CENTER FOR RESEARCH ON GIRLS
A SERIES OF RESEARCH AND INFORMATIONAL PUBLICATIONS BY LCRG
Putting the world’s best research to work for girls.
MIDDLE SCHOOL OWNERSHIP OF LEARNING This self-assessment tool, developed by Laurel’s Center for Research on Girls, is designed to help each student reflect on her approach in order to individualize her learning. READINESS TO LEARN
RARELY SOMETIMES
OFTEN
RARELY SOMETIMES
OFTEN
RARELY SOMETIMES
OFTEN
RARELY SOMETIMES
OFTEN
RARELY SOMETIMES
OFTEN
I arrive at school rested, fed and ready to start the day I know where to sit and what I should be doing I have what I need on hand to complete work I have prepared properly for the day’s learning
TIME MANAGEMENT I start tasks with focus and purpose I stay focused on tasks I figure out the time needed to complete tasks I give my best effort until the task is completed
ENGAGING NEW CONTENT I show enthusiasm for new material I connect previous knowledge to new information I can separate important information from extra details I use a variety of strategies for approaching and mastering new content I use resources provided and follow directions
MEMBERSHIP IN A LEARNING COMMUNITY I share the teacher’s attention I manage frustration and emotions I use my voice to effectively communicate ideas and questions I value contributions of classmates I work cooperatively with peers
METACOGNITION or THINKING ABOUT THINKING I appreciate the connection between effort and outcome I identify areas of confusion and appropriately ask for help I draw on past learning experiences and teacher feedback to improve performance on new tasks I work efficiently and know when more effort is, and is not, required for mastery
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1. Note the top two areas that you need to focus on. Example: 1. identifying areas of confusion and seeking help, 2. managing frustrations and emotions. YES, you must identify TWO areas. Write them down here: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Next, write one or two SMART goals that will help you improve in the areas you identified that you need to focus on. A SMART goal is A. Specific (e.g. not just “Get an A” or “Do better” but “Use the last five minutes of homework to write down questions for the next day) B. Measurable (e.g. you can clearly tell if improvements have been made) C. Attainable (e.g. something you can achieve in the next few months) D. Realistic (e.g. something that is within reach as you build on your skill level at this point) E. Time-bound (Bear in mind that you will reflect on and, ideally, reach this goal over the next two or three months.) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Choose at least one area of strength (something you do often/always) from the list above and in two to three sentences, explain how you regularly demonstrate that strength. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Where did you find satisfaction as a learner last year? What progress did you make that you are most proud of? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. What would you like this year’s teachers and advisors to know about your life at school and at home? What extracurriculars like athletics and other competitive teams, theater, dance, service or other outside of school activities do you plan to spend time on? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. What other details of your life are important to you? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature __________________________________________________________________________________ Advisor Signature __________________________________________________________________________________
CENTER FOR RESEARCH ON GIRLS Putting the world’s best research to work for girls.
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Copyright © 2020 Laurel’s Center for Research on Girls, LaurelSchool.org/LCRG. Please do not duplicate. If you wish to adapt for your own purposes, Laurel’s Center for Research on Girls must be credited and include the website link.