Assingments % - The Evolution of Curriculum and Philosophy at [College Name] and Its Impact on Education Practices"

OVERVIEW
Using your Historical Review Project: Outline Assignment as a guide, you will write a paper that builds upon your research question or thesis statement and outline. You must synthesize all research into a well-blended paper that clearly addresses the research question or thesis statement presented in your outline.
INSTRUCTIONS
Using the provided Historical Review Project: Research Paper Template, compose your paper under the following guidelines:
1. Title – Assign a title that summarizes the paper and its focus. The title must be clear enough to give the reader an idea of what to expect in your paper. Avoid statements that sound vague or flippant.
2. Abstract – Write a well-written paragraph (100–120 words) that is a synopsis of your paper’s main findings. Consider this paragraph an abridged version of your entire paper. Many people prefer to write the abstract of a paper last.
3. Introduction – Although not labeled with a heading on your paper, this section will introduce your topic and provide your specific research question or thesis statement that will be developed throughout the paper (250 words).
a. Provide a brief college history, including a historical context for the topic you will explore. Give a broad overview of the scope of the work (i.e., policy practices, curriculum, philosophy of education of the college) you are reviewing.
b. A best practice is to place the research question or thesis statement at the end of the introduction. You are creating a transition for the rest of the paper that supports your topic.
4. Rationale – Why did you choose this school? What interested you in this (i.e., policy, practice, curriculum, philosophy of the college) topic? What benefit or impact could occur as a result of this study? Do you have any history with this topic? Why is this topic significant or worthwhile to study? What, if anything, are the benefits of examining this topic, or what can be learned from this topic?
5. Critical Analysis – What policy, practice, curriculum, or philosophy of education will be specifically addressed? How does this topic relate to current practices? What essential questions are answered/addressed/discussed at this present time based on your topic? How is this topic discussed in current literature? How do other institutions address this topic? Reflect on what has been learned from your study.
6. Biblical Worldview – From a biblical worldview perspective, what are the issues this topic presents? Offer alternative ideas which incorporate a solid biblical-worldview perspective. The use of Scripture is appropriate and expected.
Note: For citing religious texts, include the translation (in italics), original translation date/republished date, and the passage reference if not already stated. For the reference entry, include the translation (in italics), republished date, name, URL, and original work published date (in parenthesis). King James Bible (2017). King James Bible Online.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/ (Original work published 1769)
7. Conclusion – Your conclusion must relate to the introduction in some way so that your paper displays coherence. The research question should be answered, or the thesis restated with arguments summarized. What best practices, solutions, or standards were discovered? A minimum of 250 words is expected.
8. References – Include at least three scholarly references, including the initial source (the college’s historical website), the Bible, and a scholarly journal article.
When writing in the current APA style, you may use the first-person point of view when discussing your opinions or what you have learned from writing your paper (“I learned…”). Use the past tense or present perfect tense when using signal phrases to describe earlier research; for
example, “Jones (1998) found…” or “Jones (1998) has found…”

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide for Writing Your Historical Review Paper

In this guide, we’ll walk through the necessary components of your paper based on the guidelines provided in your Historical Review Project: Research Paper Template. Let’s break it down!

Step 1: Title

Your title should clearly reflect the topic you are addressing.
Ensure it’s specific enough so readers can easily understand the scope of your paper.
Example title: “The Evolution of Curriculum and Philosophy at [College Name] and Its Impact on Education Practices”

Step 2: Abstract (100–120 words)

Write a concise summary of your entire paper.
Include key findings that relate directly to your research question or thesis statement.
The abstract should be a standalone paragraph that can give readers a quick preview of what your paper covers.

Tip: Summarize your main argument or findings without introducing new information.

Step 3: Introduction (250 words)

In your introduction:

Brief College History:
- Provide a short overview of the college’s history, mentioning its founding, purpose, and mission.
- Introduce the historical context related to your research topic (e.g., the development of curriculum or educational philosophy at the college).
Research Question or Thesis Statement:
- Clearly state your research question or thesis at the end of your introduction. This sets the direction for the rest of the paper.

Example of Thesis: “This paper will explore the evolution of [College Name]’s curriculum and how its changes reflect broader educational trends in [time period].”

Step 4: Rationale (Why This Topic?)

Explain why you chose this particular college or topic.
What interested you about this topic? Was it the impact on education, specific policies, or the college’s philosophy of teaching?
Discuss the significance of this study—what can we learn or understand from this analysis?

Tip: Share if you have any personal connection to the topic (e.g., your experiences as a student or faculty member) and how that has shaped your interest.

Step 5: Critical Analysis

What Specific Aspect Will You Address?
- Focus on a particular policy, practice, curriculum, or philosophy of education.
- How does this topic relate to current educational practices? Is it still relevant today?
Current Literature Review:
- How does the literature currently address this topic? What are the prevailing opinions or discussions in scholarly sources?
- Compare how other institutions have dealt with similar topics or challenges.
Reflect on What You’ve Learned:
- Discuss the findings and insights you gained from researching this topic and how it ties into the larger landscape of education.

Tip: Use evidence from your research and examples from the college’s historical practices to support your analysis.

Step 6: Biblical Worldview

Approach this section with a reflective perspective.
How does your topic relate to or raise issues from a biblical worldview? Consider values like education, integrity, service, and wisdom.

Example: If discussing curriculum changes, you might reference how education in a biblical worldview emphasizes moral development and holistic growth of the child.

Offer alternative solutions or perspectives based on biblical principles. Use scripture to support your arguments.

Tip: When citing the Bible, make sure to include the correct translation, republished date, and the scripture reference (e.g., “King James Bible, 2017, Philippians 4:13”).

Step 7: Conclusion (250 words)

Restate Your Research Question or Thesis: Bring the thesis back into focus and tie your arguments together.
Summarize Key Findings: Recap the key points from your analysis—what did you learn from your study and critical reflection on the topic?
Best Practices or Solutions: What are the best practices or solutions you have uncovered? These could be related to the evolution of curriculum, philosophy, or any other aspect of the college.

Tip: Use this section to demonstrate the importance of your research and its implications for future practices at the college or in similar institutions.

Step 8: References

At least three scholarly references are required, including:
1. The college’s historical website (this is a must).
2. The Bible (with proper citation).
3. A scholarly journal article related to your topic.

Tip: Ensure that you’re following proper APA format for in-text citations and your reference list.

Step 9: Formatting and Editing

Ensure your paper is double-spaced, 12-point font, and follows APA format.
Proofread for spelling, grammar, and flow. Make sure your paper is coherent and logically structured.
Ensure the paper meets the required length (2-3 pages for sections like the rationale, critical analysis, and conclusion).