Creating reflective learning tools that engage and motivate

What is Reflect? How does it work?

Reflect is an online tool that helps pupils reflect on their learning and do their homework in an engaging interface. Essentially it helps them develop their core skills and prepares them for the future, which is crucial when approaching University or the workplace.

Students login to the system and reflect on a set of experiences they have had – essentially writing journals about what they did and learnt. For example, reflecting on a creative writing competition, the student would be prompted with questions matching the curriculum that help them realise and develop particular skills achieved from their experience.

It’s been very successful, with great feedback from students, teachers and other schools. It’s a tool that can work with any age group, is easy to use and is affordable for schools.


 

Why should you use it?

By reflecting on what they’re learning, students have a better understanding and become more articulate about what they have learnt. This helps them make successful decisions about higher education, life goals and the workplace. It helps them articulate more effectively in interviews, and gives them an essential ‘real world’ skill.

  • It helps students get more out of their learning
  • It enables students to make informed decisions based on understanding their achievements
  • It can extend what you already do within lessons
  • It can help you harness and improve your existing provision
  • There’s no extra work for teachers – it’s mostly managed by students, not teachers
  • Inspire and engage students in an online interface that has similarities to other interfaces they know and love (Facebook)

 

 

Does it work?

“This is fantastic stuff! What a great initiative and resource for students!”
Rowena Bridge, Specialist Schools & Academies Trust (SSAT)

“…(it) provides the opportunity for students to develop wider key skills that will both equip them for their next steps and differentiate them from other students. I also think that the ‘reflective’ element is key in enabling students to be able to put into words the learning they have experienced, a crucial skill for any future interview. I wish it had been around in my time!”
Andrea Risoli, Old Square Chambers

“Coming from a Higher Education perspective (the tool) gives the opportunity for students to develop the wider key skills that are essential for success in higher education, but that are, too often, lacking from applications.”
Dudley Shallcross, School of Chemistry, Bristol University