Critical Reflection Strategies from Dr. Z: Part 1

I was fortunate enough to hear John Zubizarreta (Dr. Z) at the Lilly Conference in November talk about critical reflections for significant learning. Three particular teaching strategies that he discussed I want to incorporate into classes this semester or in the near future. I plan to write three blogs, one for each of three strategies I learned from Dr. Z. For a little background, first, let me tell you that Dr. Z uses learning portfolios with his students which they keep throughout the semester and turn in at the end as evidence of their learning.

The first strategy is linked to their learning portfolio. At the end of each week, the students complete a Classroom Critical Incident Questionnaire (Brookfield, 1995).  Once copy is turned in as they leave class, and one copy is kept for their portfolios and used to summarize and analyze a record of their responses and propose future learning goals. The questions answered each week are:

• At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening?
• At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?
• What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?
• What action that anyone (teacher or students) took in class this week did you find most puzzling or confusing?
• What about the class this week surprised you the most?

To use this strategy, I think I need to begin small. Every couple of weeks ask the students to do the questionnaire. Building to learning portfolios will take a little more effort and planning to use.