Weekly reflections and discussions are required and will be assigned in each weekly activity post.
Reflection is a powerful tool for helping students create meaning and connect with the course content. Self-reflection can help students build meta-cognitive skills, ultimately increasing the desire to move past grades and focus on learning.
Each week there will be a reflection question to give participants a chance to think about ways to use the information that was covered in the lesson. Each reflection should consist of two things: the first, a reflection of the lesson, and the second, a brief plan for using the material.
Discussions not only connect students to the topic, but they are instrumental for helping to develop skills of synthesis and integration. Further, discussions provide a diversity of perspectives and expands the capacity for the clear communication of ideas and meaning.
Periodically we will have short “video discussions” using the Flip Grid platform and real-time discussions via our WebEx meetings.
Final Discussion
During the final WebEx, there will be a discussion that will serve as a culmination of the weekly reflections. To prepare for the discussion, focus on the following questions.
- What is the most significant thing you learned about yourself as a teacher this semester?
- What is the most significant thing you learned about students?
- What do you consider the basics of creating an “engaged classroom”?
- What techniques or concepts that you learned this semester will you continue to use in the future? Why?
- What do you still need to learn? What kind of assistance do you need to continue your growth as a teacher?
For an insightful look at using reflection to promote learning and metacognition, check out Three Ideas for Implementing Learner Reflection. opens in new window
And this 15 Reasons for Classroom Discussions. opens in new window
