The effects of poverty in the development of children's thinking Research Paper

The effects of poverty in the development of children's thinking related to mathematics - Research Paper Example Children from economically challenged families appear to have a more difficult time in learning mathematical skills than do children from families with secure finances. While the body of research that exists on the topic has tended to focus on ethnicity as a component to the achievement gaps that are appreciated where learning mathematics is involved, it is more clearly evident that economic disparities create achievement gaps where expectations are not being met. Economic power asserts a certain level or propriety where knowledge is concerned, but this can be used where context is shown to be essential in learning mathematical knowledge. Putting math into context with real life situations appears to increase the ability to effectively use mathematical knowledge. Socialization appears to be the key to how learning is accomplished and learning math is affected when earlier socialization towards learning intangible concepts has not been established. The effect of economics on the gaps in achievement as observed between low and high income families is more likely due to the differences in socialization towards learning rather than in a disparity in income. There is a belief based upon research that children from African American and Latin ethnic origins, as well as those from low socio-economic areas have lowered scores on standardized tests than to those from Caucasian ethnic origins and with a higher level of socio-economic advantages. According to Flores (2007), â€Å"Specifically, data show that African American, Latino, and low-income students are less likely to have access to experienced and qualified teachers, more likely to face low expectations, and less likely to receive equitable per student funding â€Å" (p. 29). ... In the study done by Flores (2007) who also focuses on socio-economic status, the statistics concerned with ethnicity is also considered. Flores (2007) presents data concerning standardized tests still shows a disparity in regard to ethnicity. In African American students, 91% have not met the mathematics proficiencies expected by the eighth grade. For Latino students that figure is 87%. Asian American students, on the other hand, show that 53% are not meeting mathematical expectations and Caucasian students are at 63%. The first notable information from these statistics is that over half of all students are not meeting mathematical achievement expectations by grade eight. The discussion, when focused on socio-economic backgrounds, shows that while 38% of children from financially secure homes meet expectations in mathematics on standardized tests, only 13% of children from economically insecure families meet those expectations (Flores, 2007). Economic disparities also lead to cultur al disparities with families having members with minds that have been trained academically have a much easier time in transferring that type of learning discipline onto their children. As poverty and academic achievement are related, families in lower socio-economic levels are less likely to have achieved higher education; therefore their children are not taught how to pursue education nor to have an admiration for economic achievement. One of the other misconceptions where research has focused on culture and ethnic issues where learning is concerned is that there has been an association with culture and ethnicity. According to work done by Nasir and Hand

The Best Practices in Business Communication Essay

The Best Practices in Business Communication - Essay Example This statement shows that a person needs to be a good listener, as well as a good presenter both at the same time. While listening, a person should listen to the concerns and viewpoints of other people with full concentration in order to get a correct idea of the situation. Similarly, during talking, a person should be able to express his/her viewpoint logically and in an expressive way to convince others. If any of these two skills is missing in a person, the process of business communication is not likely to produce maximum benefits or results. Moreover, every person involved in the process of business communication needs to participate in the communication process in order to make the process effective and result-oriented. Freedom of Expression Freedom of expression is another effective business communication practice. Result-oriented business communication can never take place if each person involved in the process of communication is not given the due respect and time to express his/her viewpoint. Freedom in expressing the viewpoint is the key towards successful and result-oriented business communication. In a business communication setting, if a manager keeps distance with employees due to his/her position in the company, the employees will not be able to express their concerns to the manager properly which will definitely affect the productivity of the company. Therefore, it is necessary for managers, as well as for senior employees to show respect and courteousness to their subordinates in order to ensure success of the business communication processes. Value of Time Time is one of the most important factors of successful business communication. It is extremely important to make timely... This report stresses that principles of effective communication include giving sincere appreciation, communicating in a friendly manner, using appropriate body language, showing interest in knowing the viewpoint of each other, overcoming language, cultural, location, perpetual, and emotional barriers to communication, and getting communication feedback. Communication feedback is very important as it helps communication participants know the value of their participation, as well as the correctness of their viewpoints. Poor business communication and lack of communication feedback can lead to a wide range of issues, such as, unmotivated employees, frustrated customers, and a negative corporate culture. Every person involved in process of business communication should provide timely feedback to the inputs of each other. This paper makes a conclusion that business communication takes place in any workplace setting either between two or more individuals or between companies. Some benefits of doing effective business communication at the workplace include timely decision-making, improved level of understanding between employees, improved work relations, improved business processes, and improved unity between employees. Convenience, clarity, commitment, concentration, and freedom of expression are such communication practices that can make business communication processes successful. Along with these practices, there exist some key principles of communication that also play a vital role in making business communication processes effective and result-oriented.