An example of reflection in the classroom is when students pause to actively process what they have just learned, connecting it to prior knowledge or thinking about how they might use it.
Reflection is a crucial part of the learning process where students actively engage with new information beyond simple reception. As the reference states, reflection involves mental activities such as:
"These include retrieval (recalling recently learned knowledge to mind), elaboration (for example, connecting new knowledge to what you already know), and generation (for example, rephrasing key ideas in your own words or visually and mentally rehearsing what you might do differently next time).” In other words, reflection is the active processing and strengthening of learned material.
Practical Classroom Example
Consider a science class where students have just learned about the water cycle. A teacher might prompt reflection through various activities:
- Wrap-up Discussion: Asking students to recall the main stages of the water cycle (Retrieval).
- Journaling: Having students write about how the water cycle affects their local community (Elaboration - connecting new knowledge to their own context).
- Partner Explanation: Asking students to explain the water cycle to a partner in their own words (Generation - rephrasing).
- Scenario Planning: Presenting a scenario (e.g., a prolonged drought) and asking students to brainstorm what part of the water cycle is most affected and why (Generation - applying knowledge and thinking about future/hypothetical situations).
How This Reflects the Reference
This example directly incorporates the elements described in the reference:
- Retrieval: Students recall the steps of the water cycle.
- Elaboration: Students connect the abstract concept of the water cycle to their existing knowledge about their community.
- Generation: Students rephrase the concept for a peer or mentally rehearse applying the knowledge to a new scenario.
These activities move beyond passive listening, requiring students to actively work with the information, making it more likely to be retained and understood deeply.
Benefits of Classroom Reflection
Incorporating regular reflection activities helps students to:
- Consolidate learning.
- Identify areas of confusion.
- Develop metacognitive skills (thinking about their own thinking).
- Make personal connections to the material.
- Prepare for future application of knowledge.
Examples of Reflection Activities:
- Think-Pair-Share: Students think individually, discuss with a partner, then share with the class.
- Exit Tickets: Students answer a brief question at the end of class summarising learning or asking a lingering question.
- Learning Logs: Students keep a journal to record what they learned, challenges, and connections.
- Concept Mapping: Students visually link new concepts to existing ones.
By integrating these simple yet powerful strategies, teachers can foster a classroom environment where reflection is a natural and valuable part of the learning journey.
