Abstract
A short analysis of arguments about the possibility that television causes violence in children, focusing on studies that have examined this issue.

From the Paper
"What is playing on the television or radio? Chances are high that children are around and that there is something on the television or radio directly or indirectly associated with violence. Images of violence have simply become apart of today's culture."

Tags:parents, violence, media

Abstract
The following paper explores the psychological impact the high rate of marital breakdown have on children and how these effects impact on society. The marital breakdown addressed in this paper is between heterosexual couples. To examine this topic a review of literature has been conducted. A comparison of children living in intact families and children living in divorced families has been completed to demonstrate the similarities and differences. This paper also discusses the effects on members of society of the high divorce rate and the positive outcomes of divorce.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Mediators of Divorce
Economic Effects of Divorce
Effects of Conflict on Children
Effects of Absence of Non-Custodial Parents
Effects of Remarriage
Long Term Effects of Divorce on Children
Effects on Society
The Positive Consequences of Divorce

From the Paper
Some children experience an easier adjustment to divorce while others display difficulties for a long period of time. Factors have been identified that ease the adjustment for children. These conditions include supportive interactions with family members and friends, having effective coping strategies and accessibility to any needed mental health interventions (Cooney, Hutchinson and Leather). The effects of divorce can be lessened also if the parents act without hostility, if children s relationships with their parents are continuous, and if the children s financial needs are provided for by the parents (Thompson and Amato). Thus, reducing life stresses will moderate the impact of divorce on children.

Tags:significant, contributor, adjustment, effective, parenting, custodial, parent, accurate, indicator, youth, adjustment, moderator, adolescents

Abstract
The paper defines a cochlear implant as a device which converts sound waves into electric signals and thus allows the hearing impaired to hear at a greater level than a hearing aid provides. The paper discusses the effects that cochlear implants have on childhood development, focusing on children from one to four years of age. The paper explores the issues of speech recognition/language, academic concerns, social ramifications and family relationships.

From the Paper
"The University of Michigan performed the largest study ever on Cochlear implants and released the findings in January of last year. Researchers found that children who are implanted with cochlears before the age of four are able to achieve high levels of speech recognition and language skills. Dr. Paul Kileny establishes that research shows "a significant difference in speech recognition between those who got their implants between the ages of 2 and 4 years, during the critical language development period, and those who received them later." He concluded that people who receive the implant early in life get the greatest benefits."

Tags:deaf, American, Medical, Association, sign, language

Abstract
Based on a substantial amount of empirical research conducted on second language acquisition, it has been theorized that learners are best able to achieve the critical skill of learning a second language at some point fairly early in their maturational development. This claim is known as the "critical period hypothesis," which postulates that there is some maturational period for language learning that maximizes one's degree of proficiency in the language beyond that of other maturational periods. This study examines whether the critical period during which children are best able to learn English as a second language is before six years or age. To this end, the study compares the English proficiency levels of two groups of eighth grade ESL learners, a group that had begun to learn English before they were six years of age and a group that had begun to learn English after six years of age. Because the nature of language required in school is complex, a fairly complex assessment was made of English proficiency, namely English proficiency was assessed using the Quick-Start in English Written Language Assessment (QSE). The study shows that there are higher proficiency levels for those children who learned English before six than for those children who learned it after six years of age.

Table of Contents:
The Problem
Background
Problem Statement
Significance
Limitations
Null Hypothesis
Review of the Literature
Introduction
Critical Period Hypothesis and the Best Age of Second
Language Learning: The Pertinent Research
Conclusions
Subjects, Materials and Methods
The Setting
Subjects
Materials
Methods
Methods Used To Obtain Permission To Conduct Research
Data Gathering Methods
The Findings
Conclusions and Recommendations
References
Appendix A
Letter Mailed From Researcher to Supervisor
Appendix B
Letter From Supervisor
Appendix C
Letter Sent to Mark's Middle School Principal
Appendix D
Letter received from Mark's Middle School Principal

From the Paper
"While many claims have been made as to what precise age/age group constitutes the critical period, some recent research conducted in Germany, Doll (1996) stated that this critical period takes place during kindergarten or first grade. In other words, the period occurs sometime before the child is six years of age. What is interesting about Doll's findings is that they are in conflict with the majority of the earlier research in the area; this research tending to show that the critical period for effectively learning a second language is between the ages of eight and ten years (Bialystok, 1997)."

Tags:cognitive, development, vocabulary

Abstract
This paper begins with an overview of some of the major ideas of human development. The overview includes a discussion of Eric Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory, and Jean Piaget's four major stages of cognitive development. The paper suggests that teachers who understand these theories have a better chance of applying them in the classroom and boosting their students' self-esteem. Finally, a soft and relaxing classroom environment, emotionally responsive teachers, effective discipline strategies and multi-cultural classrooms are discussed as ways of putting the development theories into practice.

From the Paper
"They also want to do many things that adults do and in the process, and if they overstep their bounds a little, they might feel a little guilty. One example of this is when a 3 year old wanted to make breakfast for her parents one Sunday morning. She got out all of the condiments, milk, and eggs from the refrigerator, and set them on the floor. She was about to start "cooking" when her mom got up. The child was in trouble, because she tried to do "adult" things, but was developmentally unable to complete her "mission". Her parents were worried about her safety, but she didn't see it that way and felt bad about what happened."

Tags:bandura, developmental, education, erikson, piaget, psychology, teachers, teaching

Abstract
This paper discusses certain research methods and types of research and the importance of ethics in research. The author feels that when carrying out research it is extremely important that the research is conducted in a safe and ethical manner. He feels that researchers must ensure that the rights of the research subjects are not violated in any way. This paper contains excerpts from studies on the matter and their conclusions.

From the Paper
" "Educational researchers have good intentions, but if they are not careful, their studies can place individuals in situations that involve risk" (Gall, 1996). Data collection, and analysis, subject selection, research procedure, credibility of the researcher and the worth of the study are all ethical issues that those wishing to perform a study face. Often researchers are the victims of poor planning or inexperience and their subjects suffer for it. "

Tags:educational, ethical, ethics, research, technology, data, collection, analysis

Abstract
This paper analyzes school life both in Japan and Australia, taking a look at obvious cultural and social differences, but also inherent similarities between the two education systems.

From the Paper
" Education and school life throughout the world varies quite dramatically; from the subjects taught, to the methods of teaching and even what expectations are put on the students in general. Students within these two countries share similarities in lifestyle, however when it comes to school life, there is a considerable degree of difference."

Tags:comparison, cram, education, japanese, juku, learning, school, students, system

Abstract
This paper examines each of the four criteria required for state school teachers in the Australian state of Queensland. The first criterion deals with proper knowledge and preparation of classes. The second issue deals with effective implementation of the teaching practices. The third requirement is for adequate interpersonal and communication skills and the final criteria calls for the ability to work closely with school staff and the school community. In each of these, the paper presents an example of a teacher's application and how the applications committee viewed the result.

From the Paper
"I understand the importance of planning at yearly, term, unit, and lesson levels. Effective planning facilitates effective lessons and students are more likely to reach curriculum goals if their teacher has planned properly. When I am planning, I consider: " Relevant syllabi and work programs of the school when undertaking short and long term planning " Developing flexible lessons that are student-centered, inclusive and unbiased by catering for a range of social and cultural diversities."

Tags:application, diversity, planning, qld, technology

Abstract
This paper shows how art is an important part of education that is dying in many public schools. The writer examines how budget cuts often shift priorities to basic subjects leaving children without a formal art education. The paper states that art is a valuable tool that teaches children to communicate and also augments the learning process in subjects such as mathematics and language. Many studies have found that when children are exposed to art, it has valuable effects on their learning process.

From the Paper
"When implemented in public schools, art helps raise self-confidence while creating problem solving skills and communication. Unlike math and reading, when children create art they are always successful because there is no right or wrong in art. This gives a child a sense of achievement and success, raising their academic self-confidence. Art also helps children figure out how they want to express themselves, thus building problem-solving skills. Art focuses on making your internal thoughts external images or sounds creating a superior way for children to learn to communicate effectively. When you take all of these factors and apply them to a child s education the result is obvious. Studies show that the cognitive skills and spatial reasoning that art offers are essential for math. The communication of art often helps children become more successful in language classes. When a student becomes involved in an art program, the drop out rate dramatically decreases. Art is an exciting and fun way for students to feel more successful in school."

Tags:academic, art, confidence, education, school, self

Abstract
An exploration of the impact that the cultural and social backgrounds of students has upon the probability of a student experiencing success at school. The challenges that the cultural and social diversity of students poses to teaching and teachers is also explored.

From the Paper
Harris (1996) suggests that schools' institutionalized practices create educational advantages or disadvantages for students. It is predominantly students from low socio-economic backgrounds who choose or are channeled into the non-academic streams, thus limiting their chances of entry into tertiary education and ultimately professional careers. Hatton (1994) and Malin (Hatton, 1994) describe how schools can systematically disadvantage groups in society. Hatton reveals ways in which underprivileged families or those not from the middle class do not always comprehend their rights as parents in pursuing grievances. Malin states that intelligence and standardized academic achievement tests are culturally biased and she appeals for teachers' pedagogy to be more sensitive to cultural differences.

Tags:achievement, backgrounds, classroom, cultural, culture, difference, diversity, economic, learning, parents, pedagogy, schools, sensitive, social, socio, status, students, success, teachers, teaching