MOSEP Module 2/summary

“Reflection is what allows us to learn from our experiences: it is an assessment of where we have been and where we want to go next.”'   Kenneth Wolf

During the reflection process students are expected to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each item in the portfolio. It is at this time that goals can be set for future projects but also areas of weakness can be addressed. Because the portfolio is always changing as students select which products to include it is important to record reflections and maintain a log either in the portfolio or in a separate journal. These reflections allow the teacher insight into why particular pieces have been chosen for the portfolio, the reasoning behind the choices, and, when items are removed from the portfolio it allows for explanation for the removal or excluion.

Teachers can assist students in the reflection process by building a scaffolding that allows for reflection and self-evaluation. Such a scaffolding takes time and effort with the class as a whole but is very worthwhile in the long run. Tools that can assist with reflection are guided questions about the specific contents of the portfolio, rating scales on which the student can score each piece in the portfolio in terms of why it is there and what it shows, and individual interviews with students during which he or she can explain choices made regarding the portfolio and the ultimate objective for that portfolio.