Why You Need to be Reflecting on Teaching

When I was a student teacher, my mentor taught me to develop the habit of reflecting on teaching.  At the end of each school day, she would sit down with the students and gather them around her.  

The students would eagerly share about their day: what they learned, the highs, the lows, and everything in between.  At first, I really did not understand why she did this every day without fail.  However, as time went on I could see what an amazing teacher she was, and the value that I got from reflecting with her each day after school.

As I transitioned into having my own classroom, things did not always go as planned.  That seems to happen quite often when you are a new teacher because you have not yet developed the experience base that allows you to predict common misunderstandings and pitfalls.

I knew it was okay to make mistakes as long as I learned from them and found ways to constantly be reflecting on my teaching practice.

Reflecting on Classroom Management

A classic example of a beginning teacher’s mistake is passing out the supplies too early. Everyone has done this at least once, right?  You are giving directions, and to save time you begin passing out the materials while you are still talking.

The result is your students are SO excited about whatever is now in front of them! Pattern blocks, markers, and linking cubes have now captivated their attention, and the minute you turn them loose for the activity hands begin shooting in the air.  No one knows what to do because they were distracted during the directions.

If I am a teacher that is reflecting on my teaching practices, as I review my day after school I will think about what went well in my lesson and what went poorly.  I will make a mental note not to pass out supplies until I am ready for students to begin working!

Reflecting on Lessons

Reflecting on classroom management and procedures is only one small piece of the puzzle.  It is also important to consider the content that you delivered during the lesson.  One time I had a student-teacher teach a lesson on the landforms of Indiana.  Her delivery was perfect as always, and the students were excited and engaged in the lesson.  

As I observed her, I knew that she thought she had nailed the lesson.  However, I was inwardly cringing.  She taught the students that we didn’t have sand dunes in Indiana when we are actually home to the Indiana Dunes National Park!

As I reflected with her on the lesson, she said, “Well, I am not from Indiana, how am I supposed to know that?”  As we talked, I stressed to her the importance of doing research if you are unfamiliar with a topic that you are asked to teach.

Reflective teachers are life-long learners!

Monthly Reflections

As each month or season comes to a close, this is another great time to pause and consider how things are going.  If my district has a pacing guide, I like to check in and see if I am far ahead or getting behind.

I like to think about what lessons were particularly enjoyable.  For example, if my students were highly engaged in a fall STEM lesson, then I might want to make sure I find one for the winter months.  If there was a lesson or unit that flopped, I would want to consider the reasons and adjust accordingly for the upcoming month.

Reflecting on Parent Interactions

Sometimes, despite all of our best intentions, we can make a parent angry.  You might end up on a phone call or in a meeting that does not go the way you would like, and that can leave you feeling defensive, sad, or even angry.

Wait until your emotions subside a bit before deciding how to handle it.  Try to ignore any hurtful comments and instead focus on the true problem and how you can fix it or improve the situation. 

Reflecting on Administrator Interactions

When I was a beginning teacher, I dreaded having an administrator walk into my room.  It wasn’t that I was doing anything wrong, but I became instantly nervous and lost my rhythm with my students.  As years passed, I realized that those interactions could be opportunities for growth.

Did the principal seem to like what I was doing?  What comments did he/she make during or after the visit?  Knowing what your administrator is looking for is a great tool for planning your observation lesson.

The Observation Lesson

Your observation lesson is a great time to sharpen those reflection skills!  You may not know exactly when you will be observed, but you probably have some idea when it will take place.  Before that time, sit down and think about what type of lessons have gone well in the past and why.

Was it the content or perhaps the delivery style?  Maybe you used an exciting hook or video clips.  Pick your most successful strategies and use them for your lesson.

Consider what may need some improvements.  Are your students talking too much during transition times?  Are they constantly up getting a pencil at the wrong time?  Take time to review procedures that keep your classroom running smoothly to ensure a successful observation.

I created a whole guide for preparing for your observation that you can download for FREE!  Just click here.

Reflecting with Students

As I mentioned earlier, including time for daily reflection is important for students.  It gives them a chance to process things they learned, self-monitor, and express important thoughts and emotions.

Having these conversations also helps develop your classroom community.  It fosters a relationship of trust and acceptance, so students know that it is okay to make mistakes and learn from them.  

If you are just beginning to practice reflection, remember to model this habit before you expect students to join in.  It may take some students a little longer to understand how to respond to these types of questions, and that is fine.  If you practice all year long, you will be amazed at how they will start to naturally reflect all on their own!

Here are some questions to help you get started with your students:

“Where you are right now is a reflection of the choices you choose right now.” -Unknown

Will you choose to incorporate reflection into your routine?  If you do, I think you will be amazed at the success you will experience! Plus, you will have taught your students a skill that will serve them for a lifetime.

I’m cheering for you!