Reflection - Not Just a Song from Disney's Mulan

Genuine reflection is quite hard to come by.  It is difficult for the entire process of reflection to be successful, as it requires one to look at what their goals are, how far they have come to reach them, and if original standards have been met. There have been times, I hate to admit, when teachers have encouraged reflection assignments after projects that I have not been honest on.  I wrote what I thought they wanted to hear. For me, these assignments may be good for triggering ideas, but I think reflection is really an inner process. I internalize my goals and look back on what I have done constantly. It is not something you do once you have finished a project, but a continuing process that helps one in every aspect of life. This use of genuine reflection can cause great growth in the classroom when implemented correctly. It lays out personal guidelines for one to gain knowledge and grow. Although forcing students to fill out mindless worksheets would not be my way of encouraging reflection in the class, it is an integral part of the growth of both students and teachers.