Introduction

Good examination systems provide a balanced and fair evaluation of every student. They manage to achieve in several ways like using different tasks and strategies that give each student several opportunities in various contexts. The students, therefore, are able to demonstrate their level of preparedness and what they are able to execute. Such programs give teachers a level of accuracy in their judgment of each student. The tasks in exams should also be fit for purpose. So, a test with several goals (basic knowledge and skills) should contain tasks appropriate to goals being assessed.

Meaning

Examination refers to formal tests taken to ascertain knowledge or ability in a specific subject or to get a qualification. It is considered one of the most effective means of assessing the capabilities of students in various academic institutions. While its critics base their arguments on what they call unnecessary stress it puts on students, there is no denying that it provides positive feedback to students. The feedback, in turn, help pupils acknowledge their shortcomings and put in place measures to improve on the same.

Assessment Formats

Various forms of assessment exist including selected-response tests, essays, and structured responses. Of all these modes, essays provide the best opportunity to incorporate broom’s taxonomy skills. It enables students to synthesize and summarize a topic as they develop thinking (also called intellectual) skills. Structure responses tests indicate how well students can recall, recognize, organize and communicate clearly previously learned concepts. Structured responses provoke students to employ higher-order intellectual skills like analysis, evaluation, and synthesis. Selected responses, on the contrary, provide multiple choice questions hence showing if a student has age-related cognitive skills and the primary factual information.

Role of examinations

Promotes Positive Competition

Exams encourage constructive competition among students thus helping them continually improve by studying widely and revising thoroughly. It also helps teachers establish the effectiveness of their teaching methodologies. A teacher monitors and evaluates his or her teaching strategies through tests; if students perform poorly in continuous examinations they change their teaching strategies. Exams reflect student understands and knowledge or subject taught.

Provide a basis for accountability

Formal assessments are tools that can be used to establish if schools uphold accountability to the various stakeholders. They tell the parent and education officials how a student is progressing and the effectiveness of a teacher in imparting knowledge on students. Win situations where the majority of students perform poorly in a particular subject handles by a specific teacher, authorities take institute appropriate measures to help both the teacher and the students.

Enhance learning

Studying for and finally sitting for an exam has been found to improve and deepen learning a great deal. It is akin to exercising; when you exercise the muscle you use to grow stronger. Similarly searching through your memory and successfully retrieving relevant information fortifies your memory pathways for future use. Consequently, when later on in the field you try retrieving any information you need, it is a lot easier after previously practicing doing so during examinations.

Conclusion

Formal examination helps students and teachers in very many ways including to evaluate themselves and their teaching/studying strategies. To overcome the few shortcomings used by its opponents some improvements should be put in place thus making them more amusing as opposed to stressful activity. That way tests will best provide targeted fit-for-purpose opportunity enabling students to demonstrate their level of understanding and mastery of skills. Exams are capable of enhancing learning thereby ensuring the goals of education
are achieved.

By: Joni Kim

Introduction

Elephants have a complex consciousness that makes them capable of strong emotions besides being one of the most intelligent creatures on earth. They inspire respect from people with whom they share the habitat as shown by notable cultural significance accorded to them. These icons of the continents they are found in attract tourists. They also attract funding that besides championing for the creation of their idea habitats protect the entire wilderness and game reserves. An elephant also serves as a keystone species and play a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of the ecosystem.

Meaning

Elephant, the largest living land animal, belongs to the family of Elephantidae. It is characterized by a long trunk composed of drawn-out upper lip and nose, large head containing temporal glands, wide and flat ears, and columnar legs. The animals have greyish to brown color while their body hair tends to be coarse and sparse. Mostly found in grasslands, savanna and forests elephants occupy a broad range of habitats that include swaps, deserts, and tropical and subtropical highlands.

Habitat Loss

Habitat loss happens to be one of the major threats facing elephants. Many climatic change studies show that key proportions of their habitats will become substantially drier and hotter resulting in unfavorable foraging conditions that threaten calf survival. Additionally, conflict with humans increases as human populations increase. People living close to their habitats continually take over their land as poaching for ivory additionally place their future at great risk.

Importance of elephants

The Ecosystem

They play several roles in the ecosystem which other species cannot replicate. For instance, in dry regions, elephants can smell water that is close to the surface of the earth and even use their tusks to dig waterholes in such places. Their large bodies also create trails through thickets that
would otherwise be impassable. The dung the animal produces has many natural applications including spreading plant seeds and providing nutrition to insects and baboons.

To the economy

Zoos attract more tourists and bring more revenue when they have elephants because it is a species that many people stand no chance of seeing outside of a game reserve. In countries in which they are found, foreign exchange can be generated by organizing safaris so visitors can see them in their habitats. Given their massive size, the animals are simply a wonder to behold implying they are profitable to a nation’s tourism.

To the workforce

Human beings have been taming the animals for several years and using them to provide labor in a variety of ways. Up to 1960s elephants have been used as the beast of burden of choice and in wars. In India, elephants are still used to date. Their power is harnessed for demanding jobs like forest clearance and log hauling. Since they are more agile and less prone to breaking down, elephants are relatively more economically worthwhile for heavy tasks in certain areas.

Conclusion

There are approximately 550,000 elephants in Africa while in Asia, with a population of about 45,000 animals, the situation is even dire. Their numbers are declining fast due to various malicious activities like poaching for ivory, habitat loss, degradation and conflict with humans. Given their importance both to the environment and human life everyone should play an active role in protecting the vital species. Authorities should also support community based organizations formed to protect the animals.

By: Joni Kim

Climate Change

Introduction

Climate change increases substantially the likelihood of the occurrence of extreme weather events as well as their severity, whenever they occur.

Meaning

Climate change refers to the change in regional or global climate patterns, particularly those that are apparent from the mid-20^th century. It basically denotes the long-term alteration in the statistical distribution patterns or variation in average weather conditions. Some of the causes are variation in the intensity of solar rays received on the surface of the earth, biotic processes and various processes that result in the formation of Earth features. The changes are closely linked to the increasing levels of detrimental atmospheric resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels.

Effects of Climate Change

Desertification

When weather patterns are disturbed and droughts emerge and intensify both in duration and frequency, the agricultural sector is adversely affected. Grasslands and crops either die off or fail to grow optimally due to the absence of adequate water. Livestock also does not feel well. Some marginal lands cease to be productive and hence become useless. Deserts become even drier resulting in desertification. Reduction in agricultural production leads to food shortage and starvation, malnutrition and deaths increase tremendously.

Reduction of forest cover

Forests are important in our lives; they absorb carbon dioxide (the primary greenhouse gas playing a major role in global warming) thereby helping regulate climate change. They are homes to many animal and plant species. Effects on climate change vary depending on the type of forest. Boreal forests are particularly negatively affected as tree lines gradually retreat when temperatures increase. Tropical forests like the Amazon, featuring abundant biodiversity, are even more adversely affected by climate change. Even the slightest change in weather causes substantial extinction.

Disruption of freshwater ecosystem

A mere increase in population place a lot of pressure on freshwater sources characterized by drainage, damming, dredging, extraction, pollution, invasive species and silting. Climate change exacerbates the issue making it even worse. In mountainous regions, glaciers melt disrupting the freshwater ecosystem. Huge glaciers like the Himalayan normally feed many rivers and whenever global warming melts them in large quantities the rivers flood, increase the debris and become dirtier.

Negative effects on the economy

As temperatures increase overall people resort to spending more money as they use more energy to cooling their homes, adversely affecting their financial stability. Air pollutions also increase resulting in the occurrence of many diseases that necessitate medical attention. People in the hotter, drier low lying regions may also immigrate to higher-elevation locations in their search for better conditions. The migration causes tension and dispute among persons who already leave in the wealthier regions.

Conclusion

Climate change is caused by biotic processes, change in the intensity of solar radiation volcanic processes. Irrespective of the exact cause, their effects have far-reaching consequences on the inhabitants of low lying regions. The change can bring about desertification, reduce forest cover and crop yields leading to many human conflicts. Steps, therefore, must be taken (both at the community and national level) to reduce climate change.

By: Joni Kim

Christmas

Christmas is a Christian holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. The holiday has evolved into a global secular and religious celebration and has even incorporated several pagan and pre-Christian practices into the festivities. Although it is celebrated as the day Jesus was born into this world, Christmas also symbolizes deeply significant truth in the spiritual life. Being the personification of Divinity, Jesus was born at a period when ignorance, greed, hatred and superstition prevailed on the land. Purity was disregarded and morality neglected.

Meaning

Christmas is a birthday party (for Jesus) and, just like all birthday parties is celebrated by many (Christians and non-Christians). The title Christmas came from Mass of Christ. A Mass service, or Communion or even Eucharist, commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The party is all about gift-giving, family and social gatherings, feasting, symbolic decoration and much more. Observed on December 25 it is a cultural and religious celebration observed by billions of people from all over the world. That is whys it is widely regarded the largest social event in the calendar is, therefore, understandable.

Importance of Christmas

Spiritual experience

Whether you celebrate it alone or in the company of others, whether you get gifts or not, Christmas provides an opportunity to seek a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ and live true to His teachings. It is not about seeking attention from others but instead receiving love and life from God. So, desist from sensual indulgence and seek heavenly inspiration. The day is all about honoring Christ and remembering the role he played in our salvation.

Brings Great Joy

Christmas is a time of great joy because the birth of Jesus is in itself a manifestation of God’s great love for humanity. We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God, who was sent into the world by God. His birth brought a lot of joy into the world. Angles, shepherds, and wise men shared in the excitement, knowing the importance of His birth into this world. Jesus was no ordinary baby. The prophets had predicted his birth several years before.

Goodwill

Christmas brings goodwill in that it connotes blessings to all people. The festivities are a season of peace and blessings. Jesus came to give peace to all human beings; the peace that passes all human understanding. This is the type of peace that no man can provide because it is divine (the nature of peace that sets the pace for God’s intervention in your life. Possessions and positions do not guarantee peace. It is only Jesus who can bring this peace.

Conclusion

Christmas is a collection of celebrations, attitudes, rituals of worship, the selling and buying of gifts, private and public gatherings brought together by the birth of Jesus of Christ. Given the significance it has in the salvation story, billions of people from all walks of life eagerly wait and take part in the celebrations every year. Among its many benefits are partaking in the joy, peace, and love that the son of God brought into the world. By holding Christmas parties corporates also derive many benefits that include thanking employees for their hard work and strengthening team dynamics.

By: Joni

Introduction

Children experience thousands of events during their entire childhood period yet as adults they only recall a handful. Childhood memories could be firsts (their first day at school, their first chocolate) or notable life events (moving houses, their first birthdays). The events vary widely in magnitude. So, do these memories have any bearing on the personality of the child? Do they
reflect their early remembrance skill, individual experiences or interests? The answer to all these questions is yes.

Meaning

Childhood memories are events and experiences individuals witness or go through during childhood and memories. They create an individual’s being and purpose making them who they are as adults. What you remember most as a child will stick to your mind forever. You childhood experiences determine your fears, likes and dislikes in your mind, most of which will last your entire life. Some of the roles your childhood memories play include predicting future outcomes and guiding your current behaviors.

Factors Shaping Childhood Memories

Family

Parents reminisce with children severally on a daily basis (for instance, reliving memorable events and reflecting on the previous transgression with the view of fortifying lessons learned). Parents, therefore, play a major role in the development and elaboration of childhood memories. Some even use highly intricate reminiscing styles that involve posing questions and detailing events in ways that scaffold and encourage contribution from the children. While some parents opt to use emotional content others lay more emphasis on factual details. The differences have substantial implications; children eventually adopt the personalized styles used by their parents.

Culture

Childhood memories reflect the wider cultural norms and practices. Mothers who focus on their children’s personal emotional experiences as they remember together have an easy time imparting cultural norms in them.

Importance of Childhood Memories

Shape your life

Childhood memories shape your life and make you who you are because they remain etched in your mind for eternity. Some acts like your parent forcing you to attend a camporee at an early age inculcate courage in you enabling you to undertake similar tasks later on in life. Some events prevent you from developing negative behaviors like timidity and water phobia.

Determine Character

The lessons you learn while growing up remain in your for life. If you parents encourage you to work hard and practice resilience will go a long way in helping you prosper and gain respect in the society. While developing some virtues require a level of effort, if you try them at an early age you will have an easy time mastering. You should, therefore, practice, as a child, to remain tough in the wake of challenging circumstances.

Conclusion

Childhood memories are shaped by experiences both within your family and in the society as a whole. In the family, parents play a crucial role in influencing how you experience and learn from events and experiences that you go through as a child. Considering that the memories play many important roles in your adult life parents should make conscious efforts to explicate positive experiences and encourage memorization of lessons learned.

By: Joni Kim

Introduction

Flowers come in various shapes, colors and form. Besides being pretty these plants organs have very many religious and cultural significance. Some even have meanings linked with them while others only befit certain special occasions. For instance, a red rose symbolizes romantic love while Gardenia signifies sweetness and purity. They are, therefore, conspicuously present on events like graduation ceremonies, birthdays and weddings. Flowers, therefore, form a central part of our daily lives.

Flowers refer to the seed bearing sections of plants and consist of reproductive organs (Carpets and stamen) surrounded by a green calyx and brightly colored petals (corolla).

Health Benefits of flowers

Health Improvement

Receiving flowers regardless of whether you bought them yourself or they were sent by another person provides an instant mood boost. A bundle of flowers is sure evidence that you are well thought of by someone which can do a lot for your well-being. It shows that someone cares for you. Use a pretty bouquet consisting of brightly colored flowers with a soothing fragrance can brighten your room and lift your mood.

Boost memory and concentration

Have you ever completely lost your train of thought? You need to keep flowing plants in yurt indoor space. Plants oxygenate the air improving your brain cells and restoring your best self-feel. You can choose a bouquet or invest in a long-lasting plant for a lasting effect. There are resilient indoor plants that are easy to care for and only need water a few times a week. Such varieties of flowers are not only stunning but also good for boosting your brain function.

Promotes healthier sleep

Research shows that the things that you enjoy like the smell and touch of your favorite flower generate pleasure response within your body by producing feel-good hormones. The hormones will, in turn, eradicate negative emotional feelings. So, add a lavender plant to your environment to enjoy these benefits on a daily basis. Pleasant cells also increase the production of melatonin, a chemical that is necessary for healthy sleeping at night.

Conclusion

Flowers, besides being curlicue creations to behold have many health and environmental and economic benefits. They contribute to biodiversity and others are sold to foreign countries thus providing revenue to the exporting countries. Health benefits include stress, anxiety, and depression relieve. There are different types of flowers found in various parts of the world. So, identify your favorite type and introduce it to your environment to reap its many benefits.

By: Joni Kim