Reflective Practices
For Teachers
Self-Evaluation Strategies
Do you find yourself skipping the reflection portion of your lesson plans? Evidence of how you reflect on your teaching is more than a standard that administrators look for during formal observations. It's also a strategy that will improve your teaching practice and positively impact student learning in your classroom. Here are a few ideas that you can employ on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or even semester basis that will transform reflection from a rare activity to a regular habit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnaXpbTxEyI
1. Keep a Teaching Journal or Diary
Take some time to journal about your lessons. Use the resources below to help guide your analysis of what went on in your classroom. Consider creating a blog or vlog to reflect on your teaching challenges and successes.
Questions to Ask Yourself
The questions listed in the image below were found on this website.
Additional Written Reflection Formats
Click on this button to read about the strategy below and other ways to reflect on your teaching.
2. Film Your Lessons
You can learn so much about your teaching by listening to and watching how you interact with your students. Borrow a swivl from the Media Center and book some time with Damien to learn how to use this video recording tool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1D9BdQKTqE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fsqGxpdmrc
3. Participate in Peer Observations
Invite your mentor or another experienced teacher from your department to observe your teaching. The feedback that they can offer will only help you in the classroom. It's also recommended that you observe their teaching at some point in the year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx57ruijSt0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKsKTo74ZxQ
4. Provide Opportunities for Student Reflection
Giving students the chance to reflect on their learning can be eye-opening. What they write and share with you should affect your decisions to keep certain elements of your lessons, to eliminate aspects that were not as effective, and to try something new altogether.