Using the below sample template for a formal outline, develop a thesis statement that contains your topic and your claim. When you have established your thesis statement, create an outline that introduces your topic, reviews the literature, emphasizes your position, and indicates why this is an important topic.
As this is a guide to help you complete the assignment, feel free to adjust or to add to the template to fully outline your topic and points. When you complete your thesis statement and outline, upload the document to the course.
Sample Template Outline:
• INTRODUCTION
• We all want to see students do well in school—it is a big investment, both financially and in their futures
• Tutoring is one resource that students are commonly referred to
• Tutoring is currently available at B&S, but students are not required to take advantage of it
• Thesis statement (persuasive): All students at Bryant & Stratton College should be required to work with faculty tutors because this will boost grades, improve retention rates, and lessen burdens on individual class teachers.
• TOPIC 1: GRADES
• Topic sentence: Grades are one of the most common measurements of academic success, and tutoring can help with both short- and long-term grade improvements.
• Info from outside source/Research: Current average GPA
• Tutoring could help in several ways:
• Explain class requirements more thoroughly when directions are confusing
• Provide extra practice and repetition
• Give more opportunities for immediate and detailed feedback
• TOPIC 2: RETENTION
• Topic sentence: In addition to individual student success, tutoring can support the entire college’s overall retention goals.
• Outside source info/Research: Define retention and related concepts like persistence to graduation
• Outside source info/Research: Explain how retention relates to college-wide success
• Tutors can provide extra face time that teachers cannot and be more supportive because they are not responsible for the student’s grades
• The more personal relationships students have—the more they feel supported—the more likely the college is to retain them
•
TOPIC 3: TUTORING
• Topic sentence: Mandatory tutoring will also lead to better classroom instruction by lessoning burdens on individual teachers.
• Currently, teachers spend a great deal of class time reviewing concepts when only a few students might really need that review—tutors could take over that function
• Teachers also have to spend class time on skills that are not specific to just their class, like computer skills—if tutors handle elements common to multiple classes, teachers will be freed up to focus on class-specific material
• Outside source info/Research: Teachers will feel less overwhelmed, which will create a friendlier and more comfortable learning environment that will benefit both teachers and students
Continue to add TOPIC sections to develop your topic in full….
•
CONCLUSION
• In general, college puts responsibility on students to seek out help when they need it
• It is good to build independence, but some students may need additional support
• Restated thesis: It will benefit individual student grades, college retention, and classroom environments to mandate that students take advantage of tutoring resources on campus.
