Reflection, Reflection, Reflection

As learners, the ability to reflect on our own understanding, beliefs, and practices allows for the opportunity to maximize learning. This is because, when students reflect, they “are engaged in …deeper learning. By reflecting on and showing what they have learned through their eportfolio the learner is fully engaged.” (Harapnuik, D., n.d.). University of Victoria’s Carole Miller and Juliana Saxton also suggest that, “it is the language of reflection that deepens our knowledge of who we are in relation to others in a community of learners.” (Barrett & Richter, n.d.). Therefore, by sharing our thinking and experiences with others via reflection, we are able to gain insights, opinions, knowledge, and experiences that can help us create a solid understanding of information taught and grow as learners. That is why I believe ePortfolios should definitely be shared with classmates. Through sharing ePortfolios, classmates are able to create learning communities that are beneficial to all participant because multiple opportunities for reflection take place.

For the student sharing the ePortfolio, presenting his/her meaningful connections with classmates via ePortfolio allows them to reflect on the opinions of others. By allowing classmates access to their e-Portfolios, learners “will have a tool for feedback from…peers” and this feedback will be “in the form of comments, as opposed to marks” (Barnstable, K., 2010). These comments give learners a more detailed perception of their levels of understanding regarding concepts taught. As a result, students can receive confirmation in their areas of strength and discover areas where they may need improvement and find ways (or even suggestions from classmates) on how to develop in these areas.

For the classmates viewing the ePortfolios, they are able to reflect on their own ideas and experiences. By viewing the variety of ePortfolios presented by other classmates, learners are exposed to different ideologies, methodologies, and learning experiences. Therefore, learners can compare and contrast their own learning experiences to those of their classmates. In doing so, they can discover new ways of thinking about various concept and engaging in different tasks which will give them a more panoramic view of their learning experiences.

Resources:

Harapnuik, D. (n.d.). Why Use An ePortfolio. Retrieved from http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6063.

Barrett, H., & Richter, J. (n.d.). Why Reflect?. Retrieved fromhttps://sites.google.com/site/reflection4learning/why-reflect.

Barnstable, K. (2010, January 8). 41 Benefits of an ePortfolio. Retrieved fromhttps://kbarnstable.wordpress.com/2010/01/08/41-benefits-of-an-eportfolio/.