Reflection Journal Instructions
Reflection Journal #1:
For your first journal, please discuss the following in 200 words or less. To submit, please use
the Assignments link on eClass.
Please discuss a topic that piqued your interest in the lecture titled ‘Introduction to
the study of adolescent development’
DUE DATE
Journal 1 (Due September 20 th at 11:55pm)
GRADING
The purpose of these journals is for you to think about course concepts and to apply them
meaningfully to your own life experiences or to the experiences of others that you have
observed. I’m looking for how you articulate the concepts that you have reviewed in lecture,
how you articulate your personal experiences or observed experiences, as well as how you
connect these elements. Entries will be assessed on an excellent (1), pass (.5), and fail (0) basis.
Grading rubric:
Excellent (100%) Pass (50%) Fail (0%)
-Excellent articulation of
concepts within the Introduction
to the study of adolescent
development lecture
– Excellent articulation of
personal experiences or observed
experiences
– Strong connections are made
between the Introduction to the
study of adolescent development
lecture and life experiences
– Satisfactory articulation of
concepts within the Introduction to
the study of adolescent
development lecture
– Satisfactory articulation of
personal experiences or observed
experiences
– Satisfactory connections are
made between the Introduction to
the study of adolescent
development lecture and life
experiences
– Inadequate articulation of concepts
within the Introduction to the study of
adolescent development lecture
– Inadequate articulation of personal
experiences or observed experiences
– Inadequate connections are made
between the Introduction to the study
of adolescent development lecture
and life experiences
Example of a different topic and journal that would receive 100%:
Journal example:
One topic that was discussed in lecture is the increase in conflict that often occurs between adolescents and caregivers. Interestingly, this
distancing also takes place among non-human species including monkeys and apes. I experienced a similar distancing in my adolescent years in
which I increasingly yearned for greater independence. This yearning for independence led to conflict with my family since they still viewed me
as needing supervision. This conflict resulted in an increase in stress for myself and for my caregivers. I believe that a stronger education about
what I would be experiencing throughout puberty as well as ways that I could psychologically cope in a healthy way would have been useful. An
educational curriculum with a stronger focus on mental health may have been an important support for me in navigating my adolescent years.
This may have led to more open and respectful communication with my caregivers throughout my adolescent years may have led to a decrease
in stress for everyone involved…
