Experiential Learning Theory Free Essays

string(29) " change his future practice\." Introduction It is difficult to define learning but I understand from my teachers that it is the acquisition of knowledge and skills from instructions or studies. The teachers have an inclination and desire to help our learners acquire, maintain or develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that they need in the context of their everyday work (Mann 2002). According to Knowles, learning is broadly defined as the occurrence of change in a person with regards to behaviour, skills, knowledge and attitude. We will write a custom essay sample on Experiential Learning Theory or any similar topic only for you Order Now (Knowles 2005). Description of a case from my teaching This was an intra-operative training for a Core Medical Trainee doctor (CT Doctor) in the reconstruction of tissue defect using a local skin flap. The trainee had never done this procedure before independently but had seen similar procedures being done and is regularly seeing the postoperative results of cases operated by me and other colleagues in the out patient follow up clinics. The aim of this teaching was a one to one surgical skill teaching of how to do a rhomboid flap, which is a transposition flap to reconstruct the defect following excision of a lesion. Though it was a teaching of an operative technique, it involved three stages namely pre-operative planning, per-operative practical procedure and post-operative documentation and reflection on the performance. The student usually is required to have preliminary prior knowledge about the skin anatomy including the components of flaps, blood circulation and different types of flap configurations based on the design (transposition, rotation and advancement flaps). The student is taught about the preparation on the operating table, draping the operation site, observing all aseptic precautions, removal of the skin lesion (this part is done me in this teaching session), planning of the flap, raising the flap, insetting the flap to fill the defect, suturing the flap and donor site, applying the dressing, documentation of operation notes, reflection on the performance and agreeing on what changes needed to improve the performance next time. Learning theory applicable to my teaching case Experiential Learning Theory (Kolb) The experiential learning theory was developed by Kolb emphasizing the importance of experience in the learning process and based his theory on the work of Dewey, Lewin and Piaget (Kolb 1984). Kolb offers a working definition of learning as â€Å"a process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience† and emphasizes the importance of adaptation, as knowledge is not static but changing, as we learn and relearn through the process of ongoing experience which changes the practice. Kolb built this upon six propositions (Kolb 1984): Learning is best conceived as a process, not in terms of outcomes Learning is a continuous process grounded in experience The process of learning requires the resolution of conflicts between dialectically opposed modes of adaptation to the world Learning is an holistic process of adaptation to the world Learning results from synergistic transactions between the person and the environment Learning is a process of creating knowledge Principles of Experiential Learning: Learning occurs best when people learn through their own experiences and from the reflections of their own experiences rather than through lectures and theories to generate knowledge and skills. In learning what the learners do is more important rather than what they know Experiential learning makes the learners’ behaviour and attitudes explicit so that they can be assessed to construct it better for the future experiences. It is not just sufficient to teach the learner what to do but they need to be actually shown how to do and also how to improve it. The cyclical learning offers the learners continuous improvement by repeating the learning wheel over and over. Continuous use of the experiential learning cycle guides individuals and groups or teams towards improved performance and high quality outcomes. Experiential learning is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills but generating experience in the learner to discover what it is like, how it made them feel and what it meant to them, which in turn is the key to generating greater skills. The new experiences not only generate new ideas but also dispose of or modify the old ones. Experiential learning gives importance to the key aspect of learning which is to achieve change in behaviour and attitude by the holistic approach of addressing cognitive, emotional and the physical aspect of the learner. Many learners feel experiential learning process gives a sense of satisfaction, reward or gift because of it’s value is appreciated by the learner as a vital learning tool Kolb developed a cyclical learning process consisting of four stages (abilities): Concrete experience (abilities) – â€Å"Doing something† Reflective observation (abilities) – â€Å"Observing and reflecting on the action† Abstract conceptualization (abilities) – â€Å"Thinking and finding where the action fits in with theory† Active experimentation (abilities) – â€Å"Planning to implement the idea to solve actual problems The learning can begin at any of the four stages (Kolb Fry 1975) but needs to go through all four stages to complete and progress further for learning to continue. Kolb and Fry developed four types of learning styles people use and they can be placed between concrete experience and abstract conceptualization; and active experimentation and reflective observation as shown below: Four Stages of Kolb’s Learning Cycle Concrete experience: The learner performs an activity and gains experience. The activity can be a demonstration, a case study or learning a skill such as assisting an operation or performing an operation under supervision. The learner links this awareness or experience with his prior knowledge or experience resulting in a new experience or knowledge and this forms a basis for future experience. Reflective observation: The learner reflects upon the performance as a self-reflection, with that of the observer who is usually the teacher or from a small group in the form of discussion or constructive criticism. This is very important for the learner to link in with his prior knowledge and experience and move forward. Abstract conceptualization: The learner develops a concept or theory from the knowledge gained through this experience and makes some plans to alter or change his future practice. You read "Experiential Learning Theory" in category "Essay examples" Active experimentation: At this stage the learner puts into practice of the lessons learnt from this experience to experiment the solutions to improve the new experiential cycle. Four Types of Learning Styles (Kolb, 1976) Assimilators (Abstract conceptualisation reflective observation): This group has a strong ability to learn better when provided with sound logical theories to practice and reflect. They are concerned with abstract concepts than people. Convergers (Abstract conceptualisation active experimentation): This group learn better when exposed to practical applications of concepts and theories. They are focussed on solving specific problems by reasoning. Accommodators (Concrete experience active experimentation): Their greatest strength is doing things and learn better when given opportunity to have â€Å"hands-on† experiences. They perform well when required to react to immediate circumstances Divergers (Concrete experience reflective observation): This group is strong in imaginative ability and are good at generating ideas and seeing things from different perspectives. They are interested in people. Though there are different predominant styles of learning in each learner, there is considerable overlap and mixture of different situations that is likely to complement the learning. Kolb’s model provides an invaluable practical framework for designing experiential learning for adults. Relevance of KOLB Learning theorY TO MY CASE Concrete Experience: The CT doctor started from the stage of concrete experience when the flap procedure was planned. He has seen me doing the flap procedure before and he has also assisted me to perform this procedure before. We had discussion pre-operatively, which triggered his pre-existing knowledge about the flap and his prior knowledge of anatomy, technique of flap elevation, insetting, and suturing in place. This is followed by the operative procedure done by him and I assisted him. This practical experience imparted new level of understanding to him and assimilated with his prior knowledge. Reflection: After the completion of the operation and documentation, we had time to reflect on this new experience and consolidate the experience with the prior knowledge to form a new knowledge. During the discussion, I have acknowledged the good points and both have agreed the importance of tissue handling, suture placements in relation to tissue planes and the need to trim off the excess bulky tissues in the flap to fill the defect better. Abstract Conceptualisation: As a result of above discussion and feedback, we have identified areas for improvement as mentioned above for the transposition flap. We have agreed that I will assist him again in another similar case when he can apply those principles during the procedure. I also introduced the concept of rotation flap and advancement flap as in some cases, after removal of lesion and creating the defect, it is not always possible to perform transposition flap. The learner has some prior theoretical knowledge about the configuration and surgical technique of rotation and advancement flaps. I gave further guidance regarding reading materials – flap books and specific articles. This fine-tuning has helped in preparing the learner for active experimentation in a new cycle. Active Experimentation: After two weeks, the learner developed further reading related to the new concepts following the above discussion and attended my skin cancer clinics. We selected two cases needing operation to remove the lesion and reconstruction using local flaps. We applied his knowledge and prior experience to formulate the new treatment plan to carry out very soon. This has prepared him for the new encounter of active experimentation stage described by Kolb. Some Practical Difficulties and Potential Improvements I have come across problems and difficulties during the flap teaching sessions and I have enumerated them with the possible solutions, which I hope will improve my future teaching and make it more beneficial to the trainee and safer to the patients. Reflection of the learners with that of teachers’ observation is an important part of this learning cycle. Problem: The operative technique teaching of the flap to cover a tissue defect is mostly done under local anaesthesia with the patient awake. It is not always easy to talk all the aspects explicitly during the procedure. How to overcome it: One of the options would be to plan the first cycle of operative learning in patient who wanted the procedure under general anaesthesia. Problem: In some instances we have missed out this session of reflection due to lack of time, busy operating list and the learner had to attend ward patients or dressing clinic patients. How to overcome it: I need to plan this teaching session when the learner has a protected time to attend my appropriate theatre session. In cases of unforeseen circumstances causing this, I instruct the learner to write down his thoughts of reflection of the session and send it by email which will enable me give my impressions to him personally at a mutually agreeable time to move forward with an agreed plan for future experiences. The other option is to hand over the further continuity of learning to another colleague. Problem: Quite often Core Trainees in Plastic Surgery do not attend the Dressing Clinic to see the post-operative results when the patient returns for the suture removal and they also miss the opportunity when the patient returns to out patient clinic subsequently for pathology results. Reviewing the patients on these two occasions is equally important to complete the learning process. How to overcome it: I have started including in the post-operative instruction to call that particular Trainee doctor (for specific cases) when the patient returns for suture removal. Another option is to book the patient into my dressing clinic session and encourage the learner to attend. I also inform the trainee that the assessment form will be completed after he has seen the patients’ post-operative result. This is an incentive for them to attend the clinic. Problem: Kolb cycle may be difficult to apply to all trainees and there are some cultural differences the way the trainees are trained, for example trainees from Indian subcontinent or from Europe. How to overcome it: I will use spiral method of learning proposed by Dewey in this type of surgical technique teaching so that the learner follows it through the spirals to modify and improve the quality of outcome performance. I would also incorporate four-stage process of teaching in theatre (Walker Peyton, 1998) as part of the Kolb cycle depending on the pre-existing experience of the learner. Stage I involves my demonstration of the normal procedure at normal speed. In stage II, I will carry out the procedure again with full explanation and trainee is encouraged to ask questions. I perform the procedure for a third time during the III stage with trainee describing the steps, being questioned on key issues and providing any necessary correction. This stage continues until I am satisfied that the trainee fully understands the procedure. Now we move on to the final stage when the trainee carries out the procedure under close supervision, describing each step before it is undertaken . Thus this drilling of four-stage surgical skill development is followed by repetition to increase the confidence and further practicing of the skills to master it to apply in different situations. I will employ flexibility as to where to start the training depending on the individual trainees’ abilities and their prior knowledge and experience. Here is a framework I plan to use for the future flap teaching sessions: References Mann K V. (2002) Thinking about learning: Implications for Principle-Based Professional Education, The Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 22: 69-76 Knowles M S, Holton E F, Swanson R A. (2005) What is Learning, The Adult Learner, Elsevier, Burlington, MA Kolb D A. (1984) Experiential Learning, Experience as the source of Learning and Development, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey Kolb D A. (1976) The Learning Style Inventory: Technical Manual, Boston, Ma.: McBer. Kolb D A. (1981) ‘Learning styles and disciplinary differences’. in A. W. Chickering (ed.) The Modern American College, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Kolb D A, Fry R. (1975) ‘Toward an applied theory of experiential learning;, in C. Cooper (ed.) Theories of Group Process, London: John Wiley. Walker M, Peyton R. (1998) Teaching in the Theatre, Teaching and learning in medical practice, Manticore Europe, Pages 171-180 How to cite Experiential Learning Theory, Essay examples

AlfredMarshall free essay sample

Supply and Demand Simulation ECO/365 March 10, 2014 Ed Hartmann, D. B. A Supply and Demand Simulation Microeconomics and Macroeconomics In the simulation the supply and demand was affected due to the decreasing of the rent in order to lower the vacancy percentage and increase the revenue for the rental company. This is thought of as a temporary fix on a month to month lease basis and provides us with a good example of what microeconomics is. When a new company decided to move into town and increase the population as well as increase the number of jobs provides us with another good example of microeconomics. Because the population increased and the jobs increased means the rental rates are increased as well in order to respond to the increase in demand. The simulation also showed that people who were working in Atlantis were living in cities outside of town because the rent was less there, this is an example of macroeconomics. We will write a custom essay sample on AlfredMarshall or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The government decided to take control of the situation by putting a ceiling of $1550 per month for a 2 bedroom apartment in order for middle class families to be able to afford to live within the city that they work in which is another example of macroeconomics. Because of the ceiling being put on the rental properties it caused the rental company to only rent a portion of their apartments so that they would be able to make some sort of profit because of the cost of maintenance. Shift of Supply and Demand Curve The simulation showed us that when the new company moved into town increasing the population the supply curve shifted down because the supply of the two-bedroom apartments ended up decreasing. Because the population grew within the town the demand curve increased. Analyzing the Shift When the increase in demand occurs this means that the quantity demand is larger than the quantity supplied from the initial equilibrium, which also means that there is a temporary shortage in the market. When the company increased the rental rate due to the demand increasing, the quantity demand decreased and the quantity supplied increased, in return there was a reduction shortage that occurred. The company will have to continue to make adjustments until the equilibrium is met between the new demand curve and the initial supply curve. When the company reached a new equilibrium, the rental rate was higher than it was before, and therefore the number of apartments that were demanded and supplied were increased (University of Phoenix, 2003). Applying What We Learned In Our Workplace Supply and demand in my workplace is based on our customers and what they require. One of our biggest customers is the government mainly the military. For our company when our country is not at war or protecting another country then the demand for our product is low. The demand for our products helps other areas such as law enforcement but the government holds most of the demand of product. When the demand is low our company will need to reduce our headcount in order to stay on top of the game. Conclusion In microeconomics the supply and demand relies on both the competitors and the cost. At the point in which the bidding is done is referred to as the equilibrium. Macroeconomics showed us that when the jobs and population were increased the increase or decrease on the apartments occurs. The equilibrium is higher than it was before and therefore the number of apartments that were demanded and supplied increased as well. The price elasticity of demand affects a consumer’s purchasing and the firm’s pricing strategy when the prices for apartments were lower and the demand was higher. Because of this the prices were increased due to the demand of apartments needed. However, because the prices of the apartments increased the demand for apartments decreased or stayed the same over a short period of time. It seems to me that supply and demand is sort of like dealing with the stock market. When the demand is great you increase the prices to make big profits, however when the demand is lowered than the prices decrease to make sure that the company will come out at least even in the end. References University of Phoenix. (2003). Applying Supply and Demand Simulation [Multimedia]. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, eco365 website. University of Phoenix. (2003). Applying Supply and Demand Simulation [Multimedia]. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, eco365 website.

Increasing Incidence of Hamstring Injuries

Question: Discuss about the Increasing Incidence of Hamstring Injuries. Answer: Introduction: Australian Baseball Federation (ABF) is responsible for governing all the national activities related to baseball in Australia. Baseball is popular in mainland territories and states but it lack the craziness of the people regarding other leading sports like cricket (Antolihao, 2012). For that reason, majority of the school kids are guided towards other sports rather than baseball. ABF has focused on enhancing the acceptance and popularity of the baseball in all parts of Australia. ABF has tried to present the baseball game in a more glamorous way so that more number of kids joined the game. ABF is primarily looking to target the grass root level of the Australian economy in order to produce more world class players. For that reason, ABF has tried to represent the baseball game in an attractive way. ABF has announced 25% stakeholders along with the Major League Baseball for enhancing the interest of Australian people (Kawai Nichol, 2014). ABF also had played a critical role in starting Australian Baseball League in November, 2010. ABF has made 7 territory and state member associations for covering all areas in Australian market (Baseball.com.au, 2017). ABF also has focused on enhancing the present infrastructure in a major way. ABF also has played critical role in ensuring sponsorship and other activities in an effective manner. For that reason, ABF seeks to leverage the sports image, brands and assets to maintain economic growth and benefit in a major way. ABF also has taken initiatives for developing clear brand image for both national women and men team. For that rea son, it has focused on stakeholder engagement, financial management and governance for maximizing the impact on the Australian market. It has also focused on including top baseball player across the world within the major league for grabbing the attention of the Australian people. Presently, ABF has around 60,000 members who are looking to increase the present condition of baseball game (Murray et al., 2016). Success factors: From the beginning, ABF has initiated innovative strategies for enhancing the popularity in Australia. ABF has tried to initiate visionary leadership for empowering members to take progressive effort to the success of baseball (Burton, 2017). ABF mission statement focuses on positioning the baseball in the non-traditional market of Australia. For that reason, people, leadership, integrity, cooperation and partnership is regarded as the prime success factors for ABF in enhancing the popularity level of baseball. ABF has consciously tried to maintain transparency in all the initiated strategies for developing a cost effective operational process. Enhancing the facilities and infrastructure in Australia is another prime factor that contributed hugely to the success of baseball. ABF has influenced political and commercial level (Federal, State and Local) to fulfil long-term facility needs in a major way (Dabscheck, 2012). It has allowed ABF to increase the total number of players partici pated in the professional league. ABF marketing strategies have also focused on developing long-term marketing strategies for position baseball uniquely in the Australian market. It can be assessed that effective fulfilment of all the aims and objectives of ABF require huge amount of investment, which cannot be complete with the external government support. However, Australian government has focused on providing necessary financial supports to ABF for accomplishing all the goals in an effective manner. Still, increasing cost and requirement has created challenges for ABF to gather required amount of funding for fulfilling business objectives (Nichol, 2016). For that reason, it has induced ABF to focus more on enhancing the participation rate in a major way. In addition, baseball league of Australia also has faced ethical challenges regarding the misbehaviour of the athletes for fulfilling all the business responsibilities. As a result, ABF has emphasized on developing effective coaching and training session for avoiding such incidents in an effective manner. It has enhanced the required cost for fulfilling all the activities associated with the business proce ss. In addition, ABF is looking to increase the reach of marketing activities in the global platform for representing Australian baseball league as the prime sporting event (Stewart et al., 2012). As a result, it has also increased the cost associated with the marketing activities that ABF needs to gather for fulfilling business activities. Features of the sports environment and its influence on operating environment: As mentioned earlier, baseball is not as popular as other sports in Australia. For that reason, majority of the children tends to focus on other sports like cricket or football rather than baseball. It has influenced ABF to face immense competition in enhancing the popularity level of baseball (Lathlean et al., 2017). As a result, ABF has to invest huge amount in the marketing activities for grabbing the attention of global and domestic people in a major way. On the other hand, ABF has also faced huge amount of challenges in influencing older people to become the member, as they would not ABF to relate themselves in different type of marketing activities. Moreover, several other sports are also trying to increase its popularity in the Australian market, which increased the difficulties for ABF in moving towards sustainable changes aspect (Stewart et al., 2012). It has influenced ABF to develop commercial partnerships with different corporate franchise for gathering required fund (Ena d, 2014). It has encouraged ABF to develop strong media and PR relationship for fulfilling all requirements of the operational process. Conclusion: From the above discussion, it can be assessed that ABF has ABF to grab the attention of the people of Australia in a major way. It has targeted from the grass root level to enhance the overall condition of the baseball in Australia. ABF has also played critical role in performing different types of marketing activities for creating desired amount of impact on the market. The territory wise segregation has also helped ABF to cover each segment of Australian market, which has increased the membership participation rate in a major way. References: Antolihao, L. (2012). From baseball colony to basketball republic: post-colonial transition and the making of a national sport in the Philippines.Sport in Society,15(10), 1396-1412. Baseball.com.au. (2017).Baseball.com.au. Retrieved 5 April 2017, from https://baseball.com.au Burton, R. (2017). Baseballs Curious Journey.Baseball Beyond Our Borders: An International Pastime, 285. Dabscheck, B. (2012). A primer on Australian player associations.The Economic and Labour Relations Review,23(3), 61-70. Enad, J. (2014). Increasing incidence of hamstring injuries in Major League Baseball pitchers: original research article.International SportMed Journal,15(3), 225-230. Kawai, K., Nichol, M. (2014). Labor in Nippon Professional Baseball and the Future of Player Transfers to Major League Baseball.Marq. Sports L. Rev.,25, 491. Lathlean, T., Finch, C., Gastin, P., Newstead, S. (2017). Wellness and injury risk in elite junior Australian football players.Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport,20, e93-e94. Murray, N. B., Black, G. M., Whiteley, R. J., Gahan, P., Cole, M. H., Utting, A., Gabbett, T. J. (2016). Automatic Detection of Pitching and Throwing Events in Baseball With Inertial Measurement Sensors.International Journaal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 1-18. Nichol, M. (2016). 4. Making sense of labor regulation in Major League Baseball: some insights from regulatory theory.Research Handbook of Employment Relations in Sport, 69. Stewart, B., Nicholson, M., Smith, A., Westerbeek, H. (2012). Chapter 1-Sport and Australian society: Chapter taken from Australian Sport: Better by Design? ISBN: 978-0-203-46292-8.Routledge Online Studies on the Olympic and Paralympic Games,1(48), 3-15.

William Shakespeares Sonnet 73 Essays - Sonnet 73, Sonnet 7

William Shakespeare's Sonnet 73 That time of year thou mayst in me behold When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang Upon those boughs which shake against the cold, Bare ruin'd choirs, where late the sweet birds sang. In me thou see'st the twilight of such day As after sunset fadeth in the west, Which by-and-by black night doth take away, Death's second self, that seals up all in rest. In me thou see'st the glowing of such fire That on the ashes of his youth doth lie, As the death-bed whereon it must expire, Consum'd with that which it was nourish'd by. This thou perceiv'st, which makes thy love more strong, To love that well which thou must leave ere long. Many sonnets written by William Shakespeare deal with tragedy, love and death, in sonnet seventy-three he focuses on death along with the signs of aging. Whether or not he is the subject of the sonnet or an observer, he expresses everything as if he were the subject. Shakespeare was at an age in his life where he could relate to the sonnet, which made the poem so much more effective. The subject of this sonnet is being looked at, and the observer comes to the conclusion that they see late fall, twilight and a dying fire; that is, the observer realizes that the person is getting old and they will soon lose him. Shakespeare's way of reflecting the onset of aging and death is expressed through many literary techniques like theme, imagery, and wordplay. The significant points that reflect the onset of aging and death are portrayed through the metaphors of a tree at the end of autumn and a dwindling fire. This sonnet takes place in autumn, because in the very beginning a tree is being compared to the person. "When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang." The yellow leaves falling in autumn supports the idea of winter?s immediate approach, which indirectly suggests that people get old and will parish as years slip by. This could also be taken as a metaphor, suggesting there are only a few years left on the subject's tree, of life. "Bare ruined choirs, where once the sweet late bird sang" tells the reader that in the summer time the birds would be on the branches singing like a church choir; whereas, in autumn the birds do not sing because they are gone from the bare branches. Another metaphor of the tree of life being bare. Shakespeare sees sleeping and twilight as "Death's second self", because as night approaches people are unconscious like being dead. Shakespeare also suggests that the person is nearing the end of his life when such fire is glowing. The glowing of the fire is nourished by the burnt wood, and as the wood gets smaller the fire dyes out. Along with theme as a significant point, imagery is what paints a picture of the onset of aging and death. Shakespeare not only lets the readers read his sonnet, he lets the reader see an illustration with his descriptive words, "An essential 111 lesson."(Dr. Pettice, class) The setting is immediately presented in the beginning of the sonnet. The tree that is depicted in the autumn setting is compared to the subject of this sonnet. The tree is nearly bare with the wind blowing at the last leaves clinging on to the branches; only a few stubborn ones remaining. Although the description of the birds singing on the branches is that of the summer time, in contrast, the branches are bare in the autumn; the picture depicts the subject in his youthful years. Shakespeare's interpretation from the quote "...seals up all in rest" gives a couple of different images. That quotation can portray a coffin that is sealing up the lid, or when nightfall's people go to sleep; therefore, sleep indirectly implies death. The person and his own youth are lying on a bed of ashes that was fed by the burning of wood, which is compared to a deathbed. Shakespeare's imagery on death is expressed very successfully through the tree, deathbed and the coffin. Shakespeare sonnets use a va riety of words to manipulate the actual meaning of sentences. His creative words tell a story all by itself with the use of metaphors, from the words

Everything You Need to Know About Writing Great Reviews

Everything You Need to Know About Writing Great Reviews Does a career spent reviewing movies, music, books, TV shows, or restaurants seem like nirvana to you? Then you’re a born critic. But writing great reviews is an art, one that few have mastered. Here are some tips: Know Your Subject Too many beginning critics are eager to write but know little about their topic. If you want to write reviews that carry some authority, then you need to learn everything you can. Want to be the next Roger Ebert? Take college courses on the history of film, read as many books as you can and, of course, watch lots of movies. The same goes for any topic. Some believe that in order to be a truly good film critic you must have worked as a director, or that in order to review music you must have been a professional musician. That kind of experience wouldn’t hurt, but it’s more important to be a well-informed layman. Read Other Critics Just as an aspiring novelist reads the great writers, a good critic should read accomplished reviewers, whether it’s the aforementioned Ebert or Pauline Kael on film, Ruth Reichl on food, or Michiko Kakutani on books. Read their reviews, analyze what they do, and learn from them. Don’t Be Afraid to Have Strong Opinions Great critics all have strong opinions. But newbies who aren’t confident in their views often write wishy-washy reviews with sentences like â€Å"I sort of enjoyed this† or â€Å"that was okay, though not great.† They’re afraid to take a strong stand for fear of being challenged. But there’s nothing more boring than a hemming-and-hawing review. So decide what you think and state it in no uncertain terms. Avoid â€Å"I† and â€Å"In My Opinion† Too many critics pepper reviews with phrases like â€Å"I think† or â€Å"In my opinion.† Again, this is often done by novice critics afraid of writing declarative sentences. Such phrases are unnecessary; your reader understands that it’s your opinion you’re conveying. Give Background The critic’s analysis is the centerpiece of any review, but that’s not much use to readers if she doesn’t provide enough background information. So if you’re reviewing a movie, outline the plot but also discuss the director and his previous films, the actors, and perhaps even the screenwriter. Critiquing a restaurant? When did it open, who owns it and who’s the head chef? An art exhibit? Tell us a little about the artist, her influences, and previous works. Don’t Spoil the Ending There’s nothing readers hate more than a film critic who gives away the ending to the latest blockbuster. So yes, give plenty of background information, but dont give away the ending. Know Your Audience Whether you’re writing for a magazine aimed at intellectuals or a mass-market publication for average folks, keep your target audience in mind. So if you’re reviewing a film for a publication aimed at cineastes, you can wax rhapsodic about the Italian neo-realists or the French New Wave. If you’re writing for a wider audience, such references might not mean much. That’s not to say you can’t educate your readers in the course of a review. But remember – even the most knowledgeable critic won’t succeed if he bores his readers to tears.

American vs. European Efforts in the Afghanistan War Essay

American vs. European Efforts in the Afghanistan War - Essay Example Nevertheless, by spring 2002 the United States found its own troops stretched thin in Afghanistan and sought more Allied help. By May 2002 more than two-thirds of American's NATO allies had sent soldiers to Afghanistan, and there were more European forces on the ground than American ones. The Europeans play an even more important role when it comes to long-term efforts to rebuild the war-shattered country (Asmus 21). Europe's lack of participation in the US war against terrorism as a consequence of the 11 September 2001 attack on the World Trade Center in New York and Pentagon in Washington. In the first phase of the war, initiated in Afghanistan in early October 2001 it was, more or less the US alone that conducted the execution of military operations. The military campaign as a whole was driven by sophisticated US firepower that in practice excludes effective cooperation with European forces, which are not equipped to fight at such a distance from their homes bases. The war against terrorism in Afghanistan brought home to most EU member states the realization that many of their fundamental foreign policy interest are similar. At the Laeken European Council on 14 and 15 December 2001, in Belgium, the European Union announced that it would send 3,000 to 4,000 troops to Afghanistan to serve as a stability force for the new government in Kabul. But while some European delegates said that the EU, with the decision to send a multilateral peace-keeping force to Afghanistan, had taken its first step toward projecting military power around the world and that the EU is seizing a political opportunity, other delegations played down the importance of the EU's participation in the stability force. While invigorating the NATO partnership was heartening on one level, on another, the European offers appeared to be a devious way for them to exercise leverage over military operations in Afghanistan. Granted, military cooperation could mobilize European public opinion in favor of the war, an outcome welcome to the U.S. military. The European allies stood behind the United States in the Afghanistan campaign, and the United States in turn accepted allied aid in the region. By contrast, Europeans wanted to have a voice in the conduct of war on terrorism, while the Americans wished to avoid a sense of isolation in conducting the assault against the Taliban. The differences, for the moment, were reconcilable as 2001 came to a close. On the other hand, one U.S. political commentator, Linda Robinson, from US News and World Report, said caustically that the European had come to see their global mission as embodying civilization, not defending it. This may or may not true. What is clear in any case is that whether Europe will count for more in terms of maintaining international stability is one of the most important issues of the coming years (Pye 285). The Europeans have played a significant role in Afghanistan, the struggle continues to stabilize the country in the wake of the October 2001 U.S. lead overthrow of the Taliban regime that had provided safe haven and training areas for the global terrorist organization Al Qaeda. In 2006, NATO forces, mainly European, took over the peace-building mission in Afghanistan, but not the counterinsurgency combat operations still run by the United States.

Video Production Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Video Production - Essay Example could be defined as "a reconstruction or a re-enactment of another or place for a different audience, a graphing of history in and through the cinematic image and taped sound onto the present" (Rabinowitz 16) has proven useful a few years ago in reportage documentary but its usefulness has been superseded by other forms of documentary. For this reason, critics are of the view that reportage documentary has become obsolete while others argue its value still stands the test of time. In the following section, the researcher shall explore the challenges facing reportage documentary, and prove that reportage documentary has become obsolete in the face of changing mass media and depreciation of factual sustenance. Contemporary documentary practices are strived with the rhetoric of truth, and the strategies for authenticity. In modern environment, where reality TV, camcorder autobiography, and YouTube’s are prevalent, the value of documentaries has become lost within the amateur images of "real life" stories. The essence of documentary could only be found in certain segments of the media where authenticity and reportage are still appreciated, and necessary. According to Maria Lind documentary film production mechanisms has transferred from the hands of the professionals with focused goals to reconstruct reality, to the ambivalent amateur teenagers. While journalism continues to be a mainstream reportage mechanism, documentaries has waned in value and content due to the culture of "truth production" sponsored by reality TV production houses (Lind 15). Indeed, Rabinowitz (2) is of the view that the bizarre movements from reportage to reality documentary have degraded the value of true doc umentary works. Instead, documentaries are nowadays reserved for creating notorious video films. More simply, documentaries are being used as the means for creating commercial projects on reels. For example Bonny Kleins Not a Love Story is a documentary which has been designed to