction, it is  apparent that there is an overlapping or interconnection among the theories. This would support an integrated approach to identifying the cause and effects of this problem. When all factors are considered, the puzzle is much easier to put together. Treatment can then be comprised of multiple options and resources making recovery more attainable. References Doweiko, H. 2012. Concepts of chemical dependency , 8th ed. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning Jenkins, D. 2014. Presentation: Models of addiction. Retrieved from http://learn.liberty.edu.

Techniques for Building Strong Customer Relationships

Your first strategy to building a strong customer relationship could be to make every customer interaction count. Don’t take a single customer for granted. Each and every interaction with a customer is a gift and should be valued. You can achieve that by setting up a focus group made up of loyal customers. A focus group can be a vital tool to getting into the mind of your customers and knowing their needs. Another strategy is to really listen to customers. Even complaints can be a gift if handled properly and quickly. Be available and accessible when customers have questions, concerns, or comments. Humans always look for someone to talk to or share their problems with, and if you can listen more to your customers, you will end up knotting the bond between the customer and your business. I think one of the strongest strategies that are important would be to build a strong brand identity. Make it easy for your customers to identify your business or products in the midst of the crowd. Create a winning slogan, tagged with a catchy logo and a unique theme. Most importantly, make a specific promise and deliver on that promise. One of my favorites is to reward loyal customers as a strategy. This is a point that can never be over emphasized, because most businesses go after new customers while forgetting that the existing customers need to be taken care of. Introducing a loyalty program is a very effective relationship marketing strategy. Creating long lasting relationships helps to ensure long-lasting customers and repeat sales. Nothing strengthens a bond more than appreciation, and thanking customers for sticking to your brand will go a long way to make them know they are important. A simple thank you package might be all your business needs to connect personally with your existing customers. Customers want to know that they are valued and appreciated as an individual. Showing existing customers that value and appreciation encourages them to refer their colleagues, friends, and others to your business.

Skeleton for Marge Piercy

Ashley Zogba November 30, 2010 Skeleton #1 Colors passing through us by Marge Piercy: In the collection of poems, Colors passing through us, Marge Piercy expressed her feelings and her perspection of life through her eyes using references to colors, and other daily life things. â€Å"Blue as still water. Blue as the eyes of a siamese cat. † She expresses her calm and cool feelings through the color blue. She refers to the still water, which symbolizes tranquility, serenity and the state of being at peace. Love is a lumpy thing. † Marge compares love to a lumpy thing. Almost like it has different sides to it. Then she continues on to compare it to cutting onions, fun, and work. Through her eyes, love has different stages. Love is â€Å"lumpy† it has its ups and downs. In bed, we act the grace of dolphins arcing like a wheel, The grace of water falling, from a cliff white and sparkling in a roar of spume. Piercy states that â€Å"in bed we act like grace†¦ â⠂¬  then she goes on to that later we eould be ourselves again.That means that we are one way but when we get out into the open world we follow society's rules of civilization. â€Å"The womb opens on a new beast† Marge piercy describes the world as a womb and a new beast as new opportunities. She uses the arrival of a new child to tie it all in one. In The collections of poems, Colors passing through us, Marge Piercy develops many significances through colors, animals and daily life things to express her feelings and her perspective of life.

Psychiatric Nursing care analysis Research Paper

Psychiatric Nursing care analysis - Research Paper Example At the end, a discussion of nursing management techniques for patients experiencing symptoms of depression will be examined. Current Theories in the Etiology, Presentation, and Prognosis of Depression The causes of depression are complex, but are generally understood to be a combination of environmental and genetic factors, such as a traumatic life event combined with a genetic susceptibility to hormone disruption in seratonin levels, though such a connection has not been conclusively proven (Abela & Hankin, 2008; Risch et al., 2009). There is, however, a definitive correlation between â€Å"stressful† or otherwise disruptive events and the beginnings of depressive symptoms (Risch, et al., 2009). Depression is often co-morbid to an anxiety disorder or attention deficit disorder (Luby, Belden, Pautsch, Si, & Spitznagel, 2009;Goldberg, et al., 2010). When presenting independently, these disorders are also generally risk factors for depression. Depression is also often seen as a precursor to the development of senility or dementia in older adults (Brommelhoff et al., 2009). Additionally, as well as being a symptom, insomnia in older adults is considered a risk factor for depression, though this is still controversial (Fiske, et al., 2009). Depression has two core symptoms used in diagnosis which must be experienced for at least a two week period: feelings of sadness or misery without a specific reason for such feelings, and a loss of interest in previous-enjoyed activities (Goldberg, Kendler, & Sirovatka, 2010). In older adults such as the client in this report, insomnia is a widely noted symptom, which is a converse to the hypersomnia usually noted in younger adults with depression (Nutt, Wilson, & Paterson, 2008). Other symptoms include difficulty concentrating and impaired decision-making, change in appetite or eating habits, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of suicide (Keenan et al., 2008). Older adults, however, are less likely to display emotio nal symptoms, and instead present with cognitive decline, motor skills impairment, and a wider range of somatic symptoms (Fiske, Wetherell, & Gatz, 2009). The prognosis of major depressive disorder is highly variable against the length of time the initial depressive episode was present. More minor presentations of the disorder behave similarly to major depressive disorder, but the patients are likely to worsen before they improve. In one study, patients with a previous history of depressive episodes lasting longer than one year were more likely to suffer from a relapse episode that would last longer than six months. This was true even if the initial episode experienced was only minor or sub-threshold depression (Gilchrist & Gunn, 2007). Sub-threshold symptoms in older adults will generally persist for at least a year and makes the person seven times more likely to develop major depression in that time frame than those who do not exhibit such symptoms (Lyness, Chapman, McGriff, Draye r, & Duberstein, 2009). Relationship of Theories to Client Behavior Given that the client has recently undergone major surgery, she is at a higher risk for depression than most of the population. Any surgery could be considered a major life event, but an open colon resection especially would be a very stressful and possibly traumatic experience for the patient, resulting in major physical changes to

Biggest Problems Facing Small Business Research Paper

Biggest Problems Facing Small Business - Research Paper Example From this paper it is clear that in today’s business environment it is necessary for a small business to think beyond survival.   Lack of key management services could limit the success of a small business. An entrepreneur is one who possesses a burning desire to make a change through dedication, determination and hard work, knowing that it satisfies their ultimate business and personal objectives. Entrepreneur is a term applied to the individual who is ready to take upon him or herself a new enterprise or venture and accepts complete accountability for the outcome.Entrepreneurship refers to a company formed with an express goal of growing with a defined growth path. Small businesses are generally consortium of professionals or a family-owned company formed with specific objectives in place. In majority of the cases, providing adequate income is more important than aggressive growth.As the discussion highlights the rising advertising and promotional tools have made it really difficult for a small business to make a mark or even survive. Traditional methods of promotion and advertising do not help the consumers in the brand recognition. The management must ensure delivering of their promises and high quality experience on the first purchase of the consumer. If the experience of the consumer is not good on the first instance itself then it will lead to negative publicity and the business will not get an extra chance. Problems and Challenges Entrepreneurs have become one of the most vibrant forces in the economy with the boom in internet and technology. They are now driving the boom in technology, which itself is driving majority of the economic growth of the world making entrepreneurs very significant from a macro-economic perspective. They have a major impact on the economy. Due to growing globalization, the impact will be felt even more deeply. They have already become a major force in developing nations and in the worldwide economy. The scope of entrepreneurship will continue to change and evolve with the changing world. Some common issues pertaining to business continue to exist such as how to start a business, how to finance it, how to run the business with a sharing and learning environment within the community. Entrepreneurism is an established field with a wide range of problems at various stages of the enterprises. The challenge of starting a business is a common factor for all the entrepreneurs. Be it looking for an idea, through inventing something, finding the right opportunity to buy a franchise or breaking into a new business. Financing their entrepreneurial venture is a challenge faced by all the entrepreneurs. They are even faced with financial hurdles within corporate rules. So unless it is a self-funded venture, getting finances is a challenge that requires preparation of applications or funding proposals to be presented for IPO’s, angel investors, loans or even venture capital. There is no smooth sailing through even after passing the above challenges. Minute glitches should be taken into consideration having a good business plan. The implementation stage is very essential for a