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Self-reflection

Consider each of the statements below. Circle the number that best describes you.

There are no right or wrong, good or bad responses. These questions help to gauge a facilitator’s comfort with active STEM learning experiences and settings.

1 2 3 4 5 Use this range to guide you: 1= not at all true 3=somewhat true 5= very true

I am comfortable with an appropriate level of messiness.

I believe messiness is part of learning.

I am comfortable with an appropriate level of noise.

I am comfortable with moving between multiple groups of children who are talking and creating, sharing ideas and responding to questions.

I allow children to move from place to place to gather materials and test ideas.

I consider floors, grassy areas, tables, playgrounds, walls, windows, and easels all spaces that invite STEM projects and investigations.

I group children in small clusters so that each child can be involved in the action--doing things, holding pieces, adding ingredients, looking through magnifiers, measuring, timing, drawing, and building.

I am flexible with time (do not pressure children to hurry or follow my timeline).

I provide sufficient time and an appropriate environment for thorough learning.

I know how to recognize children’s expressions of curiosity and how to support them.

I know how to recognize the ways children make sense of things.

I think children should be free to explore without pressure to cover particular content.

I provide lots of opportunities for learners to engage in authentic inquiry.

I consider learning as a productive use of time and signal this value to children.

HO_C2S_EmbracingActiveLearning–May 27, 2014

extension.psu.edu/youth/betterkidcare

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Claudia C. Mincemoyer, Ph.D., Better Kid Care Program Director 341 North Science Park Road – Suite 208, State College, PA 16803 Web site: extension.psu.edu/youth/betterkidcare

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1 2 3 4 5 Use this range to guide you: 1= not at all true 3=somewhat true 5= very true

I think children should be able to explore materials and directions of learning based on phenomena they encounter.

I encourage youth in using their creativity, curiosity, or imagination.

I think children should have a lot of different resources to explore ideas.

I believe adults and children together should determine the direction of the exploration.

I believe staff should be ready to support children in their own explorations and discoveries.

I believe staff and volunteers should be willing to adapt to children’s curiosities and interests.

I believe staff and volunteers should predict the next steps youth may take in order to be prepared.

Interpreting your self-re�ection scoresAdd up your answer numbers, and see where you are on the generalized continuum scale at the bottom.