COMR2007_Assignment 1_Blog Brief Page 1 of 8 ASSESSMENT BRIEF Subject Code and Title COMR2007- International Experience Assessment Blog Individual/Group Individual Length 6 blog posts of at least 250 words each Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of intercultural competence 2. Demonstrate knowledge of a range of theories needed to successfully live together in a culturally diverse world 5. Apply an awareness and understanding of intercultural competence to students’ discipline. Submission By 11:55pm AEST/AEDT Sunday of each module end Weighting 5% each module (30% in total of 6 modules) Total Marks 100 Context: Part of your intercultural learning is to gain experience and confidence in reflective practices. Writing in a blog about your intercultural learning for an audience of peers supports the development of critical reflection and communication skills. Sharing your ideas in a blog also promotes dialogue within the class. Peers and facilitators will provide feedback which will influence and encourage your further intercultural development. Instructions: x You will create a blog and make six posts (in Blackboard). x You should post one blog for each module in the subject. Blog posts are due at the end of each module. x Students are not limited to the length of their blog posts but in general, each blog post should be at least 250 words. x Your blog posts will be based on the directions you receive in the learning activities presented in each module and must be related to the subject concepts. x You must clearly state the central topic that you examine in each blog post and organise your post in a coherent and structured manner, supported by sound logic and critical thinking. x Include supporting evidence (e.g.: video, photos, links to websites) that enhances your viewpointCOMR2007_Assignment 1_Blog Brief Page 2 of 8 x You will also actively participate in reading and commenting on the blogs of your classmates. You need to respond to at least one blog post per module. Comments need to go beyond agree or disagree. You should also add new information and links, pose thoughtful questions about the post, or extend the scholarly conversation further x Your blog must be well-written and professional (using APA referencing when referring to sources)COMR2007_Assignment 1_Blog Brief Page 3 of 8 Blog Post: Part A - due end Module 1 Create a blog post (at least 250 words) that draws on the subject’s resources (please indicate which ones using APA format). The following questions can guide you to start thinking about what you could include in your blog post. x How will allowing your worldview to be stretched and challenged serve you in your future career? x Why is the cultivation of “openness to other worldviews” important for everyone living on planet Earth today? x Put DiAngelo and Sensoy’s (2014) four guidelines into your own words and explain why these guidelines encourage learning in a diverse world where injustice occurs. x In your own words, how do you think mindfulness can enable you to nurture wiser relationships with yourself, others and what is going on around you? x Discuss the four views of the concept of culture that Breidenbach and Nyíri (2009) argue that we must move beyond. Blog Post: Part B - due end Module 2 Create a blog post (at least 250 words) that draws on the subject’s resources (please indicate which ones using APA referencing). The following questions can guide you to start thinking about what you could include in your blog post. x Given that intercultural learning is an ongoing and lifelong process, discuss which areas of intercultural competence you do well, and where you could improve. Remember that many people over-estimate their intercultural competence. Also note that your intercultural competence is not solely limited to your own evaluation- others may have a different interpretation of your intercultural attitudes, skills, knowledge, and behaviour! x Meditation is different to most other things we do in life- failure is actually success- we try to keep our attention on our breath, fail, then start again, fail, then start again etc. What connections can you find between this skill and the concept of intercultural competence? Blog Post: Part C - due end Module 3 Create a blog post (at least 250 words) that draws on the subject’s resources (please indicate which ones using APA referencing). The following questions can guide you to start thinking about what you could include in your blog post. x Explore who you are in terms of the 7 categories of “otherness” from Tatum’s article- race or ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age and physical or mental ability. Which parts of your identity are associated with dominant groups, and which ones with subordinate groups? What reactions do you have when asked to think about yourself in this way?COMR2007_Assignment 1_Blog Brief Page 4 of 8 x Explore your identity in relation to the 3 Rs from Selasi’s TED talk. Discuss how this analysis of your identity differs from your findings from the one you did in response to Tatum’s (2000) article. x What strategies have you used so far in your life to try to get to know more about the multiple stories of others? Blog Post: Part D - due end Module 4 Create a blog post (at least 250 words) that draws on the subject’s resources (please indicate which ones using APA referencing). The following questions can guide you to start thinking about what you could include in your blog post. x Discuss how the use of national identities and stereotyping often impact communication between people of different backgrounds. x Reflect on instances when you have been aware of the framing of certain groups of people as backward and inferior compared to “enlightened” Europeans/ white people. x Can you think of alternative explanations for things that seem strange to you, without placing judgment? Find an example from your everyday experience and give it a try. Blog Post: Part E - due end Module 5 Create a blog post (at least 250 words) that draws on the subject’s resources (please indicate which ones using APA referencing). The following questions can guide you to start thinking about what you could include in your blog post: x How does Holliday (2015) suggest you can you move beyond thinking about cultural differences as barriers? x Reflect on how you have personally used empathy, as opposed to sympathy, in your interactions with others this week. x How can mindfulness support you in showing compassion to others? Discuss your own experience of practicing mindful compassion with another person. x How can listening help you develop intercultural competence? x Why should you try to move through “hot spots” in dialogue, even though it’s uncomfortable, and can you think of a recent occasion when you’ve been able to do this? Blog Post: Part F - due end Module 6 Create a blog post (at least 250 words) that draws on the subject’s resources (please indicate which ones using APA referencing). The following questions can guide you to start thinking about what you could include in your blog post: x What is something surprising that has come up for you in a recent conversation? Can you now identify which views, beliefs and assumptions were behind your surprise? x Which local and global issues are you most passionate about, and how could your developing intercultural competence support your actions in addressing these issues?COMR2007_Assignment 1_Blog Brief Page 5 of 8 x Discuss your own vision for the world. What is the role of intercultural competence in your vision?COMR2007_Assignment 1_Blog Brief Page 6 of 8 Learning Rubrics Assessment Attributes Fail (0-49%) (50 Pass -64%) (65 Credit -74%) Distinction (75-84%) High Distinction (85-100%) Grade Description (Grading Scheme) Evidence of unsatisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning objectives of the subject, insufficient understanding of the course content and/or unsatisfactory level of skill development. Evidence of satisfactory achievement of subject learning objectives, the development of relevant skills to a competent level, and adequate interpretation and critical analysis skills. Evidence of a good level of understanding, knowledge and skill development in relation to the content of the course or work of a superior quality on the majority of the learning objectives of the subject. Demonstration of a high level of interpretation and critical analysis skills. Evidence of a high level of achievement of the learning objectives of the subject demonstrated in such areas as interpretation and critical analysis, logical argument, use of methodology and communication skills. Evidence of an exceptional level of achievement of learning objectives across the entire content of the subject demonstrated in such areas as interpretation and critical analysis, logical argument, creativity, originality, use of methodology and communication skills. Knowledge and understanding of the chosen topic for the blog entry 30% Limited understanding of required concepts and knowledge Key components of the assignment are not addressed. Knowledge or understanding of the chosen topic for the blog entry. Resembles a recall or summary of key ideas. Often conflates/confuses assertion of personal opinion with information Thorough knowledge or understanding of the chosen topic for the blog entry. Supports personal opinion and information substantiated by evidence from the research/course materials. Highly developed understanding of the chosen topic for the blog entry. Discriminates between assertion of personal opinion and information substantiated by robust evidence from the A sophisticated understanding of the chosen topic for the blog entry. Reflectively, systematically and critically discriminates between assertion of personal opinion and information substantiated byCOMR2007_Assignment 1_Blog Brief Page 7 of 8 substantiated by evidence from the research/course materials. Demonstrates a capacity to explain and apply relevant concepts. research/course materials and extended reading. Well demonstrated capacity to explain and apply relevant concepts. robust evidence from the research/course materials and extended reading. Mastery of concepts and application to new situations/further learning. Organisation and communication of ideas supported by critical thinking 30% Lack of central topic for the blog post. The post seems random, without focus or logic. Contains organisational and communication errors that seriously hinder the reader’s ability to ascertain the meaning and intent of the blog post. Lack of critical thinking applied to the topic. Central topic is stated in general terms. The organisation of the blog post is mostly easy to follow, although lapses of logic occur at times. Attempts critical analysis of the topic although does not always recognise or make assumptions explicit. The main topic for the blog post is established and evident throughout. Ideas that support the main topic are logically arranged to present a sound scholarly argument. Viewpoint is supported by some detail and critical thinking. The main topic for the blog post is consistent, clearly established and consistently addressed throughout. Ideas that support the main topic are logically arranged to present a welldeveloped scholarly argument. Critical thinking is very clear and relevant to the topic. The main topic for the blog post is consistent, clearly established and sophisticatedly addressed throughout. Excels in organisation and presentation of ideas related to the topic in order to present a robust and comprehensive scholarly argument. Substantial development of supporting ideas withCOMR2007_Assignment 1_Blog Brief Page 8 of 8 exceptionally clear and insightful critical thinking relevant to the topic. Contribution to the learning community 40% The student does not respond to other students’ blogs. The student does not make an effort to participate in the community as it develops. No critical analysis. The student’s contribution is perfunctory to the blog and response deadlines. Occasionally, the student makes an additional comment. The student makes minimal effort to become involved with the community. Some evidence of interpretation and critical analysis. The student’s contribution meets the assigned criteria for contributions to the blog responses. The student interacts freely and encourages others in the community. The student demonstrates some awareness of the community’s needs. Interpretation of learning materials and frequent critical analysis. The student’s contribution exceeds assigned criteria and frequently prompts further discussion of a topic. Actively contributes to collaborative learning. The student demonstrates awareness of the community’s needs. Well-developed critical analysis. Exceptional contribution to discussion and responding to postings of other students. High level critical analysis of issues. The student takes a leadership role in discussions, adds new information and links, poses thoughtful question about the post and/or extend the scholarly conversation further