For the final unit in the capstone, you will write a reflective essay. Reflective writing consists of two main components a description and a reflection.
Reflective writing helps you examine why you think the way you do and provides a personal learning experience. You will want to include the following items listed below in your essay.
Include a brief introduction/background that discusses your academic experience prior to the capstone. Did these experiences prepare you for the capstone work? (I’ve taken these courses: Health Behavior, Law and Ethics in Public Health, Managing Project Teams, Current Issues in Leadership, and Research Methods. Use these as Academic Experiences.)
How did your past academic work relate (both directly and indirectly) to the capstone? Reflect on what you have learned in the program as a whole, and apply two to three learning experiences related to:
public health policy and management,
problem-solving in public health, and
public health administration.
Identify the learning experiences from at least two different courses, and explain how your prior learning guided your capstone work. (IMPROVISE PLEASE).
Did the capstone meet, exceed, or not meet your expectations? (IT DID MEET MY EXPECTATIONS)
Did any of the capstone work change your assumptions, values, attitudes, or beliefs on any subject matter? If so, identify the topics, and explain why you think you experienced a change. (NO IT DID NOT BUT WRITE A SENTENCE OR TWO ON WHY)
What insights has the capstone course provided you regarding future areas of research still needed in public health? (IMPROVISE PLEASE)
It is important to understand that reflective writing is not a simple descriptive essay. Rather, it is an opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking skills and to create meaning from abstract concepts. These are essential skills you should have acquired during your graduate training.
Your essay should be at least four pages in length. If outside sources are used, please adhere to APA Style when creating citations and references for this assignment. APA formatting, however, is not necessary.