EDMS 420: Child Development in the Family, School and Community

Theory Group Project

With a small group of classmates you will become experts on a developmental theory. The class will be reading general information in the textbook, but in this assignment, your group will delve further by researching other sources and making connections to what we are learning in this course. There are 2 parts of this assignment, the presentation and the paper.

Presentation: Your group will present your new understandings using a powerpoint format combined with a related discussion, not to exceed 30 minutes. As a group, you may decide to divide the presentation requirements among group members, however, each person must be knowledgeable about all sections. The powerpoint slides must be posted on WebCT.
The essential components are:
1. The history of the theorists and theories; the historical context of the ideas and the people who write about them; how did this theory fit into other theories that preceded it?
2. The basic constructs or main ideas of the theory; how does development occur?
3. The key terms and their definitions related to this theory
4. The developmental milestones, stages and characteristics of the theory -- what happens to human beings in infancy, toddlerhood, early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence, according to the theory?
5. The domains of development that are addressed by the theory (e.g. cognitive, physical, social, language, moral, emotional); the domains that are not well addressed; the ways that differences are addressed in this theory
6. How this theory is applied in the real world, e.g. in parenting, teaching, advertising?
7. Sources used in your research

Theory Analysis Paper: This paper is due toward the end of the semester, after all theories have been presented. The paper is an individual reflection on the theory that you studied. You will write a 2-3 page paper responding to these questions:
1. What are the strengths of this theory? What are its limitations?
2. In what ways and in what contexts have you observed the beliefs of this theory in your own life and education?
3. How does this theory compare to another that you have learned about in this course?
4. How does this theory fit into your own belief system about how children develop?

 

Grading:
Presentation: 50 points, graded by instructor, classmates and group members. Criteria are: ability to explain the theory and to answer questions, use of graphics and text in powerpoint, achievement of all required components, demonstration of expertise on the theory and its relevance to child study
Paper: 30 points, graded by instructor. Criteria are: thoughtful synthesis of theory studied, ability to make connections, clear and concise writing

 

ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

1. History (10 points)
2. Basic constructs or main ideas (10)
3. Key terms and their definitions (10)
4. Developmental milestones, stages and characteristics (10)
5. Domains of development (10)
6. Applications in real life (10)
7. Sources listed (10)
8. Powerpoint slides (15)
9. Oral presentation (15)

 

 

photo credits Wernher Krutein photovalet.com