Flashback Assignment

Choose a dimension of your cultural or educational life that has influenced you such as
first generation college graduate, religious or spiritual beliefs, family, community, social
class, political affiliation etc . Write a coherent narrative about this experience, and as
you do so,answer the following:

A. In what ways has this dimension shaped you? Your world views? Your views about
society? Your views about others?

B. In what ways do you think the influence(s) might be similar to or different from the
students with whom you work or will work?

C. What questions do you have as you reflect upon your own influences – about yourself,
about your students?

Rubric for Flashback: name__________________________________

Assignment
A. Selection and description of a cultural/educational dimension of student’s life. A. Description of
influences such as first generation college graduate, religious or spiritual beliefs, family, community, social
class, political affiliation etc . B In what ways has this dimension shaped you? Your world views? Your
views about society? Your views about others? C In what ways do you think the influence(s) might be
similar to or different from the students or clients with whom you work or will work?
D. What questions do you have as you reflect upon your own influences – about yourself, about your
students/clients
?
Content/Ideas 5
_____ Advanced/5: The writing is focused, well developed, and enhanced by details.
A. Responses to the assignment are clear and concise.
B. Ideas are strongly supported by well-chosen and integrated details.
C. Ideas are engaging or sophisticated.

_____Acceptable/3: The writing may be focused, but is only partially developed and may lack necessary
details.
A. The responses are present; however, they may be too broad or predictable.
B. The responses are supported by details, but the details may be general, obvious, or insufficient in
number.
C. Ideas are trite.

_____Unacceptable/1: The writing lacks focus, is incompletely developed, and has few details.
A. The responses to the assignment are without direction or not evident.
B. Support for the ideas are minimal or non-evident; details are limited or unclear.
C. Ideas are trite.

Organization: 5 points

_____Advanced/5: Organization supports the central idea (thesis). The order and structure move the reader
through the text easily.
A. An interesting introduction draws the reader into the paper, and a satisfying conclusion leaves the reader
with a sense of resolution.
B. Smooth, effective transitions exist among all elements (sentences, paragraphs, and ideas).
C. Organizational patterns are effective but unobtrusive. Paragraphing is natural and appropriate.
________Acceptable/3: Organization supports the central idea (thesis). However, the order and structure do
not readily move the reader through the text..
A. The introduction and conclusion are present.
B. Transitions are present but commonplace, inappropriate, or excessive.
C. Organizational patterns are present but predictable. Paragraphing is not consistently natural and
appropriate.

Unacceptable/1: Organization neither supports nor develops the central idea (thesis). The lack of order and
structure detract from the reader¹s understanding.
A. The introduction and conclusion are not present.
B. Transitions are nonexistent.
C. Organizational patterns are haphazard and disjointed. Paragraphing is not utilized or is misapplied.

Voice: 5 points

_____Advanced/5: The writer speaks directly to the reader in a way that is individual, compelling and
engaging. The writer is aware and respectful of the audience and the purpose for writing.
A. The reader feels a strong interaction with the writer, sensing the person behind the words.
B. The writer takes a risk by revealing who they are and what they think.
C. The writing makes you think about and react to the author's point of view.

_____Acceptable/3: The writer seems sincere, but not fully engaged or involved. The result is pleasant or
even personable, but not compelling.
A. The writing communicates in an earnest, pleasing manner.
B. Only one or two moments here or there surprise, delight, or move the reader.
C. The writer seems aware of an audience but weighs ideas carefully and discards personal insights in favor
of safe generalities.

_____Unacceptable/1: The writer seems indifferent, uninvolved, or distanced from the topic and/or
audience. As a result, the paper reflects more than one of the following problems:
A. The writer speaks in a kind of monotone that flattens all potential highs or lows of the message.
B. The writing is humdrum and risk-free.

Word Choice 5 points

_____Advanced/5: The language is rich, natural, and yet succinct.

A. Words are specific, precise, and appropriate.
B. Powerful words provide energy for the paper.

_____Acceptable/3: The language is functional, and the message is conveyed.

A. Words are generally correct and appropriate but may be ordinary.
B. Powerful words are occasionally present.
C. Expression is clear but cliches and redundancy may exist.

_____Unacceptable/1: The language is awkward and unclear.

A. Words are limited, dull, and abstract.
B. No powerful words are used.
C. The writer uses a limited vocabulary and/or excessive jargon.

Sentence Fluency 5 points

Advanced/5: The writing has a natural flow and rhythm.

A. Varied sentence structure and length demonstrate conscious planning.
B. The sentences are rhythmic and graceful.

Acceptable/3: The writing moves mechanically.

A. The writer shows control over simple sentence structure, but uses complex sentences infrequently.
B. The sentence rhythm is attempted but inconsistent.

Unacceptable/1: The writing moves awkwardly.

A. The sentences tend to be choppy, incomplete, or rambling.
B. The sentence rhythm is clumsy and jarring

Conventions 5 points

Advanced/5: The writer correctly utilizes a wide range of standard writing conventions. Some minor errors
may exist, but they do not detract from the overall quality of the paper.

Acceptable/3: The writer shows reasonable control over a limited range of standard writing conventions;
however, a variety of errors or frequent errors detract from the quality of the paper.

Unacceptable/1: The writer demonstrates limited control of standard writing conventions. Errors are
serious and excessive.