Week 9: Oct 27, 29
Posted by khudgins23 on October 26, 2009
Blog Prompt: How can we learn from what we do/teach? How can we continue to better ourselves as teachers? What are some ways we can become “reflective practitioners”?
Well, the obvious answer here is to reflect on our teaching. However, that can be done in a variety of ways. The FYC program encourages its teachers to write short reflections after each class, particularly to note what worked well in class that day and what didn’t. Then when the same lesson rolls around the next semester/year, you will have a record of what you did, how it worked, and how it can be improved. Instead of using a reflection, similar notes could also be made on lesson plans.
We can better ourselves as teachers by contanstly challenging our teaching practices. This includes having more experienced teachers observe our teaching and give commentary, video taping ourselves teaching a class (no matter how painful), and by asking for student input. Student input should be sought early to mid-semester in order to improve and help the students you are currently teaching. While end-of-semester evaluations can help future students, informal student imput may be more helpful to current students. We can also better our teaching by attending conferences, workshops, learning how to use new technology, and by watching others teach.
sobrien1 said
The ideas you discuss about having teachers observe your class, videotaping our own classes, etc. are great ideas. I think many times, teachers are hesitant to do things of this nature because they are afraid of what others might say, or because it may be awkward or uncomfortable. Yet the opportunity for personal growth through the use of such tools should help teachers overcome the negatives. At the end of the day, we all want to be the best we can be, and the tools you have mentioned are a great starting place for personal reflection and improvement.
Olivia said
I agree that reflecting how that class is a good idea! It would definitely take dedication and memory skills to remember to do that though! jk Anyway, I also think that is a great idea to see how your class progresses throughout the year. It definitely helps you keep tabs of the students on a daily basis without having to remember it all at once. I would definitely include this in your teaching philosophy. I am.