Uncertainty in the real world

In this part of the article we have identified fuzzy uncertainty as being distinct from probabilistic uncertainty. We have understood the notion of a fuzzy set, and seen important operations that can be performed on such sets. Lastly, a geometrical interpretation of the fuzzy set and its attendant operations were discussed. In Part 2, we will develop a framework for reasoning based on fuzzy sets, and review a simple application.     

Managing uncertainty in the real world

In Part 1 of this article we understood the idea of a fuzzy set. We also reviewed simple operations such as fuzzy set intersection, union, and complementation, and related these to geometry. In Part 2, we extend the idea of fuzzy sets to explain how we may develop systems that reason with fuzzy sets using fuzzy logic. The idea of extending fuzzy logic to fuzzy engineering and fuzzy function approximation is explored with a working example. It is hoped that readers will be provided with enough motivation to appreciate the use of fuzzy set theory for real world applications.     

Welcome to the real world: reflections on teaching and administration

The author compares his former position as an assistant professor in a program preparing future teachers of deaf and hard of hearing students with his present position as an administrator of a public school program serving these students. He maintains that in some ways, teacher training programs in deafness and the public school settings hiring these graduates are separate worlds. The emphasis in teacher training programs appears to be on preparing graduates to work with deaf students in self-contained or residential school settings even though most teaching positions are with hard of hearing students mainstreamed in public schools. Other important areas, such as collaboration with general education teachers, litigation, parental relationships, and individualized education programs, seem to be overlooked by teacher training programs. The author employs the mockingbird metaphor from the novel To Kill A Mockingbird (Lee, 1960) to highlight differences between teacher training programs and public school settings, while making recommendations for strengthening connections between the two.     

A real world comparison of the effectiveness of satellite training and classroom training

Businesses and educational institutions use satellite technology to transmit information for a number of purposes, including training. This study assessed the effectiveness of a satellite training program for achieving various learning requirements ranging from recognition and recall of information to the performance of a specific job procedure. This study also compared satellite training with traditional classroom training for two courses in which the same material was taught using both media. Results showed that learning occurred using the satellite medium and that there were slight but statistically significant differences between satellite and classroom instruction for learning job-related skills.Kristen M. Williams is a senior member of AIR's research staff specializing in training research and evaluation. The research reported here was conducted under Contract Number 104230-88-D-1811, Task Order Number 10430-92-D-1296 with the United States Postal Service. Opinions and conclusions presented do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Postal Service.     

美国后现代主义小说中的幻想语言与现实世界

美国后现代派的小说家运用不确定的后现代主义语言系统,创作出充满着科幻、奇幻和魔幻的多样的幻想文本世界,以揭示现实世界的混乱、疯狂和残酷。     

Preparing for the real world: A prelude to a fieldwork experience

This article discusses the challenges of self-directed learning and the benefits of thorough preparation of undergraduate students for an internship experience. It describes a course offered at a unit of the State University of New York that prepares students in criminal justice and human services for their required fieldwork experience, focusing on the component activities of the course and their educational rationale.     

The correlates of consultation: American academics in “the real world”

More than one-third of American academics perform consulting services for fees. Academics who consult have been criticized by persons who believe that they become less effective members of the academy, and that their consulting activity is generally detrimental to the health of the academic community. This paper begins to address that issue by analyzing data collected through a sample survey of American college and university teachers. The extent to which American academics consult, the types of consulting in which they are engaged, and the characteristics of the academics who consult are described. The paid consultant tends to be an academic who is active in a variety of areas. He is a person who publishes more books and articles, who teaches graduate students rather than undergraduate students, and who is both younger and higher in rank than his colleagues.Mr. Marver is a doctoral candidate in the Graduate School of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley. Mr. Patton is an assistant professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Illinois, Urbana.     

Connecting students to the real world: Developing gifted behaviors through service learning

Learning in today's classrooms can be disconnected from students' real world experiences. Providing students the opportunity to address real‐world problems may provide avenues for students to engage in their communities while developing academic skills and knowledge. Additionally, for students whose interests are piqued by the nature of their community's problems, these activities have the potential to offer students meaningful, motivating work in a supportive environment. This article explores how providing students with interest‐based service‐learning opportunities may help them develop and demonstrate gifted behaviors. In addition, methods for integrating student interests and service‐learning projects are presented. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.