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EDF 201 - Complete Guidelines For Course Requirements
EDF 201 - Complete Guidelines For Course Requirements
EDF 201 - Complete Guidelines For Course Requirements
UNIVERSITY
Graduate School
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
A.1. Mechanics
• You are NOT supposed to give only provide a surface-level discussion of the topics assigned
to you. You must prepare critical discussion questions and lead the class discussion. Examples
of general questions that could be asked are the following: What trends and issues surround
the assigned topics? How do these trends and issues relate to education internationally and
locally? How could people, particularly in the academic community, participate in the
ongoing conversations or debates? How are these trends and issues reflected in your
contexts? (2 to 3 hours; exemptions may be applied depending on the assigned topic).
• Steer the discussion effectively. You may follow the suggested presentation framework
below:
1. Warm-Up Activity
2. Presentation Outline
3. Learning Outcomes
4. Discussion of the Assigned Course Topics
5. Synthesis/ Highlights (Interactive/ Collaborative)
6. Reflection and Insight Sharing
You may also choose to organize the discussion in any manner you want, but you need to
have an overarching structure that best encapsulates and addresses the topics. Also,
communicate this to the teacher-in-charge for perusal and approval prior to your scheduled
presentation.
• Ask questions that provoke good discussions—do not ask questions that can be easily
answered. You should also not ask questions that are too general (e.g. “How did you feel
about the article?” or “Did you like the article?”). Try to ask questions which you think
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY
Graduate School
actually require a discussion—these may be concepts which you think are “tricky.”
• Be critical in approaching your assigned topics. Identify issues which you think deserve critical
analysis. Contrast the reading with other resources or topics that we have discussed/ we will
discuss in class.
• Be confident. Do not be nervous when your classmates are silent during the discussion—
maybe they just need more time to think, or maybe you need to rephrase the questions.
Guide them so they will speak up and engage with you.
• After the oral presentation, submit the written report, which follows your presentation
framework and should contain the talking points in your discussions. The written report
should also contain a reference list. The length of your written report depends on the topic
assigned to you; there is no limit as to the number of pages. The font style should be Calibri
or Arial, 12 font size and single spacing. Margins must be 1 inch on all sides. A footer
indicating page numbers must be included. A cover page should also be included bearing
the names of the presenters, their topics, and the date of presentation.
Category Exceeds Standard Meets Standard Nearly Meets Does Not Meet
Standard Standard
Summary (25%) Accurate and Clear discussion of Some attempts to The summary was
concise discussion the topics. summarize the factually wrong.
of the topics. Minimal topics were No evidence of
structure or
Showed deep inaccuracies and observed but failed organization.
knowledge of the ineffective to make a Shows poor
topics. synthesis were reasonable comprehension of
observed. synthesis. the topics.
Critique (25%) Reasonable and Clear evaluation of Criticisms were Misrepresented
logical evaluation the topics but lacks provided but not the topics. No
of the topics. substance. Depth of fully explained. evidence of
Comments were analysis presented Unfair evaluation of argumentation or
constructive. but needs the topics. Links to clear evidence of
Exhibits theoretical improvement. the literature were flawed
and Informed by the made but was not argumentation.
methodological literature. targeted well. Criticisms were
finesse. not based on
evidence.
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY
Graduate School
Schedule of Presentations
B. Synthesis Paper
B.1. Mechanics
• Synthesis, or synthesizing, is a mode of writing that groups various sources together in a way
that makes the relationships between the sources clear. Usually, these sources revolve
around the same subject. The mode of synthesis is used in any cohesive writing that engages
multiple outside sources. Essays employing synthesis include documented arguments,
research papers, literature reviews, explanatory/informative syntheses, argumentative
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY
Graduate School
• The synthesis essay can be broken into two categories: explanatory/informative syntheses
and argumentative syntheses. While both syntheses use multiple sources in order to discuss
a subject from many angles, an explanatory synthesis has the goal to understand a
perspective or a rational about the subject and an argumentative synthesis has the goal to
make a claim about the subject. You are required to submit an argumentative synthesis
paper.
2. BODY
The body of your synthesis essay is usually about three paragraphs long. This typically
includes two paragraphs synthesizing your sources in a way that supports your
argument, and one paragraph that acknowledges opposing arguments.
3. CONCLUSION
The conclusion of your synthesis essay reiterates the argument that you have made
throughout your essay. It may emphasize how each of the points you made and the
sources you have cited substantiate your point.
• Your synthesis paper must be composed of 2-3 A4-sized pages, with content written in either
Calibri or Arial, 12 font size and single spacing. Margins must be 1 inch on all sides. A
reference list must be included at the last part, but it will not be counted in relation to the
total number of pages required. A footer indicating page numbers must be included.
• Submit the hard copy of your output to the teacher in charge of the course not later than
the deadline set. Remember to indicate your full name and degree program in your output.
*Adapted from: https://success.uark.edu/get-help/student-resources/synthesis-paper.php
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/synthesis-essay-guide#synthesis-essay-structure
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY
Graduate School
Category Exceeds Standard Meets Standard Nearly Meets Standard Does Not Meet
Standard
Argumentation Engaging intro that builds Intro provides some Underdeveloped intro Ineffective intro.
(40%) background, introduces background/context with little background Does not provide
question and thesis. for the question. info. Somewhat broad background info.
Sophisticated thesis Succinct and narrowed thesis that highlights Vague or hard to
articulates a precise thesis; focuses on a an argument. Counter distinguish thesis.
central argument that is central argument. arguments or Counter arguments
supportable, arguable and Writer discusses alternative or alternative
shows depth of thinking. counter arguments or perspectives on the perspectives on the
Writer evaluates and/or alternative articles are identified are not
refutes counter arguments perspectives. but underdeveloped. acknowledged.
or alternative perspective. Conclusion highlights Conclusion Conclusion is
Conclusion accounts for thesis, summarizes acknowledges thesis underdeveloped or
thesis, synthesizes artifacts and begins to and begins to no conclusion
artifacts, and argues the argue the universality summarize but may be present.
universality of the topics. of the topics. unclear/abrupt.
Use of Evidence Uses strong and Uses five (5) articles or Uses less than five (5) 0 to 1 article or topic
(35%) compelling textual topics that support articles or topics to used and they may
evidence from more than critical thinking. support some critical be used only
five (5) articles or topics in Effectively incorporates thinking. Inconsistently superficially.
this course, which require quotes, examples, incorporates quotes, Quotes and
the writer to assess and and/or paraphrases to examples, and/or paraphrasing are not
evaluate the supporting support thesis and paraphrases to support handled correctly at
evidence. Skillfully analysis. Analyzes thesis and analysis. all.
incorporates quotes, evidence to Some analysis of Little analysis or
examples, and/or support/extend evidence, but lacks elaboration of
paraphrases to advance argument; elaborates thoroughness and evidence. Mostly
the thesis and build the to show some critical elaboration; rarely summarizes article or
analysis. Sophisticated thinking and relevance. goes beyond what the topic.
analysis of specific details articles or topics say.
to support and extend
argument. Analyzes the
how, why, and what to
enhance and express the
writer’s critical thinking
and central argument.
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY
Graduate School
Organization Articles or topics are Articles or topics Attempts to synthesize Little synthesis.
(15%) cohesively and reflect a basic level of articles or topics but Argument is
sophisticatedly synthesis around a may be too general at underdeveloped or
synthesized to support central argument. times. confusing; weak topic
central argument; makes Consistent argument is Inconsistent argument sentences. Missing or
connections between built throughout the is built through the ineffective
articles or topics. essay with related essay; topic sentences transitions.
Comprehensive and well- subtopics/assertions, are broad and general
developed argument is demonstrated through and do not make clear
built throughout the essay some clear topic claims. Weak
with related subtopics/ sentences. Transitions transitions or
assertions, generally evident throughout inconsistent use of
demonstrated through essay. transitions throughout
argumentative topic essay.
sentences. Strong and
effective transitions
throughout essay.
Grammar & Strong mechanics and Good mechanics and Meaning is somewhat Substantial errors in
Formatting grammar as appropriate grammar as diminished by grammar and
(10 %) for graduate level. May appropriate for consistent errors in punctuation that
have a few minor mistakes graduate level. punctuation, interfere with
but does not inhibit May have a few capitalization, spelling, meaning. No clear
meaning. All sources are patterns of mistakes and/or agreement. evidence of source
correctly cited as directed but they do not inhibit Most sources are not documentation is
th
by the teacher (APA 7 meaning. Most sources correctly cited. present.
Edition) are correctly cited as
directed by the teacher
th
(APA 7 Edition)
*Rubric is adapted from
https://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/english/professional_development/institutes/2015/secondary/levy_and_wagoner/files_within_pres
entation/bq_rubric_final.pdf
C.1. Mechanics
• An article critique requires you to critically read a piece of research and identify and evaluate
the strengths and weaknesses of the article. A summary of a research article requires you to
share the key points of the article so your reader can get a clear picture of what the article is
about. A critique may include a brief summary, but the main focus should be on
your evaluation and analysis of the research itself.
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY
Graduate School
1. INTRODUCTION
Typically, the introduction is short (less than 10% of the word length) and you should:
a. name the work being reviewed as well as the date it was created and the name
of the author
b. describe the main argument or purpose of the work
c. explain the context in which the work was created - this could include the social
or political context, the place of the work in a creative or academic tradition, or
the relationship between the work and the author’s life experience
Have a concluding sentence that signposts what your evaluation of the work will be - for
instance, it may indicate whether it is a positive, negative, or mixed evaluation.
2. SUMMARY
Briefly summarize the main points and objectively describe how the author portrays
these by using techniques, styles, media, characters or symbols. This summary should
not be the focus of the critique and is usually shorter than the critical evaluation.
3. CRITICAL EVALUATION
This section should give a systematic and detailed assessment of the different elements
of the article, evaluating how well the author was able to achieve the purpose through
these. For example, a critique of a research would look at subject selection, design of
the study, analysis of data and conclusions.
This evaluation is written in formal academic style and logically presented. Group and
order your ideas into paragraphs. Start with the broad impressions first and then move
into the details of the technical elements. For shorter critiques, you may discuss the
strengths of the works, and then the weaknesses. In longer critiques, you may wish to
discuss the positive and negative of each key critical question in individual paragraphs.
To support the evaluation, provide evidence from the work itself, such as a quote or
example, and you should also cite evidence from related sources. Explain how this
evidence supports your evaluation of the work.
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY
Graduate School
4. CONCLUSION
This is usually a paragraph, which includes:
a. a statement indicating the overall evaluation of the article
b. a summary of the key reasons, identified during the critical evaluation, why this
evaluation was formed
c. in some circumstances, recommendations for improvement on the article may
be appropriate.
5. REFERENCE LIST
Include all resources cited in your critique. Use the APA 7th Edition Referencing Style.
• Your journal article critique must be composed of 2-3 A4-sized pages, with content written
in either Calibri or Arial, 12 font size and single spacing. Margins must be 1 inch on all sides.
A reference list must be included at the last part, but it will not be counted in relation to the
total number of pages required. A footer indicating page numbers must be included.
• Submit the hard copy of your output to the teacher in charge of the course not later than
the deadline set. Remember to indicate your full name and degree program in your output.
You may also visit the following links for a more detailed discussion on the content of a
journal article critique.
• https://libguides.hull.ac.uk/other/critique
• https://writingcenter.uagc.edu/writing-article-critique
Prepared by: