September 3, 2009

Reflective SessionWhakatu Schools’ eLearning Cluster Share

A thought from John Dewey...

Reflection is distinct from other forms of thought because it involves a state of self-doubt, hesitation, perplexity, and mental difficulty. It is an act of hunting, inquiring... (and learning)

John Dewey 1933

What is it?It is something that takes you to a

place of learning... somewhere new

It gets you into ‘learning mode’

Why ‘reflect’For perspective

For new possibility

For clarity

To sharpen the focus

To challenge yourself and your situation (gets you off autopilot)

Remember: Where you begin may not be where you end up!

What to reflect on?What is on the edge of my

awareness

A recurring theme

A muddy/sticky point

Something difficult/unresolved

Something which needs clarity

Not to justify your position or why you are right and someone else is wrong!

Active vs. Passive

Passive Active

• Become the observer - conceptually remove yourself from the issue

• Observers notice... they don’t take actions.

• (Archer and bow - aim the shot carefully before firing it)

• Ask questions of yourself

• Filter those questions

Active vs. Passive

Passive Active

• Become the observer - conceptually remove yourself from the issue

• Observers notice... they don’t take actions.

• (Archer and bow - aim the shot carefully before firing it)

• Ask questions of yourself

• Filter those questions

Try this (Stage 1):

Capture the issue in 4-5 sentences. (No other feelings, opinions or ideas... DRAGNET - ‘Just the facts ma’am’) This needs to be something to do with eLearning...

Record observation of self (NO ONE ELSE) - include your own feelings

Ask Questions - write down 10 or so that are in your mind.

MethodStream of consciousScribble -

Sketch - MindmapPictures +writingEmotions :-) :-( :-

S

5 Minutes

The ‘Filter’ (Stage 2)

Filter your questions! (use this table as a guide)

Technical Questions Blamer/Judger Questions Learner Questions

Expertise required - A solution is known or can be found.

Finger pointing. Looking for fault/blame. Why has this failed?

What’s wrong?

Solution seeking, Explores possibilities, Open, Proactive,

Acceptance, Discover, Inquiring, Intentional change, Win/win?

e.g. Where can I find the booking sheet?

e.g. Who is responsible? Why did this happen? What went wrong?

e.g. How/What can I learn about this? How can I stay on track? What are my motives? What is

right for me/them/the organisation? What are my

responsibilities/choices? How does my attitude affect this?

What is possible? What should I change in my approach? Am I

being realistic? What do I really not want to know?5 Minutes

5 Minutes

The ‘Filter’ (Stage 2)

Filter your questions! (use this table as a guide)

Technical Questions Blamer/Judger Questions Learner Questions

Expertise required - A solution is known or can be found.

Finger pointing. Looking for fault/blame. Why has this failed?

What’s wrong?

Solution seeking, Explores possibilities, Open, Proactive,

Acceptance, Discover, Inquiring, Intentional change, Win/win?

e.g. Where can I find the booking sheet?

e.g. Who is responsible? Why did this happen? What went wrong?

e.g. How/What can I learn about this? How can I stay on track? What are my motives? What is

right for me/them/the organisation? What are my

responsibilities/choices? How does my attitude affect this?

What is possible? What should I change in my approach? Am I

being realistic? What do I really not want to know?

The ‘Filter’ (Stage 2)

Filter your questions! (use this table as a guide)

Technical Questions Blamer/Judger Questions Learner Questions

Expertise required - A solution is known or can be found.

Finger pointing. Looking for fault/blame. Why has this failed?

What’s wrong?

Solution seeking, Explores possibilities, Open, Proactive,

Acceptance, Discover, Inquiring, Intentional change, Win/win?

e.g. Where can I find the booking sheet?

e.g. Who is responsible? Why did this happen? What went wrong?

e.g. How/What can I learn about this? How can I stay on track? What are my motives? What is

right for me/them/the organisation? What are my

responsibilities/choices? How does my attitude affect this?

What is possible? What should I change in my approach? Am I

being realistic? What do I really not want to know?5 Minutes

‘Final Filter’ & ‘Inquiry’ (Stage 3)

Ask a few more ‘learner’ questions...

And answer them! (inquiry into self)

5 Minutes

Finally!

Please add some reflective comment to our Teachers-as-learners wiki

Please...

PLEEEASE!PLEEEEEEEEEASE!!!