synthesis papers for teaching seminars

The purpose of the Synthesis papers is to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the concepts of literacy instruction in your content area. You will do this through Synthesis and Explanation – “The ability to develop, offer, and substantiate accurate and coherent personal explanations of how “things” work, where they connect, and what they imply for teaching adolescents.”

Below you will find links to a "Capture Sheet" that will provide guiding questions to help you make personal and professional meaning of the Teaching Seminar reading and presentation. A rubric is also included here. You will be expected to attach the Capture Sheet AND rubric to the finished paper. This will be evidence of your reflective process on the information you received in the Seminars.

These short papers have the potential of becoming a part of your Professional Portfolio in the Student Teaching semester, or of the Instructional Design Handbook you might construct for your Block Exit Interview.

Each paper will be worth 5 points. A rule of thumb is that it will be brief and concise--about 1-2 pages long. Your synthesis will explain the critical strategies which will help you as a teacher in your content area promote literacy in adolescent learners. In addition, it may reveal any values or commitments you are developing and recognizing about teaching adolescents.

The synthesis papers are to be turned in no later than one week following the teaching seminar. The due dates are provided on the "Capture Sheets." Please attach the appropriate rubric to your paper when you hand it in.