Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Self Reflection: Reconstruction Debate


1. How did I feel during planning this presentation? Why did I feel this way?
a. Uneasy- I felt uneasy because I didn’t exactly know what to expect from my research and if the assignment was one I could throw myself into.
b. Worried- I didn’t think that this particular unit of study was one I could engage in, so I was anxious that I wouldn’t try perform as well as I could.
c. Hopeful- I was pleased with the members of my group (Riley, Ciara, Alison, and Robert), when we first got assigned which side we were for the debate (Lincoln A).
2. How did I feel prior to presenting? Why did I feel this way?
            a. Anxious- I had woken up early the day of the debate to practice, so I would feel more confident about the debate. However, when I was the fist person to present from Block II, (I was the intro for Lincoln A), some of my confidence went away.
            b. Stressed- I doubted my presenting abilities, and I thought I would let my group down.
            c. Enthusiastic- My group doubted their abilities, so I tried to enthusiastically encourage them that they would be fine.
3. How did I feel while I was presenting? Why did I feel this way?
            a. Satisfactory- I felt satisfactory with myself while presenting because I stuttered a little, and I didn’t hold the audience’s attention as well as I should have.
b. Strong- I felt that I had some rocky moments, but I recovered and I held up a big portion of my group’s presentation over all.
c. Prepared- I felt that I looked the part and acted the part of a Congressman, so that improved my presentation and made my presentation more believable.
4. What did I personally do well?
            a. I think I did fairly well overall in the past week for the debate. I held up my end of the group well, and I didn’t slack off or disrupt the group.
b. I presented strong and got the debate going and the energy/confidence for the rest of my group.
c. I tried to refocus my group sometimes if we got a little chatty.
d. I think I could have improved on communicating with my group a little more because we had some difficulties when it cam e to planning, and I had to leave the room and consult with the Lincoln B group.
e. I also think I should have researched more and read more because my group lacked that aspect, and we couldn’t answer the “clarifying questions” well.
5. What did not go as desired in this presentation?
            a. My group had technical difficulties during the presentation. When Robert and Alison went to click to the next slide, it would repeat the previous slide. This took away from our presentation because not only did Robert and Alison get frustrated, but the audience did as well.
6. On a scale from 1-10, how well do I think I understood the content? Explain.
            a. 7: I understood the content pretty well, but I definitely didn’t master it. I should have been more prepared when my group was answering the “clarifying questions.”
7. How do I think my group members perceived me? Why do I think this?
            a. I think my group members perceived my as a hard working, trustworthy, reliable person. I did my work, presented well, and I facilitated work time when necessary (like if someone got off-tack, I would try to refocus them).
8. How do I think the 8th graders perceived me? Why do I think this?
            a. I think the 8th graders perceived me as a girl who knows what she’s doing, and can present well. The 8th graders’ reactions seemed positive over all, and I think they think I know my content, and that I articulated it well to an audience.
9. Knowing that I can only control how I act and react, if I could do this presentation again, what would I change about my actions to make it a more ideal experience?
            a. I would probably step in a little more and communicate better with my group if I got another chance.
10. What are my strengths in groups?
            a. I have a great work ethic, I’m dependable, I produce quality work, I am a good leader, I’m usually not emotional.
11. What areas do I need improvement?
            a. I think I need to improve on my cohesiveness of others into group projects. I haven’t incorporated other’s pieces into group projects in the past.
12. What is the most important thing I learned about myself? Why is this so important?
            a. I learned that it’s ok if I’m not always perfect. This is important because there will be times when it is impossible for me to perform my best, and I need to accept that in order to move on in life.
13. Are there any other things that I need to express?
            a. There isn’t anything else I feel I need to express.

~Elizabeth~

4 comments:

  1. Elizabeth, I think this is a great reflection of what you thought of your debate. You were honest with how you thought you did, but you also gave yourself credit for what you did do. - Keara

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  2. Elizabeth- First, I would like to mention how spot on you are on how the 8th graders perceived you. We liked your recovery under adversity. Your 12th answer is one of those few times you are perfect. Realizing that true perfection is never attainable is a great step towards accepting average performances. Your description of your strengths seemed quite accurate from what I have seen. Great reflection!

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  3. @Keara

    Thank you for your honest opinion of my reflection. I am looking forward to what I can learn from you, if we ever get to work together.
    :)

    ~Elizabeth~

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  4. @Luke H.

    I'm glad you noticed my strengths and growth I reflected on. I understand what you mean about perfection, so thank you for those words of wisdom. I have heard so many good things about you, and I hope we can work together soon.
    :)

    ~Elizabeth~

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