The act of reflection is fast becoming an important tool in teaching effectiveness and professional development. Educators around the world are acknowledging the power of reflection to bring to the surface the knowledge of teachers and create new knowledge.

“The life force of teaching practice is thinking and wondering.  We carry home those moments of the day that touch us, and we question decisions made.  During these times of reflection, we realize when something needs to change.”  (‘Reflection is at the Heart of Practice’ Simon Hole & GraceHall McEntee, Educational Leadership, May 1999,Vol.. 56, p34-27)

Reflection is what allows us to learn from our experiences. Reflective Journaling is a way to record the reflections that we make and the ideas we glean from them.  First, the journal is a written record of our actions, feelings, thoughts and observations.  By writing down our reflections we are better able to identify the patterns of our actions and responses.  This helps us identify particular styles or methods of teaching and their effectiveness. Second, it is a form of data collection.  We can include feedback from students, peers and administrators that can aid in the reflection process.  Finally, journaling is a conscious effort on the part of the individual to examine his/her own practice and acknowledge his/her desire to improve the practice of teaching.

Some of the benefits of reflective practice include discovering meaning, making connections between experiences and the classroom, instilling values of the profession, gaining the perspective of others, reflecting on professional roles, and developing critical thinking.  (Journaling; An Active Learning Technique, Tim K. Blake, Ohio University, Zanesville).

Links:

• Teacher Self-Reflection Checklist This website provides teachers with a checklist for three subjects: English, math, and science. Once they teach the lessons, they can reflect on what they have taught by referring to these checklists.

Documents Available for Download:

• Reflective Journaling (PDF) This site gives prompts for teachers who wish to journal about experiences they have in the classroom to help you become more aware of your teaching methods.
  
  
• You-The Teacher (PDF) This site is a self-evaluation to help you determine what you have done in the classroom in the past as well as what you wish to do in your classroom in the future.
  
  
• Zest for Teaching (PDF) This site includes information and tips for maintaining your zeal for teaching and keeping your level of enthusiasm high.