The Electoral Evolution In The Island Of Mauritius Politics Essay

The Electoral Evolution In The Island Of Mauritius Politics Essay This introductory chapter projects a clear idea about the central issue of concern in the research. The reasons for this particular investigation are also elaborated. A full statement of the research aims and objectives, based on the stated research problem is included. The chapter ends with a brief of the structure and content of the remaining chapters of the dissertation. 1.0 Overview Section 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Mauritius states that Mauritius shall be a sovereign democratic State which shall be known as the Republic of Mauritius. Section 2 defines that the Constitution is the supreme law of Mauritius and if any other law is inconsistent with this Constitution, that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void. Mauritius is a constitutional parliamentary democracy, based on the Westminster model, which consists of the President and the National Assembly. Elected on a First-Pass-the-post system, at an interval of 5 years, during the General Election, the Assembly makes provision for 70 candidates on 20 constituencies. (The Constitution of the Republic of Mauritius) However, this model has been often subject to critics. Michael Duggett (2009), in his thesis about the Westminster Model, states that this model is one-dimensional, simplistic and has weakened as well as privatised. Rod Rhodes (2005) expressed his opinion saying that the model is hollowed-out. This might be a cause which is affecting the level of voter turnout in Mauritius. 1.1 Scope of the study In this study, I propose to study the different causes of abstention at the General Elections and the policies that can be adopted to reduce this phenomenon. This research relates to the island of Mauritius only and therefore does not include Rodrigues and the other outer islands. Research Title The research title is: A study of the causes of voting abstention at the General Election in the Island of Mauritius. Definition of voting abstention Abstention occurs when an eligible voter does not cast a ballot during an election process. It has been observed that many countries are suffering from a high abstention rate due to the citizens low participation during elections. 1.3 Problem statement An  election  is a formal  decision-making process  by which a population chooses an individual to hold public office while vote is a citizens civic duty; however there are some people who abstain from voting for several reasons. Since our representative democratic model relies on citizen participation in elections, less participation means less representation, therefore, less people who decide for everyone else. Falling turnout is often seen as a mark of disengagement, if not of actual disaffection (Norris 1999) The General Elections of year 2005 and 2010 will be used to show the issue; that is, a rise in voting abstention. Table 1 below shows the rate of abstention at the General Election during the year 2005 and 2010. A detailed analysis of the statistics is given in Appendix A: The rate of voting abstention in year 2005 and Appendix B: The rate of voting abstention in year 2010. Table 1: Rate of abstention during year 2005 2010 General Election Year No of Registered electors No of voters % of voters Abstention Rate 2005 793449 644069 81.17 18.83 2010 875356 658441 75.22 24.78 Average Rate 78.05 21.95 Source: Electoral Commissioners Office 1.4 Research Aim The main aim of the study is to analyse the causes which are decreasing the rate of turnout in the Mauritian General Election. 1.5 Research Objectives The objectives of this research are as follows: To calculate the level of abstention and the evolution thereof during the General Election of year 2005 and 2010; To identify the factors which are likely to affect the decision of Mauritians whether to abstain or to vote; To find out the policies that can be adopted to alleviate this problem of voter abstention. 1.6 Structure of the dissertation CHAPTER 1 introduces the issue of voting abstention, the actual electoral system in Mauritius, the right to vote under the Mauritian Constitution, the scope of the study, the research title, the statement of problem is identified, the research aim and the research objectives are pointed out and finally the structure of the dissertation is elaborated in details. CHAPTER 2 focuses on the political system and its evolution since 1810 before adopting the actual system. CHAPTER 3 provides a literature review which analyses the different causes that could affect voters from abstaining. CHAPTER 4 encompasses in detail how the research has been carried out and comprises all relevant information regarding the research methods to meet the objectives of the study. CHAPTER 5 provides a discussion of results and findings from the survey which has been carried out. Each aspect of the questionnaire had been analyzed and interpreted. CHAPER 6 provides a conclusion and some recommendations for the benefit of policy makers and administrators and other people interested in this field, together with a conclusion. 1.7 Chapter Conclusion This first chapter has helped to set out an overview about the topic under investigation. The scope of the study is worked out before giving way to the research aims and objectives. Finally the structuring of the whole report has been elaborated. CHAPTER 2: THE ELECTORAL EVOLUTION IN THE ISLAND OF MAURITIUS 2.0 A Historical Background The Island of Mauritius has been consequently conquered by Arab Sailors, Portuguese, Dutch, French and the British. The Arab sailors were the first who visited the island which was named as Dina Arobi. The Portuguese came in year 1507, followed by the Dutch during the year 1598 who renamed the island as Mauritius. In 1715, the French took control of the island and renamed it Ile de France. Ile de France was formally surrendered to the British, on the 3rd December 1810, where the islands name was reverted to Mauritius. During their abdication, the French was allowed to keep their land and property and to use the French language and law of France in civil and criminal matters on the island. (Prisheela Motee, The library Congress, South Travels, Oracle, Encyclopaedia 2007, Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa) 2.1 Electoral System Mauritius has experienced a number of electoral systems since 1810 before adopting the actual system. The electoral system of Mauritius is based on the majority rule and government stability as it comprises of a fair representation of the population. The choice of government is made by citizens. (Prisheela Motee, The library Congress, South Travels, Oracle, Encyclopaedia 2007, Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa) 2.1.1 One Man One Rule (1810-1886) During 1810-1886, Mauritius was under the British Colonial Rule whereby the governor was enjoying all the law-making and decision-making process over Franco-Mauritian elite. It was a one man one rule policy. In 1825, Mauritius obtained its first Constitution under which a Council of Government, which consisted of 4 top officials: Chief Justice, Chief Secretary, Commander of forces and Collector of Customs, was set up. Later, in 1885, the Constitution was revised and enlarged to make room for elected representatives. The new Council of Government provided 27 members, including 10 elected members, on a restricted franchise. (Prisheela Motee, The library Congress, South Travels, Oracle, Encyclopaedia 2007, Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa) 2.1.2 First-Pass-The-Post-System (FPTP) (1886-1958) Year 1886, welcomes Mauritius first General Election (G.E) under the British Rule. The G.E was limited to wealthy property owners, who constituted only 2 percent of the adult population; that is, out of 365,000 inhabitants, only 12,000 of which all were men, could vote. 2 out of 10 elected members were from Port-Louis and 1 from each 8 districts. Under the 1885 Constitution, Mauritius was divided into 9 constituencies and each constituency elected one representative and Port-Louis, the capital, in relation to highest number of population returned two candidates to the legislative. The elections were held during nine days: from 11-20 January; and were based on the first-past-the-post system. Traces of the 1886 Constitution, can be found in the actual electoral system as the FPTP has been prevailing in Mauritius whereby the candidate receiving the highest number of votes were elected. Due to World War II, G.E could not be held during 1939-1945. The second G.E was then held in 1948, after that the 1886 Constitution was replaced by a new one, which allowed all those above 21 years old who could sign their name in any of the following languages: English, French, Creole, or any Indian languages, to vote through FPTP. Out of 419,000; 72,000 inhabitants, including 12,000 women, were registered electors. Following constitutional conventions held in London in 1955 and 1957, the ministerial system was initiated and G.E was held on 9th March 1959. Voting took place for the first time on the basis of universal adult suffrage and the number of electors rose to 208,684. (Prisheela Motee, The library Congress, South Travels, Oracle, Encyclopaedia 2007, Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa) 2.1.3 London Agreement (1956-1957) Due to Mauritius multi-ethnic society the issue of an ideal electoral system has been a real concern. Since 1956, there was a need for a proper representation of the citizens in the Parliament. In the first London Agreement in 1957, the concept of Proportional Representation (PR) in the system was bluntly rejected. The agreement was supposed to eradicate communal ideology and encourage a system based on political parties not religion. The citizens wanted an ethnic reassurance where PR could prevailed in the National Assembly. The Mauritius Labour Party (MLP) under the successive leaderships of Dr Maurice Cure and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam persistently struggled not only for universal suffrage and responsible Government, but also a ministerial form of Government, a decrease in the number of nominees and an increase in that of elected members, changes in the composition of the Executive Council, the appointment of a Speaker and the majority party leader to be styled Prime Minister. During the 1955 Constitutional Conference which was held in London, the MLP requested some constitutional changes. The London Agreement envisaged nomination of maximum of 12 nominees to ensure fair representation. The right to vote was franchise to both sexes over the age of twenty-one and symbols were introduced to facilitate uneducated voters. The number of electors rose to 207,000 at the 1957 elections. (Prisheela Motee, The library Congress, South Travels, Oracle, Encyclopaedia 2007, Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democr acy in Africa) 2.1.4 Trustram-Eve Recommendations (1957) In year 1957, Sir Malcolm Trustram Eve; member of the London Agreement, recommended a 40 single-member constituency system along with the FPTP system. This implies that there is no need for a majority overall to win over a seat. The year 1957 had launched the Ministerial system where the elected candidates were able to decide upon policy issues in many areas. The Ministerial system comprised of nine ministers out of whom six were elected and three nominated. Despite the fact that it was not a fully elected body, the island had its first representative body and the Executive Council was chaired by the Governor. Trustrams recommendation was to ensure ethnic and communal representation in the legislative. The nominees are the ancestors of the best loser system. In 1964, in view of not upsetting the population, the governors did not increase the number of nominees. (Prisheela Motee, The library Congress, South Travels, Oracle, Encyclopaedia 2007, Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa) 2.1.5 Banwell Report (1966) The Banwell Report was initially based on the Trustrams-Eve recommendations. Part of Mauritius actual electoral system is based on Banwell Recommendations. Banwell Commission was set up after the proposals made for an electoral system, at the Lancaster House Conference of September 1965, failed. Banwell then proposed the followings: 20 constituencies returning 3 members in Mauritius and 2 members in Rodrigues. A division of the population for electoral law purposes: Hindu, Muslin, Chinese and the General Population. Use of FPTP in theory and the three pass the post in practice. 5 constant best loser seats to be filled as soon as results of general election are official so as to overcome the problem of under representation. Candidates chosen as best losers should secure largest number of votes among the defeated candidates belonging to the under-represented community and 10% of the general votes. Any party receiving more than 25% of the total vote and less than 25% seats in Parliament would be reallocated to bring its share to 25%. The last proposal was rejected by the MLP, then Stonehouse; MLPs friend, was called as a negotiator. (Prisheela Motee, The library Congress, South Travels, Oracle, Encyclopaedia 2007, Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa) 2.1.5.1 Stonehouse Modifications Stonehouse modified the 5 constant correctives to the 8 best loser votes. The variable correctives and the 10% votes were also rejected. The first 4 best losers seats were to be allocated to parties belonging to under presented communities irrespective to party affiliation .The community for the first 4 best losers is obtained by dividing the population of each of the communities by number of seats obtained by that community in general election plus one. The second 4 best losers were allocated on party and community basis. (Prisheela Motee, The library Congress, South Travels, Oracle, Encyclopaedia 2007, Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa) 2.1.5.2 The final proposal and actual electoral system The final proposal and the actual electoral system is based on Banwell recommendations and modified by Stonehouse. There are 70 members in the parliament ,60 out of the 70 are directly elected through FPTP in 20 constituencies with returning 3 candidates each and Rodrigues 2 candidates as shown in the table below. The remaining 8 are the best losers chosen by the Electoral Supervisory Commission immediately after results of general elections. This structure has been basically maintained up to now. (Prisheela Motee, The library Congress, South Travels, Oracle, Encyclopaedia 2007, Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa) 2.1.6 Independence The 1967 election brought a milestone in the history of Mauritius. About 90% of the electorate voted. PMSD fought against independence while MLP fought for independence. PMSD was defeated and MLP won 39 seats by obtaining 54% of the national votes. Mauritius acceded to the status of independence on the 12th March 1968. The first parliamentary election which took place on the 20th December 1976 amended the right to vote. Those aged 18 and above could vote. Out of 462,034, 170,000 were new eligible voters. The first general election after independence was an electoral victory. It was the first time that a single party alliance; Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) and Parti Socialiste Mauricien (PSM), won all 60 seats. Subsequently, the contribution was altered to guarantee that legislation elections occur every five years. Parliamentary by-elections were also reinstated. (Prisheela Motee, The library Congress, South Travels, Oracle, Encyclopaedia 2007, Electoral institute for sustainable democracy in Africa) 2.1.7 Westminster Model The Constitution of Mauritius provides for the Parliament of Mauritius to consist of the President and the National Assembly. The Parliament of Mauritius is modeled after the Westminster system of parliamentary democracy, where Members of Parliament are voted in at regular general elections, on the basis of a first past the post system. (Official site of the Republic of Mauritius-The Parliament) The Westminster System guarantees the separation of the legislative, executive and judicial powers. Political power rests on the Prime Minister and the cabinet. Sixty-two members of Parliament are elected every five years by universal adult suffrage and all major political parties are represented in Parliament.   The Legislative Assembly became the National Assembly. The Governor General was replaced by the President of the Republic. The latter is elected by the legislative upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister. (Dukhira, 2002) CHAPTER 3: REVIEW OF LITERATURE 3.0 Introduction A vote is an electorates act of voting, whereby voting is the civic duty of every citizen. It is the starting and the ending point of every democracy. In general, the voting system allows electors to select a candidate or a party. The citizens participation in election is important for democracy. If citizens do not have a hand in political things (especially elections) democracy is exposed to weakening risks. (Pasquino, 1983). Citizens derive a direct benefit from fulfilling this duty. However, it is indeed serious because some citizen abstains from their civic duty. The decrease in the rate of voter turnout has been constantly observed. It is contended that voter turnout and voter abstention are closely related to one-another. These two factors will be used interchangeably throughout this study but as opposites of each other. Poole and Rosenthal (1997) argue that the decision to vote or to abstain can be formulated with the equation: R=P (B)-C+D where R is the net reward from voting, B is the material benefit brought about by voting, P is the probability that ones vote makes a difference, C is the cost associated with voting, and D is the fixed benefit of voting. Electors will abstain if the perceived benefits of abstention will exceed the perceived costs. This can be formulated by an equation: R= (P (B))-(C+D))>0. On the other hand, Corey Brettschneider (2007) claimed that: mutual respect, equality or autonomy, are the core substantive values associated to the right to vote. These values should make the right to vote worth being enjoyable and exercisable, rather than the other way round. Riker and Ordeshook (1968) introduced the citizen duty notion to explain the issue of voter turnout. This literature review addresses the causes, factors leading to a decrease of voter turnout and an increase in voting abstention. 3.1 Voter Abstention Abstention occurs when an eligible voter does not cast a ballot during an election process. It has been observed that many countries are suffering from a high abstention rate due to the citizens low participation during elections. Abstention is a real concern and a challenge for politicians, who must persuade the public of the need to vote, according to Seddik Chihas of the National Democratic Rally (RND). (Ademe Amine, 2012). Abstention shall not be compared with blank vote where an eligible voter purposely spoils a vote by marking it wrongly or by marking anything at all, whereby abstention is when the electorate does not vote at all. 3.1.1 Un-informed electors According to Arianna Degans and Antonio Merlos study in 2004, who votes and for who people vote determine the outcome of the elections. It is of high importance for candidates during elections to ensure the participation of their citizens and as well as their voting decisions. Abstention occurs when there is a lack of information about the candidates, (Arianna Degan and Antonio Merlo, 2004), who make the wrong decision or the wrong choice. This can be costly to the elections where a wrong candidate might be elected. Some electors might also feel unmotivated to vote due to a feeling of uncertainty towards candidates but when a citizen is well informed about his civic duty and the electoral candidates, he will definitely participate during elections and vote for the right candidate. 3.2 Voter Turnout Voter turnout is the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. Eligible voters shall not be compared with the total adult population because some adults are not eligible to vote. Voter turnout is an essential quality of fair election and is considered to be a necessary factor for a healthy democracy. Low turnout is generally accredited to disengagement from the system because of perceived efficacy of voting in altering policy decisions. Consequently established democracies with free elections usually have higher turnout than other states. Understanding voter turnout Voting turnout has often been used to judge the evolution of democratic countries, (Scot and Barbara, 2005). The act of voting depicts the preference of the citizens as this show the extent to which the citizens are actually interested in being represented.(Fair Vote Canada; Lijphart, 1996) However, low level of participation is being noticed on behalf of eligible voters. This is due to disenchantment, indifference, or contentment. As such a poll with low turnout is not reliable, because it does not show what the whole country wants; it shows only part of the citizens will. For example, an elector may have abstained from voting because her favourite party had no chances of attaining representation. Different countries have very different average voter turnouts. Low turnout can be expressed differently. For example, in developed countries, the young and the poor are the abstainers. However, India which comprises of an electorate of more than 670 million people, the contrary is found. The poor, who comprises of the majority of the demographic, tend to vote more than the rich and the middle- class, and turnout is higher in rural areas than in urban areas ( D.Gupta, 2004) 3.2.2 Socio- economic factors Citizens participate politically when their level of wealth and education increases because they are more informed and has a feeling of efficacy. This leads to a higher political participation (Lijphart, 1997). According to Ioannis and Phil (2005), sociologist argues that the political behaviour, the identification with a partys values and peoples interest to vote are affected by the socio.economic characteristics. Turnout is higher among those with higher income, those of higher education, white -collar workers, whites, men, middle-aged , older voters, those with closer community ties, those married and the members of organizations. In developing countries, to maintain security and economic development in case when things are bad, citizens tend to vote in great numbers (Radcliff 1992; Fornos et al.2004) Cultural Factor The educational level and the wealth of the country affect turnout but these are not reliable measures as in countries like Europe, in spite of the fact that it is wealthy and have a high rate of literacy, the level of turnout is found to be low. Despite the fact, that countries, like those in Europe and Latin America have a newer democracy, they do not have the cultural habit of voting. The eligible voters do not have the sense of civic duty, which takes time and certain social conditions to develop. These social conditions developed by G. Bingham Powell are: trust in government, the degree of partisanship among the population, interest in politics, and belief in the efficiency of voting. Political Factor Crewe et al. (1992) traced four factors associated with turnout irregularity: being young, having recently moved home, the type of housing tenure, and, marital status(single or divorced). These factors are inter-correlated but they have an independent effect on turnout. According to Crewe et al. (1992), isolation from personal and national networks resulted in a lack of political information or pressure to vote, thus, lowering turnout due to a lack of motivation. Weak or absent party emerged as another important source of irregular voting (Crewe et al, 1992). According to their study, the identification of age and strength are inter-dependently related to voter turnout. A lack in the government performance also carries a negative impact upon turnout. Strong political competition and ideological cleavages between parties tend to increase turnout (Dalton, 1988). Institutional Factor Institutional factors have a significant impact on voter turnout. These variables are classified into three categories: Electoral rules, Perception of the effectiveness of governing institutions, Mobilization. Electoral rules Variables in electoral rules include compulsory voting, registration rules and voting age. Compulsory voting Compulsory voting increases turnout because once voting is made mandatory, people follow the rule irrespective of the punitive sanctions for non-voting (Lijphart 1997). However, in Venezuela and the Netherlands compulsory voting has been rescinded, due to a decrease in turnout. On the other hand, Paraguay having a compulsory voting system imposes payment of a fine and ineligibility for elective office for a prescribed period. Colombia and Nicaragua also have compulsory voting. In Greece voting is compulsory; however there are practically no sanctions for those who do not vote. In Belgium voting is compulsory, too, but not strongly enforced. Registration rules Automatic and compulsory registration often leads to a low turnout because even those who are not eligible, as stated below in the case study: The Republic of Mauritius: Disqualified voters, are on the registration list which gives false survey. Conversely, an election where registration is voluntary or requires a personal initiative ought to be associated with higher voter turnout, because the institutional obstacle of registration has already been surmounted. (Payne et al, 2002) Voting age Voting age has been found to be positively associated to voting turnout as younger citizens are less exposed to politics (Wolfinger and Rosenstone, 1980) and are less likely to vote as older voters. Compared to the youths, the older generations tend to have the sense of civic duty. Older people vote more than youths. The act of voting is also seen as part of the young people coming-of-age ritual. 3.2.5.2 Perception of the effectiveness of governing institutions Variables in the governing effectiveness category include the number of political parties, the relative power of the lower house, federalism or the centralization of the government, and concurrent elections. These variables may affect voters perceptions of the effectiveness or the policy of the powers of the elected officials. The number of political parties Jackman (1987) argues that multi parties lead to coalition building to policy ambiguity and compromise. It is expected to reduce the probability of legislative majorities and worsen executive legislative cooperation which may lead to rendering the electoral process less consequential. The relative power of the lower house This unicameral legislature has to adopt the majoritarian policy to be more effective. This is supposed to render voting to be more meaningful. The centralization of the government Centralized government is more effective, efficient and decisive. Jones (1997) argues that federal political arrangements create new electoral dynamics. The federalism variable is ought to capture longer ballots, which are believed to reduce turnout and the presence of unique local election laws that may deter voting. Concurrent elections Concurrent election means the instances when presidential and legislative elections are held at the same time. Concurrent election is supposed to increase voter turnout as it is expected to contribute to the perception that the election is more relevant. 3.2.5.3 Mobilization Institutional variables in the mobilization category include district magnitude and electoral disproportionality. District magnitude As district magnitude increases political parties have more incentives to retain all seats found in a particular district (Powell, 1986). With a smaller pool of candidates or political parties competing for votes in the district, the distribution of patronage will be more visible and more certain which is ought to result in greater voter mobilization. Electoral disproportionality Electoral disproportionality occurs when parties receive electoral support that does not translate into representation in the legislature in which case, votes have been wasted (Burnham 1987). Wasted votes are found to be associated negatively with voting turnout as parties have less of an incentive to turn out to vote. 3.2.5.4 Salience Mark. N. Franklin (1997) argues that salience is the effect of a vote of an eligible voter over a country. Salient issues are politically important as public opinions are likely to structure party support and voting behaviour and form the subject of political debate. Voters perceptions of fairness impact on salience. Citizens will not cast any ballot if they feel that the election is not worthy, corrupted and determined by fraud thus relating to low voter turnout. Gender Abstention For ages, gender inequality has been prevailing. Women were considered to be inferior to men. Women were confined in a more private sphere leaving men in a public one, especially in politics due to a combination of psychological and sociological causes. If we refer to classical literature, we shall see how women were kept away from the social aspect of life. Women roles in the society were to be a mother, a wife, a sister or a friend. This practice has prevailed for years. There is only a minority of women who participates in the society. However an analysis at the end of 90s in 19 centuries (Norris et al, 2003) confirmed that Norway had a female participation rate significantly higher than men, in Germany, Great Britain and Spain men and women abstention rates were very close, and in all countries there was an invasion in the youngest ages, female children vote more than their mothers. Voter Fatigue Voter fatigue tends to lower turnout. This occurs when participants do not find any interest to cast a ballot. They get bored and reject participation. This may be due to frequent election. Eileen Park, a journalist, reported on 31 March 2012 that voter fatigue might be a cause to influence the public not to vote though being at the eve of the GOP (Grand Old Party) Presidential Election in Wisconsin. The public were no more motivated to vote. Voter Suppression Voter suppression is used as a stratagem to influence the outcome of an election by

Value of Higher Education

Abstract This paper shall argue that despite the costs of a higher education, a college or university education is of great value to every individual. Higher education prepares an individual for the working world through the imparting of specialized knowledge. A Higher education allows individuals to earn more at the end of their degrees, making up for the cost incurred during the pursuit of the degree. College education helps to provide students with critical thinking and communication skills that lasts a lifetime.A higher education helps an individual grow as a person, by exposing them to a wealth of knowledge and resources. College education helps students establish interpersonal networks, which include peers as well as professionals. Higher education teaches students about discipline and hard work, as well as about success and challenges. This paper shall conclude by noting a number of things students can do to get more value from their college or university education and by outl ining some of the ways I as a student wish to further my career in accounting by graduating from the University of Phoenix.The Value of a Higher Education Higher education requires a considerable investment of time and money, as wall as a considerable lifestyle change. Those entering college or a university must not only be willing to pay tuition cost and school fees, and study for many years to get a degree, they must also arrange the rest of their lives around classes, exams, semesters, and summer breaks. Given the gargantuan effort it requires to secure a higher education, some may reasonably question the value of a college degree. It is well known that many successful and affluent people in our society†¦

Developmentally Appropriate Practices In Relations To Students

The National Association for the Education of Young Children ( NAEYC ) defines developmentally appropriate pattern ( DAP ) as the â€Å" model of rules and guidelines for best pattern in the attention and instruction of immature kids † ( Developmentally Appropriate, 2009 ) . DAP draws on cognition gained from research on the development of kids and besides on the cognition of effectual educational schemes in order to advance maximum acquisition and development in kids ( Developmentally Appropriate, 2009 ) . DAP ( 2009 ) is of import because, when used, it helps instructors make educational determinations that are appropriate for the pupils ‘ age group, set ends for pupils that are both disputing and accomplishable, and guarantee intentionality in all their instruction patterns. The determinations that instructors make in their schoolrooms can potentially hold a great impact on pupils ‘ acquisition experiences. Positive larning experiences lead to future positive larning behaviours such as continuity and flexibleness ( Developmentally Appropriate, 2009 ) . When doing determinations sing the instruction of their pupils, instructors must take into history the general developmental features and larning capablenesss of kids in the age scope that they are learning and besides the single features and larning capablenesss of pupils within his or her schoolroom ( Developmentally Appropriate, 2009 ) . All aspects of development and acquisition are of import and interconnected, and it is non until a instructor to the full understands where his or her pupils stand physically, cognitively, and emotionally that effectual determinations sing their instruction can be made ( Spano, 2004 ) . The determinations being made by instructors lead to the scene of ends in the schoolroom. Not merely do instructors necessitate to guarantee that pupils achieve these ends, but they besides need to dispute pupils to construct on the cognition they already possess to make a higher degree of understanding and development. These challenges must ever be presented as the following logical measure harmonizing to the kid ‘s phase of development ( Developmentally Appropriate, 2009 ) . In general, the phases of kid development are well-documented and follow a predictable sequence ( Spano, 2004 ) . However, it is true that each single kid reaches each phase of development at a different clip which makes it of import for instructors to cognize the general features of the age group every bit good as the single pupils ‘ features. If a instructor is non cognizant of their pupils ‘ single developmental degrees, ends may be set either excessively high or excessively low, and larnin g will non happen ( Developmentally Appropriate, 2009 ) . Another ground that DAP is of import is that DAP ensures intentionality ( Developmentally Appropriate, 2009 ) . Intentional instructors use their cognition of their pupils ‘ development to be after all facets of their category, from the schoolroom set-up to the usage of assorted learning schemes to the types of appraisals administered. Teachers must understand that development and larning take topographic point best in state of affairss where the kid is unafraid in his or her milieus and that positive acquisition experiences shape their motive ( Helping your kid, 2005 ) . They should besides maintain in head that kids learn in a assortment of different ways, so assorted attacks to the stuff should be made. When instructors design their categories with developmentally appropriate purposes in head, a much more effectual acquisition environment is created ( Developmentally Appropriate, 2009 ) . Now that the importance of developmentally appropriate patterns has been defined, a elaborate description of the features of the cognitive, affectional, and psychomotor development of striplings runing from age 12 to sixteen will be reviewed while discoursing the impact that these features have on instruction and acquisition. The developmental psychologist, Jean Piaget, classified the phases of cognitive development in kids ( Anderson, 2004 ) . In his theory, there are four phases of cognitive development ( sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational ) ( Anderson, 2004 ) . Early striplings ( approximately ages 11 to 13 ) , says Piaget, see the passage from the concrete operational phase to the formal operational phase ( Anderson, 2004 ) . Adolescents at this phase should be traveling off from the construct of egocentricism, or the apprehension that one ‘s position is non needfully the position of person else ( as cited in Malerstein & A ; Ahern, 1979 ) . Another facet of this passage is that striplings move from concrete idea to more abstract idea, intending that they are able to believe about inside informations that do non refer to an existent object or event. Concepts such as love are more apprehensible to striplings than to younger kids ( as cited in Malerstein & A ; Ahern, 1979 ) . Besides, persons in the formal operational phase of development are able to believe more scientifically ( Anderson, 2004 ) . This means that, when presented with a job, the person will travel about work outing the job by organizing hypotheses and proving each hypothesis until the right result is reached ( as cited in Malerstein & A ; Ahern, 1979 ) . Adolescents in this age scope become progressively concerned about the hereafter instead than the present with early striplings being concerned chiefly with the close hereafter while in-between striplings ( age 14 to 16 ) are more concerned with future callings and life programs ( Spano, 2004 ) . These persons are going more interested in their ain potency, and besides in the sentiments of others ( Helping your kid, 2005 ) . The thought of adolescent egocentricism is fundamentally the development of uneasiness ( Elkind, 1967 ) . Adolescents usually have ideas that everyone is watching them, known as the fanciful audience ( Elkind, 1967 ) . This may stem from the physical alterations that they are sing ( i.e. , pubescence ) , which will be discussed in more item subsequently on. Another signifier of adolescent egocentricism tied to physical development is the thought of personal fabrication, where persons perceive themselves as finally alone and perchance unbeatable ( Elkind, 1967 ) . The deductions of cognitive development on acquisition and instruction at this age scope are rather of import. Because striplings now have the capacity for abstract idea, their verbal problem-solving accomplishments are much greater ( Developmentally Appropriate, 2009 ) . Teachers can now utilize inquiry-based acquisition at a more advanced degree ( Developmentally Appropriate, 2009 ) . For illustration, in the biological science schoolroom pupils at this degree of cognitive development may be take a relevant subject, develop a research inquiry, signifier hypotheses, test the hypotheses, observe the consequences, make decisions, and pass on the importance of the findings to other schoolmates ( Mississippi Science Framework, 2001 ) . Socially and emotionally, adolescence is a really disruptive clip ( Helping your kid, 2005 ) . During pubescence, sex endocrines, bodily alterations, and nervous pruning ( the cutting dorsum of fresh nervous tracts ) lead to incomprehensible temper swings ( Helping your kid, 2005 ) . This is besides a clip when striplings are developing a personal individuality and sense of ego ( as cited in Hamachek, 1988 ) . Erik Erikson ‘s theory of the eight phases of development provinces that the most of import phase for this age scope is stage five: individuality versus individuality confusion ( as cited in Hamachek, 1988 ) . In this phase, persons are get downing to set up a stable self-concept that does non alter. However, Erikson besides says that persons in this phase can hover between being certain of themselves and uncertainness which may be due to the rapid alterations that adolescents experience during pubescence ( as cited in Hamachek, 1988 ) . In phase four of Erikson ‘s theory, the single begins to develop a sense of industry and lower status ( as cited in Hamachek, 1988 ) . This means that by age about age 12, striplings should be cognizant of their ain capacity to bring forth things every bit good as the fact that they may non be every bit good at some things as others ( as cited in Hamachek, 1988, Helping your kid, 2005 ) . A sense of lower status creates self-aware feelings about oneself which may take the stripling to move shyly or sharply but besides to derive or lose motive in academic enterprises ( Spano, 2004 ) . Besides at this age, striplings are traveling off from dependance on parents and closer to interaction with equal groups ( as cited in Hamacheck, 1988 ) . They begin to value the sentiments and involvements of their friends over the sentiments and involvements of their parents, and they besides begin to take involvement in edifice stronger relationships with people outside their immediate household ( Spano, 2004 ) . Therefore, peer force per unit area can be a major factor in behaviour ( Helping your kid, 2005, Spano, 2004 ) . Even though striplings are seeking independency from their parents at this age and finding their single personalities, they can besides return back to Acts of the Apostless of childish in times of emphasis ( as cited in Hamachek, 1988 ) . One must maintain in head that merely because striplings have the visual aspect of immature grownups, they are still slightly kids cognitively and emotionally ( Kipke, 1999 ) . So in the schoolroom, instructors should retrieve to put ends that are disputing but non excessively disputing ( Developmentally Appropriate, 2009 ) . Showing a challenge that can be accomplished with some attempt gives the pupil a sense of assurance in his or her ain abilities which can take to a greater sense of individuality, whereas showing impossible challenging can hold negative effects on self-esteem and deter positive acquisition behaviours ( Developmentally Appropriate, 2009 ) . Teachers should besides maintain in head that pupils are extremely societal at this clip, so concerted acquisition is a positive instruction scheme ( Developmentally Appropriate, 2009 ) . For illustration, in the biological science schoolroom, have pupils work together on an assignment such as dissecting a toad while the instructor acts as a facilitator and moves about the room to assist groups when they can non reply the inquiries on their ain ( Mississippi Science Framework, 2001 ) . Just retrieve that, in the schoolroom, societal interaction should non roll excessively far from the content. The most apparent signifiers of development in striplings are psychomotor and physical development. Approximately between the ages of 11 and 15, adolescents undergo pubescence, or the development of secondary sex features ( Kipke, 1999, Spano, 2004 ) . At this point in their lives, striplings become capable of reproduction which entails a figure of physical alterations such as an addition in height and weight and organic structure hair, etc. ( Spano, 2004 ) . This drastic alteration in bodily proportions, coupled with the phenomenon of nervous pruning ( which is the decrease of fresh neural tracts in the encephalon during adolescence ) , sometimes leads to awkwardness and shortages in coordination every bit good as alterations in affect ( Coch, Fischer & A ; Dawson, 2007 ) . Physical alterations interact closely with emotion and knowledge ( Coch, Fischer & A ; Dawson, 2007 ) . Due to all the physical developments, striplings spend a important part of clip focused upon themselves which gives grownups the feeling of egoism ; and because they are so focussed on themselves, they feel like others are focused on them as good which is the impression of the fanciful audience ( Elkind, 1967 ) . These rapid alterations make them experience self-aware and over-concerning about their physical visual aspect ( Spano, 2004 ) . Although pupil may be awkward or clumsy at this age, implementing schemes that require honing of all right motor accomplishments is a good thought ( Coch, Fischer & A ; Dawson, 2007 ) . Having pupils fix their ain moisture slides in a biological science category is a valuable tool because it requires pupils to pay attending to item and develop concentration and a new accomplishment set that can be used subsequently on ( Mississippi Science Framework, 2001 ) . All of these new developments in striplings lead to new chances in larning. Cognitive development allows immature striplings to finish more in-depth job state of affairss and focal point for longer sums of clip ( Helping your kid, 2005 ) . Adolescents are besides developing a sense of ego and personal involvements, so they are capable of ramifying out into extracurricular activities that they enjoy such as music or art ( Hamachek, 1988, Helping your kid, 2005 ) . This is besides the clip in life where persons form womb-to-tomb reading wonts, so encouragement to read is of import ( Helping your kid, 2005 ) . In drumhead, the old ages of adolescence ( ages 12 through 16 ) are a clip of major development non merely cognitively but emotionally and physically every bit good. For instructors, structuring content around developmentally appropriate patterns is highly of import. Without maintaining in head the degree of cognitive ability of their pupils, instructors run the hazard of making lessons that are either excessively long and advanced or excessively easy and short. Teachers need to understand what their pupils are traveling through emotionally and socially every bit good. Implementing learning schemes where the pupils get to interact with one another is a positive incentive for adolescent pupils. In the scientific discipline schoolroom, all these deductions are merely every bit valid as in any other schoolroom. Designing lesson programs that allow the pupils to develop an involvement in different subject and work out jobs that are disputing will assist them to make a high degree of development, and showing the stuff in assorted ways helps pupils with changing personalities learn the stuff. Without usage of developmentally appropriate patterns, effectual instruction is non possible.

Nature of Sin The Progression of the Theme by Character Dispositions in The Scarlet Letter - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1503 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2019/05/18 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: The Scarlet Letter Essay Did you like this example? Although one may attempt not to sin, all humans, in due course, succumb at some time or another. While individuals may not be able to ignore the fate which comes for them, the ability of free will permits people to determine how they will react to sin. Nathaniel Hawthorne, an author during the 1800s, created a character who witnessed the nature of sin and how it bestowed havoc, not only to a single human being but to an entire region in his novel, The Scarlet Letter. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Nature of Sin: The Progression of the Theme by Character Dispositions in The Scarlet Letter" essay for you Create order This theme, nature of sin, revolves around the four major characters of the narrative and it continued to progress as the plot became more riveting and as the characters personalities began to uncover. In Hawthornes piece of writing, it reveals this idea by exposing the citizens of New England, during the Puritan era, and the detrimental effects of sin through Hester Prynne, Pearl, Roger Chillingworth, and Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. In the novel, The Scarlet Letter which was written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the narrator develops the theme of nature of sin by analyzing the different characters actions from the beginning of the story to the end. The narrator of The Scarlet Letter uses Hester Prynne as the introduction of the nature of sin by recognizing that sin first begins with shame. Hester Prynne, through the eyes of the Puritans, is a sinner. She had gone against the Puritan religion ways and committed adultery. Hester is introduced to the readers as a young woman who had lost all control of her life due to this conviction. She was forced, by New England citizens, to wear the letter A on her breast as punishment for her sins. When she was sentenced to stand on a scaffold for three hours with her newborn in front of the entire community, Hester wondered, Could it be true? She clutched the child so fiercely to her breast, that it sent forth a cry; she turned her eyes downward at the scarlet letter, and even touched it with her finger, to assure herself that the infant and the shame were real (Hawthorne 51). The reader was able to clearly depict that Hester could not believe the position she was in that very moment and had to remind herself by coming upon the objects that conveyed her shame. She stood in front of hundreds of people, and all eyes were on her with their scorching, judgmental faces. Hester had trouble to accept the amount of shame she now consumes, but she assured herself to believe and now everyone will now look upon her differently. Shame is a painful feeling of humiliation caused by wrongful behavior and now the citizens of New England, and the reader, look at Hester Prynnes new life as the beginning of her shameful and sinful path. The reader had only a glimpse of what Hesters old life was like, but that did not matter anymore. Nature of sin first begins with shame, as shown by Hester Prynne and it follows with a newborn infant. During the duration of the novel, the theme of nature of sin was further progressed by Pearl, who was represented as a constant reminder of the acted sin. Pearl is the illegitimate daughter of Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale. Throughout the novel, she became known as a demon in angels clothing to the townspeople. She was a curious child who, some saw, had aspects of devilish like qualities because she was the product of sin. As the narrator was introducing Pearl, he mentioned, God, as a direct consequence of the sin which man thus punished, had given her a lovely child, whose place was on that same dishonored bosom, to connect her parent for ever with the race and descent of mortals (Hawthorne 74). Readers are able to exemplify that because Pearl is a product of Hester Prynnes sin, she has the same value as the scarlet letter A does, which is also to be a reminder of the sin. It can be said that one of the aspects of sin is being able not to forget it, so the author made Pearl a living, breathing reminder. Pearls value of being a human rather than a piece of fabric is more memorable because to the Puritans, Pearl is a direct consequence from God. The Puritans base their whole lives around God and religion so that makes them believe Pearl is a more devious child than any other and that she is here to prompt Hester and the other citizens that humans are in a path to eternal damnation. Pearls reoccurrence embarks the continuous journey the theme of nature of sin endures in the novel and it persists by turning into something more malicious. As the novel continued, Roger Chillingworth portrayed how sin can manifest a man to become more malicious and immoral. It was learned that he w as willing to go to any length to get his revenge on the man who committed adultery with his wife, Hester Prynne. Chillingworth is a new persona he had come up with after being presumed dead for two years. He remade himself as a physician and vowed his entire life to gain vengeance on Pearls father, Arthur Dimmesdale. When Hester and Dimmesdale both knew Roger Chillingworths true character, Dimmesdale had told her, We are not, Hester, the worst sinners in the world. There is one worse than even the polluted priest! That old mans revenge has been blacker than my sin. He has violated, in cold blood, the sanctity of a human heart (Hawthorne 161). It can be depicted to the reader that Chillingworths sin is far from comparable than any other character in the novel. Chillingworths thirst for vengeance has made him a cruel person and that is the greatest sin of all. Throughout the years he remained in Boston, his character changed so dramatically from admirable to evil that even those who did not know him personally seemed to notice an evil nature deep within his soul trying to break free. His obsessio n with such evil can make a man turn sin into something far darker than it has to be. The nature of Chillingworths sin is based on a darkened heart that has allowed the character to receive an immoral personality and the theme can proceed by as an end of life as well. In The Scarlet Letter, the theme of nature of sin was concluded by rendering Arthur Dimmesdales character that sin could cause death. Dimmesdale is a very well respected member of the community for which he is a reverend and preaches the word of God to the Puritans. Dimmesdales body refuses to reveal his own sin, which is that he is Pearls father, so he tortures himself and eventually engraved a scarlet letter A to his chest. The concealment of his sin was eventually revealed to the members of New England towards the end of the novel. On the verge of Dimmesdales death, the narrator includes, Then, down he sank upon the scaffold! Hester partly raised him, and supported his head against her bosom May God forgive thee! said the minister. Thou, too, hast deeply sinned! (Hawthorne 209). The reader is clearly able to discern that Arthur Dimmesdales sin has led him to his own death. Although Dimmesdale asked for forgiveness from God, his sin against himself was more sinful than his sin aga inst anyone else, including God. Dimmesdale hurt himself more than anyone else could have by starving and by physically and mentally torturing his body. He concealed himself with this sin and did not reveal it to anyone but himself, and that has resulted in him to pay the price of death. The progression of the theme of nature of sin, that was portrayed in Arthur Dimmesdale, was concluded as the end of life. As it was shown in the novel, the progression in one of the themes, the nature of sin, can be scrutinized by the characters the narrative revolves around. This development over the course of the story adds to the overall text of The Scarlet Letter. One sin induced many others and, in a result, led to the revelation of different aspects of the major characters. Hawthorne uses sin as a way to remind the reader that sin can start off as something wholesome, but then affect the lives of people who did not ask for it. It can also be deduced that sin follows the course of life in some ways. It is born into the world as something purely innocent and uncomplicated, then nature takes its course and further manipulates sin. Sin will influence and abet the sinner during its life and will soon die into the hands of the sinner. In some cases, it may actually follow them into the afterlife and live on. In the 21st century, sin like Hesters adultery is not mentioned because there are more pressing issues in society, but the overall nature of sin can ruin the lives of many and should be more widely noticed.