Mini-papers (10% each, 30% total)

You will turn in three short papers throughout the semester, each dealing with one aspect of the final paper. These minipapers will be graded on completion and treated as drafts. See Draft Rubrics in Appendix 1.

• Paper 1: Issue background, context, and research questions. Due May 31
• Paper 2: Literature review (thematic summary of at least 14 studies). Due 6/14
• Paper 3: Sampling, Data collection and analysis procedures. Due 7/14

Research Proposal (20%):

Your final paper for the course will be a formal research proposal. The proposals are due no later than August 2. The paper should include revisions of the three mini papers. The final paper will be a compilation of the earlier assignments.

Group Project (10%)

The class will be divided into groups of approximately 4 students. Each group will meet to discuss, review, support, and advise the group members’ research projects, review mini-papers, develop in class data collection tools, and participate in lab experiences. Groups will be given specific topics and assignments to serve as deliverables in evaluating this component of the class.

Proposal presentation (5%):

Each student will be asked to present their action research proposal at one of three locations: CSSE Action research Rountables; the SFU Summer Institute on July 6 (format TBD); or during the last class meeting (at your discretion). Presentations should cover the research context and background; research question; data collection procedures; and data analysis plans, as well as allow for Q&A with the relevant audience. A short reflective essay will be used to evaluate the experience, details TBD.

Research Journal and Statistics Workbook (15%):

You are to keep a research notebook where you record possible research questions, methods, problems to solve, etc. As part of this you should also include the Salkind exercises you complete. This journal will be graded based on completion. This notebook should also include the Tri-Council tutorial certificate (est. 2-3 hours to complete).
(http://www.pre.ethics.gc.ca/eng/education/tutorialdidacticiel/).

Lab Notebook (10%)

Each class will include a series of lab activities where we put into practice various research and data collection and analysis activities. The work and results of these lab experiences should be kept in a notebook / computer files for review and credit in the class.

Participation (5%):

You are expected to complete the required readings prior to each class session. Think critically about what you read and consider the connections between the readings. Please send me two questions about the reading the Wednesday prior to each class meeting, including the first class meeting May 10 (the first questions would be due May 8).

Your active and thoughtful participation in class discussions will be part of your grade. Attendance is expected at every class meeting. You should contact the instructor before class if you will be unable to attend for some important reason. When possible, alternate assignments may be negotiated (for example, if you are required to miss class for an education event, credit may be awarded for a brief report from the event). Your participation in small groups and the summer institute session (as possible) are included in the grade.

Grade Application (5%):

Each student will be asked to apply for a grade and present evidence in support of that application, based on their work in the online community, small group projects, lab book, research journal, and other relevant artifacts.