Assignment: Past vs. Future Reflection
Purpose
This semester in EDPS 105 will be a journey – a journey to learn more about academic opportunities at
Purdue, the world of work beyond college, and most importantly yourself. We are all starting somewhere
along this journey. Some of you may be further along in the decision-making process than others; many
of you may not even know where to begin. Where are YOU starting? Think about and fully answer one of
the two reflection prompts below:
Prompt #1: Reflect on your PAST
1. Our past can often give us important clues about the future. What were your childhood dreams about
future careers? How have they evolved over time? Why are they important to you now?
2.
Since you’ve chosen to start your journey at Purdue in Exploratory Studies, how will you make good
use of your time with us this semester? What information do you need to help you explore this
semester? (Even if you are sure of the major you wish to pursue, you can still learn more about yourself, the
classes you will take, the working world, and/or opportunities at Purdue.) Explain and give examples.
Prompt #2: Reflect on your FUTURE
1. College is an important chapter in your life. You’re now standing at a metaphorical crossroads. What
do the signs pointing in any direction say? Which road will you venture down first? And why?
2.
Since you’ve chosen to start your journey at Purdue in Exploratory Studies, how will you make good
use of your time with us this semester? What information do you need to help you explore this
semester? (Even if you are sure of the major you wish to pursue, you can still learn more about yourself, the
classes you will take, the working world, and/or opportunities at Purdue.) Explain and give examples.
Format
Your final paper must be formatted as follows to earn full credit:
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Read the two reflection prompts above. Select ONE to write your paper. Note that each prompt
has two questions, and each question has several parts. Remember to answer ALL parts!
Respond to the questions using complete, coherent sentences; however, you do not need to
weave your answers into an essay. Instead, provide a numbered list of your responses so it’s clear
you answered each question.
Do NOT include the text of the questions themselves in your numbered responses.
The paper itself must be typed, double-spaced, with 12-point font and 1-inch margins. It should
be at least one page, but answering the questions fully is more important than length.
Remember what we practiced about reflective writing in Class 2. This is your chance to
demonstrate to your instructor that you know how to do it (and that you know where to submit
this assignment online!).
The final essay is worth 25 points and is due via Brightspace (in the Assignments section) BEFORE the
start of Class 3. Remember: Pay attention to the grading rubric, just like you practiced in class. See the
chart on the next page for the breakdown of points.
Past vs. Future Reflection Grading Rubric
Quality of
Reflection
Unacceptable
0 – 16 points
Three or more
items from
"excellent" list
are omitted or
not answered
fully.
Fair
17 – 19 points
Two items
from
"excellent" list
are omitted or
not answered
fully.
Good
20 – 22 points
One item from
"excellent" list
is omitted or
not answered
fully.
For example:
student agrees
they still need a
lot of
information
before they can
make a decision,
but does not
elaborate on
what that
information
would entail.
Excellent
23 – 25 points
All required elements are present:
 All questions (and the parts of
each question) are answered
thoroughly.
 All responses are written in
complete sentences.
 Reflective statements go beyond
simply answering the questions
provided.
 Reflection has strong clarity and
depth. Offers insight and
conscious understanding by
applying what has been learned
in class.
 Reflection shows evidence that
this assignment was meaningful
to the student.
 Writing well organized and
without significant error.
 All formatting instructions have
been followed, including
submitting to Brightspace
correctly.