In the realm of applied learning, reflection is not merely an afterthought but a cornerstone of the learning process. It's a tool that empowers students to assess their progress, identify areas of growth, and celebrate their achievements. In this blog post, we'll explore how students engage in reflection and how it is applied to their progress, learning, and ultimate success. We've gathered insights from exemplary teachers who share their experiences in guiding students through this essential journey.

When do reflections happen?Reflections are an integral part of the applied learning model and occur at various points in the learning process. They are deliberately positioned both before and after significant events, including lessons and projects, during field trips, and after listening to speakers or presentations. In fact, reflection is built into daily lessons, making it a continuous and essential practice in the students' educational journey.

What do reflections look like?Reflections come in various forms, depending on the context and the preferences of both the students and the teachers. Here's a glimpse of how reflections manifest:

1. Written Reflections: After major projects or significant experiences, students engage in written reflections. These reflections offer students an opportunity to articulate what went well, what didn't, what they learned, and what they would do differently next time. The act of writing it down becomes a habit that internalizes the process of learning and growth.
2. Informal Conversations: Reflection doesn't always need to be a formal written exercise. Informal conversations between students and teachers serve as a valuable means of reflection. These conversations may occur during or after lessons, providing students with a space to express their thoughts, questions, and insights.
3. Audio Reflections: Some students are encouraged to create podcasts that capture their reflections on their experiences within the advisory. These podcasts can be shared with others, allowing for a deeper level of engagement and providing an opportunity for others to learn from their reflections.
4. Visual Reflections: Visual materials are another way students demonstrate their reflection and knowledge. They might create graphic materials through platforms like Canva, which showcase their research knowledge and reflections on their learning journey.

What questions can you prompt students with if they're having trouble reflecting?Reflection can sometimes be challenging, especially for students who are new to the process. Teachers play a crucial role in guiding students through reflection. If students are struggling to reflect effectively, here are some prompts that can help:

• What were the main goals or objectives of this project or experience?
• Can you identify any specific challenges you encountered during the process?
• What skills did you use, and how did you apply them in this project?
• What were the key takeaways from this experience? What did you learn?
• Are there any aspects of the project that you would do differently next time?
• Can you pinpoint what went particularly well in this project?

These prompts can serve as a starting point for students to structure their reflections and explore their experiences more deeply.

In conclusion, reflection is a dynamic and integral part of applied learning. It happens at various points in the learning process, takes on different forms, and can be initiated through written, oral, or visual means. As educators, we must encourage and guide our students through reflection, helping them identify their growth areas and celebrate their successes. By incorporating reflection into daily lessons, projects, and experiences, we empower students to become independent learners and critical thinkers, fully prepared for the complexities of the real world.