Reading Reflection #10

1.    Discussion on the importance of setting aside time for reflection.

It is important to reflect on the process of a project and how well it went because it’s almost like trial and error experiment. As a student, it is important to realize what works best for you during a project regarding time management, what worked well/what didn’t work well, who you work well with, communication skills, and how did the technology fall in to play? The end of a project is a great place to start reflecting because it allows for a growth in learning dispositions. It is a good idea to help students reflect on what made them happy during a project and what made them frustrated and to learn how to avoid those frustrations in future projects.

2.    Discussions on the reason students need to reflect and elaborate.

Elaboration can help students figure out what the next step is after completing a project. This allows students to think about what they want to learn next; is it something new, or do I want to learn more about this topic? As a teacher, it is important to as students where they want to go with their ideas. This will lead your students into more of a student driven project whereas students will become more ambitious.

3.    Discussion on how schools build tradition and identity.

In order to build tradition and identity, think of ways that will reflect on student-based project learning. When older students set some sort of standard, young students look forward to what learning awaits them in their future years at the school. When a community starts to recognize these roles students are playing in a school, they begin to provide support that is much needed for many students or schools alone. It is important to show the community and school that your students are the one with majority power in leading these projects. This shows the community that your students are determined and successful in what they want to learn.

4.    Discussion on the importance in celebrating a project.

In order for students to feel accomplished and successful in their own way, it is important to show off their work, create a celebration for their accomplishments. Praise them for the work they have done and encourage them for future work. Display students work in a community and school setting so people can see how students’ work is being brought to the table. A celebration could be big or small, as long as it gives the opportunity for one more glance, acknowledgment of how hard work and commitment contributed to the success of the project, appreciation, opportunities to talk through their project to reflect on themselves to others, and an opportunity to present their work in a professional manner.

5.    Discussions on how this chapter relates to your topic/project.

Creating our website allows us to reflect and elaborate on our topic and see what we have accomplished and what we can do to better ourselves as team workers and our time management skills. I think celebrating in ones self-accomplishments are extremely important at a high school/college level. It allows students to take the next step in taking initiative in their own learning.