Globalization and Education

April 12th, 2011 by admin No comments »

In this paper I am going to look at the effect globalization has on education whether it is positive or negative. The paper will look at how globalization has given educators the ability to expand their teaching and the learning experience. One of the sources is a follow-up on a conference at Harvard held by many faculty experts in various fields. The article should provide some good insight as to whether or not globalization has proven to be beneficial toward educators and the education they are providing. Globalization is a process in which economies, cultures, and societies have combined through a global network of trade and communication. While the term is more often used in economic settings, globalization has aided in the advancement of society as a whole. Globalization is not a new idea, and when used in its economic connotation, it refers to the removal of trade barriers amongst nations to improve and increase the flow of goods across the world. But in this article, we are going to look at the implications of globalization on education and the educators themselves.

The way globalization has influenced trade barriers and communications among countries has in turn habituated the way educators educate. Corporations have targeted schools and colleges and have turned to them in order to help with expansion. Courses and programs were restructured in order to increase the marketing for programs such as MBAs and distance learning courses. A distance learning course is an online based course that has helped people who may already be working or those who need to stay at home achieve a degree. As a result the cost for students to attend universities has gone up as well, leading to a change in the way loans and grants are distributed and in what quantity. The perception people have on the current economy is playing a major impact in globalization effect on education. Regardless of the higher costs, students are still finding it necessary to stay in school and get as much accreditation as they can before entering the job market. It’s projected that in the next few years enrollment numbers will continue to rise significantly due to the belief that not having a degree in today’s economy is detrimental to success. » Read more: Globalization and Education

Physical Education in Schools

April 1st, 2011 by admin No comments »

Physical education in schools is becoming a popular discussion topic. Are children getting enough gym class time? Is the amount of physical activity directly correlated with their test scores? More and more studies are indicating that a good physical education is vital in growing healthier, smarter and more creative young people.

For years, gym class has been seen as a necessity in schools. Children have a need to be active and they thrive when instructors let them play organized sports and games. Scientists are beginning to understand why exactly this physical activity makes them thrive.

Aside from the obvious need to let children have a physical outlet for energy, some scientists see a correlation between physical education and mental health. Children that are more active are showing signs of higher amounts of serotonin. This compound acts as a neurotransmitter and has shown connections to an increased sense of health, happiness and well-being. Greater amounts of serotonin in the bloodstream can quite simply mean happier children.

Children who exercise also show an increased understanding of their bodies and how they work. This education can lead to children having greater self-awareness and a healthier self-image. Most children will be able to see the connection between exercise and change in muscle, fat or otherwise. They will be willing to establish a healthy relationship with exercise as a lifestyle choice and a good way to keep their bodies in the best shape. » Read more: Physical Education in Schools