Assessment Type Position Paper: Personal Professional Integrated Approach to Counselling
Assessment 2
Assessment Type Position Paper: Personal Professional Integrated Approach to Counselling
Due Date Week 11, Monday at 4.00pm (AEST/AEDT)*
Learning Outcome d) Explore the relevance of the specific ingredients argument in psychotherapye) Reflect on ones own emerging approach to integrative practice
Weighting 50%
Length 2500 words (+ / - 10%)
*Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)/Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time (AEDT). Check yourtime zoneto ensure that you submit your assessment on time. If required, use atime zone converter.
Assessment Details and Instructions
Purpose:
The purpose of this assessment task is for students to draw upon the evidence collected in Assessment 1 Literature Review and write a position paper on the topic of your personal professional integrated approach to counselling by reflecting on the following question:
Who am I now, and who am I becoming as a counsellor?
The purpose of a position paper is to present an arguable point-of-view about an issue. In your position paper, your aim is to convince the audience that your argument is valid and defensible.
Process:
To present a valid argument, you need to ensure you have addressed all sides of a topic/issue in a way that the reader will understand. You need to demonstrate that you: have a thorough understanding of the topic; can support your argument with evidence from authoritative sources of literature; and able to refute any counterclaims (thus further demonstrating your understandings).
To answer this question logical steps you may follow are:
Review the various theoretical approaches that resonate with you -think about elements you particularly like about each therapy and why
Review the model of integration (technical eclecticism, assimilative integration, theoretical integration, and common factors) you use to integrate these in relation to their:
View of humanness (naturalistic (personality theory), determinism vs social constructivist & free will, transpersonal)
View of wellness and ill health (e.g., what enables health and wellbeing, what causes ill health, especially mental illness)
View of how behaviour change occurs (what is their natural default focus for the change process? e.g., cognition, emotions, behaviour, spiritual transformation, etc)
Cultural responsiveness and relevance
3. Reflect on your current understanding of your evolving approach to counselling what has influenced your default position?
4. Identify 'next steps' in developing your integrated perspective of Counselling
5. Evaluate what to be mindful of' going forwards with your emerging integrative model (challenges, risks & opportunities, limitations & strengths).
The following is a sample outline of how you can set out your position paper and what you will include.
Introduction (one paragraph):
There are three important parts to include your introduction:
An introduction to your topic;
Brief overview of the background information stating why it is important;
Your position statement which indicates your position on the topic.
Body paragraphs (several paragraphs):
The body paragraphs will contain:
Background information on your topic;
Supporting evidence, information and examples of your position;
A discussion of both sides of the position you have taken.
Remember that each paragraph must be limited to one topic / paragraph. Each paragraph illustrates a concept or element that clarifies a component of the position (both the argument/s for and counter argument/s).
In your discussion, remember to summarise the counter arguments to your position and provide supporting evidence for the claims. As you refute the counter arguments, give evidence for why (you are refuting these) using academic sources of literature.
The aim in this discussion is to convince your reader that although the counter arguments have merit, the arguments in support of your position are stronger than those that are against. Do not use emotive language, or feelings to counter the arguments, draw your justifications from academic sources of literature. It is also advised that you do not provide a surface list of all the counter claims. Instead, chose two or three counter claims and present them in-depth.
Conclusion:
In your conclusion:
You will restate your position. Carefully check that you have maintained the position through your paper and that the arguments for the position are not overshadowed by the counterclaims. If you are sensing that the counter arguments may be stronger, you may need to re-think your position.
You will include the next plan of action that can be taken in moving forward or possible solutions. Be careful not to introduce any new information here. This plan of action should be clear through your paper based on your position.
Additional Notes:
Support all claims/counterclaims using APA referencing (7th APA Edition).
Use effective transitions and linking devices:
Words to use when:
the relationship is similar: also, in the same way, too, likewise, similarly;
there is an exception/contrast: nonetheless, however, on the other hand, no the contrary;
there is a cause/effect: consequently, therefore, accordingly, so;
there is additional information: additionally, in addition, further, furthermore, moreover;
there is a conclusion drawn: thus, to summarise, therefore, in conclusion, in summary.
If you are finding it difficult to start your paper, you may not have done a sufficient initial survey of the literature to gain an understanding of the possible sides to a position on the topic.
Proofread your work and format your paper as per APA.
Marking Criteria
Standards
Criterion High Distinction Distinction Credit Pass Did Not Achieve Learning Outcomes
Content:
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in describing the background of the topic and taking a position on the topic.
10 marks Sophisticateddemonstration of knowledge and skills in:
Highly effectively describing the background to the topic;
Taking a clearly defined and defensible position on the topic. Comprehensivedemonstration of knowledge and skills in:
Effectively describing the background to the topic;
Taking a clearly defined position on the topic. Effectivedemonstration of knowledge and skills in:
Clearly describing the background to the topic;
Taking a position on the topic.
Either the background OR the position is broad and requires further refinement. Adequatedemonstration of knowledge and skills in:
Describing a broad background to the topic;
Takes a broad position on the topic.
The background AND the position is broad and requires further refinement for clarity and conciseness. Unsatisfactorydemonstration of knowledge and skills in:
The description of the background is vague or irrelevant to the topic;
The position on the topic is vague or irrelevant to the topic.
Application:
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in structuring the organisation and content of the position paper to address reflection on personal journey.
10 Marks
Sophisticateddemonstration of knowledge and skills in structuring the organisation and content of the position paper showcasing personal journey through the incorporation of highly relevant examples and relating them to the position taken. Comprehensivedemonstration of knowledge and skills in structuring the organisation and content of the position paper showcasing personal journey through the incorporation of relevant examples and relating them to the position taken. Effective demonstration of knowledge and skills in structuring the organisation and content of the position paper showcasing personal journey through the incorporation of some relevant examples and relating them to the position taken.
Some example used require further refinement or explanation to clearly link to the position chosen
Structure and organisation of position paper needs some refinement Adequate demonstration of knowledge and skills in structuring the organisation and content of the position paper showcasing personal journey.
Examples used need further development and is not always clearly linked to the position chosen.
Structure and organisation of position paper needs significant refinement Unsatisfactorydemonstration of knowledge and skills in structuring the organisation and content of the position paper showcasing personal journey.
Examples used not relevant to the chosen position.
Structure and organisation of paper does not reflect and support position chosen
Evidence:
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in defending the identified position through the incorporation of supporting evidence from subject materials and wider authoritative academic sources
10 marks
Sophisticateddemonstration of knowledge and skills in critically and clearly defending all of the arguments in support of the position through the incorporation of highly relevant and scholarly supporting evidence from subject materials and wider authoritative academic sources. Comprehensive demonstration of knowledge and skills in clearly defending the majority of the arguments in support of the position through the incorporation of scholarly supporting evidence from subject materials and wider authoritative academic sources. Effective demonstration of knowledge and skills in defending most of the arguments in support of the position through the incorporation of scholarly evidence.
At times, the arguments supporting the position need further refinement to illustrate understandings. Adequate demonstration of knowledge and skills in defending some of the arguments in support of the position through the incorporation of scholarly evidence.
The arguments are inconsistently supported with academic literature or are too vague. Unsatisfactory demonstration of knowledge and skills in defending the arguments in support of the position will insufficient / irrelevant supporting evidence.
Critical Evaluation:
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in critically examining and discussing the arguments and counter-arguments of the position using facts and inductive reasoning
10 marks Sophisticated demonstration of knowledge and skills in critically examining and discussing the highly pertinent arguments and counter-arguments of the position consistently using facts and effective inductive reasoning to a very high standard. Comprehensive demonstration of knowledge and skills in critically examining and discussing the pertinent arguments and counter-arguments of the position using facts and inductive reasoning to a high standard. Effective demonstration of knowledge and skills in discussing most of the arguments and counter-arguments of the position mostly using facts and sound inductive reasoning to a good standard.
At times, the arguments OR counter-arguments lack depth and require further refinement. Adequate demonstration of knowledge and skills in discussing the arguments and counter-arguments of the position sometimes using facts and sound inductive reasoning.
At times, the arguments AND counter-arguments lack depth and require further refinement. Unsatisfactory demonstration of knowledge and skills in discussing the arguments and counter-arguments of the position.
Academic literacies:
10 marks Written and presented to anexemplary academic standardi.e., diligent command and adherence to the specified genre; the communication is clear and logical.
No errorsin grammar, punctuation and or spelling.
No errorsin APA referencing and formatting.
Written and presented to ahigh academic standardi.e., strong command and adherence to the specified genre; the communication is logical.
Very few (<2) errorsor repeated errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling. Meaning is not impeded.
Very few (<2) errors minor repeated errorsin APA referencing and formatting Written and presented to asatisfactory standardi.e., mostly adheres to the specified genre with at least one minor error; the communication is mostly clear.
Few errors (<4)or repeated errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling. Meaning is mostly clear.
Few (<4) minor repeated and unique errorsin APA referencing and formatting. Written and presented to anadequate standardi.e., there is some adherence to the specified genre although more refinement is required; the communication is adequate.
Some errorsor repeated errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling. Meaning somewhat impeded.
Some errors (>4)in APA referencing and formatting. Written and presented to anunacceptable standardi.e., unsatisfactory adherence to the specified genre; the communication lacks logic & clarity.
Considerable errorsin grammar, punctuation and spelling. Meaning unclear.
APA referencing and formatting contain unacceptable number of errors.
Total mark:
Grade: /50
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