Bill Robertson, Ph.D. - Classes
Teacher Education Department

TED 5314 - Current Topics Science Education

Research Assignments - Relection Papers

There will be two short (3-5 typed pages) reflection papers that in which each student will respond to a guiding question or series of questions. Each paper will be graded on content, style, demonstrated understanding of the topic and supporting information to justify individual positions. Each paper will be turned in to the instructor on the due date (see below) in order to receive full credit. Papers should be done in Times New Roman 12 point font and be 1 1/2 spaced. Each paper must include the student name, page numbers and appropriate references.

Each guiding question or series of questions will appear under the following headings on the day of the assignment. Each individual research paper is worth a total of 50 Points.

Reflection Paper 1 Assignment

  • Part One – Describe the PBL Unit you have identified and will begin to analyze.
    What do you see as the strengths of the curriculum design? How is concept-based curriculum and instruction built into the fabric of the PBL?
  • Part Two - What educational and technology components would you identify as critical to success within a PBL? How do you align assessment within the context of a PBL? What community resources would you identify as critical to success within a PBL? Identify a relevant example (or series of examples) to highlight your understanding and support your position effectively with research.

Reflection Paper 2 Assignment

  • Part One - Tell how this PBL unit you have analyzed is/is not fits a constructivist paradigm. You can defend the PBL as constructivist because (for example):
    • The students are involved in cognitive tacks that develop knowledge and understanding
    • The students have appropriate opportunities to inquire and dialogue with the teacher and other students
    • Students were directing their learning
    • The activity is student centered and teacher facilitated
  • Part Two – Discuss how the PBL you are analyzing addresses Enduring Knowledge and the Standards that you have identified as important concepts and understandings to be developed by students utilizing this PBL. Discuss any identified overarching understandings that transcend this PBL as well as topical understandings specific to the PBL.

 

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