SHOW NOTES
PBL and Reflection
The episode begins with a personal anecdote about Ryan’s experience raising chickens and gardening. The anecdote serves as an analogy for the importance of reflection in PBL.
- Ryan introduces the concept of the “gardener’s pause.” This is a metaphor for taking time to step back and assess what is working well in a project and what needs more attention.
- Reflection is described as being similar to this gardener’s pause. It is a process of evaluating actions and nurturing growth by determining what is thriving and what needs more attention.
- Teachers need to develop this “muscle” of reflection, both personally and in their students.
- Reflection should be practiced daily and with intention.
- Feedback is described as coming from others and is an external perspective that helps teachers and students see things that might have been missed.
- Reflection, on the other hand, comes from within. It is an internal process where individuals analyze their own experiences, thoughts, and actions.
- Reflection can also be done in groups, where the collective acts as one.
- Teachers should use protocols, rubrics, and best practice sheets to help students learn how to reflect.
- Ryan acknowledges that teaching reflection takes time, but argues that this time is a worthwhile investment that will pay off in the long run.
- When students are able to reflect on their own work, they are better able to identify areas for improvement and make revisions before submitting assignments.
- Reflection is a lifelong skill that will benefit students both inside and outside of the classroom.
- Reflection is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly.
- Teachers should encourage students to reflect multiple times throughout a project, making it a part of the classroom culture.
- Like feedback, reflection can save teachers time. When students can provide feedback to each other and self-reflect, it reduces the amount of feedback that the teacher needs to provide.
- However, teachers should still be involved in the feedback and reflection process.
- Students need time to apply the feedback and reflection they receive. They need opportunities to revise and improve their work based on what they have learned.
- Teachers should build in time for revision after practice presentations, peer feedback, and self-reflection.
- Reflection and feedback are twin sisters. Both are essential for creating a positive and productive learning environment.
- Ryan reiterates that inquiry is at the heart of PBL.
- Listeners are encouraged to visit pblshare.com to submit questions for the PBL Simplified for Teachers podcast.
- The next episode will focus on voice and choice in PBL.
Resources
Go to PBLshare.com to get your personal Need to Know answered.
Magnify Learning – www.magnifypbl.com
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