Prior to beginning this assignment, please review all the required readings, videos, and any relevant Instructor Guidance. It is suggested that you review the recommended resources for this week as a number of them may assist you in creating this written assignment with links to applicable articles.
Please note that for many of you, this might be the first time to write a paper about someone you have no current information about. Thus, it is very important that you know how to synthesize information so that it is your work, and not accidentally someone else's. One suggestion as you begin to read about one of the researchers is to just jot down notes about them as you read. Be careful not to copy paste information into a document with intentions of re-writing it. Sometimes areas get forgotten and when your writing matches other sources, it can negatively affect not only your grade, but also your entire academic journey, so please heed this advice and ask for assistance from your instructor if you need it. Thus, we have included a link to a guide that could be very assistive in your success.
Over the past weeks, you have been introduced to Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism in relationship to learning psychology. To further expand your knowledge and understanding of Constructivism and its theoretical components/principles, in this paper you will research and write about one of the prominent constructivists listed below based on the first letter of your last name. Please look over the list to find the constructivist who corresponds with the first letter of your last name:
Last name begins with A-E: John Dewey (1859-1952)
To successfully accomplish this assignment:
First, create the following headings and subheadings in your paper to indicate the organization of your information. (Note: The bullets will not be included in your paper and are included here only for organizational purposes.)
Introduction- The introduction is based on the principle of introducing the topic of the paper. A good introduction explains what you will be addressing. In this paper it will specifically, in a broad way, clarify each area (below) that you will be discussing. Often, writer's write this last to make sure nothing is forgotten. For more information please click here.
Researcher's Biography/Background (Vygotsky's Biography)- Under this heading you will provide the important historical perspectives of your subject's life and work and how these influenced his/her work in this field. Information on the subject's personal and professional background should be logically presented.
Researcher's Theoretical Perspectives- Under this heading you will describe the theoretical perspectives and other major concepts pioneered or promoted by your subject.
Experiments and Findings -Under this subheading you will provide a thorough summary of at least two empirical research projects your subject performed including the empirical findings of the research.
Historical Trends- Under this subheading you will provide information on the trends which lead to your subject's line of research.
Notable Characteristics- Under this subheading you will provide information about the cognitivist and his/her line of research and how it exemplifies the cognitivist constructs.
Conclusion- This can be hard to write because the writer thinks everything has already been said. However, this is where the writer leaves behind an impression about the writer and what he/she wrote about. The reader often remembers the last part of what has been read, so consider how you want someone reading your paper to remember about what you wrote. For more information please click here.
Next, apply basic research methods in psychology to your paper by accessing the Ashford University Library and researching at least three appropriate peer-reviewed articles about your assigned researcher. Write key words under each heading to help you remember what you have read. Be sure to use these sources to support your statements within the paper. Cite your sources according to APA style, but do not directly quote them within your paper. If you have apprehensions about synthesizing the material you read and plan on including in your writing, please click here for additional assistance.
Now you will put it all together, by using the key words to help you write about what you learned. Try not to, at first, use the sources directly. Try to remember what you can and just write about what you learned to avoid plagiarism issues.
After you have accomplished this, go back to your sources adding in the citations of where you learned the information and clarifying points. Read your paper aloud to make sure it makes sense. It is not unusual after writing a paper that our mind will actually fill in the blanks of missed information, but the reader cannot do this, so reading it aloud is helpful.
Make corrections and continue to edit and clean up your paper.
Add your references. Make sure what you include is applied within your paper as well. Do not use quotes if possible.
Use this opportunity to develop your writing skills by submitting to Grammarly (see below).
Writing the "Understanding a Constructivist" Paper
The paper:
Should be three to four double-spaced pages in length and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Should include a title page with the following:
· Title of paper
· Student's name
· Course name and number
· Instructor's name
· Date submitted
· Note: Please do not use a template
Should begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
Should address the topic of the paper with critical thought. For assistance with the critical thinking portion of the written assignment, please see the information included on the Critical Thinking Community website
Should end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
Should use at least three scholarly sources from the Ashford University Library. To assist you, view this great tutorial provided by the Ashford
University Library which will show you how to find scholarly articles and how to assess the scholarly quality of the resource.
Should not use quoted material. Please synthesize what you learn about the researcher. For tips on how to do this please click here.
Should document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Should include a separate reference page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. If you are unsure how to create an APA style reference page, please visit the Citation and Reference page on the Ashford Writing Center website.
Should be submitted to the Grammarly tool within the course prior to submission.