1. Explain how this period and related educational experiences prepared
you
Personal reflectionThis assignment is a personal reflection and an educational analysis of an
important developmental and socialization experience. The paper should be 3- 4 pages. 12-
size font, double-spaced. For the paper, you can use bullets, a formal outline, or write your
thoughts using complete sentences and paragraphs. Make sure the paper demonstrates that
you put in the time and effort expected: personal reflections, critical thinking, creativity, and
relevant references. Review the paper details including the requirements noted below. Do
your best to address all the areas outlined for the draft. Consider using the attached
template (you can remove the heading and insert your information).Identify one of the
following periods in your academic journey that you would like to reflect on and discuss
using a sociology of education perspective: Elementary School. State why you selected this
period. Describe the context of the school. In addition to a sociology of education
perspective, you can also include a perspective from psychology, ethnic studies, or another
appropriate social science.Select two theories or concepts (or one theory and concept) from
sociology, psychology, or education (or another related area) to analyze your academic
journey. Discuss the main points of the theories or concepts and note why you feel they are
relevant to your experience. Clearly state the theories or concepts you decide to use up
front in your paper. Note the name of the recognized researcher/scholar who advanced the
theories or concepts. Use the theories or concepts presented in this course—from the
readings, reports, the professor’s lecture notes, etc. You can use applicable concepts and
theories you’ve learned in other courses or from your own research.• In telling your
educational story, use the theories or concepts to highlight the factors that promoted or
hindered your development personally, socially, and academically. Address all three areas.
You can talk about the promotion aspects and hindrances (or either one). Specifically,
discuss: the influential people (parents, siblings, peers, teachers, role models, etc.);
impactful programs (course curriculums, other academic enrichment, sports, community
service, faith-based endeavors, ethnic cultural activities, etc.); memorable places
(classrooms, labs, libraries, recreation fields, home environments, community spaces, etc.);
and significant psychosocial dynamics (mindsets, feelings, and behaviors resulting from the
interrelation of mental states, emotional well-being, social factors, etc.).Explain how this
period and related educational experiences prepared you for the subsequent educational
phase in your life (the educational level immediately following the one you selected to

2. analyze).Point out ways in which this period and related educational experiences shaped
you as a student, placed you on an academic path, and account for what you have achieved
thus far in your scholastic life.Conclude your academic journey by delineating both the
theoretical and practical takeaways. In discussing the former, keep in mind a perspective
from sociology, psychology, or another relevant theoretical perspective and speak to a
scholarly and research-oriented community. For the latter, keep in mind your real-world
experience and speak to students and practitioners who are seeking pragmatic advice.
Identify at least two takeaways under each area.In the paper, reference at least two sources
and cite accordingly MLA,). One of the sources should be from an empirical, research-based
journal, book chapter, or report of some sort. You can use course materials as part of your
references, including the professor’s lecture slides.Structure your paper in the following
manner: Title your paper “An Analysis of My Educational Journey.” Or, come up with your
own descriptive and catchy title. Include commonly used essay sections, such as an
introduction, body, conclusion, and references.Use headings and sub-headings to clearly
identify the key areas of your paper (most of the underlined/bolded areas noted in the first
six bullets above).