THE THESIS STATEMENT: "ADULT LEARNERS SHOULD SECURE MENTORS IN ORDER TO FURTHER THEIR EDUCATIONAL, PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS.Reflections on Growth in Modules 1 through 4Attached Files: Reflecti
“Reflections on Growth in Modules 1 through 4” essay (Due in Module 4)
In Module 4, your task is to write a 3- to 4-page essay (excluding references) that follows this outline:
Introduction (1 paragraph)
Provide a brief opening statement about what you will address in the essay by stating the thesis or purpose followed by topics to be addressed. Begin with a hook to draw in your reader.
Reflections on Self as a Developing Learner (4 paragraphs)
You have been exposed to several theories, concepts, frameworks, and strategies in the first four modules, many of which are listed below. Select three of these topics and discuss what each means to you. How does the theory, concept, framework, or strategy work for you as a developing learner? In keeping with the title of this essay, focus on how you have grown or changed. Select three of these topics and discuss one topic per paragraph.
Gibbons’ Self-Directed Learning Survey
Lewin’s theories of Force Field Analysis or Unfreezing-Changing-Refreezing (select one)
Covey (any concepts or strategies)
Wirth and Perkins’ table delineating various behavioral dimensions of outstanding versus average students
Fishbein and Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (apply it to yourself)
Bandura’s theories on what self-efficacy is and how it is developed
Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives—Cognitive Domain
Conclude with one paragraph in which you describe your self-awareness and self-efficacy as a learner at the midpoint of the course.
Reflections on Self as a Developing Researcher (3 paragraphs total)
Possible prompts: What are you learning about conducting research? What databases are you using in your search? Were your keywords effective? If not, how did you reframe your search? In what ways is the “Keyword Worksheet” helpful? Describe the process you used to decide if a paper or web site warranted further scrutiny to determine if it should be used as a source. For example, did you use the “Thinking Critically About Sources” resource for more than one source? Did the Claim-Reasons-Evidence format of the “Outline with Annotated Sources” assignment help you to have a plan for how to organize your research paper? How would you describe your level of confidence as a researcher? In keeping with the title of this essay, focus on how you have grown or changed. Select two of these topics and discuss one topic per paragraph.
Conclude with one paragraph in which you describe your self-awareness and self-efficacy as a researcher at the midpoint of the course.
Reflections on Self as a Developing Writer (3 paragraphs total)
Possible prompts: What feedback did the Smarthinking tutor provide regarding this Essay? Have you applied that feedback to the essay? What is the type and amount of feedback you are receiving on your other written assignments (such as discussions and application assignments)? Have you seen progress? Please elaborate. What are your writing goals? How would you describe your level of confidence as a writer? In keeping with the title of this essay, focus on how you have grown or changed. Select two of these topics and discuss one topic per paragraph.
Conclude with one paragraph in which you describe your self-awareness and self-efficacy as a writer at the midpoint of the course.
Conclusion (1 paragraph)
Provide a concluding statement that summarizes what you covered in the essay. As a matter of good writing, try to circle back to something you mentioned in the introduction.
References
Provide a list of references using APA style.
Main body support paragraphs should be well-developed with a topic statement and support sentences. Stick to one main idea or theme per paragraph. References to theorists should have in-text citations and a list of References.
You will submit the “Reflections on Growth in Modules 1 through 4” essay in two places:
By Thursday of Module 4: Submit the essay to the Essay Center in Smarthinking. Please include the assignment instructions when you submit your essay to Smarthinking. This way the tutor knows what you were asked to do. Save the feedback you receive from the tutor, and be sure to apply the feedback to the essay that you submit for grading.
By Sunday of Module 4: (1) Incorporating feedback received from the Smarthinking tutor, submit the essay for the professor to grade. (2) Attach the feedback received from the Smarthinking tutor as part of your submission. (3) Use the assignment submission link provided in Module 4.
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