The Value of Students' Reflections

Okay, so it took me a little while to consistently make reflection a part of each lesson- but now I have and I'm sold! I thoroughly enjoy reading my students' notes about what they have learned that day. I can see the wheels spinning in their heads as they mentally review the lesson to decide what to write for their reflection. I know there is proven benefit for their learning retention and what a great evaluation tool for me. I implemented a system whereby I hand out pieces of scratch paper at the end of a lesson for students to write at least one thing they have learned or a question they still have. Then, I have a "reflection" can to collect their tickets out the door. At the end of the week we have a raffle and the person whose ticket is picked gets to dig through the goodie box. It's so fun as a teacher when you try something new and it's a success for all. Yea!