Developing Reflections
Reflection time and the transition to a written reflection statement arguably are the most powerful components on the entire portfolio process. Powerful not only in the context of student growth but also as an educational tool for all educators across all disciplines.
There are many possible approaches for a process of reflection. Following is one simplified structural model:
Purpose: Describe and identify the purpose for selecting the specific learning activity or experience that you have selected. Things to consider may include:
Reflection Starters
For each specialized entry in your Graduation Transition Plan you need to write a comprehensive reflection that elaborates on why you selected it and its meaning and value. The following are questions and reflection starters to help you get started.
Reflection time and the transition to a written reflection statement arguably are the most powerful components on the entire portfolio process. Powerful not only in the context of student growth but also as an educational tool for all educators across all disciplines.
There are many possible approaches for a process of reflection. Following is one simplified structural model:
Purpose: Describe and identify the purpose for selecting the specific learning activity or experience that you have selected. Things to consider may include:
- Why have I chosen this particular evidence?
- What is the context within which this evidence has been created, developed, etc.
- Can you identify your specific role in the experience?
- How or why is this evidence special to you?
- What have you learned about yourself from the experience(s) associated with the evidence?
- Are you able to identify specific skills, attributes, attitudes that are reflected via your selected evidence or the activity?
- Did you face any particular challenges in being able to demonstrate this evidence? Establish a context for this if appropriate.
- How do you feel about what this evidence represents and why?
- How have your abilities and interests been enhanced? Describe your level of pride, satisfaction, ownership, etc.
- How is/are your accomplishment(s) understand or seen by others (peers, parents, teachers)?
- Has this substantiated what you know or felt? Or changed your thinking, values, interests? Are you now better prepared with the learning that you have attained?
- Have you identified any areas for further growth or development as a result of the understandings associated with this evidence?
- How does this evidence and the learning associated with it relate to your other interests or experiences? Is there a potential linkage to career interests?
Reflection Starters
For each specialized entry in your Graduation Transition Plan you need to write a comprehensive reflection that elaborates on why you selected it and its meaning and value. The following are questions and reflection starters to help you get started.
- Why have I chosen this piece to include from this class?
- What are its strengths? weaknesses?
- Why is it important to include this piece in your GT?
- How and where does this fit in with my prior knowledge?
- How do you think that others will react to this product?
- Does this product meet the standard set in this class? Why or why not?"
- How do I really feel about this?
- What process did you use to complete the product?
- What did you learn by doing this assignment?
- What did you learn?
- How did you grow or develop?
- Of what are you most proud?
- How does the portfolio product illustrate the connection(s) you've made between yourself and the course material?
- In what ways would you do things differently if you could do it over again?
- What did you discover about yourself?
- How does it relate to your future?
- How does it illustrate your strengths and/or weaknesses?
- How does the GT product indicate changes in your worldview and/or awareness of global issues?
- What obstacles and challenges did you have to deal with, and how did this struggle change you?
- How does the GT product show that your perspective on the world has deepened?
- How does it relate to your understanding of the world around you?
- How does it show that you are ready to enter the next step of your life after high school?
- This product was my greatest challenge because?
- What did you learn about yourself when you compiled the information?
- Which of your accomplishments makes you feel most proud?
- What would you do differently if you did it again?
- I will remember this piece twenty years from now because...
- This piece may surprise people because...
- On a scale of 1-10, I give it a ___ because...