Question :
Reflection And Development Plan
The unit is structured on two levels. The first is to help you gain an understanding of various concepts regarding diversity and inclusion. The readings and class discussions provide this perspective. The second part is on self-development. This is the objective of the online discussions and the group assignments. The purpose of the final Reflection and Development Plan (RDP) is to bring these levels together by examining what you have read, experienced, and written about with the material and online discussions.
In the RDP, you will consider and present in an organised, coherent fashion what you have learned throughout this course about diversity and inclusion and about yourself. Which skills and abilities are you currently happy with, and which might you attempt to change? Which readings had a particular impact on you and why? Try to demonstrate that you have really worked with and applied the authors' ideas throughout the term. Discuss any experiments or behavioural changes you have tried at work or in other situations and their outcomes. Were they effective? How might you change your behaviour?
Below I describe each of the required sections and headings of the RDP.
Section 1: What is diversity and inclusion and what would be your approach to diversity and inclusion?
a. What is diversity and inclusion? How do you define diversity and inclusion? Is your definition different from that outlined in the academic litearure?
b. What would be your approach to leading a diverse workforce? How would you encourage inclusion? What wouldn’t you do?
Section 2: Lessons Learned
a. What do you think are your significant strengthsof leading other people from a D & I perspective, that is, what are you exceptional at doing and/or helping others to do (don’t be modest)? Discuss how your personal experiences, unit concepts/readings, and unit self-assessments reveal these strengths.
b. What do you need to improve (don’t be easy on yourself); that is your areas for further development? Discuss how your personal experiences, unit concepts/readings, and unit self-assessments reveal these areas for further development in leading other people from a D & I perspective.
c. What else did you learn about yourself, in general, and as a leader of other people from a D & I perspective?
Discuss how your personal experiences, unit concepts/readings, and unit self-assessments reveal these other qualities.
d. What would be your vision for yourself as a Diversity & Inclusion Leader?
Section 3: Real-life Diversity and Inclusion Situation
a. Identify one critical situation that is likely to occur within the next 1-5 years (could be work-related or personal). Using this situation as the context, where will we see improvements in your diversity and inclusion behaviours (from where you are today)? What specific improvements will we see?
b. What have you learned about diversity and inclusion and about yourself this term that will prepare you for this real-life diversity and inclusion situation?
The RDP will be graded on the following criteria:
c. Understanding and integrating theory. Demonstrate that you not only understand but can also use the conceptual ideas of the course in written discourse.
d. Reflectiveness. Demonstrate a personal commitment to learn and change your ideas in light of experience and feedback from others.
e. Innovativeness of thought and expression. Show sound, original thinking throughout the paper.
f. Comprehensiveness and specificity. Present your points thoroughly and explicitly and make sure you address all of the bulleted points within all four sections of the paper.
g. Writing style. A paper will receive more weight if it is well-organised (edited) and well-written in terms of syntax and usage.
More information about the RPD
Organise your RDP around the three sections discussed above (Sections 1, 2, & 3) using the section titles (e.g., Section 1: “What is diversity and inclusion and what would be your approach to taking on the role of a Diversity and Inclusion Practitioner?” etc.) as the main headings for your paper. Address all of the bulleted points listed below each main section.
Students are expected to cite current academic research journal articles in the assignment.
a. A minimum of 15 recent academic journal articles is required, in addition to the textbook. Although you can use older journal articles to support key points you are also expected to include academic journal articles published since 2010.
b. The references used in your essay can also include the prescribed reading articles.
Use research articles which report studies that present conceptual or theoretical developments, qualitative research (e.g. a case study) or quantitative research (e.g. statistical data). Research articles may report overseas or Australian studies.
c. Reliance on textbook material is not adequate; it is unlikely to provide the depth of analysis expected for your essay. Brief articles and material from textbooks may be used as supplementary to research articles, but are not a substitute for them.
d. The essay is to be typed and double-spaced (a standard 12 point font should be used). It should be checked for spelling, consistency and clarity of expression.
Please read and apply the University’s plagiarism policy and collusion policy to avoid automatic failure. Please heed warnings about correct referencing. Please get assistance with your referencing if you are in doubt.
