Example Reflection – Mind Mapping

Challenge

My challenge as a teacher is to make students learn not only from me but from peers too and  this has become more challenging because of online education replaced by physical mode of  education because of pandemic. When group assignments are given to students it is seen that  not all contribute in the assignment equally and most of the work is done by either the most  hard working student or the most dominating one drives the entire assignment. In spite many  repeated instructions the outcome remained the same.

Selection

I went through several design thinking activities/tools like storytelling, visualization,  brainstorming etc. to understand and dig deep into the problem but mind mapping is found to  be most workable for the given challenge and it was necessary for me to learn the students  approach towards assignment from the time it is assigned to the final submission.

Application

One to one discussion was scheduled with each student in the group and they were told to share  how they would complete the assignment in the group. Students shared their fears and  motivating factors and also the problems they face while working in the group. Their responses  were recorded properly and mind mapping was applied to understand their personas.

Insight

Based on one on one discussion and journey mapping of each student regarding their approach  towards participation and completion of assignment students it was identified many students   were extrovert, introvert, bright, mediocre, and some were shy or dominating. Some students  were identified as team players while others preferred to work on assignment individually even  if it means completing the group assignment alone.

Approach

Students were divided into groups such that each group has equal representation of students  belonging to different personas. Shy and introvert students were made the group facilitators  and dominating and extrovert students were given responsibilities suiting their personas.  WhatsApp groups were made for each group and Teacher kept an eye on the discussions.

Outcome

The quality of assignments improved significantly and all students started contributing more in  the group assignments leading to enhanced peer learning.

