Critical Self-Reflection Paper
Critical Self-Reflection PaperVital to social work practice is an understanding of the values and beliefs that one holds particularlywith regard to practice involving diverse populations. Values and belief systems are initially theproduct of one’s social environment through social learning, but over time these values can change andbiases can emerge or disappear. This two-part assignment requires students to be critically self-reflective in describing the development of their values, beliefs, and attitudes regarding various aspects
of diversity. For Part One: Include ways in which you believe they were shaped by the followingfactors:· Ethnic and/or racial heritage· Gender and sexual orientation· Socioeconomic group· Region of the country· Religious/spiritual beliefsPart One should be 3-4 pages. Please do not exceed 5 pages for Part One.Part TwoInclude the kinds of messages (spoken and unspoken) you received about people who were differentfrom you. Afterward, answer the following questions/prompts in detail (Part 2):1. What are your beliefs and attitudes about diversity and difference at this point in your life? 2. Have you chosen to retain those of your upbringing or have you modified or replaced them? Why? (African from Ghana-West Africa)3. What are some biases you now have regarding groups different from yourself (those distinguishedfrom your racial or ethnic heritage, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, income, religious/spiritualbeliefs)?4. How do those biases influence the way(s) in which you interact with members of those groups?5. Were you particularly surprised by any of the answers to these questions? If so, which one(s) andwhy?Part two should be 3- pages. Please do not exceed 5 pages for Part Two.As this paper is a self-assessment, no citations are necessary. Papers must be typewritten in Times NewRoman 12 pt. font. The entire paper (including both Part One and Part Two) cannot exceed 10double-spaced pages. Papers must include a cover sheet with the student’s name, the instructor’sname, the course name and number, and the date
