CH 10 RR

It is very important to set aside time for reflection. Not only is it an essential part of learning, but it is essential when students create meaning because it allows the meaning to take shape, especially when viewed from angles not otherwise thought about. When the project draws to a finish, students can reflect on what they learned and how it was personally meaningful and beneficial. A teacher can help facilitate reflection by asking questions such as how specific learning behaviors factored into the success of the project; their skill development; how they changed/improved; how their collaborations improved; how they got better at giving/receiving;how they learned to hold themselves and the team to high standards; if technology skills were used, and if they could apply their technical learning; and if they wanted to know about any other related technologies. Our students should also reflect on their growth and development as a learner, and well as graciously reflecting on how fun the learning journey can be.

There are many reasons for students to reflect and elaborate. When students become more accomplished "project-doers", teachers feel more comfortable putting decisions into their hands. Asking where students want to go is very enlightening for a teacher, because it allows them to really understand what the students want to get out of it. When students elaborate, they embrace challenges and employ skills to delve into the subject. Authentic assessments then help to solidify the information to make it realistic.

Schools need to build tradition and identity. When schools are unique and have a sense of tradition and expectation of excellence, a sense of community is created. The tradition of exemplary project work is formed partly when the students build an awareness for others, and partly when you are transparent in your activities and traditions. When community members notice and value student contributions,, they will give you as the teacher enthusiastic support. For example, the Charles N Fortes Magnet Academy in Rhode Island has a long tradition of focusing on history. Students, parents, and teachers alike feel "honor-bound to uphold the tradition of serving the community" in different ways.

Once a project has finished, it is important to celebrate! When a student spends so much time devoted to a specific project, working on it slowly and in depth, students need a finished project and a reason to celebrate their hard work. Holding a retrospective "Year in Review" is a good way to acknowledge the students consistent hard work all year long by capturing moments throughout and posting them all at the end of the year. Having an "end of project" celebration will be meaningful to students by anchoring memories, and will also help you as the teacher to learn the highlights of projects and how you can improve them in the future based on students' experiences.

This concept definitely connects to our PBL on food preservation. When designing the project, it is important to have a sense of tradition, connecting the students to the rest of the community. It is also very important to allow the students to reflect and elaborate. It helps them to expand their knowledge to the best of their ability, and allows us as teachers to know what was good and what can be improved upon for next time.