OTL599: Capstone
Credit Hours:
Contact Hours:
3
This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that 16 weeks of
material is covered in 8 weeks. The exact number of hours per week that you can
expect to spend on each course will vary based upon the weekly coursework, as
well as your study style and preferences. You should plan to spend 10-25 hours per
week in each course reading material, interacting on the discussion boards, writing
papers, completing projects, and doing research.
Faculty Information
Name:
Phone:
CSU-GC Email:
Virtual Office Hours:
Course Description and Outcomes
For students in the Masters of Teaching and Learning:
Apply course concepts, theory and research techniques related to the field of study to develop and complete an
action research project. Integrate graduate program learning in the context of a practical, real-world
problem. Satisfactorily incorporate research processes, academic writing style, and APA standards to clearly
articulate the (a) problem, (b) literature review, (c) research methodology, (d) investigative findings, and (e)
analysis as a culminating experience. This course should be taken directly after OTL568.
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of course concepts from the program of study to the research
process.
2. Assemble a theoretical framework relevant to a real-world research problem: theories relevant to Pre-K12 education, curriculum, instruction and or program development, program management in a nontraditional setting.
3. Analyze and present credible research data.
4. Complete a Capstone Research Project demonstrating research, analysis, interpretation, and scholarly
writing skills.
Participation & Attendance
Prompt and consistent attendance in your online courses is essential for your success at CSU-Global Campus.
Failure to verify your attendance within the first 7 days of this course may result in your withdrawal. If for some
reason you would like to drop a course, please contact your advisor.
Online classes have deadlines, assignments, and participation requirements just like on-campus classes. Budget
your time carefully and keep an open line of communication with your instructor. If you are having technical
problems, problems with your assignments, or other problems that are impeding your progress, let your
instructor know as soon as possible.
Course Materials
Required:
American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association
(6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author. (ISBN-13: 9781433805622)
Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J.E. (2010). Practical Research: Planning and design. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
ISBN-13: 9780137152421
Course Schedule
Due Dates
The Academic Week at CSU-Global begins on Monday and ends the following Sunday.
 Discussion Boards: The original post must be completed by Thursday at 12 midnight MT and Peer
Responses posted by Sunday 12 midnight MT. Late posts may not be awarded points.
 Mastery Exercises: Students may access and retake mastery exercises through the last day of class until
they achieve the scores they desire.
 Critical Thinking Activities: Assignments are due Sunday at 12 midnight MT.
Week #
Readings

Chapters 1, 2, and 3 in Practical Research:
Planning and Design and any additional readings
and handouts posted by Instructor.

Discussion (25 points)

Chapter 4 in Practical Research: Planning and
Design and any additional readings and handouts
posted by Instructor.


Discussion (25 points)
Critical Thinking (40 points)

Chapters 5, 7, and 9 in Practical Research:
Planning and Design and any additional readings
and handouts posted by Instructor.


Discussion (25 points)
Critical Thinking (40 points)
1
2
3
Assignments

Chapter 6 in Practical Research: Planning and
Design and any additional readings and handouts
posted by Instructor.


Discussion (25 points)
Critical Thinking (40 points)

Chapters 9 and 11 in Practical Research: Planning
and Design and any additional readings and
handouts posted by Instructor.


Discussion (25 points)
Critical Thinking (40 points)

Chapter 12 in Practical Research: Planning and
Design and any additional readings and handouts
posted by Instructor.


Discussion (25 points)
Critical Thinking (40 points)


Discussion (25 points)
Capstone submitted to committee


Discussion (25 points)
Portfolio Project (600 points)
4
5
6
7

8
Review Chapter 12 in Practical Research:
Planning and Design and any additional readings
and handouts posted by Instructor.
Assignment Details
Module 2
Critical Thinking: Chapter 1 (40 Points)
In Module 1 you completed the first draft of the Capstone Research Problem Statement Worksheet.
In Module 2 you will continue investigating, refining, and revising the Problem Statement Worksheet
and the narrative (which becomes part of Chapter 1: Introduction of the Capstone Research Project).
To prepare the Module 2 assignment, consider the following:
Module 3

Use feedback from the Module 1 assignment to advance your thinking.

Conduct additional literature reviews to enhance support for the problem statement.

Consider how you incorporated theory into previous class’s Portfolio Project papers. Could you
have provided more descriptive information on the theories? Could you have selected more
relevant theories to support your perspective? After this reflective exercise, update the
Theoretical Framework of Chapter 1: Introduction.

Start to develop a properly APA formatted paper by including a title page, running header, and
reference page using CSU-GC graduate APA standards. Be sure to use the Capstone Template as
your model for formatting this chapter.
Critical Thinking: Chapter 2 of the Capstone Project – Literature Review (40 points)
During this module, the critical thinking assignment is to construct a draft of Chapter 2 - Literature
Review. Reference the Module 3 handout on the Literature Review, the course text
and http://www.uhv.edu/ac/wac/pdf/litreview.pdf to help prepare for Chapter 2, which should consist
of 4-5 pages in APA style format.
Submit Chapter 2 to the Assignment Dropbox AND to the Discussion. In the Discussion provide
comments on the Literature Review of your colleagues.
Module 4
Critical Thinking: Research Design and Capstone Proposal to Committee (40 points)
A research proposal is generally presented after Chapters 1, 2, and 3 have been developed. This week you will
submit your Capstone Proposal to the committee for review. When your proposal is error free as possible, submit
it to the assignment box. Each committee member will review and provide detailed feedback. The intent of the
committee review is to:



Ensure that the study is worthy of moving ahead.
Provide appropriate feedback to students to advance their understanding of the research process.
Create a collaborative effort of student and faculty that can lead to a successful final project.
Module 5
Critical Thinking: Chapter 4 & 5 Research Plan (40 points)
There are two parts to this week’s critical thinking assignment.
1. An outline and plans for chapters 4 and 5 are to be submitted as part 1 of this week’s
assignment. Understanding where and how to present content is a major consideration for student
researchers. As you develop a chapter 4 and 5 outline, begin drafting chapters 4 and 5 and ask our
team of learners for feedback in the Discussion Board.
The following sections are required for Chapters 4 and 5
 Chapter 4: Findings
o Introduction
o Findings
o Summary
 Chapter 5: Conclusions
o Analysis and Implications
o Relationship of Findings to Research Questions
o Limitations of Study
o Future Research Efforts
o Summary
o Conclusion
2. Principals, school administrators, and managers make decisions using reliable data. Decision makers
need data presented in a form that is easily comprehensible. Presenting data in an accurate, clear and
understandable manner is a hallmark of a good researcher. Part 2 of this week’s Critical Thinking
assignment is to create a graphical display (e.g. table, graph, chart, etc.) of your choice and populate the
graphic with actual data. Label the figure according to APA format standards. You will also develop no
more than two paragraphs to explain very clearly how to read the formatted data. In an additional
paragraph, justify (with citations) why the format that you chose is an appropriate way to present your
data graphically.
Module 6
Critical Thinking: Submission of chapters 4 and 5 draft (40 points)
Chapters 4 and 5 are to be submitted to for this week’s critical thinking assignment. Understanding
where and how to present content is a major consideration of this week’s assignment. The following
sections are required for Chapters 4 and 5.


Chapter 4: Findings
o Introduction
o Findings and Analysis
o Summary
Chapter 5: Analysis
o Relationship of Findings to Research Questions
o Limitations of Study
o Future Research Efforts
o Summary
o Conclusion
Submit Chapters 4 and 5 in final draft form.
Module 7
Portfolio Project: Submission of Capstone Project to committee
Submit your final draft of your Capstone Research Report by the end of Week 7 via the Module 7
Assignment box. The Capstone research committee will review the final draft and provide feedback to
the student, which will include necessary corrections or changes, if applicable, to be completed in Week
8. The final Capstone Research Report paper, with any changes, will be submitted by midnight of the last
day of the course
Module 8
Portfolio Project: Final submission of Capstone Project (600 points)
Educational leaders make decisions every day that affect all stakeholders. Making informed decisions is
an imperative for leaders if their organizations are to remain viable and sustainable. This Capstone
course was designed to integrate and synthesize concepts, theories, and skills learned through the CSUGC Master of Science program. Integration of acquired knowledge is demonstrated by each student in
the development and completion of the Capstone research process. The final Capstone assignment,
Capstone Research Project, demonstrates a student’s ability to conduct practical research in support of a
decision-making process. The Capstone Research Report is the final portfolio project in the Master’s
program.
Following are required elements of the Capstone Research Project:
 APA format and writing style standards
o CSU-GC Capstone APA standards
o Absence of bias
o Clear and concise writing
o Errorless spelling, grammar, and sentence structure
o Errorless APA formatting
o Credible sources
o Accurate citations and references
o Length of 15-25 pages, not including title page, abstract, TOC, references, or
appendixes
o Double spaced
 Table of Contents – Capstone Research Template
 Chapters with proper labels and headings – see detailed table below
o Chapter 1: Introduction
o Chapter 2: Literature Review
o Chapter 3: Methodology
o Chapter 4: Findings
o Chapter 5: Analysis and Conclusion
 References
 Appendixes
Course Policies
Late Work
Students are permitted a 7-day grace period during which they may submit a Critical Thinking assignment after
the original due date without penalty. Papers submitted between 8 and 14 days after the original due date will
be accepted with a potential 10 percent reduction in grade for late submission. Papers submitted 15 or more
days beyond the original due date may not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made with the
instructor. No Portfolios will be accepted late and no assignments will be accepted after the last day of class
unless a student has requested an incomplete grade in accordance with the Incomplete Policy.
Course Grading
20% Discussion Participation
20% Critical Thinking Activities
60% Final Portfolio Paper
Grading Scale and Policies
A
95.0 – 100
A-
90.0 – 94.9
B+
86.7 – 89.9
B
83.3 – 86.6
B-
80.0 – 83.2
C+
75.0 – 79.9
C
70.0 – 74.9
D
60.0 – 69.9
F
59.9 or below
FN*
Failure for Nonparticipation
I**
Incomplete
* Students who stop attending class and fail the course for nonparticipation will be issued the “FN” grade. The
FN grade may have implications for financial aid and scholarship awards.
** An “I” grade may be assigned at the Instructor’s discretion to students who are in good standing (passing) in
the course. Students should have completed a majority of the coursework in order to be eligible for the “I”
grade. Students should request an "I" grade from the Instructor with a written justification, which must include
explanation of extenuating circumstances that prevented timely completion of the coursework. If the request is
approved, the Instructor will require a written agreement consisting of a) the specific coursework to be
completed, b) the plan to complete the coursework, and c) the deadline for completion. The agreement will be
kept on file at CSU-Global Campus. An incomplete course must be satisfactorily completed within the time
frame stipulated in the agreement, but no later than the end of the following semester from the date the “I”
was given. An incomplete not removed within one year shall convert to an F and be included in the computation
of the student’s grade point average.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism offenses are to be reported to the Office of Student Success, which will record offenses, instruct
Faculty of needed interventions, and meet with students as appropriate. For more information on the penalties
for plagiarism, please review the Student Handbook.
APA
Students are expected to follow the CSU-Global APA requirements when citing in APA (based on the APA Style
Manual, 6th edition). For details on CSU-Global APA style, please review the APA resources located under the
Library tab in Blackboard.
Netiquette
All posts and classroom communication must be conducted in a professional and respectful manner in
accordance with the student code of conduct. Think before you push the Send button. Did you say just what you
meant? How will the person on the other end read the words?
Any derogatory or inappropriate comments regarding race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, are
unacceptable and subject to disciplinary action.
If you have concerns about something that has been said, please let your instructor know.
Institutional Policies
Refer to the Academic Catalog for comprehensive documentation of CSU-GC institutional policies.