Objective 2 and Assessment Rationale

Objective:
 

Given the 4 novels and the article Orphans in Children’s Literature, students will interpret and describe common supporting themes in orphan stories by writing a 3-5 paragraph blog entry with a requirement of referencing and discussing at least one example from each of the module’s four texts with proper APA citation and connecting then that reference to the theme of the module.
 

Assessment Tool:
 

Blogger blogging platform
 

Assessment Tool Rationale:

 Even though many online course platforms contain an area for posting journal or discussion entries, students have much to benefit from learning how to use or apply blogging software to academic projects. A blog is an excellent method for assessment. Blogs allow students to practice writing for a larger audience, thus requiring more attention to the craft of writing and synthesis of information. As an assessment method, a blog allows for an interaction between the instructor and student since blogs allow participants to post comments and carry a dialogue. The use of a blog for this assignment is beneficial in that it allows the student to design a more personalized interface and practice design skills while working-in dated information about their readings in a chronological order throughout the course.

A blog provides reflective learning to the student and supports a student-centered learning approach. The blog provides an authentic context and meaningful communication. According to UNSW (n.d.), "Blogs facilitate students' formative progress toward participative and collaborative learning and academic literacy." It provides instructors with an easy record of progress and learning and also allows other students to learn from their classmates' blogs. As far as assessment, it makes feedback easy for instructors right on the blog platform. Beyond just the benefits of the platform for hosting ideas, thoughts and writing, it also teaches students a beneficial tool that may be useful in their future academic or personal careers. Lastly, a blog is a public website spot, so the student is likely to put in his or her best effort into its presentation and is likely to reflect more deeply on what they created both during and after the process.

Photo Citation:

Fairy Tales History Book Reading Concept Symbol Castle Forest Field. [Photograph]. Licensed by Bigstock on June 18, 2015. Retrieved from

http://www.bigstockphoto.com/image-85558631/stock-photo-fairy-tales-history-books-reading-concept-symbol-castle-forest-field-on-sky-background-flat-design-i

Reference:

UNSW Australia. (nd). Assessing With Blogs. Retrieved from

https://teaching.unsw.edu.au/assessing-blogs#