1. Reflection as Self-Assessment
- Author
-
Pappas, Marjorie L.
- Abstract
In this article, the author discusses how reflection can be used as self-assessment. Reflection involves not only thinking about a learning experience, but also questioning parts of the experience. Reflection is thinking about what one knows from the learning experience, what one might do differently the next time. Reflection is wondering about new questions one has as a result of the learning experience. Reflection is thinking about how one's new knowledge has changed one's perspective on the topic. The I-Search process is one approach to research and writing that incorporates reflection after every step. Students are presented with writing prompts and are expected to reflect and use the new understandings within that reflection to impact the next step of the process. Teachers and/or school librarians act as coaches in the process and provide writing prompts to assist students with their reflection. Learners are faced with a plethora of information throughout their lives and must learn to make sense of it independently without depending on a teacher or guide to help them. They must be able to judge the accuracy of information, determine if it contains a bias, decide whether it is relevant to their information needs, etc. Reflection, as a form of self-assessment, is one of the most powerful tools at their disposal. It is up to school librarians and teachers to help them develop and perfect this tool. (Contains 3 figures and 4 online resources.)
- Published
- 2010