Departmental Thesis Requirements

Thesis options for students in the Elementary Licensure program might include a range of opportunities. In additon to traditional formats such as research papers, we hope to embrace new opportunities.

Past projects have included demonstrations where a student incorporated dance into teaching at an elementary school. A reflection and description of lesson plans and assessment plans were part of these accomplishments.

A current project is a co-developed canvas site with linkages to a larger initiative (i.e., UNITE and the Dignity Index). Reflections and reviews of reseach will be included.

How does the Honors Thesis relate to other aspects of the major, like a Capstone Project?

As present students completing the Honors program within the Elementary Education program complete coursework from across the College of Education. Based upon course themes and/or the research of faculty, students and the adivsor identify possible themes for work in which honors work develops.

Projects are not always directly linked to course curricula but may connect to other work in which a faculty member is engaged (e.g., language learners, mental health,
the teaching profession, covid).

Departmental Coursework Supporting Thesis

Writing is generally never a problem for our students. A challenge for the college is increasing the number of honors students in our Elementary Educatoin program. Providing creativity and flexibility will certainly encourage more students.

Internally, a primary goal for the college is to create a culture within the college that promotes student research and faculty-student engagement. These strategies will help to move us to the stage where we can move closer to the thesis stage.

Ideas are welcome!!