Self Reflection and Growth Through Presentations of Learning

“As this is our first year with Country Day, presentations of learning are completely new to us and we are so impressed. I believe this will better prepare Joaquin to face any challenge; it taught him to know his authentic self, and to stay true to himself and his values.” — Javier Urrutia (father of Joaquin)

During Presentations of Learning (POL), students in the Upper School annually reflect in writing and orally on their growth, accomplishments, and challenges faced relative to their goals and the capacities outlined in the GCDS Portrait of a Learner. Their POLs are presented in front of an audience of faculty, administrators, and their parents/guardians, and are evaluated based on students’ clear articulation of rationale for identifying capacities, evidence of growth, and demonstration of appreciation for where they are as learners.

Upper School Division Head Dr. Chris Winters notes, “At GCDS, we believe it is critical to develop the ability in each student to self-direct and continuously improve. An individual who is cognizant and articulate about their strengths and areas for growth, and is proactive and adaptable as they connect with new problems or new learning, can thrive as they face any opportunity or challenge life presents.”

DEVON CARELLA, GRADE 10

Devon set goals for herself to sleep more, reduce stress, and find a better balance between her school, social, and sports activities. She evaluated her progress toward these goals through the lens of three of the Portrait of a Learner capacities to think creatively, work collaboratively, and persist through setbacks. Upon reflection, she recognized that persistence and shifting her mindset could significantly improve her ability to apply learning to solve a new problem. “If you always strive for perfection, you will end up just holding yourself back and creating a stressful, anxiety-filled life where you are never satisfied.” Once she moved past the tension of not knowing the answer to a math problem, and relied on the skills and knowledge she had gained to persist through solving it, she experienced greater success. When assigned to a group for the American Dream Project, Devon was pushed out of her comfort zone. She quickly realized that collaborating with others can result in improved time management and communication skills, and a better outcome overall. Devon’s goals for next year will build on this year’s goals of reducing stress and maintaining balance, and she is adding leadership on the sports field and in the classroom as her new area of focus.

“This year was like the ocean—tumultuous, stress-filled, and stormy at times—but also calm and joyful at others . . . each and every moment helped shape my character. Reflecting on all the different capacities I embodied during the year, there is a common theme tying them all together: managing to work through problems and come out on the other side stronger. .  . I have grown so much as both a learner and a person; this year has taught me a lot about myself and has shown me how I am capable and can persist through any obstacles or setbacks sent my way.”

JOAQUIN URRUTIA, GRADE 9

New to GCDS this year, Joaquin recognized, “I have learned a great deal about myself as a learner and athlete by working collaboratively and engaging independently with my work.” Participating in the grade 9 Bioethics debate gave him the opportunity to work with a team to develop and defend a position. Initially nervous to rely on others for an outcome, he quickly realized the opportunity to build off of each other’s ideas led to a more viable argument. As a strong math student, Joaquin was surprised by his initial struggle in geometry this year. He reminded himself that, usually, the more confident he is, the better he does. He set out to rebuild his confidence by asking for help and studying harder, and with a little trick he learned—to put a pen in his mouth, which forced a smile, and created a shift to a positive mindset! Joaquin also focused on valuing his physical and emotional well-being. New to the GCDS tennis team, he realized that while tennis is generally an individual sport, having a team behind him gave him an extra boost of confidence, “now, I am not just playing for myself, but also for the team.” Joaquin’s goals for next year are to limit screen time, improve his nutrition and exercise habits, and reduce stress.

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