Blog Instructions

Purpose of Blog Assignments

In a college course, students are expected to demonstrate their mastery of the learning outcomes for that course.  Tests are the traditional method of measuring learning, but other assignments can be used for the same purpose.  In this class, Blogs are one of the methods I use to assess learning.  You choose specific topics and, by assuming the role of a teacher, tell me what you have learned about them.  Your goal is to write an assignment that convinces your reader (me) that you have mastered your selected topics.             

Chapters for Blogs

Blog 1: Chapters 1-2
Blog 2: Chapters 3-4
Blog 3: Chapters 5-7
Blog 4: Chapters 8-10
Blog 5: Chapters 11-13
Blog 6: Chapters 14-16

How to Submit

Your Blogs are submitted in Brightspace.  In each Lesson, there is a link to submit the appropriate Blog.

Go to the Lesson, click the Blog link, then click “Start a New Thread” for a screen to type your subject and assignment.  Type or paste your assignment into the thread and click “post” to submit.

Everyone in class can see your post, so be careful not to reveal anything you wish to keep private.  Also, if you write about another person, get his/her permission before revealing names or other identifying information.  Or you can refer to the person by initials (not name).  

Instructions for Blog Assignments

Read the textbook chapters assigned for each Blog and choose five topics.  Your Blog must include five topics and be at least 500 words long for full credit.  (The total Blog should be 500 words, not each topic.). Also, you must include at least two outside sources for your Blog (not for each topic).  This means that at least two topics will include an outside source, such as a website or library book. You’ll need to cite the sources in your paper, and identify them in a reference list at the end. (See below for a website that helps with reference citations.)  

Thoroughly explain the five topics you selected.  You may use definitions and explanations from the textbook or outside sources.  (Outside sources are optional, not required.)  To compose your Blog, step into the role of a teacher.  Imagine that you’re teaching the five topics to your classmates (or to me).  How would you explain the topics if everyone had to pass a test based on your teaching?  This is a chance to show that you understand the topics accurately and completely. 

Help with reference citations

The library at Austin Community College has a great guide for writing references in APA Style.   

Grading Criteria (Full Credit = 30 points)

Your grade will be based on three types of grading criteria.  The complete description for each type is found in the Blog grading rubric, which is attached to this assignment in Brightspace.  Before submitting your work, review the rubric to understand how points will be earned.  Here is a short version of the requirements for full credit:  

Criterion Type 1 – Assignment parameters
For full credit, your Blog includes 5 topics and is at least 500 words long. The topics are selected from the correct textbook chapters, as assigned. Your assignment includes at least two outside sources, cited in the blog and correctly formatted in APA or MLA style in a reference list. This means two sources per blog (not two sources per topic). 

Criterion Type 2 – Subject matter
For full credit, your Blog demonstrates excellent understanding of the five topics.  Your explanations are completely accurate and correct.

Criterion Type 3 – Formatting and style
For full credit, all paragraphs begin with the topic and page number.  Scroll down to see an example.  If you are using an online textbook without page numbers, use the section heading instead.  Your writing is smooth and error-free, and there are no spelling or grammar mistakes.  If you use an outside source that is not written in English, you have provided a translation.    

Netiquette

Disrespectful language, attitudes, or other behavior is strictly forbidden, and will result in a grade of zero for your Blog.

Plagiarism

Do not copy material from another source, unless you enclose the copied material in quotation marks and correctly identify the source.  You are allowed to quote short passages (50 words or less), but it is not required.  If you use quoted material, remember to identify the source in a bibliography at the end of your assignment.  You may use APA or MLA style for your bibliography.

Exception:  You may refer to our textbook simply by chapter and page number (or section heading).  Just put quotation marks around the passages you use, and explain that it comes from our book.  

Do not copy material from another student and submit it as your work.  Do not give your work to another student to be copied.

Do not use online “rewording” engines or purchased papers.

If you engage in these behaviors, or any form of plagiarism, you will be subject to the penalties described in the course syllabus.

Blog Example

Here is an example of exactly how your Blog should look. Include the “Topic” heading and textbook page number.  If you’re using an online textbook without page numbers, use the section heading instead.

Topic 1 - Postpartum depression, Textbook p. 96
After a baby is born, some new mothers develop postpartum depression.  Symptoms of postpartum depression may include depressed mood, appetite and weight changes, sleep problems, extreme fatigue, feelings of guilt, and difficulty concentrating (Web MD).  According to our book, up to 15 percent of women may have symptoms of postpartum depression after giving birth.  Exercise may help, and several antidepressant drugs offer effective treatment options.  Continue describing the topic.

Topic 2 – Down Syndrome, Textbook p. 55
Our neighbors have a son (ML) with Down Syndrome.  ML’s mother was 46 years old when she became pregnant, which increased her likelihood of having a Down Syndrome child.  As our textbook explains, mothers over the age of 34 are more likely to have children with Down Syndrome.  This disorder is most often caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21.  Children with Down Syndrome have physical characteristics that are easily recognizable, such as small ears and mouth, and upward slanting eyes.  Continue describing the topic.

Continue with topics 3-5.  Remember that full credit on each Blog Assignment requires 5 topics, a minimum of 500 words, and at least two outside sources.