The Student happens when students reflect on their own learning - PDF document

Reflective Practices � Teachers need to carefully reflect on Increasing Reflective Practices lessons � What went well � What did not � What to do differently next time To Improve Student Learning � Students need to reflect, too! � What went well � What did not � What to do differently next time Math-Ese Workshop June 1, 2006 Why Students Should Reflect � Some of the most powerful learning The Student happens when students reflect on their own learning � Students may not always be aware of Reflective Practices what they are learning… or why � Students begin to understand how they learn (what educators call metacognition) 1

Why Students Should Reflect Reflection May Occur: � They realize some very important things � Individually about real-world work � In Small Groups or Learning Teams � The necessity of critically reviewing, � Student-to-Student Dialogues revising, and sometimes completely starting over on a project or assignment � As a Class � How to effectively communicate and collaborate with others � AT ANY TIME DURING THE LEARNING � Students should not only reflect on their PROCESS actions in the learning process, but also (not only at the end of the lesson) about their attitudes Student Reflection Strategies Sample Reflective Activities The teacher should: � Establish clear expectations ahead of Individual, Learning Type Positioning Team, or Whole Class time Free-write Journal Throughout Project Individual � Provide stimulating prompts and Writing Letters to Others Throughout Project Individual reflective activities Structured Journal Throughout Project Individual � Require students to organize their work Team Journal Throughout Project Learning Team so they may see personal growth � Feel free to employ the Student ‘P-Word’ Notebook (aka Portfolio) End of Project Individual or Learning Coversheet Team � Teach them how to reflect, or self- Teacher-Led Discussions At Milestones Whole Class monitor Brief “check-in” presentation At Milestones or End of Learning Teams or or discussion Project Whole Class � Adapt to your grade level or subject 2

Prompting Student Reflection � Why did I miss this problem or concept? The Teacher… � Students write a rationale � Did I get better? � Not a Yes or No question, students must support � The most important thing I learned today Reflective Practices was … � I struggled with… I believe I struggled with this because… My plan of improvement is … � I wish the teacher had covered… Your Thoughts � Other prompts, reflective activities, etc. 3