CMSE 495
Michigan State University Data Science Capstone.
NO CLASS
We do not have class on this day due to Engineering Design Day.
TO TODAY - Final Reflection Assignment – Data Science Capstone
As we wrap up the semester, this is your opportunity to reflect on your journey through the Data Science Capstone. This reflection is not just a summary of what you did, but a thoughtful exploration of what you learned, how you grew, and what you would pass on to those who follow in your footsteps. This assignment is designed to help you:
- Recognize your learning and growth
- Appreciate your contributions and teamwork
- Share wisdom with future students
Assignment Prompt
Write a reflective essay (approximately 1-2 pages) that addresses the following:
1. Contributions
- Looking back at your weekly 3x3 reflections, list your main contributions to the team (technical, organizational, communication, etc.).
- How do you think your contributions impacted the success of the project?
- Compare your contributions to those of your teammates? Do you feel you contributed more or less than your teammates and how?
2. Learning and Growth
- Looking back at your weekly 3x3 reflections, what patterns do you notice about your involvement and growth?
- What are the most important skills or concepts you learned during the capstone?
- How did your understanding of data science evolve throughout the project?
- What surprised you about the process of completing a real-world data science project?
- How have you grown personally or professionally during this experience?
3. Challenges and Successes
- What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
- What are you most proud of from this experience?
- What did you learn about collaboration and teamwork through this process?
4. Advice to Future Students
- If you could give one or two pieces of advice to future students in this class, what would they be?
- What do you wish you had known at the beginning of the capstone?
Final Reflection Rubric – Data Science Capstone
Each reflection will be evaluated based on the following criteria. The goal is to encourage thoughtful, honest, and well-organized reflections that demonstrate personal and professional growth.
| Criteria | Excellent (10 pts) | Good (8 pts) | Satisfactory (6 pts) | Needs Improvement (4 pts) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth of Reflection | Demonstrates deep insight into learning and growth; clearly connects experiences to personal development. | Shows meaningful reflection with some connection to learning and growth. | Basic reflection with limited insight or connection to personal development. | Minimal reflection; lacks depth or personal connection. |
| Use of 3x3 Reflections | Effectively integrates themes and patterns from weekly 3x3 reflections. | References 3x3 reflections with some integration of themes. | Mentions 3x3 reflections but lacks clear integration. | No reference to 3x3 reflections or unclear connection. |
| Discussion of Challenges & Successes | Clearly articulates challenges faced and how they were overcome; highlights meaningful successes. | Describes challenges and successes with some detail. | Mentions challenges and successes but lacks depth or clarity. | Vague or missing discussion of challenges and successes. |
| Advice to Future Students | Offers thoughtful, specific, and actionable advice for future students. | Provides useful advice with some specificity. | Gives general advice with limited usefulness. | Advice is vague, superficial, or missing. |
| Organization & Clarity | Well-structured, clear, and engaging writing; free of grammar and spelling errors. | Mostly clear and organized; minor grammar or spelling issues. | Some issues with clarity or organization; noticeable grammar/spelling errors. | Poorly organized or difficult to follow; frequent grammar/spelling errors. |
Total Points: /50
Grading Scale:
- 45–50 pts: Exceptional
- 40–44 pts: Strong
- 35–39 pts: Satisfactory
- Below 35 pts: Needs Improvement
Submission
Email your final reflection as an attachment to your instructors. Make sure the subject says the following:
YOUR NAME: CMSE495 Final Reflection
Also please name the attached file using your MSU netid in the following format:
NETID_CMSE495_Final_Refleciton.EXT
The EXT will be the file format you choose. For example my report may be named:
colbrydi_CMSE495_Final_Refleciton.pdf
You may alos submit up until the Extended deadline due date for this assignment.
Written by Dr. Dirk Colbry, Michigan State University
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.