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= = = = =Welcome to the Home Page for the MAT 6315 Spring 2010 Student Generated Text Project =

WIKI 101
===This will serve as the entry page for the class project. In order to access the text "chapters" you will need to click on "Manage Space" either on the left side menu or at the bottom of this page. Once the new window opens, click on "List Pages." This will list links to all six chapters, and indicate which are currently open for adding text and comments. Click on the chapter link for the chapter you wish to add a submission or edit. To add or edit the chapter click on "Edit this page." When you are finished, be sure to click on "Save" to save your submission. The specific guidelines for this assignment are provided below. ===

**OVERVIEW**

There are six chapters that address the major topics of the course, with each of the chapters further divided into specific sections representing essential elements of the chapter’s focus. Each chapter is provided with a "purpose" paragraph that provides the overall direction for the chapter - do not edit this paragraph. The completion of the text is “scheduled” to coincide with the “deadlines” for each part of the research project, thus the idea is to enhance your understanding of the readings and how they relate to writing a research proposal or conducting an action research project. Additionally, this is a collaborative project to be completed by the class, highlighting the fact that research is not the enterprise of solitary individuals. Nevertheless, this "text" serves as an assessment of your understanding of research design and methodology. The outcome of this project is the creation of a “textbook” that would be helpful to future students enrolled in an educational research course. Consequently, the product is not intended to be at the level of a “scholarly” work; however, it needs to accurately reflect information regarding the process of designing (and thinking about) research methodology in appropriate contexts and language. Thus, you should think of this text as a reliable and valid “how-to” guide for future students of educational research. In that regard, the language should employ formal grammar and syntax, appropriate citation of sources when necessary, and avoid first person and "personal" viewpoints. How does this work? Here is the general description: Each student is expected to contribute the equivalent of two paragraph (approximately 250 words) to each chapter. This may be as single paragraphs or it can be several sentences entered throughout the chapter. In addition, as a whole class, students are expected to address each chapter section and subheading. Finally, there is a section designed to summarize the information presented in the chapter. As this does serve as an assessment, you are also required to engage in a process of editing and commentary designed to demonstrate your agreement with the postings of your collaborators on the text. This will require you to post the rationale for your contribitions in the discussion section for each page (do not use the general discussion tab for this page) as well as any "major" revisions made to the text that is not your contribution (see below).

Now for the specifics: Individual contributions to the chapter must be based on or related to the course readings, course notes, powerpoints or your own research project work. In the case that you make reference to the course readings, if it is appropriate citations should be included; citations are not necessary if the reference is to the course notes or the powerpoints. When referring to your own research project work, this make take various forms: 1) you may cite information resulting from your literature review, in which case you should provide appropriate citation; 2) you may – and are encouraged where appropriate – use examples from your own research design; or 3) you may refer to personal experience with the process of developing your research project. If you do refer to your own project, be careful not to make generalizations or state unsupported opinions – this may generate unwanted comments from your collaborators or your instructor. In that vein, always remember that this is a collegial project: respect the thoughts of your peers, if you disagree, you may enter a comment, but do so in a professional manner. Finally, it is expected that the text primarily will reflect the thinking of the "author" - in other words, entries to the chapters should not be a series of quotations from the text or other sources but demonstrate an integration of that material with the author's thoughts. Remember: contributions to the text are being assessed as a reflection of your understanding of the course material.

More about the entries: Essentially, you are creating a textbook, thus entries should follow the logic of the section being “written” in a clear, grammatically correct manner. As well, because of the nature of this assignment, you will need to state your own thoughts and ideas, that is to say, adding text such as “good idea” or “I agree” is not acceptable. Rather, you will need to extend the “conversation” or thought addressed by your collaborators. Due to the nature of the wiki space, you may “edit” previous work of your peers, or “add on” to their sentences, if appropriate. In the case of significant “editorial” changes made to the text, the rationale for the change should be posted in the wiki discussion section for that page. Finally, this should be viewed (insofar as possible) as a “fun” exercise in the sense of thinking about research in a meaningful yet creative fashion. This is an opportunity to consider the important elements of research design and methodology, how you are applying them, and then to communicate that in a relevant and understandable text oriented toward your peers. In addition, this should be integrated with your thinking and work on the research project, and thus aid in the development of that assignment as well.

The grading rubric for submissions can be found in the "Guidelines" folder on the Blackboard Vista course homepage. There will be a three week "window" for submissions to the chapters, these dates will be posted in the syllabus, and on the course calendar on Blackboard Vista. An additional "late" week will follow this three week window, after this time the chapter will "close" and further submissions will not be allowed.