The Paper Focus:
You will demonstrate original thinking about a topic pertaining to changing concepts of learning and human development. This is a unique opportunity to investigate and write about a topic that you care about and find significant for education today.
You will write a coherent and logical 15-20-page analytic research paper in which you build an argument that responds to the problem or issue of contemporary significance that you've identified.
The process of writing an effective paper is multi-faceted. Through a review of the course materials, you generate a question that you want to explore that identifies a problem of educational significance today. You will investigate the question through a rigorous examination of the pertinent bodies of literature. In order to identify an appropriate body of literature, you need first to establish the parameters so that you are clear about how the writings cohere. Once the body of literature is defined and gathered, the analysis begins, during which you will organize the ideas according to the central themes and debates that emerge across the writings. At this point, this paper diverges from a literature review by asking that you use what you have learned from the literature and the course materials to develop an original insight or position responding to your research question.
An excellent final paper would:
a) Clearly state in the Introduction a primary question you plan to explore in your paper and a thesis statement that responds to that question.
b) Build a logical argument that supports your thesis statement and responds to the question you posed in your Introduction.
c) Consider the implications for practice, research, and/or educational policies in the past, present, and/or future.
d) Establish the significance of your topic in the past and/or today as it pertains to changing conceptions of learning and human development.
e) Selectively and appropriately reference original and secondary sources from the past and current day as you build your argument.
f) Describe past or contemporary educational thinkers and their ideasanddraw upon them to inform your own insights into learning and human development.
g) Consider how your own personal and professional experiences inform your educational views and how your views are similar to and different from others on your issue.
h) Include at least 15-20sources, which should be peer reviewed articles and/or books outside of our assigned reading or power point lectures.
Use correct APA formatting per APA Publication Manual, 6th edition.