Writing at Denison: Education

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Description of the Discipline

The Educational Studies major at Denison is a pre-professional program that enlightens its students about the history, sociology, and philosophy of education, the roles of education in American society, and a broad range of theories, including theories of learning and interpersonal exchange. The students learn how to connect theory with practice as they participate in field experiences throughout their course work.

Citation Style Used

APA or Chicago, depending on the source.

  1. APA In-text Citations
    From the hand book by Hacker (2006), "1. The source is introduced by a signal phrase that includes the last names of the authors followed by the date of publication in parentheses.
    The material being cited is followed by a page number in parentheses. At the end of the paper, an alphabetized list of references gives complete publication information about the source" (p. 701).
  2. APA Works Cited
    For more complete and detailed explanations of citing different sources please refer to an APA citation manual.
    The general guidelines, as written in Hacker (2006) are, "Alphabetize entries in the list of references by authors' last names; if a work has no author, alphabetize it by its title….The date of publication appears immediately after the first element of the citation" (p. 722).
    Please note that the rules on capitalization are very specific. As Hacker (2006) writes, "Italicize the titles and subtitles of books; capitalize only the first word of the title and subtitle (and all proper nouns). Capitalize names of periodicals as you would capitalize them normally" (p. 741).
  3. Chicago In-text Citations
    It is important to recognize that Chicago style uses footnotes or endnotes for in-text citations. In these foot/endnotes when the source is cited for the first time the note should include "publishing information for that work as well as the page number…For subsequent references to a source you have already cited, you may simply give the author’s last name, a short form of the title, and the page or pages cited....When you have two consecutive notes from the same source, you may use "Ibid." and the page number for the second note" (Diane Hacker, The Bedford Handbook (Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2006), 770).
    According to Diane Hacker, when using and in-text citation the writer must "use the present tense or present perfect tense in phrases that introduce quotations or other source material from nonfiction sources…The first time you mention an author use the full name…when you refer to the author again, you may use the last name only" (Ibid., 765).
    Please make sure to refer to a Chicago style manual for further information about in-text citations and the foot/endnotes.
  4. Chicago Works Cited
    Hacker points out that in Chicago style the works cited will appear at the end of a paper and will include all the sources cited within the paper and also any other sources that were consulted, but not cited (771). In the works cited make sure to note that the last name of the author goes first and that there are other formatting differences from the foot/endnotes.

Organization/Required Components

When writing a paper for the Educational Studies department many times students are given the freedom to choose what their topic will be. While it is important to choose a topic that interests the student, it is essential to have a clear argument with evidence to back up that argument. Many of the papers are used to help tie together theories and concepts from the readings and/or class discussions. Being able to relate the theories to practical situations or historical events will strengthen the paper and show the professors that the student understands how concepts are linked together.

When turning in an assignment check for the following aspects:

  • Use your Slayter Box number (SB ####) and not your name
  • Page numbers and Slayter Box number in upper right hand corner
  • Works Cited for any assignment that quotes or makes any other use of a source

Voice

For most papers it is appropriate to use "I." When writing about field experiences, make sure only to use first names and protect the identity of the students or teachers you are talking about. One very important aspect of writing in educational studies is the use of inclusive language. In other words, do not use all male language; instead use him/her, he/she

Types of Writing Assignments

The types of writing that you will be asked to do include:

  • Analytical Essays
    • Combine, critique praise theories of education with issues in society, practical classroom applications and own personal experiences.
    • Connecting own discussion in paper with themes discussed in class.
    • Analyze events in society and how they would have influenced the education system.
  • Response Essays
    • Vary depending on prompt given by professor
    • Typically choose own topics from the readings and/or discussions in class
    • Can range from drawing diagrams/charts and writing explanations to essays that look at a specific aspect of a theory or issue in education (historical and contemporary)
    • May also be assigned to write as if being submitted to a school official
  • Book Reviews
    • Given a few options and will read one book that you choose
    • Will take an in-depth look at the education issues discussed in book
    • Many times will have to answer questions provided by your professor
  • Field Experience Reports
    • Answer prompts given by professors
    • Analyze own experience in context of what is being discussed in the classroom
    • Based on own experience in your placement to help you understand strengths and weaknesses of your teaching or how a theory could be applied in a classroom
  • Philosophies
    • A two to three page piece of writing that explores your own ideas about education or classroom management
    • Used as a tool to help develop own thinking on theories, practical applications, and social issues in education

Research Process

For many of the assignments, much of the research will be first hand experience that students gain from their field experiences. It is important to keep good notes and write down learning moments (good and bad) so that the student can use these to connect with theories.

When using secondary sources it is best to use education journals, databases and academic websites. The most commonly used databases are Education Abstracts, Education Research Complete, ERIC and Academic Search Premier.

Primary sources (documents created during an event or well after an event in the form of memoirs and journals) could possibly be used when researching the history of education. (Specifically for Dr. Karen Graves.)

Common Mistakes

  • Not using inclusive language.
  • Paraphrasing without giving credit. This is plagiarism!
  • Not citing sources of quotes or research in correct APA or Chicago style.
  • Not spelling out acronyms the first time they are used. Ex: If it is the first time mentioning NCLB you must write out No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and then using the acronym is permitted.

Preferred Language (jargon, pronouns)

There is no specific type of language preferred by the department. In a good paper, the student is expected to use language associated with the education theories, but to also explain concepts in own words. Remember to be straightforward and clear

References

APA Style

Hacker, D. (2006). The Bedford handbook. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin.

Robertson, L. (2007). Personal Interview.

Chicago Style

Hacker, Diane. The Bedford Handbook. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2006.

**Please note that in Chicago style the personal communications are not included in the works cited.

Prepared by Maggie Wertz.