REFLECT, REVISE, AND SUCCEED: A TEACHER’S JOURNEY TO BETTER TEACHING

May 11, 2024 Educator's Corner

Judith S. Marino

A teacher’s ability to reflect and adapt is crucial for student success. After a lesson on fractions, the teacher notices that some students are struggling with equivalent fractions. Instead of moving on, she takes time to reflect on her teaching. She begins by reviewing her lesson plan and the activities she used to teach equivalent fractions. She
considers the pacing of the lesson, the clarity of her explanations, and the engagement of her students. She then looks at the work her students produced during the lesson, paying attention to common errors or misunderstandings.

Based on her reflection, the teacher decides to modify her approach. She creates a new set of activities that provide more hands-on practice with visual aids to help students grasp the concept better. She also plans to incorporate more opportunities for students to work collaboratively, allowing them to discuss and explain their thinking to each other. During the next class, the teacher implements her revised lesson plan. She observes her students closely, noting their reactions and understanding. After the lesson, she takes the time to gather feedback from her students, asking them what helped them better understand equivalent fractions.

The above scenario demonstrates a good example of reflective practice. Reflective practice is a powerful tool for professional growth in education, encouraging teachers to continuously learn, adapt, and improve their practice to better meet the diverse needs of their students. Through reflection, educators can critically examine their teaching methods, strategies, and interactions to enhance student learning outcomes and foster a more effective and inclusive classroom environment. Through the process of reflection and adaptation, teachers will be able to improve their teaching practice.

Teachers, who engage in reflective practice learn from their experiences, adjust their methods to better meet the needs of their students, and ultimately, create a more effective learning environment. As educators, embracing reflective practice isn’t just about improving ourselves; it’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change that resonates with our students and reverberates throughout our classrooms. By fostering a culture of reflection and adaptation, we not only enhance our teaching practice but also nurture a more vibrant and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.