Synopsis of the first article
This article by O’Neil (2011) is a guide for teachers to enable them to assist their students in attaining visual literacy skills. The article has placed attention on picture books that make use of both pictures and text to convey information. It shows that the use of pictures is important, especially for children, because it helps in better understanding and interpretation of the conveyed message. The different parameters of picture books have been discussed in this text to help the reader gain insight into picture book information. According to Wolf (2003) cited in O’Neil (2003), the tone, meaning, and interpretation of a picture is attributed to the culturally constructed meanings of color, composition, and stylistic approach. Different interpretations can be derived from a single picture text based on different cultures. For example, Western culture places certain meanings with different colors: red signifies heat, excitement, and danger, while blue is used to indicate calmness, coolness, and iciness. Picture and text interaction is deemed important in picture books, and the following models are used: reinforcing, describing, establishing, and reciprocal. The colors can depict various things like the mood, tone, and atmosphere of a place.
This article also shows that composition is important in interpreting picture books. The positioning, personality, and behavior of the different characters displayed in any picture help in building the plot and roles played by the different characters. The nuances of any picture books can be recognized through shared discussions between students and their peers, students, and their teachers as well as students and their parents. Social interaction and observation are proposed as ideal ways of understanding the various elements in picture books and related literature. It is important to engage in a thorough study of visual literature. Children understand better when images and signs are used as noted from Lewis (2001) cited in O’Neil (2011); the world of children is filled with images that are in varied hybrid combinations with text and sounds.
Synopsis of the second article
This article by Halladay & Neumann (2012) shows the need for an interdisciplinary approach towards learning and teaching. This is meant to enhance the students’ learning experiences because certain elements emerge across certain disciplines. For example, comprehension strategies are used while reading and solving mathematical problems. In both areas of learning, students are required to “make predictions, make connections, determine the importance and monitor understanding” (Halladay & Neumann, 2012). Making of predictions is governed by the details of the content as well as prior background personal knowledge. Monitoring strategies are used as a means of solving comprehension problems such as word recognition errors, vocabulary usage errors, and errors while making inferences. The rationale is that it involves examining the text again and critically going through the interpretations made out of reading. Another strategy that has been discussed in reading and mathematics is determining importance. This entails picking the most important parts of a text and separating them from the appealing and extraneous details. Making connections entail relating a text to that which revolves around the reader (s). In all these strategies, the teacher is seen as a bridge to good comprehension. Learning is centered on the students by giving them room to familiarize themselves with their experiences and belief systems. The use of more than one comprehension strategy is deemed more beneficial compared to just using a single strategy. The strategy of flexibility applies in this case. A teacher can pose questions covering various strategies at once. In order to strengthen children’s understanding of literacy, the use of a common language across subject areas is necessary. This way, children will develop their language since a single word can be used in multiple contexts across the subject areas.
Comparison of the two texts
In both articles summarized above, there is a connection between objectives used in the two. In both, an integrative approach is advocated. Whereas the first article aims to use an integrated approach of pictures and text to reinforce and help in the understanding of literature, the latter uses mathematics and reading in illustrating the integrative approach. In both reading and mathematics, strategies used to interpret and solve problems are the same. This helps to reinforce the understanding and comprehension of both disciplines.
Also, in both texts, critical and creative thinking is emphasized. Whereas in the former article, pictures are used in the generation of the plot, students are asked to monitor comprehension by detecting areas of concern and filling gaps. In both articles, making inferences is important to help in understanding the problems in the pieces of literature. Questions are shown in both articles to be a guiding criterion in the interpretation of texts and pictures. In the case of picture books, questions like “what is the position of the character” are used while in the case of comprehensions, questions like “What does this figurative language connote?” are used.
However, there are some contradicting elements in the two articles. Whereas in the former article, students are required to identify certain nuances, students are required to think aloud and make predictions in the latter article. In the former article, trying to understand the different messages being communicated by the style, colors, and composition used is essential. In the latter article, however, the emphasis is on trying to picture what cannot be seen. Interpretation of text is based on knowledge gained from the story and personal knowledge concerning the text at hand. Also, in interpreting the meaning of pictures, there is no need for predictions because a picture will communicate fully by just looking at it. In other words, a whole chapter can be summarized by a single picture. The two articles conflict in the perspective of the essence of personal knowledge in making predictions, whereas this is not the case for visual literacy. Visual literacy uses standardized denotations like red for danger.
In the former article, discussions are deemed important for decoding and for the explicit understanding of pictures, but this has not been proposed to be the case in the later article. Pictures make use of color, shapes, style, and composition to delineate what the author wants, as indicated in the first article, words and vocabulary are used in comprehensions according to the second article. In just the same way existing knowledge is used to understand new knowledge in reading and mathematics, existing meaning attached to usual shapes and color help in obtaining new knowledge from pictures. The difference, however, is that whereas existing knowledge is always taking a new form each time, existing knowledge does not change. This is why, according to the former article, pictures have been recommended for children. Red will always signify danger or joy. Therefore, the meaning will never change. It all depends on the style and composition used.
Comparison of the two texts to Roe/Smith/Burns Text
Roes, Smith & Burns (2011) indicate the various processes in reading and the reading product, all of which have been applied in both articles. Sensory entails the use of the senses, and in the two articles, observation is evident. Visual literacy entails looking at a picture and interpreting it based on one’s perception. Reading entails reading through and interpreting the text based on their perceptions. By Roe et al. (2011), both articles have shown that visual literacy and reading and mathematics employ the sensory, perceptual, thinking, experiential sequential, learning, association, affective, and constructive aspects.
The teacher has been shown in both articles functioning as a mere facilitator. This is by Roe et al. (2011) emergent literacy. In the two articles, the teacher is presented as trying to communicate through the students’ thinking processes, whereas in Roe et al. (2011), the teacher provides opportunities for continued growth in trying to understand literature. The use of multiple forms of literature is deemed important in language development. This is the case in both articles because an integrative approach is sought to reinforce learning. Pictures are used in addition to the usual texts, while mathematics and reading are both used to help towards language development.
The two articles augment Roe’s et al. (2011) perspective on word recognition. The use of pictures, which are easy to understand, helps a reader in understanding the meaning of texts used together with the picture. Also, the use of unfamiliar words together with other words help the reader to make out the meaning of the unfamiliar words. The same applies when words are used in some peculiar way, like “Jane beat herself up.” The word beat herself up seems preposterous.
Vocabulary development is one aspect of reading and mathematics that is deemed important. However, worth noting, as detailed by Roe et al. (2011), the vocabulary used should be iterated. The latter article has attempted to propose the essence of using the comprehension strategies in all disciplines, which would be ideal in vocabulary development. The difference between the use of comprehension strategies and not using these strategies is that the use of these strategies helps students to think beyond the surface level, but to critically think about each and every word. This is in comparison to not using comprehension strategies because students tend to skip the difficult words as they are a headache.
Background experience and one’s belief system play a great role in how an individual comprehends text because literature tends to share thematic ideas. Certain forms of words are used concerning particular themes, and depending on their own’s background experience with such words determines how well this individual will comprehend texts better. This also holds true in the case of pictures and illustrations. Individual experiences determine how these individuals interpret different situations and circumstances.
A new style of literacy learning has been adopted in each article in accordance with the use of technology by Roe et al. (2011). In one article, visual literacy is used to help understand the content better while in the other one, connections with other disciplines are used. The use of mathematics also entails visual representation but in the form of numbers. This is also following what has earlier been referred to as forms of literature (multimedia products).
References
Halladay, J. L., & Neumann, M. D. (2012). Connecting Reading and Mathematical Strategies. The Reader Teacher, 65 (7), 471-476.
O’Neil, K. e. (2011). Developing Visual Literacy for Greater Comprehension. The Reader, 65 (3), 214-223.
Roe, A., Smith, S., & Burns. (2011). Teaching Reading in Today’s Elementary Schools (11th ed.). Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing.
Colonialism In Barbara Fuchs’ “Conquering Islands”
The Tempest is believed to be the last play William Shakespeare wrote alone. It was written at the times when a big part of our world was still unknown and European people were fascinated to discover what is hidden in these mysterious faraway lands and islands. Many different ideas and legends were created by people of Europe about the possible worlds that existed on the territories of the islands that were not colonized yet. Some beliefs were saying that dangerous and horrible monsters lived in those lands, some people were sure that Eden, the garden of Paradise was hidden somewhere in the undiscovered territories. Multiple expeditions were sent to conquer these territories. People were both attracted and terrified of them and their dwellers.
Barbara Fuchs uses the play by William Shakespeare to analyze the way of thinking of people of his time. Fuchs compares the modern point of view on the era of colonialism and the point of view of people of Shakespearian times. It is obvious that these points of view are very different. Barbara Fuchs’ analysis of the play “The Tempest” helps modern minds understand the psychology and upbringing of people keen on the ideas of colonialism, slavery, conquering the forces of nature and owning new lands.
Prospero is one of the most important and powerful characters of the play. This character represents the symbol of the ideology of colonialist times. People of that time were using the method of “assimilating the unknown by means of equating it with the known” (Fuchs 268). Prospero is the representation of ultimate power and total control in the play – the ideal position from the point of view of colonialists. Prospero’s good deeds are never selfless. He does favors in order to receive something in return. He expects gratitude for his kindness, and this gratitude is always expressed through servitude – “thou shalt be free/ as mountain winds: but then exactly do/ all points of my command” (act 1, scene 2). In the article Barbara Fuchs suggests that Caliban and Ariel are the two ideas of the islanders that the colonizers of Shakespearian times had (Fuchs, 275).
Ariel represents the mellow, flexible and adjustable type of subject. He is grateful to his new master who has freed him from a horrible tyrant; he is obedient and ready to help any time. Ariel is the ideal fantasy of an islander for a colonizer. The relationship between Ariel and Prospero describes the most common justification of colonization – the scenario of a native in need suffering from bad conditions of life, and the civilized colonizer bringing freedom and new values.
At the same time Caliban is the type of a native that the colonialists actually had to face. He is portrayed as an ugly wild creature, ungrateful and not submissive; he rebels and betrays Prospero and for that he is called “most lying slave/ whom stripes may move, not kindness” (act 1, scene 2). Caliban’s desire to be free from his colonizer’s control is seen as the consequence of his underdevelopment and his primitive way of thinking.
The scene where Caliban uses speech not to curse but to explain the beauty of the island to Stephano and Trinculo shows that he is not as wild and primitive as he seemed to be. Shakespeare uses this scene to offer the reader another look at the character and to demonstrate that the convenient point of view is not always the right one. The writer keeps his readers’ minds trapped in the set of common beliefs and public idea in order to set it free and make it wonder if what the masses believe so strongly is really true.
Works Cited
Fuchs, Barbara. Conquering Islands: Contextualizing The Tempest. Web.
Shakespeare, William. The Tempest. n. d. Web.
Experimental Psychology And Forensic Psychology
Abstract
Psychology is a powerful field of study aimed at addressing a wide range of human problems. The field can be divided into two specialties. These include experimental and forensic psychology. This essay gives a detailed analysis of the ideas gained after completing the class exercise. The exercise outlines the major aspects of the two specialties and the respective roles completed by different professionals. The essay describes the education levels and salaries associated with the two specialty areas. The discussion explains how the newly-acquired ideas in psychology can support the professional goals of many scholars. This knowledge will play a positive role towards addressing the major psychological issues affecting the wider society.
Types of Work for Professionals in Different Specialty Areas
Psychologists in different specialty areas are expected to complete a wide range of activities. Experimental psychologists can complete researches to understand various human behaviors. They can use animal or human subjects to execute most of their studies. Experimental psychologists, on the other hand, use scientific data to complete their studies.
These experts can explore various psychological phenomena such as human cognitive processes and personalities (Kuther & Morgan, 2012). Such psychologists can work in different settings such as health institutions and medical facilities. Forensic psychologists complete numerous researches to understand the nature of criminal behavior. Such skills can be used to explore the traits possessed by criminals (American Psychological Association, 2016). These practitioners can pursue different studies in an attempt to influence court decisions.
Education Type and Level
Significant education in psychology is needed by individuals who want to work in these two specialties. Individuals planning to work as psychologists must possess adequate education. For instance, a forensic psychologist must complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (Kuther & Morgan, 2012). The degree should be regulated by a recognized psychological society in the targeted country.
This practice is embraced in order to ensure the professionals are competent. The professional can decide to pursue a Master’s Degree in Psychology. A Bachelor’s Degree is mandatory for an individual who wants to become an experimental psychologist. Doctoral degrees are also available for these professionals.
Work Settings and Average Income
Experimental psychologists use their skills to conduct research and come up with new ideas that can address various human problems. This fact explains why such professionals can work in different settings. For example, these professionals can offer their services in research institutions. The role will make it easier for them to present findings that can influence different policies. They can also work in universities and learning institutions. This role will make it easier for them to educate more learners (Kuther & Morgan, 2012). Governments and non-profit institutions can hire these experts to complete various researches and experiments.
Forensic psychologists can work in mental health institutions and correctional facilities. They can use their competencies to support the health needs of patients with diverse needs. Those “working in correctional facilities can evaluate criminals and complete evaluations for deferent legal cases” (Kuther & Morgan, 2012, p. 48).
These professionals earn an annual income of around 78,000 US dollars (Kuther & Morgan, 2012). Those who have completed their doctoral degrees will earn an annual salary of around $110,000. Experts believe strongly that these individuals will earn better salaries in the future. This is the case because more people will be in need of better psychological services in the future.
Career Possibilities
This research has equipped me with adequate ideas that can support my professional goals. I have realized that the field has numerous career opportunities. The number of people requiring diverse psychological services has increased than ever before. I have always wanted to become an experimental psychologist. The study has indicated clearly that the profession presents numerous career opportunities.
I will be able to work in different settings such as in health care facilities, learning institutions, and government agencies (Kuther & Morgan, 2012). These career possibilities explain why I am planning to join the profession. The careers are associated with good salaries and remunerations. This fact explains why the study has captured my attention. I will therefore study hard in order to achieve my personal and career goals.
Description of New Lessons
This exercise has made it easier to learn new things about the above specialty areas. To begin with, the exercise has informed me about the differences between forensic and experimental psychology. Initially, I used to imagine that the two specialties were closely related (Kuther & Morgan, 2012). I have understood why forensic psychologists can work comfortably in different mental health institutions. Such professionals can present numerous concepts and ideas to support the needs of more people with mental health needs. This knowledge will make it easier for me to develop the best personal philosophy.
Podcasts: Every Day Human Experience
The podcast “Ep 154: 5 Reasons Why Casey Anthony Might be Innocent” shows how people tend to judge offenders from their physical appearances. This is an every-day human experience whereby it is always easy to identify guilty people. Many offenders are treated negatively in the society and treated as guilty. However, this podcast explains why people should embrace the use of psychology before judging different offenders. The facts of the case should not be used as the main evidences (Michael, 2011).
That being the case, the aggressor’s circumstances should be examined from different perspectives. The other podcast “Ep 183: Critical Thinking – Important? Yes. But Can We Teach It?” presents similar ideas. People should embrace the power of critical thinking to deal with a number of psychological issues. These aspects can be used to reshape human thoughts and decisions whenever dealing with various criminal issues.
Hot Topic
The hot topic that has been considered in the field of psychology is the issue of insanity defense (Kuther & Morgan, 2012). Some experts have argued that insanity can be faked to ensure a criminal is not incarcerated. This issue has affected the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in many societies. The greatest concern is how insanity defense has been widely used to ensure a criminal gets away with a case (American Psychological Association, 2016). That being the case, forensic psychology has been used to establish the potential causes and motivations for committing different crimes.
This specialty area has also been associated with increased cases of insanity defense. At the same time, experimental psychology should be applied in similar settings because it explores the major aspects of human cognition and motivation. Through the use of these two specialty fields, this hot topic can eventually find a long-lasting solution. Multidisciplinary teams consisting of both forensic and experimental psychologists should be formed to minimize chances of faked insanity.
References
American Psychological Association. (2016).
Kuther, T., & Morgan, R. (2012). Careers in psychology: opportunities in a changing world. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Michael, J. (Producer and Presenter). (2011). Why do some people just look guilty?