Reflection is essential for growth. We’re reflecting and growing all the time, whether we realize it or not.
In a nutshell, here’s how growth happens:
- we do something
- we take a look at our results
- we recognize where we were successful and where we could improve
- we think about how to improve
- we try a different approach
- hopefully, we see improvement
Rinse and repeat for as long as you feel motivated to continue growing.
This process is often ongoing for things that matter most to us (perfecting that jump shot, making a flawless cup of coffee, getting insanely good at your job). When we love something and care deeply about it, we’re tuned in and focused on how to improve and grow.
If a student can deliberately prompt themselves to periodically examine their life, they’ll be much more likely to identify and change behaviors that aren’t bringing them closer to their goals (aka growth). That principle is at the core of our academic coaching programs, and it’s why we take a student-led approach to coaching. We’ve seen that the best way to change behavior is to set a goal that motivates that change.
As a parent, you can help your students integrate reflection into their lives now. Doing so will provide them a huge benefit as they continue their adventures into adulthood.
Signet’s Semester Reflection Tool is the perfect introduction to student reflection. This short questionnaire can spark a conversation with your student about how last quarter/semester went. Your student may choose to complete it on their own or share it with you or a mentor, coach, or trusted advisor who can facilitate the reflection. These questions will set your student on a path of reflection that will ultimately lead to growth.
If your student is consistently not meeting their goals or getting where they want to be, or if school just feels harder than it should, that may come out during the Semester Reflection. Consistent struggles, especially with organization, task and time management, and study skills, may indicate an executive functions issue. Shoring up these key functions will help your student manage the process of school, beyond the curriculum and the content.
Signet’s Executive Functions Quiz is a survey designed for you, the parent, to help evaluate your student’s executive function abilities. While this survey is not a diagnostic substitute for a psychological or medical assessment, it can help parents identify behaviors and patterns in their student that might require further investigation.
Our academic coaches have a broad range of experience with setting goals and strengthening executive functions, especially in younger students. If the Semester Reflection and Executive Functions Quiz show that your student needs help getting the hang of high school, they might benefit from a chat with one of our academic coaches.
Contact us today to learn more about academic coaching and how Signet can help. We can also provide resources and make referrals to ensure your student has everything they need to succeed!
