Assignment #2: Theory/Pedagogy

Assignment: For this assignment, you will need to design a project of your choice that uses the material we have been reading as the theoretical framework to develop some aspect of pedagogical practice. You should expect to develop a project 6-8 pages (double-spaced, 3-4 pages single-spaced, depending upon genre) in length. You could:

• design a course unit based on exercises in Bishop’s Alternate Style;
• design a syllabus for a writing class focusing on alternative discourse or employing an alternative pedagogy;
• develop a teaching statement/rationale for employing an alternative pedagogy in a class or program;
• explore an alternative pedagogical practice in a bibliographic essay;
• write up a research design for employing and assessing the effectiveness of an alternative pedagogy (you do not have to do this research, just write up a prospectus for it);
• write up a short article for a teaching practice section of a journal about some alternative pedagogy in which you are interested and have researched;
• write a proposal to an organization asking for funding to support and alternative pedagogical practice in your classroom;
• anything that combines theory and pedagogy and is approximately the required length.

Goals: There are several learning goals for this project:

• demonstrate your understanding of the ways in which theory informs pedagogical practice
• synthesize info: research, theory about teaching, and the generic conventions of specific written products
• undertake a project with practical application

Calendar: Here’s some very basic planning:

1. We will brainstorm topics October 9.
2. Write up a paragraph describing your proposed project and get it to me ASAP or by October 16.
3. A complete draft of assignment #2 is due October 30. I will get you feedback and discuss revision with you.

Products: Here are the things you will produce as the result of this assignment:

• a one paragraph project description
• a side-shadowed draft due on October 30.
• a revised final project, due week before finals.

Grading Criteria: Here are the criteria upon which I will assess you:

• completed project related to project proposal and assignment
• demonstrated ability to understand and incorporate suggested revisions
• prepared for project with careful reading/research
• demonstrated ability to locate and employ appropriate sources, synthesize materials
• developed creative and interesting project
• wrote intelligent, focused prose and response on topic chosen, amount of prose assigned

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