Advantages and Disadvantages of Federalism

This assignment has 2 other posts:

1. Unit 2 DQ: Advantages and Disadvantages of Federalism

 

 

2.  meta‐commentary paper

 

 

For this assignment you will reflect on the readings from the text (Webb, 2010) as well as the     information presented by Gatto (2009).

You will also reflect on your own teaching experiences and how aspects of historical perspectives, policy, politics, diversity, and popular culture have impacted your classroom.

 

What is a meta‐commentary?

A meta‐commentary is sometimes referred to as the process we follow when writing about writing or commenting about a set of specific ideas, comments, and information.

A meta‐commentary provides an avenue to write about specific aspects or issues—while matching and blending them with your own experiences.

Typically, there are specific sections in a meta‐commentary.  While the first few sections are written in third person—the personal commentary section is written in first person.  This allows the writer to illustrate voice and expertise.

 

Preparing to Write:

• Be sure to complete all readings from the Gatto (2009) text before you begin writing.

 

• Organize your thoughts around four specific areas:

 

1. a) historical perspectives of education,

 

1. b) policy and educational initiatives,

 

1. c) diversity, and d) popular culture.

 

• In addition to the introduction, conclusion, and references, these areas will become the sections of your paper.

 

Once you have thoroughly read the Gatto and Webb texts, reflect on   the  following   questions:

1. What historical perspectives and issues have had an impact on your school, classroom, and teaching?
2. What influences from history are illustrated in your classroom?
3. Which educational initiatives presented do you feel have had the most positive impact on education as we know it today?
4. Which educational initiatives presented have had the greatest impact on your directly?
5. How has the practice of the past—in terms of diversity in classrooms—influenced practice of today?
6. Are there any past practices that you feel negatively impacted how we meet the needs of diverse students? Are there any past practices that you feel have positively impacted practice today?
7. What evidence of popular culture influences from the past have had a lasting impact on today’s classrooms?
8. What evidence of popular culture do you feel most impacts your teaching and your students’ learning?

Although you are not required to write a response to each question, you should use your personal reflection as the basis for your paper.  Use the questions to guide your ideas, thoughts, and analysis.

Writing the Meta‐commentary:

Use your reflective response to each question to organize your paper with the following sections

1. Introduction
2. Influential Historical Perspectives of Education
3. Influential Policy and Educational Initiatives
4. Diversity—Past and Present
5. The Impact of Popular Culture
6. Personal Commentary Based on Experiences
7. Conclusion
8. References

You must include at least six outside sources.

 

You must use the Gatto and the Webb texts as two of your sources.

Your paper should be no more than 2,200 words – no less than 1,800.