Core Activity 2.4

Read Moon and Creme articles as part of core activity 2.4. Really enjoyed both articles actually, hit upon a lot of themes that ive been considering over the last few days.

Reflection is bring the sub-conscious into the conscious. Donald Schon touched upon this in the Moon (2001, p3) article when describing some theoretical approaches to reflection. Schon saw that reflection converts tacit knowledge into something more tangible; making subconscious competence explicit.

I also thought the idea that reflection comes before learning interesting. I had always considered it to come after learning. I guess this depends on the definition of learning and the depth of learning (Moon 2001, p3). Like most things for me its not that clear cut, learning and reflection are non-linear, and takes place on multiple levels.

I had not before considered how important assessment was in driving learning for the student. So being clear on the assessment method and how its communicated is important. On the H808 course one of the first things ive done is read the assessment criteria, it completely influences how I participate with the course. Is this a good thing? im not so sure, I guess it depends on why im doing the course, my desired outcomes will be different from others on the course.

Should we assess a learning journal?

Creme gives some really good arguments for and against the assessment student’s reflective work. Reflective writing is a personal process that is complex and individual. I don’t thin we should be assessing it, Instead I think that we should encourage the use reflective practice and create a culture of reflection throughout the learning process. Students need the value in reflection and how it can help them develop and grow as individuals, it should be self driven. This is bigger than assessment; it’s about becoming a better learner, not achieving a pass mark.

My own attitude to reflection and how is blogging useful as a means of doing it?

A go at defining ‘Reflection’…

Reflection is a natural process of questioning and considering a past experience. It is an active activity that brings subconscious practice into the conscious.

Blogging is useful in the sense that it provides a space to jot down thoughts and reflections. Others can see these posts and then comment, which in turn may provide deeper thoughts. Blogging forces the individual to consider their thoughts both before and after they post. There is no right or wrong answer with blogging, the final outcome is sometimes less important than the process the individual takes to get there.

I usually need to go through a reflective process in order to embed any learning. As I have little contact with other students the blog provides an important outlet for me. I’m not really concerned if anybody reads it (although it’s great if they do), or if its not that well written (because it usually isn’t), its simply part of my thinking process.