Assignment InstructionsThere are two related Assignments for this class.  In Assignment 1: Issue  (due at the end of Week 4) you will choose a problem facing child or adolescents in today’s society.  In Assignment 2: Application , (due at the end of Week 8) you will address the same issue from an applied perspective.

Assignment 1: Issue

Due:  Sunday midnight at the end of the 4th Week

Topic:

In Assignment 1: Issue  you will choose a problem facing child or adolescents in today’s society. Describe the problemHow common is it?Who is affected by the problem?What theories explain this problem?Has the problem changed over the last decade?How credible is the research you found related to this problem?Is there generally a consensus about the key aspects of the problems, or is there a lot of controversy?

Research paper or opinion paper?

Research, NOT opinion

Number of published, peer-reviewed sources required; must all be published within the last 8 yearsThe textbook may be used as one of these resources.Do not use any direct quotes from any sources

5

Length required (not including title page and referencesTables, graphs, charts, lists, figures, etc. may be used, however do not count toward the length requirement

800-1200 words

Reference style required

American Psychological Association, 6th edition

Submission requirementsMicrosoft Word document submitted as attachment in Assignment Submission area.  Do not attach to a Message or email, and do not paste into Submission text box.

 

 

 

 

Grading Rubric for each AssignmentCHFD307

Rubric 

EXEMPLARY

LEVEL 

ACCOMPLISHED

LEVEL 

DEVELOPING

LEVEL 

BEGINNING

LEVEL 

TOTAL POINTS

Point Value

25

15

10

5 

FOCUS/THESIS

Student exhibits a defined and clear understanding of the assignment.  Thesis is clearly defined and well constructed to help guide the reader throughout the assignment.  Student builds upon the thesis of the assignment with well-documented and exceptional supporting facts, figures, and/or statements. 

Establishes a good comprehension of topic and in the building of the thesis.  Student demonstrates an effective presentation of thesis, with most support statements helping to support the key focus of assignment.

Student exhibits a basic understanding of the intended assignment, but the thesis is not fully supported throughout the assignment.  While thesis helps to guide the development of the assignment, the reader may have some difficulty in seeing linkages between thoughts.  While student has included a few supporting facts and statements, this has limited the quality of the assignment.

Exhibits a limited understanding of the assignment.  Reader is unable to follow the logic used for the thesis and development of key themes.  Introduction of thesis is not clearly evident, and reader must look deeper to discover the focus of the writer.  Student’s writing is weak in the inclusion of supporting facts or statements. 

Point Value

35

26

17

9 

CONTENT/SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE

Student demonstrates proficient command of the subject matter in the assignment.  Assignment shows an impressive level of depth of student’s ability to relate course content to practical examples and applications.  Student provides comprehensive analysis of details, facts, and concepts in a logical sequence.

Student exhibits above average usage of subject matter in assignment.  Student provides above average ability in relating course content in examples given.  Details and facts presented provide an adequate presentation of student’s current level of subject matter knowledge.

The assignment reveals that the student has a general, fundamental understanding of the course material.  Whereas, there are areas of some concerning in the linkages provided between facts and supporting statements.  Student generally explains concepts, but only meets the minimum requirements in this area.

Student tries to explain some concepts, but overlooks critical details.  Assignment appears vague or incomplete in various segments.  Student presents concepts in isolation, and does not perceive to have a logical sequencing of ideas. CHFD307

Rubric 

EXEMPLARY

LEVEL 

ACCOMPLISHED

LEVEL 

DEVELOPING

LEVEL 

BEGINNNIG

LEVEL 

TOTAL POINTS

Point Value

20

15

10

5 

Critical Thinking Skills

Learner provides a strategic approach in presenting examples of problem solving or critical thinking, while drawing logical conclusions which are not immediately obvious.  Student provides well-supported ideas and reflection with a variety of current and/or world views in the assignment.  Student presents a genuine intellectual development of ideas throughout assignment.

Student exhibits a good command of critical thinking skills in the presentation of material and supporting statements.  Assignment demonstrates the student’s above average use of relating concepts by using a variety of factors.  Overall, student provides adequate conclusions, with 2 or fewer errors

Student takes a common, conventional approach in guiding the reader through various linkages and connections presented in assignment.  However, student presents a limited perspective on key concepts throughout assignment.  Student appears to have problems applying information in a problem-solving manner

Student demonstrates beginning understanding of key concepts, but overlooks critical details.  Learner is unable to apply information in a problem-solving fashion.  Student presents confusing statements and facts in assignment.  No evidence or little semblance of critical thinking skills. 

Point Value

20

15

10

5 

ORGANIZATION OF IDEAS/FORMAT

Student thoroughly understands and excels in explaining all major points.  An original, unique, and/or imaginative approach to overall ideas, concepts, and findings is presented.  Overall format of assignment includes an appropriate introduction (or abstract), well- developed paragraphs, and conclusion.  Finished assignment demonstrates student’s ability to plan and organize research in a logical sequence.  Student uses at least of 5-7 references in assignment. 

Student explains the majority of points and concepts in the assignment.  Learner demonstrates a good skill level in formatting and organizing material in assignment.  Student presents an above average level of preparedness, with a few formatting errors.  Assignment contains less than 5 resources.

Learner applies some points and concepts incorrectly.  Student uses a variety of formatting styles, with some inconsistencies throughout the paper.  Assignment does not have a continuous pattern of logical sequencing.  Student uses less than 3 sources or references.

Assignment reveals formatting errors and a lack of organization.  Student presents an incomplete attempt to provide linkages or explanation of key terms.  The lack of appropriate references or source materials demonstrates the student’s need for additional help or training in this area.  Student needs to review and revise the assignment.