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

SIED 5323 - Societal Context of Science Education

Evaluation

A: 90% - 100%, B: 80% - 89%, C: 70%-79%, D: 60%-69%, F: <60%

The overall grade for the class for each student will be calculated as follows: 20% Daily Attendance & Participation, 20% Short Research Papers, 20% Online Quizzes (2) and Discussions (3), 30% Final Product Development, 10% Final Product Presentation. In terms of points, this breaks down as follows:

  • Attendance -100 Points
  • Resarch Papers (2 each worth 50 points) - 100 points
  • Online Quizzes (2) and Discussions (3) - 100 points
  • Final Web Site Product - 150 points
  • Final Presentation - 50 points
  • Total - 500 points

Rubrics for Evaluation

The rubric is a valuable tool that uses negotiable contracting for a formal assessment. Working together, the instructor and the students create a ratings chart that reflects the objectives to be learned within a given assignment. The rubric is a tool that combines the rankings (usually on a scale of 1 - 5) used to assess how well students understand each of the criteria with the most important ideas or concepts to be mastered in the lesson. Depending on whether a student performs higher or lower in a certain category, each level may also numerical gradations. The learner using the rubric can understand the importance of each objective based on its relation to the overall lesson. The rubric provides a more detailed understanding of the skills demonstrated within a lesson, project, or unit of study, unlike a traditional number or letter grade. Below are the two rubrics that will be used as assessment instruments for the Final Web Site Product and the Final Presentation.

Final Assignment Guidelines (PDF File)

Task

You are tasked with designing, developing, and implementing the beginnings of an appropriate grade level problem-based learning curriculum. You will develop a Web site and post your information on the Internet and present this information on the final day of class. The purpose is to have you demonstrate an understanding of the concepts associated with problem-based learning within a real world science topic that is appropriate for your current classroom. You should plan to include appropriate research and supporting activities within the content of your Web site.

Web Project

Each Student will post their materials on a self-developed Web site that will encompass the development of a beginning problem-based learning curriculum unit following the provided outline. You will include (as links within the site) the content from the 2 research papers, a minimum of 3 associated activities that fit into the scope and sequence of the project, and appropriate reference materials. You will be provided with a PBL Main Web Page Content Guidelines as well as a PBL Activity Guidelines to utilize as you assemble you Web site.

Presentation

Each student will have 10-15 minutes to present their materials and to field questions from classmates.

Evaluation

The evaluation for your Final grade will be a combination of your Web product that you develop and your presentation in the classroom. The rubric is a tool that combines the rankings (usually on a scale of 1 - 5) used to assess how well students understand each of the criteria with the most important ideas or concepts to be mastered in the lesson. There will be a rubric that will be used for the evaluation of the Web product (150 points) and the presentation (50 points).

Syllabus | Schedule | Research Assignments| Student Web Sites| Evaluation | Links

UTEP College of Education