The purpose of this reflective journal assignment is for students to document their learning and growth throughout the course. This reflective process allows students to integrate leadership and inquiry into their current practice and to identify their personal strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore additional resources that can be introduced in specific situations to achieve optimal outcomes. Each week, students are required to write a reflective narrative that addresses their progress towards meeting the course competencies or objectives.
In their journal entries, students should reflect on the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout the course. This can include discussing specific lessons or concepts that stood out to them, reflecting on how these new learnings have influenced their professional practice, and identifying any challenges they have encountered along the way. By reflecting on their experience, students can gain a deeper understanding of their own development and make connections between theory and practice.
The reflective journal entries should address the following areas:
1. Integration of leadership and inquiry: Students should reflect on how they have integrated leadership principles and inquiry into their professional practice. This can include discussing any leadership strategies they have implemented, any research they have conducted, and any changes they have made to their approach based on their findings. By examining their own leadership and inquiry skills, students can identify areas for growth and improvement.
2. Personal strengths and weaknesses: Students should reflect on their own personal strengths and weaknesses as they relate to the course competencies or objectives. This could involve discussing areas where they feel confident and competent, as well as areas where they feel they need further development. By identifying their strengths and weaknesses, students can develop a plan for continued growth and enhancement.
3. Additional resources: Students should explore additional resources that could be introduced in specific situations to achieve optimal outcomes. This can include identifying books, articles, or professional organizations that provide valuable information or support in their field. By seeking out additional resources, students can enhance their knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest research and practices.
In the final, graded submission in Topic 10, students should address each of these areas as part of their summary submission. While APA style is not required for the body of the assignment, students should still adhere to the principles of solid academic writing. This includes using proper grammar and punctuation, as well as providing well-reasoned arguments and supporting evidence.
In terms of the assessment rubric, students should review it prior to beginning the assignment to ensure they understand the expectations for successful completion. The rubric will outline the specific criteria that will be used to evaluate their reflective journal entries. Students should refer to the rubric throughout the writing process to ensure they are meeting the required standards.
It is important to note that this assignment does not need to be submitted to LopesWrite, the plagiarism detection tool used by the institution. However, students should still strive for originality and integrity in their work. They should cite any external sources they use, including the APA Style Guide for in-text citations and references.
Overall, this reflective journal assignment is designed to help students integrate their learning and growth into their professional practice. By reflecting on their experience, students can identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for continued development. Through this process, students can enhance their leadership and inquiry skills and achieve optimal outcomes in their field.
