Final Research Paper and Portfolio

(worth 25% of final grade)

You will need to compile a portfolio representing the research of your chosen topic.  Your topic will be the same topic as your presentation topic. You will need to submit this paper and portfolio during the final study group.

Assignment Goal: For you to learn more about a specific topic related to academic success and communicate your topic as it relates to you, your goals, other esc students and/or other adult learners.  Make sure to use the resources that are provided here on the course website, within the ESC community (the instructor, ESC librarians, peer coaches, learning coaches), and necadademicsupport.pbworks.com.

Paper Rules: 3-5 pages, double spaced, MLA format. (remember the paper is only PART of the final assignment)

Please use the following resources in order to complete your research process:

www.esc.edu/library (information skills tutorial, online workshops, databases, librarian chat, etc.)

www.necacademicsupport.pbworks.com

Beginning the Research Process.doc

DEFINE SEARCH TERMS WORKSHEET.doc

Your portfolio will include the following items: 

1. 3-5 page paper on your chosen topic

2. Brainstorming List

3. Mindmap of topic

4. Thesis Statement

5. Outline

6. Keyword/Search Terms Worksheet

7. Print out of JSTOR, Ebscohost results (one page example is fine)

8. Works Cited/Bibliography (must provide at least three sources)

9. A Smarthinking response from your introduction/other written work (optional)

10. Peer coach/Learning Coach feedback (optional)

11. Any information from your presentation (powerpoint, handouts, websites, etc.)

You will be graded on the quality of the written work, the chosen examples of prewriting (quantity and quality) and the quality of your written paper.