Critical Reflection Assignment
For this assignment you will watch the film Growing Up Poor in America, then write a critical
reflection that will be turned in via Canvas. The link to the film is posted in Canvas as well.
-This assignment has multiple parts that must be answered in complete sentences, with the
question embedded in the answer. Do not copy and paste the questions into the assignment.
-Each question should be numbered and will only be able to be answered as we move through
several lectures and readings in the class. Therefore, it is advised that you complete this
assignment throughout the next couple weeks.
-The full assignment should be in APA style (i.e., 12 pt. font, include a cover page, reference
page, and be double spaced, with in-text citation). APA Edition 6 or 7 is fine.
-In total, this assignment should not exceed 3-4 pages of text (not including the cover and
reference page).
-Do NOT use Grammarly to rewrite or edit your work; all writing must be original.
1) (Part 1) Define, cite (from our course readings), and provide a specific example of one
risk factor (i.e., factors of vulnerability) that affected that the one of the three families in
the film. (Part 2) Define, cite (from our course readings), and provide a specific example
of one risk factor (i.e., factors of vulnerability) that affected a second family in the film.
Reminder – describe, cite, and provide examples of the two risk factors. Reminder: the
risk factors must come from our course – no outside sources will be accepted. Examples
from the film must be clearly explained; vague responses will not earn credit.
2) (Part 1) Despite the barriers experienced, all three families were able to find strength and
hope through protective factors (i.e., factors that helped them build resilience). Define,
cite (from our course readings), and provide a specific example of one protective factor
that affected one of the three families in the film. (Part 2) Answer the same question for
a second family in the film. Reminder: describe, cite, and provide examples of the
protective factors. The protective factors must come from our course – no outside sources
will be accepted. Examples from the film must be clearly explained; vague responses will
not earn credit.
3) (Part 1) What is one national event(s)/occurrence (i.e., an event/occurrence that changed
the circumstances or the history of Americans) that was displayed in the film? (Part 2)
How did this change each family’s opportunities and experiences in life? (Part 3) How is
this occurrence similar or different from what we experience today?
4) In class, we discussed how the Ecological Systems Theory has 5 layers. In this film,
various factors affected each of the families. For this part, you must pick ONE child from
the film (from any of the three families) and briefly discuss two factors that make up each
of the different 5 layers of this system. All 5 layers must be discussed, starting with the
Microsystem and ending with the Chronosystem, and two factors (i.e., specific examples)
must be provided for each. Vague responses will not earn credit.
5) Yosso (2005) discussed multiple ways communities of color possess cultural wealth.
Based on this film, what is one form of Yosso’s community cultural wealth that the
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Shawn or Kyah’s family demonstrated? Please define this form of capital and provide
an example that was highlighted in the film.
Don’t forget a cover page, in-text citations, and a reference page in APA format
Grading:
You can earn up to 17 points for answering the questions. In addition to these points, you
can get 3 points for APA (this includes the cover page, reference page, and citations. In
total, you can earn up to 20 points for this assignment that is worth 15% of your final
grade.
The rubric for this assignment is featured on Canvas
Reminder: Don’t forget a cover page, in-text citations, and a reference page in APA
