Two Forms of Reflective Writing: Term Paper and/or Weekly Online Seminar

 

Part of a good cooperative education experience comes from the student's reflection at what he/she has learned and how classroom skills and knowledge are applied in real work settings. At SVC, each student submits their reflection via writing assignments such as the Mid-Term Paper, the Final Analytical Paper and the Weekly Online Seminar.

 

Mid-Term Paper:

 

Those students choosing the 50-hours/credit option OR who are doing a second quarter of Co-op Ed under the 30 hours/credit option (and have already completed the online seminar at once before) must write a Mid-Term Paper. This is a college-level paper and the format should follow standard APA style. A MS Word template for the paper is provided on the Cooperative Education web site under Forms & Syllabus. Most Mid-Term papers are about two pages in length but students should be sure to cover all areas described in the content section of the grading rubric. Each paper should contain the items listed in the Content section of the grading rubric shown below:

 

Content	Comments	Score
The student clearly describes their duties and responsibilities as an employee.
The student indicates new skills that are being learned or cites current skills that are being exercised by this Co-op placement.
The student clearly indicates what level of progress has been made toward accomplishing their Learning Objectives.
The student describes any insight gained regarding workplace issues such as, communication, conflict resolution, management styles, dealing with co-workers, safety and workplace ethics.
The student provides an example of the application of classroom learning in the workplace environment..
The content fulfills all the requirements of the assignment.
	Content Points
Format	Comments	Score
The assignment is formatted according to the specifications given in the Co-op Ed syllabus and provided template. (APA)
Organization of the writing assignment is clear and easy to follow.  It contains an introduction, main body and conclusion.
The spelling, punctuation, and grammar on the writing assignment are accurate.
The assignment is typed and turned in on time to the Co-op Coordinator.
	Technical/Format Points
	Total Score

 

This rubric is used for grading the Content and Format of the Mid-Term Paper: Each category in the rubric is scored as follows: Not present = 0 points; Present, but incomplete = 1 point; Complete = 2 points. A maximum of 20 points is possible for the term paper.

 

 

Final Analytical Paper:

 

Students in Co-op Ed will submit a final analytical paper that explains how they applied classroom learning to complete tasks required at a work site. The Final Analytical Paper will be submitted as a college-level paper in standard APA format. Be sure to respond completely to the areas indicated in the content section fo the grading rubric.

 

Content	Comments	Score
The assignment clearly re-states the Learning Objectives
The content clearly demonstrates the student's reflection and analysis of their Co-op Ed experience.
All Learning Objectives were accomplished or replaced with revised or updated objectives.
Student provides self-rating of skill level for each objective.
The student demonstrates an understanding of the purpose and concept of Cooperative Education.
The content fulfills all the requirements of the assignment.
	Content Points
Format
The assignment is formatted according to the specifications given in the Co-op Ed syllabus and provided template. (APA)
Organization of the writing assignment is clear and easy to follow.  It contains an introduction, main body and conclusion.
The spelling, punctuation, and grammar on the writing assignment are accurate.
The assignment is typed and turned in on time to the Co-op Coordinator.
	Technical/Format Points

                                                                                                Total Score _______

 

The rubric is used for grading the Content and Format of the Final Summary Paper: Each category in the rubric will be scored as follows: Not Present = 0 points; Present, but incomplete =1 point; Complete = 2 points. A maximum of 20 points is possible.

 

Term Papers may be dropped off at the Co-op Coordinator's office, mailed, e-mailed as a Word document or FAX. Send all email to James.Jolly@skagit.edu.

 

Weekly Online Seminar:

 

Students opting for the 30 hours/credit option can choose to participate in the Online Seminar instead of submitting a Mid-Term Paper. The Summer Quarter seminar begins on June 29, 2007 and runs for five weeks until August 3rd. To participate, students should login to the SVC Blackboard Learning System and click on the Co-op Ed course in the "My Courses" window. Each Friday during the seminar, the Co-op Ed Coordinator will post a general workplace discussion question. Students are expected to respond to the question and to interact with other students participating in the seminar. Specific directions about how to "post" your response are on the Blackboard site.