Reflective thought and action involves coaching students to think critically about the information and ideas they encounter, and about their experiences.
Reflection is crucial for knowledge construction. It is also crucial if students are to become independent, self-regulating, lifelong learners.
Through reflection, students assimilate new learning, relate it to what they already know, adapt it for their own purposes, and work out what actions they should take.
They will usually be required to articulate their reflective thinking in some way – for example, as entries in a diary or log, in group or whole-class discussion, or in a report or presentation.
Genuine reflection (as distinct from a superficial response) requires time. It also requires a supportive learning environment.
Use questions that encourage reflection for inquiry learning, task design, modelling, and coaching:
Last updated September 13, 2012