WHEN: Tue, April. 4, 11.59PM, 8 points
WHAT: a 500-800 word reflection, submitted as a Google Doc. Please give me commenting/suggesting access.
WHY: You can compare with your previous reflection and see if you followed up on what you identified as strengths, or areas to work on, and how that translates into improved insights and performance or confidence in the course or other areas.
More details: We’re two-thirds through the semester (believe it or not), so time to stop and take stock once again! The main task of the reflections is to think about your work and learning in the course from a higher perspective than the immediate course contents and “nose to the grindstone” approach we have in the week-to-week rhythm with course content and work on your final project.
Here are some questions and prompts to get you thinking about your learning and thinking, i.e.: they are “meta-cognitive” (from the ancient Greek, meaning “about/above your knowledge/thinking”, not just made up by a certain social media company!). Illustrate with concrete examples but draw out the bigger picture conclusions. Engage with at least 2 of the following prompts:
- “When I look back at the start of the semester, and what I felt, knew and did then, and I compare to what I know, feel and do now in this course, I ….” [fill out as appropriate]
- “Am I doing what is necessary to get beyond the surface meaning of the course materials or what I encounter in my project materials, and able to communicate effectively my ideas about complex historical ideas? What can I do to still improve in my approach to sources (primary and secondary), and to become a better historian?” (Trust me, there is is always room for improvement, even for professionals after a decades-long career.)
- This course does not have exams, but uses weekly reports and a project-based approach, and sharing your learning with your fellow students instead. How does that format help or hinder you to explore new knowledge and demonstrate what you learned? What are you learning about yourself as a student through this process?
- What are skills, techniques or insights and perspectives you learned in this course so far (contents or otherwise) that you feel you can apply in other courses, or even outside college?
HOW TO SUBMIT: Share a Google Doc link with me (use the Share button or email me the link), make sure I have commenting access. When you’re done, read this declaration carefully and then fill out the Canvas Declaration quiz to collect your points.
Checklist
| Declaration |
|---|
| I wrote 500-800 words |
| I engaged with at least 2 of the prompts listed by Dr. D to help me reflect on my progress in this course |
| I submitted this as a Google doc, and gave Dr. D access to comment/suggest. |
