Reflective Practice

Reflective Practice is the capacity to reflect on action and to engage in a process of continuous learning. Reflective practice refers to the process of the educator studying his or her own teaching methods and determining what works best for the students. It involves the consideration of the ethical consequences of classroom procedures on students. Reflective practice is an important tool in practice-based professional learning settings where individuals learn from their own professional experiences, in addition to formal classes or knowledge transfer. Reflective Practice, then, may be the most important source of professional development and improvement.

The appeal of reflective practice for teachers is that teaching and learning are complex, and there is not one right approach. Therefore, reflecting on different versions of teaching, and reshaping past and current experiences can lead to improvement in teaching practices. Reflective Practice moves teachers from their knowledge base of distinct skills to a stage in their careers where they are able to modify their skills to suit specific contexts and situations, and eventually to invent new strategies. In implementing a process of Reflective Practice teachers will be able to move themselves, and their schools, beyond existing theories to continuously engage in a critical reflection, consequently remaining fluid in the dynamic environment of the classroom.

1. Options of a Reflective Practice

1. Journaling (self-reflection) 1. Current Practice 2. Topic-based 2. Study Group (group-reflection) 1. Current Practice 2. Topic-based 2. Identify a need related to strategies of the District Strategic Plan 3. Meet with building administrator for preliminary approval 4. Identify resources needed 5. Establish timeline with check points 6. Schedule a meeting with the building administrator 7. Submit the reflective practice plan to administrator for approval 8. Apply the concept(s) in your classroom/teaching practice 9. Collect meaningful and regular reflections over 4-6 months of the school year 10.Submit to the administrator a written analysis where you summarize your changes in teaching practice and skill modification 11.Schedule summary conference with administrator 12.Identify next steps for sustained growth