Evaluating how you have worked
and what you have produced
Although reflection and metacognition are encouraged at all points in the Cycle, reflection is particularly important at the end of an inquiry, both before the product is submitted for feedback (to make sure that everything that was required has been done while there is still time to make adjustments) and also after feedback has been received (to give students the opportunity to consider what they have learnt, both about the subject material and the inquiry process, and what they may do differently next time).
The Reflect stage at the end of an inquiry experience becomes valuable and robust when it leads students directly into an inquiry stance and a growth mindset. During Reflect, students are not only given the opportunity to assess their successes and challenges in both final product and inquiry process, but also the encouragement to think about what new questions they have and what they want to learn about next. They are motivated to follow their own sense of wonder and empowered to learn on their own.
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Express ← Previous | Reflect
Consider
- Providing a brief reflection sheet inviting them to reflect on each stage of the process or to suggest what they would do differently next time
- Inviting them to comment on their finished product. Are they proud of what they achieved? Why/ why not? Do they understand why they got their mark? What would they do differently next time?
- Encouraging students to revisit reflections from a previous inquiry just before the start of the next
- Encouraging students to capture their new questions in a Wonder journal and pursue those questions whenever they wish
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