SMTC Plan B Guidelines
As a student you will work with your chair and committee to narrow or choose the subject of the
paper. If you are using “human subjects” be sure to go through the IRB process BEFORE you
begin your research. Your graduate committee must be approved and on file with the Graduate
School before submitting your IRB paperwork. The committee should be engaged in the process
from the beginning and have intermediate goals with deadlines scheduled in advance. Suggested
intermediate goals for which dates should be set include: Topic Approval (Chapter 1 outline),
Prospectus Defense (Chapter 1 through 3), Data Reporting (Chapter 4), Implications (Chapter 5),
and Final Defense.
The Plan B must adhere to the following conventions.
A. Options for your project include the following:
1. Traditional Research Paper: Plan A type research paper requiring the identification of
a research question, an extensive literature review, the use of quantitative and or
qualitative research methods, and a report of the research findings.
2. Extensive Literature Review: Selection of a topic in science education or mathematics
education that has an extensive literature base. An analysis or summary of a
minimum of 50 sources including both research and practitioner articles, which
culminates in findings about and recommendations related to teaching and learning.
3. NBC Portfolio: This is a practicum style experience with a focus on deep reflection
into one’s own teaching practice. Requires submitting a formal National Board
Certification portfolio with extensive evidence of teaching.
4. Action Research: Plan B research paper with a focus on one’s own classroom or
school practice. The paper will require a research question, a literature review, the
use of quantitative or qualitative research methods, and a report of findings.
5. Curriculum Development: Research, development, and pilot testing of curriculum in
science or mathematics. The curriculum must be based in research on teaching and
learning.
6. Journal or Manuscript Submission: Developing and preparing a manuscript for
submission to a professional journal in the science education or mathematics
education fields. The master’s student will be first author on the article, with the
Committee Chairperson being the second author. This includes a defense and a
presentation at a local conference.
B. Paper must be in the APA Style. Refer to the Graduate School website or to the APA
Style Manual for additional information.
C. A Plan B paper should include the following chapters:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Chapter 3: Project Methods
Chapter 4: Project Outcomes
Chapter 5: Implications for Teaching Practice/ Expectations/ Conclusion
Upon completion the student will participate in an oral defense of the project. A public
advertisement of the defense with the pertinent information is due to the SMTC Office Associate
no later than 3 weeks prior to the event. Following the defense and final revisions a clean copy of
the project must be delivered to the SMTC for entry into their library.