Course Clarity and Assigments

Course Clarity and Changes

In an attempt to add clarity to the major assignments for this course, I am making some slight modifications to the Course Requirements, Assignments & Markings. I do believe these changes will add clarity to your learning experienced and do hope you see how these changes will lead to the enhancement of your learning.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS, ASSIGNMENTS & MARKINGS

Action Research Critique	25 points
Educational Theory	50 points
Educational Theory Matrix Presentation	50 points
Annotated Bibliographies (10 annotations)	100 points
Literature Review (Based on Theory and Teachable Point of View)	100 points
Multimedia-Based Stage Theory Characteristics	100 points
Multimedia Stage Theory Presentation	50 points
	475 total points

Clarity & Changes:

Action Research (25 Points): To add clarity to the required assignments and markings, the action research critique was to prepare you to look at actual research related to the topics being covered in schools. The intention is to have you consider how you can use action research within your schools as related to the topics covered in this course.  The chapter reading discusses the many types of research and the methods employed. Some of your annotated bibliographies may choose will include the research types and methods applied. 

Annotated Bibliographies (10 x 10 = 100 Points): The intent of an annotated bibliography is to review what scholars are saying about the topics we are covering.  Thus the review of articles, journals, research studies is to give you the opportunity to see what the current literature is saying about these.  For the most part, I have provided extended literature for you to consider for your annotated bibliographies. There are others out there, which I encourage you to seek related to your discipline or content area. I mainly provided you with literary selections due to not having a text to begin the course.  If you feel more comfortable about writing a weekly reflection over chapter readings, and seek out related literature to complete a research paper I am fine with this. 

Educational Theory and the Educational Theory Matrix Presentation: I am omitting this assignment for the final and replacing it with the Literature Review. 

The Literature Review (Midterm 100 Points): In order to monitor your progress as related to educational theory, I have moved this to the midterm.  Some of your annotated bibliographies at the midterm will apply to your written literature review. At the blog I have included an assistive video covering the writing of the literature review: https://lmea753.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_23.html Over the spring break you will be given the time to complete your literature review, coving all topics up to date. A literature review, in the research process, provides you the opportunity to gain an understanding of the topic, gives you a chance to view what research in the area has already occurred, and in whole provides you direction or an idea of what your research (action research) may look like. I am not requiring you complete a research topic, yet was intended for you to gain an understanding of the research process. (Due March 20th)

Final (100 Points): As we move into the second half of this course, the text begins to look at classroom management in the form of student diversity, the effective lessons, grouping, differentiation, and technology, motivation students, the learning environment, exceptionalities, assessing learning and standardized tests. Your final will include best practices related to these topics written as a literature review or research paper. We still will be reviewing what literature is saying about these topics in the form of annotated bibliographies or your choice written chapter reflections.  I am asking you to write an Educational Terrain related to the topics to cover.  The Educational Terrain will include your thoughts and opinions on the topics covered (your position) based on scholarly works.  A goal is to make connections back to the educational theorist covered the first semester too. Evaluation of the Educational Terrain: The rubric for the research paper can be viewed by following this link: Ed 610 Research Paper Rubric The purpose of a rubric is to guide your writing. Becoming familiar with the criteria and descriptors should assist your writing. (Due 5/1)

Multimedia Stage Theory Presentation: I will omit this as a final assignment. 

Electronic Portfolio (Added 50 Points): Your portfolio will include the already scored assignments for this course. Completion of the portfolio will provide you with 50 extra points for the course.  I will be scoring the format, inclusion for preview all assignment posted by you.

Note: The syllabus says 10 annotations, although, there may be more depending on your interest and your learning. The second part of the class is where you look at self-improvement within the profession or for school improvement.  Reflections rather than annotations maybe better here. (Due 5/1)

The total point then becomes 375 points

Course Schedule Change: What do these changes due to the course schedule?  There will be weekly assignments in the form of annotated bibliographies or reflections.  After midterm you Literature Review is Due. Your Educational Terrain draft will be available for review the 14^th week.  The Educational Terrain will be due the final week, week 15.

Disclaimer: Note the course schedule and assignments are subject to change upon instructor decision, as noted in the syllabus for this course.