FOR kim woods

1. Make sure to properly format your paper in APA format. As this is a 400-level course, there should be few if any formatting errors to earn a high grade. I’ve seen a variety of formats. If you have any questions about how to format your paper, please see the attached sample paper.  Just a few common errors noted thus far:

1. APA requires a separate title page. I’ve seen several different types of paper formats, but many appear to be MLA format, not APA format.

2. APA requires a Reference Page titled “References.”  Again, I’ve seen a variety of formats, but many have a title of either Sources or Bibliography.

3. Any reference used should be noted via an in-text citation. This includes direct quotes and any paraphrases used. In-text citations should include the author’s last name, date of the reference, and page number if it is a direct quote.  IMPORTANT NOTE: Failure to not include an in-text citation is considered plagiarism.

4. Avoid the use of urls either in the body of your paper or on the Reference page to denote a reference. The attached samples will provide guidance on how to format references.

5. All work in APA should be double spaced, including the Reference Page.

2. Use current, relevant, and scholarly references. Avoid just browsing the Internet and use the variety of sources that are found in the PSU Library. While peer-reviewed sources are preferred, they are not required as long as the references used are credible.

3. For these shorter papers, no abstract or table of contents is required.

4. Make sure to include an intro, body, and a conclusion for each paper.

5. Your intro should include a thesis/purpose statement and should also preview your key talking points.

6. Consider the use of topic headings to help organize your paper. Your topic headings should align with your key talking points from your intro.

7. Typically, research papers should be written in third person. However, as these papers are highly reflective, the use of first person works just fine. However, just be consistent. Do avoid the use of second person. 

8. Avoid the use of personal opinion unless it is supported by research and specific examples.

9. Support all personal examples and reflections with course content, in-text citations, and references. Consider the following approach when including references:

First, state your point. Second, support your point with the use of an in-text citation. Third, fully develop your point with the use of 2-4 additional sentences including the use of a specific example.

Previously Posted Suggestions for Your Papers

10. Your discussion should reflect on specific examples from your workplace, community setting, or a prior job.  Consider evaluating the practices identified in the course and how they have shaped your own leadership style or approach.  If you are not currently in a leadership position, how would you apply these concepts?  It’s perfectly fine to reflect on leaders that you know or have worked with, but the focus should be on your own application.

11. Why do the practices discussed from the class matter?

12. Why are they so successful (according to the data and authors)?

13. Your discussion should reflect on specific examples from your workplace, community setting, or a prior job. Consider evaluating the practices identified in the course and how they have shaped your own leadership style or approach.  If you are not currently in a leadership position, how would you apply these concepts?  It’s perfectly fine to reflect on leaders that you know or have worked with, but the focus should be on your own application. How have you seen, used, or not used them?

14. Use your critical thinking lens to dissect the relevant practices and then interpret them through your own actions.