1. The importance of setting aside time for reflection:
Taking the time to reflect on a class project, or students' individual work, helps students to feel good about their accomplishments, and more importantly, can be the thing that makes learning really stick. When students create their own meaning, it's important that they look at it from all sides while meaning is taking shape, and then view it from a distance, too, as they get ready to step beyond the experience to the next learning challenge. Reflection helps students reveal things they might not otherwise think about.
2. The reason students need to reflect and elaborate:
Asking questions such as, "What does this get you wondering about next?" and "What do you want to learn now, and how do you want to go about it?" gets students' minds to reflect on the work they've just accomplished and gets them thinking about how to elaborate on their previous project. Asking learners where they want to go next is an important tool in developing their minds to recall what they've already done, and think about where they want to go in the future.
3. How schools build tradition and identity:
Schools that build tradition and identity share a sense of tradition and an expectation of excellent. Part of building school identity is by building awareness in others. When families, the community, and students know what you are up to, you have a foundation for tradition. As community members begin to notice and value students' accomplishments, they give enthusiastic support and will, over time, expect to be involved.
4. The importance of celebrating a project:
Celebrating students' work is a way to make students excited about finishing a project, and proud of the work they've done. In addition, it builds the school's identity as a place where kids get to learn through projects and gives students a sense of pride in their work.
5. How concepts in this chapter relate to our topic/project:
Our project highlights the celebration at the end of the unit - a classroom dinner and cookbook, created by the students. Our dinner is a way for students to celebrate with both their families and the community, an opportunity for others to see all of the hard work the students have accomplished. Having such a celebration at the end of this project gives students an event to look forward and may also positively affect their work ethic during the learning process.
your responses were really good. I especially liked what you said about why it is important to reflect. Reflecting is a great way to get students really thinking about what they just learned and what they want to continue to explore. I also liked how you incorporated the concepts into your project. Using the dinner as a way to celebrate both with families and the community is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteI really like your well written responses.I think its great that as teachers we can make our students feel well accomplished by giving them the sense that what they do in class does matter and having a celebration of learning for them! I think reflection is a great part not only of the learning process but of the human way of life process on reflection. Reflection gives room for change and time to reflect back on important parts of your life.I really like the whole idea of having a celebration and creating a tradition and identity in schools!
ReplyDeleteGreat reflection. Your ideas on why students need to reflect and why we need to set apart time for reflection are great ideas. I also payed great attention to those two questions on why students need to reflect. Overall a great reflection!
ReplyDeleteI thought your reflection was very well done and included all of the necessary information. I thought your idea for your ending celebration for your project is a great idea and a good way to celebrate. Good job!
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