Theory in Action - APA Lesson Plan

Deborah Davis EDUC 701

THEORY IN ACTION - APA LESSON PLAN I. Subject and Grade Level: English Composition, College Freshman II. Topic: APA paper formatting III. Instructional Objective(s): Write a paper using proper APA formatting using a variety of research elements. Also, use the appropriate reference tools to validate the format of citations. IV. Theory (with explanation): Cognitive Learning Theory – where the learner requires assistance to develop base level knowledge and to integrate prior knowledge with new knowledge. During this lesson, the instructor will provide a brief overview of the process. Then, the students will actually create the paper alongside the instructor. Afterwords, the students will follow with a paper formatted individually for evaluation purposes. V. Materials Needed: Research topic, research elements, overhead projector tied to professor’s computer, individual computers. The textbook for the course will also be required. Research materials for the practice session will be provided by the professor. VI. Technology Connection: Professor will be using the overhead projector in a step-by-step method as students use hands-on individual computers.. VII. Biblical Integration: 1. Role modeling (Teacher) – Titus 2:1, “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” 2. Diligent in practice (Students) – Proverbs 18:15, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 3. Teamwork (Students) -- Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” VIII. Procedure 1. Instruction: a. The professor introduces the preferred format of the sciences, that defined by the American Psychological Association (APA). She emphasizes the importance of attendance and diligent practice to perform the work correctly. b. The professor then shows the student where in the text an example and specific references can be found. c. The professor has all students log into their individual computers while she prepares the overhead projector and her instructor computer. d. Starting from the blank start-up screen, the professor will walk the students quickly through the process of creating a generic APA style paper. e. The professor will repeat the process having the students follow her every action on the individual computers. f. Students will print out and turn in the generic papers they have created. The professor will give individual feedback on them.

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g. Students will use their own papers, and the textbook references to generate a paper in APA format within a prescribed topic. h. Students will review each other’s papers to provide feedback prior to submission. i. The professor will open the floor to questions throughout the process and again at the end to encourage discourse on the issue. IX. Practice 1. Guided Practice: The professor will oversee the work of the students in the classroom and provide individual feedback. The textbook provides the students with additional references. 2. Independent Practice: Students will provide a paper they have crafted individually (though reviewed by a peer) for grading purposes. . X. Evaluation: The students will be able to provide a document in APA 6.0 format and explain which academic fields use the APA format. They will be able to determine, via the textbook, methods of reference citations. They will understand the need and benefit of a peer review. They will be graded – for this element – on style elements only. The paper itself will have other elements on which it is graded, but this element will detract one point per error in APA formatting.