There will always be many ways to reach students, but if we continue to do the same thing, we will get the same results. In a world that is ever-changing, we need to be on the verge of these changes in order to motivate, inspire, and prepare students for their future. This is where reflection helps a teacher remain effective. Many daily aspects of a classroom can be adapted even slightly to meet the needs of your class. A class discussion could come alive when the students have the opportunity to answer poll questions, using pollanywhere.com and their personal or school supplied devices; or students could make use of clickers (Senteos) to answer multiple choice questions. These examples and many more are becoming integrated more and more in to the classroom. A keen educator would reflect on how he/she could incorporate these technologies in to their practice.
Reflective practice also helps teachers move students forward in their learning. By taking the time to re-think their lessons, teachers are making themselves stronger educators.
Taking time to reflect in our own daily lives has benefits as well. As a father, I have learned a lot about myself and who I want to be because I take time throughout the day to review aspects of my day. Sometimes it`s a word someone said, an event in the day, or my own words that sparks an `aha` moment, which then stays with me until the next time something similar occurs. Having a reflective mentality ensures that you continue to grow as a person and reminds you of what is important.
Taking time to reflect in our own daily lives has benefits as well. As a father, I have learned a lot about myself and who I want to be because I take time throughout the day to review aspects of my day. Sometimes it`s a word someone said, an event in the day, or my own words that sparks an `aha` moment, which then stays with me until the next time something similar occurs. Having a reflective mentality ensures that you continue to grow as a person and reminds you of what is important.
