My Desire to Teach Literature :: Teaching Education Essays

My Desire to Teach Literature A couple of months ago, out of curiosity, I engaged in a test offered by the MENSA association. Along with the I.Q. figure, I received there was also some two word description attempting to label my intellectual prowess. As I recall one of the words was â€Å"intuitive†, or some variation thereof. People with a propensity to intuitiveness generally have some sense of this. Call it intuition. As a learner I would have to say that I fall into the visual category. For an instructor to describe a mathematical formula, for example, it just does not have the impact as to actually see the process worked out on a blackboard. The same applies to a tangible object. I am able to fully grasp its applications if it was placed before me, as opposed to being merely explained. I do intend to teach in the visual style when, at last, that role is mine. Ultimately my goal is to teach college level literature. Off hand I can think of a few instances where visual tools might be employed in this arena. Suppose I was to assign a class to read Joseph Heller’s â€Å"Catch 22†. Clips from Mike Nichols’ film version would give the class a firmer grasp on the insanity of war. Gustave Dore’s sullen and intense companion paintings to Samuel Taylor Coolidge’s â€Å"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner† would assist in bringing students closer to the mood and drama the poem evokes. And why stop with artistic mediums. Nature herself is the ultimate instructor. After a reading of Emily Bronte’s â€Å"Wuthering Heights† I can see myself marching a class out into a rainfall (weather permitting) and proclaiming â€Å"O.K., guys. You feel those cold drops pounding you? Feel the general wildness of it all? That, my fr iends, is unbridled passion. That is Cathy and Heathcliff in a nutshell.† Regarding the application of learning styles and learning style assessments, quite honestly, I don’t know enough about it yet to make a judgment call. This is new to me and I am still learning. From what I understand of some of these issues, such as integrated learning, this is a practice that should be administered to students at a lower grade level.

Organisational Culture Change in British Airways

It is also one of the world's longest established airlines†¦ British Airways disposes of a well-established International reputation, it is therefore pertinent to analyses the company's process to cultural changes. Similarly to other airlines companies. It has suffered from the contemporary economical recession and had to face the crisis. In order to respond to the latter, the company used organizational culture change. Furthermore, it is important to look at the concept of organizational culture in order to acquire a better understanding of the situation.According to Jacques (1952) â€Å"The culture of the factory is its customary and traditional way of hinging and doing things, which is shared to a greater or lesser degree by all Its members, and which new members must learn, and at least partially accept, In order to be accepted Into service In the firm. Culture In this sense covers a wide range of behavior†¦ † In other words, the concept of cultural organization possesses a strong historical background.Jacques (1952) compares it to an educational process, which indoctrinates all the members of a company. Standardizing these third parties' behavior and way of thinking. Terms of reference To analyses the type of culture existing within British Airways * To examine the reputation of culture within British Airways * To determine if there is or not a necessity for cultural change within British Airways * To assist British Airways in their transitions from one culture to another if a culture change is required.Literature survey I en alma AT tans research report Is to analyses Brattles Airways' process AT cultural perpetuation and to determine British Airways needs to change its culture. Several theories have been developed in order to explain the cultural procedure. The perpetuation of the culture According to Andrew Brown (1998, p. 55) there a 3 phases to the transition of the culture in an organization: Predilection: This phase takes place befo re the company hires the being. The party effectuates research about the company.Following the researches they choose (or not) to apply to become part of the organization. * Solicitation: During this stage, new recruits learn more about the culture of the organization, the beliefs, the norms, the values, * Solicitation is a vague procedure that leads to incorporation or a rejection of the recruit. * Incorporation/re]section: This phase is conclusive; the recruit is either inserted or excluded from the enterprise. Due to its 90 years of history, British airways dispose of a complex solicitation reoccurred that elaborates the adaptation of the new recruits.The occurrence of culture change Greet Hefted and Cert. Jan Hefted (2005, p. 312) stated that before concluding if there is or not an obligation for culture change, it is important to take into consideration the advantages and disadvantages of the present culture, to define if the present culture can be long-lasting; If the leaders want to establish a new culture and if it is possible to install a new culture in the organization. It is also essential to estimate reliably the costs that a new culture would generate as well as the benefits it will provide to the company, etc.These questions must inevitably be answered to intend to change the culture. According to Scheme (2003, p. 294) the mechanism of change depends on the stage of the organization's development. There are 2 central procedures of development: * General Evolution: general evolution implies a development of the entire company in general. * Specific Evolution: Specific evolution concerns the development of defined sectors of the company. Success in organizational culture transition Brown (1998, p. 46) explains that a culture transition is considered successful if it solves the dilemmas generated by the crisis the organization is facing. In the other case, if the new culture does not engender honorable results, it will lead to a rejection of the rec ent culture. Culture and leadership Scheme (2003, p. 291) stated that in organizations, leaders create culture. Scheme also mare Tanat ten culture proceeds Trot tenure sources: D Ana values AT the creator of the company II. The experience of the employees Ill. The new beliefs and values of the new employees and leaders On the word of Capon (2000, p. 24) the culture of an organization is the result of a blend of several external cultures brought by each employee, which makes every organizational culture unique. Scheme and Capon consider that the organizational culture is internal and external . According to Needle (1988, p. 77) the leader's role in the cultural transition is indispensable. The leader guides the firm and the employees through the crisis, the changing processes, etc. Hefted & Jan Hefted (2005, p. 311) developed Professor Bernhard white's theory.The professor stated that successful organizational culture transition is the result of a coalition between the Monochromatic (the leader) and the facilitator (the expert). Culture change at British Airways British airways previous culture transition (in 1987) was based on Linen's Unfreezing, change, and refreezing† theory as Brown (1998 p. 140) explains: Unfreezing: The unfreezing process is the stage during which the company realizes that there is a need for change. It is a stage of preparation. * Change: stage during which the changes occur.This stage is uncertain, the company is not aware of the consequences these changes can generate in the future. * Refreezing: Stage of stabilization, the organization focuses on maintaining stability. The changes become part of the culture. Methodology This report is based on several sources of information: Notably, British Airways official website: www. Brainwashes. Co. UK. The website is formal, and contains accurate information. Although, its content cannot be considered as objective due to the fact that it has been created by the company.Thus, intends that the information displayed are the ones British Airways chose to diffuse. The B. A annual report also disposes of information but there is still a possible subjectivity on the reports' data. Southampton Solvent Library database contains many articles and studies on BAA . Multiple newspapers such as The Guardian and The Daily Mail dispose of numerous articles on the topic. Culture Change: The information about culture change were found in the multiple books named in the Reference section.Results Linen's â€Å"Unfreezing- Change- Refreezing† Theory: Kurt Lenin considered that organizational change occurs through 3 phases: 1 1 en entrepreneur: Awareness appears,ten leaders take conscience AT ten excellent problem. There are two categories of unfreezing rites: The rites of questioning and destruction 0 which requires to present evidences that employees or system do not function appropriately. This rites sometimes demands the intervention of external consultant due to the fact that their opinion about the individuals or the company will be more objective.The rites of rationalization and legitimating 0 the individuals concerned by the changes must explain why they are essential to the company. Training and education programs are vital to the Unfreezing process. 2. The change: Is the stage where change appears. There are two types in this phase: The rites of degradation and conflict 0 during these rites, the staff unable or unwilling to recognize and approve the need for change will be replaced by more cooperative personnel. The rites of passage and enhancement 0 these rites are employed to confront the opposition to change.Several methods such as promotions, training programs and new Job titles are applied. The innovations become more understandable to the employees, during this period of transition. 3. The refreezing: Is the final stage of Linen's theory. The employees attempt to dissolve instability, they are now accustomed to the changes, there is no requir ement for external consultancies, The refreezing phase contains only one type of rites, The rites of integration and conflict reduction these rites create conformity in the organization, minimize the misunderstandings between the personnel and the departments.Also these rites stabilize the changing process. To illustrate Linen's theory, an analysis of British Airways previous cultural change is going to be examined. Linen's theory applied within British Airways, Brown (1998, p. 144) In the 1980, under the Thatcher's government, British Airways metamorphosed from a governmental possession too private ownership. According to various external opinions, this conversion required a cultural change. The cultural change materialized through Linen's â€Å"Unfreezing-change-Refreezing† theory.Unfreezing awhile the unfreezing process, three major stages were defined. First of all, the decrease of the number of response, 22 000 employees were dismissed. Second of all, new leaders were se lected, Loran Klan as cameraman Ana Colon Marshall as c o Humanly, ten training program â€Å"Putting people first† was specially created for the personnel in direct contact with the costumers to ameliorate the quality of their service. Change DOT assist this phase, many training programs as â€Å"Managing People First† and â€Å"Leading The Service business† were utilized in British Airways† special training centre.Personal feedbacks were available to each employee, in order to improve their performances. Defective systems were withdrawn. Refreezing 0 This stage consists in fixing the changes. The changes are part of the culture, new uniforms are utilized, airplanes are ameliorated. To conclude, this transition was successful but it has not been effortless. During the early stage, several employees were not convinced by the changes. Professor Bernhard White's theory This theory states that the leader and the expert have the capacity to make a transition s uccessful if they cooperate.Discussion The results show that British Airways have a constant need to modify the culture due to the fact that the organization is continually confronting a crisis or a major tutorial change. In effect, British Airways was first a government property, in 1987, the government decided to privative British Airways. The company was then obliged to change its culture in order to facilitate the ownership transition. External advisers were required, new leaders were designated; personnel programs to train employees were created, the workforce was decreased to minimize the expenses of the company.Economical crisis: The economic recession originated in the United States of America has also reached Europe and has weakened several European countries and companies. British Airways was certainly no exception. British Airways as well as many other British enterprises have been severely affected by the financial crisis. The company lost an important amount capital and had to dismiss several employees. Willie Walsh, British Airways' chief executive, stated: â€Å"The airline industry is enduring the toughest times in its history and we expect more pain before things improve.We are taking the right short-term action to survive the downturn. We will not let this crisis compromise our long-term goal-to create a world-leading global premium airline with a reputation for being the very best at meeting its customers' needs. † (British Airways 2008/2009 annual report and accounts)† The company is aware of the difficulty they are confronted to. British Airways exposes volition to overcome these difficulties. The company demonstrates an optimistic blew. Brattles Already NAS developed awareness towards the hardship the financial crisis has generated.By admitting their issues, British Airways has crossed the first step of the Linen's theory. From that moment the company will have to make an important decision that will have a significant influe nce on its future and on its employees. The enterprise will have to decide whether or not there is a need to alter its organizational culture. Environmental crisis: British airways as well as many other airlines companies had to face the environmental crisis due to the consciousness raising about the climate change.In effect, human beings are aware that they are maltreating the planet, they have expressed they volition to minimize gas emissions. Knowing that the airline industry is by far the most pollutant, numerous of clients and potential clients minimized their travels by plane. To face this type of crisis, British airways will have to invest funds in the research of new technologies in order to later replace fuel by environmental friendly combustible. In April 2010, British airways as well as every other airline company had to face a major environmental issue.

Survival Skills

Emergency Planning Immediately after an emergency, essential services may be cut-off and local disaster relief and government responders may not be able to reach you right away. Even if they could reach you, knowing what to do to protect yourself and your household is essential. Creating a disaster plan One of the most important steps you can take in preparing for emergencies is to develop a household disaster plan. 1. Learn about the natural disasters that could occur in your community from your local emergency management office.Learn whether hazardous materials are produced, stored or transported near your area. Learn about possible consequences of deliberate acts of terror. Ask how to prepare for each potential emergency and how to respond. 2. Talk with employers and school officials about their emergency response plans. 3. Talk with your household about potential emergencies and how to respond to each. Talk about what you would need to do in an evacuation. 4. Post emergency telep hone numbers by telephones. Teach children how and when to call 100.Emergency planning for people with special needs If you have a disability or special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your household in an emergency. If you know of friends or neighbors with special needs, help them with these extra precautions. Examples include:Hearing impaired, Mobility impaired, Non-English speaking people. 1. Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure they know how to operate necessary equipment. 2.If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you evacuate the building. 3. Those who are not disabled should learn who in their neighborhood or building is disabled so that they may assist them during emergencies. Disaster Supply Kits You may need to survive on your own for three days or more. This means havi ng your own water, food and emergency supplies. Try using backpacks or duffel bags to keep the supplies together. A disaster supply kit with essential ood, water, and supplies for at least three days-this kit should be kept in a designated place and be ready to â€Å"grab and go† in case you have to leave your home quickly because of a disaster. You should also have a disaster supply kit at work. This should be in one container, ready to â€Å"grab and go† in case you have to evacuate the building. Water: the absolute necessity Stocking water reserves should be a top priority. Drinking water in emergency situations should not be rationed. Store water in thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass or enamel lined metal containers. Food: preparing an emergency supply.Food items that you might consider including in your disaster supply kit include: ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned or boxed juices, milk, and soup; high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, lo w-sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; vitamins; foods for infants or persons on special diets; cookies, hard candy; instant coffee, cereals, and powdered milk. You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days.Basic services, such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones, may be cut off for days, even a week or longer. Or you may have to evacuate at a moment's notice and take essentials with you. You probably won't have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you'll need. Your household will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. First aid supplies Assemble a first aid kit for your home and for each vehicle: It may be difficult to obtain prescription medications during a disaster because stores may be closed or supplies may be limited.Ask your physician or pha rmacist about storing prescription medications. Be sure they are stored to meet instructions on the label and be mindful of expirations dates -be sure to keep your stored medication up to date. Clothes and bedding One complete change of clothing and footwear for each household member. Shoes should be sturdy work shoes or boots. It is important for you to be ready, wherever you may be when disaster strikes. With the checklists above you can now put together an appropriate disaster supply kits for your household:A disaster supply kit kept in the home with supplies for at least three days; Although it is unlikely that food supplies would be cut off for as long as two weeks, consider storing additional water, food, clothing and bedding other supplies to expand your supply kit to last up to two weeks. A work place disaster supply kit. It is important to store a personal supply of water and food at work; you will not be able to rely on water fountains or coolers. Women who wear high-heels should be sure to have comfortable flat shoes at their workplace in case an evacuation require walking long distances. A car disaster supply kit.Keep a smaller disaster supply kit in the trunk of you car. If you become stranded or are not able to return home, having these items will help you be more comfortable until help arrives. Add items for sever winter weather during months when heave snow or icy roads are possible-salt, sand, shovels, and extra winter clothing, including hats and gloves. ————————————————- Navigation ————————————————- Survival situations are sometimes resolved by finding one's way to safety, or one may need to move to find a more suitable location to wait for rescue.The sources observe that to do either of these safely requires some navigat ion equipment and skills. Types of navigation include: ————————————————- Celestial navigation, using the sun and the night sky to locate the cardinal directions and to maintain course of travel ————————————————- Using a  map and compass  together, particularly a  topographic map  or  trail map. ————————————————- â€Å"Navigation by observation† of terrain features on a map or otherwise known ————————————————- Using a  GPS  receiver, if one is available. Survival Skills Emergency Planning Immediately after an emergency, essential services may be cut-off and local disaster relief and government responders may not be able to reach you right away. Even if they could reach you, knowing what to do to protect yourself and your household is essential. Creating a disaster plan One of the most important steps you can take in preparing for emergencies is to develop a household disaster plan. 1. Learn about the natural disasters that could occur in your community from your local emergency management office.Learn whether hazardous materials are produced, stored or transported near your area. Learn about possible consequences of deliberate acts of terror. Ask how to prepare for each potential emergency and how to respond. 2. Talk with employers and school officials about their emergency response plans. 3. Talk with your household about potential emergencies and how to respond to each. Talk about what you would need to do in an evacuation. 4. Post emergency telep hone numbers by telephones. Teach children how and when to call 100.Emergency planning for people with special needs If you have a disability or special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your household in an emergency. If you know of friends or neighbors with special needs, help them with these extra precautions. Examples include:Hearing impaired, Mobility impaired, Non-English speaking people. 1. Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure they know how to operate necessary equipment. 2.If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you evacuate the building. 3. Those who are not disabled should learn who in their neighborhood or building is disabled so that they may assist them during emergencies. Disaster Supply Kits You may need to survive on your own for three days or more. This means havi ng your own water, food and emergency supplies. Try using backpacks or duffel bags to keep the supplies together. A disaster supply kit with essential ood, water, and supplies for at least three days-this kit should be kept in a designated place and be ready to â€Å"grab and go† in case you have to leave your home quickly because of a disaster. You should also have a disaster supply kit at work. This should be in one container, ready to â€Å"grab and go† in case you have to evacuate the building. Water: the absolute necessity Stocking water reserves should be a top priority. Drinking water in emergency situations should not be rationed. Store water in thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass or enamel lined metal containers. Food: preparing an emergency supply.Food items that you might consider including in your disaster supply kit include: ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned or boxed juices, milk, and soup; high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, lo w-sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; vitamins; foods for infants or persons on special diets; cookies, hard candy; instant coffee, cereals, and powdered milk. You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days.Basic services, such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones, may be cut off for days, even a week or longer. Or you may have to evacuate at a moment's notice and take essentials with you. You probably won't have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you'll need. Your household will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. First aid supplies Assemble a first aid kit for your home and for each vehicle: It may be difficult to obtain prescription medications during a disaster because stores may be closed or supplies may be limited.Ask your physician or pha rmacist about storing prescription medications. Be sure they are stored to meet instructions on the label and be mindful of expirations dates -be sure to keep your stored medication up to date. Clothes and bedding One complete change of clothing and footwear for each household member. Shoes should be sturdy work shoes or boots. It is important for you to be ready, wherever you may be when disaster strikes. With the checklists above you can now put together an appropriate disaster supply kits for your household:A disaster supply kit kept in the home with supplies for at least three days; Although it is unlikely that food supplies would be cut off for as long as two weeks, consider storing additional water, food, clothing and bedding other supplies to expand your supply kit to last up to two weeks. A work place disaster supply kit. It is important to store a personal supply of water and food at work; you will not be able to rely on water fountains or coolers. Women who wear high-heels should be sure to have comfortable flat shoes at their workplace in case an evacuation require walking long distances. A car disaster supply kit.Keep a smaller disaster supply kit in the trunk of you car. If you become stranded or are not able to return home, having these items will help you be more comfortable until help arrives. Add items for sever winter weather during months when heave snow or icy roads are possible-salt, sand, shovels, and extra winter clothing, including hats and gloves. ————————————————- Navigation ————————————————- Survival situations are sometimes resolved by finding one's way to safety, or one may need to move to find a more suitable location to wait for rescue.The sources observe that to do either of these safely requires some navigat ion equipment and skills. Types of navigation include: ————————————————- Celestial navigation, using the sun and the night sky to locate the cardinal directions and to maintain course of travel ————————————————- Using a  map and compass  together, particularly a  topographic map  or  trail map. ————————————————- â€Å"Navigation by observation† of terrain features on a map or otherwise known ————————————————- Using a  GPS  receiver, if one is available.