DISCOVERY WHEEL Grade 11 October 5, 2016 Name: The Discovery Wheel is an opportunity to tell the truth about the kind of student you are and the kind of student you want to become. This is not a test. There are no trick questions, and the answers will have meaning only for yourself. Here are two suggestions to make this exercise more effective. First, think of it as the beginning of an opportunity to change. Second, lighten up. A little laughter can make self-evaluations a lot more effective. Here's how the Discovery Wheel works. By the end of this exercise, you will have filled in a Discovery Wheel circle that is a picture of how you see yourself as a student. The closer the shading comes to the outer edge of the circle, the higher the evaluation of a specific skill. The terms high and low are not meant to reflect a negative judgment. The Discovery Wheel is not a permanent picture of who you are. It is a picture of how you view your strengths and weaknesses as a student today. To begin this exercise, read the following statements and award yourself points for each one, using the point system described below. Then add up your point total for each section and shade the Discovery Wheel at the end to the appropriate level. 5 points This statement is always or almost always true of me. 4 points This statement is often true of me 3 points This statement is true of me about half the time. 2 points This statement seldom true of me. 1 point This statement is never or almost never true of me. I enjoy learning. I understand and apply the concept of multiple intelligences. I connect my courses to my purpose for being in school. I make a habit of assessing my personal strengths and areas for improvement. I am satisfied with how I am progressing toward achieving my goals. I use my knowledge of learning styles to support my success in school. I am willing to consider any idea that can help me succeed in school even if I initially disagree with that idea. I regularly remind myself of the benefits I intend to get from my education. Area 1 Total I set long-term goals and periodically review them. I set short-term goals to support my long-term goals. I write a plan for each day and each week. I assign priorities to what I choose to do each day. I plan regular recreation time. I adjust my study time to meet the demands of individual courses. I have adequate time each day to accomplish what I plan. I am confident that I will find the resources to finance my education. Area 2 Total TAB 2
I am confident of my ability to remember. I can remember people s names. At the end of a lecture, I can summarize what was presented. I apply techniques that enhance my memory skills. I can recall information when I m under pressure. I remember important information clearly and easily. I can jog my memory when I have difficulty recalling. I can relate new information to what I ve already learned. Area 3 Total I preview and review reading assignments. When reading, I ask myself questions about the material. I underline or highlight important passages when reading. When I read textbooks, I am alert and awake. I relate what I read to my life. I select a reading strategy to fit the type of material I m reading. I take effective notes when I read. When I don t understand what I m reading, I note my questions and find answers. Area 4 Total When I am in class, I focus my attention. I take notes in class. I am aware of various methods of taking notes and choose those that work best for me. I distinguish important material and note key phrases in a lecture. I copy down material that the instructor writes on the chalkboard or overhead projector. I can put important concepts into my own words. My notes are valuable for review. I review class notes with 24 hours. Area 5 Total I feel confident and calm during an exam. I manage my time during exams and am able to complete them. I am able to predict test questions. I adapt my test-taking strategy to the kind of test I m taking. I understand what essay questions ask and can answer them completely and accurately. I start reviewing for tests at the beginning of the term. I continue reviewing for tests throughout the term. My sense of personal worth is independent of my test scores. Area 6 Total
I have flashes of insight and often think of solutions to problems at unusual times. I use brainstorming to generate solutions to a variety of problems. When I get stuck on a creative project, I use specific methods to get unstuck. I see problems and tough decisions as opportunities for learning and personal growth. I am willing to consider different points of view and alternative solutions. I can detect common errors in logic. I construct viewpoints by drawing on information and ideas from many sources. As I share my viewpoints with others, I am open to their feedback. Area 7 Total I am candid with others about who I am, what I feel and what I want. Other people tell me that I am a good listener. I can communicate my upset and anger without blaming others. I can make friends and create valuable relationships in a new setting. I am open to being with people I don t especially like in order to learn from them. I can effectively plan and research a large writing assignment. I create first drafts without criticizing my writing, then edit later for clarity, accuracy, and coherence. I know ways to prepare and deliver effective speeches. Area 8 Total I am aware of my biases and am open to understanding people from other cultures, races, and ethnic groups. I build rewarding relationships with people from other backgrounds. I can point out examples of discrimination and sexual harassment and effectively respond to them. I am learning ways to thrive with diversity attitudes and behaviors that will support my success. I can effectively resolve conflict with people from other cultures. My writing and speaking are free of sexist expressions. I can recognize bias and discrimination in the media. I am aware of the changing demographics in my country and community. Area 9 Total I learn effectively from course materials and activities that are posted online. I can effectively find information on the internet. I think critically about information and ideas that I access online. I write clear and concise e-mail message that generate the results I want. My online communication is fair and respectful to other people. I monitor new technology that can support my success in school. I monitor new technology that can support my success in my career. I effectively use libraries to find the resources and information I want. Area 10 Total
I have enough energy to study and still fully enjoy other areas of my life. If the situation calls for it, I have enough reserve energy to put in a long day. The food I eat supports my long-term health. The way I eat is independent of my feelings of self-worth. I exercise regularly to maintain a healthful weight. My emotional health supports my ability to learn. I notice changes in my physical condition and respond effectively. I am in control of any alcohol or other drugs I put into my body. Area 11 Total I see learning as a lifelong process. I relate school to what I plan to do for the rest of my life. I learn by contributing to others. I revise my plans as I learn, change, and grow. I am clear about my purpose in life. I know that I am responsible for my own education. I take responsibility for the quality of my life. I am willing to accept challenges even when I m not sure how to meet them. Area 12 Total Filling in your Discovery Wheel Using the total score from each category, shade in each section of the Discovery Wheel using the scale (each circle represents 5 points). The area with the highest points goes out the farthest and is your strongest attribute. Use different colors, if you want. For example, you could use green to denote areas you want to work on. When you have finished, answer the questions on the reverse side.
DISCOVERY WHEEL REFLECTION SHEET October 5, 2016 Answer these questions to assess your findings. Name: 1. The two areas that I am the strongest are: a. b. 2. The wheel is an accurate picture of my ability as a student because: 3. My self-evaluation surprises me because: 4. The area I need to improve in to become a better student or to be able to pursue my career goals is: How are you going to accomplish this improvement? 5. Was this exercise valuable? Why? TAB 2