Reflection 10

Discussion on the importance of setting aside time for reflection.

Taking time to reflect helps students feel good about their accomplishments, but more importantly, reflection can be the thing that makes learning really stick. Reflection is an essential element in learning. Setting aside time for reflection helps students reveal things that they might not otherwise think about: what they learned, their growth as learners, and what they want to learn in projects ahead.  Give students the opportunity to reflect on the ways they overcame obstacles when the work was hard. Encourage them to think about how their own creativity came into play to move the project forward. Also, help students think about how joyous and gratifying the learning journey can be. Help them remember the positive experience they had in the project.

Discussion on the reason students need to reflect and elaborate.

A successful project is the springboard for the next cycle of learning. As students become more accomplished project doers, you will put more and more decisions for subsequent projects in their hands. Projects open students eyes. Ask students to reflect and elaborate.
Ask these questions:
1. What does this get you wondering about next?
2. What do you want to learn now?
3. How do you want to go about it?
4. Where do you want to go?

Discussion on how schools build tradition and identity.

There are a large amount of schools that are popular just for traditions. Some schools are sports powerhouses. Some schools send students to science competitions where they medal year after year. Part of building school traditions is building awareness in others. When families, the community, and students coming up through the grades know what you are up to, you have a foundation for tradition. Once a school has established a tradition of excellence, students will feel it's a privilege to honor the tradition with their hard work. In projects, think of ways to showcase it that will establish your identity as a community of learners.

Discussion on the importance celebrating a project.

- Show students work
- Put on an event
- Create a blog
- Hold a party
- Classroom displays: dioramas, fully transformed classroom, classroom exhibit
- "Year in review"
These are all different ways that a project can be celebrated. Celebrating projects can help your school grow in the community and build your school's identity as a place where kids get to learn through projects. 

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

This chapter related to our project because it helps us figure out good and effective ways to come to the end of a project. We have discussed ways to present our projects in class and we will be holding a presentation. I believe a presentation of our website and all the work we have done will be the most effective way to show an onlooker what we have accomplished.