REFLECTION PAPERS
Reflection papers are an opportunity to analyze and reflect upon what you have learned from your reading, class discussion and exercise, and analysis of events.
I have placed 3 example reflection papers on blackboard (which are all good papers that have all the important sections). These papers were written by other students. As you see in the examples, use a memo format, single space the document. You should be able to accomplish a very good paper in 2-3 pages per memo. The format includes the above 4 sections in a typed memo style. (unique_solution)
- Concrete experience = a problem or situation you observed in your work life or personal experience. Be specific as to details and what you observed.
- 20 points out of 90
- Reflective observation = how the situation made you feel, your personal thoughts about the matter, or a layman’s analysis of the situation.
- 20 points out of 90
- Abstract conceptualization = theories = how the situation or experience relates to the theories or topics form the textbook. This is an important part of the assignment because it illustrates how you have applied the topics we cover, helping me to see how well you understand them and integrate them into your life. Use terms and definitions from the textbook, integrating the terms into your experience.
- However, to not put in a laundry list of terms. Make sure you explain the term (definition from the book) and let me know how it applies to the situation you encountered.
- Also, move beyond a simple description of outcomes (e.g., job dissatisfaction, EVLN) but rather focus on the broader more complex relationships and cause-effect models form the textbook.
- 30 points out of 90
- Active experimentation = how you plan to change or do something different going forward, to learn from the experience. Explain what you will do to learn and grow, now that you have a better understanding of the psychological concepts and theories that can improve situations and human interactions. Note items that the textbook would suggest we do to avoid or remedy situations. (For example, the perceptual bias section in the book has solutions to bias, stereotyping, etc.)
- 10 points out of 90
- Spelling, grammar, clarity of writing
- 10 points out of 90
Grading will be based on the inclusion of all 4 sections. The most important section is Abstract conceptualization and is weighted as such. If you are missing any of the 4 sections the entire % will be deducted. So, for example, if you are missing the last section your paper will have 10 points deducted from the grade out of 90 points.