As I stand in front of my classroom, I think about the journey that has brought me to this moment. My teaching career is a path of continuous growth, and one of the most powerful tools I've discovered is reflective practice.
I realise that reflection is more than just evaluating what goes well or doesn't during a lesson. It's a structured process of continuous improvement, a cycle of learning and action that helps me refine my approach and improve student outcomes.
Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle has greatly influenced how I reflect. After each class, I reflect on what happened, critically observe the situation, identify improvements, and apply those in the next lesson. This ongoing cycle of reflection, learning, and action has helped me refine my approach.
I also use Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle, which dives deeper into my experiences. It allows me to evaluate a lesson, analyse my emotions, weigh the pros and cons, and create action plans for the future. For example, after a technical issue interrupted my lesson, I realised that it opened the door to an unexpected but meaningful class discussion.
I practice reflection-in-action, a concept I've learned from Schön's work. Schön's method teaches me to continuously adapt and learn in the moment, and then critically analyse my experiences afterwards. This process has been invaluable in refining my approach and improving student outcomes.
Reflective practice has transformed my teaching by enhancing my self-awareness and problem-solving skills. I'm more adaptable and quicker to adjust my methods to meet student needs. It has also shifted my focus towards student-centred learning, making my lessons more engaging and inclusive. This practice has fuelled my professional growth, pushing me to seek new ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and stay curious about new strategies. As I look out at my students, I know that this journey of growth is ongoing. I'm excited for the continuous cycle of learning and improvement that lies ahead, knowing that it will make me a better educator for them.
