Author: chris

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

In Week Two, you created a presentation on why linking assessments with report cards that reflect CCSS is imperative. In this discussion, you expand on your knowledge about CCSS and debate the idea of whether creating high-quality assessments is necessary. Note that some educators argue that it is not enough to just create a link between assessments and report cards, but that assessments need to be high level and should require students to synthesize their learning instead of only demonstrating mastery by rote memory. Alternatively, some educators argue that high-quality assessments cost more than lower quality assessments (Eisner, 2001; Matthews, 2006; Pulfrey, Buch, & Butera, 2011). One possible reason for this viewpoint is that higher-level assessments often include performance tasks and/or essays that require teacher scoring, and thus a great deal of time is spent on evaluating students’ work. Conversely, lower-level assessments measuring basic knowledge through multiple-choice and true/false responses; they can be measured using technology and take considerably less time and resources to measure.

First, choose a side from the two opposing viewpoints described above and discuss one of these two points:

a. Can the American education system afford assessments for deeper learning?

b. Can the American education system afford not to have such high-quality assessments?

Bird plan

Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word avian conservation plan. Your plan must be a focused analysis of the dangers facing local bird species. Propose avenues of intervention that are beneficial to both avian resources and to people. Address the following in your paper,

Articulate the need for a plan.
Describe the plan’s goals and objectives.
Define the scale of your plan, including the geographic area and species addressed.
Identify stakeholders and how you will earn their support.
Describe potential difficulties and opposition, as well as how you will overcome them.
Examine challenges between human activities and vulnerable species.
Evaluate funding opportunities and possible partnerships.
Consider citizen science and other volunteer resources to execute or augment your plan.
Describe how you will monitor plan progress and make needed changes.
Explain how you will report the outcome.

“Operations Management Applications” Please respond to the following:

Evaluate different operations management principles and techniques that can make businesses more profitable today.

Select one service company of your choice and discuss at least three operations management challenges the company is facing.

Suggest ways to confront the challenges and provide suggestions that can untimely improve sustainability in its value chain.

The Value Chain Concept” Please respond to the following:

Describe a customer experience you have personally encountered where the goods or service or both were unsatisfactory (such as defective products, mistakes, poor service, and so on).

Suggest ways for the organization to improve its goods / service. Determine the element(s) of operations management that must be reevaluated.

Expository essay, you will identify uses, strengths, and limitations for main study methods discussed in class for a topic of interest (ideally the topic you have used for the course learning activities, but this is not required). You will then choose which of these methods you think is best for studying your research question and design a study using the chosen method. You will present hypothetical findings, discuss limitations of your study, discuss areas for further research, and discuss how your study findings could be used by professionals in the field.

In this assignment you will summarize and analyze the essential elements of the Christian worldview and reflect on implications for your own worldview.

Write a 1,250-1,500-word essay using at least two course resources (textbook, lectures, the Bible) and at least two other sources from the GCU Library to support your points. Remember, the Bible counts as one reference regardless of how many times you use it or how many verses you cite.

Begin your paper with an appropriate introduction, including a thesis statement to introduce the purpose of the paper.

Organize your paper with the following sections using the seven underlined titles for subheadings.

The Christian Worldview: Describe the beliefs of the Christian worldview with regard to the following components corresponding to Topics 2-5. Write at least one paragraph for each component using the underlined title for a subheading.

God: What is God like? What are God’s characteristics? What is his creation?

Humanity: What is human nature? What is human purpose? What is the root cause of human problems?

Jesus: What is Jesus’ true identity? What did Jesus do? Why is Jesus’ identity and work significant for the Christian worldview?

Restoration: What is the solution to human problems according to the Christian worldview? What role do grace and faith play in Christian salvation? How do Christians think that the transformation of self and society happens?

Analysis: Analyze the Christian worldview by addressing each of the following questions:

What are the benefits or strengths of Christian belief?
What is troublesome or confusing about Christianity?
How does Christianity influence a person’s thinking and behavior?

Reflection: Reflect on your worldview by answering one of the following questions:

If you are not a Christian, what similarities and differences are there between your worldview and the Christian worldview?
If you are a Christian, how specifically do you live out the beliefs of the Christian worldview?

Cultural Activity Report

As a way of experiencing the Humanities beyond your classroom, computer, and textbook, you are asked to do a certain type of “cultural activity” that fits well with our course and then report on your experience. Your instructor will require you to propose an activity and get instructor approval before you do it and report on it (students should look for any instructions in that respect). Every effort should be made to ensure that this is a hands-on experience (not a virtual one), that this activity fits the HUM 112 class well, and that the activity is of sufficient quality for this university course. The two (2) key types of activities are a museum visit or a performance. Note: This must not be a report on the same activity (and certainly not the same report) as done for another class, like HUM 111. For instance, one might go to the same museum as done for HUM 111, but this HUM 112 report will focus on entirely different works and displays.

Visit a museum or gallery exhibition or attend a theater, dance, or musical performance before the end of Week 10. The activity (museum or performance) should have content that fits our course well. Have fun doing this.
Write 3 pages report (500-750 words) that describes your experience.

Clearly identify the event location, date attended, the attendees, and your initial reaction upon arriving at the event.
Provide specific information and a description of at least two (2) pieces.
Provide a summary of the event and describe your overall reaction after attending the event.
Use at least the class text as a reference (additional sources are fine, not necessary unless required by your content). Your report should include connections you make between things observed in your activity and things learned in the course and text.

Note: Submit your cultural activity choice to the instructor for approval before the end of Week 5 (earlier is even better). Look for guidance from the instructor for how or where to make your proposal. You may also seek advice from your instructor (provide your town / state or zip code) for a good activity in your general area.

Visiting a Museum

It makes sense to approach a museum the way a seasoned traveler approaches visiting a city for the first time. Find out what is available to see. In the museum, find out what sort of exhibitions are currently housed in the museum and start with the exhibits that interest you.
If there is a travelling exhibition, it’s always a good idea to see it while you have the chance. Then, if you have time, you can look at other things in the museum.
Every effort should be made ahead of time to identify a museum that has items and works one can easily connect to our HUM 112 class and book. Since HUM 112 covers from 1600 AD to the present, it makes more sense to focus on items from this time frame. In general, museums with fine arts work better than history museums.
Any questions about whether a museum-visit activity fits the course and assignment well enough will be decided by the instructor when the student seeks approval for the activity. Any alternative activity outside the normal ones listed here, such as for those limited by disability or distance, will be determined by the instructor. Normally, we do not expect students to travel over an hour to get to an approved activity.
Make notes as you go through the museum and accept any handouts or pamphlets that the museum staff gives you. While you should not quote anything from the printed material when you do your report, the handouts may help to refresh your memory later.
The quality of your experience is not measured by the amount of time you spend in the galleries or the number of works of art that you actually see. The most rewarding experiences can come from finding two or three (2 or 3) pieces of art or exhibits which intrigue you and then considering those works in leisurely contemplation. Most museums have benches where you can sit and study a particular piece.
If you are having a difficult time deciding which pieces to write about, ask yourself these questions: (1) If the museum you are visiting suddenly caught fire, which two (2) pieces of art or exhibits would you most want to see saved from the fire? (2) Why would you choose those two (2) particular pieces?

Attending a Performance

Check your local colleges to see if there are any free or low-cost performances or student recitals. Student performances are generally of almost the same quality as professional performances, but typically cost much less. However, performances of high school level or lower will not meet this requirement.
Try to do a quality performance that fits the class subject matter well. Sorry—but this is not for pop music or rock music, rap, country music, gospel music, comedy routines, your kid’s dance recital, your international friend’s wedding, high school plays, renaissance fairs, etc. Instead, think of college level or professional recitals, string quartets, symphony orchestras, opera, jazz, some stage dramas, etc.

Any questions about whether a performance activity fits the course and assignment well enough will be decided by the instructor when the student seeks approval for an activity. Any alternative activity outside the normal ones listed here, such as for those limited by disability or distance, will be determined by the instructor. Normally, we do not expect students to travel over an hour to get to an approved activity.
Unlike visiting a museum, where you can wear almost anything, people attending performances are often expected to “dress up” a bit.
Take a pen or pencil with you and accept the program you are offered by the usher; you will probably want to take notes on it during or after the performance.
Turn off your cell phone before entering the auditorium. Do not use your phone to record the music or to take pictures or videos. To play it safe, turn the phone off.
Most long musical performances have at least one (1) intermission. If the lights start blinking, it is the sign that the performance is about to begin.
Look for very specific things (such as a particular piece of music or the way certain instruments sounded at a specific time) which tend to stand out as either enjoyable or not enjoyable. Be sure to take notes of the things which you find enjoyable as well as the things which are not enjoyable.

Note: If a student is unable to attend a cultural event in person due to circumstances beyond the student’s control, then the instructor will recommend an alternate event / activity for the student to “attend” online. The “virtual” event / activity is usually only for students who, due to their physical location, cannot possibly attend an event / activity in person; typically, these students are stationed overseas or have no means of transportation. Experience shows most museums and activities are modest in cost and manageable for students, and you will often see students from other universities there on similar course projects. If you are facing financial hardship, keep in mind that many museums have a free day each week and performance discounts are often available for students and veterans, among others. Feel free to ask your instructor to help with finding low-cost options. If you believe that you have a legitimate reason for attending a “virtual” activity, you must contact the instructor no later than Week 5 for your request to be considered.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. (Note: Students can find APA style materials located in the Additional Resources section of their Student Center within their course shell for reference)
Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

Explain the importance of situating a society’s cultural and artistic expressions within a historical context.
Examine the influences of intellectual, religious, political, and socio-economic forces on social, cultural, and artistic expressions.
Use technology and information resources to research issues in the study of world cultures.
Write clearly and concisely about world cultures using proper writing mechanics

You have been asked by your administrator to develop a PowerPoint presentation and supporting paper for the staff. The purpose of the PowerPoint is to give concrete examples, suggestions, and ideas to create a more inviting family-school climate at your site, and to entice the staff to read your full paper on the topic. Your Principal understands your desire to make change at your school site and has shown you additional research stating that family involvement supports student success. In order for your staff to buy-in to this new paradigm they must have the background knowledge and specific examples to understand the necessity of change.

Therefore your presentation and paper must:

Address family needs and understanding

Analyze the importance of understanding that the family/parents are the expert regarding their child

Describe possible family stressors and include at least six resources to share with families

Summarize current definitions and understandings of culturally responsive teaching

You will create an ePortfolio that includes redesigned activities from prior coursework in the Masters of Arts in Education (MAED) Program that demonstrate your competency with the nine Program Learning Outcomes, which are also the Course Learning Outcomes for EDU 695. Additionally, you will write a narrative reflection of your experience with the program and the ePortfolio construction. The overarching goal of this Final Paper and ePortfolio assignment is to showcase learning from the MAED Program in a consolidated, web-based format that can easily be shared with anyone: colleagues, potential or current employers, friends, family members, and others. For the ePortfolio, you use a system called Pathbrite. Within this ePortfolio, you will tell the story of your educational journey and value of your personal MAED experience as it applies to the labor market. Remember, the ePortfolio is your chance to show what you know and are able to do in the practice of teaching and learning with technology. You will submit a link to your ePortfolio and attach your paper portion of the assignment in a Week Six discussion for preliminary feedback by peers and the instructor before the final submission. The earlier you submit in the Week Six discussion the more opportunity you have for input from your peers and instructor to improve your work before the final submission of this assignment.

Creating the Final Paper and ePortfolio

Please include a link to the ePortfolio (Pathbrite) within the paper portion of this assignment. As needed, refer to the MAED program learning outcomes (PLOs) list. Then, create your final assignment to meet the content and written communication expectations below.

Content Expectations

ePortfolio Components (5 Points): Include at least one artifact demonstrating mastery for each of the nine MAED Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs).

ePortfolio Design (3 Points): Design the ePortfolio to be professional in appearance. Be sure to exemplify effective and ethical uses of technology so that the ePortfolio logically organized in a visually appealing way.

Narrative – Ranking (5 Points): Rank and discuss the importance of each Program Learning Outcome to your individual work setting, including an explanation of each ranking and its value to you in your learning environment or your position. Discuss how you currently use each PLO in your work setting and, if PLOs are not used, discuss ways you might begin to use them in your current or future work setting. If you are unemployed or otherwise do not work in a teaching role, you can either (a) use a previous work location, or (b) imagine the perfect work location (e.g., your dream job), and use that fictional work center to rank and discuss each PLO. The overall goal of this section of the narrative is to rank each PLO according to its importance to you as an educator or potential educator, starting by listing the most important PLO to you first.

Narrative – Challenges/Solutions (5 Points): Discuss the design and development challenges you experienced while creating this ePortfolio in Pathbrite and explain how you overcame those challenges. If you feel that you did not face any challenges during your design/redesign, please state that there were no challenges and clearly support this statement with a discussion of the details, or reflect and think deeply about your design/redesign process and offer a detailed narrative of how the process excelled. Examples of challenges include: (a) getting accustomed to specific technology to communicate and showcase your learning, (b) difficulty ranking the PLOs, (c) finding creative ways to display your newly learned skill sets, and (d) tying together concepts and theories into one cohesive digital collection. When you explain how you resolved or worked around challenges you need to consider how you became proficient in using various digital tools, how you linked PLOs to your job responsibilities, how Internet searches uncovered new ways to utilize your talents, how peer collaboration produced ways to effectively consolidate multiple concepts and theories in one package, and how ePortfolio examples sparked creative thought

Write a comprehensive project management plan that is no more than 700 words as a Microsoft® Word document that is based on your presentation.

3) Determine how the project retrospective process and the project closedown steps relate to each other and to the overall project structure.

4) Submit comprehensive project management plan as a Microsoft® Word document.

5) Develop a Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation of no more than 10-slides illustrating the main points from the Riordan Manufacturing Project Management Plan.

What are the legal issues involved here? Which of the measures proposed by Abigail are legal, and which are not? Explain the legal issues involved and reference specific pages from your readings to support your conclusions.

To what extent is an industry you are familiar with unionized and engaged in collective bargaining? Is the industry comprised of nonunion employees, unionized and nonunionized employees, or unionized employees? Explain why the industry does or does not have collective bargaining, and discuss what trends might tend to change the current situation in the near future. Be sure to incorporate both legal principles and relevant labor economics facts in your response. Provide references as appropriate.

Select one of the three areas of employment law to answer the question that follows:
Occupational Safety and Health
Employee Retirement Income Security Act
Fair Labor Standards Act

Considering one of the aforementioned entities, what are the differing responsibilities of the finance managers, first-line managers, and human resource managers with regard to your selected area?