Guidelines for Homework

An estimate of the time you spend on each week’s homework assignment and reading of the text is 4-5 hours. (Using the formula of 2 hours for every 1 hour in class). Papers to be handed in should be word-processed, double-spaced, black ink, and size 12 font in Times New Roman. Written work will be graded based on 1. Content and synthesis of learning (weaving together and presenting the depth of your understanding and ability to generalize and apply the learning) utilizing class discussions, lectures, speakers, text, your life experiences as it pertains to the topic and your educated opinions, and 2. Appropriate writing format and word usage for college level work, including written work free of grammatical and spelling errors.

Exams (3): There will be three tests during the course based on the textbooks. The tests will be open-book. Generally, open-book tests require more comprehensive answers and a familiarity with the subject matter and the text.

Reflection Paper (self-assessment and parenting philosophy): You will receive a list of questions and/or issues to guide you in completing this assignment. This is an opportunity for you to examine your personal history and beliefs as it relates to family of origin and parenting.

Relationship Analysis: Select a particular relationship you have with someone in your own family unit, and analyze it using information in the textbook. Speculate how variables like your family’s size; number of children, birth order, sibling relationships and parental relationship influenced your relationship and the relationships you have formed outside of your family of origin.

Field Observation #1 (Parental Play): Regarding gender differences in parental play style, observe and compare mothers’ and fathers’ play styles. Consider the hypothesis that father play is more rough-and-tumble then mother play. Create a definition for “rough-and-tumble”. How might you measure the concept? Does your observation support the hypothesis?

Field Observation #2 (Discipline Encounters): Over a 60-minute period observe discipline encounters between a parents and children. The observations can take place in stores, parks, playgrounds, etc. Include in your analysis 1. Descriptions, in objective terms, of the children’s behaviors. What did he/she actually do? And what do you think was the motivation behind the children’s behavior? 2. Describe the parent’s responses to the children’s behavior. 3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the parent’s reactions, based on your educated opinions. 4. Describe how the children responded to the parent’s authority, in general. 5. Characterize the parent’s discipline strategy, using the dimensions of control and warmth described in the text. Refer to the textbook when analyzing this observation. You may do this with a partner.

Field Observation #3 (Parenting Group): You will observe parents in a formal early childhood parenting group. This observation, depending upon the site, will last appx 1 and ½ hours. You will be provided an observation guide to summarize your observation.

Class Activities: There will be a variety of activities completed in class. These may include journaling, critical thinking exercises, and small group problem solving. Sometimes the activities will be awarded points.

Debate Preparation (#1 and #2): With a team of classmates, you will prepare information in order to support or refute an issue related to parenting children. This will include research-based facts, as well as opinion articles, and anecdotal information. You will present your information in an informal debate-type style during class. A written summary of your position will be part of points awarded. You will do this in a small group.

Social Change Letter: Based on issues you have become aware of during the course, you will decide on an issue(s) that you believe there is social remedy for. You will decide on 1. The issue 2. Who would be the most appropriate change agent to hear more about this issue? 3. What does that person need to know in order to effectively consider your recommendations? 4. Write the letter. You will share the letter with peers who will suggest any revisions.

Special Topic Project: You will design a project intended to allow you to explore a particular topic in a way that is most meaningful to you. The project should synthesize information from your own life experiences, new learning through the creation of the project, as well as information presented in class through lecture, discussion, textbook and speakers. The project may reflect how you might use the information in your future career or it may be simply a creative reflection of your impressions at this point in your teacher/human service education program. The process and outcome should be enjoyable and have authentic intellectual value in order to be discussed in class.

Explore a topic related to parenting. You might consider families that are generally viewed from a “minority” perspective, or focus on issues related to families experiencing challenges that can dramatically affect family functioning. The project needs to be fresh-not a project or paper you have done for another class-though it could be work that builds on something you began working on in another setting. Plan to spend a minimum of 6-8 hours on each project. As a part of this project you will be asked to discuss your project/learning with peers. Design a meaningful mini presentation, perhaps an activity, handouts, and a video clip. You are going to be teachers-help us to learn!

Please discuss your idea for a project with me before you begin. You may work with a partner or in groups of three.