PSY 201 INTEGRATIVE LEARNING PROJECT Formatting The formatting for the paper por

PSY 201 INTEGRATIVE LEARNING PROJECT
Formatting
The formatting for the paper portion of this project should be:
• All written assignments must be in electronic format and word processed
• a standard 12-point font
• 1 inch margins
• numbered pages
• Proper Citation: Cite reference resources with proper formatting
• Reminder: Any paper that clearly has not been checked for spelling and grammar will have 10 points deducted for this oversight.
Please remember to keep a copy (hardcopy or electronic) of any written assignment you turn in.
Special Note: No specific format (e.g., APA, MLA) is required, but be sure to cite your sources when necessary.
Project Instructions
• Create a resource to illustrate a psychological science and how we can apply it to change lives in positive ways.
Overview
This project consists of two parts. You will:
A) create an infographic, 3-4-minute video, pamphlet or other instructor-approved resource that illustrates a psychological concept, theory of phenomenon and how applying it can change our lives in positive ways; and
B) write a reflection on your experience and skill development related to the planning and production of your project.
Purpose
During the course of your study of psychology, it is important for you to consider how you can apply what you have learned to your life, work, and efforts toward your professional and personal goals. It is also important to reflect on ways that you can utilize your knowledge to benefit the broader community and on what you have learned from this experience. Thus, I am asking you to identify and research a specific topic in psychology and to create a resource to demonstrate to others how this information can be used to change lives in positive ways.
For example, you might create a video on how students can use psychological science to be more successful as first-year college students using stress management and wellness (Chapter 14) and effective study strategies (Chapter 7) or create an infographic on applying psychological science to reduce the negative effects of the unique stressors faced by religious minorities in the United States or to reduce the health effects of being the target of discrimination (Chapter 13 and Chapter 14).
This project is a unique opportunity to link what you are learning in PSY 201 to your interests and career goals. A student who is interested in nursing might create a pamphlet on how psychological science can be used to encourage childhood vaccinations whereas a student who is interested in neuroscience or sport and exercise science might create an infographic or video on limiting brain damage from sports-related head injuries (Chapter 3).
Your primary goal should be to raise awareness and educate others who are not familiar with your topic (a naïve audience) and show how they can use the information to improve the human condition. Be sure to choose something that really interests you or is a passion of yours! This means that you will enjoy the project more and the likely outcome will be better performance and a quality resource that you might use to meet some of your academic, personal, or professional goals. (Note. You are not required to share the resource with anyone but your instructor.)
Where do I start?
Part A: Create a Resource to Illustrate and Apply Psychology
• Choose a specific topic (e.g., relationship violence, Alzheimer’s prevention) in psychology that interests you and immerse yourself in studying that area. Learn as much as you can. Become an expert. Research your topic. Don’t forget to use your textbook!
• Identify organizations or individuals in the local community (e.g., Sistercare, a co-worker, Department of Education) that can provide guidance on your topic and need to raise awareness and/or materials that you might develop to educate others on how to apply this knowledge to improve the human condition. Please contact your instructor for guidance or suggestions as needed.
• Contact 1 – 2 of the organizations that you identified.
o Introduce yourself and explain why you are contacting them. Briefly describe the course project.
o Request their input and suggestions on a resource that you can create to educate others and raise awareness of your topic. If they don’t think that they can help, politely request that they suggest someone that they think could help you. And, always thank the person(s).
o Take notes during your conversation or keep records of your communication.
o Based on the information you collect, determine the next steps required to decide what type of resource you will produce (e.g., infographic, educational video clip) and the content you will include.
o Special Note: Be sure that you use professional communication (i.e., be respectful, use appropriate language, identify yourself and your purpose, say thank you) either in person, over the phone, or in writing! See me in advance if you would like guidance on communicating with organization staff or have any questions about professional communication.
• Create your resource. Be creative! Think about who your audience (e.g., other students, parents) will be and what kind of product will best communicate your message (e.g., infographic, video). And, check to be sure that your resource is clear, engaging, accurate, educational, and free of errors (including spelling or grammatical errors).
o Special Note: You can’t include everything. Include the content that you think is MOST important!
PART B: Written Reflection and Skills Assessment
• Write a 1-page summary of your experience researching your topic, working with others, and creating your resource.
• Be sure to include:
1. the people and/or organization(s) that you worked with
2. the significance of your topic and project
3. your reflections on what you learned
4. the impact this project has had on your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and skills. Use The Skillful Psychology Student handout to think about the skills you developed through this project and be sure to reflect on at least one of these in your paper.
• Focus on the MOST important things that you learned or observed.
Assignment Submission
Submit BOTH your resource to educate (e.g., infographic, video link, pamphlet) and your 1-page reflection electronically via the Dropbox in D2L.
Remember: Review the Integrative Learning Project Rubric before you submit your final work.