Critical reflection

Scenario

Reducing negative prejudices and strengthening of critical reflection

The Learning Challenge – Narative

People are sensitive to failures. If the failure repeats, there is often an attitude of “I won’t do it because I won’t succeed anyway”. This creates the fear of doing something new. One of the biggest challenges for the teacher is the lack of motivation of the students. It is very important to strengthen critical thinking skills. For an activity to be successful and yield a positive result, it is necessary to overcome preconceived negative attitudes and enable them to try to act. The teacher must do this methodically, in no hurry, step by step. It is very important to hear what the student says, and in no way attempt to offer him “options.”

Solving the Problem: Activities for Learning Groups

Title of activity

Test it, probably you can? (how to overcome prejudices “I can’t,” “I will fail”)

Working on the activity – Suggestions

Activities are effective in a small group. It can be done successfully with new groups where people know little about each other, but the teacher already feels resistance or a pre-negative attitude after a short communication. The problem is “broken down into small parts” and analyzed step by step with the help of questions. By answering the questions, the group members receive not only information, but also different perspectives and experiences.
The teacher needs to think carefully about the questions: starting with the simplest (which can be based on facts) and moving on to more complex ones that reveal the experiences and attitudes of the group members. It is very important not to offer possible answers. If the answer is not very clear, an additional question can be asked. Summarize the answer to each question only using the answers heard. Asked if your told wording correctly, or well understood.

Title of activity

What, So What, Now What?

Working on the activity – Suggestions

The “What, So What, Now What?” Problem solving activity is designed to help collect insights and move forward while also eliminating the possibility of disagreement when it comes to identifying, clarifying and analyzing organizational or work problems.
Facilitation is all about bringing groups together so that might work on a shared goal and the best problem solving strategies ensure that teams are aligned in purpose, if not initially in opinion or insight. Throughout the three problem solving steps of this game, you give everyone on a team to reflect on a problem by asking what happened, why it is important, and what actions should then be taken.
This can be a great problem solving activity for bringing our individual perceptions about a problem or challenge and contextualizing it in a larger group of students/teachers. This ability to contextualize both problem and solution is one the most important problem solving skills we can teach our team and empower them to find solutions in group, institution or use a wider (city, state, etc.)

Solving the Problem: Self-reflection (educator’s reflection)

Reflecting on the Problem Solving measures taken to overcome the challenge
Many teachers use conventional, well-known methods in their practice, which are quite academic and didactic. In modern teaching, the teacher is more visible as a coordinator / moderator. This is very relevant in the implementation of the lifelong learning strategy.

Reflecting on the changes in the group dynamics
This problem-solving approach makes each participant feel important. He has the opportunity to present his suggestions and opinions, discuss, seek compromises, share his experiences. The active participation of each participant strengthens the group, encourages its activity and cooperation.

Reflecting on personal change
Teachers have the opportunity to review and reflect on the effectiveness of their applied methods and try new ones. These methods enable teachers to strengthen their coaching skills, creativity in managing and moderating group activities. This requires not only individual learning and preparation, but also the observation of good practices. This is a great opportunity for teacher collaboration.

Points for Discussion with your Organisation

The activity are very suitable for improving the performance of the institution. Everyone has the opportunity to propose, agree or disagree with certain decisions. Knowing everyone’s positions makes it easier to find a consensus acceptable to everyone. This has a positive effect on the atmosphere of the institution, the working environment and the relationship between colleagues.

Suggested Training Course available online