What is a social problem or occurrence that you have observed that really bothers you? What do you think is the root of the problem? What do you think could be done to improve the problem or the conditions in which the problem thrives? How could a program help? What would your program look like? How would your program help people? What data exists to support your improvement theories OTHER than anecdotal evidence? (In other words, what evidence do you have that your strategies are appropriate for your audience and their situation?) Where might you find data to help solve the problem?
Second, Research It:
Now that you have a topic in mind, let’s see what has already been done in the area that has shown success at improving the situation that concerns you. What evidence did you find? Institutional data, scholarly research, informational websites, government offices, examples of similar programs, etc. (Keep this information handy, you will need it for your Week 12 Assignment.)
Third, Answer the Discussion Question:
Describe a program you would like to create or replicate to solve a problem that has meaning to you. In your program description, be sure to mention what services/skills you think should be delivered/taught, how long would it take for the program to make an impact, who would attend the program (target audience), and what does the program hope to accomplish?
- Purpose/ Hope to Accomplish (Goal Statement)
- Audience:
- Services:
- What should people be able to do after they have received the services or instruction? (Outcomes, with an action verb that completes the statement: Students will be able to ______.
- Length of Time before Impact could be noticeable? Short-term indicators and Long-term indicators
After you have completed the outline for your program, take the time to provide constructive feedback to at least one other person. Feel free to ask each other questions about the programs, about their current involvement with any such services, etc. This is a great opportunity for you to learn from each other, network with others who may work in the same field as you do, and to really add something of value to each other’s work. Chances are very likely that what you work on in class, you also work on in real life.
