Effect of Drug and Alcohol interventions

Effect of Drug and Alcohol interventions This study seeks to look at whether drug and alcohol interventions are of benefit to that of the service user, especially from an adult perspective. It will seek to address the help that is out there to help individuals who might recognise the need to be rid of their addiction and to be restored back to their normal routine life, before the addiction gets a hold of them any further. Qualitative researches tend to concentrate on specific issues that are health related, and that such matters are fundamental to the temperament of our thoughts and feelings. Issues that a qualitative approach might find much easier to address, such is not the case when dealing with quantitative data. Therefore it is not a matter of asking whether or not qualitative research is better than quantitative approach, but rather what is the best approach to gather information for a specific research question such as their lived experience which is what this research is based upon. Because I aim to investigate th e benefits of interventions treatment provided by the healthcare and social care sectors therefore the best approach would be to use a qualitative approach. A qualitative approach will be used; this is to best understand the experience that they have faced, and the method of interviews will be used to help gather concrete data. When an individual becomes addicted, the user no longer consumes just for the fun of it or to get high. But in actual fact, the person with the addiction now relies on the alcohol or the drugs in order to perform on a day by day basis. One might say in some circumstances, the addicted persons daily life will revolve around fulfilling their need from the substance on which they are now hooked. This study aims to help those who are not aware of services provided out there, to gain knowledge and know that there are different sectors as well as inter-professionals whether it be healthcare or social care intends to help them fight their fears. By talking about the ir experiences and feelings they are now faced with and the required actions they now should take in order to tackle their addiction, will best help one to understand what best intervention treatment is benefit able for each individual as others might be more severe and likewise not so severe. Literature Review Intervention is the course of action for which an individual take advantage of when all other options has been exploited in an attempt to help a person conquer a drug or alcohol problem. (Drug alcohol addiction-recovery). It is an intentional method used by which change is introduced into an individuals thoughts, that of their feelings and behaviour. The process of drug intervention normally seeks reinforcement from a wide variety of service providers. In addition to specialist addiction services, this may include general practitioners, pharmacists, hospital staff, social workers, and those working in housing, education and employment services, who sees it crucial to approach individuals whom they recognise are self-destructing themselves. The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) is a special health authority within the NHS, established by Government in 2001, to improve the availability, capacity and effectiveness of treatment for drug misuse in England (NTA, 2007). T he NTA has reasoned that there is absolute need for combined and harmonised input from a diverse range of professional groups. However in such case it should be that the local regions offer substance misuse individuals the choice of generic and specialist interventions (NTA,2006). Illicit drug users have multiple and complex needs, including high levels of morbidity and mortality, domestic and family problems, homelessness, physical and sexual abuse, and unemployment (Neale 2002). However in order to get help the person struggling with the addiction must first of all recognised the need for help. Habitually, an individual with substance misuse issues finds it hard to come to terms in accepting the fact that they do have a problem, by acknowledging this it is as if the world around them is at fault or that ones causing a commotion over nothing. Individuals who are uncompromising in regards to their addiction do not recognise the gravity of their problem. What matters to them is attaining the drug, despite the consequences. Neither health nor Legal implications are taken into considerations. The International Treatment Effectiveness Project (ITEP) is branch of the National Treatment Agencys Treatment Effectiveness strategy, which acknowledges matters for improving the excellence of treatment interventions. ITEP employs intervention to support care development which is referred to as mapping in the structure of a changing pattern guide. Mapping is a visual communication tool for clarifying shared information between client and key worker. It helps clients to look at the causes and effects of their thinking and also assists in problem solving. (NTA, 2007). Alcohol Drug Services has valued its involvement with ITEP. The project has delivered immediate and tangible, benefits for clients though mapping interventions that are clear, straightforward and meaningful. Hogan. T. 2007. (Alcohol and Drug services) This is used by qualified key workers along with their services users; this is in the format of maps which consist of five different stages and it shows the phase by which a client go through in order to get to the point where they then acknowledge that they may have a serious drug problem. Besides the mapping, the treatment manual included a concise intervention designed to change clients thinking patterns. This helps them to explore self and recognise the stage in which they are at, it highlights their strengths, things that matters to them most in life for example decision making, social relationships, careers and there morals and beliefs and how best they can improve their life It was envisage that services instigating this treatment manual would see a improved and encouraging change in service users self assessments of their treatment understanding over a period of time, in comparison to that of clients in services who had somewhat or no mapping. Research shows that the alcohol and drug services has valued the involvement with ITEP, it claimed that the project has provided direct and substantial assistance to that of the service users. Another programme that works alongside National Treatment Agency is that of the Drug interventions programme. This plays an important role in dealing with drugs and the decline of crime. Instigated in the year 2003, it was aimed at adult substance misuse criminals who specifically use Class A drugs, like for example heroin and cocaine and this is was aimed at helping them to get out of crime and to get on treatment and other support that is available to them. (DIP, 2003). It is stated in the Drug Intervention Operational Hand Book that above  £900m overall has shown interest in DIP since the programme has been established and readily available is constant financial support to guarantee that Drug Intervention Programme progression grows to be the reputable way of working with drug misusing offenders across England and Wales. (DIP, 2003). Majority of these offenders who makes use of the Drug Intervention Programmes are amongst the most difficult to reach and most challenging drug mis users, and are offenders who have not formerly had access to treatment in any significant way before. The advantage of DIP is that it concentrates on the requirements of the offenders by sighting innovative ways of inter-professional working, whilst linking pre-existing ones, across the criminal justice system, healthcare and drugs treatment services along with a variety of other assistance and rehabilitative services. It is stated that the Drug Intervention Programme and the Prolific other Priority Programme (PPO)are similar in their joint intention to diminish drug associated wrong doing by switching Prolific and other Priority Programmes into treatment, rehabilitation and other support services. The Improving Tier 4 provision quality service is a fundamental part of the National Treatment Agencys (NTA) Treatment Effectiveness strategy. This associates the responsibility that the entire stakeholder sectors can participate in cooperation with finding solutions and improvements. The provision and quality programme consists of two different but related categories of service provision as defined by Models of Care: they are inpatient treatment (IP) and residential rehabilitation (RR). Aftercare (AC) is a closely related category of service provision. (NTA, 2008) The credentials investigate the types of provision that are being referred to at any time appointed by the IP, RR and AC. The NTA Improving quality Tier 4 is referred to when the instruction may exercise all interventions treatments. It suggests that all indications to Tier 4 provisions ought to have incorporated care approach amidst Tier 3 or Tier 2 provision and with aftercare. (NTA, 2008). The Tier 4 service provision offers supportive responses to drug misusers whose consume has been ongoing, intake is quiet a substantial amount, individuals with complicated needs, and this can allow the drug users to move forward in the direction of long-term self-restraint when and where convenient. Institutionalise services can also admit and support disordered clients. However some Tier 4 service arrangement may perhaps also have a significant function to participate in whilst entertaining individuals aside from continual substance misusing livelihood by intervening early. In accordance with this, the NTA has already produced guidance on commissioning Tier 4 service provision, specifically the Models of Residential Rehabilitation for Drug and Alcohol Misusers (NTA, 2006d) and Commissioning Tier 4 Drug Treatment. (NTA, 2006b). Inpatient treatment and residential rehabilitation are evidence-based interventions and have been shown to be effective in improving client outcomes across the range of domains. The NTAs forthcoming review of the evidence base for drug treatment outlines the effectiveness of residential rehabilitation and detoxification. NTORS (2000) demonstrates the effectiveness of residential rehabilitation treatment in achieving positive outcomes in reducing both drug use and crime for clients, many of whom had more severe problems than those in community services. Specialist in-patient interventions have traditionally been focused at and work well with clients who have complex drug, alcohol and other health needs, those in crisis, those requiring medication stabilisation e.g. on injectable or high dose opioids, or for effective detoxification. Recent evidence also indicates that they may be effective in providing detoxification for younger drug misusers who wish to be drug free. Evidence also indicates that inpatient detoxification is cost effective in achieving drug-free status. Drug-specific aftercare is normally required to maintain abstinence, together with appropriate housing and other support. In-patient detoxification followed by residential rehabilitation is the most effective way for drug users to become drug free, if they are motivated to be drug free and this is the agreed objective3. Commissioners should develop local drug treatment system plans annually in line with Models of Care, which outlines the now well established four-tiered model of drug and alcohol treatment interventions for adults. Commissioners should also commission in line with the Treatment Effectiveness Strategy, particularly the emphasis on whole treatment journeys and commission full pathways of care, including aftercare and other support to enable clients to maintain positive outcomes achieved in treatment. One of the key principles which underpins the commissioning of the four-tiers is that drug and alcohol treatment services should be planned strategically. This means that the impact of the commissioning of any one intervention could be viewed in the strategic context of the drug and alcohol treatment system for a locality or region. These key principles are a major feature of the treatment planning process5 led by the NTA, which forms the basis of effective strategic planning and commissioning. This is expected to be an integral part of local treatment planning and should be used by partnerships and commissioners to address local population needs in line with the national priorities and on the basis of evidence of what works. Aim To investigate the drug and alcohol interventions in health and social care benefits on service users? Research Question How do drug and alcohol interventions in health and social care benefit service users? Methodology Qualitative data Qualitative data refers to expression or images, method used for interpretation. Qualitative data does not survive out there waiting to be exposed, but are shaped by the way they are interpreted and used by the researcher. The character of qualitative data is seen to be wholesome and intact by the act of research itself. Qualitative approach investigates the importance of in depth understanding for a research topic as experienced by the participants of the research. The qualitative approach has been used to study extremely complex experience which can be understood without being expressed in words (Bradbury Lichtenstein, 2000), others have suggested studies that justify answers like what or how type questions would be careful in using qualitative approach (Lee et al.,1999). Qualitative research usually does not seek to calculate or evaluate objects under examination using numbers, as this is an approach which deals within the quantitative domain. The profundity of qualitative data develops on or after the conversation between the researcher and the participant; the insights achieved throughout this course of action can only be achieved given the interaction between the two. Research Strategy: The research strategy chosen is the plan of answering the research questions (Saunders et al, 2000). It is a choice on the methodology to be used and how it is to be used (Silverman, 2005). The research strategy seeks to classify the alternative strategies of inquiry according to quantitative, qualitative and mixed method approaches (Creswell, 1998). From this research strategy a phenomenology approach is used. A phenomenology sample comes from the word philosophy and it provides a framework for a method of research. It is based within the Humanistic research theory and follows a qualitative approach Denscombe, 2003. The aim of phenomenological sampling is to investigate fully and describe ones lived experience. It stresses that only those that have experienced phenomena can communicate them to the outside world . (Todres et al, 2004). The phenomenological research strategy as a result answers questions of significance in accepting an experience from those who have experienced it. The phenomenological term lived experience is identical with this research approach. Phenomenology consequently aims to develop insights from the perspectives of those involved by them detailing their lived experience of a particular time in their lives (Clark, 2000).this sampling is about searching for meanings and essences of the experience. It gathers descriptions of experiences all the way through hearing the first-person accounts during informal one-to one interviews. These are then transcribed and analyzed for themes and meanings (Moustakas, 1994) allowing the experience to be understood. Husserls phenomenological enquiry originally came from the certainty that untried methodical study may perhaps not be the best to use to revise human phenomena and had become so detached from the fabric of the human experience, that it was in fact hindering our understanding of ourselves (Crotty, 1996). He then felt driven to start up a thorough discipline that found truth in the lived experience (LoBiondo-Wood and Haber, 2002). Quantitative v Qualitative: Quantitative data lend themselves to various forms of statistical techniques based on the principles of mathematics and probability. In contrast, qualitative research is suited to investigating and seeking a deeper understanding of a social setting or an activity as viewed from the perspective of participants (Bloomberg and Volpe, 2008). Qualitative research is concerned with the nature, explanation and understanding of phenomena. Unlike quantitative data, qualitative data are not measured in terms of frequency or quantity but rather are examined for in-depth meanings and processes (Labuschagne, 2003). Silverman (2006:42) warns that quantitative research can amount to a quick fix approach involving little or no contact with people or field and has been deemed inappropriate for understanding complex social phenomena. Approach: Typical methods used in qualitative research are structured interviews, surveys, structured observations and potentially a focus group. This is where the researcher places his or herself in the midst of the participant for a while, learns from that persons only when in the presence. Silverman (2006) recommends a qualitative philosophy to be appropriate when the researcher seeks to investigate an incompletely documented phenomena and aiming to provide a better means understanding of social phenomenon where processes are involved. Even without wanting to shift entirely away from a purely quantitative view of health, many people now appreciate that a basic understanding of qualitative research can have a positive effect on our thinking and practice. It offers new ways of understanding the complexity of health care, new tools for collecting and analysing data, and new vocabulary to make arguments about the quality of the care we offer. As a consequence of our enhanced learning, we come t o realize that qualitative research is neither a sham science nor a poor substitute for experimentation. Interviews: Interviews will be my method by which to gather data for this research. They are generally used in assembling data in qualitative research. They are typically used as a research strategy to gather information about participants experiences, views and beliefs concerning a specific research question or phenomenon of interest (Lambert and Loiselle, 2007). Important types of interviews are identified by Babbie (2007) they are known as standardized interview, the semi-standardized interview and the unstandardised interview. The distinctions regarding each type are predominantly concerned as to how the interview is structured. Interview process: Individuals will be chosen from a population 200 service users who attend on a weekly basis the local drug drop in centre for counselling, rehab or to be signed posted to other agencies who might be of help. Such individuals might be undergoing drug or alcohol interventions treatment to help them steer away from their addiction. Sample target will be aimed towards adults who may be institutionalised or living at home, but are faced with the challenges of been an addict and are trying to seek help. The size of participants will be 10 and have residency within the Northamptonshire area. Interviews notifications were sent in advance, as to prepare participant. A consent form prior to interviewers visit was sent (see Appendix A), and participants were provided with an outline of the types of questions (see Appendix B) that might be asked at the interview. This was to enable that they had adequate time to prepare and reflect what it is they would like to share and also to ensure interview er collected the right information from interview. In a qualitative interview it is important that the questions capture the interviewees perceptions and not those of the researcher (Perry, 1998). This is mostly to verify that the responses given were not probed by the interviewer. The interview was carried out the local drug and alcohol drop in center in a room away from other clients. This was to enable full concentration and for them to be more open, as they might feel embarrassed about the issue at hand. The researcher asked questions at the interview scheduled which can be found in (Appendix B).During the interview a soft approach was taken to give the participant a chance to settle down and relax. For such reason an easy question was asked to start off with, something which the interviewee might have had time to formulate views on already. The interviews took twenty five minutes per participant and notes were recorded during the interview. A convenience sample best represents the direction of this research as it generally assumes a consistent population, and that one person is pretty much like another. Data Analysis The presumption, by which qualitative data produce, ought to be honest. It is essential that there are evidence and reasonable argument to prove. The procedure carried out must be trustworthy and able to convince one that that the results obtained was not false. This is because the information that was gathered from the interviews ought to have value in order for inter-professional bodies to make use of it. Qualitative research must meet our expectations for rigorously conducted research and reliable information, but must be true to its underlying philosophies and methodologies. (2009). International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation. The data will going to analysed key themes from the ten respondents, and it is hope that this will help answer the research question. Thus the data gathered from the interviews shows concrete evidence in relation to that of the information shown in the literature review. Though not a sufficient amount of data from the literature review to speak on behalf of the service users as to how they felt whilst going through the different treatments, the interviews really helped in shedding some light as to what they thought. When asked the question how they recognised they needed help, some raised the issue that they recognise that their family lives were a mess, were not able to hold down employment and other issues. Responses received from the interviews where somewhat shocking, as some found they were still struggling to be rid of their addiction whilst others were trying to get back to norm within society. The individuals who shared that they were still finding it a bit difficult was due to the fact that the environment which they still remained in, did not help them to refrain but rather tempted them more, for some this was the challenges they faced. Others recognised that the intervention treatment centres out there were readily available to help them which one can say is a good sign for them. Ethical Consideration Qualitative research confronts ethical issues and dispute exclusively to the study of human beings. Standard knowledge in areas such as physics, chemistry and biology permits the researcher to presume a point of view separate from the purpose of study occurrence in questioning. Confidentiality is an important ethical concern for most when considering a rehab program or other drug interventions treatment. Each individual in recuperation may have experiences they may not feel comfortable sharing with everyone. It is therefore important for not just doctors, but for other inter-professional members to respect the confidentiality of each person that they are treating. Giving permission for the individual to come to terms with their experience which is part of the rehab procedure, and it is not somewhat to be hastened or taken for granted. Permitting the individual who might be feeling emotional the opportunity to heal their wounds from the drug and alcohol abuse is vital for recovery. This is why it is imperative that a client enquire what the confidentiality policies are before registering unto a treatment program. Likewise one can pose a risk of harm to that of the client and this is not by being aware of the restraint imposed by the institutions order. The p rofessional team has to ensure that their influence over the clients is not predominant and they have sufficient knowledge in regards to the plan of their treatment. Though the individual might not have the capacity to make choices, conduct them self in terms of their personal values and beliefs, however if all has failed that guardian has to attempt to reach a decision as best as the individual would do if they were able. The ethical principle of beneficence, the desired to do what is considered best for the clients and promoting their growth and wellbeing, is essential to the practise of rehabilitation counselling, ( Howie et al, 1992). Conclusion The confrontation of providing best care for every service user at the towards the end of their treatment are considerable. Success is vital, and works best when all services and practioners understand each others roles and find means of working together. It is anticipated that the information received from the research will be used to improve inter- professional working and improve services. In-patient and residential rehabilitation drug and alcohol services should be commissioned as part of Integrated Care Pathways..These Integrated Care Pathways should be commissioned with clear routes into inpatient services, which seamlessly lead to residential rehabilitation (if required) followed by a community-based substance misuse support package,. Housing, education and employment support is important for individuals who have completed treatment and returned to the community if they are to sustain the gains made from Tier 4 treatment. Commissioners of drug treatment systems, should have in place the appropriate local links to work in close liaison with other local commissioners in the development of health, social care and housing strategies to ensure those leaving in-patient and residential rehabilitation services have access to the wide range of services necessary to provide comprehensive and effective packages of care. A key issue is the availability of housing support services and move-on accommodation for drug and alcohol users leaving in-patient and residential rehabilitation services. The data gathered showed that Appendix A August 2010 To whom this may Concern, My name is a researcher from the University of Northampton. I got hold of your information from the organisation which you attend daily drop in sessions, so therefore I decided to contact you. My research requested access from you in order to conduct it, as I understand that you fit my criteria for my area of study. As part of my research, I am undertaking an examination to see whether the interventions provided by the healthcare and social care services are of great benefit to you, and does it help you steer away from your addiction. The objective of my study is to best understand what it is like for you to deal with the addiction once it has gone so far. In order to undertake this research, I would be really grateful if you could give consent for me to carry out my research in the form of short interviews which will last up to 45 minutes with just myself been the researcher in your own domain. Notes will be taken at the interview and everything said will remain confidential between us. I look forward to your reply and for us to discuss the matter at hand further. Yours sincerely (NAME) Appendix B Interview schedule How did you recognise you needed help to stop taking drugs or drinking alcohol excessively? What support did you get from the inter-professional workers? Explain the challenges you faced in your decision to stop taking the drugs or alcohol? What benefits do you think youve gained from the interventions been introduced to you? What has been your experience from using the interventions services? Do you think there are enough services around to help you, if and when you do decide to refrain drugs or alcohol?

Adult Self-Directed Learning

Through time, self-directed learning has been observed as a rather distinct form of learning that has been in existence in the development of children up to the adult years. In the past, it has been known that the practice of self-directed learning has become the practice where formal instruction is not available before the establishment of schools (Merriam & Brockett, 2007).It requires a greater focus on the ability of the learning to become the source of initiatives when it comes to acquiring information and the reliance on their self without guidance from the traditional perspectives contained in the classroom setting. More so, it emphasized on a lesser restrictive foundation of learning and allows for the adult learners to depend on their own capabilities and discipline (Edwards, Hanson, & Raggatt, 1996).Aside from the learner, there is a perspective from the field of education which points towards the fact that adult learners are able to gain knowledge in self-directed learning through dialogue, too (Borkman, 1999). Nonetheless, there is much more emphasis on autonomy and the assumption of ownership when it comes to learning (Knowles, Golton, & Swanson, 2005).Upon review of the literature mentioned above, it has been shown that adult self-directed learning has existed through time, focuses on autonomy and ownership in learning, acquisition of information through independence, and the use of dialogue in learning.These are essential and basic elements within the concept of self-directed learning but the ability of the adults to engage in self-directed learning, in consideration of the characteristics and perspectives they have in terms of learning, is worth discussing.Moreover, the long existence of self-directed learning leads to the question of whether it can be really institutionalized or formalized through the inclusion in the academe or should remain as what it has been before, which is that learning rests on the initiative of the learner and occurs jus t about anywhere.It has been considered that the adults are able to conceptualize and reflect on their own better than the other age groups because of their current stage in cognitive development. Inherently, they have the capability to analyze and critically assess situations before them because of the sense of maturity attached to their age group.With this characteristic, adults can engage in self-directed learning better than high school students would do, as an example. However, this particular ability, brought about by their level of cognition, raises the question of whether adults are indeed able to learn by themselves or would need to communicate with a particular mentor or peer, which is posited in the element of â€Å"dialogue† for self-directed learners.The autonomy and independence is especially raised in the case of self-directed adult learners because of the discipline they have but nonetheless, there remains the need for them to have an authority in their activi ties when it comes to learning. There remains the constant need for inquiry and honing of ideas and the adult learner should be able to engage with someone who can ask questions in order to engage the learner into deeper thinking.While cognitive development may be a factor that makes the adult capable of engaging in self-directed learning, there remains the need for them to engage in dialogues in order to assure that what they gain in terms of their autonomous and independent are continuously refined. Thus, there remains the need for a mentor or outsider interaction that turns the mentor into a facilitator of learning instead of an agent through which learning primarily rests on.Moreover, this makes the autonomy and independence of a learner vary in terms of the set-up where self-directed learning occurs. There are differences that have to be accepted when it comes to the learning styles and behavior of the adult learners which makes room for flexibility in the framework of self-dir ected learning.There are adults who are able to devote their time practically on learning by themselves and there are also those who need constant dialogue for them to learn. In terms of learning styles, there is much room left for flexibility in this method of learning and makes people appreciate the fact that it puts the learner at the center of every activity.This deviates and puts much difference as compared to the traditional classroom setting because of the restrictive nature of learning and expression of individual learning habits. It now becomes important to emphasize that learning is deemed to be a rather enriching and fruitful experience when the learner is able to express and do it in his/her own way and will because of the satisfaction this brings.More so, a person would rather act more cooperatively when he/she has a sense of control over the choices that has to be made, which is the essential and a root function in self-directed learning. Thus, the question of whether adult self-directed learning rests on the level of cognitive development of the learner has to take into consideration the personal learning habits and degree of autonomy required by each learner. More so, evaluation of progress has to be based on the different requirements of each learner.In terms of formalization, there are current ways through which self-directed learning has been formed to become a part of the academe. The fact that it has been used as a method of instruction in the universities, which is partially a hybrid form in the case of distance learning, shows that it is recognized as an acceptable and effective means of acquiring knowledge.However, there remains the question of whether institutionalization of this form of learning creates any difference or not. The existence of self-directed learning practices in universities gives the formal setting for learning to occur. It does, in fact, take into consideration the different needs of the learner and the experience is enhanced through three different elements of the concept.These three elements are the advancement in technology, the training for teachers, and the convenience and accessibility of the learners to engage in self-directed learning.There advancements in technology have now provided self-directed learning to occur at a more effective manner for both the students and the teachers. The existence of internet has made it possible for learners, and teachers alike, to engage in dialogue and transfer of information across boundaries without barriers of geographical distances and costs. Learning could now occur online where different people in different parts of the world are able to communicate in real time.Moreover, there is a far wider reach for adult learners to be able to seek the advice or opinion of experts or other professionals when it comes to acquiring information for their subjects. However, this poses problems and disadvantages for those who are not abreast with the changes in te rms of technology for this particular method of learning.Moreover, there are adult learners who are not familiar or are not willing to use new technologies. Thus, it limits the effective and new tools of self-directed learning to those who can use them and have access to such.Aside from technology, teachers or mentors, who serve as facilitators, have also undergone changes as they developed their selves to adopt with the requirements of self-directed learning. It is assumed that there are still adult learners who wish to learn under the tenets of self-direction but requires guidance or dialogue.This situation gives rise to the hybrid mix where a mentor is present in order to fulfill the roles expected by the learner. Through time, educators have made their selves available for training on how to handle communication for adult self-directed learners, motivation, and manner of facilitation. It is apparent that there are differences with that of the traditional classroom setting and th is makes the teachers wear a relatively different shoe.This is where they realize that dictation and feeding everything into the student does not work. Rather, they only have to stimulate the students to critically think and analyze their situation and create an atmosphere which enables learning to occur.Lastly, access and convenience remains a great factor for the adults to choose self-directed learning today. The present conditions of the adults who engage in learning have made this a practical and popular choice nowadays. Adult learners are usually engaged in learning because of their need to go up the professional ladder, which can only be done through education.In this set-up, they are given the chance to commit to their work and still be able to attend classes wherever they may be. Self-directed learning, thus, enhances the chances and opportunities provide for adults to acquire knowledge without any inconvenience.  Upon visiting one of the online websites dedicated to self- directed learning, www.selfdirectedlearning.com, there are information provided for the purpose of both the learners and the teachers. The site convinces people that they could engage in self-directed learning through steps and also provides the teachers with information regarding some aspects of this particular form of learning.However, it is not a site which is purely devoted to providing information but mixes it with commercial purposes and makes offers of different materials for those who visit the site. Thus, it makes the readers question whether the information provided is intended to give credible information or simply support the commercial purposes of the website.Thus, it has been shown that self-directed learning for adults have several elements. It is seen that it could occur in practically any place with varying degrees of formality. Moreover, there are considerations given for the preferences and personal habits of the adults when it comes to learning as brought about b y their present situation and needs.There are other aspects which affect the ability of mentors and students to come together for the purpose of engaging in self-directed learning where the learner still serves as the primary focus of the process and the teacher serves as the facilitator.ReferencesBorkman, T. (1999). Understanding self-help/mutual aid: Experiential learning in the commons. Piscataway, NJ: Rutgers University Press.Edwards, R., Hanson, A., & Raggatt, P. (1996). Boundaries of adult learning. London: Routledge.Knwoles, M., Holton, E., & Swanson, R. (2005). The adult learner: The definite classic in adult education and human resource development. Burlington, MA: Elsevier.Merriam, S. & Brockett, R. (2007). The profession and practice of adult education: An introduction. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Shadow – Creative Writing

Despite it's been two years since I last saw my father, the shadow of his back still remain vivid and clear in my memories. That winter, mother died and father lost his job. It was a day of tragedy and sadness. I left London for Stoke-On-Trent to join my father in hastening home, the sight of the disorderly mess in the courtyard reminded me of mother. I couldn't help but shed tears. â€Å"Now that things have come to such a pass, let's get over it, after all every cloud has a silver lining,† he said. When father arrived home, he pawned and sold things in order to pay off his debt, then he borrowed new loans to hold the funeral. During these days our family was in such a state of sorrow and distress due to both the events of the funeral and the near-collapse of father's firm. Once the funeral ended, father had to return to America in a hopeless attempt to save his firm, and I had to return to London to finish my degree. Since we hardly had chance to see each other, we decided to depart together. After an old friend took me for a tour around Manchester, I was supposed to catch a train heading for London in the afternoon the following day. Father was over occupied by his business matters so instead of seeing me off at the train station, he asked a hotel waiter to accompany me. Anxious and worried, he relentlessly urged him to take good care of me. However, he didn't feel reassured and mulled over it. Ironically, his concern was completely unnecessary. I was already a grown up and had travelled to and from Manchester several times before, but he insisted and said, â€Å"It's better off this way. These days people simply can't be trusted. † Getting out of the taxi, we entered the train station. While I bought my ticket at the ticket booth father tended to my luggage, which was quite a huge load. When I came back father was busy bargaining with the porter over the fee. I was then such â€Å"smart aleck†. I felt that he was so terrible at haggling over the price that I was about to chip in words when the bargain was finally clinched. Boarding the train with me, he selected a seat right next to the carriage door for me. I spread the overcoat he got tailor-made for over the seat and sat down. Then for the tenth time, he reminded me to be watchful on the way and be careful not to catch cold at night. Miraculously, he somehow still managed to summoned up the courage and plead the train attendants to look after me. The disapproving and disbelieving eyes they gave us, it was so hilarious! I laughed at father for being so impractical and naive. These days people only cared about money, it would be unlikely that they'd take of me. Besides, at age twenty I was obviously capable of taking care of myself. Alas, when I come to think of it now, I can see that I was really too â€Å"smart† back then. â€Å"Dad, you better hurry for your appointment now,† I said. But he looked out of the window and said, â€Å"You'll need some refreshments on the way. Stay here don't go anywhere, I'll be back in a few minutes. † Outside the railing and beyond the other railroad platform were several vendors waiting for customers. To reach that platform, he'd have jump down the railway tracks, cross them and climb up the platform. For an exceptionally fat man in his mid-fifties, this proved to a physically demanding and strenuous task for father. I volunteered to go, but he insisted, so I reluctantly let him off. Dressed in a top black hat, worn-out morning dress and stripped trousers, I watched him totter towards the railway track. He climbed down the tracks with ease,but after crossing the tracks he struggled when climbing up the platform. Fingers gripped tightly onto the platform, legs huddled up, his corpulent body tipped slightly to the left. He was obviously exerting a huge amount of energy. Then I noticed the shadow casted off his back, tears gradually streamed out of my eyes. I quickly wiped them off for fear of embarrassment. When I gazed of of the window, father had just turned away from one of the vendors, holding two fists full of brightly-packaged chocolate bars. As he reached the edge of the platform, he placed he bars down, climbed down cautiously and then retrieved them back again. As he approached near the train, I ran out to help him. Back on board, he laid all the bars on my overcoat. Patting the dirt off his clothes, his expression looked somewhat relieved and after a while he said, â€Å"Go back to your seat. Don't leave yours things unattended. † I, however, did not return to my seat until his shadow was lost among crowds of people hurrying to and fro, and could no longer see him again. Then returning into the train and settling down, my eyes were again streaming out tears. In recent years, both father and I have been constantly on the move traveling here and there, and circumstances of our family got even worser. When father was young he left home to seek a livelihood and did achieve quite a few things on his own. To think that his fate should now be so bleak and gloomy at old age! Series after series of discouraging and unfortunate events filled him with a sense of dread and sorrow. He could no longer retain his emotions, as a result he would often vent his emotions on small mishaps and treat me harshly. However, after two years of separation, he has become soft and forgiving, and he dearly misses me and my son. A upon my arrival in London, I received a letter from him, in which he said, † My dearest son, I'm in an excellent state of health except there is much pain in my shoulders, causing me undesirable pain whenever I try to hold a pen or use chopstick. Perhaps it won't be long now before I rejoin your mother†¦ † Amid the glistening and bitter tears which these words brought to my eyes, I once again saw he familiar shadow casted off the back of father's corpulent form in the top black hat, worn-out morning dress and stripped trouser. Alas, how I long to see him again! Yet, little did I know that it was the last time I'd ever see him again.

African Americans During The Age Of Exploration - 1568 Words

During the Age of Exploration, Africans did not designate themselves as Blacks; however, Europeans used the term â€Å"blacks† to differentiate themselves. At first, there were a number of competing images of Africans, eventually those images crystallized into a small set of overly simplified, negative stereotypes widely shared in the west (Battle Wells, 2006). Early on, Africans were regarded on a relatively equal level to the Europeans. However, by the end of the eighteenth-century images of Africans as inferior were being used to justify the slave trade. Further complicating the characterization of Africans was the broad spectrum of definitions concerning Black identity. In the United States – after the age of exploration – Black was†¦show more content†¦The continent experienced the loss of a large part of its able-bodied population, which played a part in the social and political weakening of its societies that left it open to colonial domination a nd exploitation. In the nineteenth century, the flow of slaves began to slow due to the British Slave Trade Act of 1807, which banned imports of slaves into British colonies, and the British Slavery Abolition Act of 1837, which abolished any use of slave labor within the British colonies (Nunn Qiann, 2010). As much as we would prefer for it not to be true, skin tone complications of the past still afflict the psyche of present-day America. The American social hierarchy places people of mixed-race ancestry below whites but above blacks, while additional social stratifications along color lines are simultaneously taking place within the nation’s multiracial groups, according to a Johns Hopkins University sociologist’s study of U.S. Census data (Bennett, 2011). The idea that light-skinned blacks hold a higher standing than dark-skinned blacks is still a large point of discontent in the black community. Using data from the National Survey of Black Americans, it was found that blacks with lighter skin had higher socioeconomic status, had spouses higher in socioeconomic status, and had lower black consciousness than those with dark skin (Hughes Hertel, 1990). A 2006 University of Georgia study showed that employers prefer light-skinned black men to