****Journal Prompt Series 1 – Just Connect*** Consider one (or more) of the foll

****Journal Prompt Series 1 – Just Connect***
Consider one (or more) of the following and a thoughtful 2-3 paragraph journal prompt response, complete this assignment to be uploaded as “evidence” in the E-Portfolio Assignment – Just Connect.
“Who you’re connected to is very important because that connection can lead to you being innovative or becoming complacent.”
― Germany Kent
“We are not meant to live in isolation. Not in nuclear families or bubbled existence. The richness of life is found in community, in cooperation, in becoming a part of a greater whole. Expand your bubble, drop your shield. Invite love in. Do not attempt to do it alone.”
― Jeanette LeBlanc
“After all, there are those people we like and dislike, there are those people we love, and then there are those we recognize. These are the unbreakable connections.”
― Abigail Thomas
That is topic 1 for the first page long essay.
***Journal Prompt Series 2 – Be Adaptable***
Consider one (or more) of the following and a thoughtful 2-3 paragraph journal prompt response, complete this assignment and submit – it can also be uploaded as “evidence” in the E-Portfolio Assignment – Reflection #2 – Be Adaptable, due for submission on Monday, September 18 (Class 6) by 1:00 pm.
“Adaptability to change is itself a hallmark of successful education.” Peter Hilton
“Adaptability enforces creativity, and creativity is adaptability.” Pearl Zhu
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” Charles Darwin
That is topic 2 for the one page essay
***Journal entry Prompt 3***
The big idea
When it comes to academic success for college students, having a sense of purpose and gratitude makes a significant difference. That’s what I found in a peer-reviewed studyLinks to an external site. published in June 2022 in the Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice.
For the study, I analyzed answers provided by 295 undergraduates to questions about whether they did better academically if they had a sense of purpose and gratitude during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I wondered if students were more likely to be academically engaged – and less likely to suffer academic burnout – if they had a strong sense of purpose. I specifically asked about three types of purpose: self-growth, others-growth and career-focused purpose orientations. I also wanted to know if being grateful for positive experiences made a difference.
I defined academic engagement as a motivational mindset that is characterized by students’ enthusiasm for school-related activities. I also looked at three types of academic burnout: devaluation of schoolwork, reduced sense of accomplishment and mental exhaustion.
I found that only one type of purpose was directly relevant to engagement and burnout – career-focused purpose. When undergraduate students connect their life purpose with career aspirations, they tend to be engaged in their academic studies. They are also less likely to devalue their schoolwork or feel unaccomplished in their studies.
I also found that gratitude was just as important. These findings suggest that the more grateful undergraduate students feel, the more they are engaged in their academic work and the more they feel accomplished and value schoolwork.
Why it matters
This study adds to a growing bodyLinks to an external site. of researchLinks to an external site. that suggests having a deep senseLinks to an external site. of life purposeLinks to an external site. is important for people’s well-beingLinks to an external site., successLinks to an external site. and ability to cope with challenging life situations.
My study suggests that university advisers and faculty should recognize the role that sense of purpose plays for student success. They should also engage in practices that foster students’ sense of life purpose. For example, faculty members can use assignments to encourage students to reflect on their life purpose and connect it with their future career aspirations.
Fostering gratitude is also important. This is because gratitude is also associated with greater academic engagement and less burnout among undergraduate students. My study also suggests that it benefits students if they are given opportunities to reflect on things in life for which they are grateful. Such opportunities can be incorporated into first-year experience courses or incoming student orientations.
The Questions to Ponder: Please consider – and respond to, in writing – your thoughts on Professor Yukhymenko’s questions below –
What still isn’t known
Since this study was conducted when participants had few, if any, opportunities to help others due to COVID19 restrictions, I wonder if others-growth and self-growth types of purpose will be more relevant to academic success once these restrictions are eased. When there are more opportunities, should students involve themselves with activities – in the classroom and in their community – that support their personal growth while they develop career-based skills and abilities?
I also wonder whether classroom activities aimed at connecting life purpose(s) with students’ future careers will lead to higher graduation rates. What do you think – and why?
This is the last journal entry 1 page essay format based off the information provided.