Ecological systems theory, school-community partnering and student development.
How can an ecological systems theory help us better understand school-community partnering that promotes student development?
Redland Junior School (RJS) is a community school and lies in one of the most-studied districts in the country. The term of “community school” describes some collaboration between the local school, parents and community health and social service agencies. RJS has partnered with various businesses, such as New England Telephone Company and the larger local consortium of businesses called the Private Industry Council, which was assembled to support youth development and employment in the city. Other partners have included the University of Bristol, the Trefler Foundation, youth advocacy groups, the neighborhood health center and the Southwest Regional Educational Laboratory at University of West England.School improvement studies sometimes focus on leadership development or teacher development. Broad measures of student attendance, achievement, promotion and graduation rates were found in school and district records. Measures of emotional, social, or physical development were also estimated indirectly from artifacts such as yearbooks, student publications, or interviews.
A 10-year longitudinal survey showed that students in RIS achieved a better salary, career and family life and shaped their own future, compared to students who were not from a community school but had similar academic performance.
Apply theoretical background, previous evidence and various research methods to find results and discuss these points.
Initially build up clear understanding of the case.
Research the case, by basically conducting a literature review and share findings in the paper.
Link the case to the ecological systems theory. Data analysis method needs to be introduced and applied into investigate the material provided by the case description.
Present the case study in a form of report written in APA style.
a. The section of Abstract briefly summarizes what is investigated, the characteristics of the participant(s), the research method used and any findings or conclusions reached. In APA style, this paragraph should be 200 to 250 words in length.
b. The section of Introduction is the most important part in the case study report. It should be no less than 1200 words. Like any other research paper, many sources are required in order to strengthen the case study. Therefore, in addition to the case described, search relevant books, articles and websites and make a formal literature review, which comprises the main body of Introduction. This information will be the backbone of the study and determine the chosen data analysis method. Address hypothesis and research questions at the end of Introduction.
c. Analysis/Method is critical for the report. The section is not only for developing argument, but also for the purpose of assessment on critical thinking and knowledge of research method. Use previous empirical studies (using quantitative or qualitative data) to support the topic. Justify and describe one quantitative or qualitative method to analyze the case topic. Include a brief description of the results and support this section further with the related literature. Specifically, include:
1) in text citations and support points by comparing them with previous empirical studies
2) run one analysis on case study and
3) provide a brief description of results.
d. Report findings in the sections of Result and Discussion, which could be merged in one sub-heading of Discussion. The result presentation depends on the method chosen. More important, talk about what the results mean and link the findings to the previous literature (discussed in the section of Introduction). Interpret the findings, evaluate the hypotheses or research questions. Sometime, it is not unusual to discuss unexpected results.
Use supporting empirical research studies as reported in academic journals
Ensure that all discussion points are appropriately supported with empirical research from primary sources (ie: journal articles rather than textbooks). Care should be taken to ensure the relevance of such research also.
The content of the essay should go beyond descriptive material and key issues covered in the online materials.
Demonstrate broad reading and research, as well as showing knowledge of contemporary research studies.