Provincial funding to support technology in schools of Ontario.
RATIONALE
What concepts in children’s services or early childhood education are you most passionate about? This project offers students the opportunity to select a problem, concept or idea that they can research to provide advocacy to effect change. The focus will be on the student’s ability to select a real-world problem and use their problem-solving skills to create positive social change by advocating and informing policy. The knowledge obtained will increase the student’s awareness of the importance of their own role in partnering with parents, advocates, community partners, and leaders to promote social change for the betterment of children’s growth and development.
STEPS to FOLLOW:
Select an issue, concept or idea that is not too broad and not too narrow. Topic can be investigated and one that requires problem-solving. Provide an introduction to the topic with relevant background information and the subtopics being addressed in the project. Next, give an overview of the current status of the topic. This area should justify the research problem, provide critical background and contextualize the information. Current policy about the topic is the next section of the project. This section should describe all local policies related to the issue or concept. Policies that have been implemented in the past and current policies that impact the issue or stakeholders need to be described. Evidence needs to be integrated in this section. Current policies that are aiming to resolve or provide solutions to the issue need to be included. Next, the project should describe global trends and policies in three other countries. Information on how each country is trying to resolve the issue also needs to be outlined. World humanitarian organizations such as United Nations or UNICEF may be referenced for policy surrounding humanitarian efforts in other countries.
The next section should address ethical concerns related to the topic. Select at least two ethical concerns surrounding the topic. Include data/evidence to support any cultural aspects discussed. Consider how each stakeholder including child, parent, teacher, community member and policy member may view the topic differently. How might the two situations selected require ethical competence when trying to address the problem. Personal stance and recommendations on how to address the problem need to be explored and described. Use problem-solving skills to come up with solutions and suggestions. Outline who should be responsible to implement the strategy or recommendation described. Include proposed policies to add to current policy to address the problem in the next section. Include three to four websites pertaining to the topic, such as government websites or readings that families, teachers or community members can use as resources. A References page needs to be included at the end of the project.
