tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694295433254739440.post3916113945128603272..comments2014-01-21T13:50:24.306-08:00Comments on JRussellTeacher Blog: What's Different - What's the Same?Jeff Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12019502987257151589noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694295433254739440.post-6833048025956389122012-01-07T12:43:46.583-08:002012-01-07T12:43:46.583-08:00How do students self reflect? There are a lot of w...How do students self reflect? There are a lot of ways. I have formal reflections that they fill out for each of the 6 week grading periods. Included in that is the grade that they will be giving themselves. I have oversight, of course, but most of the time they are right on. Their work is good, some better than others, but my students, for the most part, try really hard to do their best.<br />In addition to those, I have informal conversations with them, one on one. They formulate their own personal goals for our units, which they are able to reevaluate and change. Also, they each have their own blogs and do a lot of reflection there. Sometimes they reflect because of a required post I assign, or they reflect because it is something that they just do now. It's really exciting! If you would like to see them, they are at: http://kidblog.org/6thgradersof2011-2012 AND http://kidblog.org/7thgradeenglishness<br /><br />Self reflection happens formally before each 6 week grading period. Other than that, it happens when the need arises in my classes. Usually we will do it when we move into new territories, or if we clear some sort of hurdle in our learning. It's really more of a natural, self evolving process than a mandatory do it at these precise times kind of thing.<br /><br />Setting goals - I'll give students guidance about different types of goals that we can set. If we're writing it can be # of pages, stories, etc. But, they can also be about specific skills - spelling, grammar, punctuation, asking others for feedback, suggestions, etc. Students typically will set some sort of amount goal, but then a more personalized goal of something they struggle with. One of my students had a huge problem with letting ANYONE see their work. Something she needed to get past if she wanted to improve as a writer. It helped having that in front of her as something she accepts is an issue that needed to be overcome. Goals do need to be oriented toward the work. I'll review the student goals, and if there are any "issues" I'll have the students clarify and redirect them. The first time was REALLY difficult, but after that it was easy.<br /><br />I hope these things help. Keep the questions coming :-)Jeff Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12019502987257151589noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694295433254739440.post-43629307603821571332012-01-06T14:10:14.615-08:002012-01-06T14:10:14.615-08:00Thanks for tweeting me the link to your blog! So ...Thanks for tweeting me the link to your blog! So far this post comes closest to answering my question, but (as all great posts do) has left me with more questions :) How do you go about having students self-reflect? How often? What is your process for having students set their own goals? I love your philosophy, and it's something I've more fully embraced this year. My novice classes are mostly self-paced (I can't get away with it totally in my accelerated class, unfortunately), I am as paperless as possible, and I did away with late penalties several years ago (if they learn the material, isn't that the point? Should we punish them for not learning on our time schedule?) I love the "students as people" philosophy -- critical when dealing with middle level students from such varied backgrounds as I see in my district. The trap of doing what is easier is a sticky and dangerous one, and the opposite end of the spectrum can lead to quick burnout if one is not careful. You seem to be a phenomenal teacher, and I am very interested in learning more about what you do in your classroom. Thank you for blogging your experiences!<br /><br />TracyTracy Bradyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01037055266403699864noreply@blogger.com