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NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process

NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process

Grand Canyon University NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process-Step-By-Step Guide

 

This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Grand Canyon University  NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.

 

How to Research and Prepare for NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process                                   

 

Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Grand Canyon University   NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.

 

After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.

 

How to Write the Introduction for NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process                                   

 

The introduction for the Grand Canyon University   NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.

 

How to Write the Body for NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process                                   

 

After the introduction, move into the main part of the NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.

 

Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.

 

How to Write the Conclusion for NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process                                   

 

After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.

 

How to Format the References List for NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process                                   

 

The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.

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In 500-750 words, develop an evaluation plan to be included in your final evidence-based practice project. Provide the following criteria in the evaluation, making sure it is comprehensive and concise:

Sample Answer for NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process

The implementation of hand hygiene protocols and measures to reduce and prevent the occurrence of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in pediatric care setting is focused on enhancing patient safety, quality care, and better outcomes. The evaluation of its implementation is essential to ascertaining if the evidence-based practice project proposal will attain its expected goals and outcomes (Albarqouni et al., 2018). The purpose of this evaluation is to discuss the expected outcome of the EBP project proposal, review data collection tools related to the selected research design and select a suitable statistical test and methods to apply to data collection and measuring of the outcomes and their assessment based on selected tool.

Findings show that religious engagement among students declines during college, but their spirituality shows substantial growth. “Students become more caring, more tolerant, more connected with others, and more actively engaged in a spiritual quest.” (“Cultivating the Spirit – Spirituality in Higher Education”) The authors also found that spiritual growth enhances other outcomes, such as academic performance, psychological well-being, leadership development, and satisfaction with college. The study also identified a number of college activities that contribute to students’ spiritual growth. Some of these–study abroad, interdisciplinary studies, and service learning–appear to be effective because they expose students to new and diverse people, cultures, and ideas. Spiritual development is also enhanced if students engage in “inner work” through activities such as meditation or self-reflection, or if their professors actively encourage them to explore questions of meaning and purpose. (“Cultivating the Spirit – Spirituality in Higher (Alexander W, 2010)”). By raising public awareness of the key role that spirituality plays in student learning and development, by alerting academic administrators, faculty, and curriculum committees to the importance of spiritual development, and by identifying strategies for enhancing that development, this work encourages institutions to give greater priority to these spiritual aspects of students’ educational and professional development.

Expected Outcomes for the EBP Project Proposal

The implementation of this EBP project is focused on enhancing outcomes that will guarantee patient safety, quality care and better interventions by healthcare workers to reduce and prevent the occurrence of hospital acquired infections among the pediatric patients. The expected outcomes for the project include knowledge dissemination to healthcare workers in the selected settings to reduce HAIs, enhancement of patient safety protocols and development of organizational frameworks and policies to incorporate hand hygiene measures and protocols for healthcare workers. The EBP project proposal is expected to reduce the rate or prevalence of hospital acquired infections and expand the adoption of hand hygiene measures that include handwashing with soap and water alongside hand sanitizers or alcohol-based hand rubs in the care targeted care facilities.

Data Collection Tools Based on Selected Research Design

The proposed EBP project will employ a qualitative research design. The approach is used to understand thoughts, concepts and experiences of research subjects in connection to the proposed project and its significance to the target population. Qualitative research design employs different data collection tools that include focus groups, interviews, observations and review of literature (Hunter, 2017). The qualitative approach will ensure that the research incorporates opinions from healthcare workers on the need to improve hand hygiene measures to prevent and reduce the prevalence of hospital acquired infections (HAIs).

Data collection is an essential step in evidence-based practice project proposal as it allows researchers to document findings based on opinions, views and observations of the target population and research participants. A selected data collection tool should be effective for the research design based on its validity, reliability and applicability.

In this case, the selected research data collection tool for the EBP project is institutional interviews where the participants will fill questionnaires detailing their experiences and thoughts on the topic. These include their views and opinions on hand hygiene measures to enhance quality and safe care in pediatric settings by healthcare workers (Kampstra et al., 2018). Interviews are an essential tool for collection of qualitative data because of their flexibility, validity and reliability. Data collected through interviews capture the original sentiments, opinions, and views of healthcare workers in pediatric settings. Interviews enhance confidentiality, accuracy and precision of the information as it comes from the participants who experience the various situations and apply different interventions in care delivery.

Statistical Test for the EBP Project Proposal

Statistical tests provide a framework for making effective decisions about a particular study sample. Statistical tests mainly evaluate the hypothesis concerning the significance of an observed sample. The tests also evaluate the interactions between predictor variables and outcome variables and estimate the differences between two or more groups (Rebekah & Ravindran, 2018). The proposed EBP project will use a parametric test called regression.

Regression tests have stringent requirements and make robust inferences based on collected data. Regression test will be used to show the cause-and-effect approach to the phenomenon under review. The EBP project will use a qualitative research design with interview being the main data collection tool. Therefore, the interviews will offer views on the outcomes of handwashing protocols for healthcare workers that include the use of hand sanitizers besides soap and water.  The tool is best suited for the project since it offers information on the cause and effect approach to the project. For instance, the use of hand sanitizer among HCWs to reduce HAIs is essential in deterring the transmission of infections to pediatric patients.

Methods of Data Collection Tool, Measurement and Evaluation of Outcomes

The main method to the data collection tool will be use of persona interviews where the researcher will conduct interviews before, during and after the implementation of the interventions among the target population or participants (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). The interviews will be based on questionnaire given to the participants to fill concerning the need to reduce and prevent hospital acquired infections among pediatric patients.

The outcome measurement and evaluation will be based on the collected data by analyzing the responses and feedback from the sampled population. For instance, the project will use satisfaction surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of measures deployed to reduce the prevalence of HAIs. Positive outcome measures will include a reduction in the number of reported HAIs among the inpatient pediatric patients, enhanced hand hygiene measures and development of protocols to be followed to attain the required standard practices.

Strategies if Outcomes Are Positive or Expected Results

The conclusion that nothing new occurred does not add to the current knowledge and only affirms the current status quo. Imperatively, if the outcomes fail to provide the expected or positive results, it is imperative to analyze what led to the failure (Rebekah & Ravindran, 2018). If it is about the approach used or methodological aspects, it is fundamental to begin again using different approaches. However, if the methodology is effective, it would be important to review the entire process and ensure that the EBP project gives positive outcomes.

Sustainability of the EBP Project

The project team must have plans to maintain, extend, review or discontinue the proposed solution after the overall implementation. In this case, the plans to maintain the project include incorporating the recommended practice standards as part of the organization’s culture (Schirm et al., 2018). The second aspect is to extend the best practices in all units within the facility by dissemination of the acquired knowledge and skills among the healthcare workers. The third aspect is to continually review and revise components of the project to align with the organization’s goals, best practices and quality improvement initiatives and policies.

Conclusion

Evaluating the implementation of EBP project proposal is fundamental to ascertaining the overall outcomes and effectiveness of the initiatives. Evaluation helps to review the expected outcomes and their attainment, review different components of the program to make align them with research goals and ensure that research design and data collection tools aid the project’s implementation. In this case, the EBP project will be evaluated and sustained using the approach highlighted by the paper.

References

Albarqouni, L., Hoffmann, T., & Glasziou, P. (2018). Evidence-based practice educational

intervention studies: a systematic review of what is taught and how it is measured. BMC medical education, 18(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-018-1284-1

Hunter, S. (2017). Not All Evidence is Created Equal: Changes in practice require the highest

possible level of statistical testing. EMS World, 46(10), 46-50.

Schirm, V., Banz, G., Swartz, C., & Richmond, M. (2018). Evaluation of bedside shift report: A

research and evidence-based practice initiative. Applied Nursing Research, 40, 20-25. doi: 10.1016/j.apnr.2017.12.004

Kampstra, N. A., Zipfel, N., van der Nat, P. B., Westert, G. P., van der Wees, P. J., &

Groenewoud, A. S. (2018). Health outcomes measurement and organizational readiness support quality improvement: a systematic review. BMC health services research, 18(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3828-9

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing and

healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. ISBN-13:

9781496384539

Rebekah, G., & Ravindran, V. (2018). Statistical analysis in nursing research. Indian Journal of

Continuing Nursing Education, 19(1), 62.

Vandermause, R., Barg, F. K., Esmail, L., Edmundson, L., Girard, S., & Perfetti, A. R. (2017).

Qualitative methods in patient-centered outcomes research. Qualitative health research, 27(3), 434-442. doi: 10.1177/1049732316668298

Describe the rationale for the methods used in collecting the outcome data.

Describe the ways in which the outcome measures evaluate the extent to which the project objectives are achieved.

Describe how the outcomes will be measured and evaluated based on the evidence. Address validity, reliability, and applicability.

Describe strategies to take if outcomes do not provide positive results.

Describe implications for practice and future research.

You are required to cite three to five sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and nursing content.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

Note: After submitting the assignment, you will receive feedback from the instructor. Use this feedback to make revisions for your final paper submission. This will be a continuous process throughout the course for each section.

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Sample Answer 2 for NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process

Evaluating the implementation of an evidence-based practice (EBP) project proposal is essential to ascertain that it meets the set goals and objectives. Diabetes mellitus is a public health concern and a chronic condition affecting millions of individuals across the United States and around the world. Evaluation of self-care management interventions as implemented by patients in their home settings is critical to attaining better or quality outcomes (Alhaiti et al., 2020). The essence of this evaluation plan on implementation of self-care management for diabetes mellitus patients is to explore the anticipated outcomes, review data collection tools related to chosen research design and select a suitable statistical test and methods to apply in collection of data and assessing the outcomes of the tools.

Expected Outcomes from the EBP Project Proposal

The implementation of this EBP project aims at improving self-care management and effective adherence to treatment interventions for patients with diabetes mellitus in their home settings. Evidence shows that self-management leads to better patient outcomes by enhancing adherence to glycemic control, effective use of blood sugar levels monitoring devices and increased participation of patients in decision-making and taking actions to address the disease. The expected outcomes include enhanced information on self-management, better understanding of control of different aspects like sugar levels and effective use of digital monitoring devices, including deployment of telehealth to enhance overall adherence (Hunter, 2018). Through this approach, the project will reduce possible adverse cases, increased emergency room visits and involvement of caregivers at home for the patient to attain quality care.

Data Collection Tools based on the Chosen Research Design

The proposed EBP project will use a qualitative research design in collecting data and perspectives from patients. Through a qualitative design, the researcher can appreciate thoughts, ideas and experiences of the participants in relation to the proposed project and its importance to their self-management approaches of diabetes mellitus. Qualitative design uses a host of data collection approaches that include focus groups, interviews and observation as well as literature review.

The selected research data tool for the project is interviews where participating patients will fill questionnaires showing their experiences and ideas about the efficacy of the intervention. They will give their opinions, views and experiences on changes coming as a result of implementing the intervention. The other tool that will be deployed is observation where patients will record the number of times that they engaged in self-management practices like monitoring of blood sugar levels and taking necessary actions to prevent any exacerbation (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). These tools will complement each as they will allow the participants to translate what they observe into experiences and generate the most-effective way to manage blood sugar levels.

Statistical Tool for the Proposed EBP Project

Statistical tests provide an approach for stakeholders in a project to make better and effective decision concerning a study. The main purpose of statistical tests is to assess a hypothesis about the significance of a given study sample and interactions between predictor variables and outcome variables. The proposed EBP project will deploy regression as a parametric statistical test. Regression tests contain stringent requirements which ensure that they are strong inferences when analyzing the collected data. Regression test will demonstrate the cause-and-effect perspective about the phenomenon under investigations (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). This tool will show the cause of increased emergency room visits and the effect of using self-care management to enhance adherence to blood sugar levels monitoring.

Methods of Data Collection Tool, Measurement and Outcome Evaluation

The primary methods of data collection in this project will be interviews and observations that participants will record before, during and after the implementation of this intervention. The interviews will detail their experiences, practices, and self-initiatives to improve adherence to blood sugar monitoring to prevent adverse events and even hospitalizations. The outcome measurement will be founded on the collected data through analysis of the responses and observations recorded by the participants with the help of their caregivers in their homes (Mikhael et al., 2019). The project will deploy satisfaction surveys to assess the effectiveness of the measures deployed to enhance adherence and self-management. Positive outcomes will comprise of reduced exacerbations of diabetic, effective monitoring of blood sugar levels, and better ways to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families.

Strategies based on Positive Outcomes or Expected Results

The notion that nothing new happened after the implementation of the project means that status quo remained and patients endure increased exacerbation of their conditions leading to a rise in demand for emergency room visits and poor self-management practices. If the outcome does not offer the anticipated or positive outcomes, it will be essential to analyze the cause of the failure and institute effective remedies (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). For instance, it would be important to review the use of data collection methods, the patient satisfaction survey tool, and institute new approaches to getting quality care outcomes. The expected positive outcomes will demonstrate the self-care management is an EBP intervention that helps patients to manage diabetes

Sustainability of the Project

The project manager and the team should develop plans to maintain, expand, review or stop the proposed solution after overall execution. As such, the incorporation of recommended practices on self-management and increased evaluation of the effects of these interventions will allow the implementers to control and sustain the project (Vandermause et al., 2018). Secondly, knowledge dissemination will entail extending best practices to all patients in the diabetes program in the facility while providers leverage telehealth and other technologies to expand project scope. Thirdly, the team should review and revise certain areas of the project to ensure that they are based on patients and their unique situations as they propagate self-management of diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

Evaluation of the EBP project’s implementation is essential in ascertaining its overall effectiveness and efficacy based on the expected outcomes. evaluation assists to revise and review the expected outcomes and how they will be achieved. Evaluation leads to a comprehensive analysis of the different components of the project for effective care delivery. Therefore, the project team will evaluate and sustain this project to attain expected outcomes.

References

Alhaiti, A. H., Senitan, M., Dator, W. L. T., Sankarapandian, C., Baghdadi, N. A., Jones, L. K.,

… & Lenon, G. B. (2020). Adherence of type 2 diabetic patients to self-care activity: tertiary care setting in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2020(7). https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/4817637

Hunter, S. (2018). Not All Evidence is Created Equal: Changes in practice require the highest

possible level of statistical testing. EMS World, 46(10), 46-50.

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing and

healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

Mikhael, E. M., Hassali, M. A., Hussain, S. A., & Shawky, N. (2019). Self-management

knowledge and practice of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Baghdad, Iraq: a qualitative study. Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity: targets and therapy, 12, 1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/DMSO.S183776

Vandermause, R., Barg, F. K., Esmail, L., Edmundson, L., Girard, S., & Perfetti, A. R. (2018).

Qualitative methods in patient-centered outcomes research. Qualitative health research, 27(3), 434-442. doi: 10.1177/1049732316668298

Sample Answer 3 for NUR 590 Week 6 Assignment  Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process

Evaluation is the last process in the implementation of evidence-based practice projects in health. Evaluation provides information about the effectiveness of the project in improving clinical outcomes and processes. The outcomes of the evaluation are utilized in determining the need for the incorporation of the evidence-based data into clinical use. Therefore, this section of the project examines the evaluation methods that will be utilized in the proposed evidence-based practice project.

Rationale for Methods of Collecting Outcome Data

The outcome data for the project will be collected using questionnaires. Pre-interventional data will be obtained before the beginning of the project. The data will be used for comparative purposes at the end of the project. Post-interventional data will be obtained at the end of the project for comparison with the baseline data. Questionnaires were considered for use in the project because they will allow the acquisition of extensive data from the subjects. Questionnaires also enable the acquisition of data that can be organized and analyzed with ease (Forster & Eperjesi, 2017; Morrison & Harms, 2018). The questionnaires also obtain objective data that can provide an accurate understanding of the impacts of the intervention.

Ways in which Outcome Data Measures the Extent to which Project Objectives are Achieved

The outcome measures for the project will relate with the improvement of treatment outcomes in African American patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. The outcome measures of focus will include changes in body weight, HbA1c, waist circumference, blood pressure, quality of life, and number of hospital visits by the patients following the implementation of the project. An improvement in these outcome measures will imply that the objectives of the project are achieved (Cullen et al., 2017). Therefore, baseline and final data obtained at the end of the project will be critical in providing insights into the realization of the project objectives.

Measuring of Outcomes

The outcomes of the project will be measured based on process and outcome measures. The focus on process measures will aim at examining the level in which the interventions that were adopted for the project were effective or not. Process measures will focus on a number of aspects that include stakeholder collaboration, organizational support, resource allocation and utilization, and perceived empowerment of the subjects and providers of care. The measuring of objectives based on outcome measures will determine whether there was an improvement in outcomes from the baseline data and if the objectives of the project were met or not. An improvement of the measures from the baseline and realization of the project objectives will be considered a success of the project (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). Validity in the project will be maintained by using standardized questionnaires in data collection. Reliability will be maintained by ensuring that the interventions used are only applicable to patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. This will enable consistency in the use of the interventions in other settings. Applicability will be achieved by ensuring the utilization of evidence-based interventions in the project (Dang & Dearholt, 2017).

Strategies if Outcomes do not Provide Positive Results

One of the strategies that will be adopted if the outcomes do not provide positive results is re-examining the strategies that were used. The adoption of ineffective strategies may affect the outcomes of the project. The other intervention is determining the level of adherence by the subjects. A low level of adherence to the interventions of the project may lead to negative results. The last strategy that will be adopted is extending the project duration. Extension will enable the implementation of new strategies that will aim at improving the outcomes of the project.

Implications for Practice and Research

One of the implications of the project to practice is the provision of evidence-based practice in diabetes management. The project will provide insights into the effectiveness of the interventions in improving the outcomes of care given to patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. The project will also promote the provision of care that promote safety, quality and efficiency in nursing. Nurses will incorporate the interventions from the project into the care given to their patients in their daily practice (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). The implication for future research is that the project will act as the basis for future interventions aiming at improving the treatment outcomes in diabetes. The project will also provide areas of practice that should be investigated through research.

Conclusion

The evaluation approach that will be utilized in the project will aim at identifying the effectiveness of the project in meeting its objectives. The evaluation outcomes will provide insights into the effectiveness of the interventions that are utilized in the project. The evaluation outcomes will also influence the decisions made on whether the project has practice and research significance. Therefore, it is anticipated that the project will result in positive outcomes that support the use of the interventions in nursing practice.

References

Cullen, L., Hanrahan, K., Farrington, M., DeBerg, J., Tucker, S., & Kleiber, C. (2017). Evidence-Based Practice in Action: Comprehensive Strategies, tools, and Tips from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Sigma Theta Tau.

Dang, D., & Dearholt, S. L. (2017). Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice, Third Edition: Model and Guidelines. Sigma Theta Tau.

Forster, C., & Eperjesi, R. (2017). Action Research for New Teachers: Evidence-Based Evaluation of Practice. SAGE.

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Wolters Kluwer.

Morrison, J. Q., & Harms, A. L. (2018). Advancing Evidence-based Practice Through Program Evaluation: A Practical Guide for School-based Professionals. Oxford University Press.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CLASS

Discussion Questions (DQ)

Initial responses to the DQ should address all components of the questions asked, include a minimum of one scholarly source, and be at least 250 words.

Successful responses are substantive (i.e., add something new to the discussion, engage others in the discussion, well-developed idea) and include at least one scholarly source.

One or two sentence responses, simple statements of agreement or “good post,” and responses that are off-topic will not count as substantive. Substantive responses should be at least 150 words.

I encourage you to incorporate the readings from the week (as applicable) into your responses.

Weekly Participation

Your initial responses to the mandatory DQ do not count toward participation and are graded separately.

In addition to the DQ responses, you must post at least one reply to peers (or me) on three separate days, for a total of three replies.

Participation posts do not require a scholarly source/citation (unless you cite someone else’s work).

Part of your weekly participation includes viewing the weekly announcement and attesting to watching it in the comments. These announcements are made to ensure you understand everything that is due during the week.

APA Format and Writing Quality

Familiarize yourself with APA format and practice using it correctly. It is used for most writing assignments for your degree. Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for APA paper templates, citation examples, tips, etc. Points will be deducted for poor use of APA format or absence of APA format (if required).

Cite all sources of information! When in doubt, cite the source. Paraphrasing also requires a citation.

I highly recommend using the APA Publication Manual, 6th edition.

Use of Direct Quotes

I discourage overutilization of direct quotes in DQs and assignments at the Masters’ level and deduct points accordingly.

As Masters’ level students, it is important that you be able to critically analyze and interpret information from journal articles and other resources. Simply restating someone else’s words does not demonstrate an understanding of the content or critical analysis of the content.

It is best to paraphrase content and cite your source.

LopesWrite Policy

For assignments that need to be submitted to LopesWrite, please be sure you have received your report and Similarity Index (SI) percentage BEFORE you do a “final submit” to me.

Once you have received your report, please review it. This report will show you grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors that can easily be fixed. Take the extra few minutes to review instead of getting counted off for these mistakes.

Review your similarities. Did you forget to cite something? Did you not paraphrase well enough? Is your paper made up of someone else’s thoughts more than your own?

Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for tips on improving your paper and SI score.

Late Policy

The university’s policy on late assignments is 10% penalty PER DAY LATE. This also applies to late DQ replies.

Please communicate with me if you anticipate having to submit an assignment late. I am happy to be flexible, with advance notice. We may be able to work out an extension based on extenuating circumstances.

If you do not communicate with me before submitting an assignment late, the GCU late policy will be in effect.

I do not accept assignments that are two or more weeks late unless we have worked out an extension.

As per policy, no assignments are accepted after the last day of class. Any assignment submitted after midnight on the last day of class will not be accepted for grading.

Communication

Communication is so very important. There are multiple ways to communicate with me:

Questions to Instructor Forum: This is a great place to ask course content or assignment questions. If you have a question, there is a good chance one of your peers does as well. This is a public forum for the class.

Individual Forum: This is a private forum to ask me questions or send me messages. This will be checked at least once every 24 hours.