Factors Affecting the Academic Achievement of Freshmen College Students Essay

Achievement of students in schools has been the concern of school authorities. Several solutions have been offered in order to improve the quality of instruction. Some of these prove to be effective for some time, but later new innovations are introduced thus sometimes affect the teaching-learning situations in the classrooms. Science subjects are important because this field have greatly benefited mankind in its efforts to improve the quality of life. In view of this, college education plays a vital role in molding the minds, interest, awareness and concern of an individual to prepare himself for the future. Recognizing that science makes life easier and meaningful, educational institutions, through the mandate of the government, focus its attention on the advance of science and technology in terms of classroom instruction at all levels. Science curriculum must be taught in terms of how it can develop scientifically literate society and how it can make an individual more responsive to the needs of the times. Based on observations, science instruction nowadays placed more emphasis on the mastery of the subject matter. When students did well in written examinations, teachers believe that the aim of the lesson has been achieved, but evaluation should not only be based on written tests but should also include oral and practical examinations to make sure that learning really has taken place. Since researchers are future science teachers, there is a desire to determine what are the factors that affect student’s achievement are. The researchers want to conduct a thorough investigation to come up with a possible solution to the problem regarding the science achievement of freshmen students. In view of this line of thinking, the present study is motivated to look into the factors affecting the achievement of freshmen college students in science which might affect the student achievement whether it would be for good or not. Background of the Study The researchers will conduct this study because according to an international science study by Garrison (2004) Filipino students performed poorly in understanding science concepts and principle. These findings were supported by other study conducted by (Askali, 1994) (Acuna and Dasilva, 1993) stating that college freshmen students are weak in science. All over the fast changing world, people learned to rely on science for their own survival and advancement. Man just willingly admits that without such â€Å"instrument† as propellers for progress, this effort to succeed and achieve would be limited and be made useless. The concept that the more knowledge a man has in science, the greater is his opportunity for change for advancement. It emphasizes that science is essential for national development progress. School curricula are supposed to develop the capabilities of students but according to statistics, approximately fewer than 10% high school graduates have the skills necessary to perform satisfactory in college level in science courses. Attempting to combat trend, nowadays, many science educators are turning to more ‘hands-on’ approach to their teaching. Instead of having their students memorize lengthy formulas they have them to do experiments; starting in the early grades this has been going on for years wherein teachers act as facilitators only. Many students believe that science subjects in the freshmen level are difficult. In fact some do not like the subject. This may be attributed to some factors that underlie student’s attitude toward the subject. The educational qualification of the teacher may also serve as a factor that hinders student’s attitude in their science subject. Students find it more interesting to play truancy than to attend classes especially if the method, strategies or approaches of teachers do not suit the mental ability of the students. Theoretical framework This study is primarily anchored on the cognitive theory by Jean Piaget, specifically †the formal operational period,† in this period the development of the learner’s mind follows concrete stages. Based on the formal operational method of Piaget, this rage of age is the beginning of logical and abstract thinking. According to him, youngsters demonstrate ability to reason realistically and consider possibilities. The learner’s thinking at this stage is propositional. They use statement that contains data. The major theme of Vygotsky’s theoretical framework is that social interaction plays a fundamental role in the development of cognition. Vygotsky (1978) states: â€Å"Every function in the child’s cultural development appears twice: first, on the social level, and later, on the individual level; first, between people (interpsychological) and then inside the child (intrapsychological). This applies equally to voluntary attention, to logical memory, and to the formation of concepts. All the higher functions originate as actual relationships between individuals. Benjamin Samuel Bloom’s Theory is founded on individual differences of the students. He justifies that some behavior or factors affect student’s learning process. In this study, the influence of students variables such as educational qualification of parents, availability of learning materials, attitudes towards science, peer motivation and learning styles are hypothesized that influence the academic performance of freshmen college students in science at Universidad de Manila.

Plagues of America essays

Plagues of America essays In the past year The United States of America was hit with three plaques. These plaques affected American life and its citizens to a certain extent. The American people are experiencing fear, a lack of security and, freedom which they once took for granted. These events made life uneasy, uncomfortable and also had the American people grasping on to their lives theyve never had to in history. The President and the U.S. government try to sugar coat all of this by telling the American people that they will make sure and take every precaution to bring back that security and safety back to the American citizens lives. Americans are trying to believe these words and promises but each time they start to get comfortable another event comes around, and they find themselves back in square one with increased fear and lack of security. American citizens started to point fingers and started to hate on certain cultures, races and religions, something which was never seen in American culture in the past. They had become more open and prone to label innocent people. These events changed American life forever and affected us people in all aspects of life. America will never go back to the way it used to be. The morning of Tuesday September 11, 2002 was like any other morning for American citizens. The American people woke up like every other day expecting to through their daily routines. Children were being sent to school while the rest of the people went to work not expecting the unexpected. Business at the World Trade Center went as usual for a part of that morning. Suddenly at 8:45 a.m. American airlines flight 11, Boston to Los Angeles with 92 people on board crashes into the North tower of the world trade center. Seventeen minutes later at 9:03a.m. United Airlines flight 175, Boston to Los Angeles, with 65 passengers onboard crashes into the South tower of the World Trade Center. Within less than an hour both towers collapse as the Americ...

Chapter 4 Study Guide Essays - United States, Free Essays

Chapter 4 Study Guide Essays - United States, Free Essays Chapter 4 Study Guide John Marshall Alien and Sedition Acts Louisiana Territory George Washington's Farewell Address - what things did he warn against? Federalist party views on the issues (Hamilton) Democratic-Republican party views on the issues (Jefferson) Views of people (for/against) War of 1812 Amendments in the Bill of Rights Ft. McHenry Francis Scott Key Marbury v. Madison XYZ Affair Whiskey Rebellion and excise taxes Bank of the United States (the debate over it) Battle of Tippecanoe Embargo Act of 1807 Presidential election of 1800 and its importance George Washington's cabinet Impressment Pinckney's Treaty Judicial Review War Hawks Jam es Madison and the Constitution and as President Election of 1796 Aaron Burr Possible essay questions: Lewis and Clark War of 1812 Views of Hamilton and Jefferson Chapter 4 Study Guide John Marshall Alien and Sedition Acts Louisiana Territory George Washington's Farewell Address - what things did he warn against? Federalist party views on the issues (Hamilton) Democratic-Republican party views on the issues (Jefferson) Views of people (for/against) War of 1812 Amendments in the Bill of Rights Ft. McHenry Francis Scott Key Marbury v. Madison XYZ Affair Whiskey Rebellion and excise taxes Bank of the United States (the debate over it) Battle of Tippecanoe Embargo Act of 1807 Presidential election of 1800 and its importance George Washington's cabinet Impressment Pinckney's Treaty Judicial Review War Hawks Jam es Madison and the Constitution and as President Election of 1796 Aaron Burr Possible essay questions: Lewis and Clark War of 1812 Views of Hamilton and Jefferson

Why Students Hate Monday

Why Students Hate Monday Hashtag: #FelizLunes (Happy Monday) Thank God Its Friday Not Monday So what is #FelizLunes about? We frequently hear of TGIF or Thank  God its Friday but we seldom find people excited about Monday. In fact, lyrics of the Bob Geldof’s â€Å"I don’t like Mondays† proposes that†nobody gonna go to school today†. The definition â€Å"Manic Monday† suggest that the day is commonly associated with depression, a feeling caused by the significant emotional pressure of coming to school or work. No wonder why the Bangles wished â€Å"it were Sunday cause that’s my fun day†, Fleetwood Mac’s â€Å"Monday Morning† see people â€Å"look more like a zombie on Monday†, and The Mamas The Papas are â€Å"crying all of the time† whenever Monday comes. A study of students’ perception of Monday morning suggests that their hesitation to come to school is not exactly about the day but the confusing and frustrating subjects scheduled on Monday. Others hate Monday because they need to wake up early, nothing interesting to do, and too tired from Sunday’s activities. WHY SOME STUDENTS HATE THEIR TEACHER? The difference between Monday and Friday according to literature disappear when someone developed a sense of personal growth or when work and life become inseparable. This model of personal growth and creativity suggest that students who hate Monday and seeing the difference between weekday  and weekend, and school day and holiday are not yet interested in personal growth. The work-based model of education, which is generally to developed students’ natural growth and creativity in one’s work, for instance, focuses on giving students the best professors, online resources, communication facility, and infrastructure where they can, in self-determined phase, collaborate, explore, and research. The Role of Teachers in Creating Happy Monday Most students hate the first day of school simply because Monday marked the end of the two enjoyable leisure day and beginning of long and challenging school week. However, Monday according to one article can be a day to look forward to if one can turn it into a less depressing day. Motivation plays an important role in TGIM or â€Å"Thank  God Its Monday† and for students, this is about looking forward to something enjoyable at school. For instance, a student who is really motivated about learning will wake up early and come to school Monday. In contrast, if the student is fearful of the classroom and more concern over his or her safety rather than education then Monday is a hateful day. Choices that students make and their drive to satisfy their needs for education are significantly affected by the school environment. For instance, a positive attitude towards learning can be developed by facilitating a learning environment that meets student needs. These include making the classroom an environment where mistakes are occasions of learning rather than opportunities for criticism. Classroom competition is also a motivational factor for adopting a more positive attitude for coming to school. Broadening the curriculum to include topics that interest students can improve a boring reading and writing classroom. Other motivating factors include a use of examples with which students can easily connect, an inclusion of more relevant reading materials, and students’ assignments with topics that they have not yet explored. Moreover, classroom activities that occasionally involved parents or members of the community can satisfy students’ social needs and eventually change their attitude towards learning positively.

Final Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Final Case Study - Essay Example For his first year at a preschool that uses reverse mainstreaming that will let Dennis interact and learn with typically developing children, the following IEP objectives and corresponding supports are proposed: Supports: As Dennis enters his preschool years, his PWS would be evident with apparent obesity if not controlled and monitored. It is therefore necessary that his nutritional and dietary needs be given attention. It must be noted that his entry into preschool was characterized by the absence of a comprehensive dietary and medical evaluation which should be produced if his IEP is to be a success. The parents, teachers and other school personnel (those who are in charge of preparation of snacks for example) must have this evaluation before he starts his school year. Calorie intake especially carbohydrates must be limited because those children with PWS need less than typically growing children. During snack times, the teacher in cooperation with the school dietitian should modify his food, allowing for prescribed caloric intake according to his nutritional evaluation. His physical development throughout the year should be monitored throughout the year, looking out for the proper balan ce between height and weight. Supports: It must be noted that Dennis from the 45-minute observation that he

Business statistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Business statistics - Essay Example Population variation and mean are the true measurements while the sample statistics are estimates of these values but which hare still helpful in making conclusions about the whole population. This is a very basic introduction to the utilization of statistics and the tools that have been developed to help decision makers. While a bit dry, the topic has to be understood and utilized by all students of management sciences at both under graduate and graduate level. Examples and practical demonstration are much more helpful to visualize the concepts and practical usage of these tools. The limitations of the paper include an inability to discus hypothetical testing for mean and variance and degrees of freedom in detail; these would have provided a better insight on the probabilistic conclusions for population parameters taken from sample statistics. Further review should be done to discuss the results and methods of hypothetical testing and how these are used in the business setting. H.G. Wells once said ‘Statistical thinking will one day be as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write’. In a diverse world, no two events are the same yet for rational decision making it is necessary to be able to predict with some certainty the probable events which can occur and then plan accordingly. Statistics is the science of making decisions by analyzing any given set of variable data. Descriptive statistical techniques allow the data to be represented in an easily understandable form with clear anomalies, patterns, relationships and expected trends apparent. These include Frequency  Distribution; Histograms; Boxplot; Scattergrams and Error Bar plots; and diagnostic plots. Qualitative techniques help in further analyzing and forming conclusions about certain sets of data through which important decisions can be made. For managers and those working in the business fields, they have to make many decisions which will impact the quality

According to Markides (1999) There is surprisingly little agreement on Essay

According to Markides (1999) There is surprisingly little agreement on what strategy really is. Critically analyse this statement with reference to the many different definitions of strategy - Essay Example is report aims at understanding the various definitions that have been set down by the various authors in the past and to analyse whether the statement by Markides (1999) has significance in the true sense. The following section will deal with the various definitions that have been developed over the years. Strategy includes a number of different aspects that it is associated with. Firstly, a strategy is normally long planned. This is in a hierarchical system of goals and objectives. A strategy is a combined effort to create a blend between the external environment, internal resources and the capabilities of the resources within the business (Bernus, et.al, 2003). â€Å"Strategy is the direction and scope of an organisation over the long term, which achieves advantage in a changing environment through its configuration of resources and competences with the aim of fulfilling stakeholder expectations.† (Johnson, Scholes & Whittington, 2006, p. 9) According to Johnson et.al, (2006), there are six major elements that strategic decisions are made out off. It is essential to understand that strategic decisions are normally long term directions of organisations, which include the scope of the organisation. Also this includes to a great extent gaining advantage over the competitors and addresses the changes that happen within the business environment. Strategies that are developed, try to develop the resources and try to improve the capabilities of the people within the organisation. These strategies are also expected to be based on the values and expectations of the stakeholder. There are a few different schools of the thoughts for the views of strategy. Each of the views of thought has been over the years from 1960s until now. The 1960s and the early 1970s, saw the school of thought where the strategies were expected to be systematic and with analytical approach. Following which the change in the need for strategy, this period aimed at having strategies which are more