Reflection is often the step we skip at the end of a Project Based Learning unit to save time, so we can catch up on our curriculum map. Two problems arise as we resonate with this statement. First, reflection should be happening throughout a PBL unit. Secondly, reflection may be the most important aspect of the learning process. Before the PBL, learners have experiences and past lessons they can reflect on to set up the learning. The entry event and need to know phase can be great arenas to engage inquiry through reflecting on past experiences.
During the PBL, learners can tune and give feedback as they reflect on what they are learning and creating. Austin’s Butterfly video (linked below) is a great example of the power of group reflection. At the conclusion of a PBL, learners can reflect on the new skills and content they have learned. Since these are new skills and content pieces, the reflection stage helps to solidify these ideas into something they can use in the future. When we move on without reflection we miss out on an opportunity to help a learner really master an idea.
Video Related Resources
Reflection (Website Resource Page)
Protocols (Website Resource Page)
Scaffolding Student Reflections & Sample Questions (Edutopia Article)
Austin’s Butterfly Video (YouTube Video)
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