Assignment Purpose & Objectives:

This assignment is designed to provide opportunities for you to reflect on what you have learned through class sessions, the course text, and your experiences as a parent via either the MyVirtualChild simulation. Upon completing this assignment you should be able to:

(a) Analyze and synthesize at least 2 theoretical perspectives or concepts on development

(b) Make explicit connections between theory-to-practice regarding concepts in development

(c) Practice ways to apply developmental theories/concepts to the world of parenting/raising children

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION

In a 4-5 page single-spaced document, succinctly and clearly reflect on your experiences parenting your "virtual child." Be sure to make references to course concepts whenever appropriate.

Section I - What Went Right/Wrong? (Approximately 1-2 pages)

Reflect on your child's experiences growing up. Describe in detail one thing that you believe positively influenced AND one thing that negatively influenced your child's development as they were growing up. In your role as a parent and/or an informed professional in the field of child & adolescent development, be sure to use appropriate terminology & concepts of development in your description about these experiences (and the impact of these experiences) on your child's learning & development. A strong paper will incorporate theoretical perspectives and concepts which are directly applicable to the specific experience. In addition, a strong paper will illustrate that the author has a strong command/understanding of specific relevant concepts of child & adolescent development.

Section II - What would you do differently? (Approximately 2 pages)

Reflect on the choices you made as a parent? Which decisions were most challenging for you? What stage(s) of your child(ren)'s development was the most challenging? What stage(s) was the easiest? Why? What decisions, if any, would you do differently now that you have finished the simulation? What areas of child and adolescent development do you want to learn more about given your experience as a virtual parent?

Section III - Advice & Informed Suggestions (Approximately 2 pages)

Reflect on your overall experiences in this class including your experiences as a virtual parent/parent. What have you gained from this semester experience learning about the physical, social, and cognitive development of children & adolescents? In terms of your personal & professional life, in what ways has this impacted you? In what ways do you feel you will be able to use what you have learned/gained? In what ways do you expect you will use content gained from the course? A strong paper will provide in-depth, meaningful ways the course content is relevant to one's personal & professional life.