Kurikulum Bersepadu Sekolah Rendah vs Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Rendah Essay

As time goes by, Malaysia’s education system undergoes big changes. In 1983, Kurikulum Baru Sekolah Rendah (KBSR) was introduced and made some changes to the education system. 10 years later, its name was changed to Kurikulum Bersepadu Sekolah Rendah (KBSR). Now, a new curriculum was introduced a year ago, 2011 to replace KBSR: Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Rendah (KSSR). KSSR was introduced to reorganize and upgrade the current curriculum. Changes can be clearly seen in the aspect of key areas, curriculum documentation, curriculum design, curriculum organization, curriculum content, elements and focus. In the aspect of key areas, KBSR focused on three key areas: communication, man and his environment and self-development whereas KSSR focused on six key areas: communication, spiritual, attitude and values, humanitarian, physical and aesthetical development, science and technology and lastly, physical and personal development. KBSR focused only on individuals whereas KSSR focused not only on individuals but also their surroundings. KSSR’s aim was to produce holistic individuals. KSSR focused on values for character building through the curriculum and co-curriculum. In curriculum documentation, KBSR follows the syllabus for teaching materials whereas KSSR formulated based on Standard Document which consists of Content Standards which covers on students’ skills, knowledge and thinking and Learning Standards which are a set of achievements which can be measured for each content standard. The curriculum design for KBSR is linear which only involves listening, speaking, reading and writing whereas for KSSR is modular which involves not only listening, speaking, reading and writing but also covers language arts and grammar. In KBSR, level 1 has Core, Compulsory and additional subjects whereas in KSSR, level 1 has Basic Core Modules, Thematic Core Modules and Elective Modules. In level 2, KBSR implemented Core, Compulsory and additional subjects similar to level 1 whereas KSSR only implemented Core and Elective subjects. As it can clearly be seen, in level 1, a new subject is introduced: Thematic Core Modules. This new subject was introduced to reduce the number of subjects taken in level 1. This module consist themes of the World of Art and World of Science and Technology. In the World of Arts, two subjects are introduced: Visual Arts and Music. In the World of Science and Technology, basic ICT skills are taught. The curriculum content in KBSR only focuses on listening, reading, writing, speaking, sound system and grammar in context. KSSR focuses on the same content but replaced sound system with phonics. Phonics is a more detailed version of sound system which teaches students the sounds of English specifically. Three new contents are also added: basic literacy which teaches students the ability to read and write adequately, penmanship which teaches students the right way to hold and use a pen or a pencil and lastly, language arts which exposes students to poems and songs enabling students to appreciate and enjoy them thus, building creative minds in students. Lastly, the focus of KBSR is the 3M (membaca, menulis dan mengira) which is reading, writing and counting whereas KSSR’s focus is the 4M (membaca, menulis, mengira dan menaakul). KSSR added a new focus which is thinking. This newly added focus helps students to understand more about what was taught and at the same time improve their thinking skills. To sum up, KSSR is a curriculum which is student centered. This new curriculum diminishes Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) which means it is less-exam oriented and more to project and activity based. This new curriculum also focuses on ICT and independent learning. KSSR also aims to strengthen the command of Bahasa Malaysia and English among students. Mathematics and Science subjects are all in Bahasa Malaysia and English periods have been increased.

Saudi Arabia in the 19th Century: Customs, Culture, and Traditions

The development of Saudi Arabia as a state revolves around different historical, cultural, and societal changes that transpired in the 19th century. The period is considered important in the nation’s history because it establishes the political, economic and social sphere. That is why to better understand Saudi Arabia’s history one must look at these areas to appreciate the role of history and people in the development of a nation. Given these aspects, Saudi Arabia in the 19th century caters to the developments that shaped the country to become a modern state and includes areas related to religion, culture, and lifestyle. Political and Economic History To better identify Saudi Arabia in the 19th century, one must look at its political and economic history. Through this process, it can be seen how the country evolved into a modern state and what factors remained important in shaping what Saudi Arabia is now. Tracing its political structure, Saudi Arabia was influenced by the Ottoman Empire and the Al Saud Wahhabi emirate particularly in the area of Najd (Al-Rasheed, 2002, p. 14). The process here then revolves around the different campaigns of Saud as he sought to expand the territory conquering different areas. Among successful campaigns during the 19th century were Mecca, Medina, Egypt and Syria (Weston, 2008, p. 103). The second influential aspect of change in Saudi politics takes into account the development of the second Saudi State. From the period of 1824-1887 there were military campaigns that have sought to legitimize expansion and influence of the al-Saud family and promote the Wahhabi legacy among communities in the Middle East. Though these political campaigns were not as wide, it provided stability among territories that each family/group controls. In particular, Weston (2008) provides that â€Å"it kept the Wahhabi movement alive, ready to influence Muslims again in the twentieth century – and in the twenty first† (p. 107). On the other hand, the economic developments during the 19th century revolved around conventional trading patterns and barter. Prior to the discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia, the 19th century featured trade involving caravans’ transportation of agricultural goods among different areas. Specifically, spices are traveled into specific trade routes and create opportunities among different merchants to sell items (Saudi Embassy, 2010). Also, there are also various goods that are most sought after by different communities especially the rich ones. Saudi Embassy (2010) points out that â€Å"these items included almonds from Taif, dates from the many oases, and aromatics such as frankincense and myrrh from the Tihama plain† (p. 1). Lifestyle, Trends, and Community Development Looking at the lifestyle and trends of the Arab people in the 19th century, it can be seen that people determine their identity according to the factions they belong to. Since specific boundaries and determination of the state at that time has not yet been established, groups and communities continue to be a way to differentiate one from another (Federal Research Division, 2004). This then enables better ways for people to communicate and interact with one another. Also, this is used to create associations and relationships with different tribes and pattern lifestyle according to this idea. Similarly, since the inhabitants of the Saudi Arabia live in the desert, they had to equally adjust to the weather and climate. Due to this, their clothing and manner of travel among communities remain to be the same. Specifically, people wear long piece of clothing both in the body and head to protect them from the harsh winds, hot sunlight, and cold weather at night (Long, 2005). At the same time, they also wear sandals to keep them cool and comfortable during travels and their daily work. Moreover, groups also take care of camels because it serves as an instrument for travel and trade (Long, 2005). With regards to community development, it can be seen that settlement continued to occur along the oases present in the Saudi Arabia’s desert. Here communities are sustained by the availability of drinking water and also serve as protection against other tribes who may pose as a threat to the security of its inhabitants (Al-Rasheed, 2002). Likewise, the place is used to develop food supplies and sustain community growth. Under this process, this provided stability among communities and helped them develop a specific customs, traditions, and culture. Specifically, Saudi Embassy (2010) argues that â€Å"settlements became more permanent, leading to the foundations of what we call civilization – language, writing, political systems, art and architecture. Religion and Culture It can be argued that the spread of Islam in the Middle East particularly in Saudi Arabia served as an important process that shape the culture of communities and groups within the region. Specifically, customs, traditions, and how people behave is rooted in the rules provided by the Koran and the Muslim faith (Federal Research Division, 2004). These Islamic rules and expectations provided believers a guide on how to live their life and determine establish relationships with other people. Seeing this, it can be argued that Islam provided a huge mark in the Middle East and shaped how people interact and relate ideals with one another. In particular, religious customs revolved around the five pillars of Islam. These five pillars symbolized how people should interact with one another and become good followers of Allah (Long, 2005). One concrete example of this is the practice of Hajj. This involves an obligation for any Moslem to visit the holy city of Mecca and renew their religious commitment to their faith (Al-Rasheed, 2002). Other expectations also include the manner of worship, observance of fasting and abstinence during Ramadan. Lastly, Moslem culture can also be seen in Muslim art and architecture. Their influence help shaped the depiction of the arts which includes poetry, dance, literature, and language. Specifically, the development of a universal language in the Middle East (Arabic) created opportunities to unify and create communities of faith. In essence, these common elements shaped the further development of Saudi Arabia’s culture in the 19th century and strengthened how people identify themselves (Long, 2005). Important Personalities One important personality who was essential in the development of Saudi Arabia as a modern nation state was Shaikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab. It can be seen that he both a leader and scholar of the Wahhabi faction. During his leadership, he sought to promote the restoration of the traditions and customs of the original principles of Islam (Weston, 2008). His influence provided the necessary means to create unification among different communities and sought to establish order on how Muslims view the teachings of the Koran and applying it in their religious life and other affairs such as politics. Another important figure during this era was Muhammad bin Saud. He was the emirate of Diryah. His contributions to Saudi Arabia’s history was that he founded the first Saudi state and coordinated his efforts in protecting and pursuing the restoration of the Islam among the Muslim communities in the Arabian peninsula (Saudi Embassy, 2010). Through his effort he was able to stabilize the region until his defeat in 1818 with the invasion of the Ottoman Turks. The last relevant figure that shaped Saudi Arabia’s political history in the 19th century was Turki bins Abdullah Al-Saud. He was the one responsible for creating the Second Saudi State and legitimized the formulation of specific laws and mandates that are still applied today (Weston, 2008). Through his leadership, he transferred the capital city from Diryah to Riyadh and sought to re-establish the control of territories lost during the fall of the first Saudi State (Saudi Embassy, 2010). His efforts remain to be crucial because he started the transformation of Saudi Arabia into becoming prosperous and successful on various aspects related to economic growth and political stability. Conclusion To conclude, the 19th century proved to be an important period for Saudi Arabia politically and socially. This is because it is in this time that the nation state was created. Similarly, this era shaped the ability to shift and develop new political ideals and the birth of a nation state. This also was an important time for redefining the tenets of Islam as it applies to Saudi’s culture and beliefs. Lastly, the leadership of key political figures served as important channel in establishing balance and control in areas of politics, economy and society, shaping the region during the period. All these elements in turn are all beneficial to what Saudi Arabia is today in both the Middle East and the World.

Visual Identity Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Visual Identity - Assignment Example And (6) how does the visual identity graphic fit with the product or service of this company or organization? The company logo is the famous logo for Apple, Inc. and is famously recognized globally by various people who have had interests in computers and its applications. The logo, representing the company Apple was first introduced to me during academic pursuit, as early as one could remember using the personal computer. Likewise, I remember that the logo was initially in rainbow-colored horizontal stripes, but using exactly the same graphic form (an apple with a bite at the right side). Currently, it is in its monochromatic form to indicate a more professionalized and sophisticated style commensurate to the image that the organization aimed to project. A little research apprised me that there was one logo prior to the famous visual representation of the company known as Newton Crest which was used only for one year in 1976 (Edible Apple, 2009). The graphic design is a perfect fit for the company as it accurately provided a visual identity: the representation of the apple with a bite, or byte that the designer, Rob Janoff, disclosed meant: â€Å"the â€Å"bite† in the Apple logo was originally implemented so that people would know that it represented an apple, and not a tomato. It also lent itself to a nerdy play on words (bite/byte), a fitting reference for a tech company† (Edible Apple, 2009, par. 3). Therefore, aside from the apple image, the color selection and the bite were appropriately and effectively designed and evolved through the years to depict transformations from â€Å"using a colorful logo as a means to â€Å"humanize† the company† (Edible Apple, 2009, par. 4), into â€Å"one capable of churning out sleek and cutting edge products† (Edible Apple, 2009, par. 9). Therefore, the visual identity perfectly fit the image of the company in terms of providing opporunities for easy r ecognition and recall of the corporate name and the brand

Bankruptcy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Bankruptcy - Essay Example Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is also known as straight bankruptcy in which an individual or a corporation will discharge the filing defaulter in exchange for giving up assets. Therefore, the chapter 7 is legislated specifically for people who cannot afford or who are unable to pay their debt. Accordingly, one chief reason people choose to file chapter 7 is that if one qualifies, he or she can then afford the monthly reimbursement for the items they wish to keep. This is unlike chapter 13 because those who file chapter 7 debtors are often ready to credit score more quickly because they aim to complete bankruptcy suit swiftly (Gambrell & Associates, n.d.). As with Chapter 13 on the other hand, the debtor is demanded to reimburse all or part of his/her debts in terms of reduction of upcoming income within a stipulated period of 3-5 years as per chapter 13 arrangement. Much of the debt that is not reimbursed as set out in the agreement or a plan of reorganization will have to be wiped out or discharged. This is unlike in chapter 7 where bankruptcy does not discharge much of the mortgage, for if debtor desires to keep an item product e.g. an apartment or a car as security for a loan, he is required to prolong these payments. However, under chapter 13, nearly all long-term debts and mortgages have to be paid in their usual monthly reimbursement either during or outside the plan, apart from for the payments that were due ahead of the case filing (Gambrell & Associates, n.d.). Chapter 9 deals with municipalities and a municipal is required to demonstrate its eligibility to be a debtor in pursuant of section 109 (c) and such eligibility to file for chapter 9 is often contested by creditor (s). Such is different with chapter 11 whereby eligibility is never challenged as a party is supposed to be eligible for filing save for insurance companies, stockbrokers, insured banks, and commodity brokers. Another

Lab 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Lab 2 - Essay Example Bases cause the litmus to turn blue. Strength of a base is dependent on concentration of OH- ions produced. On the pH scale, basicity of a substance increases from 7 to 14: 7 being neutral and 14 being strongest base (one that generates maximum OH- ions when dissolved). Name two acid and bases that you often use. Acids: Milk, Orange Juice Bases: Soap, Tooth paste Cube Dimensions Surface Area (cm2) Volume (cm3) Surface Area : Volume Time Required for Complete Color Change Distance of Diffusion 1 cm X 1 cm X 1 cm 6 1 6:1 3 min 0.50 cm 1 cm X 2 cm X 2 cm 16 4 4:1 2 min 50 sec 0.30 cm 1 cm X 1 cm X 6 cm 36 6 6:1 2 min 42 sec 0.48 cm How did the surface area effect the diffusion of the cube? What about the volume? What about the surface area to volume ratio? Which of these had the greatest effect on the diffusion of the cube? Time required for complete color change is found to be approximately same for all three cubes (average time: 2 minutes 50 seconds) which concludes that rate of diffu sion of vinegar into the agar is same irrespective of shape and size. Further, volume had no impact on the time required for color change. No regular trend has been observed for distance of diffusion of vinegar inside the agar with respect to surface area or volume, when each is considered alone. Ideally, greater distance of diffusion should have been found in Cube B ( 1 cm X 2 cm X 2 cm) as compared to Cube A ( 1 cm X 1 cm X 1 cm) as it has the greater surface area (larger surface area enhances amount of diffusion); however, the irregular pattern reveals that there is a third factor that has a direct bearing on the distance of diffusion. Studying the results of the experiment, it becomes evident that surface area to volume ratio is the single parameter that majorly affects the amount of diffusion of vinegar into the agar. Cube A ( 1 cm X 1 cm X 1 cm) and Cube C (1 cm X 1 cm X 6 cm) having same surface area to volume ratio yield the same distance of diffusion. On the other hand, cub e B ( 1 cm x 2 cm x 2cm) tails at 0.3 cm. Even though greater amount of vinegar diffuses in to cube B than in cube A due to greater surface area, a larger time period is required for it to reach the center. In conclusion, the experiment demonstrates that depth of diffusion is lesser for materials having smaller surface areas to volume ratio than that with higher surface area to volume ratio. How does this experiment demonstrate the need for larger cells to divide? A cell meets its requirements for growth, repair and removal of waste materials through its cell membrane, the amount of transfer directly relating to its surface area. More so, the extent of movement of substances into a cell-towards its center- depends upon its size and volume. An increase in cell size is accompanied with an increase in requirements of the cell. More nutrients need to be diffused in and a greater amount of waste materials require to be diffused out. Consequently, a mechanism needs to be established that would allow a rapid transfer of substances through the cell membrane. As the cell is grows uncontrollably without division, the surface area to volume ratio decreases. This limits the distance to which substances diffuse into the cell, posing a restriction to the functionality of various components of the cell-especially those located towards the center. To counter this, it

Timmers Proposed Business Models Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6250 words

Timmers Proposed Business Models - Essay Example He gave the definition of a business model as being an architecture for the business, a description of benefits for the business actors and a description of a source of revenues (Timmers, 1998). His business models were e-shop, e-procurement, e-auction, e-mall, third-party marketplace, virtual communities, value-chain service provider, value-chain integrators, collaboration platforms, and information brokerage, trust and other services (Timmers, 1998). The e-shop model was envisioned by Timmers to be the Web marketing of a company or a shop. The Internet portion of this business was marketing. Timmers also stated that the Internet may also be used to order the goods and services, as well as pay for the goods and services. E-procurement is the procurement of goods and services. At that time, large companies and public authorities were the ones procuring in this manner. E-auction is another business model. This is where individuals bid on goods, much like E-Bay. E-mall was envisioned a s an electronic mall, which would consist of e-shops connected by a common umbrella, like a well-known brand. A third-party marketplace is where companies leave the Internet marketing to a third party, such as a marketing event such as e-Christmas. Virtual communities is another business model, which can generate both advertising revenues and membership fees as its income source. Amazon.com was cited as a virtual community by Timmers, as well as communities offering apparel and technology. Value-chain service provider is another e-commerce business model, and this is where a company specializes in a specific part of the value chain, such as electronic payments. Value-chain integrators are business which integrate the value chain. The collaboration platform provides tools and information for collaboration between enterprises. Information brokerage, trust and services are business which add value to the data available on open networks, such as information search, customer profiling, i nvestment advice and the like (Timmers, 1998). Critique of Timmers' Business Models Wirtz et al. integrates some of Timmers' concepts, stating that there are four broad internet business models - content oriented business models, which provide on-line access to content, such as magazines and newspapers on-line; commerce oriented, which offer goods and services on-line; context-oriented, which structures the information found on the web, as opposed to providing content, goods or services; and connection-oriented, which provide the infrastructure which enables the user's participation in online networks (Wirtz et al., 2010, p. 4). Likewise, Tvrkiova and Koubek (2010) integrate the ways that firms may do business and put them into broader categories than did Timmers. They state that electronic business models may be classified as e-business, which means that communication and commerce uses the Internet as the main instrument; e-commerce, in which modern communication technologies are u sed to increase the effectiveness of relationships between companies and consumers; e-marketplace, which is a marketplace, much like an e-mall; e-procurement, which is a business model where business obtain or provide something over the Internet; and e-marketing, where business sell products through a network (Tvrdikova & Koubek, 2010, p. 271). Rao et al. Classifies e-business applications into three major categories. The first category is electronic marketplaces, where goods and services are bought and sold; interorganizational systems, which facilitate the flow of goods, services, communication and collaboration; and customer service, which provide customer service, such as handling complaints and tracking orders (Rao &

Lessening Secondhand Smoke on Children Research Paper - 3

Lessening Secondhand Smoke on Children - Research Paper Example entable deaths around the world and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke has some adverse effects on the people adoption of strategies to reduce this form of some would include the following interventions. Creating smoking bans and restrictions within certain places. This would involve the implementation of policies and regulations which are aimed at limiting or controlling the use of tobacco within designated areas. These approaches are strongly effective based on the scientific evidence regarding exposure to ETS. This also has some effects on reducing the amount of smoke within the environment since some people become deterred from smoking. Conducting community education among the parents and teachers about the relevance of reducing smoking. This will be undertaken in seeking to create awareness on the various individuals, including children, regarding the positive outcomes of reduced smoking. The education intervention with motivate individuals to modify their smoking behaviours in the effort to reduce the ETS. Tobacco use initiation is described as the behaviours by individuals, who were non-smokers to begin smoking. Different intervention can be undertaken to reduce their initiation and they include the following. Increasing the price of tobacco products – this is a legislative measure which seeks to increase the prices so that people become deterred from using these products. Although there are various factors which affect the possibility of people smoking, the cost factors plays a fundamental role to this effect since people must consider their costs. Mass media campaigns – these can be combined within other interventions, like education to the general public. These campaigns are focused at providing information to the general public regarding the importance of living a tobacco free lifestyle. Formative research must be undertaken in order to determine the message which will be delivered in these campaigns and determine the target population for