Seminar Paper II: Critical Analysis
Critically examine a topic of your choice from the perspective of two themes (philosophical, historical, sociological, political) we have explored this semester. The topic should fall within the context of curriculum and instruction and may (or may not) be related to or an extenuation of your Seminar Paper I topic.
When you wrote Seminar Paper I, you were asked to discuss the ideas of experts from the field. Now it is your turn to insert your evaluation of what is happening and what should happen. Please utilize the sections below to organize your paper.
Your final paper should be no longer than 2,500 words (10 pages or there abouts).
Topic:
How Interactive Boards and Touchscreens aid children with special needs in education.
Consider the following subtopics-tech to support language and augment communication web based services for distance learning.
Articles:
https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/publications/assistive-technology-special-education-students/
https://degree.utpb.edu/articles/education/technology-in-special-education.aspx
Introduction to your problem/topic with relevant information from your literature review.
- You don’t need to re-write your literature review, but utilize some of the most important aspects to create a holistic overview of what the problem/topic is. Essentially, this is what might be called a problem or purpose statement.
- Make sure to also introduce your reader to the thematic lenses you’ll be using for the critical analysis. You will also need to justify why you chose those particular lenses.
Critically analyze the education problem/topic from your Seminar Paper 1 (or a new topic) using two different thematic lenses.
For example, you could explore the historical and philosophical implications of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) curriculum in K-12 settings. This might include mapping the history of the STEM movement followed by the addition of the A for “Arts”. The addition of the Arts would be an excellent segue into the philosophical reasons behind this addition.
This section may require you to search for further information related to your theme of choice. For example, you might need additional references to help develop a historical sense of your topic.
Propose a solution to the problem/topic or some type of research that may lead you to a solution.
Continuing with the example above, you might consider proposing a STEAM curriculum to use in your own setting. This might include a high-level overview of the curriculum itself, the resources necessary, a discussion of implementation, and so on.
You might also choose to propose a study to explore the benefits and/or drawbacks to STEAM curricula. This might include some type of quasi-experimental study with two groups of students comparing STEM and STEAM. It isn’t expected that you create a fully fleshed-out research proposal, but a general description of a project.
Finish with a reflection of your learning this semester.
This is a personal account of what you learned and how it might impact you in your future studies and/or career.
Emerging |
Developing |
Exemplary |
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Introduction(5) |
Reader is introduced to the topic, but relevant context and reference to literature are missing. A discussion of the importance of the topic is missing or lacks clarity. | Reader is introduced to the topic, but some aspects of the context are missing or confusing. Very little information about current literature related to the topic is included. The thematic lenses through which the critical analysis will take place are mentioned, but not justified. A discussion of the importance of the topic is addressed, but may lack specificity or may be unclear. | Reader is sufficiently introduced to the topic with relevant context and appropriate references to the literature. A discussion and justification for the thematic lenses through which the critical analysis will take place is included. A compelling discussion of the importance of the topic is addressed. |
Critical Analysis(10) |
The critical analysis is not presented from two perspectives or is disorganized and/or incomprehensible. No evaluation is offered. | A critical analysis is presented from the perspective of two lenses (philosophical, historical, sociological, or political). An attempt is made to evaluate the topic in preparation for the subsequent solution/research proposal section. | A cohesive, well-organized critical analysis is presented from the perspective of at least two lenses (philosophical, historical, sociological, or political). An evaluation is offered and prepares the reader for the subsequent solution/research proposal. Additional resources/citations are used when appropriate. |
Solution/Research Proposal(5) |
Discussion of the solution/research proposal is unclear or is missing completely. | A discussion of a solution or research proposal is presented, but the relationship to the topic at hand may be unclear. | A clear and succinct discussion of a solution or research proposal is presented and is clearly related to the topic/problem at hand. |
Reflection(3) |
Reflection is missing or does not sufficiently address your learning and how the topic/problem relates to your own studies/career. | A reflection of what you learned and how it may impact your future studies or career is included, but may lack specificity and relation to your studies/career. | A candid reflection of what you learned and how it may impact your future studies or career is included and serves to tie together your topic/problem with your own studies and career. |
Timeliness and Mechanics(2) |
Late posting and/or significant grammatical and APA formatting errors. | The assignment does not use headings and subheadings effectively.
The assignment is submitted on time with some grammatical and APA formatting errors. |
The assignment effectively utilized headings and subheadings to enhance organization.
The assignment is submitted on time and is nearly free of grammatical and APA formatting errors. |
