Prompt 1:
Background for Writing:
Teachers and administrators are noting more occasions of violence and vandalism in American schools at both elementary and secondary levels. In some cases the violence and vandalism seem to result from influences outside the schools. These situations occur as a result of student actions.
Writing Situation
An editorial in one local paper has invited readers to comment on the situations of violence and vandalism that are increasing in our schools. Assume that you have the opportunity to respond to the editorial by writing a column. In a well-organized five paragraph essay, discuss what you believe to be some of the causes for this problem and offer possible solutions; where possible, draw upon your own experience and observation to support your discussion.
Prompt 2:
Background for Writing
Textbooks have been criticized for content, for writing style, and for lack of appropriateness for student abilities and interests. In some cases, textbooks have been criticized for what is omitted; in others, for what is present.
The Writing Situation
A large publishing company has launched a major effect to find out what students think makes a textbook effective. Assume that you have been contacted by this company for such information. Consider your own experiences with textbooks. How important have they been to your learning thus far? In your experience how has form, content, and organization of a textbook been effective or ineffective for your learning? Discuss in as specific detail as possible your recommendations as a teacher and former student to this company for putting together the ideal textbook. You may focus on a particular subject area such as math, science, English, art, music, etc.
Prompt 3
Writing Background
Usually, as we look back over our schooling, we can identify one or two teachers who we believe had a definite positive or negative effect on us. These teachers can directly influence the way that we will approach teaching and our education philosophies.
Writing Situation
Assume that you have been asked to explain in writing to an admissions committee in the teacher education program what teaching techniques have affected your education philosophy the most strongly, positively or negatively. In a well-organized essay explain the impact these teaching methods have had on your philosophy. Give specific examples from your experience and what you as a prospective teacher will attempt to keep in mind as you either try to follow or avoid the behavior and performance of former teachers.
Prompt 4
Writing Background
In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court gave schools the right to search students or their lockers and personal belongings for drugs or weapons, stating that the school needs to have only a "reasonable" suspicion of wrongdoing. The ruling implies that the safety of the majority takes precedence over the personal freedoms of the few.
Writing Situation
In a well-organized essay consider the term "reasonable" and discuss your definition of what that term should mean in the school environment. Share your feelings on the advantages or disadvantages of this ruling and its effect on students' personal and academic freedom.
Prompt 5
Writing Background
All of us, whether we are teachers, students or parents, are concerned with the quality of education the teachers in our primary and secondary schools are receiving. Within a very short time, you will be an educator in the public school system as well as a representative of the education that you received.
Writing Situation
Write a well-organized letter of application for teaching in which you discuss how society will be affected by your secondary and post secondary education. In your discussion be sure to include a definition of how that education prepared you to be a teacher, and how it will enrich the school you are applying for. Include specific examples and details to reinforce your point of view.
Prompts 1-5 Prompts 6-10 Prompts 11-15 Prompts 16-19 Abstracts and Proposals