Overview
You will turn in a thought paper to discuss one of the foundations in today’s developmental education curriculum. You may choose to discuss the philosophical, the historical, the psychological, or the social foundation. More specifically, you will include the following components in your thought paper. Please use proper transitions to make your thoughts flow in the paper when you discuss the following issues.
- An introduction to establish the purpose of your paper.
- Discuss how curriculum is defined and whether the definition applies to the curriculum in developmental education.
- Discuss one of the foundations that you believe have clear influence on the curriculum in developmental education. Discuss the foundations in sufficient details that your readers understand what it is even without prior knowledge of it.
- Discuss how the curriculum in developmental education is influenced by the foundation you discussed in #3.
- A conclusion to provide insightful and thoughtful summary to the paper.
Here are some additional guidelines to assist you with the thought paper:
1. This is a thought paper. Which means I am more interested in your thought and not what other people said. DO NOT depend solely on the book. You should present your thoughts and back it with literature. As you approach dissertation, this will be very crucial in your presentation.
2. I understand there are several definitions of curriculum but how do you define curriculum? Again, you can define and use others to support your work
3. There are several groups within each foundation of education. Which one do you believe has the most impact on developmental education? Present the foundation in enough detail for your reader to understand what it is all about.
For detailed format requirements, please refer to the General Criteria for all Documents section in the syllabus (p. 5). The length of your report should be at least five pages, double-spaced, not including cover and reference pages. Below is the evaluation rubric for this assignment. Please follow the rubric closely to avoid losing points. When you write the essay, please remember the policy regarding plagiarism. Refer to the syllabus for details (COURSE POLICIES -> Academic Honesty).
Thought Paper Rubric
CRITERIA | Explanation | Points Possible |
Introduction | Includes a clear statement of essay purpose. | 20 |
Definition of Curriculum | Defines the term curriculum clearly. Discuss whether the definition applies to the curriculum in developmental education. | 40 |
Foundations of curriculum | Discuss one of the foundations that you believe have clear influence on the curriculum in developmental education. Discuss the foundations in sufficient details that your readers understand what it is even without prior knowledge of it. | 40 |
Influence of the foundation | Discuss how the curriculum in developmental education is influenced by the foundation you discussed previously. | 40 |
Conclusions | Draws insightful and thoughtful conclusions. | 15 |
Interest Level | Vocabulary varied, supporting details vivid, generally well written with smooth and consistent transitions, etc.; graphics are a plus, but not required; the same for color. | 15 |
Grammar & Spelling | All grammar and spelling are correct, that is, no errors. | 15 |
Format | Follows closely APA formatting/style as well as the specific instructions contained in the Syllabus. | 15 |
Total | 200 |