Assessment Final Paper

Hi everyone,

I hope you are all doing ok.

Ok, here are the guidelines for your final paper. Please read them very carefully and if you are left with questions or doubts, don't hesitate to contact me.

General Guidelines:

The paper is due on October 21st. I'll be on the first floor of the CH building from 10:30 to 11:00. I will not receive papers at any other time or place.
You should write between 3000 and 5000 words max.
You should use APA format (please use the website I shared with you). This is very important.
You should address all the suggestions you received in the feedback I have given you for the first draft.
Use a font size 12 and double space your paper.
You have to submit a print version as well as an electronic version. Both versions need to include everything.
Do not include more or different sections that the ones requested.
Please use headings to facilitate reading and understanding.
Don't forget you need to include a list of references.

In this paper you will consolidate all the work you have been doing during the semester. I will expect the following sections (You need to include these sections only  - I don't expect less or more):

For those who did the consultancy:

a. An abstract: 150-200 words
b. A short introduction that describes the work you did including a very brief summary of your findings and recommendations.
c. The description of the class.
d. Your conceptual/theoretical framework
e. A discussion of your observations: In this section you HAVE to use the terminology and language we have been using in class.
f. Recommendations or suggestions: This needs to be very solid and well-founded. It needs to be written as if the audience of your paper was the teacher you were observing (for some of you this will be the case). Avoid any explicit language (like, 'the teacher is an old woman') and be as subtle but firm as you can.
g. Annexes: Observations forms (not the ones you used, just the format) and any other document that is relevant to your discussions or recommendations. Do NOT include every single material the teacher used, just those you think are worth-looking. Every doc you mention in the body of the text should be mentioned, though.
h. A list of references.

In the case of the test design:

1. A short intro that describes the work you did including a summary and a description of the type of tests you are designing and the population it is designed for.
2. A theoretical framework in which your test should be understood.
3. The test with its corresponding annotations. Annotations are obligatory and constitute the most important section of your project.
4. References
5. Annexes


Ok, this is it. If you have any questions, comment or send me an email, whichever you prefer.

RG

Final Paper - Research Class

Hi all,

(please be careful and don't get confused with the two posts, this one is for the research class only)


Here are the guidelines for your final paper.

General instructions

The paper is due on October 25th. I will be on the first floor of the CH building from 10:00 to 10:30 am. I will not receive papers at any other time or place. Be there or forget about submitting your paper.
You need to hand in a print version as well as an electronic version. The electronic version must be submitted before handing in the print version.
You should write between 3000 and 6000 max.
You should use APA format (this time please get it right). This is very important.
Write in one column only.
Do not include more sections than the ones requested.
You should address all the suggestions you received in your feedback.
Use a font size 12 and double space your paper.
Use headings and subheadings to facilitate understanding.

Your paper should include:

a. A title.
b. An abstract. This should be between 150 and 200 words and should give a brief account of the context, the objectives of the study, the theories where your study can be framed - ex: extensive reading, parental involvement, anxiety, etc-, the methodology used and the results. Please check abstracts from published articles for modeling yours.
c. Introduction: For this introduction you can use part of the you used for the 'Statement of the problem' that you wrote for the previous paper. However, this time you need  discuss the key concepts of your study (developing critical thinkings, teaching writing/listening/etc., using the L1 and L2, inclusive policies, recasts, etc.) in a way that the relation to the specific context where your study is situated is very clear. Also, please provide a brief mention to the specificities of your study.
c. Literature Review: In this section please include subtitles where you discuss each of the concepts.
d. Methodology
e. Presentation, analysis and discussion of the results
f. Conclusions
g. Pedagogical Implications (if any)
h. References
i. Annexes

I know some of the sections may sound repetitive. Do not panick about it. This is how academic genres function.

As you will notice, the word limit will be a challenge to you. In other words, you will need to make use of your synthesizing skill. My recommendaton is that you use published articles as a model. Go to the below journal websites to find articles to guide yourselves.

CALJ
Profile

It is possible that you find some differences between this paper's requirements and the guidelines in the journals. Please, remember that every assignemnt has its peculiarities and what you need to focus on is commonalities instead. In short, stick to the guidelines in this entry and use published articles as a guide.

The word limit does not include the annexes.

It is also a requirement to use visual aids like charts, diagrams, tables and the like.


Should you have any questions do not hesitate to ask. I want to be very emphatic about this. Asking questions will help you write a more solid paper and get a better grade.


Good luck!

Conference Proposal (Research Class)

Hi everyone,

As you remember, one of our assignments for this semester is to write a proposal to present your study at a conference. So, as you know, this year we are having the I Encuentro de Investigación en la Enseñanza de Lenguas. This Encuentro will be held along with the IV Encuentro de Semiótica on November 21-23.

So, your assignment is to write a proposal for the Encuentro. You don't have to actually send the application, but I highly encourage to do so. So, what you need to do is write the proposal and send it to me on September 5. You have to follow the guidelines for the application which can be found in this link.

If you are truly interested in presenting at this conference, please write your proposal as soon as you can and contact me ASAP.

Ok, that's it for now. Remember, everyone needs to send the proposal on September 5.

P.S. If there's a different event that you would like to present and that has opened the call for proposals, please let  me know.

Raúl

Guidelines for First Draft (Research Class)

Hi everyone,

Here you will find information about the first draft for our Research Class

Due date: September 16 or 17 (depending on the class you are in)

Sections: Your paper should include the following sections

1. Introduction: This should a  of the problem you are studying (statement of the problem) and should also include your include your research question(s), 5 key words for your study and the goals of your project.  Please consider the feedback I gave you for the proposal.
2. Literature Review: This needs to be a solid text that reviews the main theoretical aspects of your study as they are found in the existing literature. This review should also reflect deep understanding and knowledge  and provide the reader with the theoretical framework in which your study needs to be understood. Please check the dropbox folder to find documents that will help you write your review. For this lit review you need to include at least 20 sources.  
3. Methodology: A very detailed description of the methodology of your study. In this section you need to describe your methodlogy in a very detailed manner and incorporate the terminology and concepts that we have discussed/will continue to discuss in class. This section should include a description of the participants and the sampling process, the data collection instruments and the procedure and a description of the pedagogical internvention that you are implemmenting if that's your case. 
4. A short description of the point your research study is at at that time. This should be an activity report (a bullet point list with short explanations is fine) telling me what you have done, what you haven't and what you will do with proper times and planning. 
5. Annexes: Final versions of consent forms, questionnaires, class materials (if applicable) and any other data collection tools thay you are using/will use. 
6. A list of references

Please remember that all papers should be written using APA style. This paper should, under no circumstance, be any loger than 10 pages without annexes. Longer papers will be penalized. You should turn in print as well as electronic versions of your paper, both on the due day. 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me in class or comment this blog entry. 

Raúl 

Guidelines for First Report (Assessment Class)

Hi again, (please make sure you are reading the right entry - this is for the assessment class only)

Ok, let's cut to the chase.

Due date: September 12 or 13 (depending on the section you are in)

Your first report should have:

In the case of the consultancy work:

1. A clear and thorough description of the class you are observing. 
2. A conceptual/theoretical framework: If you are focusing your consultancy on a particular/specific aspect of assessment, then you should say it in this section and include a discussion of that focus backed up by the materials that we are reading or that you may find on your own. If you don't have a specific focus, then you should include a review of the main concepts that we have discussed in our class, i.e. formative/summative, evaluating without tests, different tools, principles of assessment, etc. 
3. An activity report: This activity report should be a detailed account of everything you have done so far, with explanantions for possible delays, hindrances that you have encountered and a plan/timeline for whatever is ahead of you by that time. .
4. A discussion on your findings so far. This discussion needs to be informed by the readings and by the materials of the class you are observing (the syllabus, any quizzes/tests/assessment procedures) that have been done so far, etc.
5. References
6. Annexes: A copy of the observation forms or sheets you are using as well as any materials that you consider useful. 

In the case of the test design:

1. An introduction: This should be a 1-2 page text justifying the need for creating this test, the kind of test you are creating and its goals and purposes.
2. Theoretical Framework: A 1-2 page text explaining the kind of test that you are creating. In order to to this you can use both Brown and Geneese and Upshur but you also have to find other sources that inform you test design process. 
3. A short report that explains the progress you have made so far. In this section, I'm particularly interested in how much you have advanced and the piloting of items you have designed so far. 
4. A timetable for the rest of the process.
5. References
6. Annexes: A copy of the sections you have so far. 

Your paper can't be any longer than eight pages (without annexes but including references) and it needs to be written using APA style. Also, a print and an electronic version must be submitted on the due day. 

If you have a question, plese feel free to ask me in class or leave a comment in this entry.

Raúl

Project Proposals (Assessment Class)

Hi everyone,

I know many of you are very anxious about the research proposal that is due this week (or maybe some of you probably don't even remember) for our assessment class. Before I provide the guidelines for your research proposals and projects, let me put your mind at ease and tell you that I have extended the deadline for your project proposals to July 24, so now you have three more weeks to work on it.

Ok, having said this, let's get to work.

The objective of this project is to have you apply all the concepts and ideas that we will learn throughout the semester in a real life task that you may be responsible for during your professional life. Here's the options:

1. Consultancy work: Observe a real classroom and describe, analyze and provide professional advice for the improvement of assessment practices. If you choose this option you will be required to observe an English class for fourteen hours. You will obviously need to get permission from the teacher. Options include any language institute, our own language school (consult with me first if you choose this option), the place you work at, a public or private or school, etc. Of course, your professional advice will be based on the concepts discussed in class and the language you use will have to display that. However, you will not be required to actually give your document to the teacher you observe, unless that person requests it. It will only be used for the purposes of our class and your learning.

2. Annotated Test Design: Your task is to design a test that covers the fours skills. However, you need to include annotations as to why you selected the tasks in your test. In short, you need to design the test and write a text explaining the process.

The research proposal (Due July 24): This should be a simple 1-to-3-page document where you tell me the option you select and a justification for you choice. This justification should discuss the way this project fits your personal and professional interests and your experience as a student and/or teacher.

Proposal Specific Guidelines:

1. Consultancy work: If you choose this option your proposal should include: a) An introduction: in this section you should discuss what you will be observing specifically. Some people will decide to do a comprehensive observation the classroom but some other may like to focus on formative/summative/formal/informal/any of the skills, etc. Your selection must be discussed thoroughly. b) Setting: In this section you should describe the classroom you will be observing. c) Any data collection instrument you will use (observation sheets, questionnaires, etc). d) List of references

Please, use strict terminology and explain clearly what you expect to observe.

2. Test Design: If you choose this option you should include: a) an introduction explaining the kind of test you will be creating, the context that the test will be designed for the target audience (course, type of students), b)  you should consider that you need to pilot the test - than means, applying it with some students, spotting weaknesses and editing test items. Therefore, you need to include a timetable that considers all these, c) list of references.

Details on what's expected of the first draft will be announced later in the semester.

Finally, I'm always open to different project proposals. If you have an idea for a project that is awesome and different to the options I've presented, please contact me with details and we'll sure find an alternative.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. If you do, you can post them here in the blog as comments. Even though you can also send me an email, I prefer you to comment because other students may have the same question. Questions can also be answered in class, of course.

Ok, enough for now. Please enjoy the rest of your week.

Raúl

About Presentations

Hi everyone,


Here are the guidelines for our class presentations:


1. You decide how much time you will need to present. There are a few conditions, though. You can use between 70 and 90 minutes. That's up to you. But you have to let me know in advance and you have to display your time management skills and stick to that time.
2. You must send me the power point presentation, prezi or whatever tool you will be using 3 days before the presentation. That also includes any kind of handouts, flyers or anything you want to share with the group.
3. You are responsible to find a video room. Of course, I can help you doing that but you have to let me know. If you don't ask me for help, I will assume you found a place on your own.
4. In the class dropbox you can find the rubric that I, and two of your classmates, will be using to assess your presentation. Remember that these presentations require self-assessment as well. Make sure you read the rubric first to know what I will be expecting.
5. During the time of your presentation, you are in charge of the class. That requires you to manage the audience wisely and respectfully. That also includes myself. If I am interrupting you or commenting a lot, you need to let me know. Even though this is not a methodology class or your practicum, I will also be assessing your professional handling of the resources, space and audience.

Please go this link to check your topic.  If you find any inconsistencies, please send me an email. If you don't have a topic yet, please contact me ASAP.

Questions? please let me know.

Ok, that's it for now.

Raúl