Lesson Objectives

• Learn how to craft effective AI prompts for meaningful self-reflection

• Discover techniques to facilitate student introspection using AI tools

• Explore methods for systematic reflection at the program/department level

• Implement a progressive reflection framework that builds depth over time

Do Now

Before we get started, take a moment to pause and consider: When was the last time you received truly honest feedback about yourself? How did it make you feel, and what did you learn from it? AI tools offer a unique opportunity to explore perspectives we might not otherwise encounter.

What We’re Working with Today

Today we'll explore how AI can serve as a powerful tool for reflection at three levels: personal, student, and systems. We'll build a series of prompts that progressively deepen insight and create meaningful opportunities for growth.

It’s my spring break. Other than working on my projects—an AI-powered icon maker, the progress monitoring tool, and bits of the other unfinished projects—breaks are all about reflection for me. Let’s dive into another prompt-heavy newsletter edition!

I Do, We Do, You Do

I Do: Here’s What I Created

This week, I stumbled into something unexpectedly profound after a simple moment of curiosity. I asked ChatGPT "Can you psychoanalyze me? Be critical and clinical, no holds barred" I saw the prompt on an X thread and I cannot help myself. If I see a prompt like this, I always test it out. What followed was a fascinating exchange that led me deeper into my own psyche with each prompt.

The AI initially provided some general insights, but as I shared more specific details about my work habits and thought patterns, our conversation evolved into something truly valuable. After several exchanges, we ended up creating what ChatGPT calls my "Meta-Life Design Map" 😂 a surprisingly accurate framework of my core motivations, blind spots, and growth trajectories.

Tools I used: ChatGPT (it remembers your chats and draws from those memories)

1. Initial Prompt

Can you psychoanalyze me? Be critical and clinical, no holds barred

2. Follow Up

What are emergent/meta insights you have of your first pass analysis that you just gave?

3. ChatGPT asked me: “Want to go deeper still? I can cross-analyze your drive patterns against common archetypes (e.g., Creator, Sage, Orphan) or map your self-concept developmentally through Erikson or Kegan’s stages of consciousness. I’m ready if you are.” I said yes, do both please. (You can use ChatGPT’s question as the next prompt.)

4. Then ChatGPT said: “Want to explore your mythic arc next, or pull these threads into a life design map?” Yes, go on.

5. “Would you like me to help you create a soft-life blueprint for this next arc? A new way of “building” that honors your full humanity?” Sure!

We Do: Let’s Build This Together

Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own AI reflection system:

Level 1: Teacher Personal Reflection Prompts

1. The Initial Honest Assessment

I'd like you to analyze my teaching approach. I'll describe some aspects of my practice, and I want you to provide honest, constructive feedback about potential blind spots or growth areas. Here's how I typically [describe specific teaching practice]. What might this reveal about my underlying assumptions or biases as an educator?

2. The Follow-Up Deepener

Based on your previous analysis, I'd like to go deeper on [specific point that resonated]. What questions should I be asking myself about this pattern? What unconscious beliefs might be driving this behavior? Provide 3-5 reflective questions I should consider.

3. The Action Plan Generator

Now that we've identified [specific insight], help me design 3 concrete experiments I could run in my classroom over the next two weeks to test a different approach. For each experiment, explain what I should observe and how to measure impact.

Level 2: Student Reflection Prompts

1. Creating Safe Reflection Spaces

Help me design an AI-facilitated reflection activity for my [grade/subject] students that feels safe but encourages honest self-assessment. The activity should help them identify their learning patterns without feeling judged. Include specific prompts I can share with them and guidelines for implementation.

2. Peer Feedback Facilitator

Design a structured AI-guided peer feedback process for my students that moves beyond superficial comments. Include specific prompts students can use with each other and a framework for how to receive feedback constructively.

3. Growth Narrative Creator

Create a template for students to document their learning journey with the help of AI. The template should include prompts that help them see patterns in their growth, challenges they've overcome, and specific evidence of their development.

Level 3: Systems/Program Reflection

1. Budget Priority Analyzer

Help me analyze the alignment between our stated priorities and our budget allocations. I'll share our top 5 educational goals and our current budget breakdown. Identify potential misalignments and suggest 3 reflective questions our leadership team should consider.

2. Cultural Audit Framework

Design a process for using AI to analyze the informal culture and unwritten rules of our [department/school/program]. Include specific data points we should collect, questions to ask stakeholders, and a framework for identifying gaps between our stated values and lived experience.

3. Reflection System Builder

Help me create a sustainable reflection system for our [team/department] that becomes part of our regular workflow rather than an add-on. Design a progressive framework that includes weekly, monthly, and quarterly reflection activities, with specific prompts for each timeframe.

You Do: Your Mini Task for the Week

Now it's your turn! Choose one prompt from each level (personal, student, and systems) and implement them this week. Document what you learn in a reflection journal. Which insights surprised you? What patterns emerged across the different levels?

Think-Pair-Share

• Think of 3 areas of your practice that would benefit from more honest reflection

• Pair up with a colleague to exchange custom reflection prompts based on what you know about each other's work

• Share your insights with our community of educators and connect with other Edumators who are transforming their classrooms with AI and automation.

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