Page 98 - Learning to Learn

READING EXPERIENCE 4: SELF -ASSESSMENT: THE ENGINE OF SELF-GROWTH
98 L EARNING TO LEARN: BECOMING A SELF-GROWER
Table 3 Differences between Reflection Log and Self-Assessment Report
Characteristics Reflection Log Self-Assessment Report
Scope Deals only with insights Includes strengths and areas for improvement
Growth Not in a format to promote self-growth Contains short and long-term action plans
Tools Helps focus thinking Performance criteria infuse entire report
Audience Private: unlikely to be shared Should be shared with mentor
Follow-up Not so important Action plans must be monitored
Table 4 Tips for Deciding When to do Reflection or Self-Assessment
Tips for deciding when to do a reflection
1. When you have a hunch that there is something to be gained by replaying a past experience
2. When you begin to question yourself
3. When there is a discrepancy between your values and actions
4. When you are searching for discoveries about yourself, your behaviors, your values, and knowledge
gained
5. When stress reaches a critical level
Tips for deciding when to do a self-assessment
1. When the value of a self-assessment is indicated during reflection
2. When you want to improve yourself through a well-thought-out action plan
3. When you want to improve a particular performance by identifying strengths and areas for improvement
4. When there is an external requirement, such as completing an annual performance report
5. When suggested by a mentor
Table 5 Tips for Doing Reflection and Self-Assessment
Tips for doing reflection
1. Do it as soon as possible after the performance.
2. Avoid overstructuring the play-back. Let it flow.
3. Find a time and place where the experience can be freely replayed and where insights can be recorded
as they occur.
4. Be attentive to when the play-back situation “talks back,” and respond to this backtalk (Schon, 1983).
5. Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to do reflection; set aside a regular time.
6. Listen to feelings: explore their sources.
Tips for doing self-assessment
1. Wait until all ramifications of the performance are clear before assessing.
2. Attempt to isolate one’s feelings when identifying the purpose and criteria for the assessment.
3. It is helpful to perform a reflection before doing a self-assessment.
4. Identify a place free of distractions.
5. Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to do self-assessment; set aside a regular time.
6. Set up the assessment before the performance by identifying the performance criteria.