Poem – The Chimney Sweeper by William Blake | Summary and Analysis

Posted on February 24, 2015 by

The Chimney Sweeper by William Blake is a touching poem which reflects the plight of young children who were employed as chimney sweepers in the 1700s and 1800s.  It also brings out the hypocrisy of the medieval-style churches which preached virtues but continued to side with the rich and powerful and subjugate vulnerable children under exploitative socioeconomic structures.  The poem reminds us of the prevalence of child laborers in developing countries even in the modern era and their sad plight. The Chimney Sweeper by William Blake | Summary and Analysis A very young child is a chimney sweeper and informs the poet that his mother has passed away and that his father sold him into bondage as a chimney sweeper.  He was too young to weep or protest and too young even to shout out “sweep” which chimney sweepers shouted … Continue reading →

Posted in Learner's Labyrinth | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

The Tyger by William Blake | Summary and Critical Analysis

Posted on February 23, 2015 by

The Tyger by William Blake is a poem which raises philosophical and spiritual questions using the powerful imagery of a tiger.  The poem was written in his collection of poems “Songs of Experience.”  William Blake used the imagery of a lamb in his collection “Songs of Innocence” as well as “Songs of Experience.”   The Tyger uses the allegorical symbolism of the tiger and lamb to represent the dual qualities of fierceness and gentleness which are visible in humanity.  It also ponders on how God or a spiritual being could create contrasting forces in nature.  This type of compelling imagery is also used to compare the natural world with industrialization that seems to have disturbed the sensibilities of poets like William Blake.  The Tyger also represents the brave awakening of a soul against the tyranny of suppressive social institutions which William … Continue reading →

Posted in Learner's Labyrinth | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Values and Ethics | Importance of Values and Ethics in Education

Posted on February 23, 2015 by

Values and ethics are important factors to take into consideration in the educational domain.  Unfortunately, values and ethics have taken a backseat in education.  More importance is given to achievement levels and subjects like science and mathematics rather than helping students develop sound values.  In surveys and when speaking to parents, teachers and students, it has been noted that students are invariably pushed to achieve grades and perform well in academics and sports.  Values and ethics are not given the same kind of importance as achieving good grades. Values and ethics are the foundations for developing a humane and just society.  Without sound values and ethics among students, society will become more and more materialistic, superficial and cruel.  The very humanity that we are blessed with will be diminished if education and society neglects laying emphasis on values and ethics … Continue reading →

Posted in Learner's Labyrinth | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

What is Values Education? | What is Values-Based Education?

Posted on February 19, 2015 by

  Values Education | Values-Based Education Values education or values-based education helps students develop a humane consciousness that will guide them to live with sensitivity and empathy.  Value-based education helps students make judgment calls based on sound values and moral consideration.  Values education also helps students develop self-confidence and mutual respect for others.  It also helps students celebrate the uniqueness of each individual student. In a complex world like ours which is becoming more and more materialistic, values education helps students become thoughtful and sensitive in their approach to different issues.  This will ensure that students do not blindly join the rat race society that has developed but go beyond that to become change agents for a more humane and just future. Values education or values-based education was under the purview of moral science subject in the past.  However, as … Continue reading →

Posted in Learner's Labyrinth | Tagged , , | Comments Off

How do Batteries Work?

Posted on February 19, 2015 by

The most common batteries, available right now are electrochemical batteries.  They are found in all sorts of modern-day gadgets from our watches to our cell-phones.  When they are so conspicuous in our lives, it is good to know a little bit about how batteries work. How do Batteries Work?  The simple common batteries that we use work as a result of an electrochemical reaction.  Another term for batteries is cells.  You may know that electricity is nothing but the movement of electrons, and in simple batteries, electrochemical reaction takes place and chemical energy is converted to electrical energy.  You may have seen the positive and negative terminals of a battery which powers devices like the wall clock.  These types of batteries that are commonly used are called dry cell batteries.  The positive and negative terminals of the battery are connected … Continue reading →

Posted in Learner's Labyrinth | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Alessandro Volta (Born February 18, 1745) – Inventor of the Battery

Posted on February 18, 2015 by

  Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the battery, was born on February 18, 1745, in Como, Italy. The battery is an important feature of many modern-day devices and is what keeps them going.  If the battery was not invented so far back by Alessandro Volta, it is hard to imagine whether so many different modern devices could be developed and operated.  Let us learn a little bit about Alessandro Volta and the story behind the invention of the first battery. Alessandro Volta (Born February 18, 1745) – Inventor of the Battery Alessandro Volta was born on February 18, 1745, in Como, Italy.  He hailed from a well-off family and underwent a good formal education.  In 1774, he was appointed as physics professor at the Royal School of Como.  The very next year, in 1775, he invented the electrophorus, a device … Continue reading →

Posted in Learner's Labyrinth | Tagged , , , | Comments Off