In the final chapter of this four-part series, we examine the Reflection stage of the IMPACT Learning Journey and its role in the holistic learning experience of your student at Hampstead Academy.

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
― Søren Kierkegaard

Reflection is a critical aspect of 21st-century learning and the last step in the IMPACT Learning Journey. It involves consciously thinking about and evaluating one's learning experiences, actions, and thought processes. This practice allows learners to understand the material and their learning strategies better. It gives students the opportunity to look back at their project and fully assess the process in its entirety and all that it had to offer them and, just as important, what they, as individuals, also brought to the project.
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Key elements of Reflection include:

Deeper Understanding. Reflection allows students to delve deeper into their experiences, making individual and collective meaning of what they’ve learned. This reinforces their understanding of concepts and content in numerous ways.

Content Reflection. Students take a critical look back at how their experiences changed and/or related to core concepts they’re learning about, enabling them to assimilate new information more effectively. They may also revisit their initial thoughts and hypotheses to see how they compare to what they know at the end of the project, a valuable exercise in critical thinking.

Process Reflection. Students consider not only what they learned, but how they learned it. This kind of reflection enhances collaborative, project management, and strategic thinking skills.

Purpose Reflection. Understanding the purpose behind the tasks and activities they undertook, gives meaning and inspiration to students.

Identity Reflection. Taking a look at what the student brought to a project as a unique individual builds self-awareness, self esteem and opens opportunities for future growth.

Reflection plays a pivotal role in the IMPACT Learning Journey, fostering deeper understanding and enhancing the learning experience for students. As an integral part of a dynamic process, it empowers students to learn, adapt, and grow through critical thinking, creativity and thoughtful analysis. Probably one of the most important aspects of Reflection is how its very nature opens the door for future inquiry and new project-based learning opportunities. Reflection is essential in encouraging students to be critical and curious lifelong learners, skills that will lead them to success in whatever career path they ultimately choose.

About IMPACT Learning
You can learn more about the entire IMPACT Learning Journey by reading about the other steps here:

Basecamp

Experience

Expedition