Highline College
Highline College is uniquely diverse. Even among other open access institutions, we serve one of the most diverse student populations in Washington State. With small class sizes, and student-focused instructors, the Engineering Program at Highline College places strong emphasis on student development. The majority of incoming students to the program are under-prepared for college-level coursework in all subject areas. Through the use of reflective activities, we first teach our students to be engineering students.
In this field guide, ten of our STEM-focused reflective activities are detailed. These activities are specifically selected to highlight the versatility of reflective activities that can be used. It is our hope that these ten activities can be used as a starting point, helping instructors to channel reflection as an educational tool to create world-class students, while celebrating the diversity that they bring to the classroom.
1. Planning the Next Steps
Students are engaged in a reflective advising session. more… PDF
2. Ethical Decision Making in Engineering
After reviewing scenarios of ethical dilemmas, students reflect on the dilemmas and discuss in small groups and as a class. more… PDF
3. Photo Scavenger Hunt
At the end of the course, students reflected on the material and developed a team photo presentation of various structures in the local area. more… PDF
4. Dual Survey Exam Wrappers
After a chemistry exam, an educator offered students a chance to earn points on their exam by completing a 2-part exam wrapper. more… PDF
5. Self-evaluations in Geology
After completing a regular course assignment, an educator facilitated an assignment reflection for students to consider their work on the assignment and develop a scale for grading their assignments. more… PDF
6. Goals, Core Values, and Behaviors
Students reflected on their core values, goals, and behaviors to support their academic and professional success. more… PDF
7. Partial Credit Requests
Students reflect on their exam performance and return a written description of their errors. more… PDF
8. Journaling in Biology
Students reflect on their class activities and experiences in a journaling activity. more… PDF
9. To be added
To be added. more… PDF
10. To be added
To be added. more… PDF