Parker- Chapter 10 RR

Reading Reflection #10

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

Setting aside time for conscious reflection helps students reveal things they might not otherwise think about. Offer students a chance to reflect on what they learned and how the project became personally meaningful. Ask students to reflect on their skill development. Give student an opportunity to reflect on ways they can overcome obstacles or persisted when the work was hard. But remember, having students answer a lot of questions can cause students to leave the project hating it instead of loving it. So instead focus on the few things that matter most. Focus on the anchors that learning and get kids thinking about themselves as evolving learners.

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

As students become more accomplished project-doers, teachers will put more and more decisions for subsequent projects in their hands. The projects will open student’s eyes. So ask students to reflect and to also elaborate. Ask students what they want to learn now and how do they want to go about it. Be sure to ask the students where they want to go, since their answers might yield a more ambitious project than you would imagine.

3.     Discussion on how schools build tradition and identity.

Many schools’ identities are tied to their traditions. Some schools are sport powerhouses, while some schools send students to science competitions where they medal year after year. Part of the recipe for establishing traditions is to build awareness in others. When families, the community, and students coming up through the grades know what the teachers are up to, teachers have a foundation for tradition. As community members begin to notice and value students’ accomplishment, they will give enthusiastic support. After a time, they’ll expect to be involved, so teachers should invite them in. Ask the community to participate in a celebration of learning. Share with the challenges and rewards of hard work. Teachers should show how the class accomplishments are the result of students’ commitment to their own learning.

4.     Discussion on the importance celebrating a project.

It is important to show students work and celebrate their learning. This helps build the schools identity as a place where kids get to learn through projects. Classroom displays are a common way to share projects with other students, parents and the community. This gives students a sense of pride in their work.

5.    Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project.

This relates to our project because this is another way to branch out and make connections to the community and to the parents.