Course Outline Concerns: EDCO 215

Looking over the course outline for EDCO 215, it seems like a class that I could learn a lot from, even if I don't take further classes. Introduction to Counseling; an Art and Science Perspective (Nystull 2010), Journal entries (which is what this blog is about) a genogram and a research paper. My classmates and I will be graded on class attendance and participation, a group presentation on a chapter from the textbook and a research paper or proposed intervention project.
The research paper counts for up to 50%.

Here's how the syllabus describes the project:


Proposed Intervention Project (Research Paper):
The primary purpose of this project will be for you to learn about research design, action research and program evaluation. You will create an intervention proposal using at least one theory of counseling. This type of project will be similar in structure to your final Thesis project, although it will be much less involved due to the obvious time limitations and scope of this class. Consider an area of interest within the field of counseling and/or education and develop the following: (put these sections in):

Abstract

A. Statement of the Problem: What is the problem, issue, or subject you wish to address?

B. Statement of Significance: Why is this issue important to address? What would be the
importance of your proposed intervention?

C. A Literature Review: This is a brief summary (3-6 pages) of the existing research on the subject you wish to address. In other words, summarize how previous research has attempted to address this problem. Be sure to use APA style in citing any/all research in your paper. (You may use sources from the Nystul text).

D. Research Design: What will be your research methodology – experimental design, qualitative or quantitative study. You will want to include demographic information regarding the population you’re interested in working with. You will need to describe the intervention in some detail and include information on how you would measure the effectiveness of your intervention (ex: pre-post testing).
E. Data Analysis: What kind of data you will need to collect for the purpose of your study. You will search online to gather information for program evaluation.

F. Intervention: Develop an intervention that will address the problem that you have identified (ex: a three day/three hour workshop for 8th graders on sexual harassment prevention/education).
You will need six to ten references on the topic. At least one should be from a research-based journal (ex: Journal of Counseling and Development). You are expected to use at least one Theory of counseling either in the Literature Review or to support your Intervention.
You will not have to formally present your Proposed Intervention Project to the class, although I may have you briefly discuss your topic in class (3-5 minutes).

G. Discussion Section: This is the conclusion of your paper where you will discuss the type of results that you might expect, potential problems with the intervention, and how your intervention would generalize in helping society at large. (you may use “I” here).

H. Project Evaluation: Most students design programs for their theses in our department. For this type of project you need to develop strategies to evaluate outcomes of your program.

Please use the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th edition) as your reference guide for completing this paper. All papers must be typed, double-spaced, and must follow APA style (including an abstract and the above mentioned sections) in order to receive full consideration. (15 pages required).