Reflection as a student
As a student, this was quite a hard task to accomplish. First of all, it sought to look at an issue that could be considered to be abstract; an issue in which one understands it but it is quite hard to explain exactly what it is. It was confusing even to start on how to research and the kind of information to incorporate. More so, there was no much information on the same, which made the writing quite a problem.
Another challenge was that the issue looked to be somewhat philosophical. That is, there did not seem to be a right or wrong way of handling it. This was quite challenging since there is no way to tell or deduce whether I was doing it right or wrong. It was more like walking through a dark path while having a blindfold on or looking for a black cat in the darkness.
I could say that this is among the toughest assignments I have had to handle, given that I am not that philosophical. I understand that education is the process of transfer of information, and it starts from the known to the unknown. It also has a lot to do with relating issues. However, it was quite hard to relate the issues for this essay. Well, I managed to do and complete it but I was not certain that I had done the correct thing. If only a discourse or outline was given as to how it was to be handled, it probably would have been much easier to handle than it was as at when I handled it.
Reflection as a Teacher
After getting the feedback from my students on this assignment, I noticed that it was not an easy task for them; they had to sweat it out. The main problem seemed to be the interpretation of the question and the manner in which to handle it. The most common mistake that most students commit when given such an assignment is the problem with interpretation. The issue also seems to be more like a philosophical argument rather than a discussion.
Another way is by having a small discussion in class. During the session, the students could brainstorm and raise ideas on what they think should be done in handling it. From such an activity, it can be deduced as to whether the students are well prepared and knowledgeable enough to handle the topic. If not, then they are guided the right way and given the necessary input as to how they can go about it. generally, I agree that the assignement was not a simple task for the students. However, it was a good test for of their critical analysis skills. It also helped them to think a bit harder, or in other words, think outside the box and see issues from a different perspective.
Reference
Anonymous. (n.d). Writing Topic: What is Reality? (Attached).
