Year 11 Sample Reflection Task Questions

5 marks:

Explain how the work you did in class influenced your initial idea for your
presentation.
As we began preparing for our presentation on the documentaries "Free
Solo" and "After the Storm", I was initially drawn to the idea of analyzing
how the composers used camera shots, lighting, and audio to convey their
messages. During class discussions and group activities, I was struck by
how these visual and aural elements could be used to create a rich
tapestry of storytelling that engaged audiences on multiple levels. Our
instructor's feedback on previous presentations also highlighted the
importance of using specific examples from the documentaries to support
our analysis, which further solidified my focus on these multimedia forms
and features.

As I delved deeper into the documentaries, I became increasingly

fascinated by the ways in which the composers used camera shots to
create a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The close-ups of Alex's face in
"Free Solo" conveyed his fear and anxiety as he climbed El Capitan, while
the wide shots of the landscape in "After the Storm" put the viewer in the
midst of the chaos and destruction caused by the tornado. I realized that
these camera shots were not just technical choices, but rather deliberate
artistic decisions that shaped the audience's emotional response to the
events unfolding on screen.

Furthermore, our class discussions about lighting and its role in setting
tone and mood also influenced my approach. I began to see how the use
of lighting in both documentaries created a sense of atmosphere that
drew me in and kept me engaged. The dimly lit scenes in "Free Solo"
created a sense of foreboding and danger, while the warm glow of
candlelight in "After the Storm" symbolized hope and resilience. By
exploring these elements, I gained a deeper understanding of how
multimedia forms and features can be used to craft a compelling narrative
that resonates with audiences.
Overall, our class work laid the foundation for my presentation by
introducing me to key concepts and techniques that I could apply to my
analysis of "Free Solo" and "After the Storm". By combining these
concepts with my own observations and insights, I was able to develop a
comprehensive understanding of how multimedia forms and features are
used to communicate powerful ideas.

15 Marks:

Reflect on how you used individual and collaborative processes to develop this initial
idea into your final presentation.
As I began developing my presentation, I knew that I wanted to explore
how the composers used camera shots, lighting, and audio to convey their
messages. However, I also knew that this was a complex topic that
required a thorough understanding of each documentary's unique
elements. To address this challenge, I employed both individual and
collaborative processes to develop my initial idea into a comprehensive
analysis.
Firstly, I spent several hours researching each documentary, taking
detailed notes on their respective use of camera shots, lighting, and
audio. This individual work allowed me to become intimately familiar with
each documentary's structure and pacing, as well as its use of multimedia
forms and features. By doing so, I was able to identify specific moments
that stood out to me as particularly effective or striking.
Next, I shared my research with my group members during our regular
meetings. We worked together to organize our ideas, identify key points,
and create an effective structure for our presentation. This collaborative
process allowed us to bring different strengths and perspectives to the
table, ensuring that our analysis was comprehensive and engaging.
For instance, one group member had a background in film studies and
provided valuable insights into how camera angles and lighting can be
used to create a sense of tension or drama. Another group member had
experience with audio production and helped us craft an effective
soundtrack for our presentation. By working together, we were able to
integrate our individual strengths into a cohesive whole.
Throughout this process, we also received feedback from our instructor
and peers. This feedback helped us refine our ideas, identify areas for
improvement, and make necessary adjustments to ensure that our
presentation met its objectives.

8 marks:

Which aspects of your presentation did you find the most difficult? Explain how you
overcame these difficulties.
One of the most challenging aspects of my presentation was condensing
complex ideas into concise language that could be easily understood by
our audience. At times, it felt daunting to balance the need for detail with
the requirement for brevity. To overcome this difficulty, I focused on
identifying the most critical points in each documentary that supported
my analysis.
For example, when discussing camera shots in "Free Solo", I knew that I
needed to highlight how they created a sense of intimacy and immediacy
without overwhelming the audience with technical jargon. To achieve this
goal, I used simple language and concrete examples to illustrate how
specific camera angles or movements contributed to this effect.
Another challenge was selecting relevant examples from each
documentary that effectively supported my analysis. To overcome this
difficulty, I created a spreadsheet outlining key scenes or moments from
each documentary that illustrated their use of multimedia forms and
features. This allowed me to easily reference these examples during my
presentation and ensure that they were accurately represented.
Additionally, I practiced my delivery several times before presenting to
ensure that I could articulate my ideas clearly and confidently. This
practice also helped me refine my transitions between sections and
maintain a smooth flow throughout my presentation. Another challenge I
faced was ensuring that my analysis was balanced and nuanced. With so
many complex elements to consider, it was easy to get bogged down in
details or focus too much on one aspect. To overcome this, I made a
conscious effort to step back and take a broader view of each
documentary, considering how different elements worked together to
create a cohesive narrative.
I also found that creating an effective soundtrack for our presentation was
more challenging than I anticipated. Our group members had different
opinions on the type of music and sound effects that would enhance our
analysis, which led to some lively discussions! Ultimately, we
compromised and created a soundtrack that blended different styles and
genres to create a unique atmosphere.
To overcome the difficulty of incorporating visual aids into our
presentation, I spent several hours creating a PowerPoint slide deck that
complemented our analysis. I used images and videos from the
documentaries to illustrate key points, as well as charts and diagrams to
explain technical aspects of camera shots and lighting.

12 marks:

Which aspects of your presentation strengthened and developed your learning?

Explain how they helped you develop as a learner.
One of the most significant ways my presentation strengthened my
learning was through the process of analyzing the documentaries
themselves. By closely examining how the composers used camera shots,
lighting, and audio to convey their messages, I gained a deeper
understanding of these elements and how they can be used effectively in
storytelling.
This process also helped me develop my critical thinking skills by forcing
me to evaluate the impact of each element on the overall narrative. By
considering the context in which each documentary was created and the
message it aimed to convey, I developed a more nuanced understanding
of how multimedia forms and features can be used to communicate
powerful ideas.
In addition, working collaboratively with my group members helped me
develop important communication skills such as active listening and
effective feedback provision. By sharing our ideas and insights with one
another, we were able to build upon each other's strengths and address
areas for improvement.

✩
10 marks:

Analyse the most important ideas in the content of your presentation. How did they
help address the requirements of the question?
The most important ideas in my presentation are those related to the
composers' use of camera shots, lighting, and audio to create a rich
tapestry of storytelling that engages audiences on multiple levels. These
ideas helped address the requirements of the question by providing a
comprehensive analysis of how multimedia forms and features are used to
communicate powerful ideas.
For example, discussing how camera shots in "Free Solo" provide a human
perspective on Alex's journey helped demonstrate how visual elements
can create empathy with the subject matter. Similarly, examining how
lighting is used in both documentaries showed how it can set tone and
mood, influencing audience emotions.
By exploring these ideas, I was able to show how the composers used
multimedia forms and features to craft a narrative that resonates with
audiences on an emotional level. This analysis helped address the
requirements of the question by providing concrete examples that
supported my arguments.

10 marks:

Analyse the most effective digital techniques you used in your presentation. How did
they effectively communicate key ideas to the audience?

The most effective digital technique I used was incorporating specific

examples from each documentary to support my analysis. By using
concrete examples from "Free Solo" and "After the Storm", I was able to
illustrate complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner. This
technique helped communicate key ideas to the audience by providing
tangible evidence that reinforced my arguments.
Additionally, using headings and subheadings effectively organized my
content, making it easy for the audience to follow my train of thought. The
use of transitions between paragraphs also helped guide the audience
through my analysis, creating a smooth flow between ideas.

20 marks:

Reflect on the successes and challenges you have experienced during the process
of completing this assessment task. How have these helped you develop as an
independent learner? Provide examples of how you have established improved work
practices. As I reflect on the process of completing this assessment task, I am
struck by the numerous successes and challenges I encountered along the
way. Despite the difficulties, I have emerged with a deeper understanding
of my strengths and weaknesses as an independent learner, and have
established improved work practices that will benefit me in future
endeavors.
One of the most significant successes I experienced was successfully
balancing individual and collaborative processes while developing my
presentation. Initially, I was concerned that working with a group would
hinder my ability to take ownership of my ideas and approach. However, I
quickly discovered that embracing collaboration allowed me to tap into
the diverse perspectives and strengths of my group members. This not
only enriched my understanding of the topic but also taught me the
importance of flexibility and adaptability in working with others.
On the other hand, one of the greatest challenges I faced was managing
time effectively while completing various components of the presentation.
With multiple deadlines and tasks to juggle, it was easy to feel
overwhelmed and struggle to stay focused. However, I learned to prioritize
tasks and create a schedule that allowed me to meet deadlines while
maintaining quality. This experience has taught me the importance of
planning ahead, breaking down large tasks into manageable chunks, and
staying organized.
Another challenge I encountered was grappling with self-doubt and
perfectionism. At times, I found myself overanalyzing every detail,
worrying that my work would not meet expectations. However, through
this experience, I have learned to recognize when it is necessary to let go
and trust in my abilities. By embracing imperfection and focusing on
progress rather than perfection, I have become more confident in my
abilities as an independent learner.
Throughout this process, I have established several improved work
practices that will benefit me in future endeavors. Firstly, I have
developed a more structured approach to planning and organization. By
creating a schedule and breaking down tasks into smaller components, I
am better equipped to manage multiple responsibilities and meet
deadlines. Secondly, I have learned the importance of collaboration and
embracing diverse perspectives. By working with others, I have expanded
my understanding of the topic and gained valuable insights that would
have been impossible to achieve alone.
Finally, I have come to appreciate the value of self-reflection and
evaluation. Through this process, I have learned to recognize my strengths
and weaknesses, and have developed strategies for improving areas
where I struggle. By acknowledging my limitations and being willing to
adapt, I am better equipped to navigate future challenges and achieve
success.
In conclusion, the process of completing this assessment task has been a
transformative experience that has helped me develop as an independent
learner. Through successes and challenges alike, I have established
improved work practices that will benefit me in future endeavors. By
embracing collaboration, prioritizing planning and organization, and
recognizing the value of self-reflection, I am confident that I will continue
to grow and develop as an independent learner.
The first chapter of the interactive documentary after the storm uses a variety of
multimedia techniques to incite feelings of fear and tension in the viewer. Firstly, the
use of the moving cloudy sky immediately sets a tense tone as it shows how fast
paced the storm is. Secondly the non-diegetic sound of stormy swirling wind and
other storm related noises create a sense of being in the middle of a tumultuous
environment and evokes tension within the reader. Finally, the technique of inclusive
language in “dear future disaster survivor” created fear and tension as the reader
may feel targeted with the direct address to the audience. In summary the texts uses
a plethora to create a sense of danger and fear during the opening text.

Multimedia
 Free Solo: Magazine covers, 60 mins segments
 After the Storm: News report, newspaper extract, weather report
 The result of including multimedia like this is that is helps create a full story, and
offer
understanding. It creates different perspectives, and helps to communicate the story.
 Helps provide more detail
 Gives notoriety to the story being shared, helps viewers to position the story as a big
deal and as of important
 Multimedia can help bring in face based info and details to a more anecdotal re-tell.

Visual Techniques - the human experience

 When they zoom out and show the huge mountain and show parts of his journey.
Camera shots offer perspective, communicates the human experience as being
layered, super detailed, and overwhelming at times.
 In ‘After the Storm’, the website starts with a title, goes into some narration, and then
into an image. This is similar to Free Solo’s changing camera shots, as it offers
different perspectives, and begins to explain the variety of the human experience.

 Graphic effects of drawing on screen to map journey

Lighting - Power of Nature

 In Free Solo when Alex stops his first attempt, it is dark. The only light is from his
head torch. The darkness though incidental, simultaneously allows viewers to
connect with him in that moment. A moment where it felt like there was no hope, no
‘light at the end of the tunnel’... no way forward.
 After the storm: lighting on initial landing page is cloudy, eerie, paler… lighting on
second page that represents ‘time before the storm’ is a sunrise, symbolising hope,
fresh start, safety, warmth…

Language/audio - overcoming adversity

The first chapter of the interactive documentary after the storm uses a variety of
multimedia techniques to incite feelings of fear and tension in the viewer. Firstly, the
use of the moving cloudy sky immediately sets a tense tone as it shows how fast
paced the storm is. Secondly the non-diegetic sound of stormy swirling wind and
other storm related noises create a sense of being in the middle of a tumultuous
environment and evokes tension within the reader. Finally, the technique of inclusive
language in “dear future disaster survivor” created fear and tension as the reader
may feel targeted with the direct address to the audience. In summary the texts uses
a plethora to create a sense of danger and fear during the opening text.

(consider then contracting how language change to communicate ‘resilience’ at the end)

 Find some examples of music used in Free Solo and what is communicated (e.g
classical = sad, upbeat = inspirational etc
 After the Storm: First audio is eerie, second audio track that explains ‘life before’ is
slightly more upbeat.

Perspective - Survival
 Free Solo, Alex Honnold, Filming Crew, Girlfriend, Alex’s climbing friends, Climbing
professionals, Alex’s mum , other climbing dude (fill in name).
When the cameras turned to the camera crew, seeing their reactions, live and
scared, concerned, worried, created a lot of tension with the audience, and helps
viewers to grasp the severity of the situation and the risk involved.
 After the storm: Beck, the weatherman, Beck’s mum
 Mum giving perspective, something along lines of ‘rushing down to basement and
son wanting to grab cat’, shows how young they were and alludes to how scary it
would have been, and how serious it was to survive the situation.
 Perspectives of different people, help to communicate the survival process through
contrast, some viewers will relate to specific angles and experiences, which helps to
engage audiences. It also adds depth to the story being shared, and helps create as
much context and understanding as possible.

Conclusion:
Quick summary of key themes and features (e.g.: lighting, perspective etc)