Chapter Twelve of your text identifies seven areas of cognitive development that have been addressed in this book:
perception, language, memory, conceptual understanding, social cognition, problem solving, and academic skills. Table
12.1 of the chapter also identifies the eight themes of children’s thinking, in general, that have filtered throughout the
course of this text.
For your final paper you will select one area of cognitive development and analyze it through the lens of at least three of
the themes outlined in table 12.1.
Your final paper will be eight to ten pages in length (plus title and reference pages) and include the following components:
A description of your chosen area of cognitive development
A summary of the current knowledge that exists on your chosen themes
An analysis of the applicability of your findings to the differentiation of instruction for children of different needs and
abilities
A discussion of the future issues that confront your chosen area of cognitive development and chosen themes.
This is a research paper and must include at least four academic resources (in addition to your course text) that clearly
demonstrate their relevance to your topic. These sources must be cited both within your paper and on your reference page
using proper APA format.
Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:
Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style.
Must include a title page with the following:
Title of paper
Student’s name
Course name and number
Instructor’s name
Date submitted
Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
Must use at least four scholarly sources (in addition to your course text).
Must document all sources in APA style.
Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style.
8. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style.
Grading Criteria
Final Paper 25 percent Content Criteria Weight
Describes the chosen area of cognitive development
5.0
Summarizes the current knowledge that exists on the chosen themes
5.0
Analyzes the applicability of findings to both the social context of and best teaching practices in the classroom
4.0
Discusses the future issues that confront the chosen area of cognitive development and chosen themes
4.0 Writing Skills
Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed; spelling is correct.
1.5
The paper is well-organized with sentences that are complete, clear, and concise.
1.5 Research Criteria
Uses the course text and at least four additional resources.
2.0 Style Criteria
Paper is eight to ten pages plus title and reference pages.
1.0
Paper is formatted in APA style with references accurately cited both in-text and on the reference page.
