Let the Journey begin….
Ariel’s log Stardate 100627.63/Earth Date January 11th, 2023, 3:30
Reflective Writing
At the end of June 2020, I attended the summer Institute on Digital Literacy co run by Renee Hobbs and Julie Coiro from the Media Education Lab at the University of Rhode Island. One of the most impactful parts of that phenomenal learning experience was that I was able to put into practice the critical piece of reflection which I was able to put into practice in several units I developed since then.
I have since designed and implemented engaging learning units that have incorporated parts where students had a chance to analyze and reflect on the actions or activities they have done. With each interactive unit executed, I have witnessed how the reflective element enabled transformational change to begin to take place within the learners.
The first unit where I implemented this approach was a game I developed for incoming 9th grade students to better figure out what career path was most suited for them to consider based on their character trait and personality. Another unit was focused on helpnig students develop grit, and another unit, which was awarded an innovation award by the New England School Library Association. It focused on user awareness of the impact of mobile device on the physical and mental health of those using these devices. In all these units the reflection writing was a catalyst that lead students to make positive change and be aware of the progress they made towards reaching set goals.
In 1966 Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek exposed us to the powerful tool of reflective writing. In each episode, the captain would enter into his log his reflections on the events that have, are, or that were about to take place.
The act of reflection and writing down notes, be it digital or through the old fashion way of using pen and paper, can be helpful in helping a person overcome challenges and reach desired goals. They allow the person entering data into the journal to pause, and process their thoughts and experiences in a structured and intentional way. Being able to look back at journal entries allows the user to identify patterns, make connections and gain insights that may not be immediately apparent to them. Star Treks Captain logs helped us as viewers gain insights to the thought process of one of the series main heros.
The act of reflection provides the user of any type of reflection tool an opportunity to think about what went well, what could have been done differently, and most importantly, what was learned from the experience. Over my 30-year career in education I have had a chance to read students reflections in the units I developed. It was only in the Summer Institute on Digital Literacy that it was validated that this process helps the person creating the log entry a better understanding of their own strengths, weaknesses, and areas needing improvement. In essence, the log entry can help the user identify strategies that can help them overcome a challenge they are facing.
One of the powerful aspects of a tool such as a journal, is that the thoughts and observations that have been written down are captured and organized. They can provide the person an opportunity to easily review and reference any previous log entry. By accessing previous logs the person can stay focused and motivated as they work on their goals and objectives.
Previously ,I have made many efforts in keeping a log but found it challenging to keep it going over time. Following the SIDL I saw the fruits of my efforts and they keep manifesting growth for all. One of the resolution I have made for 20223 was to maintain my own log each day and look back on entries I have written and stay committed and focused on my goals.
As Captain Kirk said "Captain's log, stardate 9529.1. This is the final cruise of the starship Enterprise under my command. This ship and her history will shortly become the care of another crew. To them and their posterity will we commit our future. They will continue the voyages we have begun and journey to all the undiscovered countries, boldly going where no man – where no one – has gone before." As for me, this is just the beginning of an entire new chapter that is just beginning to take shape. I invite you to join the waiting list for an application the will provide you to overcome challenges or help someone else overcome theirs by staying accountable to set goals.
Join me on this journey,
Ariel Dagan