Teacher recommendations? First some self-reflection...

It will soon be time to ask your teachers and your counselor for letters of recommendations. But before doing that it helps to have done some self-reflection. Think about your three favorite classes on campus. Answer the following questions about yourself and how you have performed in each class.

What have you demonstrated in class that this teacher could praise?
Describe ways you have made learning in class better. Focus on specific contributions, including:

• Discussions
• Presentations
• Projects
• Essays

What positive character traits have you displayed in this teacher’s class?
Which of the following character traits have you demonstrated in class?

• Integrity
• Independence
• Initiative
• Responsibility
• Maturity
• Respect
• Perseverance
• Attention
• Punctuality
• Going above expectations
• How have you used your intellect in this teacher’s class?

Describe ways you have demonstrated your love of learning in this class. Can you describe how you have demonstrated each of these intellectual traits:

• Curiosity
• Connections
• Creativity
• Solutions

What was challenging for you in this class? Don’t just focus on the “easy” classes. Think about some of your more challenging classes. What was most challenging in this class? Tests? Assignments? Course content?

• How did you overcome the challenge?
• How did you (or how can you) improve your performance?

Reflect on your answers. Would you change your “student style”? How can you grow as a student and where can you ask teachers for help?

Take Action (My Coaching Clients)
Record your answers to these questions directly in GuidedPath under the Optional section of the Recommendation survey. Later, you will have concrete information to share with teachers when you ask for letters of recommendations or have essays to write.