By using the Jay and Johnson reflective model I have had the opportunity to really think and reflect on my own practice. As a relatively new Teacher I have found writing my weekly reflections to be a cathartic exercise. It is during these reflections that I often criticise my own practice. I do not do this intentionally but I want to grow and learn and I tend to focus on areas where I need to improve. As stated by Finlay (2009) “to recapture practice experiences and mull them over critically”. I now realise I need to move away from criticising my practice and think about a situation or an experience on a deeper level, in a more critical way.
As I have developed in confidence I am reflecting internally and thinking on my feet, drawing on
my experience and responding to situations in the most effective way that I know. There are two types of reflection, reflection-on-action (after) and reflection in action (while doing). (Schon, 1983,
as cited in Finlay, L. 2009, p. 3). I always find myself thinking that I am only scratching the surface when I am documenting my reflections and I want to know how I can effectively reflect on a deeper level.
I enjoy using a number of forms of reflection I often find talking with colleagues and mentors to be so helpful and informative. We talk about our experiences to provide feedback, guidance as well as being sounding boards. “The term ‘reflective practice’ carries multiple meanings that range from the idea of professionals engaging in solitary introspection to that of engaging in critical dialogue with others”. Finlay, L (2009). Conversations with collages provide immediate feedback, they can help resolve problems or challenge my thinking in a meaningful way.
What I am noticing is that I need to make the effort to record moments and conversations with colleagues that have an impact on me on the same day. I have always believed that written weekly reflections were the most effective way to inform my practice. You have the opportunity to go back and re-read these entries however there is no feedback, just an internalised idea that may or may not be resolved. Blogging could help blend both the written monologue and also have the opportunity to receive feedback from colleagues shared experiences.
When I looked at the Zeichner and Liston’s Five Levels of Reflection (cited in Finlay, 2008, p.4): I am able to cover in some rudimental way the rapid reflections, repair, review, and research in the form of gathering and collecting data. I do however need to look deeper into retheorizing and reformulating: Using theories to critically examine which would enable me to answer some questions that I have about my own practice. According to Finlay and Gough (2003). We should think of critical reflection lying in between reflexivity (a process of continuing self awareness) and reflection ‘ thinking about’ something after the event. Actually thinking of the process of critical reflection as being on a continuum.
This really resonates with me as I am able to adapt my practice to best suit different situations as they arise and using various forms of reflection will ultimately help to develop my practice in a positive way. With hindsight I find that my reflections at time can merely be noting the chronological order of events that have transpired over the week and I will endeavour to reflect more critically about my practice and use research to help me progress in this profession.
As I have developed in confidence I am reflecting internally and thinking on my feet, drawing on
my experience and responding to situations in the most effective way that I know. There are two types of reflection, reflection-on-action (after) and reflection in action (while doing). (Schon, 1983,
as cited in Finlay, L. 2009, p. 3). I always find myself thinking that I am only scratching the surface when I am documenting my reflections and I want to know how I can effectively reflect on a deeper level.
I enjoy using a number of forms of reflection I often find talking with colleagues and mentors to be so helpful and informative. We talk about our experiences to provide feedback, guidance as well as being sounding boards. “The term ‘reflective practice’ carries multiple meanings that range from the idea of professionals engaging in solitary introspection to that of engaging in critical dialogue with others”. Finlay, L (2009). Conversations with collages provide immediate feedback, they can help resolve problems or challenge my thinking in a meaningful way.
What I am noticing is that I need to make the effort to record moments and conversations with colleagues that have an impact on me on the same day. I have always believed that written weekly reflections were the most effective way to inform my practice. You have the opportunity to go back and re-read these entries however there is no feedback, just an internalised idea that may or may not be resolved. Blogging could help blend both the written monologue and also have the opportunity to receive feedback from colleagues shared experiences.
When I looked at the Zeichner and Liston’s Five Levels of Reflection (cited in Finlay, 2008, p.4): I am able to cover in some rudimental way the rapid reflections, repair, review, and research in the form of gathering and collecting data. I do however need to look deeper into retheorizing and reformulating: Using theories to critically examine which would enable me to answer some questions that I have about my own practice. According to Finlay and Gough (2003). We should think of critical reflection lying in between reflexivity (a process of continuing self awareness) and reflection ‘ thinking about’ something after the event. Actually thinking of the process of critical reflection as being on a continuum.
This really resonates with me as I am able to adapt my practice to best suit different situations as they arise and using various forms of reflection will ultimately help to develop my practice in a positive way. With hindsight I find that my reflections at time can merely be noting the chronological order of events that have transpired over the week and I will endeavour to reflect more critically about my practice and use research to help me progress in this profession.
Finlay, L. (2009). Reflecting on reflective practice. Practice-based Professional Learning Centre, Open University. Retrieved from http://www.open.ac.uk/opencetl/sites/www.open.ac.uk.opencetl/files/files/ecms/web-content/Finlay-(2008)-Reflecting-on-reflective-practice-PBPL-paper-52.pdf
I enjoyed reading your blog Sonya, there were so many points that I connected with.
ReplyDeleteI’d have to agree that you are a reflective person, whom I’ve seen has grown immensely this year, within your teaching practice.
Your point about the need to make more of an effort to record moments that have impacted on the day is an area that a lot of us as educators need to focus on. I am guilty of that, and blogging is a new thing that could possibly help but in all honestly because blogging is a social encounter, it wasn’t as easy as the reflections I’ve written in the past. Not sure if you’d agree. Did you battle with this at all? Maybe it was due to the Jay and Johnson (200) we had to follow as opposed to just describing the past.
Thank you for your comments. I definitely would feel more comfortable commenting in a private blog with colleagues from our team. Sharing of a problem that you could possible solve together would be great! Making the time to note our reflections down would involve time management on my part!
DeleteYou know what, I like that concept. Around sharing an idea we can possible solve together. I never thought about using a blog with that intention in mind. That's probably why we're encouraged to reflect in a social forum because even if we aren't sharing the same issues, people naturally have the intention to want to help and will therefore suggest ways to problem solve.
DeleteGreat reflection Whaea Sonya !! I really like the way how you often talk with your colleagues about your classroom experiences. Having those informal conversation can really help you to look at a situation from another perspective. It also prepares you to deal with the challenges that may arise in your classroom. As Chua (2003) states that sharing is the process by which individuals collectively and iteratively refine a thought, an idea or a suggestion in the light of experience.
ReplyDeleteIt's also interesting to read that you are giving a consideration of documenting your reflections using blogging. This is something I am planning to do. I think giving and receiving feedback on this platform will be really helpful.
Thank-you Sonya for your constructive feedback I being being classroom teachers it's our natural instinct to reflective after each day. Yes, I also think I'm ready to embrace and engage level 4 and 5 of the reflection model (Zeichner and Liston, 1996). Yes, I do enjoy setting new goals and challenging myself. It's great to hear that i inspire you, you also inspire me ! my question for you is how often do you set yourself goals?
ReplyDelete