Improving Students’ Engagement in Learning by Using Self Reflection in Undergraduate Advanced Physics Courses

Abstract

We modify the traditional method of teaching advanced physics courses by incorporating a new item in the teaching outline and assessment, namely students’ reflection throughout the semester. Students are asked to reflect on different items in their course and in particular to reflect on their achievement, struggles, goals, and skills. Students are encouraged to be open, direct, and to give details as much as possible. Consequently, instructors felt the mentor and facilitator connection with students that strengthened the feeling of academic responsibility. On the other hand, students expressed positive experience and were less concentrated on the minute details of the course but rather on a general and global picture of learning experience. This connected students with their goals, it reminded them of their struggle, confusion, and growing up experience during the process.