Building a Capstone Project

Literature Review - Reviewing my sources

Paper Topic: Mentoring youth on social skills in order to have positive interactions with authority and peers.

Introduction (Overview of capstone project topic and themes reviewed in the literature review)

For my capstone project I will be mentoring youth on social skills in order to have positive interactions with authority figures and their peers. There will be lessons/sessions on different social skills in order to learn about the skill, understand the skill, and properly perform the skill with interactions among authority and peers. The different social skills focused on in capstone project are good communication skills, the ability to listen to others, having an open mind, being respectful towards others, and learning to not be aggressive but not be passive either.

Background (Reason for chosen topic)

My passion for helping people has always been focused on adolescents and my ability to make a positive influence. Adolescents can have a hard time interacting with authority and peers because they are not equipped with the proper social skills needed for interaction with others. Focusing on social skills can improve moods and reduce depression and anxiety among our youth. The importance of mentoring is also apparent in this project as it can offer strength, motivation, and optimism to the youth in order to have a positive impact and influence. When coupled together, mentoring and knowledge about social skills increases the adolescent’s belief about self-success and achieving their goals.

Synthesis (Body of literature review integrating the three articles’ theme topics as subheadings)

Article #1 – Mentoring – The effectiveness of mentoring programs for children with internal or external behavioral problems can be measured by related parenting stress and youth behavioral outcomes. Mentoring allows for variables to be explored that might affect the program and its overall success. These programs target adolescents that have behavioral and emotional problems and function as a service to improve family functioning and overall behavior of the adolescent involved. Mentoring offers an opportunity for incentive programs, adopting new habits, and developing new skills.

Article #2 – Understanding mentoring – This article offered information on being a mentor and proper practice of knowledge and techniques. Focusing on understanding the knowledge, attitudes and skills that are required by mentors, and focusing on new teachings by teachers and students allows for the mentor to be properly equipped with the proper tools and techniques for teaching. Article #3 – Youth communication skills – Examined the influence of family, geographic location, and socio-demographic factors on behavioral and emotional actions. Different levels of family influence proved to have an effect on the adolescent. The relationship with their parental units made a difference by their ability to communicate with authority. Their location and resources available to them made an influence also. Different factors had different effects on the adolescents and their situations.

Article #4 – Listening to others – The ability to listen to others in order to gain knowledge and experience involves patience and understanding. In my capstone lessons, I want to appeal to adolescents listening traits in order to determine the best lines of communication. Offering feedback, answering questions, and using nonverbal communication are all good listening traits to learn and practice.

Limitations (Missing information or potential bias)

Still Need to find articles for: Having an open mind, being respectful, and not being aggressive but not being passive either

Like most studies, this in not without limitations. Transferability is potentially problematic. Also, when pilot study of article is well resourced expecting the same outcomes to transfer may be unrealistic.

Conclusion (Summary of major points)

Mentoring adolescents on different social skills can provide a positive influence in order to have positive interactions with authority and peers. Social skills such as good communication skills, the ability to listen, having an open mind, being respectful, and not being aggressive or passive can all be taught and practiced by adolescent. These social skills will provide the youth with a proper foundation for means of communication with others. They will be able to properly interact with authority and peers when equipped with the right information and knowledge.

References (APA format)

Estrada-Martinez, L. (2013). “Families, Neighborhood Socio-Demographic Factors, and Violent Behaviors Among Adolescents.” Youth & Society, vol. 45 Iss: 2, pp. 221-242

Fontana, P., Cohen, S., Wolvin, A. (2015_. Understanding Listening Competency: A Systematic Review of Research Scales. The International Journal of Listening, vol. 29 iss. 3, pp. 148-176.

Langdon, F. and Ward, L. (2012). “Educative Mentoring: A Way Forward.” International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, vol. 4 iss:4, pp. 240-254

Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning “The Effectiveness of Mentoring Youth” Volume 23 Issue 3 pages 213-227 Published August 11,2015 by Chelsea La Valle