Disability by Damien and Ian

Some argue that inclusion of students with disabilities in regular classrooms will bring about great benefits for the child. By exposing children with disabilities to a myriad of subjects taught in regular curriculums, the child would be able to maximize his full potential and bring out the best in him. Given the opportunity to develop himself, the child would not only not become a burden to society, he would also have something to offer. John McDonnell, the chairman of the Department of Special Education in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Utah, stated that his data suggests that inclusion in general education classes, especially in vocational education courses, is associated with improved post-school outcomes. However, I believe that inclusion will bring more harm to the child rather than benefits. Students with disabilities like dyslexia tend to be intellectually slower and need more time to process information. Definitely, they would need much more time to learn the same amount of content than kids without disabilities. But due to increasing competition in classrooms, children with learning disabilities might not be able to cope with their academics due to the fast pace and will lack behind the rest. Being the straggler in class would only inflict unnecessary stress on the child. In fact, inclusion, in which students with disabilities go to school with their same-age peers rather than in separate schools, does not necessarily lead to the best outcomes for students with disabilities, according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics. Furthermore, Researchers E. Michael Foster and Erin Pearson of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Johns Hopkins University conducted a research on the comparison between autistic children who were enrolled in general classrooms and those who are not; and concluded that there is “no systematic indication that the level of inclusivity improves key future outcomes.” These research datas question whether inclusion really provides the best outcome for students with disabilities and have proved that perhaps, inclusion is not the best option for these students. Hence, I feel that inclusion is not necessary as it might not necessarily reap any real benefits for the child.

What Do We Lose By Measuring ‘Average’ In Education?

summary

Through the example of pilots performing better if the cockpits fits their body, the author was able to bring out the idea that fit creates opportunity. If the environment is a bad match with our individuality, then our performance will always be artificially impaired. If we do get a good fit with our environment, we will then have the opportunity to show what we are truly capable of. This means that if we want equal opportunity for everyone, where we are able to live up to our full potential, then we must create educational institutions that is responsive to individuality.

opinion

I agree with the author that fit creates opportunity. The education system that we are under does not necessarily suit everybody. It only fit those who are fast learners and for those who are not as fast, they would be left behind and they will never be able to catch up. This is unfair to them as the system does not provide them with a suitable platform for them to reach their full potential. Every man is born different, hence the education system should provide different students with different kinds of teaching pace, so that it is responsive to different individuals. This is so as to allow all students to excel and to bring up a society of individual excellence.

Puppy love should be avoided 'to make later relationships easier', says sociologist

We do not agree on the author's point of view. Instead, we think puppy love is beneficial and we should not avoid it. Puppy love provides us with invaluable experiences and it helps us to grow and mature. These experiences allow us to look out for what we really want in a relationship and what we would want to avoid repeating.  We believe that a clear picture of the end goal in a relationship is built upon experiences. To sustain a relationship, one would need to have a clear idea of what he or she wants out of it, instead of getting into a meaningless relationship just for the sake of it. No doubt that there are many fishes in the sea, but finding the right one is a difficult task. Perhaps, it would be these experiences that guide us through the waters to find our soul mates.

Paris Attack: What happened on the night

Article link: What happened on the night

Summary: On The night of Friday 13 of November, the people in Paris came under the attack from the terrorist group ISIS. Gunmen and suicide bombers hit a concert hall, a major stadium and bars almost simultaneously, leaving 130 dead and hundreds wounded. This left the people of Paris shaken and at the same time, infuriated.

Opinion: The reason why we chose the  Friday November 13 terrorist attack to become the front cover of the Times Magazine is due to the fact of its significance. It is evident that terrorism can occur anytime at anywhere, and there will be a need for everyone to always be on their toes so as to prevent anymore terrorist attacks from occurring. Attacks as such, are not only tragic but also strike fear in the hearts of the people. This is what the terrorist wants, but we cannot let it happen. We shall not cower in fear, and we shall not bow down to them. People must be mentally prepared and strong when fighting against terrorism. By making this news the cover, it serves as a reminder for us to unite as one, and together hand in hand, we shall put a stop to this madness.

Self introduction of Ian and Damien

My name is Ian lee Hwee Liang and I came from class 2A 2015. I came from a somewhat prestigious primary school called Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary school. My hobbies are playing computer games such as counter strike global offensive as it is a good way to pass time. I also like to watch soccer and the football club I support is Manchester United. My CCA is volleyball and though it is tiring, I feel that it is quite fun and I can lose a lot of weight. :)

My name is Damien Wee Joon Long. I was previously in class 2G but currently in class 3D. I came from a neighborhood primary school called Canberra primary school and it was rather popular among residents living nearby. I enjoy cooking, art and playing computer games as I find these hobbies a good way to pass time. I am also in the volleyball team in RV.