AT&T Communications - California at 150

The Insight Reflector

Background on Reflective Thinking

Reflective thinking asks you to use information from the outside world as a springboard for inner exploration. When something in the world happens, impresses us, or shocks us, we are often prompted to look within to make sense of the world. You can use this reflective process to gain a better understanding of California's early history, current issues, and whether you feel an otherness or a oneness with the past.

Instructions

Write in your ideas to each of the questions below. Remember, this is not a persuasive essay, but a chance to explore, probe and reflect. When you have finished, click the "Reflect my Insights" button to make a new Web page with your writing. The Insight Reflector requires that your browser have "javascript" or "scripting" "enabled." Because what you write is not saved anywhere, it's suggested that you save your writing into a word processor first so that you don't lose your work. Fill in the fields below using complete sentences. Feel free to return to this page to adjust your wording, then click the button again to revise your writing in the window.

In answering the questions below, use your clusters, questions, and possible Chautauqua attendance to get ideas.

Phase 1 - the Opening Occasion

What's one aspect of early California history that made an impression on you? It could have been a fact, a story, a quotation or anything that got you thinking. Write a full paragraph describing what captured your imagination. Write as though you are telling a story to someone.

Phase 2 - the First Reflection

What's one aspect of current events or issues in California that relates to what you wrote above. It could be very similar or almost completely the opposite. Describe this present day issue as if you were telling a story. Actually say what thoughts went through your mind as you thought about the past and current events. "Show your thinking" in at least one paragraph.

Phase 3 - the Final Reflection

Now that you've explored past and present aspects of California that caught your interest, it's time to draw some conclusions. Based on your first description (the Opening Occasion) and the reflecting you did on it, what do you believe about the "Otherness" or "Oneness" of California's past and present? Is our life more like the early settlers or different? Rather than just decide if it's similar or different, your real goal in this last paragraph is to draw some person conclusions of whether you think we are linked to the past or living in a new and separate world. Remember to explain your thinking so others can understand.

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Created May 1, 1999 - Last revised: February, 2005

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