4-Reflection-Blogs (How?)

Topic: REFLECTION/STORYTELLING- Level 2 PortfolioIntroduction by Dr. BarrettThis is the most important lesson because I believe reflection is the "heart and soul" of the portfolio process. You will focus on the reflective portfolio, most often implemented through a reflective journal. The technology tool most appropriate for this level is most likely a blog. There are a variety of resources provided to scaffold the reflection process with students. The implementation plan step includes a plan for scaffolding student reflection, teacher feedback, and a plan for further professional development to support teachers' portfolio and technology skills.Learning Objectives: You willreflect on the role of reflection in the learning process
reflect on how e-portfolios can support reflection
- Explore basics of using Blogger OR Google Sites Announcement Page Type
- Explore how to create an environment to support students creating reflective journals (blogging).

INPUTS

Readings:

Level 2: Reflective Journal/Blog (in the Planning Section)
- Reflection Cycle Reflection Resources
Review Dr. Barrett’s website on Reflection for Learning: https://sites.google.com/site/reflection4learning/
(Focus on your specific grade/age level)
https://sites.google.com/site/reflection4learning/why-reflect
5 Reasons Why Our Students Are Writing Blogs and Creating ePortfolios
Creating a Culture of Student Reflection: Self-Assessment Yields Positive Results from Edutopia

Supplemental Readings

MOSEP: Module 2 - Reflection on the learning processes
Storytelling: Adding Voice through Digital Storytelling (in Planning Section)
Read Student Engagement and Student Self-assessment: The REAL Framework (attachment on this page)

Watch: SPU video on Metacognition: Reflective Thinking Strategies by Art Ellis, Director of the Center for Global Curriculum Studies, who discusses strategies for promoting student reflection on their learning process (1 hour, view in iTunes)

This video contains many practical strategies for scaffolding reflection in schools, although he does not specifically mention ePortfolios, these activities could easily be completed in a journal that students keep.

OUTPUTS

This lesson's assignments: (Outputs)

select age-appropriate scaffolding for reflection
- Explore basics of using Blogger OR Google Sites Announcement Page Type
- Explore how to create an environment to support students creating reflective journals (blogging).
online discussions
weekly blog entry

Overview of Reflection: Constructing Meaning from Experience - Metacognition & Learning - keeping a learning journal/blog - organizing work chronologically - setting goals/planning (reflection in future and present tense) - Feedback (assessment for learning)

Discussion: How does reflection fit into the portfolio development process? Why is it important? What is the teacher's role in this process? What tools can we use to meet the needs of the reflection process on a day-to-day basis: Blogger or Google Sites Announcement Page Type?

Implementation Plan Elements:

Step 5.2 Level 2 Portfolio as Workspace - Plan for scaffolding reflection

Step 6. Brainstorm Skills/Training Needed. Develop plan for building e-portfolio skills of various stakeholders.

Alternative Assignment (building your own professional portfolio):

Address the questions above but focus on your own professional portfolio development context. You have already established your own blog as part of this course. You should consider developing a reflective digital narrative to add voice to your portfolio. See the section on Digital Storytelling.

Reflection: CREDIT participants, write a blog entry that documents your learning activities for this lesson. What did you learn from the reading, viewing and discussions. (Optional, but recommended for non-credit participants)