1. Getting Started

First Things First - Assignment Requirements

Before you begin work on any research project, examine the assignment closely for any requirements.

Q. How many sources?

You should include at least 2 outside sources found in the library databases. Your sources cannot be more than 10 years old.

Q. What kind of sources?

Does your instructor specify certain types of sources? Are there other requirements such as how current/old the sources can be, or where the source should come from - the library, a database, a book/ebook, a peer-reviewed journals, etc.?

Q. How do you cite sources?

Use APA Format to cite your sources.

Q. What is due?

What do you have to turn in? Make note of all the parts of the assignment and create a checklist to make sure you don't leave anything out.

Q. When is it due?

How long do you have to work on this project? Is there one due date for everything or are there multiple due dates for different parts of the assignment? Plan out your time, so you don't get stuck doing all the work at the last minute. Plan extra time in case you have problems or get stuck.

Q. What other requirements should you make note of?

Are there requirements to include a certain number of quotes or paraphrases? Do you need visuals/images? current statistics? Make note of any other requirements on the assignment sheet, and ask your instructor for clarification on any parts you're not sure about.

Selecting a Topic

Below are a list of potential topics you can choose from for the group project. Before fully committing to a topic, ensure there are enough outside sources available to complete your research:

Should curriculum be standardized for all?
Should "public schooling" be redefined?
Do schools have grounds to punish students for their off-campus online speech?
Do American schools need a common curriculum?
Can failing schools be turned around?
Is there support for arming teachers in schools?
Should teacher preparation and licensing be regulated by the government?
Should there be a "no-zero" grading policy? (Alternatives to letter grades)
Does a flipped classroom work?
Does class size affect student achievement?
Does state/federal funding improve student achievement?
What are the benefits/risks to charter schools?
Is the use of technology changing how teachers teach and students learn?
Should teachers allow for flexible seating in the classroom?
Is active learning really helping students learn/retain better?
For districts that are one-to-one, should the students be required to take computers home?
Should teachers be held accountable for their personal lives?
Should good teachers be paid more? If so, how to measure "goodness"?
How to handle/overcome teacher shortage?
Can alternatives to traditional learning work? (Alternatives: homeschooling, e-learning, micro-learning/micro-education, self-directed learning)
Does gamification in the classroom help keep students engaged?
Should school districts adopt a four-day school week?
Should school districts adopt year-around schooling?
How can teachers/administrators close the learning loss gap: No Child Left Behind, COVID
Should teachers be held accountable for what they do outside of school hours?
What are the benefits to teachers disconnecting (technology) after school hours?
How does the lunchroom menu play into childhood obesity?
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: How does this impact students?
Should private schools be funded by the government?