Tutoring System Guidelines
The goal of this project is to develop a Powerpoint or Web-based tutoring system on a topic within the areas of learning and motivation. The objective is to integrate information/concepts learned from the course along with additional outside sources (journal articles, the internet, etc.) to create an informative program to benefit a targeted audience who is unfamiliar with your topic. In essence, you will become “experts” within one particular topic in the study of learning and then share your knowledge with others. Remember that your tutorial should be interesting and engaging . . . a program you would voluntarily choose to interact with. You will present this to the class (15 min.), receive feedback from your peers in order for you to make improvements, and then provide Dr. Nietfeld with a digital copy. Please consider choosing a topic that will benefit you outside of the realm of classwork (your job, in your teaching, research, etc.). The topic you choose should be from the following list OR determined after consultation with Dr. Nietfeld:
•Memory – Understanding its components and their functions (e.g., working memory, long-term memory, etc.)
•Memory – Strategies for increasing the effectiveness of one’s memory
•Metacognition
•Behavioral principles applied to education
•Goal Orientation; the impact of Dweck’s theory
•Attribution Theory
•Problem Solving processes and skills
•Cognitive Study Skills
•The Use of Rewards in Education
•Instructional strategies (e.g., cooperative learning, direction instruction, etc.)
•Theories of Intelligence
•A Profile of Influential Learning & Educational Theorists
•Assessing Intelligence
•Developing Expertise
•Implicit Beliefs (e.g., reading, knowledge, etc.)
•Research on the teaching of Reading (or an approved discipline, e.g., Science)
•Understanding the High Stakes Testing Movement
•Being a critical consumer of educational trends
•Understanding types of research in learning & education
•Technology based applications that enhance learning
Required Components of your Tutoring System:
•Summary introductory screen
•Graphic organizer at the beginning of your presentation
•At least 5 hyperlinks to related Internet web sites
•Information screens with accompanying graphics and at least 4 sources cited (not counting our textbook or internet links)
•Applied examples/case studies for instruction/learning
•A discussion of any controversies or opposing/competing theories
•Review Activity
•Providing a confidential "contribution sheet” that will describe your contributions to the project and the contributions of other group members (to be given by Dr. Nietfeld during your presentation in class) (This is only necessary for projects with more than one student)
Things to consider/include in your presentation:
Keep in mind that this is a tutoring system to inform a target audience about the topic that you choose. I will be considering this when grading.
Be creative and develop a presentation that you would want to look at and learn from if you were not familiar with the topic.
Make sure there is a logical flow and organization with your information and various components. Use hyperlinks and other control buttons within your presentation to help the reader navigate.
How your presentation will be assessed (70 points):
5 points for the intro screen and graphic organizer
5 points for the presentation of internet links in a clear/descriptive fashion
25 points for a clear and creative presentation of information related to your topic
10 points for providing applied examples/case studies illustrating your topic
5 points for a discussion of controversies and/or opposing/competing theories
5 points for ease of navigation
5 points for a review activity
10 points for in-class presentation
Sample Projects: