What is a reflection?
What is a rationale?
What is a reflection?
Each INTASC principle should have several reflections associated with it by the end of your degree. Think of a reflection as a testimony explaining your understanding of the principle. The purpose of having more than one reflection per principle is to serve as a sort of progress monitor. By saving previous years' reflections, you and others can track your progress and understanding of the principles.
For the first reflection, some instructors will have their students rephrase the short version of the principle in their own words while others will ask students to provide examples of current understanding and goals for future use. Each department varies, so be sure to check with your decision point advisor. In later years, students will often be expected to deeply elaborate on the meaning of the principle and explain how they demonstrate understanding of the principle. By the completion of student teaching, a series of four reflections should be present on each INTASC principle, and each principle is supported by a minimum of one artifact. It is important to remember, however, that a reflection is different than a rationale.
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What is a rationale?
A rationale is a precise explanation of the artifacts connection to the INTASC principle and makes clear connections to the knowledge, dispositions, and performance indicators of the INTASC principle(s). In other words, the rationale for the artifact explains why the artifact is evidence of your understanding or mastery of that INTASC principle. A rationale should be located in such a manner that it also serves as a descriptor/summary of the artifact and includes applicable references to two or more supporting sources (textbook, articles, videos, lectures, class activities, or other reference materials). Rationales link artifacts to the INTASC principles and further explain the content and context of the artifact in relation to your current understanding of the INTASC principles.
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