Week 2 Term 3 - Teacher Practice: Inquiry 2023: Term 2 Reflection + Term 3 Goal Setting (July 24 - July 28)

My inquiry journey in Term 2 was awesome. I really enjoyed the learning experience with my inquiry and in particular with my focus group - 9TKl. I felt the need to reflect on the journey with the students, before we venture into the program for Term 3. 

Starting the new school term with the right attitude, spirit and mindset was the focus for the inquiry and inquiry group (9TKl). This week we spent two sessions going through our Term 2 Reflection + Term 3 Goal Setting Document. The purpose of this document is to: 

1. Get the student to review their learning journey by accessing their learning achievement data online (via KAMAR Student Portal)
2. Reflect on their learning journey
3. Set goals for the term

I created this document last year and used it with my junior class. I made some adjustments to the document, so that the student can dig deep into their learning journey and unpack it to see what it means for them. We spent our afternoon class on Tuesday going through the document, the students went through the document individually. On Wednesday, the students got into pairs and shared their reflections with each other. The were given the task to provide positive and affirming verbal feedback. The students were able to learn about their peers and also affirm their reflection and goals. 

I will explain the three parts of the reflection/goal setting document and what it is about. Then I will share some highlights from my student's responses. 

LEARNING JOURNEY REFLECTION: Results

I believe that it is important to know your learning journey and what you have achieved in the journey. It helps to give both kaiako and akonga a sense of grounding and an idea of what they have been able to accomplish. It is important for my students to know their learning map and to see what they have been able to cover over the year. 

Term 2 Reflection: Looking at their learning and results. 

In Week 1 of Term 3, the students looked back at their results from Term 1 and Term 2 English. They did this by logging into our student portal where they can see their current results across all of their subjects. This is readily available for our akonga at any time but for the most part, they do not engage with it. I wanted to use the time at the beginning of the term for the students to have a look at what they have done and achieved ultimately to appreciate their progress and journey. 

Here are some responses from my inquiry group. 

"The curriculum level that I need to be at is Level 4. The curriculum level that I am at for this is level 4. I am happy with this because I am always happy to see good grades. I know getting a level 4 is standard but I want to push myself in reading to get a higher mark."

This level was the best for me cause i made an easy formal writing.

"The curriculum level that I need to be at is Level 5.
The curriculum level that I am at for this is Level 4.
I am happy with this because this is the level I should be at.
What I want to do to improve is study more at home and manage my time."

LEARNING JOURNEY REFLECTION: Academic Reflection

Here the students were able to delve into their reflection and talk about what worked and what did not work. They were able to review this and revisit the steps that helped them to achieve but also be aware of the barriers to their learning. 

Term 2 Reflection: Reflection on their learning achievement and challenges

Here are some responses that were highlighted for me. 

"What did you enjoy about school in Term 2? Why?
I liked how everyone was used to everyone and was comfortable
What didn’t you like about school in Term 2? Why?
I didn’t like some of the subjects and teachers but I settled in
What can you do to improve in school in Term 3?
My learning and to improve all my skills in learning and to stay on task""

"What did you enjoy about school in Term 2? Why?
I really enjoyed term 2 because I got to know my peers a lot more than I already knew .
What can you do to improve in school in Term 3?
I want to improve on all of my subjects"

LEARNING JOURNEY REFLECTION: Personal Goals

Setting goals gives you a finish line to work towards. Although reflecting and setting goals is something that my students seldom do, bringing the practice and language around it can help and open them up to it. Also intentionally asking them questions where they have to think about their intention, how they see themselves - can help them really understand the power that they have in their own learning. 

Term 2 Reflection: Personal Goals

 Here are some of the highlights from my student's responses. 

"What did you learn about yourself last term?
I learnt that I need to work harder in certain subjects to get better marks
What did you learn about yourself as a learner last term?
I learnt that I can get very good marks if I stay focus but I also if I can maintain great work ethic as well
What is something that you did last term that you liked or that you are really proud of? Why?
Although I didn’t do so well in my reading test I was very proud of my writing results cause I now will try very hard to maintain a level 5
What are your goals for Term 3?
If we have exams I want to achieve high and if we don’t I want all of my work to be at above standard or at its very best ethic. I want to change my perspective towards school by prioritizing my time at home as well as in a school environment."

As we launch into our new unit of learning for Term 3 (Visual Text Study) I wanted to stop and spend time reflecting with the students. I enjoyed doing this activity with them and I also enjoyed seeing them interact and affirm each other when they were reading each other's reflections. 

Next steps - Week 3 - Week 5: 

• Start Visual Text Study - x1 short film and x1 full film study
• Learn visual techniques + effects. 
• Assessment: Close Viewing