Tutoring System Project

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. In essence, you will become “experts” within one particular topic 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 to the class (15 min.), receive feedback from your peers in order for you to make improvements, and then provide John with an internet link for assessment. Please consider choosing a topic that will benefit you outside of the realm of classwork (your job, in your teaching, research, etc.). The project can be completed individually or in a small group (max 3 students). If completed in a group the completion of a confidential “contribution sheet” will be required. 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 – Understanding its components and their functions (e.g., working memory, long-term memory, etc.)
  • Memory – Strategies for increasing the effectiveness of one’s memory
  • Metacognition
  • Behavioral principles applied to education
  • Goal Orientation, Growth Mindset; 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.)
  • Theories of Intelligence
  • A Profile of Influential Learning & Educational Theorists
  • Assessing Intelligence
  • 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
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​**Five points will be deducted from the project score for each day a project is submitted after the submission 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 4 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 Dr. Nietfeld during your presentation in class).

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 site that you would want to use 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 concepts covered in the course related to learning and/or motivation.
  • Everything should be self-contained but the use of linked blogs/posts or other activities is encouraged.
  • 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.

How your presentation will be assessed (70 points):

  • 5 points for the intro screen and graphic organizer
  • 5 points for the presentation of internet links in a clear/descriptive fashion
  • 25 points for a clear and creative presentation of information related to your topic
  • 10 points for providing applied examples/case studies illustrating your topic
  • 5 points for a discussion of controversies and/or opposing/competing theories
  • 5 points for ease of navigation
  • 5 points for a review activity
  • 10 points for in-class presentation (If working in a group you must be involved in the presentation.  The presentation itself is an overview of what your tutoring system provides.  This does not include reading through every bullet or slide)
Sample Projects
(Click for Sample Web-based Projects)