Observation Report:
For this assignment, you will report and analyze the results of your observation with the intent of developing a deeper understanding of your community of study. The report should include:
a Background section that presents your research question, summarizes your observation questions (what you wanted to find out from the observation), states your hypotheses (what you thought you’d find out from your observation), describes your population, and describes your role among the group (participant/non-participant observer)
a Methods section that details your observation process, including note taking techniques, where and when you conducted the observation, and “thick description” of the observation site and participants
a Results section ordered by significance and reported by theme or topic that tells readers what you discovered from your research by describing and interpreting findings (it’s a good idea to use the themes or topics as subheadings within this section)
a Conclusion section that tells readers what your observation results reveal about your topic, how they help to answer your research question, and why they are meaningful; you may also mention any researcher or participant biases, research design flaws, oversights/missed opportunities, and/or directions for future research.
Reports should be approximately 6-7 pages in length and follow MLA style guidelines.
Interview Project:
Overview:
For this assignment, you will report and analyze the results of your interviews with the intent of more fully understanding your point of inquiry as you engage with individuals who can afford you with insight.
The report should include:
A background section that presents your research question, summarizes your interview questions (what you wanted to find out from the interview), states your hypotheses (what you thought you’d find out from your interview), and describes your interviewees (credentials, expertise, training, etc.)
A methods section that details your interviewing process, including when and where you conducted the interviews, how you prepared for them, and how you decided what to ask
a results section ordered by significance and reported by theme or topic (not in question/answer format!) that tells readers what you discovered from your research by describing and interpreting findings
A conclusion section that tells readers what your interview results reveal about your topic, how they help to answer your research question, and why they are meaningful; you may also mention any researcher or participant biases, research design flaws, oversights/missed opportunities, and/or directions for future research
An appendix that provides interview transcriptions
Report should be 5 pages long and should follow MLA citations
Survey Report Assignment
Overview:
For this assignment, you will report and analyze the results of your survey with the intent of developing a deeper understanding of your point of inquiry through the perspectives of a variety of individuals. You will be required to distribute at least 50 surveys. Further, you will be required to complicate at least 2 demographic variables to more critically engage in your research process.
The report should include:
A background section that presents your research question, summarizes your survey questions (what you wanted to find out from the survey), states your hypotheses (what you thought you’d find out from your survey), and describes your population. This section should also begin by contextualizing your research topic, and therefore should integrate 6-8 outside sources. These can include those that you used in both your Observation Report as well as your Interview Project but should build off of these.
A methods section that details your surveying process, including how you wrote and revised the questions, created answer choices, structured/formatted the survey; how you distributed the survey, elicited responses, targeted a particular population; and how many responses you received, any demographic data about respondents
A results section ordered by significance and reported by theme or topic that tells readers what you discovered from your research by describing and interpreting findings
A conclusion section that tells readers what your survey results reveal about your topic, how they help to answer your research question, and why they are meaningful; you may also mention any researcher or participant biases, research design flaws, oversights/missed opportunities, and/or directions for future research
an appendix that provides complete survey results
Reports should be approximately 6 pages in length and follow MLA style guidelines.
Be sure to include a cover letter that outlines your purpose and audience.
You are required to include at least 10-12 sources and effectively utilize the citation of your choice. You will be assessed based on the complexity of your argument, as well as your ability to reach the demands of your specific audience.
For the final presentation, you will be required to present your research from the semester using whatever format is most conducive to your audience. Presentations will require a clearly identified purpose and audience and will run 8-10 minutes long.
You will be assessed on your ability to meet the needs of your target audience. Please be organized, thoughtful, and creative.
The presentation can take the following forms:
An Infographic
A power point
A workshop
A brochure
*You will be required to include a 1 page reflection which outlines your rhetorical choices*
Rationale
Recognizing that not all students process information in the same time or fashion, the bi-weekly reflections provide a space for students to show mastery and understanding of content in a way that is more personal and unique to individual learning styles and interests. This assignment also encourages continued critical reflection as students create and reflect on their own philosophies of teaching and learning throughout the semester.
Assignment
Students will a short written, video or other creative response (examples below) to reflect further on 2-3 readings and class discussions in the previous week(s).
Keep in mind that creative responses may require a short, written component to help clarify the connections and reflections.
Reflection responses can be informal, but should clearly identify which reading(s) and arguments/points the student is reflecting on.
Three (3) reflections total for the course.
When approaching the reflections, think about the following questions, however do not feel compelled to respond to EVERY question:
What from the chosen reading made you pause? What memory, emotion or association from your past educational experiences was evoked? How do these readings connect with your own philosophy of teaching and learning?
What were your key takeaways (epiphanies) from the class discussions/activities related to these readings and topics? What memory, emotion or association from your past educational experiences was evoked? How do these readings connect with your own philosophy of teaching and learning?
Submission Examples (This list is not all inclusive)
Concept Maps: Concept maps are visual diagrams representing how a particular concept or idea is related to other ideas, terms, topics, or processes. Build concept maps that visually represent the ideas and information that were covered in that week’s class.
Transfer Journal: Create or fill in a chart of basic concepts learned in class and then state how these concepts will apply / transfer to new ideas or areas.
Video Presentation: Develop a video that reflects the learning. Use images, with text and audio or students create “Vlogs” using a cell phone or laptop video capture as you narrate your conceptual learning.
Sketch Reflections: A visual notetaking style that mixes writing, drawing and other visual cues.
It’s Your Thing, Express Yourself: An opportunity to explain your understanding of feelings toward a concept/concepts using poetry, visual art, (paintings, drawings, sculptures) music, individually created games or puzzles, etc.
Capture Quotable Learning Highlights: Make a connection between course content and “real-life”. Choose a famous quote and explain why it connects to a concept from class. Or choose a song, a piece of art, a brand to connect the concept.
2 pages
Educators: WhyYou Need to Know about the
1990s and School Restructuring
Ed.gov: NCLB
EdWeek: Race to the Top
5 Big Ways Education Will Change by 2020
