Journal

PSY 638 Journal Guidelines and Rubric

Overview: Journal activities in this course are private between you and the instructor. Each journal entry will be graded individually. Journal activities are designed to help you make meaningful connections between the course content and the larger goals of this course. These journals are meant to offer you a more real-world glimpse into developmental psychology as well as the opportunity to put your critical-thinking skills to work by expressing your thoughts in response to the journal prompts. Approach these activities as (a) an opportunity to reflect upon and apply what you learn each week based on the assigned readings, discussions, and activities, and (b) an opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise based on your educational and professional experiences in the past. As a successful professional, you will need good reflective and writing skills. Journal activities offer you the opportunity to further develop these skills. Review this tutorial for information on creating a Blackboard journal entry. Guidelines for Submission: Your journal entry must be 750–800 words with at least three sources cited in APA format. Instructor Feedback: This activity uses an integrated rubric in Blackboard. Students can view instructor feedback in the Grade Center. For more information, review these instructions.

Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (90%) Needs Improvement (70%) Not Evident (0%) Value

Developmental Psychology Concepts

Meets “Proficient” criteria and uses scholarly research to support ideas

Discusses the developmental psychology concept and includes an accurate and detailed explanation of the key aspects of the topic

Discusses the developmental psychology concept but lacks details pertaining to the key aspects of the topic

Does not discuss the developmental psychology concept

40

Reflection Meets “Proficient” criteria and uses concrete examples to make connections

Journal entry includes a personal reflection that makes connections to current or future practice

Journal entry includes a reflection but lacks details or connections to current/future practice

Does not include reflection

40

Articulation of Response

Journal entry is free of errors in organization and grammar

Journal entry is mostly free of errors of organization and grammar; any errors are marginal and rarely interrupt the flow

Journal entries contain errors of organization and grammar but are limited enough so that entries can be understood

Journal entry contains errors of organization and grammar that make the journal difficult to understand

20

Earned Total 100%