EDUC
610 ASSIGNMENTS
Conflict/Resolution Assignment
Write a 1-2 page typed essay about a current educational issue. You can use one of the example topics listed below or create your own issue. Points are based on the following:a) How you describe the event/problem/conflict;
b) Inclusion of the readings - i.e. reflect on readings
c) Critical analysis of the pros and cons regarding the event/problem/conflict
d) Critical analysis of possible resolutions and the consequences that stem from those resolutions.
EXAMPLE TOPICS:
# 1 What Should the function of school be? Who should decide what students learn?
# 2 Are minority students really less well served by the educational system than non-minority students?
# 3 Has the relative lack of a clear policy focus on minority education weakened progress toward the improvement of education for minority students?
# 4 Is it appropriate to consider racial and cultural backgrounds of students from groups that have experienced pas discrimination?
# 5 Should public funding of private schools be increased as a means to bring about overall improvements in the quality of education?
The following questions are a GUIDE for analysis. Variations are encouraged.
Description of the problem
1) Who are the participants in the conflict? (individuals, groups, or nations)
2) What are the respective goals of the participants (values, interests or resources)
3) What is the conflict between the participants?
Explanation of the problem
4) What are the feelings and reactions of the participants?
5) What are the signs, evidence, and signals of the conflict?
6) What are the participant's options in responding to conflict?
7) What is the difference between self or national interest and human interest?
Prediction of what may happen in the future
8) How might the options affect the original goals of each of the participants?
9) Which of these options could resolve or manage the conflict?
10) Which of these options could escalate the conflict?
11) What unpredicted events might completely change the conflict?
Prescription of policy responses
12) In what ways is this conflict difficult to analyze?
13) How would each of the participants analyze the policy response to this conflict.
14) Describe consequences of short-term vs. long-term decisions.
Write a 3-5 page essay using a minimum of FOUR articles from the required reading list.(1) DESCRIBE ARTICLE
I have already read the articles! Do not go into detail. Just tell me the most important THEMES and TRENDS.
(2) DEFINE AND USE TERMS
(3) SHOW CONNECTION TO ONE OR MORE OF THE EDUCATIONAL PARADIGMS
(4) INTERRELATE ARTICLES
Don't just say: Article # 1 . . . # 2 . . . # . . . end.
Say: article # 1 has similarities/differences when compared with other articles. . .
OR
I am exploring X theme: this theme is found in article # 1 and # 3 but not in # 2.
OR
What information or ideas discussed in one article is/are also discussed in other articles? Are the discussions similar or different?
(5) PERSONALIZE
Show how you relate (or do not relate) to the articles. This can be done via the use of personal examples, case studies, etc.
(6) CRITICAL ANALYSIS
MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENT! BE CRITICAL! Analyze what you are reading. Do you approve/disapprove? like/dislike? ALWAYS ASK WHY ! Why did this happen? Why id the author mention this? List examples of bias or faulty reasoning.
Students must make at least TEN postings. Two must be in the Freire Message Board that responds to the main themes of the Freire text. Two additional listings will be in the General Discussion Board where students will develop and/or participate in that relate to class readings, videos, and discussions. Raising questions, taking debate positions, adding light to discussions are all highly valued skills that will be judged as far as participation is concerned.Each student must continue the discussion raised by another student WITHOUT REPEATING what the other student said. You can agree, but then must indicate why you agree. You can also start a new discussion with new questions, comments or critical reflections.
As the weekly class leader - you can post your discussion question prior to the class on the bulletin board. Clearly mark your question as class-leader question.
INTERNATIONAL NEWSPAPER CONTENT ANALYSIS: Conduct a 1-2 page Content Analysis of THREE Newspapers/broadcasts, preferably from the same time period.Only one source may be from the U.S. and/or Canada. Can include the following:
a) English language foreign newspapers (Japan Times, Jerusalem Post etc.)
b) Foreign language foreign newspapers (i.e. not published in the U.S.)
c) Foreign language local newspapers
d) English language news broadcasts that highlight international perspectives
e) Foreign language news broadcasts that highlight international perspectives
f) English language foreign newspapers from INTERNET (links abroad)
Focus analysis on anything found within the sources, i.e. format, lead story, content story, layout, advertisement etc.. Analysis can be quantitative (i.e. counting items), qualitative (descriptive) or a combination of the two
CONTENT ANALYSIS SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING
A) MICRO Analysis: How do different sources interpret/portray the similar & dissimilar?
B) MACRO Analysis: What does a content analysis of the entire source reveal about the way in which news in interpreted?
C) Use Critical Evaluation to support your answers
Action Position Paper is no more than 10 pages in length, including references, and is due on the final day of the semester. No late papers will be accepted.a) Choose an educational theme in a country other than the United States
b) Give a short description of the country: its cultural, economic and political make-up;
c) Describe connections of your educational issue to the U.S.
d) Analyze how education in your school can benefit from inclusion or knowledge of this data
e) Develop an action plan to utilize or avoid this data in your school
