What characterizes 21st century university students Essay

What characterizes 21st century university students - Essay Example Rapidly developing technologies change the way people collect, use, and transmit information. In fact, they change the relationship between a person and knowledge he gets. Sir Francis Bacon pointed it out that knowledge is power. It is the main factor in the education. However the present situation has changed approaches in obtaining this key factor. G. Graff in The Ships in the Night tells about two undergraduate students; one of them claims that he trashes objectivity in art history, and thus he presupposes it in political science. When asked which course she prefers, another student replies: „Well, I’m getting an A in bothâ€Å". These examples imply that the students have become cynical relativists. A. Bloom in The Student and the University tells about a student of A. Koyre, who has written in his paper Mr. Aristotle, having in mind the image of contemporary but not the Ancient philosopher. Both authors discuss not only problem of institutional matters, but qualiti es of the students, as well. As a current student , I learnt two different academic approaches: the middle-European and the American one. Although the two educational systems differ in many aspects, there is a certain common feature: students face enough difficulties in their way of getting a good education. And it is not only students’ fault.... Graff argues that, what is learned seems so specific to a particular course that it is difficult for students to see its application beyond. The author compares the situation with ships in the night, which are lonely, without a clear perspective of the way they are following, and with no conversation between them. The ships in the night follow the different directions, although they could have cooperated. Broadening the question, Bloom argues that universities now offer no â€Å"distinctive vision†; this implies the presence of â€Å"a democracy of the disciplines† and ability to choose any course one wants. When a student arrives at the university, â€Å"he finds a bewildering variety of departments and a bewildering variety of courses† (Bloom, 1996). According to Bloom, there is neither an official guidance, nor a university agreement of what he should study. Thus, it is impossible to make a reasonable choice. Both, Graff and Bloom, discuss the contemporary uni versity education system problems, which deal first of all with absence of corresponding curriculum courses and at the same time with a big number of the courses, which can be taken. Except this, it is claimed that there is no conversation and connection among the courses – each discipline seems to be particularly different from others. A university as a knowledge server provides nowadays a great amount of information; there are even those courses, the very name of which seems to be vague: for instance, â€Å"Ways to philosophy†, â€Å"Modern society and sociological theories†, â€Å"Arguments about human nature†, â€Å"Dualist views development†, etc. Under these names there

Algebra Math Problem Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Algebra - Math Problem Example Solution: Let x = the quantity of Arabica(M) (in kg) and y = quantity of Robusta(H) (in kg) Based on the given information, equations may be set up as: 10.50(x) + 9.25(y) = (9.74)(2500) ---? equation (1) x + y = 2500 ---? equation (2) Graphing each equation on the same xy-plane: By applying substitution method (equation (2) into equation (1)): 10.50(x) + 9.25*(2500 – x) = (9.74)(2500) 10.50(x) + 23125 - 9.25(x) = 24350 1.25(x) = 1225 Then dividing each side by 0.8, x = 980 kgs Arabica(M) And 980 + y = 2500 ---? y = 1520 kgs Robusta(H) Thus, the point of intersection is at (980, 1520) and this pertains to the quantities each of the Arabica(M) and the Robusta(H) that must be present in the bean-mixture so that Matthew is able to satisfy the condition of selling a total of 2500-kg mixture where each kilogram is sold for $9.74. Summary of Learning Besides its flexible range of applications, I have learned that there can be alternative methods in solving a system of equations once each equation has been properly set up with correct algebraic expressions in which variables are made to represent unknown amounts of objects either count or non-count by nature. I appreciate the fact that in Algebra, one is able to verify the existence of a solution by using methods of elimination and substitution wherein one method can be a means to countercheck the other which ought to show the same results. It is quite interesting that equations may be graphed to determine whether real solutions exist as via intersection of lines. Having become acquainted with different function types such as linear, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential, I gain knowledge of constructing relations among dependent and independent variables as well as arbitrary constants based on useful empirical data. Summary of Topic In the model mixture problem, businessmen like Matthew can set constraints in terms of cost, quantity of material or commodity under consideration, selling price, and a dditional concerns that may possibly be incorporated in formulating labels and pertinent equations. Normally, problems of such kind possess linear relationships of variables for which the number of solutions rely on the highest degree of independent variable by which to identify the number of intersection points between the set of equations involved. Alternative Project In its existence and approach, Algebra serves as a base device to higher math such as Calculus which attempts to explore the grounds for the undefined nature of a function and designates a sensible understanding about up to which extent it would exist considering assumptions or applicable conditions. Fundamentals of algebra are essential to the foundation of courses designed to solve multivariable systems through linear programming, matrix applications, and differential equations where there is ceaseless necessity for equations and functions in interpreting problem situations. They are especially of ample advantage a s tools for working chemists and biochemists who deal with cases of radioactive decomposition or rates of reactions for instance. Hence, chemical studies under such field may include the use of exponential function A = A0*e-kt where ‘A’ stands for the element concentration or amount at any time ‘t’