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Northern Essex Community College

Module 1.2 Discussion Activity

Review the discussion overview, learning objectives, prompt, and participation expectations before posting.

Overview

Students will focus on Elmira Reformatory as presented in the assigned readings. They will discuss the philosophies that shaped Elmira, including Maconochie’s mark system and Crofton’s Irish system, and evaluate whether Elmira achieved its reformative goals as described in the sources.

Learning Objectives

(These are not the questions to be answered. Please review and answer the Discussion Topic(s).)

  • LO1: Explain how Maconochie’s and Crofton’s ideas influenced Elmira Reformatory. (SLO1)
  • LO2: Assess the effectiveness of the Elmira model as described in the assigned content. (SLO6)
Discussion Topic(s)
  • Drawing on the assigned readings (Putney & Putney, VCU Social Welfare History, and the Cornell collection), how did Elmira Reformatory reflect the ideals of Maconochie and Crofton?
  • According to the sources, was Elmira successful in achieving reformation? Why or why not?
Acceptable and Ethical Use of AI
  • Ask AI to summarize Brockway’s approach at Elmira using only the assigned readings.
  • Use AI to list similarities and differences between Crofton’s Irish system and Elmira as described in the content.
Directions

Please read all instructions carefully before participating in the discussion.

  • Students must complete one Main Post that answers the discussion topic using more than 250 words.
  • Students must reply to at least two of their classmates (Peer Responses) using at least 150 words. Responses should encourage further dialogue in the discussion forum. Asking a classmate, a question is a nice way of furthering that dialogue.
  • Students must first compose an original Main Post to gain access to the discussion forum. Attempts to post a blank initial post or anything other than the true Main post will result in a 20-point deduction.
Important Reminder

Important: Submitting incomplete or placeholder responses may result in a grade deduction based on course policies.