What is the purpose of education? Why do we spend enormous amounts of money to attend school? What is the point of sitting in a classroom for hours on end? Why are we even here?

You will get a different answer to these questions from everyone you ask, and that, in itself, is the beauty of education. It does not serve one goal nor is it uniform in any manner. However, after reflecting on our current system, I can confidently say that we have misconstrued our purpose. While this critique of objectives can apply to all educational levels from pre-k to post-secondary institutions I will focus my attention on higher education.

It is evident that we have a student population that puts a greater emphasis on grades, test scores and performance rather than actual knowledge and personal growth. This does not just exist at Chapman, nor is it unique to higher education; this is a problem everywhere.

To illustrate, we can look at the mentality of a student preparing for an exam. Is this student focused on truly understanding the material and using it to better their life? Or is this student more worried about what grade they will receive and how it will impact their grade point average? I would argue the latter.

Moreover, we can focus on the student with a reading assignment for the class they have the next day. Is this student motivated to dissect the text, make meaning of the work and use the reading to further their intellect? Or is this student more fixed on simply completing the reading so they feel prepared for the potential quiz or questions during the following class? Again, I would argue the latter. While this is not the case for everyone and is most certainly not the desired mindset of any student, I do believe it has become the norm. Students are essentially coerced into this mentality and its this idea that Im attempting to address.

This reality is no ones fault. We are born into this system and, as a result, hold ourselves to the same standards as those who came before us. So where does the blame fall? I believe it does not fall on any specific person or group. It falls on the students and instructors to bring about change. In no way am I saying that teachers do not like to teach and students do not like to learn; I am claiming that we have adopted the wrong trajectory and as a result, lost sight of why we are here in the first place.

The major question remains: how do we fix this? Both students and instructors have a responsibility to modify their methods so that we can solve this problem.

To the student: we need to enhance our desire to learn by caring less about the score on the test and more about the content we are studying. We must put in the proper time and effort in all that we do, while shying away from viewing class as a dreaded task. Yes, life can be stressful and challenging, but we ought to be here because we want to learn, not because we feel it is an obligation. Once we begin changing our own views, we will slowly begin to see a change in the overall system.

To the instructor: you need to adapt your pedagogy so that your classroom can transform from that of a teacher-centered class to one that is student-centered. Yes, the traditional method of teaching via lecture, midterm and final is quite simple and works to a certain extent, but students do not learn to their fullest potential. Do not teach a course to simply check an item off a list, such as a chapter, exam or assignment. Teach because you want to change the lives of your students and do this with discussion, tailored curriculum and unique modes of professing which undoubtedly will further students critical thinking abilities.

Education should not be about a letter on a test, a number on a transcript or a title on a diploma; education should be about knowledge, empowerment, understanding and growth. If we continue in our ways, we will restrict our ability to take advantage of all that our educational system has to offer. We need to redefine our purpose.

Excerpt from:
Opinion | Redefining our purpose of education - The Panther

Press Release

MondayNov18,2019at10:30AM

John and Lynn Farrell, owners of John Farrell Real Estate Company, were presented the Award of Distinction by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) in Kansas City last week. The Osage Beach couple were honored for their continued support of State Fair Community College at Lake of the Ozarks.

John and Lynn Farrell, owners of John Farrell Real Estate Company, were presented the Award of Distinction by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) in Kansas City last week. The Osage Beach couple were honored for their continued support of State Fair Community College at Lake of the Ozarks.

John and Lynn are two of the colleges most dedicated supporters, said Dr. Joanna Anderson SFCC president. We are proud to call them friends, and their contributions truly do improve the lives of students here at the lake.

The Farrells have organized the Genuine Country Music Associations (GCMA) Classic Country Jamboree at the Lake of the Ozarks for seven years. A portion of the proceeds from the Jamboree fund scholarships for lake area students who attend SFCC at the lake.

Neither John nor I attended college, said Lynn Farrell during her acceptance speech. So we are committed to providing that opportunity to students in the area.

Since 2013, the Farrells have raised over $84,000 for scholarships at the jamboree. That figure does not include the money raised at this years jamboree held last month at the Lodge of the Four Seasons. Those scholarships are specifically designated for students around the Lake of the Ozarks to attend SFCC.

State Fair Community College has served the Lake of the Ozarks for 36 years and offers academic and technical programs including Missouris highest ranked nursing program at Lake of the Ozarks.

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Farrells honored for commitment to higher education at the lake - Lakenewsonline.com

The College of Education is creating two tenure-track faculty positions to make progress toward interdisciplinary education practices.

The new faculty positions in bilingual education and prevention science will be hired from within the college and allow professors with these expertise to work in multiple departments, according to the colleges website.

Were really excited about these new job hires because they will provide us the opportunity to increase research activity across the disciplines in our departments in unique ways that are not typical in a university setting, Alexandra Loukas, the colleges interim associate dean for research and graduate studies, said in a statement.

According to the colleges website, the two positions will work toward the colleges three signature impact areas: eliminating educational and health disparities, addressing the effects of home and community on well-being and supporting student adaptability through lifes transitions.

Nataly Lim, a special education graduate student, said faculty with knowledge in multiple disciplines can address cross sections between majors.

Working with kids with autism, often times they also need speech, language or occupational services that arent just specific to special education, Lim said. To have faculty that are engaged in this kind of interdisciplinary research is really important.

According to UTs 2017-2018 impact report, English was the second language for 679 UT students. Ramiro De Los Santos, a journalism and European studies freshman, grew up with Spanish as his first language and said people who learn English as a second language are at a disadvantage in higher education or employment.

Effective bilingual education allows people to be more competitive academically, De Los Santos said. Im in Moody and Liberal Arts Honors and all I do is write. That wouldnt have been possible without bilingual education.

Lim said those with more severe disabilities are often not supported in their heritage language.

Special education policies stipulate that individuals with disabilities should be provided with equal opportunities, Lim said. But a lot of the time what we see reflected in practice is not aligned with this policy.

In addition to bilingual education, Lim said the prevention science faculty members expertise will be important when helping identify and treat individuals who are at risk for poor health or education outcomes.

Prevention is key, Lim said. We learn so much about early identification and how that really impacts child outcomes.

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College of Education seeks two faculty members to advance goals interdisciplinary scholarship goals - UT The Daily Texan

We invite entries from UK universities and university professionals across 14 categories, which are shortlisted and evaluated by an expert panel. An ideas bank of all winning and shortlisted entries will be published on the Guardian website after the ceremony.

Click here to enter now

Judges will assess each entry for:

Innovation what makes it new, unique and inspiring?

Delivery does it offer excellence in planning, teamwork, partnerships and value?

Impact what difference has it made, within the university and beyond?

Evidence are the claims made in the submission supported by evidence?

The winners will be announced at the award ceremony on Thursday 2 April 2020.

1 Outline the project, its place within your universitys strategy and what makes it innovative and inspiring (max 300 words).

2 Detail how the project was delivered, from the planning stage through to its successful conclusion (max 300 words), including details of timing* and funding.

3 Outline the projects outcome(s) within the university and beyond with relevant supporting evidence**, metrics or testimony (max 400 words).

* Project must have started in past 18 months but need not have finished if outcomes can be proven.

* For the Sustainable buildings that inspire category, the capital project must have been completed within the past 24 months, but need not have started in that timeframe.

* For the Research impact category, projects must have finished in past 24 months.

** Evidence must be provided in the text of the application except for the Sustainable buildings that inspire category where photographic evidence is required. Please send photographs to GUA@theguardian.com. Any appendices sent in for other categories will not be considered.

Entry fees:Early bird from 21 November to 31 January: One entry 225 + VATEarly bird multiple entries (after first entry): 125 + VATFull rate after early bird offer expires: One entry 275 + VATMultiple entries (after first entry): 175 + VAT

Please note that a booking fee will also apply.

If you have any questions please contact us on GUA@theguardian.com

Timeline: 18 November: Awards launch online18 November - 31 January: Early bird period7 February: Applications close9-13 March: Shortlisted applicants will be notified after the judging lunch this week2 April: Ceremony in central London

If you have any other questions, please email: GUA@theguardian.com. Good luck!

Join Guardian Universities for more comment, analysis and job opportunities, direct to your inbox. Follow us on Twitter @GdnUniversities.

Originally posted here:
How to enter - is your university a beacon of hope? - The Guardian

Here are the 14 categories for the 2020 awards lots of choice for every university to find an area in which it excels. Universities may enter as many categories as they wish.

Entries will be judged by a representative panel from across the UK higher education sector, winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony in London, April 2020, and shortlisted entries will be profiled across the Guardian.

1. Staff experienceAwarded to an outstanding initiative that has a significant and measurable impact on working conditions for staff, from equality and diversity to pay and pensions.

2. Business collaborationAwarded to an outstanding university partnership with a business or an industry regional, national or international where knowledge is applied and resources are shared for the benefit of the wider economy.

3. Digital innovationAwarded to a university that is implementing innovative digital technology solutions to improve pedagogy, the student experience and online course delivery.

4. Employability and entrepreneurshipAwarded to a successful initiative that equips students with the skills they need for the job market, provides networking opportunities, gives them access to potential employers, and fosters the spirit of creativity that would enable them to launch their own enterprises.

5. InternationalisationAwarded to an outstanding project, venture or collaboration that shows the university operating with global vision and ambition.

6. Marketing and comms campaignsAwarded to an imaginative university marketing or press campaign that imparts a clear message to engage its target audience and raise the profile of the university, or show it in a new light.

7. Research impactAwarded to a research project that demonstrates either academic impact through advancing knowledge, or which results in measurable benefits to the wider society and/or the economy.

8. Course design, retention and student outcomesAwarded to a forward-thinking institutional or departmental approach that seeks to reimagine university education for a diverse student body and provide targeted support to students at risk of underperforming.

9. Social and community impactsupported by WonkheAwarded to a programme that has engaged with communities, at a local, national or global level, and implemented changes that have had a lasting impact.

10. Student experienceAwarded to an innovative project or initiative that has positively enhanced the academic and/or personal experience of the student body.

11. Buildings that inspireAwarded to a capital project that has positively enhanced the student and/or staff experience, and fostered a better living and working environment.

12. SustainabilityAwarded to a project or initiative that cuts down carbon emissions, reduces waste or lessens a universitys environmental footprint.

13. Teaching excellencesupported by JiscAwarded to an outstanding teaching initiative that inspires student learning and attainment through innovative pedagogy and places teaching at the forefront of the universitys mission.

14. Widening access and outreachAwarded to an initiative that has demonstrably helped to increase the number of disadvantaged and underrepresented students entering the university, through working with schools and communities to raise aspirations.

University of the YearAwarded to a university that combines academic excellence with an outstanding widening participation programme, drawing in a diverse intake and providing the tailored support students need to thrive.

Join Guardian Universities for more comment, analysis and job opportunities, direct to your inbox. Follow us on Twitter @GdnUniversities.

Originally posted here:
University Awards 2020: the categories - The Guardian

PAOLA - Students involved in Sunflower Elementarys new Kids Connect Club are already making an impact on their community that stretches far beyond the walls of their Paola school.

With the help of fellow teachers Malinda Chappell, Blair Burke and Jamie McDaniel, Sunflower interrelated teacher Paula Gage created the club and kicked it off this school year.

Gage made headlines this spring when she was named Paola USD 368s Elementary Teacher of the Year. Each teacher of the year gets funding for a school project, and Gage said she wanted her teacher project to involve civic engagement.

I want the children to love and have pride in their community and for our community to invest in our future leaders, she said.

The Kids Connect Club, which meets every Tuesday, has turned Gages vision into reality.

The club features 19 students in grades 3-5, and they most recently tackled a community service project designed to get socks into the hands of those who need them in the community.

Gage said the project was possible thanks to a partnership with Bombas socks, which donates a pair of socks for every pair it sells.

The sock companys website explains that its name comes from the Latin word for bumblebee, which is the organizations logo.

Bees live in a hive and work together to make their world a better place. Theyre small, but their combined actions have a big impact on the world, the company states on its website, http://www.bombas.com. We like that. Thats why our mantra is bee better. We put this reminder inside each Bombas clothing item as a reminder that little improvements can add up to make a big difference, and that your purchase went towards directly helping someone in need.

Gage said the Kids Connect Club were given 1,800 pairs of Bombas socks to give out, and the students quickly went to work writing emails to local organizations to see if they are in need of socks.

They then got busy personalizing each pair with a Sunflower Elementary Kids Connect Club sticker. Each sock also comes with a message that reads: This is a pair of specially designed Bombas donation socks. They are knit with love, made from high quality yarns, and engineered for comfort, durability and warmth.

The first 200 pairs recently were given to the Serving Our Students (S.O.S.) organization that helps local families in the Paola USD 368 school district. S.O.S. representative Jimmy Hay was more than happy to stop by the school and pick up the boxes.

Several additional pairs have been given to other local organizations, including the Coats for Folks project in Louisburg, Tri-ko, My Father's House, Life Skills program, North Point Skilled Nursing and the Paola Police Department for the Shop with a Cop program.

Some pairs were also given to the school nurses at each Paola school because they are always in need of socks.

Gage said she has been impressed with the way the club members have embraced the idea of community service, and she mentioned that as an added bonus, they are accumulating service hours that could make them eligible for the Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

See the rest here:
Connecting with the community - Miami County Republic

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Officials have suspended a middle school teacher in Pennsylvania while authorities investigate if the teacher told his class that he wished he could shoot a person to have quiet in his class.

Harrisburg School District chief operating officer Chris Celmer posted a letter to parents and staff on Thursday saying the district is extremely concerned by what appears to be highly inappropriate and inexcusable judgment on the part of the seventh grade teacher at Camp Curtin Academy on Wednesday.

In a recording posted online, a person identified as the teacher is heard saying he used to tell his students he wished he could shoot one person and that person would be the first who wouldnt stop talking. The person then said hes not allowed to do that.

The teachers name was not released.

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Teacher suspended after shooting comment posted online - Education Week

Global Online Education Market Growth, Size, Share & Trend Analysis By Type (Academic, Corporate, ) Applications (Students, Aldults, ) Region, Competitive Insights, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 2023

The Global Online Education Market report mainly studies the market size, recent trends and development status of the Online Education market, as well as investment opportunities, government policy, market dynamics (drivers, restraints, opportunities), supply chain and competitive landscape. Technological innovation and advancement will further optimize the performance of the product, making it more widely used in downstream applications. Moreover, Porters Five Forces Analysis (potential entrants, suppliers, substitutes, buyers, industry competitors) provides crucial information for knowing the Online Education market.

Get Free PDF Sample Report: https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/aerospace-&-defense/global-online-education-industry-market-research-report/22085#request_sample

Major Players Of Global Online Education Market

Companies:

Liqvid ELearning ServicesNIIT100 PercentileLearnNextIProfTopper LearningDexlerTutorVistaEducompEveronn DigitalKshitijEmbibeExtraMarksHughes Communications IndiaHCL InfosystemsEduKartEdurite

This report covers the Types as well as Application data for Online Education Market along with the country level information for the period of 2013-2023

Global Online Education Market Segmented By Types and By its Applications:

Type:

AcademicCorporate

Application:

StudentsAldults

Any question or unique requirement? ask to our industry professional @ : https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/aerospace-&-defense/global-online-education-industry-market-research-report/22085#inquiry-before-buying

Global Online Education Market Scope and Features

Global Online Education Market Introduction and Overview Includes Online Education market Definition, Market Scope and Market Size Estimation and region-wise Online Education Value and Growth Rate history from 2013-2023, Online Education market dynamics:Drivers, Limitations, challenges that are faced, emerging countries of Online Education, Industry News and Policies by Regions.

Industry Chain Analysis To describe upstream raw material suppliers and cost structure of Online Education, major players of Online Education with company profile, Online Education manufacturing base and market share, manufacturing cost structure analysis, Market Channel Analysis and major downstream buyers of Online Education.

Global Online Education Market Analysis by Product Type and Application It gives Online Education market share, value, status, production, Online Education Value and Growth Rate analysis by type from 2013 to 2018. Although downstream market overview, Online Education consumption,Market Share, growth rate, by an application (2013-2018).

Regional Analysis This segment of report covers the analysis of Online Education production, consumption,import, export, Online Education market value, revenue, market share and growth rate, market status and SWOT analysis, Online Education price and gross margin analysis by regions.

Competitive Landscape, Trends And Opportunities: It includes the provides competitive situation and market concentration status of major players of Online Education with basic information i.e company profile, Product Introduction, Market share, Value, Price, Gross Margin 2013-2019

Online Education Market Analysis and Forecast by Region Includes Market Value and Consumption Forecast (2013-2023) of Online Education market Of the following region and sub-regions including the North America, Europe(Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Poland), China, Japan,Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam) Middle East and Africa(Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria), India, South America(Brazil, Mexico, Colombia)

Browse full report: @ https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/aerospace-&-defense/global-online-education-industry-market-research-report/22085#table_of_contents

Table Of Content

1 Online Education Introduction and Market Overview

2 Industry Chain Analysis

3 Global Online Education Value (US$ Mn) and Market Share, Production , Value (US$ Mn) , Growth Rate and Average Price (US$/Ton) analysis by Type (2013-2019)

4 Online Education Consumption, Market Share and Growth Rate (%) by Application (2013-2019) by Application

5 Global Online Education Production, Value (US$ Mn) by Region (2013-2019)

6 Global Online Education Production (K Units), Consumption (K Units), Export (%), Import (%) by Regions (2013-2019) 7 Global Online Education Market Status by Regions

8 Competitive Landscape Analysis

9 Global Online Education Market Analysis and Forecast by Type and Application

10 Online Education Market Analysis and Forecast by Region

11 New Project Feasibility Analysis

12 Research Finding and Conclusion

13 Appendix

13.1 Methodology, Research Data Source

Read more:
Global Online Education Market 2019 Growth and Share Analysis By Top players, Application, and Types and Regional Forecast 2023 - 99Newsindustry

CALHOUN COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) When is the last time you used your library card?

With the rise of digital media and e-books, some people have turned away from what was once the only place to find a wide variety of information.

Traditionally, libraries are known to be a good place to open a book and read.

While thats still true today, libraries are beginning to focus more on the people reading the books.

In todays world, public libraries are getting a second look as a valuable resource.

They are thriving. I know a lot of people think theyre not but there are those people that think the library is only about books, hardback books but its not like that anymore. Weve had to conform and we had to roll with the times, said branch manager Janice Vaughn.

On average, Jesse Yancy Memorial Library in Calhoun County has 40 visitors a day.

Vaughn said libraries are evolving into institutions that focus more on the quality of information, not only for longtime users, but also for their youngest patrons.

Several of our elementary classes come at the beginning of each school year. Kindergartens do a walkthrough just to make them familiar that the library is here for them. Fourth graders actually get their first library card and get to check out a book so thats neat we get to do that for them, said Vaughn.

Although libraries may be looked at as a powerhouse for all things books, they are now offering young adults real-world programs in college and career readiness and technology.

A lot of people come here to fill out job applications, everything is just about online now so they have to come, especially people who dont have computers at home or who dont know about a computer. They come here and help them access the applications and stuff. If they take online classes online, they can come here and we are able to proctor their test that they take, said Vaughn.

Vaughn said she and her staff are always here for their communitys needs.

We offer a lot of things besides just books, said Vaughn.

For more information on what services your local library has available, make the trip and check them out.

View original post here:
Public libraries are bringing in resources to fit community needs - WCBI

Tremain Jackson, Special to the Reporter-News Published 5:00 p.m. CT Nov. 17, 2019

In case you dont know, you can keep up with your Abilene Public Library on social media.

The library maintains a presenceon several of the most popular sites and can be accessed by visiting abilenetx.gov/apl. Look for the social media icons located at the bottom of the screen.

We first dived into social media in 2006 and weve gotten better with age. You can connect with your library on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Tumblr, PodBeanand Instagram. If you have an active account on any of the sites were on, I invite you to connect with us and check out all we have to offer.

Facebook is by far the most popular site with over 1 billion users. We joined Facebook in 2009, and you can find us at facebook.com/AbilenePublicLibrary. Over 5,300 people actively follow our page. Use Facebook to connect with us and ask questions, view photos of our events, see videos, get inspired by daily facts and triviaand much more.

For those who like quick blasts of information, Twitter may be for you. Like with Facebook, we began tweeting in 2009. You can find us at twitter.com/AbileneLibrary and here youll get information about upcoming programs, see select photos of what were doing, learn about services and more. Best yet, you get all of that in 240-characters or less.

YouTube is another amazing social media site allowing people to upload videos for the world to see. Your Abilene Public Library has an extremely popular page where we provide a host of videos that have been viewed over 1.4 million times. Staff provides a ton of content to watch including some great craft shows as well as videos from many of the workshops and programs hosted at the library. If you want to check us out on YouTube, find us at youtube.com/APLibrary.

Pinterest is popular for pinning ideas to a bulletin board for others to search through and use. In no time, it has become a popular place for people to browse. Your library has multiple boards providing access to reading lists, craft ideas, book reviews, bestsellers, summer reading club ideasand more. More than 1,700 people are following us there, so join them and us at pinterest.com/APLibrary.

For those who enjoy listening to podcasts, we also host a weekly show from the library to talk about our programming, new releases to be on the lookout for at your library, issues relating to technology that impact us alland news stories about libraries, both local and national. These free, audio broadcasts are updated every Tuesday and you can give us a listen on the PodBean site at aplibrary.podbean.com, or find us by visiting your podcasting apps on your mobile devices and looking for the Abilene Public Librarys Squirrels and Shiny Things show. Dont you love that title?

Instagram, a site that lets you snap photos, add fun filtersand upload them for others to look at, is another option. We can be found online at instagram.com/AbilenePublicLibrary or through the popular application for mobile devices. With more than3,700followers, its a fun way to see a different side of your library.

The final place you can find us online is at Tumblr, which works very similar to Instagram. You can follow us there by downloading the Tumblr application on your mobile devices and searching for "Abilene Public Library."

Dont pass up the chance to check out what we have to offer you online through social mediaand feel free to follow us so youre alerted toupdates.

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Join the Abilene Public Library's online social soiree - Abilene Reporter-News