1. AN ALTERNATIVE COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM: THE INTEGRATED PAPER.
- Author
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Chandler, Theresa Mariani
- Subjects
STUDENTS ,SOCIOLOGY education ,REPORT writing ,EXPERIENCE - Abstract
The article describes the use of the integrated paper as an alternative comprehensive final exam given to students taking an Introduction to Sociology course. The integrated paper requires the student to choose a book or movie, provide a short summary of the general story line, analyze it sung a certain minimum number of terms from several different chapters or topic areas, and then provide a brief conclusion with any thoughts he or she has after analyzing the book or movie. The assignment is generally between five and eight pages. To get the most from the assignment, the instructor should incorporate the process of application and analysis throughout the course. Students need time to practice this technique, as it is usually quite new to them. In these assignments, students must come up with examples of terms. The integrated paper is an excellent way to assess students' knowledge of course material due to the requirement of application and integration of course material. The emphasis is on a writing requirement in which the student goes beyond the memorization to the proper use of sociological concepts. This assignment works for different types of learners. Many descriptions on how students learn focus on application regardless of the classification scheme. The integrated paper helps students integrate the terms into their life experiences.
- Published
- 1997
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