It's that time again: report-writing, trimester. Here's a part of the process I consider essential: self-evaluation.

[Connie Weber]

Here are some questions from my current student self-evaluation. I give a 6 page handout that the students fill out, written directly to me. We first talk about the what the questions mean, in a group discussion--and by the way, the students designed much of the form themselves. So although the questions may seem too open-ended here, they're embedded in the classroom culture and the students know what we're asking.
I think our self-evaluations say a lot about overall purpose and mission. (Know one's self--have self-discipline, stretch, communicate, be your own advocate...)



Tell about your style as a student.
(Please note, these questions are laid out over several pages, and in the margin there are little cartoon bugs asking zany questions.)

In which areas have you grown a LOT this year?

What are some things you learned about learning this year?

Favorite books this year (say why):

Technology: What can you do now that you couldn't do at the beginning of the year?

Strategies you learned for "digesting" reading; what you've learned about reading for information:

Tell about your progresses in the writing process. Are you feeling more at ease with expressing your thoughts? How are you doing with learning the editing process--have you made it meaningful, do you know what to do in your editing?

The toughest parts of writing are (think about spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, paragraphing, getting ideas, getting started, keeping going, being creative, being logical, making things flow):

Regarding journal work, here are some projects you loved doing and feel proud of:

Are you finding research fun, challenging, enjoyable? How is investigation of your topic going? Do you have enough resources? Are your notes "heaping up"? Are you starting to find distinct categories for your report?


The math section is scaled, from agree to disagree. Each student places himself or herself on a continuum: (They've done basic unit tests and other forms of assessment elsewhere, that's not part of this form.)

I am feeling confident about my abilities in math
My basic skills are getting pretty solid
I know how to interpret and make graphs
I focus well during lessons
I contribute questions, ideas, and answers during lessons
If I don't understand something or want to go over it more, I sign up for a conference
My papers are neat and organized
I am able to show my steps while reasoning something through
Generally in math I feel (successful to unsuccessful--continuum)
This is the way I like to work on mathwork, how, with whom, and where I feel I do my best:


Other questions, phrased in first person:

Here's what I have to say about speaking in front of the class, as in storytelling and current events:

My first grade buddy is_(name)_______. From working with (him/her) I have grown in these ways:

My elder partner at the senior home is ______. From working with (him/her) I have grown in these ways:

Regarding classroom citizenship, here's what I have to say about myself:

Regarding friendship, here's what I have to say:

What I'd change about my social relations if I could:

Ways I've grown or changed this year in social relations:



Important overall goals for me to keep in mind for the rest of the year, the ones most important to me:


Here's what I have to say about my relationship with Connie. (Questions: Are things going well? Are there adjustments to your work that you think she should make? Are you getting enough attention?
Do you need more support in any particular area? How has Connie helped you in learning this year and what should she do next?)

[Connie Weber]

Selected student comments from June, '09

Responses to the question, "What are some things you learned about learning this year?"

"Slow and steady wins the race."

"I have learned that you have to focus and participate."

"That you can enjoy things if you TRY to and have a good attitude."

"Listen, during instructions!"

"If you know you are learning, then you learn more."

"I learned a better way to take notes."

"I've learned you can make good friends even if they are younger than you."

"That it can be very easy sometimes. You just have to find strategies."

"Work on the plain stuff earlier in the week, like sheets, then do all the math, then take you time with the open-ended projects."

"Learning is actually a whole lot of fun."

"I have learned that you don't 'get it' all at once right away, and then it gradually comes to you."

"Plan out your work."

---Interesting insights from young people...
I get so much out of reading their self-evaluations. I use it to check my perceptions, such as "Charlie likes math," or "Sheila has begun to really enjoy reading now, and reads on her own a lot." I can also get a read on how kids experience their social relations, and their relationship with me.
Overall, the experience of reflecting on the year seems to be good for everybody.