Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to provide students with the opportunity to clarify and make tangible their understanding of various learning theories. Explicating one's perspective of abstract concepts is essential to deep and meaningful understanding.
Rationale: The rationale for this assignment, in Piagetian terms, is disequilibrium. In most cases, following an exposure to various learning theories, students are generally unsure of their knowledge relative to these theories and how these theories apply to the "real world." This assignment provides students with the motivation to work with the concepts related to learning, and to create personal and coherent meanings. Understanding of the essential components of learning is paramount as these concepts are generally misunderstood in education.
Format: The Synopsis Paper assignment should result in a clear, concise, and coherently organized paper, not to exceed one page. The basic format of each paper is available on the next page. Generally, the paper format should be single spaced, with one-inch margins, in a 10 point font. The synopses do not require references, unless you are quoting others, although if references are used they should be included on a separate sheet of paper.
The content of each paper should reflect the student's understanding of the various concepts related to learning theory. However, the tone of each paper should be third-person, not first-person. Students should not use phrases such as "I believe" or "In my opinion." Students should write these papers to explain learning to an audience that is unfamiliar with learning theory.
Grading Rubric: Each Synopsis Paper is worth 50 pts and will be graded using the following criteria:
- Organization (10 pts)
- are the introduction and conclusion used effectively
- do the expressed ideas follow a logical progression
- Clarity of Thought and Expression (15 pts)
- are the ideas expressed well, well thought out, and integrated
- are there major gaps in the logical progression of ideas
- Essential Learning Theory Content (25 pts)
- does the content of the paper accurately reflect current theoretical thought
- is the content of the paper free from personal interjections
Timeline: Consult the course syllabus for due dates for each Synopsis paper.
|
