The assignment is:
Final project is to write an Educational Debate Persuasive Paper on a current educational debate. I chose "Does Prepping for High-Stakes Tests Interfere with Teaching?"
Read the "yes" and "no" opinions in the related chapter in the textbook. The paper will be your argument to persuade readers that your position on the debate is correct. My position is that I believe High-Stakes testing does interfere with teaching. Your paper will also need to address the opposing viewpoint and provide arguments against this view. For the final project you will need to include at least 3 reliable resources that support your thesis. Your paper should be 1,750-2,100 words long and follow APA guidelines.
This is do in 6 weeks from now. However, the oulineis due Thursday along with an annotated bibliography.
I have started working on my outline but would like a little input please.
Does Prepping for High-Stakes Tests Interfere with Teaching?
Introduction
My first paragraph will be about the requirements of state-mandated tests.
Next will be how these requirements affect teachers.
Following with the opposing viewpoints and arugments against them.
Conclusion
I am having trouble coming up with more for the body of the paper.
In the Introduction I am also going to define what high-stakes tests commonly known as state mandated tests are.
You're mixing up content with introductory ideas. If you get into technical definitions in the introduction, you will lose your reader's interest.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/intros.htm
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/intro.html
Save the specifics and definitions for the body of your paper. And DON'T try to write the intro first; write the body of the paper first -- then you'll know for sure what you're trying to introduce!
So should I start the first paragraph of the body with defining state mandated tests. Should I put the requirements of the test in the same paragraph? Then in the next paragraph state how these requirements affect teachers in the classroom. Then follow with the opposing side. Then do the conclusion to tie it all together and then go back and do the introduction.
Do you have any suggestions for reliable sources I could use for any of this information.
sorry forgot to put my name on the last comment.
So should I start the first paragraph of the body with defining state mandated tests. Should I put the requirements of the test in the same paragraph? Yes, to both questions - or maybe make them the topics of two paragraphs, one right after the other.
Then in the next paragraph state how these requirements affect teachers in the classroom. Yes -- and how that situation affects kids, too.
Then follow with the opposing side. Yes.
Then do the conclusion to tie it all together and then go back and do the introduction. Yes, exactly. You'll write a much better intro once you've done the body of the paper. Can you imagine writing an intro (to a not-yet-written paper) and then discovering new ideas while writing the body of the paper ... and having to go back and rewrite the intro? What a waste of time!
So for an outline:
I. Introduction
II. Body
A. Define State Mandated Tests
B. Requirements of State Mandated Tests.
1. How do these requirements affect teachers?
2. How do these requirements affect students?
C. Opposing Argument
III. Conclusion
Sounds good!!
Remember that each number or letter doesn't have to be limited to only one paragraph. It's YOUR paper so YOU should make those kinds of decisions.
The outline looks solid ... go for it!
Now I have to do an annotated bibliongraphy with this as part of this weeks assignment. If I post the bibliography will you give me feedback? Do you know some reliable sources with information on state mandated tests?
It seems like you have made a good start on your outline for your debate persuasive paper. To expand the body of your paper, you can consider the following points:
1. Impact on Curriculum: Discuss how high-stakes testing can lead to a narrowed curriculum, as teachers may feel pressured to focus only on the specific topics and skills that are tested. This may result in a lack of attention to other important aspects of education, such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
2. Teaching to the Test: Explore the phenomenon of teaching to the test, where teachers prioritize test preparation over deep understanding of the subject matter. This may result in shallow learning, where students can simply memorize facts rather than truly comprehend and apply knowledge.
3. Stress and Pressure: Show how high-stakes testing can contribute to increased stress and pressure on both teachers and students. Discuss the potential negative consequences, such as anxiety, demotivation, and reduced well-being, which can ultimately hinder effective teaching and learning.
4. Time Constraints: Highlight how prepping for high-stakes tests can consume a significant amount of instructional time. This could result in reduced opportunities for experiential learning, inquiry-based activities, and student-centered instruction that enhance holistic development.
5. Standardization and Individual Differences: Emphasize the challenges posed by high-stakes testing for accommodating diverse needs and learning styles. Explain how such tests may not accurately capture the abilities, potential, and progress of all students, as they often oversimplify the assessment process.
To develop these points further, gather evidence and supporting arguments from your textbook and other reliable resources. Cite examples, statistics, and expert opinions to strengthen your claims. Remember to provide a balanced perspective by addressing counterarguments and offering rebuttals to build a persuasive case for your position.
Finally, don't forget to properly cite your sources in your annotated bibliography and follow APA guidelines for your paper. Good luck with your final project!