1. Review pages 52-65 of Assessing and Guiding Young Children’s Development and Learning and summarize two informal methods of assessment. Include each method’s strengths and limitations and how each can be utilized effectively, in your response.
   
   

2. Assessment data is gathered through many “windows,” or combinations of sources, methods, and contexts. Based on Chapter 4 of your course text, explain, using examples, why gathering data from multiple windows is most likely to achieve valid assessment results.
   

3. “It is the context that determines whether or not an assessment is an ‘authentic assessment,'” (McAfee & Leong, 2007, p. 66). Reflect on what you have learned about authentic assessment and then explain how the context can support or detract from authentic assessment results.

Prior to engaging in this discussion, please read the â€œConstructivism in Theory and Practice,” â€œRona’s Story and the Theory of Symbolic Interactionism,” and “Symbolic Interactionism and Critical Perspective” articles, and review any relevant Instructor Guidance.  Respond to at least two of your classmates by Day 5 (Saturday).  Comment on at least one of your classmates’ responses to your initial post by Day 7 of the week. Be sure to respond to your instructor’s comments to you in this forum by Day 7. 

Demonstrate your understanding of the complexities of how we learn by evaluating the potential correlations between symbolic interactionism and constructivism. Apply basic research methods in psychology to your post by synthesizing the principles from the articles in your own words with appropriate citations. Do not quote the articles directly. Based on your course resources, scholarly articles, and the knowledge you have developed throughout the past four weeks, critically consider how/if these correlations might affect a person’s ability and/or willingness to learn new material. Consider the following in your analysis:

• Symbolic interactionism is actually a theory posed in sociological psychology. Do you believe this theory can be aligned with the framework of constructivism, which originates from learning psychology? Why, or why not? Support your statements with scholarly research and personal examples.
• In your opinion, what prevents (or substantiates) their correlation?
• Based on these theories, what possible needs should be considered when teaching skills to a group of diverse learners?

magine that you are a director at a nursing home facility. You are discussing the needs of, and the changes facing, later adults to a potential client’s family.

Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word report in which you describe personality and social development in later adulthood to the potential client’s family.

Address the following in your report:

• Explain changes in role and social position during this stage.
• Compare living accommodations such as accessibility and the need for health care.
• Illustrate the adjustment and transition from work to retirement.
• Describe changes in marriage, family, and peer relationships.
• Identify social policies that affect the older adult.

Include at least two peer-reviewed resources.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Assignment 2: Analyzing a Major Issue

Due Week 8 and worth 260 points

Before starting the paper:

1. Select an issue from the following list.

1. Affirmative Action (may focus on affirmative action for racial or minorities, gender, or sexual orientation)

2. Bullying (may focus on school bullying or cyberbullying)

3. Violence in the media

4. Development and influence of gangs

5. Hate crimes against gays or other minorities

6. Domestic violence (may focus on married couples or dating couples)

1. Locate and read at least two articles on the issuein the Strayer Library or the open Internet.  You must choose articles from major newspapers or magazines that presumably use fact-checking and otherwise adhere to high journalistic standards.  Choose a source that will give you enough material to write a summary of the issue of at least a half page.

Write a three to four page paper (900 to 1,200 words) in which you:

1. Describe the issue and summarize what is known about it, based on the two articles you read. 
2. Discuss at least three (3) social psychology concepts addressed in the course that are related to the issue.
3. Discuss at least two (2) challenges that individuals and law enforcement agencies face with the issue.
4. Suggest at least two (2) ways that the state (and specifically the legal and criminal justice systems) can effectively respond to the issue.  Conclude your paper with a  summary of your main points.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.  Document your sources in APA-format using in-text citations that match up with references. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Describe the major theories within the field of social psychology.
• Develop an increased understanding of the dynamic between society and individuals.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in social psychology.
• Write clearly and concisely about social psychology using proper grammar and mechanics.