Requirements: To complete the Learning Statement, write a minimum 3-4 page paper describing your learning in this course. Specifically, contrast your knowledge of LGBTQ issues prior to taking SPCL 3000 with the knowledge you have at the courses conclusion. Refer back to your Writing Assignment #1: What You Know About LGBTQ Youth to help assess your growth.

You are asked to identify two or three main educational gains you made by participating in the course. 

What knowledge do you have of LGBTQ youth in educational contexts that you didnt have four months ago?
What new self-awareness do you have of the LGBTQ community, its challenges and possibilities? 
How have your opinions, attitudes, or perceptions about LGBTQ youth or LGBTQ issues in schools changed?
What do you wish you better understood about one or more of the topics raised in the course?

As you articulate your educational gains in the statement, you are required to use the courses contentscholarly articles, class discussions, films, readings, participant observations, interviews, etc.to support and/or critically reflect on your own learning. You also should reference and demonstrate an understanding of theoretical concepts we learned in the course such as intersectionality, heteronormativity, gender binary, assimilation vs radical liberation (note: you do not have to reference all of these, but a few should be integrated into your discussion of your gains.)

The Learning Statement concludes with a summation (one or two paragraphs) which includes a response to the question: Where to go from here?  That is, how do you see yourself using and/or applying your educational gains from SPCL 3000 to your life or career in years ahead?  What questions about LGBTQ youth are still on your mind?

Although the Learning Statements shape and form may vary based on individual preference, it is anticipated that your Statement will include:
Clearly articulated statements of two or three educational gains (see above for key questions to consider).
A thoughtful discussion of each educational gain, drawing on references to course content and relevant and accurate use of course theoretical concepts (e.g., intersectionality, gender binary, heteronormativity).
An authentic point-of-view, one that suggests introspection and serious consideration of the topic of LGBTQ youth in education contexts.
Summary paragraph(s) that reflects on next steps, how you might use the information in the future in your personal and/or professional life, what questions do you still have.
Form–proper grammar, syntax, punctuation. (Double spacing and 10-12 pt. font required.)