Class Size And The Improvement Of Academic Performance Essay

Class Size And The Improvement Of Academic Performance - Essay Example Data availed from the National Assessment of Educational Progress proves that evidence is to the contrary. To illustrate, it was found that there was no significant improvement in the knowledge of students in reading, mathematics, and science through the class size fell by 27% between 1969 and 1997 (cited in The influence of class size on academic achievement). In addition, there was a decline in certain subject areas like science. However, it is not possible to totally believe these results. This is so because, in small classes, the dropout rate will be much lower as compared to big classes (ibid). In fact, dropout often results in higher class-average test scores as the dropouts are often the low-scoring pupils. When small classes are formed, teachers and school authorities take care to avoid student dropout. Thus, the low-scoring ones take the test along with other students and result in reduced class-average test scores. However, though rational, this claim is limited by the fact that there is no empirical evidence to prove the case. In fact, it becomes difficult to gather accurate data in this connection because the academic performance of students is influenced by a large number of factors other than class size. Some such factors are family background, language, and financial status. In order to make an effective analysis of the impact of class size on academic performance, all other factors need to be kept static. The only study that tried to do so was the STAR study (Ehrenberg, R.G. et al 2001). The study took efforts to keep other factors like the quality of teaching static throughout the study. Then, it was found that there was an improvement of 0.2 standard deviations or more (ibid). Other studies like the California study and the SAGE study too provided similar results.

Indian and Southeast Asian art Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Indian and Southeast Asian art - Research Paper Example Indian art is not to be studied from the time-based evolution perspective but rather from the region and period of its evolution perspective. (Mitter, 2001) Indian art has continuously evolved through time and is still evolving. It begun with rock painting, moving onto rock cut caves and temple architecture and then paintings and sculptures. Alongside these forms, India also showed progress in the tribal form of art as there were various cultural and social groups in India. However, it is worth mentioning that almost all art forms were inspired by the innumerous Gods and Goddesses that people believed in, who were transformed into contemporary forms and familiar images. Indian society has been very secular ever since ancient times and has encouraged different practices all along. This rich philosophy, both spiritual and rational, made its impact on Indian art and architecture. Temples and stupas were seen to incorporate symbolic languages based on important philosophical concepts. (M itter, 2001). These included the Chakra or wheel of time, Padma or lotus, the symbol of creation, Swastika representing aspects of creation and motion, Mriga or deer the symbol of erotic desire and beauty and many such symbols. After the Mughals came to India, monumental architecture was introduced by them. The change in the architecture was reflected in most prominent landmarks like the city gateways and the designs of royal tombs and mosques. However, traditional Indian tastes did continue to influence the Islamic architecture. Throughout its history, religion has played an important role in shaping the country’s culture and beliefs. The major religions practiced in India are Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and Sikhism. Of these, Hinduism has been the foremost and most commonly... Dance forms, puppetry and shadow plays were introduced to these countries by Indians in the early 7th century.   Later though Chinese influence was observed along with Islamic influence. Indonesia, a very strong Islamic country, still retained forms of Hindu art and culture like Shadow Puppet and literature like the Ramayana. That is common for most Mainland SEA except Vietnam where Hindu gods and arts were infused into Thai, Khmer, Burmese and Lao cultures.   Many SEA languages like Maley and Javanese contain words of Sanskrit of Dravidian origin and some languages like Thai are still written in some form of Indian derived scripts. Their concepts of kingship and social hierarchy were all adapted from ancient Hindu political theories. The Thai monarchy though follows Buddhism, requires the presence of Gour Brahmans for performing certain ceremonies. The images of Vishnu, lingas, Buddha and other Hindu cults are evidence of influence of Indian culture. Almost everywhere in SEA is a Buddha image showing influence of Guptas or Amravati’s.  The cult of Devaraja or God King, a derivate from Indian terminology, of cosmological and political ideas which was evident in the temple of Angkor Thom. The concept of worshipping a god and making a place of worship was implemented first ever in this temple. With time, the interaction between India and regional evolution started producing many distinctive styles of Indianised SEA art and architecture.The other common factor between India and SEA was the worship of Lord Shiva.