See attached
The
Reflection Paper supports the three learning outcomes for the course:
1. Analyze the components of positive psychology that contribute to the health and well-being of individuals, organizations, and environments.
2. Use critical thinking, skeptical inquiry, research methodologies, and appropriate instruments to analyze scientific evidence to differentiate positive psychology from other psychological approaches.
3. Evaluate positive psychology theories and theorists to determine appropriate and ethical applications and interventions within the individual as well as organizational and multicultural settings.
Objective: Write a 4 to 5-page personal Reflection Paper that communicates how specific topics, theories, and research findings covered in the course 1) shape your understanding of positive psychology; and, 2) connect to your current knowledge, experiences, and areas of interest.
Instructions Summary:
The following guidance lists the key steps for the Reflection Paper.
1. Review the topics we have covered in class, to include those covered during the week this assignment is due.
2. Choose two to three* positive psychology topics, theories, or research studies covered within the applicable week’s content.
3. Reflect and identify personal relevance of the selected subjects.
4. Research using the UMGC Library.
5. Write and submit for grading a well composed, 4 to 5-page APA style formatted Reflection Paper.
*This is a minimum target, not a finite value. To maximize the benefits of this assignment, focus on a range of subjects that capture your attention. It is appropriate to discuss and integrate related topics. For example, in a discussion of “hope,” the inclusion of theory (e.g., Snyder, 2002), details extracted from course Learning Resources, and research findings pulled from peer-reviewed articles, can create topic depth. Incorporating relevant points that address linkages to the construct, optimism, can demonstrate breadth of understanding. The related points, when constructively used to compare, contrast, and synthesized your understanding of hope, builds out a thoughtfully elaborated presentation on the topic.
Rubric: The following informs on the distribution of points assigned to each section of the paper. The Reflection Paper will be graded on the following areas:
Reflection Paper Point Allocations
(Please reference the rubric accompanying this assignment for in-depth scoring details.)
Rubric for Reflection Paper |
CONTENT (8-points each) |
1. All topics were discussed in clear detail. |
2. Assertions supported. |
3. Ideas were interrelated coherently and logically. |
ORGANIZATION (16 Points) 4. An introduction previews main points of reflection, body of paper develops and elaborates main ideas, conclusion summarizes main points. |
WRITING MECHANICS and STYLE (5 points each) |
5. Paper grammatically sound (proper sentence structure) and free of mechanical errors (e.g., misspellings, typos, etc.). |
6. Citations and references in proper APA style. |
Points to be Awarded |
Behaviors Demonstrated |
Exceptional |
paper contains no errors in this area |
Exceeds Expectations |
paper contains limited errors in this area; however, the overall presentation of the material is readable and appropriate |
Meets Expectations |
paper contains limited errors in this area; however, the overall presentation of the material is difficult to read |
Meets Some Expectations |
paper contains a number of errors in this area; however, the overall presentation is acceptable |
Minimal Expectations Met |
paper contains a number of errors in this area, and the overall presentation is difficult to read |
Not Achieved |
paper contains extensive errors in this area, which detracts from the overall presentation; or not addressed |
Requirements:
The requirements for the Reflection Paper include:
Submit a single document that reflects upon how specific topics, theories, and research findings covered in the course 1) shape your understanding of positive psychology; and, 2) connect to your current knowledge, experiences, and areas of interest.
Within the document…
a.
Introduce
. Concisely introduced the reader to clearly defined topics addressed in the paper. Anchor the paper through a well-constructed thesis statement.
b.
Have purpose. Dedicate discussion and analysis to two-three (minimum*) focal topics within the body of the paper. All topics are to be discussed in clear detail.
c.
Synthesize.
Demonstrate synthesis of each topic with your current understanding of, or experiences with, the topic. Support assertions made.
d.
Connect.
Identify personal opportunities for application (private, professional, public contexts). Express interrelated ideas coherently and logically.
e.
Include sources.
Incorporate course sources and a minimum of two (2) peer-reviewed professional sources from our UMGC Library.
f.
Use Authorial Voice.
Discuss materials in your own words and your own writing style and structure. Avoid excessive use of direct quotes. Doing so may incur a point penalty for each occurrence and will not be accepted as content towards the page count of the reflection paper.
g.
Apply APA Style
**. Neatly and concisely present a 4 to 5-page APA formatted document containing
· Title Page
· Introduction
· Body (with heading levels applied when appropriate)
· Conclusions
· References Page
· Properly formatted in-text citations and references
*Remember this is a minimum, not a restrictive, fixed target. See note under Instructions.
**Use APA style
headings
and subheadings, double-spacing, an appropriate
serif or sans serif font
(e.g., Times Roman 12-point; Arial 11-point; Calibri 11-point), one-inch margins (left, right, top, and bottom), page numbering, and logical flow from topic to topic. Write with clarity, paying attention to spelling, grammar, and syntax. Consult the
UMGC Citing and Writing Guide
, for proper form of
APA Style
in-text citations and references.