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Instructions
Reflection Paper
The goal of reflective writing is to realize personal growth. In this assignment you will pursue this goal, interacting with and integrating the information introduced in the course and applying it to your existing experiences.
The Reflection Paper supports the three learning outcomes for the course:
analyze symptoms and causes of stress in a variety of subjects and contexts, such as individuals, communities, and organizations, for a comprehensive ethical approach to the management of stress
formulate decisions using knowledge of biological, psychological, and sociocultural consequences of stress
apply and evaluate stress management techniques and technologies to enable self and others to remediate stressful life situations
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 psychology of stress; 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.
Review the topics we have covered in class, to include those covered during the week this assignment is due.
Choose two to three* psychology of stress topics, theories, or research studies covered within the applicable week’s content.
Reflect and identify personal relevance of the selected subjects.
Research using the UMGC Library.
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. Details extracted from course Learning Resources, and research findings pulled from peer-reviewed articles, can create topic depth and breadth. Related points, when constructively used to compare, contrast, and synthesized your understanding, 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:
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 the psychology of stress; and, 2) connect to your current knowledge, experiences, and areas of interest.
Within the document…
Introduce. Concisely introduced the reader to clearly defined topics addressed in the paper. Anchor the paper through a well-constructed thesis statement.
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.
Synthesize. Demonstrate synthesis of each topic with your current understanding of, or experiences with, the topic. Support assertions made.
Connect. Identify personal opportunities for application (private, professional, public contexts). Express interrelated ideas coherently and logically.
Include sources. Incorporate course sources and a minimum of two (2) peer-reviewed professional sources from our UMGC Library.
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.
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.
Steps: Preparing the Paper
1. Brainstorm. Break out paper and pencil and enjoy the exploratory process…
Revisit the Topics: Review the topics and learning resources we have covered in class to date, to include the content for the week in which this assignment is due.
As you review the topics and resources, think about your reactions to the theories, topics, and research findings covered.
Write down the topics that elevate your curiosity or challenge prior perspectives.
Take note of the lessons (to include specific readings, videos, or class discussions) that left you pondering or wishing to learn more.
2. Home in on Interests. Looking at the topics and resources you have identified in your brainstorming list. Take a moment to write down your thoughts about why each has captured your interest. You may find it useful at this stage to:
Write down quotes that inspire or express thoughts.
Summarize takeaways from readings or lessons in a few sentences.
Write down thoughts or reactions to specific lessons, theories, or topics.
Write down experiences that link to specific lessons, theories, or topics.
These details will be important to building the personalized, reflective component of the paper that leads to insights and growth.
3. Making the Connections. It is now time to coordinate your notes in order to facilitate preparations to write the paper. The following table exemplifies one way to organize your notes. The questions shared are offered to inspire purposeful exploration of the subjects selected. They also facilitate critical thinking and analysis. Feel free to add your own questions and desired details for further development
