Critical Thinking Paper

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Critical Thinking Paper Instructions

In preparation for the Critical Thinking Paper and by completing your textbook readings you will be equipped to respond by objectively compiling information from a variety of sources to compose a Critical Thinking Paper. In this paper, you will identify the worldview beliefs of a non-biblical worldview and, applying critical thinking strategies, compare and contrast those beliefs with the biblical worldview (Syllabus MLOs: A, B, E).

Before you begin writing your paper, you must first consider which formatting style you will be using. In this course, you are allowed to choose the one that you are more familiar with, or the one that will ultimately be the style most often used within your major.

Unlike the Discussion Board Forum assignments, it is required that your paper be formatted and appropriate content cited using 1 of the following: current APA, MLA, or Turabian format.

Requirements:

1. Cover page – This is the first page to be included in your paper (based on the formatting style that you will be using, see the sample paper in Blackboard).

a. APA: For this course, a Summary or Abstract is not required.

b. MLA: This format does not require a title page, but does have a specific format for student information.

2. Content pages – These pages will contain your content and fulfill the requirements as listed below.

a. Be sure to complete the minimum word count (500–1,000 words).

i. Do NOT include the question as part of your word count. Use only your answers.

ii. Direct quotations must be short and limited.

iii. Include your word count at the bottom of the paper.

iv. NOTE: Submissions totaling fewer than 300 words will not receive credit.

b. Quotations and material used from other sources must be cited using current APA, MLA or Turabian format. You must include in-text citations and a bibliography/reference or works cited page.

c. Check your work for spelling and grammatical errors.

d. Be sure to do your own work; do not plagiarize.

3. Bibliography/references/works cited page

a. In addition to the in-text citations, a bibliography/reference or works cited page must be included.

b. A minimum of 3 different sources is required.

i. Use academic sources for your paper. (For example, do not include blogs, social media, opinion pages, or Wikipedia.)

ii. At least 2 of the sources must be outside of the materials used in this course (this would include the Bible, any required reading or videos, and the required textbooks).

c. Use correct APA, MLA, or Turabian format.

Content:

Instructions:

o Fulfill all of the requirements as listed above.

o Select 1 of the following worldviews (Secular Humanism, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Islam) that have been considered in the course content.

o Identify the worldview that you have selected on your title page.

o Using course content and additional sources outside of the course, complete the following:

Note: This is a “Critical Thinking” assignment so you must go beyond just giving factual content, and demonstrate your comprehension of the material. To accomplish this, the assignment will be asking you to “compare and contrast” your selected worldview (Secular Humanism, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Islam) with the biblical worldview.

· Compare: How are the 2 worldview positions similar or the same?

· Contrast: How are the 2 worldview positions different?

In your paper, you must follow the outline and answer the questions below.

How would the worldview that you selected answer these 5 worldview questions:

1. The Question of Origin – (What is the origin of the universe etc.? How did humanity come into existence?)

i. How would your selected worldview answer this question?

ii. Compare and contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.

2. The Question of Identity – (What does it mean to be human? Are humans more important than other living things?)

i. How would your selected worldview answer this question?

ii. Compare and contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.

3. The Question of Meaning/Purpose – (What is humanity’s purpose?)

i. How would your selected worldview answer this question?

ii. Compare and contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.

4. The Question of Morality – (What is meant by right and wrong? How is morality determined?)

i. How would your selected worldview answer this question?

ii. Compare and contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.

5. The Question of Destiny – (What happens when a person dies?)

i. How would your selected worldview answer this question?

ii. Compare and contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.

*An overview of these specific worldview questions can be found in chapter 4 of Finding Your Worldview: Thinking

Identify and select five literature resources (describing LMSs) to be included in your Technology-Based Learning Compendium. Annotate each literature entry, providing a summary of the article and highlighting the specific main ideas.

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  • Read the Clement-Okooboh (2012) and Kwan (2012) articles and summarize and explain how an LMS can be used to support educational processes. Both articles provide good background in this area. (Kwan (2012) uses the Commonwealth of Learning e-Learning for International Organizations (COLeLIO) as an illustrative example of using a LMS.)
  • Go to Blackboard (http://www.blackboard.com/) and Moodle (http://moodle.com/) websites. Explore and examine the sites and determine the capabilities of the LMS product that they offer. Each site offers an LMS solution for a variety of audiences and markets (K-12, Higher Educations, Corporate etc.). You will have to be able to compare and contrast the LMSs from both companies.
  • Put yourself in the role of an educator who has to recommend the purchase of an LMS for your organization. You have narrowed your choices to the final two vendors – Blackboard and Moodle. You must prepare an executive briefing essay of 4-5 pages to the top administrators of your school or organization. You must recommend the selection of one of the two LMSs offered by Blackboard or Moodle.
  • Include a matrix (table) in your essay that shows a comparison of the two LMS products. You may determine which criteria you wish for the comparison. This matrix should appear as either a table or an appendix (in APA format).
  • In your executive briefing essay you must:
    • Explain how to manage educational processes within a technology-based environment.
    • Compare and contrast the features and functions of various Learning Management Systems (LMS).
    • Describe how the selected LMS is appropriate for your intended audience.

Assignment Expectations

Be sure to synthesize, not merely summarize, material from the background readings. Cite all sources in APA format.

 

Module 3 SLP:

 

The Session Long Project for this course requires students to develop a Technology-Based Learning Compendium*. This compendium will consist of a series of web-based resources and scholarly readings addressing various aspects of technology-based learning. Think of a compendium as a list or a brief summary of a larger work that you are creating. Each entry in your compendium will contain detailed information – including an annotated bibliography, and analysis and synthesis of research data. As you continue your career you should add other resources as you discover them. This SLP should continue to expand beyond this course.

* Compendium = a brief summary of content related to a specific issue; a list or inventory of items related to a particular subject area.

The following topics will be included in your Compendium, and each topic will be completed as you progress through the five modules during the Session Long Project:

Module 1 – Current Trends in Technology-based Learning

Module 2 – Learner Readiness

Module 3 – Learning Management Systems

Module 4 – Future Learning Technologies

The following information will be presented for each module topic:

  • Complete reference information – APA style.
  • Synthesis of key points/ideas presented via each resource.
  • How this resource can assist you with your e-learning needs.
  • Utility of key points/ ideas with respect to the e-learning.

SLP Assignment Expectations

In accordance with the information above:

  • Peruse the Internet and the Trident library for readings and scholarly resources addressing the topic of a Learning Management System (LMS). You must expand your search for LMSs beyond Blackboard and Moodle. There are numerous LMSs on the commercial market. Focus on LMSs that best fit the needs of your intended learners and organization.
  • Identify and select five literature resources (describing LMSs) to be included in your Technology-Based Learning Compendium. Annotate each literature entry, providing a summary of the article and highlighting the specific main ideas.
  • Write a 3- to 4-page paper in which you describe how the selected LMSs can be used and implemented in your school or organization. Be sure to discuss the features, benefits, and any other useful information regarding each LMS.
  • Please be sure to include the following information as related to the above items:
    • Complete reference information – APA style.
    • Synthesis of key points/ideas presented via each resource.
    • Utility of key points/ideas with respect to Learning Management Systems (LMS).
    • Assessment of each resource regarding the accuracy and practicality of information presented.

Module 3 Discussion:

Write an original post that defines the concept of a digital, computer-based learning management system (LMS). Be sure to address the functionality needed by LMSs to ensure successful development and implementation of technology-based learning.

You will need to respond to or evaluate three peer postings, with at least a 125-word response, which will cause you and your peers to generate creative ideas and concepts for your Case Assignment and SLP.

Discuss the developmental domain(s) that you felt the child was progressing nicely in. Provide a detailed rationale using examples from the observation (from watching the video).

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Nature Versus Nurture Debate [WLOs: 1, 2] [CLOs: 1, 2]

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, watch the video segment Nature Verses Nurture, and read Chapter 1: History, Theory, and Applied Directions.

The debate concerning the influence of inherited traits and abilities (nature) compared to the influence of environment (nurture) on human development has been argued for decades. For this debate, you must develop a persuasive, research-based argument showing the extent to which your assigned influence affects development. You must use at least two Scholarly, Peer-Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources (Links to an external site.) in addition to the course text to support your argument. Remember, you are arguing that either nature or nurture is the most important influence on development. For assistance on how to write an argumentative post, visit the Ashford University Writing Center help page Argumentative Writing (Links to an external site.). The side you argue is based on your date of birth using the following guidelines:

  • If your birthday falls between January and June, you will argue for nature.

You can give a text-based post but feel free to use one of these digital tools:

  • Record a video in Canvas. Refer to the following helps guides for assistance: How Do I Record a Video Using the Rich Content Editor as a Student? (Links to an external site.) and the Canvas Video Submission Instructions (Links to an external site.).
  • Make a multimedia poster. Refer to How Glogster Works (Links to an external site.) for more information.
  • Create a video or a narrated PowerPoint presentation with Screencast-O-Matic (Links to an external site.). Please review the Screencast-O-Matic Quick-Start Guide (Links to an external site.) instructions to get started.

Conversation With Families  [WLOs: 1, 3] [CLO: 3]

Parents or caregivers are the most important people in a child’s life. Families can be an invaluable source of information about the child, and the educator must understand that families need to know that their knowledge and insights are important. When it comes to making educational decisions about a child, teachers will share important information about the child’s development. This conversation may not always be easy, especially if the educator is sharing information that the child is not reaching critical milestones.

To prepare for this discussion,

  • Review Chapters 5, 6, and 7 in your course text.
  • Read Tips for Childcare Providers to Communicate With Parents Their Concerns About a Child’s Development (Links to an external site.).
  • Choose one of your observations from this class (Child Development Observation #1 from Week 2 or Child Development Observation #2 from Week 3) to use as your guide for this discussion, reflecting on the feedback that was provided by your instructor.

For your initial post, develop a script of what you would say to a family member or caregiver of that child based on your observation, addressing each of the following items:

  • Discuss the developmental domain(s) that you felt the child was progressing nicely in. Provide a detailed rationale using examples from the observation (from watching the video).
  • Discuss the developmental domain(s) that you have a concern about or feel the child could use more support in. Provide a detailed rationale using examples from the observation (from watching the video).
  • Provide the parent or guardian with at least one activity or strategy they can use at home to support their child in the domain(s).
  • Wrap up the conversation in a positive way.

Family Interest [WLO:3] [CLOs: 3, 4]Selecting an early childhood environment for a child is an important task for families. Parents and caregivers want to know that their child is safe, nurtured, and learning. There are many resources available for families to review in order to help them decide the right placement for their child. Families may also reach out to other families whose child has been in a specific program. What do you think your families would say about your program?  It is not uncommon for families who have done their research to come to a tour of your program with a list of questions. You will want to be ready to answer any questions that come your way in order to help a family make an informed decision about their child’s placement.

To prepare for this discussion,

  • Identify the age group you will want to work with in the scenario below, and put this in the subject line.
    • Infancy: Birth – 12 months
    • Toddler: 1 – 3 years
    • Early childhood: 4 years – 8 years
  • Choose and read the corresponding article for your age group from the list below:
    • A High-Quality Program for Your Infant (Links to an external site.)
    • A High-Quality Program for Your Toddler (Links to an external site.)
    • What Do Children Learn in a High-Quality Preschool Program (Links to an external site.)

Scenario: As the main caregiver in an early learning center, you have been contacted by a family who would like to interview you before they decide whether or not your learning environment is the right fit for their child. To help you prepare for the interview, your director has given you a sample interview questionnaire to complete as practice before meeting with the family.

For your initial post,

  • Demonstrate your child development knowledge by answering each of the questions in the Is this Learning Environment Right for Us?Preview the document sample interview questionnaire.
  • Copy and paste both the questions and your answers into the discussion forum and any other points you would like to include.

Required Resources

Web Pages

eXtension. (2015, September). Tips for child care providers to communicate with parents their concerns about a child’s development. (Links to an external site.) Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/28228/tips-for-child-care-providers-to-communicate-with-parents-their-concerns-about-a-childs-development

  • This web page provides suggestions on how to communicate concerns about a child’s development with families and will assist you in your Conversations with Families discussion this week.
    Accessibility Statement (Links to an external site.)
    Privacy Policy (Links to an external site.)

NAEYC. (n.d.). A high-quality program for your infant (Links to an external site.). Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/quality-program-for-infant

  • This web page provides information about what families should look for in a high-quality program for infants and will assist you in your Family Interest discussion this week.
    Accessibility Statement does not exist
    Privacy Policy (Links to an external site.)

NAEYC. (n.d.). A high-quality program for your toddler (Links to an external site.). Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/high-quality-program-for-toddler

  • This web page provides information about what families should look for in a high-quality program for toddlers and will assist you in your Family Interest discussion this week.
    Accessibility Statement does not exist
    Privacy Policy (Links to an external site.)

NAEYC. (n.d.). What do children learn in a high quality preschool program?  (Links to an external site.) Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/what-do-children-learn-preschool-program

  • This web page provides information about what families should look for in a high-quality program for preschoolers and will assist you in your Family Interest discussion this week.
    Accessibility Statement does not exist
    Privacy Policy (Links to an external site.)

Recommended Resources

Article

Wardle, F. (2011, March 1). Creating indoor environments for young children (Links to an external site.). Retrieved from http://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/2011/creating-indoor-environments-for-young-children

  • In this article, the author discusses environments for young children that are stimulating, appropriate, and supportive. The author provides ideas on how to set up engaging and appropriate environments to help support a child’s development. This information may assist you in your Family Interest discussion this week.
    Accessibility Statement does not exist
    Privacy Policy (Links to an external site.)

Describe how two of the communication theories can be applied in a health and human services setting.

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Describing Culture

Culture plays a primary role in how we communicate with each other. As human services workers, we often encounter individuals whose cultural perspective is very different from our own. Knowing the key elements that differentiate cultures, as well as our own cultural orientation, is important in being able to communicate effectively. In this discussion, you will be describing aspects of cultural difference that may impact interpersonal communication. You will also be reporting on your own cultural orientation.

Read Chapter 2 from The Interpersonal Communication Book. In addition, answer the fourteen questions on your cultural orientation found on pp. 35 – 36.

Reflect on the findings of the cultural orientation test that you completed. How did this help you to understand your own cultural orientation? Were there some elements that really made sense to you while others did not? How did this compare to what you read about differing components of a cultural orientation? How would you describe your own specific cultural orientation (not just as the United States or your country or origin)?

Initial Post: Prepare a 300-word minimum reply that sufficiently addresses each of the items below:

  • Based on what you read in the textbook, describe at least three factors can that be used to understand a culture.
  • Describe the impact of culture, as a whole, on communication.
  • Discuss your own cultural orientation in relation to these three factors.
  • Explain how understanding a cultural orientation may aid in interpersonal communication in a human services work setting. Please use at least one example in your explanation.

Communication Theory

Much of what we know about how we communicate and engage on a daily basis is guided by theory. Theories provide useful and informative frames of reference that help explain different phenomena. Have you ever tried to understand the motivation behind a person’s actions or habits? Or perhaps questioned a technique or approach a professional might use when working with a client? If so, it is more than likely that some type of theory was involved. In this discussion, you will have an opportunity to read about various communication theories and describe them within different contexts.

Read the following communication theories: ConstructivismPreview the document, Attachment (Links to an external site.), Communication Accommodation (Links to an external site.), and Attribution (Links to an external site.).

Initial Post: Reflect on the significance and application of the theories presented and prepare a 300-word minimum post that sufficiently addresses each of the items below:

  • Briefly describe each of the communication theories that are presented.
  • Describe how two of the communication theories can be applied in a health and human services setting. For example, how can constructivist theory be used to understand people’s views of the world in human services work? How can levels of attachment, as related to the attachment theory, be used by human service professionals to understand client needs?
  • http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/attachment.htm

http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/communication_accomodation.htm

http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/attribution_theory.htm

Required Text

DeVito, J. A. (2016). The interpersonal communication book (14th ed.). Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu