Reflec%on Paper

Total Marks: 100 points, worth 20% of Final Grade

Due Date: November 27th, Wednesday before 11:59 pm
Submission: Brightspace (Word .doc or .docx format)

The purpose of this assignment is to move students to think more deeply about what you have learned from your readings and its relevancy to you and or the
world around you.

You are to select at least one concept/topic from the textbook readings (look at the table of contents within each chapter, a specific concept/topic) that is
required in this class (i.e., The Aming and tempo of puberty, changes in self-esteem, growth mindset, psychosocial moratorium, emoAonal intelligence, etc.) and
explain in detail what you learned, why you chose the topic, how it applies to you and or the world around you by providing at least three
personal/professional experiences throughout your paper, and how does your knowledge of the concept(s) coupled with your personal experiences move you
into the future (i.e., plan for growth or change).

The paper will be a minimum of 6 pages. Use the American Psychological AssociaAon (APA) style to format your paper and the grading rubric as a guide for
grading criteria. The essay should consist of an introducAon with a clear thesis statement, followed by at least 6-8 paragraphs, a concluding paragraph, and a
reference page (if needed). You may write the paper in the first or third person but use your own words and do not plagiarize!

You are encouraged to seek guidance from the course GAs (Lauren or Jasmine). Please note that they will not edit or proofread work.

Paper formaSng and specifics:

• Your paper should be typed and double-spaced with reasonable 1-inch margins and reasonably sized font (e.g., 12-point font Times New Roman). It should
be saved in (.doc or .docx) and uploaded into the Assignments secAon in Brightspace. Do not use Google Docs to submit your paper.
• Also, use APA format ( hUps://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format ) when necessary, but you do not need to include a reference page
unless you decide to cite sources that were not found in the textbook. You are NOT required to locate or cite other sources, but you may do so if you wish.
• You will hand in your paper online in the Assignment sec%on via Brightspace on or before Nov 27th at 11:59 pm. It may be handed in earlier, but the
submiUed paper is final and that will be the one graded. I will open the Assignment secAon for submission on Nov 20.
• Most papers range from 6 to 10 pages in length. Papers will be graded according to how well they are wriUen, relate to the assignment, and how ideas and
concepts learned in class or the textbook are linked to your observaAons and reflecAons.
• A rubric will be provided below.
• Late papers will not be accepted.
• Emailed papers will not be accepted.
• You may discuss this assignment with your peers, but you must sAll have your own work, the product that is unique to you and not generated from any
unauthorized collaboraAon [including the use of AI so]ware (i.e., chat GPT, Jenni, etc.)]. Please see the syllabus: “Course Policy on Use of GeneraAve AI
Tools”, “Use of Plagiarism PrevenAon So]ware”, and “Honesty MaUers: Academic Integrity”.

Suggested Outline:
1. IntroducAon: Use a statement to set the tone and introduce the paper.
a. Introduce the concept/topic(s) from the text/course that you would like to focus on.
 b. Briefly discuss what you learned about the concept/topic(s).
c. Include a thesis statement that clearly idenAfies the concept/topic(s) being discussed, and includes the points discussed in the body of your paper.
This should be the last statement in your IntroducAon paragraph.
2. Body:
a. Provide a topic sentence: Thoroughly explain the concept/topic(s) in a single sentence.
b. Analysis of concept/topic(s):
i. Why did you select this concept/topic(s)?
ii. Is the concept/topic(s) relevant to you and or the world around you?
iii. Provide at least 3 personal/professional examples of how this concept/topic(s) applies to you and or the world around
iv. Provide a statement about how your knowledge of the concept/topic(s) coupled with your personal experiences move you into the future
(i.e., plan for growth or change).
3. Conclusion: This is a separate paragraph.
a. Rephrase thesis statement
b. Review main ideas
c. Add a final, closing sentence
Grading Rubric:
Total Points: ______ / 100 (worth 20% of final grade)

Exemplary Proficient Developing Novice

A: 80-100% B: 70-79% C: 60-69% D/F: <59%
Reflection on Existing Critically reviews existing Active and careful Makes use of existing Automatic/superficial
Knowledge knowledge, questions consideration of existing knowledge without an responses with little
assumptions, and knowledge and attempt to conscious/deliberate
(20 points)
articulates new articulates new evaluate/appraise thought or reference to
perspectives as a result of understanding of knowledge; existing knowledge;
experience knowledge as a result of demonstrates responses are oAered
experience understanding but does without attempting to
not relate to other understand them
experiences or personal
reaction

Connection to Demonstrates superior Demonstrates clear Connects experience Connections are not
Academic Concepts connection between connections between with class content drawn between
experience and class experience and class (concepts/topics) but experience and class
(20 points)
content (concepts/topics) content remains superficial or content
and literature; evidence of (concepts/topics); abstract (concepts/topics) or
application of concepts evidence of application literature
and reconstruction of of concepts.
perspective.

Critical Thinking: Student assesses and Student assesses and Student shows Student accepts things
Analyzing Perspectives evaluates perspectives, evaluates perspectives, awareness of multiple at face value; opinions
knowledge, and opinions knowledge and opinions perspectives. Opinions are stated without
(20 points)
gained from course gained from course analysis or support or
concepts and experience. linking to
 Student links these concepts and are stated with some personal/professional
assessments to own experience. analysis and support. experiences.
perspectives, experiences
and opinions on the issue.

Depth of Reflection & Metacognitive: Analytical: Empathic: Descriptive:

Evidence of
Student examines the Student applies learning Student demonstrates Student demonstrates
Development
learning process, showing to a broader context of thoughts about or acquisition of new
(20 points) what learning occurred, personal and challenges to beliefs, content from significant
how learning occurred, professional life. values, and attitudes of learning experiences but
and how newly acquired self and others. does not apply new
knowledge or learning content to self.
altered existing
knowledge.

Language & Style Word choice and tone Appropriate word Occasional use of slang Frequent use of slang or
appropriate to academic choice and tone; some or inappropriate or inappropriate or
(10 points)
writing; sentences vary in attention to sentence inaccurate language; inaccurate language; no
length and complexity. structure and variety. minimal discernible explicit attention to
attention to sentence sentence length and
length and variety. variety.

Assignment Assignment meets all Assignment meets all Assignment misses 1 Assignments misses 2 or
Components & Format page length, and other page length, and other requirement; 3 or more more requirements; 3 or
paper formatting and paper formatting and stylistic/citation errors. more stylistic/citation
(10 points)
specific requirements; specific requirements; errors.
uses appropriate and 1-2 stylistic/citation
correct citation style. errors.