Description
Week 1 – Assignment 1: Explore the Commons and the CTL’s Dissertation Center
Instructions
Please note that there are three separate assignments for this week, though none should feel overwhelming. The first assignment this week is divided into two parts.
Part 1: Explore the Commons
In this part of the first assignment, you will choose a community within the NCU Commons in which you will post ideas for your study. You may already be a member of a community; if not, you can discover groups using the link in this week’s resources.
This post should not take you long to complete. The post provides you with an opportunity to connect with other students and affords the opportunity to put your plans “out there,” which requires critical thinking. The Commons is also a great way to get feedback on your ideas.
You may want to write and save your post in a separate text document in case something happens before you are able to submit your post in the Commons community of your choice.
Compose your 100-200 word post as follows:
- Begin your post by offering a brief introduction including a little bit about yourself – whatever you are willing to share.
- Explain your potential research topic and the methodology and design you are considering for your study. You will revisit these as you learn throughout the course.
- Ask if any of your fellow students share an interest in or have feedback about your topic, methodology, or design.
- Tag your professor at the end of your post. Note that your professor’s name in the Commons might start with “Dr.” Refer to the document, Tagging a Community Member, listed in this week’s resources.
- In case there is a glitch and your professor does not receive notice that they have been tagged in your post, you might want to send your professor an email letting them know that you have posted. Take this opportunity to start a conversation about the course and your interests!
If you need further assistance on navigating the Commons, please click on Training and Support on the bottom of any page in The Commons.
Part 2: Handbooks and Templates
The instructions for this second part of Assignment 1 differ slightly depending on your degree program (EdS, EdD, or PhD). Be sure to follow the instructions for your degree program.
Step 1: Download the correct template.
If you are a PhD student, go to the CTL’s Dissertation Center to explore the content. Click on Essentials and download the Dissertation Student Experience (DSE) Handbook and the Dissertation Proposal/Dissertation Manuscript Template 2020.
If you are an EdD student, go to the CTL’s Applied Doctoral Center and download the Applied Doctoral Experience (ADE) Handbook and the Applied Doctoral Dissertation template.
If you are an EdS student, you will complete a capstone project that is similar to the EdD in terms of a focus on a problem of practice. While you will not complete a dissertation in the EdS, for this assignment go to the CTL’s Applied Doctoral Center and download the Applied Doctoral Experience (ADE) Handbook and the Applied Doctoral template.
Step 2: Enter your name on the template you downloaded.
Step 3: Save the template with your name in the file name, just as you have done throughout your courses.
Step 4: Upload the named template to the correct dropbox: Week 1, Assignment 1.
Length: One template correct for your degree program with your name in the document and in the file name, as described in the instructions.
References: References are not required for this assignment
Week 1 – Assignment 2: Explore the NCU Library’s Research Process LibGuides
Instructions
There are three steps to complete this assignment.
- Using the link provided in this week’s resources, explore the Library’s Research Process LibGuide.
- After a thorough exploration, describe the one resource (2 resources at most) you expect will be most helpful for you in applying the principles and conventions of research going forward in your degree plan.
- Explain why you chose this one resource (2 resources at most).
Length: One page formatted in APA style (Times New Roman, 12-point font with double line spacing and one-inch margins)
References: Scholarly references are not required.
The completed assignment should address all of the assignment requirements, exhibit evidence of concept knowledge, and demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the content presented in the course. The writing should adhere to Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.
When applicable, conduct a Turnitin pre-check and then upload your completed assignment and click the Submit to Dropbox button.
Week 1- Assignment 3: Prepare a Research Process Outline and Scientific Method Essay
Instructions
The scientific method is the foundational approach for rigorous empirical investigation and needs to be thoroughly understood prior to embarking upon a choice of research methodology or the overall design of an educational research study. Different types of research across research methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods) and across research paradigms (post-positivist, interpretivist/constructivist, transformative, and pragmatic) all require adherence to this method.
Your assignment should include an outline and a brief essay. For help with an outline, check out the link in this week’s resources.
- Create an outline of the steps involved in conducting a research study (1-2 pages). This outline of the steps that codify the principles and conventions involved in conducting research should be an expanded list based on the four broad steps illustrated in Figure 2 in the week’s lesson.
- Compose a short, explanatory essay explaining the role of the scientific method in conducting research (1 page).
In addition to using the week’s resources provided, use the NCU Library to find three additional scholarly sources that explain the steps in detail. Rather than directly quoting definitions, paraphrase information (explain in your own words) with in-text citations and references at the end of the document.
Length: 1-2 page outline and 1-page essay uploaded as one Word document
References: Include a minimum of 3 scholarly resources that are cited within the text and referenced at the end of the document in APA style.
The completed assignment should address all of the assignment requirements, exhibit evidence of concept knowledge, and demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the content presented in the course. The writing should integrate scholarly resources, reflect academic expectations and current APA standards, and adhere to Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.
When applicable, conduct a Turnitin pre-check and then upload your completed assignment and click the Submit to Dropbox button.
Signature Assignment Reminder
The culminating signature assignment for this course has two parts. Part I is a paper putting together a mini research proposal worth 15% of your final grade and Part II is a Research and Toolkit Journal worth 15% of your final grade. Although there is a reflection section intended to be completed in Week 8, there are weekly sections that you should complete each week while the information is still fresh in your mind. To ensure you are prepared and have adequate time to complete this assignment, please review the instructions by looking ahead to the signature assignment and download the template provided for your use in completing the assignment. Contact your professor if you have questions.
CITI Completion Reminder
In Week 7, you will be asked to upload your CITI completion certificate related to the protection of human research subjects. Completing the modules is a considerable assignment. We recommend that you complete them throughout the first 6 weeks to balance the work. Contact your professor if you have any questions.
