EDU 375 Community Diversity Analysis Paper Scoring Rubric (15 points)

First Draft Due November 15 for Peer Review

Final Version Due November 29

 

You are asked to write a 4-6 page community diversity analysis paper (double-spaced, font 12) based on your observations in an elementary social studies classroom. This paper has two components that are outlined in the following descriptions.

 

For the first section of your paper you are to write about the ways in which your host classroom feels like a community (or doesn't). Based on our discussions about building a community requiring (1) opportunities to show oneself fully; (2) opportunities to know others well; and (3) opportunities for students to work and help each other – how does your hose classroom community measure up? Be specific about what you have seen and heard in the classroom in terms of general classroom characteristics, teacher's behavior, and students' behavior. Your answer to this first part should be 2 to 3 typed pages.

 

For the second section of your paper, you are to write an analysis of how diversity is responded to in this classroom. Based on our discussion about diversity describe the kinds of diversity that exists in your host classroom: racial, ethnic, gender, size, skill, religious, language, etc. Even if you are in an all-white classroom, look at the range of differences that the children present. Don't write, “There was no diversity in my classroom” because there are no children identical to each other. Look everywhere and observe the physical environment of the classroom, including its arrangement, decorations, as well as the teaching and learning materials. Note toys, books, posters, displays, etc. in the classroom, which promote awareness and appreciation of diversity. Listen to conversations and pay attention to what is happening around you and what is not happening around you. Describe how your host teacher responds to the diversity in the classroom. How are the racial differences addressed? Differences in students' socioeconomic status? Gender differences? Does your host teacher seem to have a “stance” related to teaching about differences? Do difficult issues such as prejudice and stereotyping get addressed? Your answer to the second section of the paper should be 3 to 4 typed papers. Again, be specific regarding what you have seen and heard in the classroom.

 


 

Papers will be scored as follows: Total Point:

Narrative shows very thoughtful discussion and analysis of teacher's role on community and diversity; has numerous examples of the classroom community; discusses diversity in curricular materials, pedagogy, and overall classroom climate. Narrative has less than three grammatical mistakes and spelling errors.

11-15 points

Narrative is generally clear and descriptive of teacher's role on community and diversity; has two examples of classroom community and diversity; discusses diversity in any two of the curricular materials, pedagogy, and overall classroom climate; lacks clarity in expression. Narrative has more than three and less than seven grammatical mistakes and spelling errors.

8-10 points

Narrative shows minimal reflection of ideas on teacher's role on community and diversity; cites one example of classroom community and diversity; lacks discussion of diversity in other areas; Narrative has more than seven grammatical mistakes and spelling errors.

4-7 points

Narrative does not address topics; significant problems with written expression, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. Narrative has more than 10 spelling mistakes and spelling errors.

3 points and below