Archive for November, 2011
Role of Case Studies in Employee Training and Development
Posted by admin in Case Method on November 26, 2011
One way to help trainees learn analytical and problem solving skills is by presenting a story (called a case) about people in an organization who are facing a problem or decision. Cases may be faced on actual events involving real people in an organization, or they can be fictional. Business case studies are included in college text books and courses in management, public administration, law, sociology, and similar subjects. They are increasingly available using video and other media. While cases vary in complexity and detail, trainees should be given enough information to analyze the situation and recommend their own solutions. In solving the problem, the trainees are generally required to use a rational problem-solving process that includes the following steps:
1. Restating important facts
2. Drawing inferences from the facts
3. Stating the problem or problems
4. Developing alternative solutions and then stating consequences of each
5. Determining and supporting a course of action
Proponents of the case study method argue that this form of problem solving within a management setting offers illustrations of the concepts students are respected to learn and use, improves communications skills, and facilities the linking between theory and practice. Proponents also claim that cases allow students discuss, share, and debate the merits of different inferences, problems, and alternative courses of action. Such insight can help students to develop better analytical skills and improve their ability to integrate new information.
The case study method also has vigorous critics who argue that it can cause group think, focuses too much on the past, limits the teaching role of the trainer, reduces the learner’s ability to draw generalizations, reinforces passively on the part of the learner, and promotes the quantity of interaction among students at the expense of the quality of interaction. Andrews and Noel claim that cases often lack realistic complexity and a sense of immediacy, and inhabit development of the ability to collect and distill information. In addition, trainees may get caught up in the details of the situation, at the expense of focusing on the larger issues and concepts they are trying to learn. Read the rest of this entry »
Children’s Education: On the Benefits of Games and Educational Toys
Posted by admin in Benefits of Education on November 26, 2011
There are a lot of factors that can greatly affect the development of children. Some people might think that games and toys don’t have anything to do with this but it actually has some purpose. There should always be a balance between study and play. Both should not be deprived to a child. Toys and games can be a way for kids to be developed and learn other than providing entertainment. Actually, letting kids play with the right type of toys and games can provide them with a foundation in their education. At their early age, you can give them a good start.
The values toys and games provide are almost similar with other. This is even though there are a lot of play things that are available for your child in the market. By nature many children are curious. When parents are able to provide them with the right toys to play with, the kids can keep their interest the whole day. If this is not done so, on the other hand, they may likely look for a way to amuse their self thus they may end up cluttering or even destroying some important things at home. They may even be subject to accidents, so it is always good to keep things that might cause this.
One of the best ways to keep children from doing this is to provide them with toys to play with. Educational toys are some of the items that can be given to children. Here are some of the benefits that can be acquired from it. Read the rest of this entry »
Seven Tips To Spot Fake Gold Coins
Posted by admin in Authentic Assessment on November 26, 2011
Everyone must have seen reports of the collapsing economy as thousands of Americans are losing their jobs each month. With the failing economy, many are rushing to invest in precious metals like gold coins, bars and bullion. Due to the high demand of gold, there is a need to answer the demand and it consists of the massive production of fake precious coins by deceitful individuals.
True enough, many have been victimize by people selling fake gold coins. If you are not careful enough, you can be one of them. In order to spot if the precious coins that are circulating in the marker are counterfeit or not, check the following tips below.
Check The Quality Of Metal
Assessing the quality of metal is the easiest way to tell if the coin is not genuine. Fake coins can either look dull or too shiny. In order to tell the difference, you need to know first the quality of metal used by the original coins. The fake coin may have a grainy texture and appearance.
Use Magnet To Tell If The Gold Coin Is Authentic
Magnet can help check if the coins are genuine or not. Take note that magnets cannot attract genuine gold.
Test The Coins With A Sterling Silver Cleaner Solution
In a sterling silver cleaner solution, immerse the gold coins. If you notice that the coating changes in color and the precious coins tarnish after a day, then the coins are definitely fake. Read the rest of this entry »