Definition of Reflective Teaching

Reflective teaching is a process where teachers think over their teaching practices, analyzing how something was taught and how the practice might be improved or changed for better learning outcomes. Some points of consideration in the reflection process might be what is currently being done, why it's being done and how well students are learning. You can use reflection as way to simply learn more about your own practice, improve a certain practice (small groups and cooperative learning, for example) or to focus on a problem students are having. Let's discuss some methods of reflective teaching now.

Method 1: Keep a Journal

After each class, take some notes about what was taught and how students responded, positive or negative. Did they understand the material? Do you need more prep time to effectively teach the lesson? Reflect on this information at the end of the day. Use a journal, noting what you could do differently or what worked well.

Method 2: Get Feedback

After a lesson or activity or at the end of the class, ask students to briefly and honestly describe what they learned and what, if anything, didn't work well in the lesson. Allow them to provide the feedbackanonymously. Collect the responses and take notes in your journal on their observations for improving or changing your teaching practices. You can also ask a colleague whose teaching standards you admire to come into your classroom and observe a session. Ask for honest feedback, and let your colleague know that your goal is to improve.