Classroom Observation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Classroom Observation - Essay Example While Anthony does not seem to show academic delay, his behavior is indicative of nonsocial activity, suggesting that he is either very shy, or unsure of himself in a social setting. His lack of interaction indicates that either he is particularly in tune with a certain task, or has been rejected by the peer groups in his classroom, which leave him particularly subject to ridicule. During the observation, he seemed to actively avoid participating in group activities, remaining alone. John Watson suggests that children are easy conditioned to certain behaviors (Berk 18). Because Anthony has been rejected by his peer group, it is plausible that he has learned that his attempts to be a part of the group will only draw ridicule, teaching him to remain alone. I found this particular child very frustrating, since, in spite of any efforts, he refused to work with his peers. Conner, on the other hand, is very much a part of the social group in the classroom. He is friendly and polite; he fol lows classroom rules, and is a very hard worker. He seems very well adjusted to the classroom setting, and is comfortable interacting with his peers as both a member of a group and as a leader. Conner listens carefully to the teacher, and mimics what she does exactly. Conner seems both happy, and at home with the responsibilities of the classroom. Because Conner works so hard to imitate the teacher, and to follow directions carefully, he appears to be a model for social learning theory (Berk 18). Every time he imitates the teacher, or does what he is asked, he is rewarded for the behavior with praise. He has therefore learned that doing as told in the classroom will bring positive outcomes, which he desires. I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to have an entire classroom of Conners! He was so hardworking and well mannered; it made the class environment much more pleasant. Dhruv, another child in the class, was a very different matter. He was uninterested in being involved i n the classroom, and refused to do his assignments. During table work activities, he chose to daydream, or draw pictures, instead of doing his work. His unwillingness to work made it difficult for the teacher, and for the students around him to concentrate. Dhruv, beyond showing a lack of interest in the classroom, appears uncomfortable with his surroundings. Vygotsky suggests that children learn similarly to how Piaget suggested, with an emphasis on the social interaction, and receiving tasks of increasing difficulties from their peers (Berk 26). Because Dhruv seems secluded from his peers and has difficulty with language, it is likely that he has not been presented with enough challenges to prepare him for the classroom situation. This lack of interest is frustrating for both himself and for his teacher, and I worry about his future in academics. Eric is a different subject altogether. His behavior in the classroom is completely unacceptable. He talks loudly and interrupts others during conversations and instructions. He sleeps during class, and refuses to follow classroom rules. He is mean to the other children and does not understand social conventions.

Survival strategy for Chinese immigrants in New York Research Paper

Survival strategy for Chinese immigrants in New York - Research Paper Example I will follow the continued growth of Chinatown and its divided two tier society that formed the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. I will discuss the ramifications of the Exclusion Act and the construction of the Chinese bachelor society. I will conclude with Ping Dong’s story of her entrance into the United States and the subterfuge she had to perpetuate in order to rejoin with her husband, following the lifting of the Exclusion and the entrance of War Brides after World War II. In the 1850’s and 1860’s, Chinese immigration began with arrival in the Port of New York, which was a passageway for westward expansion and the California Gold Rush. , Many men from China moved west to pan for gold and seek their fortune, but instead â€Å"busted† with little success. Unemployed and unwanted, Chinese workers were hired for manual labor to build the railroads, cook and clean. When the railroads were completed, and jobs were more scarce, animosity quickly developed between the â€Å"yellow peril† and the white workers. Enmity grew so much that racism became legal; the Workman’s Party in California adopted the slogan, â€Å"The Chinese Must Go.† ... Most left their families behind, hoping to make a fortune in the gold mines and to send for them, not expecting the backlash of harsh immigration laws aimed directly at their population. Most were poor and uneducated and worked at odd jobs, laundry, cleaning, and household help. Most were â€Å"unassimilated,† staying within the confines of the community for friendship and family, not easily conversant in English. As they were not allowed to become naturalized citizens, nor were they allowed to bring their wives, they were mostly a bachelor society, with men outnumbering women 27 to 1 (Foner 145). The Chinese community was close-knit, in part due to enforced segregation from the white populace, but also to provide for each other and for financial strength. It was common for a two room apartment to have 5-15 people, each with his own limited space. They slept in tri-tiered bunks, two or three to a bed (Burrows 1128). The Chinese looked to their own selves for self-support, they created a self-sustaining society with a government, social services, businesses, and jobs. In order to protect itself, the Chinese created the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, or the CCBA (McIllwain 215). It was through this association that one could buy a business, get a job, plan a funeral, or arrange for banking. This was self-governing and self-regulating for the Chinese community, a hierarchical system of courts within the community that also decided law and imposed taxes for the New York Chinese. Each section of Chinatown had representation through the Tongs. The Tongs collected the taxes and imposed the protection within the community. Chinese society was two tiered: Uptowners, or the Elite, mainly comprised of investors and businessmen, and Downtowns, or the Workers, made