Showing posts with label BUSINESS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BUSINESS. Show all posts

8 Apr 2024

MBA BMG843 Business Project -important elements of the final report

MBA || BMG843 || Business Project

Aims of the Session

  • To introduce the Module
  • To highlight important elements of the final report
  • To review the assessment criteria
  • Engagement Monitoring Requirements (Mark McCrory)
  • Developing a Project Storyline

Writing: Delaying Factors

How to Avoid Procrastination

Key areas:

Planning

When to write

Developing your own writing habits

Monitoring your progress

Structuring Your Report

Title Page

Declaration/ Disclaimer

Research Ethics Declaration (form as appendix)

Acknowledgements

Abstract

Table of contents

List of tables

List of figures

List of appendices – only include material that will add value

Structuring Your Report

  1. Introduction
  2. Literature review
  3. Research methodology
  4. Findings/ results
  5. Analysis/ discussion
  6. Conclusions – evidence based vs. opinion
  7. Recommendations
  8. Reflection on personal learning (not included in word count)

References – sources cited in the text

Appendices


Writing the Abstract

This research examines…

The study is important because…

Data for this study were gathered in the following ways(s)…

The findings suggest that…

The main conclusions from the study are…

The main recommendations arising from this report are…


Key Sections

Introduction Suggested word length: 1000

Introduce your topic and outline its significance

Explain the research objectives, aims, research questions

Brief overview of the report, e.g. chapters


Literature review Suggested word length: 3000

How does your research build on the existing body of knowledge

Defining your topic

Organisation: thematic, chronological

How does the literature link to your research questions

Evaluation of the literature

Contribution of your study – what gap will you address?


Key Sections

Research methodology Suggested word length: 2000

How you conducted your investigation

Describe procedures used to gather, record and analyse data

Ethical issues

Strengths/ weaknesses

Findings/ results Suggested word length: 2500

Describe the facts

Tables

Analysis

Interpretation of the data


Research Outcomes Spectrum

Analysis:

Discussion and interpretation

Answering the ‘so what’ questions – linkages to the research questions

Explanation and understanding are key: a critical approach


Key Sections

Conclusions Suggested word length: 500

Summarise main issues

Refer to the aims, objectives, questions

Outline the implications for research and practice

Areas for future research


Recommendations Suggested word length: 1000

Key areas for action

What should happen next


Conclusion:

What were your main findings and how do they relate to the literature and theories?

What was surprising in what you found and how does the literature help your understanding of what may be happening? What issues arise that are not reflected in the literature?

What are the implications of what you have found for the study of Management, Management practice and practitioners?

□ Taking your research as a whole, what is the ‘big thing’ that emerges from the findings? Highlight the added value of your project – end

strongly and with confidence!


Example of a Table Format


Key Sections

References

Follow the UBS guide

Consistency is vital

Avoid too many direct quotes - paraphrase

Turnitin – assess before final submission


Appendices

Copies of research instruments, other relevant material


Effective Writing

Write clearly and simply

Avoid using too many direct quotations

Avoid using slang and abbreviations

Use a new paragraph for each new idea

Avoid repetition

Avoid discriminatory/ offensive language

Be consistent with person and tense

Write in the third person using the passive voice: ‘the research was undertaken………. An interview agenda was devised…’


Writing Tips

Write as you go along - don’t leave it all to the end

Writing and rewriting will enable you to clarify your ideas

Plan your writing before you begin

Spell check and grammar check your finished report

Avoid Plagiarism

Ask someone to read the report

Assessment Criteria

General guidance:

Refer to module handbook

Familiarise yourself with the marking scheme – within the module handbook

word count (10,000 words)

□ Style – academic writing, emotionally neutral, third person, passive voice, objective


6 Dec 2023

BMSW4008 || Digital Skills for Personal professional Growth

BMSW-4008 || Digital Skills for Personal professional Growth 

Sept 2023 

LEVEL 4 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION 


Submission method: All written assessments, where practical and possible, must be submitted via Turnitin unless otherwise instructed by the Lecturer. (Please DO NOT put this assessment specification into Turnitin or it will match many similarities with other students’ submissions.)

Alternative submission method (if applicable): 

Late submission of the assessment will result in a late penalty mark.  Penalties for late submission: Up to one week late, maximum mark of 40%.  Over one week late, 0%.  Only the Extenuating Circumstances Panel may approve a change to submission dates.

Academic honesty / referencing: Academic honesty is required. In the main body of your submission you must give credit to authors on whose research and ideas your work is based. Append to your submission a reference list that indicates the books, articles, etc. that you have used, cited or quoted in order to complete this assessment.  

Module Learning Outcomes 

Upon the successful completion of this module, the student should be able to:

Evaluate the appropriate use of contemporary technologies to improve workplace efficiency and employability;

Demonstrate an understanding of using digital technology to enhance a personal brand capability 

Develop digital competency for task and project management;

Develop competence in workplace data-handling and analysis.

TASK DESCRIPTION

Produce a single e-portfolio document that address the following four task descriptors:

1. Produce an about me section suitable for a LinkedIn profile. 

For the purpose of this task, you are required to explore, what makes a good LinkedIn profile in order to start building your professional network. Within your e-portfolio, you are to write an “about me” section suitable for building your personal and professional network. The section should total around 2,600 characters, as per the LinkedIn limit.

No references are required for this task.

2.Write 750w on the importance of storytelling.

For this task, you are required to write 750 words explaining the importance of storytelling to build and promote a brand.

Within this task, there are essential elements that MUST be covered:

Definition of storytelling from a personal, or business brand building perspective.

Explore an example and identify how the storytelling connects an audience to the brand.

For this task you are required to include a minimum of five references.

3.Write 500w questionnaire analysis. 

For this task, you are required to create a questionnaire using Google forms or Microsoft forms. The questions posed will be for the purpose of market research for your business plan in module managing enterprise in the 21st century. You must include a minimum of 10 questions. The questionnaire will be distributed to other students on your course to complete.

You will then be required to analyse the data obtained from the questionnaire in order to identify trends and patterns in the data that you can utilize to target our business idea. For this written task, you will pick 3-4 of the most valuable questions to analyse.

For this task you will:

  • Create a questionnaire using Google Forms or Microsoft Forms consisting of at least 10 questions.
  • Distribute the questionnaire to the student group to complete.
  • Write an analysis of the 3-4 most valuable questions and identify how the findings can impact/influence your business idea.
  • Within the analysis, include snippets/screenshots of the questionnaire graphs

For this task, you are required to include a minimum of five references.

4. Write 750w on the design of the website and marketing materials

For this task, you are required to design a two-page website, and marketing materials which will be used to promote your business idea from Managing Enterprise in the 21st Century, and write a 1000w summary on how the questionnaire data informed their creation. To successfully complete this task, you will:

  • Use the questionnaire analysis to inform your website and marketing materials
  • Use ChatGPT to help create your content based upon the questionnaire analysis.
  • Use Weebly to Create the website, and CANVA for the marketing materials

Once you have created the required elements, your 750w within your e-portfolio document will be to explain how the questionnaire data was used to create the materials, paying particular attention to the following areas:

  • Segmentation
  • SEO
  • AI prompts

Within your e-portfolio submission you must also include:

  • Login details for your website
  • Screenshots of the webpages
  • Images of the marketing materials

For this task you are required to include a minimum of seven references.

5. E-Portfolio Submission: You should submit all parts of the portfolio in one document that includes a title and contents page along with a list of references for all elements. If it is not possible to incorporate the work into a document, then links to the materials should be inserted.

GUIDANCE FOR Students IN THE COMPLETION OF TASKS

NOTE: The guidance offered below is linked to the five generic assessment criteria overleaf.

Engagement with Literature Skills

Your work must be informed and supported by scholarly material that is relevant to and focused on the task(s) set.    You should provide evidence that you have accessed an appropriate range of sources, which may be academic, governmental and industrial; these sources may include academic journal articles, textbooks, current news articles, organisational documents, and websites.  You should consider the credibility of your sources; academic journals are normally highly credible sources while websites require careful consideration/selection and should be used sparingly.   Any sources you use should be current and up-to-date, mostly published within the last five years or so, though seminal/important works in the field may be older.  You must provide evidence of your research/own reading throughout your work, using a suitable referencing system, including in-text citations in the main body of your work and a reference list at the end of your work. 

Guidance specific to this assessment: Your portfolio should include reference to at least 10 such sources and the referencing standard for you course applied throughout.

Knowledge and Understanding Skills

At level 4, you should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with your area(s) of study.  Knowledge relates to the facts, information and skills you have acquired through your learning.  You demonstrate your understanding by interpreting the meaning of the facts and information (knowledge). This means that you need to select and include in your work the concepts, techniques, models, theories, etc. appropriate to the task(s) set.  You should be able to explain the theories, concepts, etc. to show your understanding.  Your mark/grade will also depend upon the extent to which you demonstrate your knowledge and understanding. 

Guidance specific to this assessment: You should refer to learning from the relevant units in the module. Your response to the tasks should demonstrate knowledge of relevant concepts, theories and models, and demonstrate the skills you have developed over the course of the module such as paraphrasing, synthesis, referencing and digital skills.

Cognitive and Intellectual Skills

You should be able to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of your subject(s) of study. You should be able to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to your area(s) of study and/or work. Your work must contain evidence of logical, analytical thinking. For example, to examine and break information down into parts, make inferences, compile, compare and contrast information.  This means not just describing what! But also justifying: Why? How? When? Who? Where? At what cost? You should provide justification for your arguments and judgements using evidence that you have reflected upon the ideas of others within the subject area and that you are able to make sound judgements and arguments using data and concepts.  Where relevant, alternative solutions and recommendations may be proposed.

Guidance specific to this assessment: You need to demonstrate the capacity to pause and reflect on key concepts, to balance different perspectives and weigh-up the evidence.

Practical Skills

At level 4, you should be able to apply the basic underlying concepts and principles to evaluate and interpret these within the context of your area of study. You should be able to demonstrate how the subject-related concepts and ideas relate to real world situations and/or a particular context.  How do they work in practice?  You will deploy models, methods, techniques, and/or theories, in that context, to assess current situations, perhaps to formulate plans or solutions to solve problems, or to create artefacts.  This is likely to involve, for instance, the use of real world artefacts, examples and cases, the application of a model within an organisation and/or benchmarking one theory or organisation against others based on stated criteria.  


Guidance specific to this assessment: You should demonstrate you are able to apply the knowledge gained in the course of the module to the assessment task.

Transferable Skills for Life and Professional Practice 

Your work must provide evidence of the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.  This includes demonstrating that you can communicate the results of your study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments; that you can initiate and complete tasks and procedures, whether individually and/or collaboratively; fluency of expression; clarity and effectiveness in presentation and organisation. Work should be coherent and well-structured in presentation and organisation.


Guidance specific to this assessment: You are expected to use UK English and the full range of transferable skills which are introduced and expanded upon across the Units associated with the Graduate Attribute Module.

    Student FEEDBACK FORM


This section details the extent to which the assessment criteria are demonstrated by you, which in turn determines your mark. The marks available for each category of skill are shown. Lecturers will use the space provided to comment on the achievement of the task(s), including those areas in which you have performed well and areas that would benefit from development/improvement.

Generic Assessment CriteriaMarks available
Engagement with Literature Skills20
Knowledge and Understanding Skills20
Cognitive and Intellectual Skills20
Practical Application Skills20
Transferable Skills for Life and Professional Practice20




GENERIC ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


Level 4

In accordance with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, at the end of Level 4 students will be expected to have demonstrated knowledge of the basic underlying concepts and principles of a subject, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study. They should be able to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study. They will have learned how to evaluate different approaches to solving problems, and will be able to communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments. They will be able to undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment and will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.


Level 4 FAIL MARGINAL FAIL SATISFACTORY

(3rd / Pass) GOOD

(2.2 / Pass) VERY GOOD

(2.1 / Merit) EXCELLENT

(1st / Distinction) EXCEPTIONAL

(1st / Distinction)

Category 0-29% 30-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-84% 85-100%

Engagement with literature (including reading, referencing,

academic conventions and

academic honesty) Little or no evidence of reading and/or reliance on inappropriate sources.

Views and findings mostly unsupported and non-authoritative.

Referencing conventions used incoherently or largely absent. Poor engagement with essential reading. No evidence of wider reading. Reliance on inappropriate sources, and/or indiscriminate use of sources. Heavily reliant on information gained through class contact. Inconsistent and weak use of referencing. Engagement with a limited range of mostly relevant and credible sources but with some reliance on information gained through class contact. Some omissions and minor errors.

Referencing conventions evident though not always applied accurately or consistently. Engagement with an appropriate range of literature, including sources retrieved independently. Some over-reliance on texts rather than other sources. Referencing may show minor inaccuracies or inconsistencies. Engagement with a wide range of literature, including sources retrieved independently.

Selection of relevant and credible sources.  Generally sound referencing, with no/very few inaccuracies or inconsistencies. Engagement with an extensive range of relevant and credible literature. Consistently accurate application of referencing. Exceptional engagement with an extensive range of relevant and credible literature. High-level referencing skills consistently applied.

Knowledge and understanding (Knowledge of the basic underlying concepts and principles of a subject.) Major gaps in knowledge and understanding of the basic underlying concepts and principles of the subject matter. Inclusion of irrelevant material.  Substantial inaccuracies. Gaps in knowledge of the basic underlying concepts and principles, with flawed or superficial understanding. Some significant inaccuracies and/or irrelevant material.  Limited knowledge and understanding of the basic underlying concepts and principles within the subject area. Some elements may be missing. Knowledge of the basic underlying concepts and principles is accurate with a good understanding of the field of study but lacks depth and/or breadth. Competent knowledge of the basic underlying concepts and principles.  Exhibits very good understanding. Excellent knowledge and understanding of the basic underlying concepts and principles of the subject. Exceptional, detailed knowledge and understanding of the basic underlying concepts and principles

Cognitive and intellectual skills 

(Evaluate underlying concepts and principles of a subject and interpret qualitative and quantitative data in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements.) 


Wholly or almost wholly descriptive work. Little or no evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles.

Failure to develop arguments, leading to illogical or invalid judgements. Minimal or no use of

evidence to back up views.

Largely descriptive work, with superficial evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles. Weak interpretation of data, flawed development of arguments and judgements. Information accepted uncritically, uses generalised statements made with scant evidence and unsubstantiated opinions. Ideas sometimes illogical and contradictory. Limited attempt at evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles, tending towards description.

Can interpret qualitative and quantitative data but with some errors. Some evidence to support emerging arguments and judgements but these may be underdeveloped or with a little inconsistency / mis-interpretation.

Good evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles. Can interpret qualitative and quantitative data, with minor errors.

An emerging ability to use evidence to support the argument.

Mostly valid arguments and logical judgements. Sound evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles. Can interpret qualitative and quantitative data accurately. Ability to devise arguments using evidence to make mostly appropriate and valid judgements. 

Excellent evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles. Can interpret qualitative and quantitative data accurately and with some insight. Excellent ability to devise arguments using evidence and make appropriate and valid judgements. Exceptional evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles based evidence. Outstanding interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data.

Exceptional ability to devise arguments using evidence and make wholly appropriate and valid judgements. 

Practical skills

(Different approaches to solving problems in particular contexts.)

Limited or no use of taught, basic methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Little or no appreciation of the context of the application.

Very weak evidence of different approaches to problem-solving in particular contexts. Rudimentary application of taught, basic methods, materials, tools and/or techniques but without consideration and competence. Flawed appreciation of the context of the application.

Weak evidence of different approaches to problem-solving in particular contexts.


An adequate awareness and mostly appropriate application of basic methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Basic appreciation of the context of the application. 

Can identify problems in particular contexts and propose basic alternative approaches or solutions though there may be errors. A good and appropriate application of basic methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Clear appreciation of the context of the application. 

Good evidence of different approaches to problem-solving in particular contexts and proposes mostly appropriate solutions. A very good application of a range of basic methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Very good consideration of the context of the application. Very good evidence of different approaches to problem-solving in particular contexts and proposes appropriate solutions. An advanced application of a range of taught, basic methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

The context of the application is well considered, and insightful.

Excellent evidence of different approaches to problem-solving in particular contexts and proposes appropriate solutions. Exceptional levels of application and deployment skills in particular practical contexts. Outstanding identification of problems in particular contexts and formulation of wholly appropriate, thoughtful solutions / different approaches.

Transferable skills for life and professional practice

(Communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments; the qualities needed for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility within a structured and managed environment.) Work is poorly structured, disorganised, inaccurate and/or confusingly expressed. Very weak use of language and/or very inappropriate style. Failure to work effectively individual or as part of a group. Little or no evidence of the skills for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.


Work is poorly presented in a disjointed manner. It is loosely, and at times incoherently, structured, with information and ideas often poorly expressed. Weak use of language and/or inappropriate style. Flawed approach to individual or group work, meeting only partial obligations to others. Limited evidence of the skills for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility. Mostly ordered presentation and structure in which relevant ideas / concepts are reasonably expressed. Work may lack coherence and/or accuracy in places. Can work as part of a group, meeting most obligations to others but perhaps with limited involvement in group activities.

Demonstrates the basic skills for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility, with some areas of minor weakness. Mostly coherent, organised and accurate work, in a suitable structure and is for the most part clearly expressed. Can work effectively independently and/or as part of a team, with clear contribution to group activities.

Demonstrates the skills for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility, with some areas of strength and some of minor weakness. Work is accurate, coherent, fluent, well-structured and organised. 

Can work effectively independently and/or as part of a team, with very good contribution to group activities. Demonstrates very good skills for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility, with just occasional minor weakness. Work is coherent, very fluent and is presented professionally. Can work effectively independently and/or as part of a team, with an excellent contribution to group activities. Demonstrates excellent skills for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility with an appetite for further development.

Work is accurate, exceptionally coherent, very fluent and presented well. Can work effectively independently and/or as part of a team, with an exceptional contribution to group activities. Demonstrates exceptional skills for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility with an appetite for further development.

Follow this for guideline 

23 Oct 2023

Cultural Capabilities and Cultural Safety in Video Interactions

Assessment Instructions and Guidelines: ( 1500 words )

Write a formal report to observe and analyse whether or not the characters in your chosen video interaction are demonstrating effective (or ineffective) cultural capabilities and maintaining a culturally safe space (or not). Also, recommend how effective cultural capabilities of the people involved could be improved.

Choose ONE of the following videos to analyse in your Report:

  • Too Strong For You Karen (on YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsaqmdQIq_0(for context see news report titled Mildura McDonald's franchisee filmed claiming his neighbour is not a 'true Aboriginal' | ABC News)
  • Dirt Cheap 30 Years on: the story of uranium mining in Kakadu (on Vimeo) https://vimeo.com/73373709(specifically the first 34 minutes)
  • On this day 11th of December [2005] | Cronulla race riots https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZO6d0VT7gQ


Select at minimum 5 (but you can use more) of the 7 following concepts to incorporate in your analysis of the video interaction.

  1. White Privilege (McIntosh or Gilio-Whitaker)
  2. Gender Privilege (McIntosh)
  3. Identifying Bias (Kandola)
  4. Power Relations (Cummins)
  5. Generative Interactions (Bernstein et al)
  6. Cultural Border Crossings/Cultural Valence (Smolicz et al.)
  7. Equity and Equity Literacy (Gorski)
  8. Cultural Safety (Bin-Sallik)
  9. Safe Spaces (Harless)

References

5-7 Unit readings as listed above are required AND 2-4 Academic texts (which you have found through extended research ie other texts, about bias/cultural border crossings/safe spaces and so forth, to support your analysis) APA Referencing system required including a reference page with ONLY the references you have used in the Report. Reference list must be in alphabetical order. Here is a TEMPLATE: for you to use: use:

A3 template.docx - Alternative Formats

Part 2 : Praxiography ( 250 words )

This small piece links the academic and research work you did on your final assessment report to the

world outside your final.

Learning Outcomes to this Assessment:

Critique the role of power in intercultural interactions and relations.

Analyse and critique principles of equitable and generative social and cultural interactions.

Answer these questions:

How did the concepts you have learnt affect the ways you speak about culturally specific topics? In the workplace and/or educational settings are you more aware of your interactions? Are your interactions with others in the workplace and/or educational settings different than when you first commenced this Unit? How did the learning process (either paired or solo) help or hinder your capacity to be culturally capable? You are not required to use references for this assignment. This is a self reflective exercise which you can write in first person (ie you can use 'I').

24 Sept 2023

Using Formative Assessment to Enhance Student Learning

# Using Formative Assessment to Enhance Student Learning


Formative assessment is a powerful tool for teachers to improve student learning outcomes. In this blog post, I will discuss the purpose and effectiveness of formative assessments, challenges teachers face in implementing them, and solutions backed by educational theory and research.

## The Purpose of Formative Assessment


Formative assessment

Classroom assessment
Assessment for learning, Diagnostic assessment, Instructional assessment, Student learning
Learning outcomes, Success criteria, Self-assessment, Peer assessment, Student feedback
Teaching methods, Lesson planning, Constructivism, Zone of proximal development, Parental involvement, Time management, Resource utilization, Data organization, Improving instruction
Enhancing learning

Formative assessment refers to the ongoing assessments conducted by teachers during instruction to evaluate students' knowledge, skills, and progress. The key purposes are:

- **Diagnostic**: Identify students' prior knowledge and skills to plan targeted instruction. 

- **Instructional**: Determine what students have mastered and what needs re-teaching.

- **Reporting**: Inform students, parents and school authorities of learning progress. 

Formative assessments empower students and teachers to enhance classroom learning. They provide feedback to modify teaching methods and help students improve.

## Characteristics of Effective Formative Assessment


According to the National Curriculum Framework, key features of formative assessment include:

- Sharing learning outcomes and success criteria
- Engaging students in self and peer assessment 
- Providing meaningful feedback
- Reviewing assessment data to guide next steps

## Theoretical Perspectives 


Formative assessment aligns with constructivist learning theories which view learning as active and knowledge as constructed through experiences. The sociocultural theory emphasizes the importance of assessment as a collaborative tool to support learning within students' zone of proximal development. 

## Challenges in Implementation


Teachers face several challenges in effectively implementing formative assessments:

- Lack of parental support in some activities
- Insufficient planning time
- Scarce resources like libraries, labs
- Difficulty tracking large amounts of assessment data

## Possible Solutions


- Build partnerships with parents through workshops and meetings
- Improve time management through organization and technology 
- Share resources creatively and use available options
- Organize data in digital folders for each student


WRITTEN REPORT
Introduction

Educational assessment is defined as interpreting the gathered information to know how far the learning outcomes or standards have been achieved. Assessment is a method of documenting the skills, knowledge, believes and attitudes in a measurable form. This is a process to determine how far the learners have achieved learning outcomes. Assessing learners is not only a healthy and fruitful process for the students, however, it’s also a meaningful activity for the teachers. Both learners and teachers can take maximum benefit of the process to measure how far they have achieved learning outcomes. Especially teachers can reflect upon their teaching methods my assessing their students. For the reason that students’ progress mainly depends on the way teachers taught them. Keeping in view students’ progress report teachers can change and improve their teaching methods. For teachers’ assessment gives an indication that how well they have taught and for students how well they have learned and achieved learning outcomes. 
Hence, the process of assessment function as a road map that helps teachers and students to further plan their achievement in the teaching and learning process. The process of assessment also helps the teachers to become more organized towards teaching and responsive observers of the learners. Assessment is of no use when it’s not taken into account for betterment and improvement and for this purpose the teachers should be in a position to change classroom instructions by redesigning the old teaching practices if needed. With the help of assessment, teachers can become conscious of how students learn and teachers can also relate to how students respond to particular teaching practice. The key purpose of educational assessment is to empower the learners and teachers to enhance the quality of learning. The assessment should be used as a tool to support the learning rather than an end in itself. Thus, students should be assessed to celebrate their success. 
There is a number of purposes of conducting assessment, three main reasons for assessment are; Diagnostic, Reporting and Instructional. 
Diagnostic Assessment: this assessment is conducted to diagnose or identify how far a student has achieved the learning outcome. Mostly this assessment is conducted before the instructions to evaluate students’ knowledge and skills, strengths and weaknesses. This assessment is also meaningful for the students as they can know how far they have mastered the learning outcomes. For the teachers, diagnostic assessment is a tool which is helpful to better understand the previous knowledge of students about a specific subject area before planning the instructions. 
Instructional assessment: The purpose of the instructional assessment is to identify what needs of the students to be taught in the next lesson and or what learning outcomes have not been achieved in one lesson should be re-taught. This type of assessment help teachers to become aware of teaching-learning process taking place in the classroom. 
Reporting assessment: Another purpose of assessment is to report the performance or achievement of the students to students themselves and their parents. This reported assessment also possesses key role further in students career, for instance, students further wants to get an education, so they can show their reported assessment to concerned authorities. Even for employment, the students show their previous results. Hence, the selection in higher education is the key purpose of this assessment. 
National Curriculum Framework (NCF) suggests that schools should use both of the approaches of the assessment which are; assessment for learning (AfL) and assessment of the learning (AofL). In the overall education system, it is commonly observed that students have not achieved the learning outcomes which they were expected to achieve during teaching. As the result, a huge gap between what has been taught and what has been learned can be observed. And this gap can be reduced by the assessment for learning (AfL) instead of conducting tests just to assess a student. 
Assessment for Learning: The assessment for the purpose of learning is generally formative in its nature. This assessment helps the teachers to modify and improve their teaching strategies according to students learning. In the process of planning of next lesson this assessment also plays a key role as it helps teachers what strategies should be applied next and how individuals and the overall class should be engaged in the learning process. Assessment for learning includes number of strategies to assess student’s progress like; classroom discussions, teacher observation, reflection on student’s tests and analysis of students tasks. The information collected through this assessment which we can also called as formative assessment is further used for improvement and modification in teaching and learning process, so that teachers can meet the needs of students for instance; teaching through alternative teaching approaches, re-teaching the same topic and giving more opportunities for the practice. Many studies shows that formative assessment is essential tool for classroom activities and its development can enhance the standards of achievement. 
According to the National Curriculum Framework the key characteristics of ‘assessment for learning’ are as follows; 
Sharing of learning outcomes with the learners. 
Sharing the criteria for success with the learners. 
Engaging learners in self and peer assessment. 
Providing learners with correct feedback. 
Reflect and review the information collected through assessment. 
Identify the steps that should be taken next. 
Assessment of learning; this type of assessment has more resemblance with the summative assessment where it is intended to measure the learning outcomes usually at the end of the academic year. The purpose of this assessment is to measure the learning outcomes and further report them to the students, parents and other concerned authorities. 
“Assessment for the learning” is the authors’ purpose of assessment.
I assess students to enhance their learning opportunities instead to judge them according to their test results or report cards. I believe students should be assessed to celebrate their success, students should be assessed to reflect upon on teaching, and students should be assessed to appreciate their little efforts towards learning. And this formative approach of assessment will allow me to improve my teaching methods according to my students needs and also it will help my students to enhance their learning by continuously reflecting upon what they have mastered and which learning outcomes they have not achieved yet. I understand that this assessment will require a lot of effort, organization and effort from me but as a result, this will really help me to enhance my students learning and improve my teaching approaches. By its name, this is clear that the purpose of this assessment is students learning, and that’s the ultimate goal of every school. 
I teach grade-3, key stage -1. For key stage one, we use a formative assessment that is an ongoing assessment to assess the students. The main purpose of classroom assessment is to empower both teachers and their students to improve the quality of learning in the classroom. In general, assessment serves a range of purposes. But the main purpose of this assignment is to provide information to teachers about the teaching and learning taking place in the classroom. Moreover, I assess my students for their learning purpose. Assessing for learning is not just learning for the students however it also benefits to improve the teaching strategies according to students learning, hence learning will also enhance. I engage my students in different classroom activities to assess them and further help them in their lacking areas by giving them feedback and modifying my instructions. Some of the important points I consider while assessing my students are:
I share the success criteria with the students, so that the students will know before the end of the lesson what they should know to be successful in this lesson. I share the learning intention with my students before starting the session so that they will be well aware of what they are expected to learn at the end of the lesson. In easy language, I usually write down the learning outcome one one side of the board so that students should be well aware of it. Learning intentions really support me and my students to be aware of what will be assessed at the end of the lesson. Because there is a strong connection and alignment among learning outcomes, assessment and feedback. I teach to achieve my learning outcomes and assess my students to know either I have achieved the learning outcome or not? If not then I again plan the same lesson with some different teaching strategy and teach again. Because the purpose of assessment is my students learning. 
Before I give any task to my students for assessment purposes like any project, assignment or presentation I share the assessment rubric with the students. This is how while doing assignments or making any project they keep in mind what aspects will be assessed in their project/assignment. With this students will consider all the important factors which will be assessed. Like they are assigned to make a project and in that project the things which will be assessed are; relevant content, language, presentation etc. sharing assessment rubric is a very healthy activity for both teachers and students. I save the time of teachers will assessing and it help students to take care of all the important aspects which will be assessed while making the assignment. So, I always share the success criteria with my students as this will help my students to be well aware of what constitutes good work and average work. Sharing success criteria is also important for the purpose that students can see the connection among success criteria and learning objectives. Students must know that they are not been assessed what they have not taught. They will only be assessed what they have taught nothing else. 
In the classroom I engage my students in the activities where they can do self-reflection of their learning. By doing the self and peer assessment the students can reflect on their own learning. Self-assessment help my students to be aware of their strengths and areas of improvement. Doing self-assessment is a very healthy activity for learning because this allows students to take ownership of their learning. Same as self-assessment, peer assessment also benefits students to become aware of their learning from each other. The peer assessment is very effective in my classroom because my students are very comfortable with each other, they support one another, they respect the opinions of other fellows and they feel comfortable to take risk and make mistakes. 
My assessment method is effective because I give feedback to my students about their learning progress. It’s not just I conducted the assessment and forget about the reports. I call my students and share their results with them, let them go where they have performed well and in what areas they are still lacking which they need to work on. Effective use of the assessment is only when its report is shared with students for their progress. I give feedback to my students so that they will be able to reflect upon their learning and evaluate the quality of their learning. I also appreciate getting feedback for my teaching instructions from my students because this strengthens my improves instructions and I become able to teach my students in the ways by which they understand best. The factors I take care of while giving feedback to my students are; the feedback should be relevant to the teaching, it should be provided as soon as an assessment is conducted, it should be based on student’s achievement, the feedback must be helpful for my students so that they can improve their learning, the feedback should be confidential and given only to the concerned student instead of intermediary, the feedback should be respectful where students integrity and needs should be respected, and the feedback must motivate students to continue learning efforts. 
The assessment I conduct from my students is itself pedagogy and cannot be separated from the instructions. I use the information gathered through the assessment to review the learning process. I believe that reviewing and reflecting on the assessment is the only way by which assessment can fulfil purpose that is to enhance the quality of learning. All these characteristics of “assessment for learning” which we also called as formative assessment are very important to be taken carefully. This is the only way by which we can achieve the true and exact purpose of assessing our students. 
The theoretical perspective behind what is practiced now

Jeans Piaget Constructivism's Theory is based on observation and scientific study. According to Piaget “people construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world, through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences”. Although, Knowledge is constructed, rather than innate, or passively absorbed. So in my class when I taught classification of reptiles. I made a web using their general knowledge. After that, I showed them videos, and let them explore by seeing the real objects. In groups I instructed them to explore and classify it. At the end they have a lot to include in the web. So using different kinds of strategies we can assess the students. According to Piaget “Learning is an active process”. So in science period to teach herbs, shrubs and trees. By using video and PPT I have explained the 3types of plants. After that I took them to a field trip to explore trees. After that, with pairs, I told them to share their notes and compare their views. Next, by using the discussed notes they filled the table about trees. (Piaget, 2006).
Formative assessment methods have a significant impact on students learning. According to William (1998) the impact of formative assessment on general student achievement. So I think formative assessment is highly effective in raising levels of student achievement because it help students to identify their strengths and weaknesses and it help them to identify the target areas that they need to work on. According to him formative assessment was defined as a tool for making teaching more effective during the course, while summative assessment had more grading and evaluative purposes to check students’ progress at the end of the course. So in my class when I used to give the students to draw a mind map to represent their understanding of a topic. Also, I let the students to write one or two sentence identifying the main point of the lesion. So, in this way I can identify what they know and don’t know. So, it helps me to design the next lesion. Therefore, I believe that it is very effective to carry formative assessment during the class.
What I do in my class first of all in the beginning I share the learning intention with students so they will know what they are going to learn. I share the success criteria so that they will know the things they need to know, to be successful in the lesion. Before each lesson recall the previous lesson so that they can build their knowledge by relating to that knowledge. I always try to use different kind of activities so that they get change to explore and identify more. Therefore, it will be kept in their long-term memory, also provide those challenges by asking questions and give them chance to explore and find the answer according to their interested activity. I used to make the lesions so attractive and much engaging, so that at the end, students can proudly say they learned something new. Summative and formative assessment models are as different in their purposes “unlike summative assessments, which may be either criterion-referenced or norm-referenced, formative assessments are always made in relation to where pupils are in their learning in terms of specific content or skills” Harlem and James (2006) So the formative assessment is more individualized and targeted on student’s unique performance in learning, 
According to McMillan (2014), “formative assessment is a way of evaluating students’ progress during teaching in order to make decision on further actions” So the students’ progress is not used for judgment; instead, it helps to know what should be done to help the student in his learning. Formative assessments don’t necessarily need to be graded.  They serve as checkups; it is more about the information rather than the end score. The information gathered helps to shape instruction and future content. According to Earl (2013), “considering student work is not designed to assign marks and make comparative judgments among students but to highlight each student’s strengths and weaknesses and provide them with feedback that will further affect their learning” This means that the main aim is not only to collect evidence about student learning, but also to be able to analyze and reflect on it. 
Formative assessment's main aim is to facilitate and enhance students’ learning through various in-class activities. The purpose of Assessment in Our School is to allow students and teachers to reflect on student learning in order to set or maintain a direction that will promote student progress. Teachers are expected to use assessment results to Provide regular and frequent feedback to students to improve their performance. Thus, to Determine student's prior knowledge and skill level, strengths and weaknesses and differentiate instruction to match student needs.  Also to determine which students require additional support or extension. It also provides specific evidence to inform recordkeeping and reporting. Although, Students are expected to use assessment results to Receive feedback about their level of skill and knowledge and help to set goals. It informs them about the next steps in their learning and to develop the critical abilities to recognize quality work. Also, it develops a positive and realistic appreciation of their abilities and progress. According to Earl (2013), “considering student work is not designed to assign marks and make comparative judgments among students but to highlight each student’s strengths and weaknesses and provide them with feedback that will further affect their learning” This means that the main aim is not only to collect evidence about student learning, but also to be able to analyze and reflect on it. Formative assessment's main aim is to facilitate and enhance students’ learning through various in-class activities. 
Challenges Faced
1. Lack of Parental Support.
Parents should be the ideal working partners to provide the best learning experience for students. For example, they say that they have no time to take the students to field trips. When we tell the parents to come with the students for a field trip. (Most of the parents say that, we don’t have time to do all this, we have a lot of works and kids to look after. Due to this only a few students are able to join the trips with the parent.
2. Lack of Time for Planning.
Have to teach 6 subjects. In a week have to take 24 periods. Need time to make related materials like ppt, have to mark books and make assessments.  So, the time we get is very less for planning and preparing the lesions. As a primary teacher have to teach 6 subjects. In a week have to take 24 periods. To effectively carryout each lesson we need time to make materials like ppt, find related videos, and have to find out what are the activities that can be carried out, things needed for those activities. Plus have to mark books and make assessments.  So, the thing is we also have our own family, we have to give time for our kids. So, the time we get is very less for planning and preparing the lesions.





3. Lack of resources. 
Have to share the classroom. Couldn’t paste the related works on the wall. No library to provide them stories. No science lab to carry out science experiments as our school is having 2 sessions, we have to share our classroom with the secondary students. Could not take extra classes as the class is full. When we paste the related works on the wall the next day all are in the dustbin, so couldn't keep the important materials on the wall. During English class have to give reading worksheets because there is no library to provide them stories. Plus, there is no science lab to carry out science experiments. Have to show videos, little chance students get to explore science experiments.
4. Have to handle a lot of data and information about the individual students.  
In each lesson we need to note down each individual detail about that lesion. As there are different level and different ability of students. Have to keep a record of the individual students.
Assessment for learning which is formative in nature is not related with a specific philosophy of education. Critical formative assessment is a part of the socio-cultural constructivist view of learning. The theory of learning is supported by recent studies. The current goals of education are compatible with the socio-cultural constructivist theory of learning. Effective formative assessment is explained by this theory of learning. The Socio-cultural constructivist perspective of learning help is very effective in creating learners to actively construct knowledge and understanding through cognitive processes. The learning perspective helps students develop the met cognitive skill which is important to regulate their own learning. 
Even in the last fifty years, a formative evaluation still involves the formulation and implementation of research and exhortations. The assessment conducted in the classroom might be supported by different learning theories. In particular, formal assessment shows parallels with Vygotsky's fundamental authored socio-constructivist theory. We want in this work to emphasize the parallels of formative evaluation in the zone of proximal development, with a specific element of socio-constructivist theory (ZPD). Therefore, several features of formative evaluation and ZPD are explored and, ultimately, the probable links between them demonstrate that both are mutually supplementary. In this study there is an assessment viewpoint that might be distinct and therefore collaborative in learning and developing for students, meaning that evaluation is viewed as a collaborative agent for students to move about within their proximal zone of development. The assessment must give knowledge and chances for learning to students, which is in turn an essential part of the cultural and especially human development process. The evaluation must give knowledge and chances for student learning, "which in turn is an essential element in the cultural and humane psychological process of growth." This article has undertaken speculative study to examine the planning, development and technology methods for collecting and analyzing data. The study and analysis of linked texts on the topics of formative evaluations and a proximal development zone was carried out, and is characterized by conceptual analysis, in which author's analysis is carried out, arguing and re-telling notions. The goal was from the outset to learn about the formative assessment and the proximal development zone, to debate them and build partnerships. Works like books and papers on topics have been consulted for this purpose. 

Solution by relating to the literature

I think most of the time parents are not much aware about the new curriculum. So we can conduct workshops and meeting to make them aware about the new learning system. I believe that as a parent no one will want to lack anything in their children's learning, they will do their best to make their children as number one. So, we have to build a strong bond with the parents then they will be very cooperative.
Although, we can improve our time management skill by organizing days and weeks in advance. We can integrate the lesson and can carry the lesson as one. We can make a schedule and can strictly stick on it. So, every task will be done in the mentioned time.  It is not a must to collect all the books and mark all the book at once. During the lesson we can manage the time and we can try just to put a tick as marked. So, during the lesson also we can check their works and can give feedback. Also, we can make the students aware about we share the classroom, so there will be other student’s works. We can make them understand, how you will feel when you see your work on the dustbin. Every student will do their best in each and every work. We can use the available resources effectively to engage the students. Moreover, in formative assessment gathering the information is not enough teachers always needed to make best use of that data for students learning purpose.  According to my point of view this issue can be solved by extreme level of the organization of data. Teacher should be well organized. Timely he or she should make folders and save all the records in those folders by their student’s names. In this world of technology saving huge data is not a big deal, however for this organization of teacher is really important. We should keep it in mind that it is our responsibility not a choice
These challenges in the formative assessment are very necessary to be addressed timely so that the key purpose of the formative assessment can be achieved effectively. As I discussed in the challenges section that handling a lot of data or information gathered through formative assessment is one of the major challenges teachers face while using formative assessment in the classroom. Because in formative assessment gathering the information is not enough teachers always needed to make the best use of that data for students learning purposes. According to my point of view, this issue can be solved by the extreme level of the organization of data. The teacher should be well organized. Timely he or she should make folders and save all the records in those folders by their student’s names. In this world of technology saving huge data is not a big deal, however for this organization of teachers is really important. 
For a formative assessment well organized and saved data is even not enough a teacher must use it further for students learning, the teacher should give feedback to the students on their results, teachers should also use this information to modify own instructions so that instructions can meet the needs of the students. Teachers should use the information to know what students have learned and which learning outcomes have not been mastered yet. And this can really help a teacher to plan the next lesson. 
Another major challenge teachers face in formative assessment is time management because formative assessment activities are very time taking. Most of the times teachers plan very effective assessment strategies for the classroom but they fail to conduct due to the limited time. For instance; one of the formative assessment methods in classroom discussions, and this is a time taking process. So, a teacher cannot ask students to do classroom discussions on a topic in a limited time, for this teacher must have huge time. 
According to my solution to this challenge can be the best use of technology. By the use of different social media, or other learning platforms teachers can easily engage students to be part of a healthy discussion no matter where they are present physically. Teacher’s feedback is an important feature of formative assessment however most of the times because of the time constraints teachers are not able to give individual feedback to the student. To solve these problems teachers can also use technology. Teachers at their home, whenever they get time can contact the individual students and give them constructive feedback. Time can be managed by good organization of all the tasks, by using smart ways of teaching and assessing and by distributing the tasks to the students, instead of assessing students can be engaged in the self-assessment process and can be asked to do peer assessment in a way teacher’s task of assessment can be distributed. 
Conclusion
Assessment and grading are not the same. Usually, the goal is to evaluate individual students' learning and performance.  The assessment examines the pattern of students learning across courses and programs and using this information to improve educational practices. So I hope this will be helpful for teachers when carrying a formative assessment. Although Formative assessment is about measuring where students are in their learning and giving them feedback, they say, and then working to fill in the gaps. ... Some districts even have policies requiring that certain numbers or types of tasks be graded, which can make it tough to avoid giving grades on formative assessments. Moreover, in this assignment, I have highlighted the theoretical background behind what is practiced in my school. I have included the problems we face, and by using literature I have included the solutions for that.



## Conclusion

When used systematically, formative assessment provides rich insights into student learning and guides teaching practices. With some effort in planning, resource utilization, and organization, teachers can implement formative assessments successfully to improve classroom instruction and learning.

Hope this provides some useful tips on leveraging formative assessments! Let me know if you have any other suggestions to share.




References

  • Boulet, M.M. et al. (1990), “Formative Evaluation Effects on Learning Music”, Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 84, pp. 119-125. 
  • Branford, J.D. et al. (eds.) (1999), How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School, National Academy of Sciences, National Academy Press, and Washington D.C. 
  • Bruner, J. (1996), the Culture of Education, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA. 
  • Butler, D.L. and P.H. Wine (1995), “Feedback and Self-regulated Learning: A Theoretical Synthesis”, Review of Educational Research, Vol. 65, No. 3, pp. 245-281.
  • Black and William, 1998, Assessment for Excellence: the philosophy and practice of assessment and evaluation in higher education. New York: Macmillan.
  • William, 2006, National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing. University of California, Los Angeles
  • Harlen and James 2006, State of the art review: language testing and assessment (part two). Language Teaching, 35(2), 79-113.
  • McMillan 2014, Classroom assessment techniques: a handbook for college teachers (2nd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

16 Jul 2023

Harnessing Social Media as a Double-Edged Sword

Harnessing Social Media as a Double-Edged Sword: 

The Benefits and Distractions for Student Learning

keywords:
- social media 
- student learning
- undergraduate education
- educational technology
- online collaboration
- student engagement
- digital distractions
- critical thinking


Q1.  What role does the abstract play in the publication of an academic paper?       

A short overview of the article is the abstract. It is not an introduction to what follows. The main elements of the study methodology and the major results of the research are also described in full and succinct. The abstract is typically the initial interaction with a research or report by the reader and is at times the sole portion that is collected and/or examined in scientific databases. This feature offers the first and frequently most crucial impression that the study topic and outcomes have their own potential worth or significance. If the abstract is correctly written, readers should be asked to receive a copy of the entire manuscript that is included in the discovered ones. If the abstract is properly written, readers will be encouraged to receive a copy of the entire text included into those found. If the abstract is not worded properly, the study might be disregarded or even forgotten.


Q2.   What is the main focus of the study? 

The incorporation of Internet technology into education has offered various possibilities for study accessible to everyone worldwide. In addition to textbooks and classroom lectures via social media, students currently experience the sharing of ideas, resources and information as well as a tools for Undergraduate student learning. Online information and communication are provided free of charge to students on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and many more platforms. The study discuss how social media use can improve learning.
                                                                                                                             
Q3.  What are digital natives? Discuss whether there are digital natives in your home country. 
 
Every person who was born in 1980, the digital natives, who have a direct touch with technology in their biological and social development. There are some behavioural changes and everyday habit that affect their schooling, job plans, and living objectives in an ever larger context for this generation, which was born around technology. No wonder as a part of globalisation my home country has digital native. Their habits, behaviours and preferences in consumption have guided the strategies of numerous brands that want to distinguish themselves on the market, companies that strive to improve communication and institutions of education which attempt to adapt their educational techniques to digital lifestyles.

Q4.  What does the term ‘social media’ mean?  Do you think the use of social media will change in the future?    

Social networks facilitate social relationships and interact between individuals, groups or organisations, which share the same values or interests. The internet and social media development have broadened this notion.  After all, a social network's fundamental role is to connect individuals inside the virtual world, either to develop new social links or to maintain current social ties. There is no denying the achievements of the social networks we know, like Facebook and WhatsApp. Without their presence, we can scarcely conceive of our social contacts and this illustrates the power of these platforms, which take the world as we know it.
Social networks represent all the improvements in technology that society has accomplished and must consequently include social actions. Artificial intelligence research are already underway to assist blind people understand photos. Another initiative seeks to facilitate diagnosis, through the examination of photographs of the patient, of illnesses such as skin cancer.
                                                                                   
Q5.  Discuss the positive and negative effects of using social media in class. 
     Many kids cannot deal with the wide-ranging web-based knowledge. Many consider what they read on the web as the absolute truth, and this affects the learning process and the formation of a critical view of what is given. The social networks' popularity and the pace of online interactions have brought about new methods of writing and speaking, transformed and revealed Portuguese. This might impair the writing quality of these young people since the internet language in our culture has not yet become normal and is still restricted to the online media. Socialization is an evolving activity - we are seeking interaction with certain individuals on social networks rather than immediately addressing those who are accessible around us at any given time. Special attention should be paid to this behaviour, which undergoes a lot more difficult and rapid changes than ever before. Technology is a tool that needs to make the interaction easier, more efficient—in short, media. It is important to be conscious that it is not the mechanism that guides our decisions. Generally speaking, this happens when we utilize a technology without knowing the influence it has on our own conduct completely.

                                                                                                                               
Q6.  Explain how the researchers collected their data. Was this an effective means of doing it?         
Survey is a very frequent technique of study by which researchers themselves enter the field to gather data. Research in the field can be utilized as a dissertation technique of research and gathering of data. Different methods, such as surveys, interviews and observations, may be utilized. In order to gather the exact data needed to answer research questions and to test hypotheses, the researcher will.


Q7.  What were the five research questions?  Give an explanation of each one. 

1. What social media accounts do undergraduate fine arts students have? 
2. How often are these students accessing social media accounts? 
3. To what degree do these students use social media for educational purposes? 
4. To what degree does social media use contribute to these students’ education? 
5. To what degree does social media use distract these students from their college education?

Q8.  In the following reference what is ‘In Education’ and what is ‘15(1)’?     
Hoffman, E. S. (2009). Social media and learning environments: Shifting perspectives on the locus of control. In Education, 15(1), 23-38. 

‘In Education’ is the name publisher and what is ‘15(1)’ is volume number      

Q9.  What are your opinions on the use of social media in class?  Has the use of social media helped you in your studies? 

Social media has mixed impact on my study sometimes it accelerate the information gathering process other times it creates a lot of distraction. Its require a huge self control to stick to the study while using social media.  

Q10.  Overall, what conclusion did the researchers reach?  Discuss whether it is justified quoting examples from your own experience. 
         

 The Results showed that Facebook was the most popular account, followed by Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter, that is similar to my using pattern. Logging on to their top social media accounts was a combined total of 32.82, while the weekly average was a combined total of 226.39. That is also similar to my usages.  Of the students surveyed, 49% marked agree or strongly agree that they used social media for educational purposes, I would agree if I was asked the same. A total of 39% of surveyed students responded that they had a class that required use of social media. Which I agree. and the final research question which is the  comparable levels of distraction from social media use (78.65%) compared to face to face interactions (74.27%) is also similar to me                                                                                                                          
Q1. The abstract provides a short overview of the key elements of a research paper. It summarizes the main points of the study including the methodology and major findings, without going into too much detail. The abstract gives readers a first impression of the research and helps them decide if they want to read the full paper.

Q2. The main focus of the study is on the use of social media as a tool for undergraduate student learning. It examines how students are using social media for educational purposes and how it contributes to or distracts from their learning. 

Q3. Digital natives are those born after 1980 who have grown up with technology. They have different behaviors, habits, and preferences shaped by digital technology. Yes, there are digital natives in my home country as a result of globalization and widespread access to technology. 

Q4. Social media refers to online platforms that allow users to create and share content, interact, and develop social networks. I think social media will continue evolving in the future with advances in technology like AI to enhance accessibility and capabilities. But the core function of connecting users will remain.

Q5. Positives of social media in class include easier access to information and collaboration. Negatives are potential distractions, improper online behavior, and overreliance on unverified online sources instead of critical thinking. 

Q6. The researchers collected data through an online survey completed by undergraduate students. This seems an effective means of gathering information directly from the target demographic. 

Q7. The five research questions focused on: 1) Types of social media accounts students have 2) Frequency of social media use 3) Use of social media for education 4) Contribution of social media to education 5) Distraction of social media from education

Q8. 'In Education' refers to the journal name. '15(1)' indicates it is Volume 15, Issue 1 of that journal.

Q9. I think social media can help access information quickly, but it requires self-control to avoid distractions. It has helped my studies but also sometimes distracts me. 

Q10. The study found high social media use among students comparable to my experience. Around half used it for education and found it contributed to their learning, which aligns with my opinion. However, levels of distraction were also high, consistent with my observations. The conclusions seem justified based on my own experiences as a student.

Leadership and Organizational Culture at Nitol Niloy Group: How Leaders Shape Shared Values and Drive Adaptability | 522 WORDS ESSAY

Leadership and Organizational Culture at Nitol Niloy Group 

How Leaders Shape Shared Values and Drive Adaptability

 Nitol Niloy Group PRODUCTS


Nitol Tata follows the Functional Organization model whereby each division, headed by a Executive Director. The new firm quickly established itself as a key participant in the commercial vehicle industry, and it has continued to develop since then. The firm began as a car trade company with the principles of quality, honesty, and efficiency (Nitol Motors Limited, n.d.). International firms attracted its strong sales figure and Nitol Motors Ltd. became Bangladesh's exclusive distributor in 1989. In 1991 a joint venture was created between TELCO and NITOL, called Nita Company Ltd., for the assembly in Bangladesh of TATA cars. Nitol-Niloy Group literally became a domestic brand in less than 20 years from a trading firm in the early 1980s. The Nitol Niloy Group adopts the paradigm of a Functional Organization, which focuses on its distinct functional objectives by each division led by a Managing Director with a considerable education and industrial experience. The thesis on the Nitol Motors Limited section and its service department has been brought to the fore. Culture is established via values, beliefs or perceptions shared inside an enterprise by personnel. In practice it is a collection of rules and standards which, via words, interpersonal connections and gestures, lead to the cultural assumptions of its members. Image shows the three components, artifact, shared values and assumptions of organizational culture It's learned collectively. Image of 3 components, artifacts, common values and assumptions in corporate culture the members of the organization, but particularly the leadership, who play a major part in its awareness, learns and transmits it collectively. Because the activities of workers are influenced significantly in times of development or adaptation to change (Tata Motors in partnership with Nitol Motors launches the all-new Tata LPT 1212 light commercial vehicle in Bangladesh, n.d.). Managers also form and bear the responsibility for the development of the culture: they establish mission, vision and purpose, build the framework that guides and empowers the business. And they will be accountable for leading those who lead to it once formed.  

The leaders of the companies spread the culture of the firm to their teams and groups (Hossain, 2016). They guarantee that all characteristics described as the culture of the firm are matched by the personnel and operate in accordance with the goals of the organization. Furthermore, the leader works together to prevent staff from deviating from what is anticipated. In some institutions, the responsibility of management to help create a culture that reflects the goals of the institution and guides everyone on the same road is not fully defined yet. The leader enables their employees to discover satisfaction.  

The culture of the Nitol Tata is formed through leaders' activities. When values are dysfunctional, leadership helps the team to unlearn certain inefficient cultural assumptions and adopt new models. Otherwise, the sectors cannot adjust to the required changes without the figure of a leader who centralizes the team (Business Structure Comparison Chart for Bangladesh (LegalSeba, n.d.). The same traditional ideals so remain intact and the firm is not adapted to changing strategic circumstances. But it is a deadly mistake to keep up with the same positions in a continually shifting market. Tech periods like this require fluid information, process agility and adaptable ability. It is also important that the leader is active providing continuous feedback to every employee and lists the items that merit attention to be low-performance and the elements in which the team works effectively. Without this, employees believe that anyone higher up the hierarchical pyramid may read them as a mere number. The manager becomes united with the group and preserves the organizational culture at best by fostering a roundtable with work colleagues.

References


Business Structure Comparison Chart for Bangladesh LegalSeba. (n.d.). LegalSeba. Retrieved August 26, 2021, from https://legalseba.com/business-structure-comparison-chart-for-bangladesh/
Hossain, M. (2016, July 17). A guide to corporate culture. Dhaka Tribune. https://www.dhakatribune.com/feature/2016/07/17/guide-corporate-culture
Tata Motors in partnership with Nitol Motors launches the all-new Tata LPT 1212 light commercial vehicle in Bangladesh. (n.d.). Bangladesh. Retrieved August 26, 2021, from https://www.tatamotors.com.bd/press/tata-motors-in-partnership-with-nitol-motors-launches-the-all-new-tata-lpt-1212-light-commercial-vehicle-in-bangladesh/
Welcome to Nitol Motors Limited. (n.d.). Www.nitolmotors.com. Retrieved August 26, 2021, from http://www.nitolmotors.com/about




7 Jul 2023

Explore the concept of social grouping and its relevance to the family

HIS 102 ASSIGNMENT
Summer Semester: 2021
Assignment On
Social Grouping “Family”

Department of History and Philosophy

6 Jul 2023

PMP Principles of Social Sciences: Short Answer Questions Explained

PMP PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
August 2021
ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS
Set: Week 6  
Upload: Week 10  

PMP Principles of Social Sciences


 Define ‘epistemology’ (2)


The word epistemologies originate from the Greek epistemology, which is a discipline of philosophy that works with and analyses the basis, boundaries, techniques and validity of every element seeking to get information. In this sense epistemology examines scientific knowledge's foundations and procedures. In order to define the process of knowledge production, justification and truthfulness, it takes into consideration historical, social and psychological aspects (Fumerton, 2009). Epistemology is therefore a subject employed in science to establish the degree of certainty of scientific knowledge in the many fields. Epistemology may thus also be seen as part of science's philosophy.

What is scientific knowledge?  (4)


Scientific knowledge is information and knowledge based on the study of real and evidence. It must be founded on observations and experiments to prove a hypothesis of truth or falsehood, in order to be accepted as scientific knowledge. The rationale must be associated with the science experiment, else the idea is structured just as philosophical information.

Civil-sense knowledge is largely based on popular beliefs, ideas and concepts, handed through generations via a "culture legacy," contrary to scientific knowledge requiring theoretical basis and proof in testing. Knowledge of common sense is not questionable, that is, it simply defines why, but does not trace the roads that lead to a specific conclusion. On the other hand, scientific knowledge is designed to interpret and comprehend, using scientific techniques, all processes and steps of a concept or hypothesis.

3.  List the three major field of human knowledge. What is the emphasis of each?(6)

1.) social science

Social science is a wide range of studies to understand the functioning, development and organization of society. All significant components of society are examined in sciences of society: their origins, historic processes, functioning, development features, social changes, conflicts, cultural traits and customs. S

2.) natural science

The scientific fields of natural sciences are intended to explore the broad and fundamental aspects of nature as well as all the laws and norms governing nature. Aspects such as life's behaviour are neglected from the natural sciences perspective and only variables that are naturally physical are noticed and investigated. 

3.) humanities


The humanities are currently being defined as structured areas of study in specific areas: literature, music, painting, sculpture, architecture, languages, philosophy and history (although the latter is sometimes placed among the Social Sciences). In broad terms, it seems to us that specific fields of research have been selected and that structured knowledge bodies are divided into four primary fields - sciences, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and professional research. 




Name the main disciplines of social science and define the fields (8)

Social sciences are a series of academic disciplines that examine human aspects of individual behaviours and social organisation's operations and components. In contrast to formal disciplines like mathematics, logic or physics, social sciences are learning about living systems. They vary on the other hand from the natural sciences (which also study living systems) and on the basis of the complexities of behaviour and social consequences, the social science studies these systems. They are more connected with humanities, on the other hand, as both those who study a great amount of subjectivity and the community vary, while the social sciences stress the use of humanism. 

Anthropology is a science which analyses man's social behaviour with regard to his/her physical and cultural features (Parodi, 2009). This is the forms and standards that culture takes in previous and current cultures. Sociology is responsible for researching human and societal connections. This means that their study objects are somewhat different. It can include, among many others, religion to family, division of the social classes or racial division and the formation of States. It aims at understanding societal stability and change and transformation process. History begins by identifying the time that prehistory has transitioned into history. Thereby, it is possible to study various times defined by various societies. For instance, there is medieval, current or modern history, but also religious history, art history, global history, among many others. The study of the collection of institutions, their norms and law systems relating to legality are accountable for the Law as a specialisation of social science. Political science is the field in which political ideas, practices, institutions and conduct are studied, described and analysed. The objective is to understand how power transfers are structured publicly and socially in political decision-making processes.

Define the ‘scientific method’ and briefly state the basic assumption which underlies the use of scientific knowledge

The scientific method is a technique of inquiry used mostly in the development of science. To be termed scientific, an empirical and measuring technique for research must be established and subject to the particular rules of reasoning tests. 


Define social stratification. Name one dimension of social stratification. (2)


Stratification takes place in the three dimensions - economic, social and political - and in the classes, estates, and parties accordingly (phenomena that emerge from the uneven distribution of political, economic or social powder). The methodology approach of qualitative research is founded on the fact that social science research includes a significant socio-anthropological component, as descriptive aims demand this.


What is the qualitative method of inquiry?(2)


Appreciating the relationship between the real world and its subject, the link between the objective world and the subjectivity in the subject, and how the actors of society interpret the phenomena of social life can be achieved by explaining the truth and understanding the social sciences as reality reveals itself in its meanings.


Why is it difficult to formulate precise laws in social sciences? (2)

Only in respect to things can specific laws actually be defined. Objects may be examined, measured and observed, with predictable findings that enable scientists to build reasonable hypotheses which can then form the foundation for future study and investigation .

Why is it often impossible to study social problems using the experimental method?(4)


Science social has the right to choose its own role and therefore become conscious of the restricted tasks connecting its scientific activity; in this instance, it may utilize its own knowledge and awareness of its functions and functions.
 

10. Outline the interdisciplinary approach to the study of social problems (4)

Interdisciplinary studies include combining two or more academic fields in one action (e.g., a research project). It uses information from a number of different areas, such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, economics. It's about developing something with cross-border thinking (Wilcox, Rand R, 2013).


What new social science fields do you think will be important in ten years’ time ? Why do you think so? (4)


Overall, governmental funders and charitable organisations, have joined forces and developed the venues for the publication of the research they finance (OA). But its shape differs from place to region: Europe is predominantly gold and North America and Asia are typically green. Rapid artificial intelligence (AI) developments and technology have led to a thriving growth of these platforms. It is interoperable and the material may be accessed and displayed easily. As a consequence, there are fewer journals reliant on subscriptions. In order to post content not recorded by systems Mega journals with low publishing rates are available. Main company newspapers are still operational, several have a golden open access strategy, but are struggling in order to get manuscript entries. Preprints prosper in the globe and are connected to the final copies of the article which are still officially acknowledged. Researchers acquire information in different ways, e.g. through publications in tiny sizes and articles on a notepad. Advances in AI and technology have also given the opportunity to generate and report findings through new techniques. While the quality of research continues to play an essential role, journal publishing plays a role.


Total 40 marks (40% of course assessment )