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.
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 weeks 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.
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.
