Reflections

Learning doesn't take place without reflection, because it is in our reflectioning that we really learn.

Why We Reflect

Throughout a project students will be expected to reflect on their learning, challenges, problem solving, and progress within their project.  These reflections should occur after approximately every five hours of project work or once a week. After completing each reflection they will conference with their project advisor to help them continue to refine their continued work. 

How We Reflect

Reflections will include:

  • Initial project defining reflection
  • Learning standards alignment
  • Peer feedback reflection
  • Consulting with an expert reflections 
  • Regular progress and learning reflections
  • Final summative learning reflection

Options for reflection formats include:

  • Written reflection
  • Video reflection
  • Infographic reflection
  • Peer circle/panel reflection
  • Slide show format reflection
  • Student designed reflection
  • Other/Student personal choice

Reflection is a way of promoting critical thinking and analyzing what you are going to accomplish with your project and how you will proceed.  Initial reflection is important in the process of self directed learning.  This initial reflection will give students the opportunity to communicate their learning path, project focus and next steps to become more confident learners. 

The mid point reflections are an important part of the project process, because it offers students the opportunity to continue to direct their learning, think critically about the strengths of their project, as well as challenges they have faced.  This allows for collaboration, clarification and continued problem solving as the students move into the final stages of their project and revise as needed.  

The final reflection is the last step of your project.  This last reflection provides an opportunity for students to critically think about the success of their project, as well as how they solved problems which arose during the process and have become more confident learners.  Students reflect on the skills mastered, the learning that took place, the next steps of the project, if it were to continue, as well as how the project affects the student, others, or the community.  This last reflection may leave lingering questions, which students could choose to develop into future projects.