Always Learn!

Copyright (c) 2008 SharpBrains

To learn important lessons for all parents and educators, we interview today Eric Jensen, a former middle school teacher and former adjunct professor for several universities including the University of California, San Diego. Mr. Jensen co-founded the Learning Brain Expo, a conference for educators, and has written 21 books on the brain and learning. His most recent book, Enriching the Brain: How to Maximize Every Learner’s Potential (Jossey-Bass, 2006), is highly recommended for educators and parents alike.

Alvaro Fernandez (AF): Eric, thank you for your time. Can you explain the role that you and your organization play?

Eric Jensen (EJ): We act as translators between the neuroscience and education fields, helping to build a Brain-Based Education movement. We launched the first conference that attempted to bridge these two worlds in 1998. The goal of the conference, called Learning Expo, was for teachers to speak to scientists, and, equally important, for scientists to speak to educators.

Critics say that neuroscience research can add little to educational practices. What we say is that, whereas it is true that much needs to be clarified, there are already clear implications from brain research that educators should be aware of. For example, four important elements that are often neglected by educators, given the obsessive focus on academic scores, are nutrition, physical exercise, stress management, and overall mental enrichment.

AF: Since 1998? How would you characterize the progress so far?

EJ: The good news is that today many educators, more than ever, are learning about how the brain works. There is a growing number of academic programs such as Harvard’s masters program in Mind, Brain, and Education, and peer-reviewed journals such as the Mind, Brain and Education Journal.

Still, there are clear areas for improvement. Too many staff developers are weak on the science. I see too many books saying “brain” in the title that are not grounded in any brain research. Something I always recommend when shopping for books is to check the References section, making sure the book references specific studies in credible journals from 2000 on.

AF: Now, those are mostly awareness-related initiatives. What, if any, are the implications in daily teaching and learning in schools?

EJ: You are right, this is still an emerging field. A number of private, independent, forward-thinking public schools and charter schools are implementing specific initiatives, mostly around brain-based teaching strategies, nutrition and exercise. But these are tougher for some public schools, which have limited resources and flexibility. to implement. We also see an growing number of enlightened parents learning about the principles we discuss and applying them at home.

AF: Have you seen any impact at the policy level? specifically, what do you think about the current debate about the merits or demerits of No Child Left Behind?

EJ: I agree with the move towards accountability. Now, the question is, accountability for what? for creating narrow, specific test scores? or for helping nourish better human beings. I have seen very little policy activity in the US; some in Asian countries such as Singapore and China, that are evaluating how to refine the curriculum for 5-10 year olds. In the US, there was a major push for music enrichment programs, that was somehow misguided, in the late 90s. The problem is that, whereas it is clear that enrichment has an impact, it is tough to measure specifically what type of enrichment, since much of the benefit develops over time. The short term “stock-market” mentality that measures student growth over a few weeks or months has to be tempered by long-term measures, too.

For example, it seems clear that there are important skills that can be trained, that make for a better and more successful human being – such as the ability to defer gratification, sequencing, emotional intelligence, improved working memory, vocabulary, and processing skills. However, the type of assessments used today to measure schools’ performance don’t focus on these. We would need broader assessments to allow educators to focus on those important long-term skills, beyond the immediate pressures.

A specific area going from bad to worse is the level of stress in the system, and the lack of resources and knowledge to regulate it.

AF: You mention processing skills, as well as other cognitive skills. In your recent column you highlight Scientific Learning’s computer program that can train auditory processing. What’s your view on the role of computer-based programs?

EJ: It is encouraging to see programs based on extensive research, such as Scientific Learning’s. I appreciate the value of such programs to tailor individualized interventions to the needs of specific kids. So I believe these programs present a huge potential.

Now, we must not confuse what is just one narrow tool with a whole enrichment program. Brain-based education also must take into account other important factors such as nutrition, physical exercise, the arts, stress management, social interactions…

Paralegal career is a challenging and rewarding career that is in the rapid growth trend in the job market. Paralegals provide administrative support to legal professions and they play an important role in assisting the attorneys in the delivery of legal services. There are many paralegal education programs available in various colleges and universities that will prepare students with diverse backgrounds to enter the paralegal profession.

The core course of any paralegal education program will train the students on ethics and professional responsibility, the organization structure of a legal workplace, the politics and office culture of this career field in order to prepare the students for the challenges of today’s paralegal careers. Beside that, the students will also learn the legal procedures and advanced skills training involving criminal law, civil litigation, conducting interviews and investigations using the emerging computer and internet technology to assist in legal research, analysis and writing so that the students will build a solid foundation to become a professional paralegal after graduation.

The most common types of paralegal education programs are:

Associate Degree Programs

The associate degrees in paralegal are normally offered in two-year program by community colleges or four-year program in some of colleges and universities. The main curriculum of these associate degrees usually consists of the combination of paralegal courses and general education in the related areas. If you are thinking of continue your education to earn a baccalaureate or postgraduate degree; then you should only consider the associate degree programs that allow transferable of credits.

Bachelor Degree Programs

Paralegal education program is also offered in four-year colleges and universities with the title of baccalaureate degree for students who completed the program. These bachelor’s degree programs are usually about 120 to 130 semester units and cover courses in paralegal and related areas. The bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies will prepare the students in a variety of critical duties such as investigation the facts of cases, identifying appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles and materials so that they will be able support law firms and other legal organizations in ensuring all relevant information is considered an any assigned case.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are usually designed for students who already hold an associate or bachelor degree in various majors and interest to enter or advance their paralegal career. Normally a certificate program will take about 18 to 60 semester units to cover courses that include both paralegal specific and general education in the related areas.

Master’s Degree Programs

Some master’s degree programs are designed to provide top-notch paralegal training, while other are designed to provide legal education to people who work in other professions and feel that a credential in paralegal will help to advance their careers. The paralegal’s master degree programs are offered in four-year colleges and graduate schools and normally conferred as master of art or science degree in law, legal studies or legal administration. By earning a master’s degree in paralegal studies, you will set yourself apart from many other paralegals who are seeking for employment or advancement.

Summary

Paralegal education programs are essential to prepare the students on ethics and professional responsibility for the challenges of today’s paralegal careers.

History

On June 30, 1929, the Cabinet ratified that the government print and edit the primary textbooks exclusively. The responsibility was transferred to the office of Examinations and Programs.

.The activity began in 1967 at the General Office of Studies and Programs under the supervision and management of five foreign advisors.

.The Organization for Research and Educational Innovation was established under the law passed by the Consultative Assembly and the Senate on July 8, 1976.

.In 1977, the Organization for Text-books and the Organization for Research and Educational Innovation joined to form a new organization.

. On March 3, 1979, under the ratification of the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution, the new organization was named the Organization for Educational Research and Planning (OERP).

Objectives

.To research and survey on the quality issues of the education

.To develop educational programs

.To write and edit text-books

.To support Schools and educational institutes in using new tools and methods

All of these objectives support the major aim of increasing the quality of the educational system

OERP Responsibilities:

1. To research on the content of the educational

2. To study and develop simple methods for examinations and educational assessments

3. To write, edit and print text-books.

4. To identify and provide educational tools and the list of standards for educational tools and equipments

5. To run pure research on improving the quality and quantity of education

6. To perform other responsibilities issued by

the OERO Council

OERP Vision:

OERP is a scientific, learning and growing organization with qualitative and knowledge- based curricula consistent with the scientific and research findings, technological, national identity, Islamic and cultural values that through constructive interaction with similar organizations at national, regional and global levels tries to prepare the situation for the education of the knowledgeable, strong and religious students who are ready for active participation as dignified citizens

E-learning and online education system is taking a lead over traditional mode of education in the recent times. A probability is also being drawn that this might become the most dominant system of imparting education. The growth rate of the E-learning process has brought forward the view among the curriculum directors of the online education that by the year 2010 nearly one-fifth among the student category will shift to this system of learning and education across the globe.
The online education is not just limited to the school level of primary education. It is gradually taking the shape of a colleges and universities. Why is E-learning gaining such great popularity? Can it become the part and parcel of our daily living? Actually the way technology is developing drastically the day is not far when everything can be done in terms of a technological system. What’s wrong if education also picks up the same device for its advancement and betterment!
Scopes for better learning
Keeping with the time trend when everyone is in the race to achieve more you need the fastest possible way in everything. Education and learning process are no exceptional. The concept thrives upon making everything global and to a great extent equal for everyone who can basically avail the facility.
E-learning knows no geographical barrier. Flexibility of temporal order is inherent to the system. Online education provides the students with the broader choice of subjects and the learning process can be exercised as per the wish of the student. Here a note must be given that online education is best for those who have reached the secondary level of education. At this stage a direct guidance from a live teacher in front is not that required. A virtual format is much better where the student can act and react, as he or she would like to.
Though online education is in fact a form of distance education but the distance can never be felt because you don’t have to waste any time and energy. On the above you can avail the education within your budget. Self-supportive and self-directed may be the keywords that form the basis of online education. But without interaction even in this system nothing takes place. The Interactive Learning Guide is always there for your support to help you in every step wherever you require. With so much flexibility in the approach why won’t more and more students prefer to opt for this system of education? Isn’t this quite natural?

Check to ensure the college is accredited by a legitimate accrediting agency. Accreditation means the college and its programs meet certain set educational quality and standards. This also means courses and credits acquired can be easily transferred to another accredited institution, whether online or brick and mortar college. You will stand a better chance of securing employment or promotion at work if you have an accredited degree.

Be aware of degree mills – there are many questionable accrediting agencies out on the internet that are outright fraud and are willing to give fake “accreditation” to any institution willing to pay a certain fee. Some of the degree mills are even owned by these same fake accrediting agencies. Make sure you do your homework and thoroughly investigate the accreditation that the college of your choice claims to have. While many online colleges are legitimately accredited, be aware that there are many that are not. Check out your prospective college to see if the accrediting body is approved by the United States Department of Education or CHEA.

Does the college and degree program you wish to pursue fit with your long-term goals and career? if you are thinking let’s say, enrolling in an online associate degree program and later hope to earn a bachelors degree (online or campus), find out how likely it is that your associate degree coursework will transfer by looking for a list of colleges which have accept transfer credits.

Just like in a traditional classroom, class size is important. You want to be in a class where your voice can be heard. So check the class size of the college you’re considering.

It good to know more about the instructors of the programs you are interested in. Are they qualified to teach that class? Do they have experience in their field or specialization? Have they taught online classes before? How long have they been teaching? Get the answers to these questions. It is more reassuring if more instructors hold degrees from the college that you’re planning to enroll.

Are the administrators, technical staff and faculty responsive if you need help or have questions with your courses? Since every college offers a different form and level of support, make sure you find one that is aligned with your needs and expectations. This will alleviate frustration when you need help during your classes.

Since most colleges begin their online distance education programs anytime and all the time, don’t feel pressured to begin your program right away if you’re not psychologically ready. Online education calls for motivation, thus you should only begin when you feel emotionally set and ready to put the effort to get through with your learning.

Be sure you understand whether a certificate or degree can be completed entirely online or whether on site projects, class meetings, or residency periods will be required.

Most online colleges offer financial aid and tuition assistance. You’ll be pleased to discover how much financial help you have available inform of loans, scholarships, financial aid and other federal loans. Some institutions even have tuition payment plans and employer-reimbursement programs. Find out if your college of interest offers such programs.

Take your time to research your best degree option and college out there. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Unlike there before when online programs were limited, now there are enormous options and colleges to choose from as most traditional colleges are already offering some programs online.