Comparison of Total Physical Response Approach to Traditional Teaching Model Essays

Comparison of Total Physical Response Approach to Traditional Teaching Model Essays Comparison of Total Physical Response Approach to Traditional Teaching Model Essay Comparison of Total Physical Response Approach to Traditional Teaching Model Essay Carrie Collins Donnie Harris Rosemary Sullivan TESL 5230 – SLA October 14, 2010 Case Study Outline Case Study Outline 1. Introduction Does TOTAL PHYSICAL RESPONSE (TPR) enhance student learning and growth in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) when used with Middle School students of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) when teaching map skills? (Per Grade Level Expectation SS5 1. 4, 1. 5 a. Locate states of the United States) Purpose of Study In studying SLA we explored the benefits of various approaches that have been used over the years to teach a second language. For many years schools relied on a Traditional Approach when teaching almost every subject including a second language. By Traditional Approach we mean that the teacher lectures and shows new topics while the students sit quietly in their seats listening, repeating, memorizing, doing assignments, taking tests, and interacting very little with each other or the teacher. (Wikipedia. org) One of the newer approaches, TOTAL PHYSICAL RESPONSE, introduced by James Asher in 1977, is based on the observations of children learning their first language. This involves use of the five senses along with body movements in activities designed to activate right-brain function. Asher believed that use of the right-brain, which includes much listening and acting, enables the needed processing of language in the left-brain. TPR also emphasizes fun, along with a more relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere in the classroom. (Brown, 2007) Past Research on Topic Asher, J. (2010). A new note about tpr. Proceedings of Project Coach, www. tpr-world. com Brown, H. D. (2007). Principals of anguage learning and teaching: fifth edition. White Plains, NY: Pearson Education. Krashen, S. (1998). Tpr: still a very good idea [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://ipisun. jpte. hu/-joe. novelty Mohammed, R. (2009, July 28). Total physical response [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://myenglishpages. com/blog/total-physical-response Renshaw, J. D. (2007). Total physical response. Retrieved from Onlineenglish. net Shearon, B. (2004). James asherâ€⠄¢s total physical response: a short introduction. www. c-english. com/files/tpr. df Tomlinson, B. Masuhara, H. (2009, July). Playing to learn: a review of physical games in second language acquisition. Simulation Gaming. 40(5), Retrieved from http://wwwsagepub. com/content/40/5/645. Traditional Education (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Traditional_education Subjects Our subjects were three sixth grade girls from the International Welcome School (IWS). They were recommended highly by their teacher, LaShonda Terry, because of their similar educational background experience, English proficiency and academic levels. According to their composite scores on the MAC II English proficiency screening test, given a year ago, all three placed at the basic beginner level. Their Student Academic Survey (SAS) indicated that all the girls have previously received formal education. On their most recent screening assessment for English proficiency, the WIDA ACCESS Plac ement Test (W-APT), all three students scored at the mid to high range of level two. Other factors these three students have in common are: Country of origin is Iraq; Native language is Arabic; All are eleven years of age; All have been in the USA for less than two years; They share the same culture and religion; None of the three wear the traditional head covering worn by other Muslim females; All girls have siblings attending the IWS and/or the Newcomers’ Program at Roosevelt High School. 2. Method The topic of the lesson we used to compare the Traditional Approach to the TPR Approach is identifying and naming the fifty states of the United States. The United States was divided into states east of the Mississippi River and states west of the Mississippi River. There are twenty-six states to the east and twenty-four states to the west. Students were given a pre-assessment to determine how many of the fifty states could be properly placed on a blank map of the United States of America. The objective of the first lesson was that students would learn the states west of the Mississippi River and correctly place them on a blank map of the western portion of the USA. The first approach used was the Traditional Approach. This method included lecture, work sheets, paper pencil task, coloring activity, rote memorization, and use of a transparency on the overhead projector. Instruction was teacher-centered with whole group. Students were grouped in proximity, but not encouraged to work together in pairs or small groups. After using the Traditional Approach students were given a post assessment of the western states. ************************************************************************ The objective of the second lesson was that students would learn the states east of the Mississippi River and correctly place them on a blank map of the eastern portion of the USA. The students were instructed using the Total Physical Response (TPR) approach. This instructional method involves activities using physical or kinesthetic movement. A teacher-made floor map of the United States was used. Students gathered around the map. The classroom teacher and researcher modeled the activity first. A command was given by the researcher to the classroom teacher. â€Å"Place your left hand on Alabama and your right leg on New York. † Then a command was given by the classroom teacher to the researcher. â€Å"Locate North Carolina. Now stand on the state that is immediately south of it. † The students then began to take turns following the command given by the researcher. After a while the students were instructed to give the command to their classmates. This was repeated until each student had a chance to stand on the map. The game was then revised and became competitive. Two students stood on opposite sides of the map on the floor. A state is called out and the goal is to be the first to step on the state and stand on it. All students had a turn either stepping on the map or giving the command. Students eventually began using the entire map for this activity. After using the Total Physical Response (TPR) approach students were given a post-assessment of the eastern states. . Data Collection and Analysis Data was collected based on the number of states that were correctly placed on the map for each of the tests: pre-assessment, all fifty states; post-assessment 1, western states; post-assessment 2, eastern states. Students’ individual growth was determined using the following data: Student A: Pre-assessment, 3/50 correct. This is her baseli ne for her previous knowledge. After Traditional Approach (TA): Post-assessment 1, 15/24 correct on western states. After TPR: Post-assessment 2, 20/26 correct on eastern states. Student B: Pre-assessment, 5/50 correct – baseline. After TA: Post-assessment 1, 11/24 correct on western states. After TPR: Post-assessment 2, 19/26 correct on eastern states. Student C: Pre-assessment, 3/50 correct – baseline. After TA: Post-assessment 1, 13/24 correct on western states. After TPR: Post-assessment 2, 19/26 on eastern states. Using this data and comparing the post-assessments to the pre-assessments it is clear that each student showed growth in the knowledge of the names and locations of the states on a map of the USA. The following are the rates of growth by percentage correct: Student A: Baseline – 6%; Western states, TA – 63%; Comparison to baseline – 57% growth factor; Eastern states, TPR – 77%; Comparison to baseline – 71% growth factor; TA vs TPR = gain of 14% using TPR. Student B: Baseline – 10%; Western states, TA – 46%; Comparison to baseline – 36% growth factor; Eastern states, TPR – 73%; Comparison to baseline – 63% growth factor; TA vs TPR = gain of 27% using TPR. Student C: Baseline – 6%; Western states, TA – 54%; Comparison to baseline – 48% growth factor; Eastern states, TPR – 73%; Comparison to baseline – 67% growth factor; TA vs TPR = gain of 19% using TPR. 4. Conclusions The results of this case study, while limited due to number of subjects, are based on similarities of subjects, data collected and analyzed, and implies that the Total Physical Response (TPR) approach produce d a higher growth increase in student learning and SLA as compared to the Traditional Approach (TA). In teaching the location and names of the fifty states of the USA, all four domains of language were explored. The predicted outcome expectation was to conclude that the use of Total Physical Response (TPR) approach does enhance learning and growth in SLA of the ESOL students at a higher rate than the Traditional Approach (TA). This expectation was met. A suggestion for improvement in a follow-up study might be to give a post-test of all fifty United States to compare with the results of the pre-test, since all fifty states were used as the baseline of previous knowledge. 5.

4 Criminals Prosecuted During the American Civil War

4 Criminals Prosecuted During the American Civil War The conditions that captured Union soldiers endured at the Confederacy’s Andersonville Prison were horrific. During the 18 months that the prison was in operation, nearly 13,000 Union soldiers died from malnutrition, disease, and exposure to the elements due to inhumane treatment by Andersonville’s Commander Henry Wirz.  So it really should come as no surprise that his prosecution for war crimes after the South’s surrender is the most well-known trial resulting from the Civil War.  But it is not as commonly known that there were almost one thousand other military prosecutions of Confederates. Many of these were due to the mistreatment of captured Union soldiers. Henry Wirz Henry Wirz took command of Andersonville Prison on March 27, 1864, about one month after the first prisoners arrived there.  One of Wirz’s first acts was to create an area called the dead-line fence, designed to increase security by keeping prisoners away from the stockade wall. Any prisoner who crossed the â€Å"dead-line† was subject to being shot by the prison guards.  During Wirzs reign as commander, he used threats to keep prisoners in line. When threats didn’t appear to work, Wirz ordered sentries to shoot prisoners.  In May 1865, Wirz was arrested at Andersonville and transported to Washington, D.C. to await trial.  Wirz was tried for conspiring to injure and/or kill captured soldiers by improperly denying them access to food, medical supplies, and clothing. He was also charged with murder for personally executing a number of prisoners. Approximately 150 witnesses testified against Wirz at his military trial, which lasted from August 23 to October 18, 1865.  After being found guilty of all charges against him, Wirz was sentenced to death and hanged on November 10, 1865. James Duncan James Duncan was another officer from Andersonville Prison who was also arrested.  Duncan, who had been assigned to the quartermasters office, was convicted of manslaughter for intentionally withholding food from the prisoners.  He was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor but escaped after serving only one year of his sentence. Champ Ferguson At the onset of the Civil War, Champ Ferguson was a farmer in Eastern Tennessee. This areas population was fairly equally divided between supporting the Union and the Confederacy.  Ferguson organized a guerilla company that attacked and killed Union sympathizers.  Ferguson also acted as a scout for Colonel John Hunt Morgans Kentucky cavalry, and Morgan promoted Ferguson to the rank of Captain of Partisan Rangers.  The Confederate Congress passed a measure called the Partisan Ranger Act which allowed for the recruitment of irregulars into service.  It should be noted that due to a lack of discipline amongst Partisan Rangers, General Robert E. Lee called for the repeal of the Act by the Confederate Congress in February 1864.  After a trial before a military tribunal, Ferguson was convicted of killing more than 50 captured Union soldiers. He was executed by hanging in October 1865. Robert Kennedy Robert Kennedy was a Confederate officer who had been captured by Union forces and was imprisoned at Johnson’s Island Military Prison. The prison was located in Sandusky Bay, which is on the Lake Erie coast just a few miles from Sandusky, Ohio.  Kennedy escaped from Johnson’s Island in October 1864, making his way into Canada - which maintained neutrality towards both sides.  Kennedy met up with several Confederate officers who were using Canada as a launching  pad to conduct war acts against the Union. He participated in a plot to start fires at numerous hotels, as well as at a museum and a theatre in New York City, with the intent to overwhelm local authorities.  All the fires were either put out quickly or failed to do any damage.  Kennedy was the only one who was captured.  After a trial before a military tribunal, Kennedy was executed by hanging in March 1865.

Advertisig portfolio Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Advertisig portfolio - Essay Example The copywriting also suggests the devilish association but keeps itself pithy and short, which is the best way to drive the message home. The second advertisement for Heinz ketchup (Appendix) is a good advertisement because it is creative and unexpected. The advertisement reads, â€Å"No one grows ketchup like Heinz†. This is an example of excellent copywriting; it adheres to the norms of being clear, direct and simple (Burton and Purvis, 1996). It is quickly and easily grasped and striking because it literally transmits its message for tomato ketchup by using the image of fresh tomatoes. There is no further clutter in the ad, so a viewer zeroes in on the image of the Heinz tomato â€Å"bottle† and the message. Since consumers typically view a print for less than 15 seconds (Pieters, Rosbergen and Hartog, 1996), this ad is likely to gain attention quickly and drive the message home equally home, hence as an ad, it is very effective. The third advertisement for the Mini car is a masterpiece, primarily because of the layout format it uses. The advertisement occupies a full two page spread but the car occupies only a small corner. The juxtaposition of tire tracks with the staples at the centre of the page is yet another element that adds to the message of the advertisement and draws attention to its quality of smallness which makes the car desirable. McQuarrie and Mick (1996) have defined advertising rhetoric as an expression that systematically diverges from the expectation of the viewer by moving away from convention. This advertisement also achieves the move away from convention, especially in terms of its layout and the simple direct message inviting the viewer to try the Mini. The sparse copywriting in this ad only enhances its efficacy; it is simple, direct and drives the point home. The fourth advertisement for fabric softener is also a

The Ethnic Groups in Southeast Asia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Ethnic Groups in Southeast Asia - Essay Example But there are oral accounts in the form of folk tales, out of which some suggest that Burma is indeed their original home, but there are some folk tales which point towards their origin being China. The Karens have script of their own as well, which is often termed as 'chicken scratch script' because the script resembles the scratches made by the movement of a chicken when it moves on sand or soft soil. Smith (2003) stated that, "until the annexation of Burma in the nineteenth century, the Karens were largely a hill of forest-dwelling people without a written literature.as a result, the Karens appear as an ethnic group very much on the fringes of the recorded history." Myanmar has at least 15 major ethnic groups with Burman (Bamar) comprising about half the population. The population of Karen is the next highest with 6-7 million people. The last comprehensive census with ethnicity count was held in the year 1931, under the British Colonial government. Thereafter the Burmese government avoided the questions about separate ethnic identity (Bowles, 2000). Basically, the Karen tribe is known to be agriculturists, with Buddhism being the predominant religion amongst the tribe. A belief amongst the Karen tribe is that historically they have come from a place called "Thibi Kawbi". This is termed as their representation of Tibet and southern Gobi desert. As time passed, gradually during the 18th century, Karen began to move down south towards Thai Payap (old northern kingdom of Siam)1. The Karen tribe have been demanding an independent identity and land for them since early 1880s, with the formation of Karen National Association. At that time, Burma was under the colonial rule of Britain. After independence of Burma in January 1948, they tried to have a peaceful existence under the banner of Karen National Union (KNU), with some important posts in the government offered to Karen people. Situation started changing after the Military junta took over the country in 1960s. Subsequently, the demand for a separate land for Karen became more voc al. The military junta started adopting oppressive measures after it took over. As a result, a large number of Karen people were forced to leave their homes and fled into bordering Thailand with the result that many thousands of Karen are now living in Thailand, Australia and elsewhere as refugees. The strength of Karen fighters depleted with Burmese army declaring a full scale war against them in early 1990s and by 1995 the KNU headquarters at Manerplaw fell to Burmese army. Culture and Religion The brass rings around the necks of Karen tribe people are stated to be because of a number of reasons2. Some say it is done to prevent tigers from biting them; appears to be a credible defense, because the tiger prefers to pull the life out of a human being with a firm grip around the neck. Another version is that it is practiced to make women less attractive, so that there is less likelihood of them being captured by the slave traders. But, there is still another version which finds that this is being practiced to make women for attractive, so that they are able to attract a better husband. Besides the neck ring, large sized ear-rings also make an important component of the beauty products of the womenfolk. As the age of young girls increases the size

The developments of the laptops Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The developments of the laptops - Essay Example Nobody can think in terms of carrying a desktop with them while travelling for business purposes. â€Å"Of course, the main benefit of a laptop is the portability. This can be a huge benefit, allowing you to take your computer to and from work, on planes, on camping trips, and practically anywhere else† (Laptop vs. Desktop, 2010). Laptops can be accommodated in a suit case or carry bag easily and because of superior battery power, it can be used at places where electricity is not available. â€Å"Laptop and the social network have become very essential to our teenagers. Internet makes it possible to connect them with their interest. Many of them like to spend their time in front of a laptop, having an internet connection† (Laptops, Internet, Social Networking And Their Influence On Teenagers, 2010). The increasing popularity of social networking sites will increase the popularity of laptops further in future. This paper briefly analyses the possible future developments which can take place in laptop market. The Future of Laptops The future of laptops is unpredictable. Many people believe that a pocket sized laptop with all the computer facilities and communication technologies may evolve in near future itself. Moreover, pocket sized laptops are going to conquer the lives of the people because of the huge developments in computer technologies and nano technologies. Nano technology is developing rapidly and many people are of the view that the processing power of the microprocessor chips is going to increase as a result of that. Moreover, the size of the laptops may also be considerably reduced. Even a small chip can handle thousands of gigabyte data if nano technology developed properly. Under such circumstances, the sizes of the storage devices used in laptops are going to be reduced. â€Å"One of the most recent trends in laptop technology is the touch screen. These laptop companies are vastly producing a good majority of their laptops now integ rated with touch screens† (Helphrey, 2011). Touch screen mobile phones are already in the market. Touch screen technology is going to capture the laptop industry as well. New operating systems are supporting touch screen technology which is a blessing for the laptop manufacturers. â€Å"All of the major semiconductor companies are trying to create powerful processors that use very low-voltage†(Bajarin, 2011). In other words, laptops with higher battery life are possible. Current laptops are offering maximum 6 to 8 hours battery life. However, with the introduction of new technologies laptops which may work even up to 24 hours with the help of battery alone are possible. It is not necessary that the designs or the shapes of the future laptops would be the same as that of the current ones. Revolutionary changes in design, functionality and performances are waiting for the future laptop users. Laptops with the size of a mobile phone are going to enter the market very soon. Thickens, weight, length, breadth etc of the current laptops are going to be reduced very much. Dell recently unveiled one of their interesting netbooks recently. â€Å"At first look, you might think that this is just a tablet device, but you'll be surprised to know it is also a netbook. Flipping the screen from within the frame will display the keyboard and turns this device into a netbook† (Tuvie: Design of the future, 2011). Rolltop design is another interesting model proposed for future laptops. Some of the proposed future laptop designs are given below. (How Laptops May

International Accounting Standards: UK Financial Reporting

International Accounting Standards: UK Financial Reporting APC311 INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING ASSIGNMENT (Word count: 3, 080) Introduction The growth of international activities has been rapid over time. These activities include areas of international trade, international investment, international bond and equity offerings, capital movements between countries and the number of multinational firms. Countries, entities and bodies who carry out these activities continuously seek to achieve growth and higher returns at lower cost of financing. This implies that there is often the need to consider international rather than national or internal alternatives of raising finance. The differences in accounting systems and principles that exist in different countries are a barrier to towards the comparability of financial information that is published by companies using different sets of accounting standards (Alexander, 2007). This led to ‘the pressure for international harmonization to regulate, prepare and use financial statements which are reliable, comparable and transparent (Nobes and Parker, 2000). This can only be achieved if countries employ the same accounting standards through the harmonization of accounting principles. International harmonization may be defined as a political process aimed at reducing the differences in accounting practices across the world in order to achieve comparability and compatibility (Hoarau, 1996). To achieve this feat, accounting regulators such as the IASB have attempted to advance harmonization projects in an attempt to minimize differences between different national accounting standards (O’Regan, 2006). As argued by Choi et al (2002), harmonization will make it more likely for users of financial statements to interpret the information correctly and make better decisions based on that information. It will also reduce drastically the information asymmetry between stakeholders and companies and hence save manpower, money and resources. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), issuers of International Accounting Standards (IASs) was established in 2001 and is the independent standard-setting body of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) Foundation, an independent, private sector whose principal objectives are to develop in the public interest, a set of high quality, understandable, enforceable and globally accepted international financial reporting standards (IFRSs) based on clearly articulated accounting principles. IFRSs are a set of high quality, understandable, enforceable and globally accepted Standards based on clearly articulated accounting principles. The need for International Accounting Standards The international investor The information age and the advent of high-tech computers makes possible the availability of massive amounts of international financial information. Institutional and individuals who are interested in making international investments can therefore benefit from the global harmonization of accounting standards. International Accounting firms The role of international accounting firms include providing auditing and consulting services in many countries. The absence of international accounting principles implies that they have to gain expertise in areas of domestic financial accounting principles and related laws. Gaining this expertise can substantially increase their operational costs. International intergovernmental organisations International intergovernmental organizations including the United Nation (UN), the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) extend credits for projects to other countries. They are therefore interested in obtaining comparable financial information in order to evaluate the projects they carry out in the various countries.as the organization. This can be achieved only if there is harmonization of international accounting principles. Developing countries Developing countries often seek international financing sources for their development. It is important for their governments and accounting regulating bodies to adopt international accounting standards in order to make it easier for them to access international financing sources. Stock exchanges The use of international accounting principles can enable the internationalization of Stock exchanges which can in turn increase international financing activity. This essay will make particular reference to the UK equivalent of accounting standards i.e., the  Financial Reporting Standards (FRSs) to examine the different accounting treatments in the individual accounting standards of interest in this assignment. IAS 38 Accounting for intangible assets Definition: An intangible asset is an identifiable monetary asset without physical substance. An asset is a resource that that is controlled by the enterprise as a result of past events and from which future economic benefits are expected [IAS 38.8]. The objective of IAS 38 is to prescribe the accounting treatment for intangible assets that are not dealt with specifically in another IAS. The standard deals with: the criteria to be met before an enterprise can recognise an intangible asset; how to measure the carrying amount of intangible assets and the disclosures that needs to be made. Examples of assets that may qualify as intangible assets under IAS 38 are: computer software, copyrights, customer and supplier relationships, franchises, licenses, rights patents. The three critical attributes of intangible assets are: Identifiability: In order for an intangible asset to be identifiable, it must be separable and it arises from contractual or other legal rights, regardless of whether those rights are transferable or separable from the entity or from other rights and obligations. (IAS 38.12) Control (power to obtain benefits from the asset) An intangible asset must be under the control of the enterprise in order for it to have the power to obtain future economic benefits from the asset. Control will usually but not necessarily emanate from legally enforceable rights, in the absence of which it is more difficult to prove the existence of an asset. For example, control over technical know-how is deemed to exist only if it is protected by legal right such as a copyright or patent. Recognition and measurement: IAS 38 stipulates that an intangible asset should be recognised only if both of the following occur: It is possible that the future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity, and The cost can be reliably measured. The cost of an asset must be reliably measured if the asset is acquired in a normal transaction. Also, the fact that a price has been paid for the asset, is a reflection of the expectation that future economic benefits will flow to the entity. Goodwill and brand image In order for goodwill and brand image to be classified as intangible assets and included as assets of the enterprise, they need to be identified separately. If goodwill and brands have been acquired externally, then their cost and existence can be identified and capitalised. As regards internally generated goodwill, it cannot be recognised as an asset because: it is not separable from the business it has not arisen form contractual or other legal rights, and its cost cannot be reliably measured (IAS 38). A reconciliation of the carrying amount at the beginning and the end of the period. FRS10, accounting for goodwill and intangible assets is the equivalent UK Financial Accounting standard to the IAS 38. The standard views goodwill arising on acquisition as not constituting an asset or an immediate loss in value. But it relates to the cost of an investment in the financial statements of the acquirer, hence the values are attributed to the acquired asset and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. The standard is of the view that even though purchased goodwill is not in itself an asset, including it in the assets of the reporting entity rather than deducting it from shareholder’s equity recognises that goodwill is part of a larger asset whose investment the entity’s management remains accountable. Thus, the objective of the FRS10 is that it ensures that purchased goodwill and intangible assets are charged to the income statement in the periods they are depleted. A comparison of the different accounting treatment of intangible assets by the IFRS and UK GAAP can be seen in Appendix 1. Discussion The IAS definition for intangible assets has its limitations as many intangibles such as patents and related drawings do have a physical substance (Tiffin, 2005 p.67). However the real issue with intangible assets is that intangibles are difficult to value and as such, attempting to measure their impairment is plagued with problems Godfrey Koh, 2001). The uncertainty about asset values and their impairment renders them susceptible to creative accounting. Intangible assets can be generated internally by firms. But it is difficult to accurately identify and cost such assets. IAS38 states that ‘internally generated goodwill shall not be recognised as an asset’. Research and development are therefore considered to be different parts of creating an internally generated intangible asset. The research phase is defined by IAS 38 as ‘original and planned investigation undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding’. This implies that research costs incurred are expensed when they occur. There is consistency in classifying what constitutes an intangible asset by the standard. Of course, this treatment of research is appealing as there is a probability that an initial research may not actually lead to any economic benefit. Accounting for leases (IAS 17) Definition: A lease is an agreement whereby the lessor conveys to the lessee in return for a payment or series of payments the right to use an asset for an agreed period of time. A lease falls under two main categories; a finance lease and an operating lease. A lease is classified as a finance lease if it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incident to ownership. All other leases are classified as operating leases. Classification is made at the inception of the lease. [IAS 17. Thus, in order to accurately classify the type of lease, it is important to determine whether the risks and rewards associated with owing the asset are with the lessee or the lessor. An asset will be classified as a as a finance lease if the if the risks and rewards lie with the lessee. However, it will be classified as an operating lease if the risk and rewards lie with the lessor. As regards a finance lease, the concept of substance over form is applied. The substance is that even though the legal owner of the asset is not the lessee, the commercial reality is that the lessee has acquired an asset by obtaining finance from the lessor, this implies the recognition of an asset and liability. Other distinguishing factors of a finance lease include: The present value (PV) of the minimum lease payments at the beginning of the lease amounts to substantially all of the fair value of the asset. By the end of the lease, the lease agreement transfers ownership of the asset to the lessee. The option rests with the lessee to purchase the asset at a price expected to be substantially lower than the fair value when the option becomes exercisable. The leases asset must be of a specialised nature. A comparison of the different accounting treatment of intangible assets by the IFRS and UK GAAP can be seen in Appendix 2. Discussion Operating leases appear to be more popular as both the leased asset and liabilities can be effectively kept off the balance sheet with future lease obligations disclosed as footnotes. However, a finance lease, often treated as an ‘in substance’ purchase by the lessee and a sale by the lessor, is less popular as it requires both leased assets and liabilities to be recognized on the balance sheet. But the finance lease does produce a tax benefit because of a larger expense, interest plus depreciation, compared to an operating lease which only reports the lease payments as an expense. IAS 17 (IASB, 2008) allows managers to structure a lease in such a way as to avoid the reporting of lease assets and liabilities. In order to ensure a complete and transparent recognition of assets and liabilities arising from lease contracts on financial statements, the IASB decided to make no distinction between finance leases and operating leases and employ the ‘right-to-use assets’ and its lease obligations that is based on the present values of future lease payments using the incremental borrowing rate of the lessee at the inception of a lease. Capitalization of lease can impact negatively on earnings because of the increased cost due to the depreciation of the asset and interest expense. This will in turn affect expected profit margin, return on earnings (ROE) and return on assets (ROA) (Bradbury, 2003). IAS 37 Accounting for provisions, contingent liabilities, and contingent assets Definition A provision is a liability of uncertain timing or amount. IAS 37 ensures that a provision should be recognised only when there is a liability i.e. a present obligation resulting from past events. Contingent liabilities: Definition: A contingent liability is: a possible obligation that arises from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence of events not wholly within the control of the entity; or A present obligation that arises from past events but is not recognised because it is not probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; or A present obligation that arises from past events but is not recognised because the amount of the obligation cannot be measured with sufficient reliability. Disclosure An entity should disclose a contingent liability in a note, unless the possibility of an outflow of economic benefits is remote. Contingent assets A contingent asset is a possible asset that arises from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the entity. An entity shall not recognise a contingent asset. When the realisation of income is virtually certain, then the related asset is not a contingent asset and its recognition as revenue is appropriate. A comparison of the different accounting treatment of intangible assets by the IFRS and UK GAAP can be seen in Appendix 3. Discussion IAS 137 aims at ensuring that only genuine obligations are dealt with in the financial statements i.e. planned future expenditure even when authorised by the board of directors or equivalent governing body, is excluded from recognition. Appropriate recognition criteria and measurement bases are applied to provision, contingent liabilities and contingent assets and that sufficient information is disclosed in the notes to enable users to understand their nature, timing and amount. The standard seeks to ensure that for example assets are not overvalued. Accounts receivables may be overvalued if reasonable provision for bad debts is not made. This has the tendency to inflate earnings and in such instances the provision for bad debts will prove to be inadequate in future, whilst in the short term account receivables and earnings receive a temporary boost. Also, contingent liabilities which are obligations that are dependent on future events for the confirmation of the existence of an obligation. If companies fail to record a contingent liability that is likely to be incurred and subjected to reasonable estimation, it has the effect of understating their liabilities and overstating their net income or shareholders equity. The above examples are indications of how companies use creative accounting to manipulate their financial statements especially their balance sheets. Conclusion Accounting for intangible assets, accounting for leases and accounting for provisions, contingent liabilities, and contingent assets are all complex areas which are prone to manipulation in the form of creative accounting which is defined as â€Å" the transformation of financial accounting figures from what they actually are to what preparer desires by taking advantage of the existing rules and/or ignoring some or all of them† (Kamal Naser, 1992). Creative accounting in whatever form it takes is usually meant to overstate assets or understate liabilities. The collapse of a number of corporate giants such as Enron Corporation, Tyco International, World Com, Global Crossing, Arthur Anderson, Parlmalat etc. have not only destroyed investor confidence and shareholder values but it has also damaged the accounting profession. The situation is even made worse when there are different accounting standards that are used in preparing financial statements. This is made even worse when there are different accounting standards used in preparing financial statements. The adoption of one set of global financial reporting standard such as the international financial reporting standard (IFRS) that confers with investors, stock markets, accounting professionals and accounting standards setters will go a long way to reduce the practice. Arguably, accounting standards whether in the US, UK, Australia or the IAS will not have all the answers to accounting and financial reporting problems but it is hoped that it will largely reduce its occurrence. APPENDICES APPENDIX 1 Comparison of IFRSs with UK GAAP treatment of intangible assets Appendix 2: Comparison of IFRSs with UK GAAP treatment of Lease APPENDIX 3 Comparison of IFRSs with UK GAAP treatment of provisions, contingent liabilities, and contingent assets

Dance Quotes :: Drama

Dance Quotes "Dance isn't a form it's a way of life." ~anonymous "Dancers are the athletes of God." ~Albert Einstein "To tap or not to tap...silly question!!" ~anonymous "We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams." "Whatever you want to do, do it. There are only so many tomorrows" "Imagination is more important than knowledge" ~Albert Einstein "To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking." ~Agnes De Mille "If dancing were any easier it would be called football." ~anonymous "Quitters never win and winners never quit." ~anonymous "Try to be fearless, because fear can inhibit you and keep you from a life." ~Miranda Weese (NYCB) "If ballet was easy then everyone would be doing it." ~anonymous "Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another." ~anonymous "The Dancer believes that his art has something to say which cannot be expressed in words or in any other way than by dancing... there are times when the simple dignity of movement can fulfill the function of a volume of words. There are movements which impinge upon the nerves with a strength that is incomparable, for movement has power to stir the senses and emotions, unique in itself. This is the dancer's justification for being, and his reason for searching further for deeper aspects of his art." ~Doris Humphrey, 1937 "Behind each victory is a long train of suffering!" ~anonymous "I don't have an attitude, I'm just REALLY good!" ~Dance Caravan "The people who do not dance are the dead." ~Jerry Rose of Dance Caravan "Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but she did it backwards and in high heels." ~anonymous "If you say you can you can, but if you say you can't your right!" ~anonymous "You know you're dancing when tears of pain and happiness blend in with your sweat" ~anonymous "We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams." "Artists lead unglamorous daily lives of discipline and routine, but their work is full of passion. Each has a vision and feels responsibility to that vision." ~Merryl Brockway "Dancers are an admirable bunch of people. The way they work. The stress is extraordinary. It's a difficult career. I think it's hellish; the fact that they are over the hill as they're emotionally