Self-efficacy in reading and language arts Research Paper

Self-efficacy in reading and language arts - Research Paper Example First an introduction has been given as to what contribution has technology made in education and especially the teaching of language. Then, teachers’ competencies and barriers to the integration of technology have been discussed. After that, various technological strategies are discussed which the teachers can make use of in classrooms to motivate students and facilitate their language teaching process. Introduction Since the advent of sophisticated technological means, educators have been trying to modify the instructional process with the help of technology. Early 1960’s brought with it new curricula and instructional models of instruction, but the drawback with these instructional schemes was their poor management. Last decades have seen much advancement in this regard. An ideal classroom environment is so dynamic in which each student is motivated to present his own understanding, and where he is comfortable with his own set of instructional materials. Thus, the te acher needs to organize instructional and motivational schemes in such a way that all students with their unique calibers are equally attended to. Today, the educational institutes are aware of the necessity of incorporating information and communication technology in teaching language to enhance student motivation and learning. Literature Review Ismail, Ghaleb and Almekhlafi (2010, p.37) studied teacher perception regarding teaching Arabic and English languages in schools in UAE. They found that teachers’ support and willingness to incorporate technology in their teaching languages is very important to motivate students to learn effectively. The researchers discussed the benefits of the usage of IT both for the teachers and the students, and found from their qualitative and quantitative research that teacher perception should be considered seriously for better implementation of technological tools in classrooms. Woodrow (as cited. in Ismail, Ghaleb & Almakhlefi, 2010, p.37) asserts, â€Å"teachers are seen to be active agents in the process of changes and implementation of new ideas as their beliefs and attitudes may support or impede the success of any educational reform such as the utilization of an innovative technology program.† So, it can be stated that technological advances have greatly facilitated student motivation to learn through enhanced teaching processes. The teachers today can use many technological tools to equip themselves while teaching languages to their students. Mansor (2007) asserts that the technological advances have greatly benefitted the learning of English language for students. However, it still has to go a long way as, according to what Ismail, Ghaleb and Almakhlefi (2010) found in their research, teachers were still reluctant to use technological facilities in teaching languages like Arabic. Yaratan and Kural (2010, p.161) studied the implementation of instructional technology in teaching English language in North C yprus schools. They conducted the survey among 80 teachers, and concluded that although teachers were willing to use technology in teaching language, still the rate was low because there were not enough technological means to employ nor there was enough time. However, they found that the teachers who were

Texas Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Texas Government - Essay Example (Texas Politics) There are striking similarities in these two constitutions. Both are founded on the cardinal principles of justice and equality towards all human beings irrespective of race and culture. They are identical in the framework of democratic rule of law based on division of powers between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary whilst exercising care to maintain balance of power amongst the three branches, viz. legislature, executive and judiciary, and protect the constitution from misuse or abuse of power by any individual. The background of the Texas constitution coming in the wake of its independence from Spanish rule coincides with the background of the U.S. constitution which came into being after the United States attained its independence from British rule. (Constitution of the United States) The differences lie in the areas of religion, policies on slavery, and the manner of drafting the constitution. Roman Catholicism was adopted as state religion in the Texas constitution. The United States constitution is silent on any such preference on religion although its articles and emblems principally endorse a faith in God based on reason and research. The Texas constitution consistently disapproved of slavery from its inception. The U.S. constitution dithered on the issue. The Texas constitution was drafted in a hurry and depended on U.S. constitution as source. The U.S. constitution was drafted in a pain-staking manner and required good amount of time and deliberations by the nation's founding fathers and legal experts. (Texas Politics) Texas PAC Every country, irrespective of its system of governance, has interest groups for noble causes such as education, human rights and environmental issues. The Associated Conservatives of Texas Political Action Committee (ACTPAC) supports conservative causes and forces in Texas. It is primarily engaged in raising funds for organizations and individuals espousing conservative ideals and activities. Obviously, ACTPAC has a broad agenda of social, economic and political nature. From standing up for tax cuts to waging war on terrorism, ACTPAC has the capability and resource to influence change for the better through interactions with those in power as also the ordinary citizen. Its officials are Jerry J. Mikus (Jr. Chairman), Mike McNamara (Vice Chairman and Secretary), Brian Russell (Treasurer), and Frank Alvarez (Consultant). The ACTPAC is headquartered at Austin, Texas, and by its very nature and form is beholden to the Conservative Party politically. As a political forum, ACTPAC is a multi-purpose body with a wide reach and powerful personalities to draw from. Its functions are modeled and organized to raise funds and gather support on critical issues affecting society as a whole. (Associated Conservatives of Texas PAC) Case heard by the Texas Supreme Court The case no. 03-0647 is a petition for review from the Court of Appeals for the Ninth District of Texas. The petitioner is Evanston Insurance Company and the respondent is ATOFINA Petrochemicals, Inc. Matthew Todd Jones, an employee of Tripe S Industrial Corporation contracted by ATOFINA