5.2 - Reflection & Metacognition
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Understanding Reflection
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Today, we're going to discuss why reflection is vital after our prototyping cycles. Reflection helps us understand our process and make improvements. Can anyone tell me what they think reflection means?
Isn't it just thinking about what we did?
Yes, exactly! Itβs about considering what worked, what didnβt, and why. We want to focus on learning how to learn. This thought process is known as metacognition. Think of it as a higher-level thinking where you're aware of your own learning.
So, how do we do that after making a prototype?
Great question! After each cycle, we can ask questions like 'What changed? Why did I make those changes? What will I do next time?'
Does that help us get better at designing?
Absolutely! Reflection leads to better ideas and stronger designs. By documenting this process, we can look back and see our progress.
Exploring Metacognitive Questions
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Letβs talk about some specific questions we can use during our reflection. What do you think is an important question to ask after prototyping?
Maybe how well it worked?
Exactly! 'What worked well?' is crucial. We also want to consider 'What did not work as expected?' and 'What feedback did I receive?'. These questions can guide our thoughts.
What if I get conflicting feedback from peers?
Thatβs a good scenario to reflect on! You could analyze patterns in feedback. Find common points that suggest changes might be needed. This way, you stay focused on user needs.
Documenting the Process
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Now, letβs discuss how to keep track of our reflections. Why do you think keeping a process journal is important?
It helps us remember what we did!
Exactly! Itβs like having a map of your learning journey. You should include sketches, notes on your thoughts, and any feedback youβve received in this journal.
Can we share our journals with others?
Absolutely! Sharing can help you learn from your peers as well. Their reflections can inspire new ideas and approaches.
When should we look back at our journals?
Regularly! After each prototype cycle or even weekly. This helps reinforce your growth and learning.
Creating a Feedback Culture
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Letβs wrap up today by discussing how to effectively embed feedback into our reflection process. What do you think makes a good feedback environment?
Everyone should feel safe to share their thoughts.
Absolutely! A respectful atmosphere where everyoneβs opinions are valued enhances our learning. How can we ensure we give balanced feedback?
By sharing both what we liked and what needs improvement!
Yes! Warm and cool feedback keeps it constructive. Remember, the goal is to foster an environment where growth comes from our reflections.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
Students must engage in reflection and metacognition after each prototyping cycle, asking themselves critical questions about their process and outcomes. This practice helps them document their learning journey effectively while continuously improving their prototypes based on feedback.
Detailed
Reflection & Metacognition
Reflection and metacognition are crucial components in the prototyping process. After completing each iterative cycle, students are encouraged to take a moment to consider their learnings and decision-making processes. By asking reflective questions such as "What changed? Why? What would I do next?", students can better understand their design choices and how their prototypes evolve. This self-assessment helps in identifying strengths and weaknesses in their approach, allowing them to refine their ideas further. Additionally, documenting the entire prototyping journey, including sketches, photos, and insights, in a process journal or portfolio, promotes a culture of continuous improvement and provides a way to share their experiences with peers and mentors. Effectively embedding these practices enhances students' overall design-thinking skills, ensuring they evolve from simple prototyping to creating thoughtful, user-centered designs.
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Embedding Feedback Culture
Chapter 1 of 3
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Chapter Content
β Teach students to give balanced feedback.
β Make critique a structured part of peer review (e.g., sticky-note walls, group discussion).
Detailed Explanation
In this section, the focus is on creating an environment where feedback is encouraged and structured. Teaching students to provide balanced feedback means helping them understand how to express both positive comments (what works well) and constructive criticism (what could be improved). By making critique a structured part of peer review, such as using sticky-note walls for comments or facilitating group discussions, students can share their insights in a way that feels safe and collaborative. This structured approach helps everyone feel valued and respected while learning from each other's perspectives.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a team working on a project where they gather to discuss their progress. Instead of just saying what they like or dislike, they use a chart with two columnsβone for positive feedback and another for suggestions. This helps them see both strengths and weaknesses, making the feedback process more effective and encouraging them to improve the project together.
Reflection Questions
Chapter 2 of 3
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Chapter Content
β After each cycle, students reflect on what they learned.
β Use questions like: βWhat changed? Why? What would I do next?β
Detailed Explanation
Reflection is a crucial part of the learning process. After completing a prototyping cycle, students should take time to think about what they learned from their experiences. By asking questions like 'What changed?' they can identify how their design evolved. Questions about 'Why?' help them understand the reasons behind those changes. Finally, asking 'What would I do next?' encourages forward-thinking and planning for future iterations or projects. This practice not only enhances their understanding of the design process but also promotes critical thinking and self-awareness.
Examples & Analogies
Think about how athletes review their performances after a game. They might ask themselves what strategies worked, what didnβt, and how they can improve in the next match. Similarly, students reflecting on their prototypes helps them track their progress and ensures they continuously enhance their skills and approaches.
Documenting the Process
Chapter 3 of 3
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Chapter Content
β Maintain a process journal or portfolio: include sketches, photos, notes, and insights.
β Enables sharing of journey with peers, parents, and teachers.
Detailed Explanation
Keeping a process journal or portfolio is an effective way to document the prototyping journey. This involves collecting various materials such as sketches, photos of prototypes, notes about what was learned, and insights from feedback received. Maintaining such documentation provides a comprehensive record of the development process and allows students to reflect on their growth over time. Sharing this journey with peers, parents, and teachers not only showcases their work but also reinforces the learning experience by communicating their progress, challenges faced, and how they overcame them.
Examples & Analogies
Consider how an artist keeps a sketchbook filled with ideas, developing them over time. When the artist shares their sketchbook, others can see the evolution of their art, including the mistakes and changes they made along the way. This not only helps the artist reflect on their journey but also inspires others and showcases the creative process.
Key Concepts
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Reflection: A critical process for examining one's own learning methods and outcomes.
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Metacognition: The ability to consciously monitor and control thought processes in learning.
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Feedback Culture: Encouraging a constructive environment for sharing insights and critiques.
Examples & Applications
After completing a prototype, students might write in their journals about what they learned from user feedback and how their design evolved.
In a team project, students can engage in peer review sessions, where they share their prototypes and receive both warm and cool feedback.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Reflect, inspect, and then perfect!
Stories
Once there was a designer named Alex who always reflected on his sketches after each prototype. He found that what he wrote helped him make even better designs!
Memory Tools
Remember REFLECT: Review, Evaluate, Feel, Learn, Evolve, Communicate, Test!
Acronyms
METACOG
Monitor
Evaluate
Think
Adapt
Challenge
Observe
Grow.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Reflection
The process of thinking critically about one's actions and understanding their impacts.
- Metacognition
Awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes, especially in learning.
- Feedback Culture
A supportive environment where constructive feedback is encouraged and valued.
- Process Journal
An ongoing compilation of thoughts, sketches, and reflections regarding the design and prototyping process.
Reference links
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