Evaluate: to judge the value or quality of something in a careful and thoughtful way.

The final step of the research process is the formal reflection. Here you need to think deeply about the entire project and all of the work you have done. In particular, you need to evaluate the process and the results of your investigation. In other words, you need to judge the quality of your work. Things you should consider evaluating include;

• Work habits
• Effort
• Organization
• Time management
• Research question
• Final essay

Note: You are not expected to evaluate all of these areas, but you should evaluate all areas that are relevant to you!

In addition, you should thoughtfully reflect on your strengths and weaknesses as a learner during this project. What did you do well? What were you proud of? What could, or should, have been better?

Finally, you need to thoughtfully consider your next steps. If you know there are things you did not do very well, you need to identify strategies for future improvement. Reflection is meaningless if there is no action taken to fix issues and problems. Your next steps should be;

• Specific
• Realistic
• Positive/constructive instead of negative
• Focused on a “growth mindset” meaning you are aware of your own journey as a life-long learner
  • E.g. “I am here, and I know I have to be there. This is how I will get to this place of higher learning and improved skills.”