Soft Skills And Communication Skills For Engineers

Soft Skills And Communication Skills For Engineers Abstract Engineering education widely recognize an increasing need to equip students with effective study skills early in their university education and basic professional skills prior to graduation. These, however, are traditionally difficult modules to teach successfully to larger groups through traditional lecturing. Observations suggest a poor absorption rate from the students and thus a lack in their ability to benefit from these skills both personally and professionally. Specific techniques described in this paper can be easily integrated into most types of teaching material. Introduction Over the years there has been an increase in emphasis on soft skills and particularly communication skills in the engineering programs. Reflecting both the demands of potential employers and professional bodies, as well as the creativity of course designers, modules such as first year study skills and final year professional skills have become more and more common. The greatest focus has been placed on fundamental topics such as presentation skills, effective report writing, teamwork, and time/project management. Whilst this change is certainly a positive one, these modules seem to be among the more challenging to teach and assess successfully, the criteria for success being that the student can understand the concepts presented, apply them using exercises, and demonstrate the resulting competence through assessment. A modified teaching approach is required that addresses the professional students. The approach needs to add interest and obvious relevance; students need to feel that any guidelines presented can solve a pressing issue or concern that exists in their world. Above all, to be successful the teaching approach must be dynamic, interesting, practical and organized to manage tactically the attention span of the audience. Modifying the approach Keeping a large number of undergraduate students continually engaged is not the easiest of tasks, particularly considering the challenges above. It was decided that a different and more dynamic teaching approach was required to stimulate students in place of traditional lecturing styles based essentially on one-way communication. If students frequently had to respond, discuss, react or participate they would be far less likely to disengage or go to sleep! Allowing them to make mistakes in a supportive environment would also go some way to convincing them that they needed to improve their skills and were doing so by attending the learning sessions. Some might argue that a high level of interaction is only practicable with smaller audiences. Whilst smaller groups are indeed easier to manage this was found not to be the case, although an experienced lecturer is required who is willing to engage in open discussions and deviate from a detailed lecture plan if necessary. Towards a task-based approach Typically, a traditional ELT syllabus lists learning items in terms of structures, functions, notions and vocabulary which are then set in situations and which usually integrate a variety of skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). This dominant approach has been characterized as product-orientated because it focuses on what is to be learnt or on products. The problem with this approach, as Nunan (1988) has pointed out, is that input cannot be equated with output and that teaching cannot be equated with learning. In short, what the teacher teaches is not what the learner learns. Swan (2005) in his critique of task-based learning laments the polarization of attitudes in relation to recent discussion of language learning. On the one hand traditionalists argue in favor of a linear, atomistic syllabus design. On the other hand, hard-line task-based ideologues seem to exclude any atomistic activity in favor of all-or-nothing holism. Bygates distinction (2003, p. 176) between tasks and exercises helps to situate this debate. He defines exercises as activities which practice parts of a skill, a new sub-skill, a new piece of knowledge. In contrast, he defines tasks as activities which practice the whole integrated skill in some way. Bygates discussion (2001, pp.23-48) lends support to the idea that task-based teaching needs to be situated in a broad curriculum framework, suggesting that isolated tasks are not sufficient in themselves to promote learning. The implication drawn from such research and discussion is that units of learning that involve the strategic use of holistic repeated tasks and supporting atomistic exercises provide one means of avoiding narrow ideological positions. A task-based unitary framework is therefore proposed here that leads to student-led holistic outcomes in the form of written reports, spoken presentations and substantial small-group conversations that lead to decision-making outcomes. However, due consideration is also given to the design of atomistic exercises within the framework. In her model for task-based learning, Willis (1996, pp.52-65) proposes a pre-task component, a task-cycle component (pre-task/task/post-task) and a language focus component. With regard to focus on form, Willis emphasizes the importance of a post-task report phase, which could be a written activity such as writing a polished report or a spoken public-report phase in which students can be encouraged to focus on accuracy and can be prompted to recast inaccurate forms. Other key stages for Willis that improve the linguistic focus of task-based learning are the planning stage during which the teacher can take on a role of language advisor. This 1996 framewor k by Willis has been influential. In his 2006 Asian EFL Journal (AEJ) conference keynote speech, for example, Ellis made extensive reference to it, adopting it as his basic framework. Components of a Task Tasks contain some form of input that may be verbal (a dialogue/role play/reading) or, nonverbal (pictures/a gesture) followed by an activity, which is in some way derived from the input. This activity sets out what learners need to do in relation to the input. Tasks have also goals and roles for both teachers and learners. Components of a Task (Nunan: 1989) From the above diagram, a task can be viewed as a piece of meaning focused work, involving learners in comprehending, producing and/or interacting in the target language. Before taking up the task of converting the textual content into various tasks, the following points were noted and kept in mind by the investigators: -The objective of the task must be stated very clearly -The task must be appropriate for the level of the learners -The task must equip the learners with the ability to apply classroom learning in new situations. -Tasks must be interesting and motivating to the students -The form the input takes, must be clear to the teacher -The roles of teachers and students must be specified clearly -Through the task, learners must be encouraged to negotiate meaning -The language that will be generated by the task must be predicted -There should be variety and flexibility in the tasks The following are eight well documented techniques that can be used flexibly to transform any standard lecture into a more dynamic one. These techniques are summarized below. An emphatic and captivating introduction A successful training session must begin by creating a sense of urgency and somehow capturing the interest of the audience, usually by emphasizing the importance of the topic and its relevance. What rewards can be obtained by applying the content of the session? What pitfalls exist for those who lack the competence? However, it is important that in emphasizing the importance of a topic the presenter is not perceived as finger wagging. For example, when youre in industry youll have to . . . or you wont pass your final year project unless you learn to . . . are unlikely to prove engaging whereas would you like me to help you get more marks for your lab reports without doing any more work is. Use of relevant examples and storytelling Examples, stories and anecdotes turn theories and guidelines into perceived reality by providing a true-to-life basis for their application. They will also capture the full attention of most audiences. Use plenty of these at least one for each principal point covered and, wherever possible, focuses on real examples rather than hypotheses. Let students share their similar experiences. Group exercises Have students perform short exercises in groups to try out the application of concepts presented, followed by debriefing where each group reports its findings, progress and difficulties to the audience. Exercises of this type break up the session, increase engagement and can be easily conducted even in a lecture theatre. They also force the students to admit their errors, even if these errors are not reported to the audience, and this helps to establish for them the fact that they have learnt something. Brainstorming This is another interactive technique to provide stimulation and variation. Provide an open question and have students brainstorm in small groups (usually together with those sitting next to them) before beginning a discussion session. Demonstrations/simulations It is much more effective to demonstrate an idea than to talk about it. Documentation could include some type of physical simulation, a simple game, or even a video clip. Role playing is particularly effective as it involves the students in an active way, provided that a risk-free and supportive environment is provided to those who participate. This in turn is dependent on the lecturers making sure that students are never embarrassed by failure during an activity. Opinion polls This is a quick change and helps students to engage in a new activity or a new aspect of a topic. For example a quick show of hands: How many people think .? The mind break Used to refresh the listeners attention span during more demanding presentation components, for example, take a 2 minute break to chat with your neighbor before we move on . . . Facilitation vs. lecturing Whenever possible, lean towards the process of facilitation rather than lecturing. Prompt the audience with relevant questions, challenges their ideas, and shapes an understanding based upon the responses and active discussions rather than reading a script. It is, however, important to be respectful towards students who give wrong or poor answers. The techniques presented above provide some of the most important ingredients for an engaging lecture. They are well documented and widely used in isolation. Not all are applicable to all situations and types of material, and the next step is, therefore, to devise session plans into which they are woven appropriately. The choice of techniques will depend largely on the topic to be presented and to some extent the lecturers personality and individual style. Conclusion Perfect communication is near impossible in the classroom because it depends on many variables. However, if the teacher is to be successful, the content of his message should be clear in his mind and be put in suitable code and transmitted through appropriate media. There is need for a careful sequencing of ideas and the use of activities that is within the experience and understanding of the students. Whatever learning experience the students are exposed to, they should be allowed to practice it. Learning takes place through the active behavior of the students. It is what the student does that he learns and not what the teacher does. The teacher is only a facilitator of learning. The quality of learning that takes place in any situation, to a very large extent, is dependent on the effectiveness of the teachers plan and communication.

Professional Wrestling-Fake or Real Essay

Professional wrestling is entertainment sport. It refers to a phenomenon that is related to classical wrestling but it has its own distinctive features. It is similar as well as different. The element of entertainment is pervasive in professional wrestling. Every layman says that professional wrestling is fake and a mockery of the traditional wrestling but they forget to understand that one can not get injured or bleed just for a fake competition or fight. It is true that in some elements of a professional wrestling are scripted but it a bleeding combat can not a mock contest. The sole purpose of scripting the wrestling is to provide maximum entertainment to the viewers but what happens in arena is sometime is independent of that scripted combat. Scripted version also helps the competitors to prepare well to entertain at a maximum level. It furthers add colorful characters and a thrilling plot to portray a complete story that is equivalent to the duals of the medieval times. Although enmity is not that severe as it manifested on television or in front of audience but in the arena, the fight is as original as a real dual. The visual details of a combat will help you realize the reality of the professional wrestling. Consider one mighty man carrying another man over head and then throwing it on the hard surface in the arena, will that not cause harm? That surface is made of hard-boards. Will twisting one’s arm to the maximum extent not cause pain? Will Grabbing and pulling one’s hair and then punching or kicking one not result into any pain and winge? Thrashing ones at his/her wounds is another manifestation of the fierce battle as chairs that are used for this purpose are made of pure steel. Even an amateur wrestler cannot bear such immense pain and does not have the courage to lift himself up again to restart. The answer to the above-mentioned questions is very simple; yes it does cause a lot pain. So Wrestling is not only an element of plot but it is pain that is the most prominent element for a wrestler. Sometime a match results into a displaced jaw as well broken bones especially the cervical bone and the rib cage Apart from wrestling, stunts are dangerous but are real. They are scripted to the least details. But these stunts are performed in reality and some it does cause some unfortunate deaths. Same is the case with professional wrestling. Inclusion of dramatic elements also cast doubts about the originality of professional wrestling. The sole purpose of this exercise is an economic one. Wrestling Entertainment Companies needs something excited to generate more interest among people and to attract them at larger and broader level. Another reason is to engage viewers for a longer period of time. This is not a shameful exercise as most profit earning companies engage the customers in one way or the other. The enmity between Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat became one of the most celebrated events of the professional wrestling history that lasted from the late 70’s into early 90’s. So professional wrestling is not fake but it is based on scripted outlines. As we all live in relative reality mode, so this must entertained must be relatively understood in the context theater, drama, sociology and other performing arts. It is all about plot bit it also about pain. It is impossible to assume that fakeness will win the hearts of the people but professional wrestling is captivating people all across globe. Audiences are too sharp critics and they note the minute details. So if they are moved by the fight then, they approve it fully. By and large they are unable to find any fault with. It must be kept in mind that only for fame or money, one can not sacrifice his physical and mental health. It is mere passion of the wrestler to start another fight after getting bleeding from the first. Another allegation against the unrealness is the attitude of wrestler toward referee. This fact can not be negated that wrestler behave badly with referee and some time beat them. Please consider a person who is in full savagery and fighting with a more savage competitor. So it should not be strange if this savage hits the referee too. Furthermore, they say that professional wrestling does not have any rules and policy. It must be noted that it is a pure entertainment and an entertainment should not limit its scope by too much rules and regulations. Although sometime decision is scripted and wrestlers are chosen to represent good or bad. But mostly these things are decided in the arena in the favor of those who perform better. Outcome can be pre-determined and a catchy storyline can be given but in arena fights is always real. On watching a movie of a single match between two wrestlers, one can see a lot of moves and occasion in the contest that can prove deadly. Although their enmity can be fictitious but both wrestlers are truly violent, aggressive and deadly. Sometime it too happens, hospitalization is thus too much common in the professional wrestling. The big boot is simply a kick to the face that can force one to have two or three session of plastic surgery. All the above-mentioned arguments and supporting evidence clearly manifest that although some minor elements of this sport entertainment are fake but fight in the arena is real.

Dual Enrollment in High School and College

The term dual enrolled simply refers to enrolling in two programs at once. This term is often used to describe programs designed for high school students. In these programs, students can begin working on a college degree while still enrolled in high school. Dual enrollment programs can vary from state to state. The names may include titles such as dual credit, concurrent enrollment, and joint enrollment.   In most cases, high school students in good academic standing have the opportunity to take college courses at a local college, technical college, or university. Students work with their high school guidance counselors to determine eligibility and decide which courses are right for them. Typically, students must meet eligibility requirements to enroll in a college program, and those requirements may include SAT or ACT scores. Specific requirements will vary, just as entry requirements vary among universities and technical colleges. There are advantages and disadvantages to enrolling in a program like this. Advantages to Dual Enrollment You can get a jump start on your college plans. By earning college credit while still in high school, you may be able to reduce the time and money youll spend in college.In many cases, a portion of the dual college/high school course tuition is paid for by the state or the local school board.The dual enrollment courses are sometimes offered right in your high school. This enables students to become familiar with the workload of a college course in the comfort of a familiar setting.Some colleges offer dual enrollment via the Internet. Disadvantages to Dual Enrollment It is important to look into the hidden costs and risks you may face once youve entered a dual enrollment program. Here are a few reasons why you should proceed with caution: Students may receive a textbook allowance, but others may have to pay for any textbooks. The cost of college books can be daunting. For instance, a college-level science book can cost more than one hundred dollars. You may want to research the cost of textbooks before you sign up for a specific course.If college courses are offered only on the actual college campus, the student will be responsible for travel to and from the campus. Consider the cost of transportation. You have to factor travel time into your time management considerations. Your tests can be more challenging, and you may suddenly have less time to study for them!College courses are rigorous, and students can get in over their heads sometimes. College professors expect increased maturity and responsibility from their students. Be prepared! By signing up for college courses before you’re ready, you may end up with poor grades—and those will stay on your college record forever.  Bad grades can wreck your college plans. After you sign up for a college course and you start to feel like youre slipping behind, there are only two ways out: withdraw from the course or finish the course with a grade. Remember that your ultimate dream college will see both of these when you apply. Failing grades can make you ineligible for your dream college. Withdrawing from a course could make you ineligible to graduate from high school on time!Many college scholarships are designed for freshmen. If you take too many college courses while youre in high school, you could make yourself ineligible for some scholarships.Whenever you sign up for college credit courses, you are officially beginning your college career. That means you will establish an official record wherever you take courses, and you will have to provide college transcripts of those courses whenever you enter a new college—for the rest of your life. Whenever you change colleges, you will need to provide transcripts to a new college. If youre interested in a program like this, you should meet with your high school guidance counselor to discuss your career goals.

Effective Parenting A Relationship Between Caregivers...

Parenting usually occurs between the different generations or different birth cohorts at the same generation which is the subsystem within the family, for example, parents and child, grandparents and child, sibling (Lerner, Noh Wilson, 1998). Sometimes, when children’s parents or grandparents are missing, uncle(s), aunt(s), or even neighbor(s) may take the responsibility of parenting. Usually it takes the form of the elder one taking care of the younger one. Parenting is a two-way relationship between caregivers and the one who is being cared, which â€Å"can extend through all or major parts of the respective life spans of these groups; may engage all institutions within a culture (including educational, economic, political, and social ones); and is embedded in the history of a people--as that history occurs within the natural and designed settings within which the group lives (Lerner, Noh Wilson, 1998, para 4).† Effective Parenting Effective parenting refers to the process that facilitate physical, emotional, psychological and social development of children/care-receivers, improve their skills and ability, prevent and/or modify their problematic behaviors (Winter, Morawska Sanders, 2012) as well as promote their resilience so as to enable them to encounter challenges and satisfy their own needs without child maltreatment. In order to achieve the expected positive outcome of effective parenting, generally, parents or other caregivers should provide not only a warm, safe,Show MoreRelatedThe Role Of Becoming A Primary Caregiver817 Words   |  4 PagesSummary When one thinks of grandparents, they are usually compared to as being a wiser adult who has had various positive and negative life experiences and throughout it all managed to keep their family together. The family structure has changed and more grandparents are forced into parenting for second generation children. Raising second generation children can be difficult for the grandparents who have been forced into the role of becoming a primary caregiver. Most children have a loving and trustingRead MoreThe Support Influence On Development Of Insufficient Parental Care1733 Words   |  7 PagesDevelopment It was in 1951 that John Bowlby began to write about the opposing influence on development of insufficient parental care and called attention to the acute distress of young children separated from their primary caregivers. (Barth, 2005) The quality of early attachment relationships is correlated with future personality and brain development. â€Å"The Attachment Theory is a foundation theory, developed by Bowlby. It focusses on the form, quality, and strengths of human attachments made in early lifeRead MoreChild Abuse and Neglect3425 Words   |  14 Pagesneglect is a prevalent issue in the United States. Every year approximately one million infants, children and adolescents are victims of child abuse and neglect. Research has linked childhood experiences of abuse and neglect with some serious life-long developmental, social, emotional and other significant problems. This paper will address risk factors that are associated with abuse and neglect, who is at risk for being abused, as well as some traits of the abuser. This paper will incorporate childRead MoreThe Potential Positive And Negative Effects Of Day Care On Young Children Essay2165 Words   |  9 Pagesâ€Å"Day care centres† on the American website Babycenter.com, there are many advantages on day care. For instance; children have more chance to socialise with other children than children who have cared at home. Also, day care centres are regulated and inspected by law ensuring the proper functioning. Caregivers who work in the day care centre are usually well trained in early childhood and they know exactly how to stimulate children ´s development. In addition, day care provides with a wide range ofRead MoreCompare And Contrast The Family And Structural Functional Theory1913 Words   |  8 Pages Question One: Choose two theories outlined in your readings and class discussions and compare/contrast them in their usefulness for considering the development of the individual within the conte xt of the family. The two theories I have chosen are the Structural Functional theory and the Family Development theory. The Family Development theory as defined in the powerpoint is the family life cycle divided into universal stages. There are developmental tasks at each stage which will affect futureRead MoreChildren At Risk Of Abuse And Critically Examine Its Impact For Safeguarding Children2025 Words   |  9 Pagesneglect and abuse due to the fact they are not being supported, feeling lonely and isolated from society and services (SCIE, 2014). Risk factors associated with child maltreatment can be grouped in four domains: parent or caregiver factors, family factors, child factors and environmental factors (Bentovim, 2009, p.22-24). These four domains are critical in understanding how to effectively support the child, professionals use these domains to zone in one the specific areas of risk and then work outwardsRead MoreThe Social Workers Role And Responsibility2307 Words   |  10 PagesSoci al workers are legally obligated to assess and support the 397,600 children in need and their families as they are one of society’s most vulnerable groups (DfE, 2014). The social worker’s role and responsibility is to ensure children’s additional needs are adequately met to try to reverse disadvantage and enable children to maximise their lives and potential. To achieve this objective, social workers sift through in-depth information in different areas of family life, both past and present, asRead MoreDivorce the Psychological Theories of Development2116 Words   |  9 Pages Bowlby, Piaget, Bandura, Vygotsky, Bronfenbrenner In the US today, about 40 to 50 percent of marriages end in divorce with a greater percentage of subsequent marriages ending in divorce (apa.org, 2013). In addition, one-half to two-thirds of those who divorce remarries and one of every six adults in the US divorces two or more times. Forty percent of children in this country will experience parental divorce (Portnoy, 2008, p. 126). How does divorce affect children? Does divorce impact childrenRead MoreThe Mental Illness Has Great Effects On The Family Members Of The Adults2711 Words   |  11 Pageschildren of the diagnosed are put in various different situations that can be difficult to deal with on a daily basis. One of those situations would be abuse from the bipolar parent. Abuse is defined in many different ways. For example, not all abuse is physical nor does it always show physical ailments. Emotional abuse, although not physically seen, it is still felt by the one being abused. Parents do what they think is best fo r their children even if they may not know what they are doing is wrongRead MoreWork-Family Balance2279 Words   |  9 Pagespersonal lives, the need for lifelong learning, and the responsibilities of parenting are real issues for today’s workforce. Social institutions such as marriage and childrearing have changed, leading to more single mothers, evolving roles for women in the workplace, and more men in new roles at home. Longer life expectancy and later childbearing age have created the sandwich generation of middle-aged adult workers, who simultaneously provide care for their children and their senior family members