Social Work and Human Services
20Assignment 1: Personal Paradigm or Worldview Assignment The assignment needs to be posted on Assignment 1 Blackboard prior to Saturday, February 6, 10 p.m. Session 4.
Each student brings to this course a unique way of viewing the world. That worldview will influence the student’s integration of the content from this course and the development of a beginning theory-based framework for professional practice. The first assignment will allow the student to explore this personal worldview and the implications of the student’s worldview to professional practice.
A personal paradigm or worldview is a statement about how each individual considers people and the environment in which he or she lives. A personal paradigm or worldview is a composite of values – ideas about how things should be, and theories – explanations about why things are the way they are. It is important to understand one’s own personal paradigm because it influences all future learning and shapes how you practice. Therefore, self-awareness is an important element of this assignment.
Write a 5 page paper in APA format that is a statement of your values and world view. You will post your assignment on the designated Discussion Board created in Session 4 labeled “Assignment 1” and attach your paper as a Word document. Address the following questions:
? What values are most important to you?
? Where did these values come from? Parents? Life experience? Peers? Mentors?
? How have these values influenced your life in other ways? Give examples.
? What attitudes, beliefs, or knowledge do you use to explain the world and human
behavior? What do you believe are the causes of individual and/or societal problems?
? What is your perspective about change?
? How do you want to make a difference as a professional?
? How have the lenses of privilege and of oppression influenced your life?
Criteria for grading include:
? Level of self awareness – you are able to demonstrate a heightened level of
consciousness in identifying and discussing the implications of key values, beliefs and perspectives.
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? Evidence – you demonstrate an ability to address the above questions with supporting examples from your life experiences (e.g. how was a particular value introduced to you, what activities/actions of yourself or others impressed upon you particular beliefs, etc.).
? Connectedness – Your presentation illustrates coherence between the personal paradigm and the experiences that informed the paradigm.
? Meaningfulness – The paradigm demonstrates a sense of purpose and intent, integrating the values, beliefs and knowledge that inform you with professional practice.
? Organization and quality of writing – the paper presents the paradigm in an organized format without errors in spelling, grammar, etc.
Please see grading rubric on page 13 of this syllabus for more details regarding Assignment 1 expectations.
