Chapter 10 Reflection: Celebrating & Reflecting

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

• The text says it best, classes barely finish one learning experience before moving on to the next. By taking the time to reflect on projects/topics it gives students the time to take in all the information they've learned and really let it stick to their knowledge. When classes move on before reflecting I often wonder how often students actually remember what they learned. Not only does reflecting allow students to feel accomplished in what they've learned and done on the topic but it can also help them with future projects and topics that may arise in their future academics.

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

• It's important for students to reflect and elaborate because this allows them to be more successful in future projects. By having students reflect and elaborate you can see what they've learned on the particular topic or project. Teachers can ask questions such as: What does this get you wondering about next? What do you want to learn now, and how do you want to go about it? Be sure to ask your students where they want to go on a topic, some answers could yield a more ambitious project than you would imagine. 

3. Discussion on how schools build tradition and identity.

• There are many ways schools build their own traditions and identity. For example, some schools are known for their sports achievements. Inspiring teachers can leave their tradition for younger students who look forward to their class based off what they've heard about the teacher. As community members recognize students' accomplishments, they will give them enthusiastic support. Regardless of the tradition or identity, when families, the community, and students come together you have a foundation for a tradition. Build your school's identity as a place where students get to learn through projects.

4. Discussion on the importance celebrating a project.

• Celebrating a project that students have done is very important because it showcases students' accomplishments. This also allows you to anchor memories in students' minds. Teachers can celebrate projects in a variety of different ways such as showing students' work on a blog, creating an event or holding a party. Big or small, it's important that you celebration has the following: an opportunity to look back on more time, acknowledgment of how hard work and commitment contributed to the success of the project and a culture of excellence at your school, appreciation for those who helped, a display of learning, including both student creations and presentations, a look inside the learners with opportunities for them to talk about their processes and growth, and an opportunity to showcase projects to colleagues, administration, parents, and others in your larger learning community (p. 155). 

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

• This chapter relates to our project because in a way we are celebrating what we've accomplished thus far in our blog. We are also sharing this blog with a larger learning community including our teachers and other classmates. We can also look back on our blog and reflect and elaborate on what we have learned over the past several weeks.