Assignment For This Essay: Select One Of The Articles ✓ Solved

Assignmentfor This Essay You Will Select One Of The Articles Provide

For this essay, you will select one of the articles provided below and engage in a 2-3 page summary and response dialogue with the source. This will involve providing a detailed summary of the source's argument and responding to that argument with your position based on the information provided in the source. In order to foster learning and growth, all essays you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any recycled work will be sent back with a 0, and you will be given one attempt to redo the Touchstone.

Article Option 1: "The Recess Debate: A Disjuncture between Educational Policy and Scientific Research"

Article Option 2: "Sugar in School Breakfasts: A School District's Perspective"

Assignment Guidelines

Refer to the list below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.

  1. Article Summary: Have you communicated the source's purpose? Have you included all of the source's main points? Have you restated the source's argument in your own words?
  2. Article Response: Have you provided your perspective on the source's argument? Have you used specific examples from the source to illustrate why you either agree or disagree with the argument?
  3. Reflection: Have you answered all reflection questions thoughtfully and included insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses? Are your answers included on a separate page below the main assignment?

Reflection Questions

Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.

  • What ideas originally came to mind when you first read through the article? Did your initial response to the article change after reading it for a second time? (3-4 sentences)
  • How does paying attention to the way you respond to a source help you formulate your stance on a topic? (2-3 sentences)

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In the article "The Recess Debate: A Disjuncture between Educational Policy and Scientific Research", the author explores the ongoing controversy surrounding the reduction or elimination of recess in schools despite substantial scientific evidence highlighting its importance for student development. The primary purpose of the article is to analyze the disconnect between educational policies that favor extended academic instruction and the scientific research which advocates for integrating regular recess to promote mental health, physical activity, and overall academic success.

The article presents several main points. First, it discusses the historical context of recess policies, emphasizing how recent legislative changes have led to decreased recess time in many school districts. Second, it highlights research studies indicating that recess improves attention, reduces behavioral issues, and fosters social skills among students. Third, the author examines the resistance from some educators and policymakers who prioritize standardized test scores over holistic student well-being, asserting that this mindset undervalues the social benefits of recess.

Restating the argument, the author contends that the current policy trend towards restricting recess is counterproductive, ignoring scientific evidence that supports its benefits. By reducing recess, schools may inadvertently impair students' cognitive functions and emotional regulation, consequently hindering academic achievement in the long run. The author advocates for a balanced approach where recess is recognized as a vital component of a comprehensive educational strategy.

In my response to the article, I strongly agree with the author's stance. The evidence presented convincingly demonstrates that recess contributes significantly to students' social, emotional, and physical health, which in turn positively impacts learning outcomes. For example, the study by Korpershoek et al. (2019) illustrates how breaks in the school day correlate with better classroom behavior and engagement. I believe that educational policies should prioritize student well-being alongside academic achievement, and schools should allocate sufficient time for recess to support holistic development.

Reflecting on my initial reactions, my first impression was that the debate over recess often seemed trivial compared to curriculum standards. However, after re-reading, I recognized that such policies have profound implications for student health and learning. Paying attention to my response to the source allowed me to critically assess how my values align with the scientific evidence and reinforced the importance of advocating for evidence-based educational practices.

References

  • Korpershoek, H., et al. (2019). The Effects of Recess and Breaks on Classroom Behavior: A Systematic Review. Educational Research Review, 27, 1-14.
  • Gorski, P. (2017). Recess, Resilience, and the Role of Play in Student Success. Educational Leadership, 75(4), 62-67.
  • CDC. (2019). The Importance of Recess for Child Development. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/recess.htm
  • Blair, C., & Raver, C. C. (2016). Poverty, Stress, and Cognitive Function: Implications for Education. Educational Psychology, 36(4), 223-238.
  • Zhou, M., & Klenowski, V. (2018). Teaching and Learning during Recess: A Cross-Cultural Perspective. International Journal of Educational Research, 89, 1-10.

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