Notes from ESS 2, 1/23/06 - Learning from Reflections
1. Learning from Reflections:
Looking Backward, Looking Forward, Being Concrete
- What is a reflection?
- Educational rationale
- Structuring reflections
- How will reflections be used in this class?
- Group discussions of assignment 1
Graphic: Courtesy of DOE.
2. What are Reflections?
- A form of self-assessment
- A means of sharing and critique ideas about teaching and learning
- A means of tracking progress, cataloging previous approaches to challenges,
and mapping out strategies for tackling anticipated future challenges
- Reflections can play a valuable role in both teaching and learning
3. Educational Rationale – Why are
Reflections Useful?
- Provides a forum for recording ideas and thinking
- Actively engages teachers and learners
- Focuses on understanding of process
- Identifies challenging content areas
- Enhances connections across disciplines or over a diverse array of learning
experiences
- Provides a broader perspective on learning
- Enhances recognition of effective learning strategies
Other ideas…
4. Structuring Reflections -
Examples
- What have I learned from…?
- How has … changed my ideas or attitudes?
- What challenges am I currently facing?
- What should I focus my learning next?
- How have various experiences contributed to my learning?
- How is my current learning connected to other areas of study?
Other ideas…
Reflections are most useful if they consider experiences in a detailed, concrete
sense, rather than just on a superficial level
5. How Reflections Will be Used in
This Class
- A component of the portfolio
- Plan to reflect on your work in this class and in the schools 3-4 times per
month
- Set time to reflect aside in advance
- About once a month, we will discuss reflections in small groups
6. Group Discussion of Assignment 1
- In what areas have we made the most progress?
- In what areas would we like to focus our effort this semester?
- Look for common themes that emerge among members of your group