Thursday, April 12, 2018

Design Thinking: Research Based Writing: Quote Sandwiches & Games to Solve Problems

Hey folks,

Below is the rubric for this written design challenge:

How might we create a one-page written argument that games may be used to solve problems using the words of Jane McGonigal to support our arguments?

Now, in the world of design, this challenge is full of all sorts of hitches -- it's already presenting the solution (a one-page written argument) and limiting the scope of discovery (McGonigal's work).  HOWEVER, what I'm hoping folks realize is that any assignment given in school can be framed as a design challenge with CREATIVE CONSTRAINTS -- certain boundaries in which we have to function and criteria we may have to meet to appease our core users a.k.a. teachers who are assessing our work. 

By thinking about assignments as design challenges, it lets us uncover all sorts of different strategies and approaches to solving the problem -- we don't have to go about solving our problems via any one particular way.  We have options. 

One option we presented to you folks last class: quote sandwiches.

1. Make a point that proves your argument.
2.  Support the point with quoted evidence from a reliable source.
3.  Support the point with a combination of your words and quoted evidence from a reliable source.
4.  Use your words to come to a conclusion/complete your point and answer the "so what?" or "so why does this matter?" question that your reader may be thinking inside their head as they read.

For example:

Families come together over games.  McGonigal writes, "Some of my earliest memories are of playing games with my dad and sister." The bonds we form from playing games, "build positive relationships better than anything else."  When families are struggling, games can be a common bond that strengthen the weakest links." 






So . . .  now you've got to get writing your 1st paragraph of your own.  That is due today.  One solid research based paragraph.   The page will come. 

 And then we will remix board games in the service of our community based design challenge . . . but this post is all about the writing . . 

McGONIGAL and GAMING

Jane McGonigal is one of the most important names in game design.  While she may not be a household name, her impact on the world can be seen in the work she’s done with companies, organizations and governments in finding better ways to engage people in issues that matter.  Because we will be designing games to address the problems in our community, it is important to use her words and ideas to inspire and inform our work.

Read, watch, and listen to the resources in THIS FOLDER and compile your findings into a ONE-PAGE written synthesis of your thoughts on how games can matter backed up with evidence from McGonigal.  You will need to use MLA FORMAT to cite the sources.

ELA.05.WAR.01.01.CP Is skilled at integrating relevant information from multiple authoritative sources into a text, maintaining the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source, all while following a standard format for citation.

Level of Understanding
Descriptor

4
Exceeds
The student effectively integrates relevant information from multiple authoritative sources into a text, maintaining the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source, all while following a standard format for citation. In addition an effective source analysis is provided to clarify the purpose and limitations of sources.
Your one-page synthesis effectively integrates relevant information from multiple authoritative sources, maintains a  flow of ideas, avoids plagiarism and overreliance on any one source, and uses MLA Format. You’ve included a source analysis -- where you explain the benefits and limitations of each source.
3.5
Meets/Exceeds
With a few small changes, the student effectively integrates relevant information from multiple authoritative sources into a text, maintaining the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source, all while following a standard format for citation. In addition, a source analysis is provided to clarify the purpose and limitations of sources.
With a few small changes, your one-page synthesis would effectively integrate relevant information from multiple authoritative sources, maintains a  flow of ideas, avoids plagiarism and overreliance on any one source, and uses MLA Format. You’ve included a source analysis -- where you explain the benefits and limitations of each source.
3
Meets at a Complex Level
The student integrates relevant information from multiple authoritative sources into a text, maintaining the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source, all while following a standard format for citation.
Your one-page synthesis effectively integrates relevant information from multiple authoritative sources, maintains a  flow of ideas, avoids plagiarism and overreliance on any one source, and uses MLA Format.
2.5
Independent Foundational
The student independently integrates relevant information from multiple authoritative sources into a text, avoiding plagiarism, and following a standard format for citation.
On your own,  you were able to compose a one-page synthesis effectively integrates relevant information from multiple authoritative sources, avoids plagiarism and uses MLA Format.
2
Supported Foundational
With support, the student integrates relevant information from multiple authoritative sources into a text.
With some help, you’re able to compose a  one-page synthesis effectively integrates relevant information from multiple authoritative source.
1
Not Yet
With support, the student struggles to integrate relevant information from multiple authoritative sources into a text.
Even with help, you struggle to compose a one-page synthesis that effectively integrates relevant information from multiple authoritative sources,