Weblog Entry

The Power of Reflection (and Metacognition)

My colleague Gil Diaz helped me to an "aha" yesterday evening. Over a relaxing cup of tea in a lovely hotel in San Francisco, we were brainstorming and modifying our presentation for this morning on ePortfolios (at TRLD). I was sharing with him my connections and ideas based off several presenters I had the pleasure of listening to that day, and sharing how they had inspired me to update my blog and LIVE the Web 2.0. Using some coaching questioning techniques, he was trying to get me to identify WHY I had the "aha" (thereby empowering me to seek these out and have more).

The bottom line came down to REFLECTION, and TIME to REFLECT. The amazing part about this to me, is that when we discuss, promote, and train on STUDENT eportfolios, my big soapbox is on the power of REFLECTION and METACOGNITION. However, once again, I found myself rarely practicing what I preach. Now I could go into the disclaimers about a hectic schedule back in the office, or some such (all very valid). However, my point, and one I'm hoping to remember, is that if ANYONE is given time and tools of reflection, that person is then able to IMPROVE, SYNTHESIZE, and ultimately LEARN.

Thankfully, I plan to be a lifelong learner and look forward to many more opportunities to reflect and grow from that reflection. This blog is one tool that I believe will help me in that process. By journaling and therefore processing my thoughts on the topics of literacy, coaching, and technology (and how they often overlap), I hope to make time to reflect and grow personally (and perhaps provide entertainment/food for thought for other readers).

I'd love to hear your comments/reflections on the power of metacognition....

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