Issues Assignment

dESCRIPTION

Students will research, evaluate, and present contemporary issues in food and nutrition as they relate to meal management.
The Issues Assignment is a group project.  Topics must be approved by the instructor.
The Issues Assignment is worth up to 75 points per student.  Due April 30^th, 2019.

WRITTEN REPORT = UP TO 40 POINTS

Introduction = 10

• Clearly state the purpose of the report, ensuring that the relationship to meal management is also clearly stated.
  • Considering the breadth of meal management, choose an angle to explore in greater detail.
  • In addition to the purpose statement, consider including a statement of the problem (if applicable). Often, the problem statement provides a roadmap for the purpose statement and organization of the report.
  • You may (or may not) consider elaborating on the Critical Thinking activity at the end of each article in the Annual Editions: Nutrition
• Conduct a literature search (a condensed version of a literature review) of the scholarly articles related to your topic.
  • Scholarly articles are authoritative articles written by and for the academic community. For more information: http://library.csun.edu/blogs/cited/2012/10/31/research-therapy-what-is-a-scholarly-article/
  • Develop a plan for your literature search. You will need a minimum of 5 scholarly articles published within the last 10 years.  Seminal pieces of work may be included.  For more information on search strategies/plans: http://library.csun.edu/tutorials For more information on Literature Reviews: http://library.csun.edu/guides/ELPS600Su/LiteratureReview or http://www.csun.edu/~krowlands/Content/Writing_Mentor/Literature%20Reviews/lit_review/
    • You Got This!!! Don’t be intimidated by the sprinkling of “graduate level.”
  • Introduce your topic by drawing from your literature search.  Tell your reader what the issue (problem) is, and why it is important (significant).  Clearly state the purpose of the report and its organization.

Body = 10

• What do you want your reader to know about the topic of interest and its relationship to meal management? How will you frame your discussion?
  • Will you compare and contrast your findings?
  • Will you critically evaluate the benefits or risks of ______?
  • Will you present the present state of knowledge with the goal of identifying and discussing the gaps in knowledge related to your topic?
  • Will you discuss the policy environment and how it influences to your topic?
  • The above are just a few suggestions to consider, give yourself space and time to develop the questions you want to answer with this assignment.
    • You may (or may not) choose to elaborate on the Critical Thinking activities (in Annual Editions: Nutrition).
  • Pay attention to transition sentences. Ensure each paragraph communicates an idea or message that supports the purpose of your report.
    • For information on transition sentences: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/owlprint/574/
  • Discuss your findings. Pay attention to the organization and structure of your report.
    • Consider using headings and subheadings.

Conclusion = 10

• Brief summary of key findings from the scholarly articles reviewed, remembering to maintain a narrative that is consistent with the purpose as stated in your introduction.
  • What are the implications of your findings and discussion to meal management?
  • What are your recommendations to address the issues presented as they relate to meal management?
    • Be mindful of maintaining consistency between your discussion in the body and your recommendations. You want to make sure your narrative flows and is logical.
  • Style and Logistics = 10
    • Creativity = 3
      • Don’t be afraid to take intellectual risks!
    • Grammar = 3
    • Page limit adherence = 2
      • 4 – 10 pages
    • References (APA format) = 2
      • http://library.csun.edu/egarcia/documents/apacitationguide.pdf

ORAL REPORT = UP TO 25 POINTS

• You must use PowerPoint (or other presentation software) and all group members must be involved in the presentation.
• The Oral Report should be at least 20 but not more 30 minutes in length.
  • A question and answer period is required and must be incorporated into the maximum time allowed.
• Your group will be evaluated on the criteria:
  • Audience participation and involvement
  • Creativity
  • Effective use of slides, images and media
  • Flow of the presentation
  • Adherence to time limits
• Your instructor and peers (classmates) will evaluate your Oral Report.

PEER GRADE FROM GROUP MEMBERS = UP TO 10 POINTS

Working in groups and fostering a team approach to problem solving and strategic planning is an essential part of all organizations.  This is your opportunity to continue to hone those skills. Your group’s members will evaluate you on the following criteria:

• Contribution to the research on the topic (literature search) = 2 points
• Contribution to the writing of the written report = 2 points
• Contribution to the preparation of the oral report = 1 point
• Submission of quality work = 2 points
• Timely submission of work (met group deadlines) = 1 point
• Professional communication skills = 2 points