The Learner Centered Approach

The Learner Centered Approach Since ancient times, a drive towards an ideal learning process has been the subject of study for psychologists, philosophers and educators. This investigative research has put forward various modern methodologies used in classroom. Through this quest, the pedagogical practices have moved from a teacher centered approach to the more engaging learner centered approach, whereby learners are regarded as stakeholders in their learning process. They are expected to be active participants and responsible decision makers in the teaching -learning dynamics. The learner centered approach promotes the idea that students should have greater input into what they learn and how they learn it. This is expected to make learning more valuable and relevant to the learners. More importantly, it is expected to make learners autonomous. However, there is no real learners autonomy because every decision regarding the design of the curriculum to the selection of activities chosen is hand-picked by the teach er (Lynch, 2010). Learners Autonomy The concatenation towards a learner-centered approach has resulted in the concept of learners autonomy. Learners are considered autonomous when they are self-directed and take responsibility of their own learning. The main proponent of learners autonomy, Holec (as cited in Thanasoulas, 2000) defines it as the ability to take charge of ones learning (n.p). For the learner to be proactive and self initiator of his learning, he needs to be imbibed by certain characteristics. Autonomous learners are insightful of their individual learning preferences in terms of styles and strategies. They are self activated participants in the learning process. They are risk takers and resort to the use of target language in the learning process. They incorporate intelligent guesswork in learning. They emphasize accuracy as well as appropriacy; and therefore give simultaneous attention to form and content. They analyze and negotiate rules to reject inapplicable hypotheses and proceed through the target language by placing it into a separate reference system. They are extroverts and have a forward looking and tolerant approach to target language learning. (Thanasoulas, 2000) Theoretical Underpinnings Learners autonomy and learner-centered approach take their foundational principles from the educational philosophy of constructivism. Constructivism advocates that learners must individually discover and transform complex information if they are to make it their own (Slavin, 2010). According to Candy (as cited in Thanasoulas, 2000) constructivism leads directly to the proposition that knowledge cannot be taught but only learned (n.p). The chief premise of constructivism is that learners learn by doing through personalizing and internalizing the subject matter. In this way, learning is seen as subjective and learners are seen as the chief architects of their learning (Lynch, 2010). Constructivism was shaped by the works of Piaget, Vygotsky and Dewey among others. Both Piaget and Vygotsky argue that cognitive change takes place only when previous conceptions go through a process of disequilibration in light of new information. Piaget believes in giving problems to learners that encourage them to manipulate concrete objects. In such a problem based learning, learners build upon their prior assumptions and arrive at solutions to the problems (Henson, 2003). Vygotskys social constructivism introduced the concept of cooperative learning whereby he concludes that knowledge can not be constructed in isolation and therefore, needs learners to cooperate among themselves to work towards knowledge construction (Henson, 2003). Taking the idea further, Deweys view of learner-centered education embraced the idea that education should be both problem-based and fun. Each experience should leave the learner motivated and the solving of each problem must lead to new, related questions about the topic (Henson, 2003). Dewey advocated letting learners experience their learning first hand to enable them to value their learning as subjective and relevant to them (Lynch, 2010). Dewey also stressed upon the idea of confluent or collateral learning, which emphasizes the involvement of learners emotions or affective aspect in how they learn. This marks the shift of focus from the cognitive aspect only which deals with how the mind actually functions, how it processes information or is affected by each individuals perceptions (Reid, 1987) to the affective factor that takes into consideration the emotional filter within a learner as well. The idea comes from the acknowledgement that every learner is distinct in mental and emotional makeup, interests and goals, learning pace, learning style, talent, feeling of efficacy and frames of reference. To make the learning process independent, efficient and effective for the learner, these factors must be considered worthy of attention when designing learning activities (Henson, 2003). Similarly, the learner on his part needs to be aware of his LS based on his mental and emotional system to be able to become an autonomous learner. This marks a departure from the uniformity of practice in institutions where learners are taken as a whole without regard for their diversity. Researchers now agree that it is futile to search for the single best way to achieve a broad educational outcome, in large part because learners do not fit a single mould (Guild, 2011). Learning Styles Their Classifications In Accounting for Learning Styles (2009) Dunn and Griggs define LS as, The way students begin to concentrate on, process, internalize, and remember new and difficult academic information. (p. 1). Dunn and Dunn define learning styles as A term that describes the variations among learners in using one or more senses to understand, organize, and retain experience (Tabanlioglu, 2003). Various learning styles have been proposed by various researchers. Myers -Briggs type indicator. One such classification is by Myers -Briggs (1943) who developed their Personality Type Indicator for studying how people function according to their attitude towards life. It later came to be used in education, since personality type is an indicator of how one learns (Cohen, 2006). In their polar opposite sets of four personality types, there is dichotomous pairing of introverts and extroverts. Introverts are solitude driven and introspective, while extroverts are social and externally inclined. Introverts deal with abstract concepts while extroverts are action oriented (Cohen, 2008). Sensing personality type prefer literal and chronological presentation of information. They rely on the use of five senses in how they learn (Cohen, 2008). Conversely, intuitors predominantly use the sixth sense to work through problems (Din, 2006). They are more interested in the possibilities, implications and interconnectedness of ideas and facts (Cohen, 2008). Within the pair of thinking vs feeling, the thinking learners make decisions objectively without letting an interference of emotions (Din, 2006). On the contrary, feeling learners decisions are guided by their subjective and personally held values (Cohen, 2008). Finally, there is the dichotomy between judging and perceiving. Judging learners are driven by planning and meeting deadlines (Cohen, 2008). Self-directed as they are, judging learners take a careful analysis of things before initiating a task, but take ownership of their decisions Perceptive learners are more spontaneous and adaptive, but do not value deadlines. They like to modify tasks to make them flexible for themselves (Din, 2006). Dunn Dunns LS model. In Accounting for Learning Styles (2009) Dunn Dunns model is explained, in which learners are characterized according to their strengths. Individual instructional preferences arise out of an awareness of those strengths. Developed in 1967, this model judges learners according to how they react to 21 elements arranged within five broad categories, namely; environmental, emotional, sociological, physiological and psychological. Learners have different preferences in each category, based upon which their performance can vary. Felder and Silverman LS model. In 1987, Felder created an assessment model, better known as the Felder and Silverman model, to study the learning preferences of learners. Based upon this assessment, they categorized learners into four dichotomous pairs. According to them, learners can be grouped as active/reflective, sensing/intuitive, visual/verbal, and sequential/global. Active learners activate themselves to acquire new information. Such learners prefer discussion and application of knowledge within group work. Reflectors, on the other hand, prefer to interact individually with the information. Reflective processing involves examining and manipulating the information introspectively (Felder Solomon, 2012). Sensors tend to be concrete and methodical, whereas intuitors are abstract and imaginative. Sensing and intuitive learners prefer discovery based learning, in which they like exploring possibilities and relationships. They like solving problems, but sensors like experimentation, while intuitors prefer to deal with underlying concepts. Sensors like surprises, while intuitors prefer innovation and repetition bores them. Both are practical, but intuitors are faster in grasping details (Felder Solomon, 2012). As the name suggests, visual learners learn best through visualizing content. On the contrary, verbal learners learn through words. Hence, information is processed more effectively and efficiently when presented visually for visual learners and verbally for verbal learners (Felder Solomon, 2012). Sequential learners are more methodical and linear in their approach to learning. They connect newly acquired information to previously known information and proceed in logical steps of knowledge construction. On the other hand, global learners tend to absorb content in fragments, without arranging it in their minds. They solve problems but find it hard to explain how they arrived at the conclusion (Felder Solomon, 2012). Gregorcs mind styles. Gregorc (1985) developed a mind styles inventory that categorizes learners in four patterns of learning. Concrete sequential learners learn through logical sequencing and factual arrangement of information (Putintseva, 2006). They rely on structured learning and practicality and look to find clear answers without any abstraction (Din, 2009). Abstract random learners are more harmonious with abstract, conceptual thinking and work well in groups. Their learning comes from personalizing knowledge. They prefer a sensitive and flexible environment with broad instructions and are not open to critical feedback. On the other hand, abstract sequential learners are more analytical and like to work alone. Decision making and eventual application of ideas comes much after analysis in a challenging environment. They find it hard to follow too many rules and regulations within a task (Putintseva, 2006). Their approach is theoretical and analytical (Din, 2009). The concrete ra ndom learners are independent and creative (Din, 2009). These learners take risks and use their intuitive abilities in solving problems. They are competitive and believe in a trial and error approach to solve problems without any formal restrictions and limitations (Putintseva, 2006). Kolbs experiential learning cycle LS model. The most important classification of LS comes from David Kolb (1984), who based his model on the experiential learning theory. The model thrives on the concept of learners practical experiences forming the backbone of learning. Kolb (as cited in Din, 2009) defines experiential learning as, The process of creating and transforming experience into knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, emotions, beliefs and senses. It is the process through which individuals become themselves (p.49). Kolbs work on experiential learning has its roots in the work of Dewey, Lewin and Piaget. Dewey argues that learners uniqueness as a result of their prior experiences should be acknowledged in their learning process. Dewey (as cited in Din, 2009) refers to learning from, through and to the experience (p.68). He proposes the process of concrete experience, observation and reflection, formation of abstract concepts and generalization, and testing implications of concepts in new situation (Din, 2009). Kurt Lewin, organizes elements within his model in the sequence of apprehension concrete experience, observation and reflection, abstract concepts and generalization and testing implementations of concepts (Din, 2009). Piaget propounds that learners acts of intelligence are biologically time tabled. The concept of cognitive structure is central to his theory, which explains how experiences shape intelligence. He elaborates this through four developmental stages in a learner, namely, the sensory motor stage, preoperational stage, concrete operational stage, and formal operational stage. Sensory motor is a self-centered stage from birth to two years of age. This is followed by the cognitive intuitive stage called the preoperational stage. This lasts from three to seven years of age followed by the concrete operational stage up to twelve years of age. In this stage, logical approach is developed in learners. In the formal operational stage, learners develop higher order skills and think deeply to conserve knowledge (Din, 2009). Kolb (as cited in Din, 2009) defines learning through experiential cycle as, The process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Knowledge results from the combination of grasping and transforming experience (p.50). He represents four stages in his famous experiential learning circle. This cyclical experiential learning model is learner focused and emphasizes the process of learning instead of the outcome (Din, 2009). Kolb believes concrete experience as the most likely point of initiation within this cycle of learning. Concrete experience advocates the underlying idea of learning through experiencing acquisition in a situational context. Next stage is reflective observation where the learner detaches himself from active engagement and takes an objective stock of the process and its outcome. Abstract conceptualization is a deeper, theoretical analysis of ideas. It is the intellectual processing of knowledge. Active experimentation is the eventual outcome of this cycle where the learner is expected to make use of the refined knowledge acquired and understood through the three step process and to be able to use it in novel situations. This is the stage that tests the understanding of the learner through application (Mobbs, n.d). Learning occurs when the dimensions in Kolbs experiential learning cycle are used in combination. Based upon these combinations, Kolb identifies learners as divergers, assimilators, convergers and accommodators. Divergers use a combination of concrete experience and reflective observation (Din, 2009). They are sensitive and have the ability to look at situations from different perspectives. They are imaginative, emotionally driven and receptive to feedback. Their understanding is shaped by their feelings and observations (Putintseva, 2006).They get their name from the fact that they learn well in situations that require them to generate broad range of ideas (Seca Santiago, 2003) The assimilators prefer a more logical approach in which conceptual understanding is of prime importance. They combine the use of abstract conceptualization reflective observation (Din, 2009). They do not grasp information holistically, but arrange it in logical, mental constructs. (Putintseva, 2006). They judge ideas for their theoretical value and not for their practicality (Seca Santiago, 2003). The combination of abstract conceptualization and active experimentation gives birth to converging style of learning (Din, 2009). The covergers get their name from the fact that their learning is optimized when they have to converge at one answer to a problem. Convergers learn through a problem solving approach and find solutions to problems. They engage with technicalities and are sound decision makers. Polar opposite of the divergers, learners with a converging style experiment with new ideas and to work with practical applications. On the other hand, accommodators rely on intuition and have an experiential approach to learning. They are attracted to new challenges and experiences. However, their experiential approach is more discovery based and the result of intuition rather than logical thinking. (Putintseva, 2006). Honey Mumfords LS model. Although Felder and Silverman model and Gregorcs mind styles came soon after Kolbs model and seem evidently inspired by it, no other model is as similar to Kolbs model as Honey and Mumfords LS classification. Honey and Mumford (1986) have based their LS classification on Kolbs Experiential Learning Model and admit that there are far more similarities between the two than differences. Honey and Mumford (1986) developed their inventory of four learning styles, namely Activist Reflector, Theorist and Pragmatist. Activists are experience driven and their enthusiasm pushes them to take immediate risks. Their learning comes from actively engaging in the experience. They tend to act first and consider the consequences of their actions later. Reflectors take a cautious approach and ponder analytically over ideas and experiences (Seca Santiago, 2003). They listen and observe to master the issue and do not participate till they have done so. Being assimilating learners, their learning is enhanced in situations that allow them to reflect and then make decisions (Din, 2009). Theorists are objective learners who take stock of an idea, information or experience and try to mould them into their own theoretical models. They are deep thinkers and try to relate concepts and ideas. For them sound organization of knowledge matters the most (Din, 2009). Their rational approach leads them to analyze and synthesize information (Seca Santiago, 2003) Finally, learning is fruitful to pragmatists only if they can feel its practical utility in their life outside the classroom. They are not merely concerned with the practicality of an experience, but are equally interested in its impact. This is what makes them open and receptive to constructive feedback. They fossilize newly learnt information through immediate application (Din, 2009). Their decision making is based on practicality of an idea (Seca Santiago, 2003). Apart from Honey Mumfords own admission of generating their learning styles from Kolbs model, other theorists and researchers have also studied and related the two. Seca and Santiago (2003) found significant correlation between Honey and Mumfords reflector and Kolbs reflective observation, Honey and Mumfords pragmatist and Kolbs active experimentation and Honey and Mumfords theorist and Kolbs abstract conceptualization. Based upon the fact that Kolbs learning styles emerge out of a combination of traits within his experiential cycle, a stage wise break up of Kolbs learning cycle that generate relationship between Kolbs LS and Honey and Mumfords LS is shown. Relationship between Kolbs and Honey Mumfords Learning Styles Stage in Kolbs Experiential Learning Cycle Dimensions in Kolbs Experiential Learning Cycle Kolbs Learning Styles Honey Mumfords Learning Styles Stage 1 Concrete Experience Accomodating Activist Stage 2 Reflective Observation Diverging Reflector Stage 3 Abstract Conceptualization Assimilating Theorist Stage 4 Active Experimentation Converging Pragmatist Language Learning Strategies Their Classifications On the other hand, learners use language learning strategies either consciously or unconsciously in processing new information to grasp, understand and retain concepts. Wenden and Rubin (as cited in Hismanoglu, 2000) define learning strategies as any sets of operations, steps, plans, routines used by the learner to facilitate the obtaining, storage, retrieval, and use of information (n.p). Meyer (as cited in Clouston, 1997) defines LLS as behaviours of a learner that are intended to influence how the learner processes information (n.p). Cohen (as cited in Shabani and Sarem, n.d) defines LLS as the conscious thoughts and behaviors used by learners with explicit goal of improving their knowledge of a target language (p.3). One of the most widely accepted definition comes from Oxford (as cited in Zare, 2012) who looks at LLS as specific actions taken by the learner to make learning easier, faster, more enjoyable, more self-directed, more effective, and more transferable to new situatio ns (p. 164). In view of the definitions above, LLS can be understood as individual ways of processing information that aid comprehension, learning or retention of the information. Most of the work on LLS took place in the 80s and 90s. When it comes to classifying LLS, many taxonomies exist. However, a chronological review of the four most widely known classifications is discussed. O Malleys classification of LLS. O Malley (1985) divides language learning strategies into three main subcategories, namely, metacognitive strategies, cognitive strategies and socioaffective strategies. Metacognitive strategies are related to the planning of the task before initiation, self monitoring of the process and post task analysis. Cognitive strategies require the learner to be more directly and actively involved in the manipulation of the learning material. It includes note-taking, translating, contexualizing and inferencing to acquire knowledge. Socioaffective strategies involve social engagement for the sake of transaction of information to learn (Hismanoglu, 2000). Rubins classification of LLS. Rubins (1987) came up with a distinction between direct and indirect strategies, later refined by Oxford. His classification includes learning strategies, communication strategies, and social strategies, which are thought to contribute directly or indirectly to the learning process. Learning strategies branch out into cognitive learning strategies and metacognitive learning strategies. These strategies look to manipulate the material through direct analysis and/or synthesis. It can include techniques such as clarification, inductive inferencing, deductive reasoning, practice, memorization or monitoring. Communication strategies, on the other hand, aid in bridging the gap in communication that may lead to a communication break down. It can be used for clarification, asking questions and to remain a part of the conversation while learning (Zare, 2012). Oxfords classification of LLS. The most comprehensive classification of LLS to date comes from Oxford (1990), who has refined and structured her predecessors work by making a taxonomy based on six sub-classifications within two broad categories. Direct LLS are divided into memory, cognitive and compensation strategies, while indirect LLS include metacognitive, affective and social strategies. Oxford (as cited in Zare, 2012) clarifies the difference between the two as, all direct strategies require mental processing of the language while all indirect strategies provide indirect support for language learning (p. 165). Within direct strategies, memory strategies enable learners to learn and retrieve information in an orderly string as through acronyms, while other techniques create learning and retrieval through images, as in creating a mental picture, or through sounds, such as rhyming, or a combination of both, as using keywords to remember and retain the information. There can be use of other stimuli like mechanically, through flashcards or by using location, such as on a page or board or through body movements, as through total physical response. The second type of direct strategies are the cognitive strategies. Cognitive strategies enable the learner to use such methods as reasoning, analysis, note-taking, summarizing, synthesizing, reorganizing information to create knowledge structures, and practicing structures and sounds formally to manipulate the language material in direct ways. They are meant to create structures for input and output. Compensation strategies, the third type of direct strategies, employ tactics such as guessing, using synonyms and fillers or using gestures to help make up for gaps within communicative knowledge. They are more in use for averting language break down and not strictly language learning strategies. Among the indirect strategies, metacognitive strategies indirectly manipulate learning by the use of identifying ones own learning style preferences and planning accordingly. It includes gathering and organizing materials, arranging a study space and a schedule, monitoring mistakes, and evaluating task success, managing the learning process. Affective strategies, the second type of indirect strategies, are strategies to exert control over ones level of anxiety, mood, feelings, reception of material and the learning process. They are meant to control learners attitude while they engage with their learning. Finally, the third type of indirect strategies known as social strategies, are related to the inevitable need for communication with others within a task. They help the learner move forward in an informed way by asking questions for clarification or verification. Moreover, they can ask for help and while doing so, unconsciously assimilate the target cultural norms (Oxford, 2003). Sterns classification of LLS. Stern (1992) grouped LLS into five classes: management and planning strategies, cognitive strategies, communicative-experiential strategies, interpersonal strategies and affective strategies. Management and planning strategies are associated with empowering the learners to control their own learning. The learners can committ themselves to language learning; set themselves reasonable goals; select an appropriate methodology, choose relevant resources, and monitor progress. Moreover, they need to evaluate and match their level of achievement with the determined goals and expectations. Cognitive strategies refer to procedures and activities which learners use for improvement in their learning and retaining ability. They also enable learners to solve problems, especially those actions which learners use with specific classroom tasks. When using cognitive strategies, the learners can guess, clarify, verify, practice, memorize or monitor their learning. To avoid interruption within the communicative interaction, learners use techniques such as circumlocution, gesturing, paraphrasing, asking for repetition and explanation. These techniques form part of the strategies known as communicative strategies. Interpersonal strategies monitor learners development and progress. Familiarity with target culture is achieved through the use of these strategies, without which language acquisition remains incomplete. Affective strategies have an inevitable role in language learning. Feeling of unfamiliarity with a foreign language can lead to varying emotions, attitude and motivation within learners. To remain emotionally focused and motivated can be achieved through the use of affective strategies (Zare, 2012). Language Learning Strategies Used at the Graduate Level Learners at the graduate level have their own characteristics. They are willing to explore their preferred way of learning more out of a demand for autonomy that arises due to a shift in their role as they make a transition from school to college than a conscientious effort to know their LS and use of LLS. A research carried out by Gujjar, Naoreen and Aslam (2010) studied the LLS used by graduate learners in formal and non-formal education systems in Pakistan. Based on Oxfords taxonomy of LLS, the findings of their study indicated that there was no significant difference in learners from both systems in their use of direct strategies. They indicated a similar trend in their use of memory, cognitive and compensation strategies. In terms of indirect strategies, formal learners used more social strategies in language learning. However, no significant difference was found between the students from formal and non-formal systems of education on the use of meta-cognitive and affective strat egies of language learning (Gujjar et al, 2010). Relationship Between Learning Styles Language Learning Strategies: A Review of Previous Researches When left on their own and if not explicitly encouraged by the teacher to use a certain set of strategies, students typically use learning strategies that reflect their basic learning styles (Oxford, 2003). This asserts the opinion by many educationists that LLS do not operate by themselves, but are tied to the learners underlying natural tendency to learn in a particular way known as LS. It is interesting to note that many learners selection and employment of LLS is random and unconscious. To be able to optimize efficiency in learning, learners need to be familiar with their LS to know which strategies are most appropriate to their LS and to the task at hand, since a relationship is considered to exist between the learners LS and their choice of LLS. However, whereas there are significant researches in the area of studying the relationship between LS or LLS and certain variables, such as demographic factors, not much work is present in studying the relationship between learners LS and LLS. Ehrman and Oxford (1989) conducted a study regarding overall personality type as measured by Myers-Briggs Type indicator (MBTI). It was found that extroverts indicated a significantly greater use of affective strategies and visualization strategies than the introverts. However, introverts were reported to use more frequent manipulation of strategies requiring communication of meaning. Compared to sensing learners, intuitive learners used more affective, formal model building, functional practice and searching for and communicating meaning strategies. Feeling-type learners, as compared to thinkers, displayed greater use of general study strategies. Perceivers made use of more strategies for searching for and communicating meaning than the judgers, who demonstrated more frequent use of general study strategies than did perceivers (Tabanlioglu, 2003). Ehrman and Oxford (1990) studied the relationship between LS and LLS through semi-structured interviews. They used MBTI-G (Myers and McCaulley, 1985) for learning styles and the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) for preferred LLS. The results showed that the preferred LLS for each pair of LS were in an appropriately matched distribution. It could be safely concluded that LS may significantly influence their choices of LLS (Shi, 2011) Another research concerned with the relationship between LS and LLS conducted by Jie Li and Xiaoqing Qin (2006) in Chinese tertiary level learners used the Chinese version of MBTI-G and a questionnaire on the use of LLS adapted from OMalley and Chamots classification. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data revealed that LS have a significant influence on learners selection of LLS. Moreover, it also investigated the influence of

Jane Eyre Persuasive Essay

Junie Jeong Mrs. Mesdjian English 2 H 21 February 2013 Jane Eyre Persuasive Essay In the novel Jane Eyre, our protagonist Jane faces many difficult situations that can be solved by different solutions. In one specific situation, Jane is faced with a complicated problem that demands her to decide either to marry Mr. Rochester and live comfortably while feeling personally restricted or to leave Rochester and start a sudden life on her own. Jane eventually decides to leave Mr.Rochester and runs away from Thornsfield, going through many trials and tribulations and eventually marries Rochester in the end. Although many people may feel that Jane’s runaway was inconvenient and unnecessary because the end result was similar, I believe that Jane’s journey away from Thornsfield was important and significant to her. Many people believe that Jane would have saved time and energy if she had married Rochester instead of running away on their wedding day.This can hold to be very reaso nable because Jane’s runaway resulted in several bad omens such as the Thornsfield mansion burning, the struggles of her friends and relatives to try and find her, and the unhappiness of her acquaintances, such as Adele. In the book, Bronte even writes about Adele’s unhappiness while at school; â€Å"Her frantic joy at beholding me again moved me much. She looked pale and thin: she said she was not happy. (Bronte 173)† One can possibly argue that these events could have been avoided if Jane had not run away and married Mr. Rochester on the spot.It is true that Jane could have saved much time, energy, and heartbreak if she decided to go along with the marriage on her wedding day. But sometimes, wasting time, energy, and going through heartbreak is necessary in order for a certain outcome. When Jane left Thornsfield, she was in a fragile emotional state—confused, betrayed, and still not confident in herself and her status, both as a woman and economically. Her childhood had left her scarred, thinking she was a person who would and could not receive love from others, so she could not love others in return. You never felt jealousy, did you, Miss Eyre? Of course not: I need not ask you; because you never felt love. (Bronte 137)† Jane’s journey away from Thornsfield helped to slowly change that and build her confidence—the fact that she had people who loved her and had friends who enjoyed her company soon hit her with realization and helped her understand that she was a person who deserved love too. If Jane had married before she realized this, she would have felt uncomfortable and restricted living with Mr.Rochester, always thinking that she â€Å"owed† him for loving her, and that she was not deserving of his love. If this mindset were constantly to be in Jane’s mind, it would result in an unhappy atmosphere for Jane and eventually an unhappy Jane. Whereas, in the ending, Jane lives happily with Rochest er knowing that they are equals. From the moment Jane was born, she believed that there were no other relatives besides her—and that she was alone ever since Mrs. Reed had raised her.Jane had always wished for a family, someone else to be there other than her. When Jane runs away from Thornsfield, she quickly resorts to begging, and the Rivers take Jane in and care for her. Later on in the story, she finds out that the Rivers are Jane’s relatives—something Jane has wanted ever since she was a child. When Jane is brought with news that she has other family, she decides to split her new fortune into equal parts with all her new relatives, something she also treasured, which proved how thankful she was for her new family. †¦. cannot at all imagine the craving I have for fraternal and sisterly love. I never had a home, I never had brothers or sisters; I must and will have them now†¦ (Bronte 413)†. When it comes to making right decisions, I believe Ja ne made the correct one when she left Thornsfield. There may have been many difficult times she had to suffer through, but the end results all paid off when she lived the happy ending she had always wished for.Other people may disagree and mention that the end result was the same, and that Jane put herself and others through too much because of her decision, that may be true, but in return everyone found happiness and got something even better in return. If she had never left, she may not have been able to find her cousins, a real gift she had been yearning for ever since she was young. I believe the decision Jane made in the story helped her reach the best personal level she could reach, and she gained happiness she would not have been able to gain through her pains.

Personality Essay

The terms Counseling and Psychotherapy are often used interchangeably. Though they have similar meanings with significant overlap, there are some significant peculiarities between the two that are useful to keep in mind when one is considering a mental health care provider. The paper below will further explore on those distinctions that exist between counselling and psychotherapy. According to The Royal College of Psychiatrists (2006), counselling is a type of rehabilitation that helps people speak out and resolve their problems and work through their emotional states.The Royal college of Psychiatrists defined a counsellor as an individual who employs â€Å"counselling† as a method to resolve people’s problems.Counselors guide clients to discover their own answers and support them through the actions they choose to take. According to COSCA (2004), psychotherapy, just like counseling, is centered on a healing relationship between health care practitioner and a client. Psychotherapy takes place over a chain of meetings, though frequently it lasts longer than counseling. Some people participate in therapy off and on over several years. Instead of tapering in on individual problems, psychotherapy reflects complete patterns, long-lasting issues, and recurring feelings. This requires an openness to exploring the past and its impact on the present. The main aim of psychotherapy is to resolve the fundamental issues which fuel ongoing grievances. Psychotherapists assist to resolve past experiences as part of laying the base for a satisfying future. Arbuckle (1967), argues that â€Å"†¦counselling and psychotherapy are in all essential respects equal† One of the most noticeable thing that must be considered concerning the similarities between counselling and psychotherapy is that the classes of issues that pull people to use counselling and psychotherapy are often very alike and the aims of both are similar, both counselling and psychotherapy can be seen as efforts to allow the person to build up resources to live in more healthy, meaningful and satisfying ways, and to develop selfawareness. Also a high degree of respect for the independence/autonomy of the client is a basic code in both counselling and Psychotherapy. With an understanding that the clients bring with them the potential needed to successfully achieve their aims. (COSCA, 2004) Another similarity that was stated by COSCA is that both counselling and psychotherapy require the therapist to have highly developed skills. COSCA portrays that counsellors and psychotherapists go throughlong training, often lasting several years and their work is continuously supervised by  another practitioner/expert who assist them to process and reflect on the matters of worry to their clients (2004: 2). Nevertheless it has been considered that different routes involve considerably different levels of difficulty and length of training and supervision. Counselling and psychotherapy are both methods of responding to a wide range of human needs accordingly associated with what sometimes called difficulties in living and deeply felt need to make vicissitudes in one’s life. Both counselling and psychotherapy provide possibilities for those seeking help to find their own ways towards living in more satisfying and resourceful ways(Arbuckle 1967).Among the issues they deal or treat are self-confidence or self-esteem, relationship difficulties, work related stress, bullying, problems of drinking, bereavement, mental problems, vague feelings and desire for personal change. Another area of similarity is that both counselling and psychotherapy may involve vibrant treaties between the therapist and the client as to what the aims of the therapy are and the roles involved. Some of these have been summarized by Professor Paul S Morgan-Ayres of Fellow Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (FCPS) as: 1. â€Å"An Assessment to ascertain whether the therapist can help you / have a good chance of helping you. 2. That the therapist does not lead you to believe in some sort of magic cure and that you realize that they are there to help you change yourself. 3. That you have explained to you what is proposed before the therapy commences so that you are giving informed consent to the therapy. 4. That any person under 16 years has a parent’s permission and signature. 5. That confidentiality is discussed and the therapist’s position is made clear. 6. That the therapist is registered, insured and monitored † Psychotherapy and counselling despite of their similarities they do also have differences, one of the differences between psychotherapy and counselling that is often quoted is that psychotherapy involves working in greater depth than counselling, that clients see their  psychotherapist more frequently and for a long period of time. By contrast counselling takes place over a shorter period of time. The counsellor sees his or her clients for a short time. Psychotherapy is about ‘deconstruction, and ‘reconstruction’ of the client’s self-concept, a process likely to be lengthy and at a greater depth than counselling might explore. Furthermore psychotherapy deals more with deeper, long term problems and counselling with more situational and shorter term issues, therefore clients do not go to these different fields for exactly the same specific reasons because of the same general motivation. Taking it a step further one can note that different varieties have often quite different aims. Gestalt therapy for example: â€Å"seeks to promote a person’s awareness, support creative choice and encourage responsibility in a person’s effort to realize a meaningful and fulfilling life† This appears to be a more wide ranging and deeper aim than that of counselling which is â€Å" Help the person focus on ways to manage their difficulties a little or a lot better † This relates to the point considered before that counselling is more focused on situational problems, and therefore its aims are likely to be more limited than psychotherapy. Professor Paul S Morgan-Ayres (FCPS) argued that counselling is more suitable to clients who are more open to speaking while psychotherapyis suitable for those who find it difficult to open up, hence the psychotherapisttakes a more active role in guiding them. He further notes, asthe client turn out to be more able and used to speaking, the procedure may change in to a more clientcentred approach. Counselling, according to Morgan-Ayers, ‘is a process in which the therapist is there as a ‘tour guide’ for the client, refocusing them in aprocess that they are otherwise quite good at exploring themselves. Therefore the ‘counsellor speaks very little and gives the client plenty of space to offloadand talk themselves into self-knowledge’. Another difference is that the pathology of a person is the primary focus of psychotherapy whereas counselling mainly focuses on personal strengths and  resources. Psychotherapy conceptualizes the client as an individual with problems in psychological functions that problems like stress, anger management problems, unhappiness, relation problems and selfesteem problems. However counseling conceptualizes the client as a person in a social  context who needs urgent and brief treatment and the problem are treatable that is why past experiences are of less use during counseling. According to a paper by Ivory research, (2009), the setting of the treatment is also thought to be different between counselling and psychotherapy. A counselling session often takes place in a number of non-medical settings such as an office or small therapy centre, or even in the therapists’ residents, whereas psychotherapy is often thought as taking place in a more medical setting, perhaps a clinic or hospital. Again this is not so clear cut, as counselling increases in respectability it can also be found in hospital settings, and psychotherapy can also take place in settings like the therapist home. Another major difference can be drawn from the history of both psychotherapy and counselling. Psychotherapy has its origins in Freudian’s psychodynamics. The training period was also normally long, and involved working with real clients under supervision and consists of a long period of self-analysis both in working with clients and the analysis of the psychotherapist themselves which focused mostly on comprehensive regards in past issues. Nevertheless counselling was seen as something that can be done after a shorter period of preparation and less thorough self-analysis. In conclusion, it can be argued that both counselling and psychotherapy’s main objective, despite their differences, is to offer the clienta stable platform in which to explore personal difficulties and also the role of the psychotherapist and counsellor is to guide clients to discover their own answers and support them through the actions they choose to take. References: Arbuckle, D. S. (1967). Counselling and Psychotherapy: An Overview. New York: McGraw Hill. Bayne,R., Bimrose, J. and Horton, I. (eds) (1996). New Directions in Counselling. New York: Routledge British Confederation of Psychotherapists (1999). found at Internet URL: http://www.psychoanalysis.org.uk/bcp.htm Accessed: 15/03/2014 Chriss, J. (1999). Counselling and the Therapeutic State. New York: Aldine De Gruyter COSCA (2004). Counselling and Psychotherapy: COSCA’s Description Stirling: Cosca Ivory Research, (2014). Found at internet: http://www.ivoryresearch.com/samples/socialwork-essay-example-differences-and-similarities-between-counselling-and-psychotherapy/ Morgan-AyresP.Prof.,found-at-Internet:URL:http://www.hpnoanalysis.co.uk/psychotherapyanalysis-counselling.htm.Accessed:15/03/2014 Sutton, J and Stewart, W. (2008). Learning to Counsel. 3rd Edition Oxford: How To Books.

Economic Outcomes Of Raising The Federal Minimum Wage

â€Å"In 2014, 77.2 million workers age 16 and older in the United States were paid at hourly rates, representing 58.7 percent of all wage and salary workers. Among those paid by the hour, 1.3 million earned exactly the prevailing federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. About 1.7 million had wages below the federal minimum. Together, these 3.0 million workers with wages at or below the federal minimum made up 3.9 percent of all hourly paid workers†(Ratio of Minimum Wage). The Federal minimum wage drives debate among people today, and with many wanting the federal government to raise the minimum wage to fifteen dollars, economists have studied and will continue to study the effects of a fifteen dollar minimum. This poses the question: What are the social and economic outcomes of raising the federal minimum wage to fifteen dollars an hour? In both Los Angeles, California and New York, studies show many positives of the fifteen dollar minimum wage. The City of Los Angeles has recently raised their minimum wage to fifteen dollars, and in an effort to support the minimum wage, author Daniel Flaming focuses on the projected industry impacts, economic stimulus, and government and social service benefits that the wage increase may have. A higher paid labor force benefits the industry in Los Angeles by spending more money, and drastically decreasing the amount of employee turnover. Both decreasing employee turnover and increasing the amount the consumer spends will positively impactShow MoreRelatedMinimum Wage Should Be Raised910 Words   |  4 Pagesmaximize the American Dream on the minimum wage† (Benjamin Todd Jealous). In 1938, minimum wage was created by the federal government in order to protect workers by ensuring a minimum of twenty-five cents per hour worked. 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The federal minimum wage has a history that dates all the way back to 1938, and the strong debatesRead MorePersuasive Essay Outline :Minimum Wage964 Words   |  4 Pages Persuasive Essay Outline :Minimum Wage 1 Intro - I want you to think about you r very first job .Were you a Bellhop ,cashier ,bartender ,cooks(fast food ),lifeguard, .Now how about your second job were you a airport worker or child care worker.About how much were youRead MoreThe Economic Case For Raising The Minimum Wage927 Words   |  4 Pages The Economic Case for Raising the Minimum Wage The United States is recognized for its economic opportunities. Thousands come to this country for the chance to improve economic stability and climb the social ladder – opportunities usually not available in their home countries. However, there has been increasing concern regarding American wages compared to the rise in the cost of living. Many of the lowest paid workers receive wages that is far much below the federal minimum provision as stipulatedRead MoreMinimum Wage Should Be Raised895 Words   |  4 Pagesin fact it starts with one simple statement: The federal minimum wage in America is simply too low. According to a national study in 2015, for a family to be just above the poverty level, the head of the house would be required to earn 8.50 an hour, while the current federal minimum wage is 7.25. Not only does the current minimum wage not cover the poverty line, it is more than a dollar less than current poverty levels. A raise in the minimum wage would reduce the num ber of working Americans who