About Education: April 2011

Saturday, 30 April 2011

Get Ahead With Computer Education Online

If your goal is to get a certificate or degree in computer technology, there are a lot of good reasons to consider getting your computer education online. Some of the best colleges and universities of today are providing sophisticated distance learning opportunities to satisfy educational prerequisites in network engineering, information technology, information security, computer aided drafting (CAD), website design and development, digital design, and more. Whatever your career aspiration, online computer schools can help you get ahead.

Computer certificate courses are commonly offered for beginners who just want to dip their toes in the pool of modern technology. There are also certification courses for practicing technicians who need to become certified in a particular technological skill. Most online computer certifications take less than a year to complete, offering a quick and efficient method to gain higher education without leaving home. The best part is students are permitted to study anytime they like, with lessons available via the Internet 24 hours a day. Simply open your laptop and download course materials at a pace that works best for you.

There are also some very fine colleges and universities offering accredited online degree programs that take place in your own home. Undergraduates can begin by earning an associate of science in computer technology in about two years, depending on the specific course. Or, for even better education and credentials, sign up for an online bachelor's degree program. You can learn to be an expert computer technician in about 3-4 years. Upon graduation, you will be fully qualified for some really exciting and challenging positions in network engineering, database management, software development, and many others.

It is even possible to get graduate degrees in computer education online. Perhaps the most coveted degree program in the industry would be the master's of computer science. Many of the finest colleges and universities provide advanced distance learning programs that exceed national standards. Graduate degree programs allow students to choose a particular concentration in which to specialize, making this an especially attractive path to success. With the proper background, you can complete your MS degree online in about 4-6 years and be fully qualified to teach others or to perform academic research.

Yes, learning about computer technology at home can be a very smart decision for the disciplined and committed student. There is no doubt that online computer education offers a vast number of excellent choices, and all of them can lead you to victory.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on our website.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

To learn more about options for higher education, we urge you to visit SchoolsGalore.com where you will find computer courses and online schools, as well as thousands of accredited colleges, universities and online schools across the U.S. and Canada.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Get a list of Accredited Online Computer Education Schools and other Online Schools, as well as Traditional Colleges, Universities, Natural Healing Schools and Vocational Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your online resource for higher education.

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How You Can Get a Degree in Criminal Justice Online

Crime is a sad byproduct of our modern society with arrests, trials, convictions and incarceration of criminals steadily rising. The justice system is overburdened and in desperate need of professional crime scene investigators, law enforcement officers, prosecutors and defenders, prison guards, probation officers, and criminal justice administrators of all stripes. This urgent need has caused many of the best colleges and universities to offer respected criminal justice training online, from certificates to graduate degree programs.

Busy adults with a desire to enter the justice field will discover a number of accredited online degree programs designed for careers in the public or private sector, or local, state or federal agencies. Students may specialize in forensic science, law enforcement, intelligence, homeland security, private investigations, victim and juvenile counseling, law, criminal psychology, and several other specialties.

Some of the finest schools in the U.S. and Canada now provide criminal justice training that can be completed 100 percent online (or partially blended with on-site attendance, depending on the chosen career path). Distance learning provides a welcome and convenient method of study with classes available 24 hours a day and education that is self-paced. Students simply log on and study whenever it is convenient, and for as long as desired.

Undergraduate programs in criminal justice provide a strong foundation for entry-level employment and a boost for students interested in continuing to law school and other graduate degree programs. Many students begin by entering an online associate's or bachelor's degree program to learn the basics of current criminal justice issues such as law enforcement operations, the court system, correctional institutions, collecting and preserving physical evidence at a crime scene, understanding the functions of a crime laboratory, and reconstructing crime scenes.

Graduate degrees in criminal justice allow for specializations that are both academic and career oriented, allowing graduates to contribute intellectually to the corrections, law enforcement, and administration of justice professions. Online degree programs can cover a diverse range of topics such as criminology theory; forensic psychology; gender, race, and crime; legal professionalism and ethics; juvenile justice; research; leadership; judicial administration; and more.

Whatever your vision for the future, online criminal justice training can help you learn to protect your community and nation from criminals and the effects of crime.

To learn more about options for higher education please visit SchoolsGalore.com where interested students are free to browse, research and contact thousands of accredited online schools and campus-based colleges and universities offering in-depth information for those with a drive to succeed in life.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find accredited colleges and universities where you can get an Online Criminal Justice Degree. Get a list of top certificate and degree programs at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource for higher education.

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How to Write a Summary Paragraph About an Article

A summary has to include the most significant details. It has to be organized and no alteration of facts. Remember your book reports in elementary and high school when the teacher asked you to make a comprehensive book report and write a good summary. That has never changed. It is also the same with a summary paragraph for an article and/or any literary text, including the fairy tale stories, among others and the textbook essays, or the Gettysburg Address.

Really read the article, write it, of which the content must be in your own words. See if you can work from outlines or subtopics. You can compare your work to the original texts, and then check. Express the article and limit your words.

An example is the condensation of a fiction story. It is a standard to make the summary not more than 500 words long. Don't misrepresent the facts. Don't change the point of view.

The article can also be summarized into a short paragraph. Remember your lead paragraph. If it is a news story, it should answer the question words: what, when, where, how, why, who, and which.

To summarize articles, get the main topic and include the most important details. Write them in your own words and in your own voice. It is like making short captions to remember something. It is like reading a text, and on the side of the book, putting words and labels to give you a summary and/ or a picture of the sentence. It is like noting an important literary text.

Let us try. Summarize the following.

1. Read a current newspaper. Write a summary. (The lead paragraph is important)
2. Get a magazine article. Summarize. (Get the main idea or the topic sentence. Or make an outline and fill in with the significant details.)
3. Google an ezine website. Find an article. Summarize. (Remember the summary must not be more than 500 words. If the article is short, the summary must be shorter, but the thought must be concrete.

Also, practice how to write an epitome. An epitome gets the main idea of a manuscript in one or two sentences only, or as prescribed. This will help you in your reading and analysis.

Check this example:

Write an epitome of "The Our Father," (a universal prayer).

Sample answer:

Our God in heaven holy be your name.

Give us food, pardon, and grace; in thy love and will, we all depend dear Father.

Practice now! Happy writing!

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The Wonders of Teaching

Teaching is sharing knowledge and something good about life. It is giving inspiration to students and how they can be the best of what they are. The teacher is a good example of virtues like righteousness, among others.

Teaching is fun, creative, and fulfilling. It will not make you rich, but it will carve a name in the hearts of your students.

My first teaching job was in the seminary. St. Hannibal was the founder of that congregation.

Later, I was able to teach Japanese kids. They were smart and cute. When I left Japan, Mana (a preschool student) gave me a Japanese flower as a souvenir. I kept the flowers for years. I kept them inside a book. I could not forget the sweetness and the bright eyes of that little girl. She was an illuminating picture in my mind.

The Vietnamese kids were very lovable, too. They were curious and free. Khanh always recited and gave funny and smart answers. Tranh was a diligent little girl. She gave me a small rabbit toy.

I also taught Korean kids. They loved to read stories.

Later, I tutored students from the United States (Filipinos, Americans), while having their vacation here in the Philippines. They carried thick books with them and had a lot of practice sets and book exercises.

They asked me, "Teacher, why do some students don't carry their bags?"

"Why do they let someone else carry the bags for them?"

"We think that habit is lazy," they added.

We all laughed. Their thoughts were profound.

I've realized adults could also learn from kids.

Kids are angels. You cannot divide them. Their hearts are pure and they stick to the truth and will love to play and listen.

Often, they have short attention span, yet in the moments of learning they share to the class and the teacher insights theories can never teach.

When the teacher tells them to stop, they will stop. When the teacher tells them to study, they will study. They obey. At times they can be naughty, but as the teacher reminds them the good values they act honestly and remember those values by heart.

If you would asked me, "How was it to teach kids of different races?"

My answer: They are all the same. I don't see the tags or colors they have. I find them all bright and beautiful. They can be wrong at times, but they are humble to ask forgiveness. If you correct them promptly and know that you love and care for them, they will respond with an open heart.

Teach them of God. Teach them of love. Teach them the lessons and don't forget to point out good manners and right conduct. Share to them the simple virtues of life. Teach how saints, heroes, and leaders succeed and fail. They will understand.

Admonish them kindly, but strongly. Help them to be good and happy. They are angels!

Check the acronyms below:

EFL means English as a Foreign Language.

ESL means English as a Second Language.

ESOL is English for Speakers of Other Languages.

TEFL is Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

TESL is Teaching English as a Second Language.

TESOL is Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

TOEFL is Test of English as a Foreign Language.

TOEIC is Test of English for International Communication.

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ESL Education (Learn English as a Second Language)

ESL education helps people learn English as a second language and gain better communication skills. A good understanding of the English language can facilitate international business in a global economy, or be used to help others learn to speak English. Training in the field can improve cultural understanding, professional interpersonal communications, and overall writing and grammar capabilities.

Learning English as a second language is perfect for educators or those wishing to pursue a career in teaching. Because today's instructors must be equipped to teach in diversified classroom settings, it is imperative that professionals attain the appropriate ESL education to meet growing multicultural linguistic demands.

From an instructional aspect, training in ESL is crucial to those wishing to enter the field of teaching English to non-English-speaking people. The best courses will offer a diverse curriculum, including grammar awareness, how to teach grammar and vocabulary, and how to teach listening, reading, speaking and writing. Additional coursework might include Language Acquisition, which concentrates on language structure (grammar, morphology, phonology, pragmatics, pronunciation, semantics, and syntax).

Vocational schools and community colleges allow students to earn certificates or Associate Degrees in English as a Second Language (ESL). Other options include continuing education courses and even learning online. Graduates at every level may apply this training in their professional lives, as well as in everyday life for better communications.

Those who are well-trained in ESL will also have a leg up for positions in international business. In the global economy of today, the bilingual individual will always have the advantage in areas of communications, international relations and cultural customs.

If you are interested in learning better communication skills for a lifetime of success, consider the benefits of learning English as a second language Find schools on our website and submit a request for more information to colleges and universities offering ESL Education today.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find schools providing ESL Education, as well as Colleges, Universities, Online Schools and Vocational Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your resource for higher education.

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Earn Your MBA at Home Through Online Business Administration Schools

Did you ever imagine that you could work your way up the corporate ladder by earning an MBA at home in your spare time? Accredited online business administration schools are cropping up all across the US and Canada to meet the demand for higher education without all the hassles of typical campus life. This is welcome information for ambitious learners with high hopes but little spare time to study.

The typical path to earning a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) calls for a strict timetable of dedicated attendance that is nearly impossible for a working adult to accommodate. If you were to start on the bottom rung, you would have to be willing to drop everything (job, family obligations, travel plans, etc.) and dedicate four or more years of fulltime study. This means spending about two years getting an Associate's degree; another year or so for a Bachelor's degree; then finally another year or two to get that MBA in your hand.

But, think how much easier it would be if you could choose when and where you will study? Online schools for business administration make it possible to open your laptop anytime, study as long as it is convenient, and take a break whenever you decide. There is no commuting to and from the classroom, so you save time, gas and parking fees. Tuition is often much less, too, because online colleges and universities have low overhead, and that helps to keep the costs down.

If you are self-motivated and driven, and you dream of swinging from the top rung of the corporate ladder, that dream is within your grasp. Check out some of the top accredited online schools for business administration, and you can soon cut yourself a clear path to corporate success!

We invite you to visit SchoolsGalore.com today, where you will find numerous Accredited Online Colleges.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find Online Business Administration Schools and Online MBA Degree Programs, as well as Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Trade Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your resource for higher education.

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The Ten Parts of Speech With Clear Examples

1. A common noun is a person, place, idea, or thing. It is capitalized only at the start of a sentence. It can be a single word, a group of words, or a hyphenated word.

Examples:

The girl was learning to drive
person (girl)
next to the ocean;
place (ocean)
it takes self-control
idea (self-control)
to earn a driver's license.
thing (license)

2. A proper noun is the name of a person, place, or thing. It is always capitalized. It may be a single word, a group of words (with or without abbreviations), or a hyphenated word.

Examples:

Josh was honored
person (Josh)
at U.S. Memorial Auditorium
place (U.S. Memorial Auditorium)
with the Smith-Lee Award.
thing (Smith-Lee Award)

3. A pronoun is a word used in place of a noun(s). It can be in the subject case, acting as a "do-er" of the action in the subject case, or acting as a "receiver" of the action in the object case. Pronouns can also serve as singular or plural possessives to show ownership.

Examples:

She walked to town.
subject case (She)
I gave her a basket.
object case (her)
It was his wallet.
possessive (his)

4. An adjective describes a proper noun, a common noun, or a pronoun by describing how many, what kind, or which one.

Examples:

The five teammates
How Many? (five)
took the tiring trip
What Kind? (tiring)
to that arena across town.
Which One? (that)

5. A verb shows a physical or mental action or it describes a state of being.

Examples:

She works long hours,
physical action (works)
but knows that
mental action (knows)
there is more to life than work.
state of being (is)

6. An adverb describes a verb, an adjective, or another adverb by describing how, when, where, or what degree.

Examples:

Trey walked slowly
How? (slowly)
because he had arrived early
When? (early)
to the place where
Where? (where)
he knew very well.
What Degree? (very well)

7. A preposition is a word that has a relationship with a common noun, a proper noun, or a pronoun. The preposition is always part of a phrase comes and comes before its object. The preposition asks "What?" and the object provides the answer.

Examples:

The politician voted against the law
(against) what?...the law
through the secret ballot.
(through) what?...the secret ballot

8. A conjunction joins words, phrases, or clauses together. There are three kinds:

-Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses used in the same way.
Example:
The student tries, but does not always succeed.
(but)
-Correlative conjunctions are paired conjunctions that connect words, phrases, or clauses used in the same way.
Example:
Either you must tell the police, or I will.
(either, or)
-Subordinating conjunctions come at the beginning of adverb clauses. These clauses restrict the meaning of the rest of the sentence.
Example:
Although he is often late, Ryan shows up to work every day.
(Although)

9. An article determines number or identification of a noun and always precedes a noun. The "a" article signals a singular noun beginning with a consonant. The "an" article signals a plural noun beginning with a vowel.

Examples:

A lion and an elephant are considered the "kings of the jungle."
(a, an, the)

10. An interjection is a word or phrase that shows surprise or emotion. It is usually followed by an exclamation point.

Example:

Hey! Stop that.
(Hey!)

Mark Pennington is an educational author, presenter, reading specialist, and middle school teacher. Mark is committed to differentiated instruction for the diverse needs of today's remedial reading students. Visit Mark's website at http://www.penningtonpublishing.com to check out his free teacher resources and books: Teaching Reading Strategies, Teaching Essay Strategies, Teaching Grammar and Mechanics, and Teaching Spelling and Vocabulary.

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How to Use Numerical Values to Write Essays

Using numerical values to identify and apply expository writing structure has proved an effective tool in identifying expository text structure and helping writers organize essays. The numerical values eliminate the writing jargon that varies from teacher to teacher and curriculum to curriculum. Instead, writers simply apply the implicit hierarchy of the number system to that of reading and writing. Writers just seem to intuitively "get" the idea of a number system applied to their expository writing in essays.

One such writing program uses following number system:

(1) for the introductory strategies of an essay introduction-for example, a definition or a preview of the topic sentences.
(2) for the thesis statement that "talks about" the introduction strategies.
(3) for the topic sentences that "talk about" the thesis statement.
(4) for the major details that "talk about" the topic sentence.
(5) for the support details that "talk about" the major details.
(6) for the conclusion strategies-for example, a thesis re-statement or summary.

For Developing Recognition of Text Structure

Try analyzing expository reading by numbering the sentences. Critique the writing by analyzing the structure and whether there is sufficient evidence, e.g. enough (5s) to back the (4s).

For Essay Writing

Using your own writing prompts, practice varying sentence order within the numerical hierarchy to help students develop a flexible writing style to address the demands of the writing prompt and improve the quality of your essays.

1. (3)-(4)-(4)
2. (3)-(4)-(4)-(4)
3. (3)-(4)-(5)-(4)-(5)
4. (4)-(5)-(3)-(4)-(5)
5. (4)-(5)-(4)-(5)-(3)
6. (4)-(5)-(4)-(5)
7. (3)-(4)-(5)-(4)-(5)-(4)-(5)
8. (3)-(4)-(4)-(4)-(5)
9. (3)-(4)-(4)-(5)-(4)-(5)
10. (3)-(4)-(5)-(4)-(5)-(5)
11. (Transition Statement)-(3)-(4)-(5)-(4)-(5)
12. (3)-(4)-(5)-(4)-(5)-(Concluding Statement)
13. (1)-(1)-(2) added to any two of the above body paragraphs
14. (6)-(6)-(6) added to any two of the above body paragraphs
15. (1)-(1)-(2) added to any two of the above body paragraphs (6)-(6)-(6)

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The Most Useful Punctuation and Capitalization Rules

Punctuation/Examples

Commas

-Use commas before or after speaker tags.
She said, "Call me at home."
-Use commas to set apart appositives.
That man, the one with the hat, left.
-Use commas after each item in lists (except the last).
John, Jane, and Jose left early.
-Use commas after introductory words or phrases.
First of all, you should listen to me.
-Use commas between number dates and years.
It all happened on May 3, 1999.
-Use commas between geographical places.
She lived in Tampa, Florida.
-Use commas after greetings/closings in personal letters.
Dear Ralph, ... Sincerely, ...
-Use commas after nouns of direct address.
Kristin, leave some for your sister.
-Use commas before conjunctions to join two independent clauses.
I liked her, and she liked me.

Exclamation Points

-Use exclamation points for surprise or strong emotions.
The decision really shocked me!

Quotation Marks

-Use quotation marks before and after direct quotations.
Sue said, "I'm going to bed."
-Use quotation marks before and after songs, poems, document titles, book chapters, magazine articles, and short story titles.
Whenever I hear "Clementine," it reminds me of "Leaves of Grass" and "The Gettysburg Address."

Colons

-Use colons after business letter greetings.
Dear Sirs:
-Use colons to introduce lists.
The following: shoes, pants, and...
-Use colons between numbers in relationship.
8:52 P.M.

Semicolons

-Use semicolons to join independent clauses without conjunctions.
Jamal went to school; Larry met him.

Underlining

-Underline movie, television show, book, magazine, and work of art titles.
I saw the wonderful Fiddler on the Roof last night.

Apostrophes

-Use apostrophes for contractions.
I can't see what they're doing.
-Use apostrophes for singular and plural possessives.
Tom's and the girls' coats were red.

Parentheses

-Use parentheses to explain or define.
The hombre (man) rode off alone.

Capitalization

-Capitalize proper nouns (a name that is given to special persons, places, or things).
Ryan visited Los Angeles to visit the Holocaust Museum.
-Capitalize holidays, dates, groups, organizations, and businesses.
Last Easter on March 24, 2002 the P.T.A. and McDonald's helped out.
-Capitalize the first, last, and any important words in titles.
Prince Charles's favorite book was Islands of Adventure.
-Capitalize the names of languages and peoples.
He spoke Spanish to the Indians.
-Capitalize special events and historical periods.
The New Year's Day Parade celebrates the Year of the Dog.

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Why We Don't Teach Grammar

First of all, grammar is a lot like Kleenex®. This brand name has been associated with many other similar products. If I ask my wife to "Please pass a Kleenex®, I would probably get irritated if she responded, "Is a generic tissue okay?" After all, I just want to blow my nose.

So, let's agree on what we mean by teaching grammar. Grammar has come to mean a catch-all term that refers to everything English teachers would prefer to avoid teaching. This includes the part of a sentence, the function of these parts (such as the parts of speech), the arrangement of words with the sentence, word choice, punctuation, and capitalization, and assorted oddities that we think students should know, but wish they learned elsewhere. But, why do most English-language arts teachers detest teaching this collection of instructional essentials that we label as grammar?

1. We fear the unknown. ELA teachers live in the day-to-day fear that one of our colleagues might ask us how we incorporate teaching past perfect participles in our persuasive essays. Teachers naturally tend to avoid teaching things that they do not understand. Most ELA teachers were trained to love literature, poetry, and writing (or at least one of the three). Few were trained in teaching grammar. Some of us have picked up a few tidbits here and there over the years or were educated in Catholic schools.

2. There is not enough time. Teachers have their comprehensive lists of standards and courses of study on their "to-do" lists. There are pressures from administrators, the omnipresent district or state testing, and our own colleagues to check off items on these lists. Of course, we have our favorite novels and projects. Grammar instruction does not even make our Letterman's Top Ten. "If I had unlimited time... then, maybe. But to be honest... Socratic Seminars, readers theater, and that Steinbeck novel would probably shove their way into my lesson plans first."

3. The "research" says not to teach grammar. We trot out a "sound bites" from a study or two as convenient excuses to avoid teaching grammar. We gloss over the real language of the research conclusions, i.e., "teaching grammar in isolation outside of the meaningful context of writing is ineffective." Some teachers do parrot these research conclusions accurately, but few actively address the variables of the research and actually teach grammar in the meaningful context of writing.

4. The fact that students are grammatically-challenged is someone else's fault. "Students should know this stuff by now. The grade-level standards emphasize review of grammar, not introduction of grammar. I can only teach what I am supposed to teach. I can't be responsible for other teachers' shortcomings. I have my grade-level standards to teach. If I spent all my efforts on what they already should know, students would never learn anything new. Hopefully, they'll pick it up later, somehow."

5. Students don't like grammar and they don't remember what they are taught. "Grammar is boring. I want to be a fun and interesting teacher. I'm angling for Teacher-of-the-Year and I'm not about to let grammar get in the way. Besides, the pay-offs from teaching grammar seem minimal, anyway. The students have learned the parts of speech every year and they couldn't define or identify an adverb, if their lives depended on it. An adverbial clause? You've got to be kidding. I won't drill and kill my students."

6. We don't know what we don't know. Teachers teach from personal experience, as much as from professional development. Most teachers in their twenties, thirties, and forties had little grammatical instruction in their school years and few university professors have trained these teachers in grammar for the reasons already discussed. The pervasive "whole language" philosophy of the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s de-emphasized grammatical instruction and relegated it to the editing step within the writing process. "I didn't learn grammar, and I turned out alright" is an often-thought, if not spoken, rationale for ditching grammar instruction.

My response? We need to teach grammar and make time for grammatical instruction and practice. Anything students need to know has to be "taught, not caught." Students are whom we teach, not ever-changing standards, courses of study, fads, personal preferences, or personal agendas. Therefore, if students don't know how to define, identify, and use adverbs, we need to teach them (an intentionally ambiguous pronoun reference that indicates both subjects-students and adverbs). We don't need any more student casualties as a result of any " Great Grammar Debate." Our ignorance is no excuse. We need to learn how to teach grammar in a meaningful writing context.

Why not make sense of grammar instruction with a curriculum that will help you efficiently integrate grammar into writing instruction? Throw away your ineffective D.O.L. openers and last-minute grammar test-prep practice, and teach all the grammar, mechanics, and spelling that most students need in 75 minutes per week. Teaching Grammar and Mechanics provides a coherent scope and sequence of 64 no-prep lessons with Teacher Tips and Hints for the grammatically-challenged. The mechanics and grammar skills complement those found in the 72 TGM Worksheets and target the diagnostic needs indicated by the multiple-choice assessments.

Mark Pennington is an educational author, presenter, reading specialist, and middle school teacher. Mark is committed to differentiated instruction for the diverse needs of today's students. Visit Mark's website at http://www.penningtonpublishing.com to check out his free teacher resources and books: Teaching Reading Strategies, Teaching Essay Strategies, Teaching Grammar and Mechanics, and Teaching Spelling and Vocabulary.

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MSc Science and Education

“This unique course offers a broad programme for those interested in science and education. The opportunity to explore research across both the natural sciences and within education is to be highly commended. This course offers science teachers an excellent basis for professional development, whilst also proving attractive to others with broad interests.”
The MSc Science & Education is is an innovative course for science education professionals who wish to develop their practice and enhance student learning. It involves professional support with teaching, researching and communicating science as well as hands on experience at an international centre for teaching and research in science and education.

MSc Science and Education is a team production. Instrumental in its development are Bristol ChemLabS - the centre for excellence in Teaching and Learning Chemistry whose team also tutor on the MSc SURE units based within the Faculties of Science and Medical Sciences, the Bristol Local Authority and the Science Learning Centre South West. Courses taken at SLCSW can be linked to our Professional Development through Reflective Practice Unit to lead to credit for the MSc Science & Education.

Science Education students working on concept map

Participants in the course have opportunities to attend events and seminars organised by the Science Education Research Network

MSc Science & Education students with researchers at the Discover event at Broadmead Shopping Mall in Bristol. Discover is the University's Public Engagement Event held annually. At Discover 2010, Science Education had a stand with activities to engage children and adults alike in enquiry-based activities.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Dear Friends,

It has become customary for most universities all over the globe to proclaim the goal of becoming one of the leading universities of their respective country, region, or continent, and to achieve a high position in the various ranking lists of world universities. Well, I would not mind that, either. But our university has set itself a different task: to become one of the friendliest universities around.

We – myself and my colleagues – believe that a university should first and foremost be an environment for growth. The growth of both students and faculty, scholarly advancement as well as growth as simple human beings. We do not think that university education can be limited to the mechanical transmission of knowledge and skills, which can be measured by standards of efficiency. For us, university education means the cultivation of the critical, constantly questioning mind in concert with personal development, so that each graduate may realise her or his potential to the fullest extent to become a distinct individual with a distinct outlook on life as well as her or his own particular contribution to give to the wider community.

We also believe that one does best what one does knowingly and of one’s own free will. This is why we have structured our degrees so that they would give maximum freedom to the learner as well as to the teacher – students at Tallinn University are guaranteed significant freedoms in designing their study plans and selecting their subjects, while faculty members are expected to teach courses related to their particular fields of expertise and relevant to their own current research, rather than to repeat from year to year the same lectures that are prescribed by a petrified syllabus.

We are sure that teaching and research should be intimately related. The excitement of new discoveries should not be confined within the laboratory walls, but immediately brought to the students in the seminars, and any new idea that comes to a faculty member should be shared with a critical audience as soon as it is ripe enough. Whatever job a student takes up later in life, we believe that exposure to the problems that occupy researchers’ minds will greatly help her or his own ability to pose questions, to solve problems and to come to terms with the constantly changing reality in which we live.

Next, we are convinced that university education is, by its nature, dialogical. Each new hypothesis should not only be presented to students, but also tested in discussion, each experiment assessed from multiple points of view, each interpretation of a classic text questioned by those who wish to read it differently. Each of us needs critical evaluation from the side in order to advance – and so we believe that criticism is a sign of respect, rather than an attack against the person whose views are discussed. After all, in the university we are among colleagues and friends. And in this sense, university quickly becomes a way of life, the habit of discussion sticks and conversations spread from classrooms to cafes and from seminars to informal get-togethers of all sorts.

And finally, we believe in high, strict academic standards. A student who has partied merrily in the company of her or his colleagues and teachers should not expect any leniency when she or he takes a test the next morning. Similarly, a lecturer should not expect to become popular by giving high grades to those who have not earned them. University education means hard work, even if it is work we do willingly.

All in all, we believe that the University is the more versatile as an environment the more different are the people who inhabit it. So, in whatever capacity you might want to come to Tallinn – to stay with us as a visiting scholar or exchange student, to enroll on an undergraduate or graduate program, or to apply for a teaching position – we will in any case be looking forward to your contribution to the environment we are trying to create and maintain.

Yours sincerely,

Prof. Rein Raud
Rector

Thursday, 28 April 2011

Islam and Science (How Should the Science Be Treated in Islam)

Islam and science has been an oft quoted term for thinkers, writers and common people. It has created so many new interpretations, sometimes positive and sometimes negative. Here our contention is to provide you the basic concepts in Islam to make the idea clear. Islam is a philosophy as well as science, only point to understand is how strong the link is between these two. Has there been any link or not? And if there is to what extent is it practical? We see number of people around us who do not consider science important and therefore do not bring it in their lives arguing that it is a materialistic approach towards life. Is this true for their lives? There have been so many Articles and lectures written on this specific topic and here our purpose is to show you the real picture and let you decide what the reality in Islam is.

Before going into any further detail it is important to know what science really means. There are so many interpretations and here is one of those, "Science basically is an understanding of a particular thing that exists physically and the use of the principles of that understanding for the benefit of the humanity".

After reading the definition one can understand that it is not a new thing because its existence has been long since the beginning of humanity. Man has always tried to make things easier and simpler for his domestic and industrial life. Before Islam great names like Aristotle and Plato are examples for the great work that also highlights the importance of philosophy. Now we will discuss science after the existence of Islam.

Most of scientists and thinkers believe that arrival of Muhammad (SAW) and Quran was the most important and boasting point for science. It is basically arrival of reality that helps to understand the universe and purpose of its creation. In fact that was the period when science got new spirit despite of the fact that philosophical explanations were made continuously. Quran and Hadith describe their position openly and clarifies that there is no clash between Islam and science rather it is wrong explanation of science that has made it suspicious. First we look at the life of Muhammad (SAW). His life is true explanation of the basic of the science in which He rooted out superstitions and old traditions and told the people reality. He knew the importance of knowledge and made it compulsory for every men and women. He raised the degree of learning seventy times higher than prayer to prove that for the understanding of religion, knowledge about universe is important. Is this not the purpose of science? Science also rejects superstitions and makes people aware of true facts of the universe. After Allah Almighty He is the only person who knows everything about this universe and to prove this He spent a practical life and gave principles with logics on all fields of life. Here a question rises, "Did He invent something?" The answer is no, because science is an awareness it does not require invention. Yet His teachings and philosophy are becoming theories of science day by day.

Now we come to Quran, almost every person believes that Quran is the only authentic and sacred book of this universe because books of other Prophets are either changed or not present today. The whole Quran is science in itself and calls the people to discern the hidden realities of the universe. It is said hundreds of times in Quran that there are signs for those who think and understand. Quran explains every field of science and predicts even those things that man does not know. From the creation of this world and man and to the destruction of this universe, Quran explains everything. To prove this following statement is enough, "There is no discovery or invention of the science which is against the basic teachings of Quran and Hadith," Therefore Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Jews, they all know that Quran is the only book of this world that can guide them to find the hidden realities of this universe.

Then where the problem is? This is the real question and here is its answer. Islam says, "We should explore nature and universe to believe in oneness of Allah and to get the blessings of Muhammad (SAW)." It means that the ultimate result should be the formation of a society where, by new discoveries, positive changes come and people becomes obedient to Allah Almighty. This is also the purpose of our creation and science makes it clear for us to be obedient to Allah and Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

What we have done is our wrong approach towards science. We have started to use science with materialistic approach which means we believe only those things that happen before our eyes or that have physical existence. This phenomenon makes us materialist. Basically this concept is against the construct of science because science can only predict something. It is true that there are so many theories that are considered final but on the other hand it is also true that they are not final verdicts. With the progress of science theories change time to time. Take the example of Biology that after every fifty years changes completely. Atom was considered undividable but now it has more than hundred sob-atomic particles. It is because Quran is final verdict not the science and Quran does not require any scientist. Science supports spirituality and those things that do not exist physically. With the scientific discoveries we can predict that there is Heaven and Hell, and that there is life after death. How strange it is that we believe Newton's Gravitational Law and do not believe that if gravitation force is pulled out nothing will survive on the earth.

To make it short, Islam does not believe the materialistic approach towards science rather it takes science as an instrument to guide the people and to make the Quran and Hadith clearer for humanity. Its predictions are and discoveries, if we take them in their real sense, do take us near to Allah and show us the authority of Almighty. How strange it is that Quran that is sent for all the humanity, does not has the link with an ordinary field science.

Your questions and comments are always welcomed by IQRA. You can send your comments or ask questions on svmnom@yahoo.com

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Scientific Methodology

The phrase "Scientific Methodology" is referring to a range of methods for investigating phenomena, for collecting new knowledge, or amending and collating previously obtained knowledge. To be termed scientific, there must be in place a system of gathering observable, empirical and quantifiable evidence, which is subject to certain principles reasoning. The Oxford English Dictionary defines scientific method as: "a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses."

Although procedures differ from one field of inquiry to another, there are certain distinguishing characteristics of scientific inquiry which set it apart from all other methods of obtaining knowledge. A scientific researcher will propose a hypothesis as an explanations of a phenomenon, and will set up experimental studies in order that he can test this hypothesis (or hypotheses). It is necessary that these steps are repeatable, so that future results can be predicted.

Theories that include larger domains of inquiry may be composed of many independently derived hypotheses. These are combined in a coherent, supportive structure. New hypotheses may be formed as a result of theories, or theories may help to place groups of hypotheses into context. Scientific research is mainly intended to be as objective as possible, so that any biased interpretations of results are avoided. Another requirement is detailed documentation and effective archiving of all data and methods. This will facilitate careful scrutiny by other scientists, and will enable them to verify the previous results by repeating the processes. This is commonly referred to as full disclosure, and it also enables the data to be tested for reliability.

Scientific methodology is not a modern concept by any means. It has been practiced in various forms for a thousand years or more. But it has proven difficult to arrive at a standard formula for this method. There are difficulties in a formulaic statement of method, however. This was noted by William Whewell in his "History of Inductive Science" (1837). He stated that experience alone is not a sufficient basis for scientific method, and that "invention, sagacity and genius" are needed at every step along the way.

In the 20th century, a model was formulated for scientific method:

1. Use your experience: Evaluate the problem and try to rationalize it. Check for previous explanations. If the problem is a new one, move on to step 2.
2. Form a conjecture: When there is nothing else known yet, try to articulate an explanation, to yourself or to someone else.
3. From that explanation, arrive at a prediction: If you assume 2 is true, what are the consequences?
4. Test: Look at the opposite of each consequence in order to disprove 2.

Tom Mc Carrick hosts Scientific Knowledge, a website where you can find out about topics such as scientific methodology

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Biology - Why Are Penguins Birds If They Can't Fly?

Everyone knows what a bird is, right? If I ask my seven-year-old son what a bird is, he'll respond with something like "a bird is an animal that has a spine, wings, two feet, hollow bones, and can fly." Or, if her remembers the little military chant his dad made for him, he might say, "hollow bones and scaly feet, feathered wings and goes tweet tweet."

Well, penguins can't fly. They have wings, feathers, two feet, and a spine, and they swim well but they cannot fly. Ostriches can't fly either, but both penguins and ostriches are considered birds. How is that possible? What's the deal?

It's all in the definition

There's a difference between the common usage of the word "bird" and the scientific use of the word. The common definition is based on features of the animal you can see with your eyes and discern with your other senses like feathers, wings, number of legs, and being warm-blooded. My seven-year-old son knows the common definition of the word "bird."

Scientists use a slightly different definition.

Evolutionary birds

The scientific taxonomy of birds is a bit different than common usage. The scientific groups are made based on fossil evidence and other biological evidence such as DNA and mitochondrial DNA when the DNA can be obtained. Birds are in the Domain Eukaryotes, the Phylum Chordata meaning vertebrates, and the Class Avians. Avians have descended from theropod dinosaurs. More specifically, birds have descended from Archaeopteryx, which existed in the late Jurassic period.

Many scientists think of birds as the only type of dinosaur that didn't go extinct 65 million years ago. In fact, my daughter who is obsessed with dinosaurs, calls birds "tiny dinosaurs."

Scientifically, birds today are descended from dinosaurs, have feathers, a beak with no teeth, and they lay eggs with hard shells. Birds have a high metabolic rate, meaning they need to eat a lot to maintain their body temperature. (Some refer to them as warm blooded.) They have a four-chambered heart (like mammals), and they have lightweight, strong skeletons. Most birds can fly, but flying isn't a requirement to be a bird.

And that's the crux of it. The scientific definition of "bird" does not require the ability to fly.

Many articles have come across the science journals lately regarding birds and dinosaurs. Check out this article at Science News for Kids on feathered fossils. (The adult version of this article requires a subscription, but you can find it at sciencenews.org.)

I freelance for my company, Shiny Newts, LLC by solving technical problems for clients, documenting procedures and software, and building websites. Visit my company's site or my blog for training videos, documents, and more. ©2011, Gwen Nicodemus

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Importance of Physical Chemistry to Chemical Kinetics and Chemistry As a Whole

I got a question from a young person who became enthralled with chemical reactions (kinetics) and decided to pursue a career in chemistry. He asked what Physical Chemistry is about. This is part of my answer. Physical chemistry underpins all of Chemistry. We hear a lot about health, pollution, green chemistry in the news, and these areas are close to Organic chemistry. In fact a lot of people think that Organic Chemistry is Chemistry.

Physical chemistry covers:

· Thermodynamics-heat, work, spontaneity and there relations

· Equilibrium-the apparent lack of change of a system

· Phase Relations-the changes from solid, liquid and gases, and conditions for their formation

· Gas Kinetics-the gas laws, and the their dependence of intermolecular forces

· Electrochemistry-the study of oxidation and reduction

· Chemical Kinetics-the study of the rates of chemical change

· Quantum Mechanics-the mechanics that governs microscopic particles

· Spectroscopy (including NMR)-the use of light to understand structure and dynamics

· Solids, Liquids and Gases

· Transport Properties-fluid dynamics, viscosity, thermal conductivity etc of substances

and

· Statistical Mechanics-relates the microscopic properties to the macroscopic observables.

That pretty much shows you how important Physical Chemistry is to the other branches of chemistry.

If you are studying to be a Physical Chemist, the subject of Physical Chemistry can help you specialize in other areas of chemistry like Chemical Kinetics which is about the rates or speeds that reactions take place.

As an undergrad, you cover most of the topics above. A Bachelors of Science in Chemistry prepares you for all branches.

In grad school you can specialize to Reaction, or Chemical, Kinetics. A talk with an adviser will help one understand the courses you need for a BSc.

Professor Keith Laidler is a well known Chemical Kineticist who has authored many books on the subject. The Physical Chemistry ebook has been co-authored by Professor Laidler, along with John Meiser and me. It contains good study materials on Chemical kinetics from the starting definitions of rates, rate laws and half lives, up to the important mechanisms in modern chemistry, and which are applicable to many processes from organic reactions to Nano Technology. The important theories of the rate constant, such as Hard Sphere Collisions and Transition State Theory give a comprehensive treatment of Kinetics.

Professor K. Laidler wrote the Kinetics module in the book. In addition to the clearly written material, vivid figures and many worked examples, the user can listen to explanations and interact with the multimedia. All these items are all a click away, and allow the student to learn Physical Chemistry efficiently, and meets the modern needs of those who have grown up with computers.

I am a Professor of Chemistry at McGill University (Montreal, Canada), as well as president of MCH Multimedia Inc.

I am also co- author of Physical Chemistry - Laidler, Meiser, Sanctuary. This popular Physical Chemistry Book http://www.mchmultimedia.com/store/Physical-Chemistry-ebooks.html is widely used in Chemistry Syllabuses around the world.

Also Visit my blog http://quantummechanics.mchmultimedia.com for more information about Physical Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics and more.

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DNA Testing: How It Works

DNA testing is like something out of a Star Trek episode. It would surprise you to learn of all the things that exist now that were once only a science fiction writer's dream. In other words, the science used to make DNA tests possible is groundbreaking. The scientific definition is a bit difficult to understand. Basically, a DNA test is the mechanism through which an individual's personal genetic code can be compared against some other genetic code. That may sound very technical, but it's actually quite straightforward. You need a sample from two or more people so you can compare them.

A DNA test is generally associated with trying to figure out whether or not somebody committed a crime. If you watch crime dramas on television, you'll hear the words "DNA test" quite often. Entire shows are built around the topic of obtaining a person's sample in order to run the test. The test is also often used to figure out whether or not somebody may be predisposed to a particular illness. In some cases, it is also used to help people figure out whether or not an unborn child might be born with a certain sickness. That use is somewhat controversial, but it's legal. Some people worry that parents will abort children if testing shows the child will have some sort of birth defect.

As you can see, the implications of DNA are far-reaching. In the wrong hands, a lot of damage is possible if someone has access to another's DNA. The possibility of testing errors can also cause many problems. In spite of the potential pitfalls, the benefits often outweigh the cons.

More and more people are beginning to realize just how valuable it can be to have a DNA test done. The test can help law officers to either exonerate a suspect or find one that is guilty. The test can help a person learn if a child belongs to them, it can help people know if they're related and much more.

DNA testing isn't a typical test you take at your doctor's office. Usually, you'll either take a home test, visit a testing facility or provide a sample to law officers. If it involves an unborn child, then your doctor will be able to help you. Your doctor will either perform the test onsite or send you somewhere for the test. You have nothing to fear because providing a sample is easy, and it takes less than a minute.

"There's no reason you should be embarrassed about DNA Testing. <= Click here to get the information you need to get a reliable DNA test. DNA Services of America helps you do confidential DNA testing to answer your questions. Visit our DNA testing page to learn more. Join the thousands we have already helped by visiting us now."

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Family Practice Examination: How A Good Board Review Helps

Are you panicking about the family practice examination? Wondering how to plod through mounds of information and case studies? With some basic preparation, you can easily sail through the family practice examination.

The first thing to do is to brush up on your basics. It seems like a trifle, but a good theoretical grounding in the basics of family practice means you are already one step closer to cracking the examination. Learn all the important points and take into reckoning all the probable questions that can come in the examination. Make lists of answers, and keep your question and answer list ready for easy reference while you study. The information is too vast and varied for you to know it all, so it makes sense to remember the crucial points. Try using mnemonics and other memory aids to help you memorize information.

Supplementing what you are learning with visuals is useful. Diagrams and illustrations help to visually support what you have learnt only through text. After all, medicine is all about practical application so the more you know about the human body, it prepares you better for the family practice board review examination.

It is a good idea to take a mock-test before the actual examination to check if you have assimilated all that you studied. And, if your mock-test does not go too well, you always know that you have time to prepare. You also get a fair idea of which topics you need to revise more. Taking a test in the simulated environment of an actual examination can go a long way in helping calm your jitters on the d-day.

Several institutes offer family practice board review courses. Check them out to see if they contain all that you need to pass the examination with confidence. A good family practice board review course not only presents all the information you would need in a structured manner, it also offers dynamic lectures, audio CDs and visual aids to help you prepare easily. While self-study is always useful, systematic study under good instructors can help clarify any doubt about a topic. Plus, the courses have case-studies to help you understand how the theories that you read of have been applied in practice.

The Ostler's Institute in Indiana offers an array of family practice board review courses designed to help you face the examination with confidence. Their courses feature interactive lectures, visual aids such as picture quizzes, and auditory aids in the form of MP3s.

The family practice doctor should have completed four years of undergraduate study, medical school as well as a residency program where he or she can get further training. Find more details on Family Practice Board Review online here at Osler.org.

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