Reflecting on Purpose and Identity
The Power of Reflection
Helping students grow isn’t just about academic knowledge or skill-building—it’s also about identity. Students need opportunities to reflect on who they are, what excites them, what challenges them, and how their learning connects to their future.
When students reflect on their purpose and sense of self, they build confidence, motivation, and clarity around their goals. They begin to see learning as something meaningful—something that connects to the bigger picture of their lives.
Purpose and Sense of Self Reflection
At Rock by Rock, we use a Purpose and Sense of Self Reflection at the end of each project. This tool invites students to reflect on their experience, strengths, challenges, and future goals in their own words.
Directions: Read through the Purpose and Sense of Self Reflection that Nicholas completed after finishing the True Cost of Cell Phones project. As you review, consider:
- What kind of evidence does this tool give you?
- How is this different from a checklist or rubric?
- How might you use this kind of information to coach a student and/or celebrate growth?
What's Being Measured?
This is not a checklist or rubric. It’s a set of open-ended prompts that give students space to reflect on their learning journey. In the reflection, students are asked questions like:
- What part of the project excited you the most
- What was the most challenging part, and how did you push through?
- How did you use your strengths to be successful?
- What skills or habits will help you in the future?
These prompts help students connect the work they’ve done to their personal growth and evolving identity as a learner.