by Josh Kurzweil In his book “How We Think,” John Dewey talks about how reflection is a trainable skill. In this blog, I want to offer some of the ways in which we have put Dewey’s idea in practice with the reflective essay writing and feedback sessions on the course. We use the DIGPA (Describe, Interpret, Generalize, Plan Action) framework in our course in Berkeley and have created a thread throughout the course to help participants systematically develop their reflective skills. Over the years, we have developed some sequences and activities that have helped participants develop their skills more quickly and effectively. Tip #1: Use DIGPA Posters Introduce DIGPA on Day 1. We have a DIGPA poster hanging on the wall from the very first day and refer to it when debriefing lessons. Tip #2: Use Lesson Outlines Write up outlines of activities and lessons to help Ps focus on segments. For example on the first day of our course we do an ice-breaker called the ‘Magazine Picture Mingle.’ We list the 5 or 6 steps of that activity and then ask Ps to focus on a step so that they have a clear segment/slice from the lesson. Tip #3: Sequence the reflection tasks. We have found that it is much easier for participants to reflect on themselves as learners rather than leaping into reflecting on their own lessons as teachers. So…
Tip #4: Teach DIGPA Essays as a Writing Genre DIGPA essays have particular characteristics that make them effective. When Ps have a chance to read and analyze samples of effective DIGPA essays, they get a better sense of what they are going for in their own reflections and why. Here are the steps that we follow in our session.
Tip#5: Do DIGPA Outlines and Talks Some Ps can get bogged down with the actual essay writing, so it can be helpful to have them fill out and/or discuss DIGPA charts. This type of a quick reflection can also help Ps realize that we usually don’t think in a linear way, but the DIGPA framework can help Ps sort their thoughts, adding to different parts. Ex. If an action plan pops up, ask yourself, “What happened in the lesson that made me think that would help?” Tip#6: Label Participant Comments in Post-teaching Feedback As part of the active listening in feedback sessions, we try to label comments in terms of DIGPA stages so that Ps can develop their awareness and expand their ideas. Ex. That’s an interesting interpretation. What exactly happened in the lesson that made you think that? Can you offer more description? So… these are some of the ways we have worked on reflective skills in Berkeley. What ideas/reactions do they bring up for you? What are other ways that you support reflective skills among participants?
25 Comments
Burcu Tugen
3/2/2018 12:34:44 am
Hi Josh,
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Josh
3/2/2018 08:49:21 am
My pleasure, Burcu! I hope the ideas/materials are useful! I'd love to hear about any adaptations or ideas you get as you work with your Ps on their reflection skills.
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6/24/2018 04:12:21 am
Hi Josh
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Josh Kurzweil
6/24/2018 06:18:01 am
Hi Zhenya,
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Alex Solano
10/3/2018 08:53:31 am
I was about to observe a class and then I thought of DIGPA so, I came to this site to kind of make sure I was doing what best serves my purpose. One more time, thank you Josh for everything you shared with me and all the lessons I've learned after studying with you.
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Josh
10/3/2018 09:08:28 am
Hey Alex! So nice to hear from you and thanks for the kind words. I hope all is well at your school and glad that the DIGPA post is helpful.
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Sopho
1/3/2020 03:52:46 am
It is very useful for me now. To think and to summarize my lessons and some steps during the lesson. Thank you Josh! You are the best trainer ever.
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Josh
1/3/2020 09:47:46 am
Thanks for the kind words, Sopho, and I'm glad the process is useful for you. Where are you teaching/training?
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Luis David Catalán
7/30/2020 10:08:43 am
Hello, Everyone!
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Josh
7/30/2020 10:17:11 am
Hi Luis,
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11/24/2022 02:17:00 am
Tıkla evde calismaya basla: https://sites.google.com/view/evden-ek-is/
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12/11/2022 06:16:22 pm
Uygun fiyatlardan takipçi satın al: https://takipcialdim.com/
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12/17/2022 11:44:01 am
takipci satın almak için tıkla: https://takipcim.com.tr/
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1/9/2023 06:51:51 am
100 tl deneme bonusu veren siteleri öğrenmek istiyorsan tıkla.
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6/30/2023 04:28:48 pm
En iyi bilecik ilan sitesi burada. https://bilecik.escorthun.com/
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