Reflection on Lecture 6

- What was the epistemic aims in 
  (1) Class Activity One (individual work) and 
  (2) Class Activity Two (group work)? 
- Is there any change in epistemic aim? If so, why did you change your aims?

- How did you approach to the problem individually and in group, respectively? 
- Is there any differences in the processes involved?

For activity one, the aim is to obtain the explicit or implicit answer from the given text, possibly by extracting, in-depth thinking and paraphrasing, depending on the structure of the text itself. The process would be: glance to grip the major points; read thoroughly; search for answers in a detailed focused way. This scheme of study helps us generally understand the passage as well as be able to track details.

Comparatively, for activity two, since we already have formed our own understanding, the epistemic aim switches to a higher level – reorganization of concepts through idea exchange. By observing others’ learning outcome and format of study, we are able to reflect thoughts from a different aspect, which we don’t have in the first place. This process enables us to refine not only the answer to the question itself, but also the way of thinking, the presentation of ideas, and some higher level cognitive factors.

This smooth change is due the steady growth in understanding of the problem, as various opinions from various parties can represent different ways of thinking. Such differences can enlighten the whole group.

2. Is there any difference in terms of individual and group epistemic cognition, how?

My answer would be yes. Individuals rely on their personal experiences to solve problems with some structured ways, and the focus is strictly on the question itself. No feedback or opinion from a third party will come to complete the possibly flawed perception. This kind of epistemic cognition relies more on contextual refinement without the help of others. However group discussion and collaboration highlights the dynamic combination of various thoughts: how they conflict, why they exist, how to solve, etc. This people interaction is a new platform of learning and obtaining fresh ideas to solve specific questions. Usually the spark between people and the art of coordination is the key element for the finalization of an answer.