Assessment details
This assessment is worth 40% of your total mark in the Unit The word limit is 1200 words + or – 10%
Due date is Monday 18September and must be submitted online by 1700 hours
The aim of the assessment is:
?To develop an in depth understanding of human development taking into consideration the physical, sociocultural and moral/cognitive issues throughout the lifespan, and
?Understand the relationship between these to the development of self-concept;
Introduction
?An opening sentence that introduces topic
?Is concise
?Sparks interest in the topic
?Does not include reasons or examples
?Does not include an in-text citation
?General background information related to topic
Set the topic in context by providing some general background information which could include:
?Identifies the developmental stage
?Highlights its importance in the lifespan
Note: no references necessary
Note: Ensure that the information is relevant.
?Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is:
A broad, formally written statement
A thesis statement could stress a particular fact:
For example is generally acknowledged/considered that when nurses base their care according to the infant’s/child’s developmental stage, they are able to provide patient centred care.
Note: A thesis statement is your personal response to a
particular question. So do not insert an in-text citation here!
?Outline of main ideas covered in body
Provides a map of main ideas to be discussed in body paragraphs
? Generally the last sentence of the introduction
Note: There are no unexpected twists and turns in essay writing! The main ideas previewed in introduction are expanded on in body paragraphs in the same sequence as in the outline.
Body:
1. Identifies and discusses the normative cognitive aspects of development for age group. May draw on the work of one or more theorists; can refer to examples from the case study.
2. Identifies and discusses normative social development for age group. May draw on the work of one or more theorists; can refer to examples from the case study
3. Identifies and describes factors which influence cognitive and social development. May be predictable or unpredictable; may draw on the work of one or more theorists; can refer to examples from the case study
4. Relevance of understanding this life stage to nursing and midwifery practice. Draw insightful implication for practice.
Language features of body paragraph:
Written as an academic paragraph with topic sentence, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence
? Formal language used
? Written in the third person
? Reporting verbs used to objectively summarise other writers’ ideas
Examples: Jones and Smith (2013) state/demonstrate/outline stress that... (Followed by the paraphrased/summarised information)
Integrating evidence in your writing
Each paragraph within the body of your essay should provide a balance between your point of view, elaboration and comments and the evidence that you use to support these. Your discussion may take the form of:
Explanations for the evidence you have used; Links;
Analysis;
Critical commentary, or
An example.
You need to begin your argument with your own voice and this will be based on your position. This means that you will lead the discussion but then support your claims with evidence.
You may also introduce the evidence first and elaborate in your own voice.
Introducing evidence
There are two ways that you can introduce paraphrases, quotes and summaries into your paragraph.
Information focus – the author is included in the brackets together with
the year of publication. In this way, the issue, topic or your point becomes the main focus.
For example:
Between the ages of 2 and 5 years, children will develop their independence, and this stage is referred to as autonomy versus shame and doubt (Erikson, 2014).
Author focus – brings the cited author into the sentence with the year of publication shown in brackets. This is used to make the author important to your discussion and is mainly used when comparing writers or theorists.
For example:
Erikson (2014) states that, between the ages of 2 and 5 years, children will develop a sense of independence, which he refers to as the stage of autonomy versus shame and doubt.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, ...
? Summarises main ideas/outline of your body paragraphs
? Restates thesis statement
? Offers final comment Thus/Therefore/Hence,...eg. a prediction,
a recommendation, an application to practice
Note: Do not include new information! No in-text citations required!
IMPORTANT: Separating source ideas
From the case study in your discussion
Jack has not, as yet, gained bladder control which is a normative stage of development for 2 – 5 year old children (Piaget, as cited in Hoffnung et al., 2016). This is incorrect as Hoffnung et al. do not mention Jack.
Jack has not, as yet, gained bladder control. Bladder control is a normative stage of development for 2 – 5 year old children (Piaget, as cited in Hoffnung et al., 2016). Correct
Jack has not, as yet, gained bladder control, which Piaget (as cited in Hoffnung et al., 2016) states is a normative stage of development for 2 – 5 year old children. Correct
[Note: A secondary source has been used in the examples above. This is a source used as evidence within a journal article/text book, etc. See pp. 6-7 in the APA guide for Referencing Secondary Sources.]
Referencing requirements and presentation
? You are required to use at least five (5) recent (2012 onward) references, which should include two (2) peer reviewed journal articles when supporting your work. Literature written within the last ten (10) years (2007 – 2017) may be used but this will be in addition to the five (5) references published within the past five (5) years.
? Please follow the APA reference guide for all in-text citations and your reference list. You will find the APA reference style guide on the Library website.
? The essay must be in third person (do not refer to yourself) and should not use personal experience or personal examples.
? Use formal, academic language and attend any PCAL workshops, which will assist in the writing of this assessment.