What is Self-Reflection & Why Does it Matter? | PATHS H5P

Summary

This lesson emphasizes the importance of self-reflection in the learning process, outlining its definition, process, and benefits. It highlights how reflection can lead to transformative insights, better decision-making, and avoidance of stereotypes. The 'What? So What? Now What?' framework is introduced as a method to guide reflection, encouraging students to analyze experiences, understand their significance, and determine subsequent actions. The lesson also suggests practical tips for fostering reflection skills, such as setting aside time for contemplation and maintaining a reflection journal, ultimately positioning self-reflection as a critical tool for academic and professional growth.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Self-reflection is defined as a method of introspection within a learning context to gain insights and apply them to future experiences.
• 🌟 It is crucial for academic success as it aids in making important changes and decisions about one's learning process.
• 🔧 Without self-reflection, one might reinforce stereotypes and offer simplistic solutions to complex problems.
• 📚 Reflection skills can be developed through practice and feedback, often prompted by instructors in an educational setting.
• 🗣️ The 'What? So What? Now What?' framework is suggested for engaging in the reflective process effectively.
• 🤔 The 'What' step involves defining the experience and being specific about one's actions and experiences.
• 💡 The 'So What' step is about understanding the significance of the experience and identifying important connections.
• 🛠️ The 'Now What' step focuses on deriving insights and planning changes or next steps based on those insights.
• ⏰ It's advised to set aside time to thoughtfully consider each reflection question and let the mind wander over the experience.
• 📝 Instructors may ask for written reflections on real-world examples to enhance self-awareness and critical thinking skills.
• 📔 Keeping a reflection journal can be a helpful tool for noting experiences, applying the 'What, So What, Now What' framework, and tracking personal growth.

Q & A

What is self-reflection?

Self-reflection is a process of examining oneself within a learning context to gain transformative insights to apply to future experiences.

Why is self-reflection important for learning and academic success?

Self-reflection is crucial as it helps in making important changes and decisions, avoiding being stuck in ineffective routines, and preventing reinforcement of stereotypes or offering simplistic solutions to complex problems.

How can one develop self-reflection skills?

One can develop self-reflection skills through practice and feedback, often prompted by instructors in a classroom setting or after personal experiences such as presentations or assignments.

What is the 'What? So What? Now What?' framework for self-reflection?

The 'What? So What? Now What?' framework is a method to guide the reflective process by defining the experience, understanding its significance, and determining the insights and next steps based on those insights.

Why is it important to focus on the 'So What?' and 'Now What?' parts of the framework?

The 'So What?' and 'Now What?' parts of the framework are important because they help in practicing reflection skills and gaining valuable insights that can lead to actionable changes and improvements.

What tips are suggested for engaging in self-reflection?

Tips for self-reflection include setting aside time to think about the reflection questions, allowing the mind to wander, listing questions or thoughts, and considering the reflection in a comfortable environment.

How can self-reflection be practiced in a classroom setting?

In a classroom, self-reflection can be practiced by reflecting on course content, activities, or personal learning processes, and by responding to prompts from instructors, such as after a presentation or assignment.

What other skills can self-reflection help develop?

Self-reflection can help develop self-awareness, the ability to make connections between course content and real-world experiences, analysis, communication, and critical thinking skills.

How might an instructor prompt self-reflection in a real-world context?

An instructor might prompt self-reflection by asking students to consider a real-world example from multiple perspectives and provide a written reflection, or by encouraging them to think about their own assumptions and beliefs.

What is the significance of keeping a reflection journal?

A reflection journal allows one to note important experiences, document insights, and apply the 'What? So What? Now What?' framework to new content and milestones, aiding in continuous learning and self-improvement.