Tutoring System Project

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Click Here for the Tutoring System Rubric
The goal of this project is to develop a Web-based tutoring system on a topic within the areas of learning and motivation. The objective is to integrate information/concepts learned from the course along with additional outside sources (journal articles, the internet, etc.) to create an informative program to benefit a targeted audience who is unfamiliar with your topic. In essence, you will become “experts” within one particular topic in the study of learning and then share your knowledge with others. Remember that your tutorial should be interesting and engaging . . . a program you would voluntarily choose to interact with. You will present this within your focus group (15 min.), receive feedback from your group members in order for you to make improvements, and then provide John with a link by the due date. Please consider choosing a topic that will benefit you outside of the realm of classwork (your job/future job, in your teaching, research, hobby, volunteer work, etc.). The project can be completed individually or in a small group (max 3 students). If completed in a group the completion of a brief confidential 'contribution sheet' will be required. Create your site in Weebly, Wix, or Word Press. Some general topics are below but you should transform these into something more specific for your intended audience. For instance, Strategies for Improving Metacognitive Monitoring Abilities in Reading for 4th Graders. Once you have determined your topic inform John of your choice.

  • Memory – Strategies for increasing the effectiveness of one’s memory
  • Metacognition
  • Behavioral principles applied to education
  • Goal Orientation; the impact of Dweck’s theory
  • Attribution Theory
  • Problem Solving processes and skills
  • Cognitive Study Skills
  • The Use of Rewards in Education
  • Instructional strategies (e.g., cooperative learning, direction instruction, etc.)
  • A Profile of Influential Learning & Educational Theorists
  • Developing Expertise
  • Implicit Beliefs (e.g., reading, knowledge, etc.)
  • Research on the teaching of Reading (or an approved discipline, e.g., Science)
  • Being a critical consumer of educational trends
  • Understanding types of research in learning & education
  • Technology/Game-based learning applications that enhance learning
**Five points will be deducted from the project score for each day a project is submitted after the deadline so make sure to plan ahead.

Required Components of your Tutoring System:

  • Summary introductory screen (preferably with a graphic organizer)
  • At least 5 hyperlinks to related Internet web sites
  • Information screens with accompanying graphics and at least 3 sources cited (not counting our textbook or internet links)
  • Applied examples/case studies for instruction/learning
  • A discussion of any controversies or opposing/competing theories
  • Review Activity that goes beyond a couple multiple-choice items - should encourage understanding and application
  • Providing a confidential "contribution sheet” (if completed as a group) that will describe your contributions to the project and the contributions of other group members (to be given by John).

Things to consider/include in your presentation:

  • Keep in mind that this is a tutoring system to inform a target audience about the topic that you choose.  I will be considering this when grading.
  • Be creative and develop a presentation that you would want to look at and learn from if you were not familiar with the topic.
  • Make sure there is a logical flow and organization with your information and various components.  Use hyperlinks and other control buttons within your presentation to help the reader navigate.
  • The tutorial must relate directly to learning and/or motivation emphasizing topics covered in this course.
  • Everything should be self-contained within your website.
  • Be clear upfront who the target audience is for the tutoring system.
  • Talk to the learner in your tutoring system.  This is not an academic presentation therefore you must interact with the user.
  • Make sure all of your links work before submitting your system.
  • There should be absolutely no plagiarism in your program - cutting and pasting text or other information directly from other websites, texts, or other sources without accompanying citations is not acceptable. If you have any questions about this please ask before submitting your project.
Sample Projects
(Click to Access)