Observational Analysis Research Paper (30%)
This paper is written following APA format
Using multiple indicators and current research evidence, you will evaluate the ways in
which a teacher “use[s] Foundational knowledge to design or implement an integrated,
comprehensive, and balance curriculum.” (IRA standard 2.1) Through the observational
analysis research paper, you will demonstrate that you “understand major theories and
empirical research that describe the cognitive, linguistic, motivation and sociocultural
foundations of reading and writing development, processes, and components, including
word recognition, language comprehension, strategic knowledge, and reading-writing
connections.” (IRA standard 1.1). You will also “Interpret and summarize historically
shared knowledge (e.g., instruction strategies and theories) that addresses the needs of
all readers.” (IRA standard 1.2).
During the semester you will observe a class during literacy/reading/ language arts
instruction for a minimum of 2 hours. Take photographs or create a diagram of the
classroom setting. Take detailed observational notes using a two column format. In the
left column, describe the classroom setting and organizational structures. Also describe
the instruction and instructional materials used. In the right column, expand your notes
by making connections to our class discussions and readings. These notes, along with
your diagram or photographs of the physical environment, will be the appendix for your
paper.
Create a narrative in which you evaluate the instruction you observed. Using your
knowledge of current research, reflect on the characteristics of effective instruction that
you observed or did not observe. Bring in examples from your observational notes to
illustrate your points. What concepts, suggestions, theories, etc. from your readings
were evident during your observations? What seemed to be missing? What materials
were used? Do you feel they were adequate? How were students accommodated?
Through this evaluation, you will:
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



Interpret major theories of reading and writing processes and development to
understand the needs of all readers in diverse contexts. (IRA 1.1)
Analyze classroom environment quality of fostering individual motivation to read
and write (e.g., access to print, choice, challenge, and interests. (IRA 1.1)
Analyze how the teacher has designed the physical environment to optimize
students’ use of traditional print, digital, and online resources in reading and
writing instruction. (IRA 5.1)
Read and understand the literature and research about factors that contribute to
reading success (e.g., social, cognitive, and physical). (IRA 1.1)
Interpret and summarize historically shared knowledge (e.g., instruction
strategies and theories) that address the needs of all readers. (IRA 1.2)
Ebe, EDLIT 735
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EdLit 735: Rubric for Observational Analysis Research Paper
Rating Indicator
IRA Standard 1: Interpret major
theories of reading processes and
development to understand the
needs of all readers in diverse
contexts. (1.1)
IRA Standard 2: Demonstrate an
understanding of the research and
literature that undergirds the reading
and writing curriculum instruction
for… students. (2.1)
Does Not Meet Standard (0)
 There is little or no evidence of an
understanding of major theories of
reading processes and
development within the research
paper.
Below Standard (1-2)
 Some evidence of understanding of
major theories of reading processes
and development are found within
the research paper.
Meets Standard (3-4)
Exceeds Standard (5)
 Understanding of major theories of
reading processes and development
is evident within the research
paper.
 A comprehensive understanding of
major theories of reading processes
and development is evident within
the research paper.
 It is unclear what theory or
theories of reading inform the
observed literacy practices.
 There is a limited understanding of
the theory or theories of reading
that inform the observed literacy
practices.
 Evidence of understanding of the
theory or theories of reading that
inform the observed literacy
practices.
 Evidence of a comprehensive
understanding of the theory or
theories of reading that inform the
observed literacy practices.
IRA Standard 5: Analyze how the
teacher has designed the physical
environment to optimize students’
use of traditional print, digital, and
online resources in reading and
writing instruction. (5.1)
 The paper does not include
photographs or a classroom
diagram. There is minimal
discussion and analysis of how the
physical environment has been
designed to optimize students’ use
of traditional print, digital, and
online resources in reading and
writing instruction.
 The paper includes photographs or a
classroom diagram as well as
general discussion and analysis of
how the physical environment has
been designed to optimize students’
use of traditional print, digital, and
online resources in reading and
writing instruction.
 The paper includes photographs or
a classroom diagram as well as
comprehensive discussion and
analysis of how the physical
environment has been designed to
optimize students’ use of traditional
print, digital, and online resources
in reading and writing instruction.
 The paper includes photographs or
a classroom diagram as well as
comprehensive, critical discussion
and analysis of how the physical
environment has been designed to
optimize students’ use of
traditional print, digital, and online
resources in reading and writing
instruction.
IRA Standard 1: Analyze the
classroom environment quality for
fostering individual motivation to
read and write (e.g., access to print,
choice, challenge, and interests).
(1.1)
 The paper includes minimal
discussion and analysis of the
factors with the classroom
environment that foster
motivation to read and write.
 The paper includes general
discussion and analysis of the
factors with the classroom
environment that foster motivation
to read and write.
 The paper includes comprehensive
discussion and analysis of the
factors with the classroom
environment that foster motivation
to read and write.
 The paper includes comprehensive,
critical discussion and analysis of
the factors with the classroom
environment that foster motivation
to read and write.
IRA Standard 1: Read and
understand the literature and
research about factors that
contribute to reading success. (1.1)
 The observational analysis
demonstrates minimal
understanding of the literature
and research about factors that
contribute to reading success.
 The narrative includes few
relevant quotes and references
from readings and class
discussions.
 The observational analysis
demonstrates limited understanding
of the literature and research about
factors that contribute to reading
success.
 The narrative includes some
relevant quotes and references from
readings and class discussions.
 The observational analysis
demonstrates general
understanding of the literature and
research about factors that
contribute to reading success.
 The narrative includes several
relevant quotes and references
from the readings and class
discussions.
 The observational analysis
demonstrates critical understanding
of the literature and research about
factors that contribute to reading
success.
 The narrative includes a wide
variety of relevant quotes and
references from class readings and
discussions as well as outside
sources.
IRA Standard 1: Interpret and
summarize historically shared
knowledge (e.g., instructional
strategies and theories) that address
the needs of all readers. (1.2)
 No understanding of the historical
context for the theory that
supports the observed instruction
is evident.
 Minimal understanding of the
historical context for the theory that
supports the observed instruction is
evident.
 General understanding of the
historical context for the theory
that supports the observed
instruction is evident.
 Comprehensive understanding of
the historical context for the theory
that supports the observed
instruction is evident.
Integration of Observation Notes
 Few examples from the
observation notes and the
candidate’s experiences are used
in the narrative to support the
understanding of research-based
effective instruction.
 Some examples from the
observation notes and the
candidate’s experiences are used in
the narrative to support the
understanding of research-based
effective instruction.
 Multiple examples from the
observation notes and the
candidate’s experiences are used in
the narrative to support the
understanding of research-based
effective instruction.
 Multiple appropriate examples from
the observation notes and the
candidate’s experiences are used in
the narrative to support the
understanding of research-based
effective instruction.
Ebe, EDLIT 735
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Written Communication
 Organization is difficult to follow.
 Significant spelling, grammar,
and/or mechanical errors.
 Does not follow APA format.
 Organization and presentation of
ideas is limited.
 Several spelling, grammar, and/or
mechanical errors.
 Somewhat follows APA format.
 Organization and presentation of
ideas is effective; professional
presentation.
 Few spelling, grammar, and/or
mechanical errors.
 Mostly follows APA format.
 Organization and presentation of
ideas is exemplary with great clarity
and cohesiveness; professional
presentation.
 No spelling, grammar, and/or
mechanical errors.
 Follows APA format.
Ebe, EDLIT 735
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