I found this article felt very relevant to my experience as a teacher candidate, despite it being written over thirty years ago. I think the qualities they use to describe the "reflective teacher" - openmindedness, responsibility and wholeheartedness - are things to aspire to. However I can also see how it will likely be difficult to live up to these goals as a new teacher working within the constraints of an established system. I appreciated that the authors addressed some of these constraints, and felt they made a compelling argument for why it is still worth it to pursue the qualities of reflective teaching despite it being challenging.
I felt that some pieces of the article felt dated only because ideas that were controversial or new in the 1980s are more prevalent and accepted now. This felt especially true when the article brought up issues of teaching to all students, and making changes in your teaching based on your students experiences and beliefs. Where the article presented these issues as something new to think about, accommodating students different needs and backgrounds is already at the forefront of my mind.
One quote from the article that stuck with me is: "A reflective teacher is not openminded and responsible merely when it's convenient." I hope to take idea this with me into my practicums and my teaching career, and will try to remember that those times when it is challenging to be a reflective teacher are the times it is most important to be one.
I felt that some pieces of the article felt dated only because ideas that were controversial or new in the 1980s are more prevalent and accepted now. This felt especially true when the article brought up issues of teaching to all students, and making changes in your teaching based on your students experiences and beliefs. Where the article presented these issues as something new to think about, accommodating students different needs and backgrounds is already at the forefront of my mind.
One quote from the article that stuck with me is: "A reflective teacher is not openminded and responsible merely when it's convenient." I hope to take idea this with me into my practicums and my teaching career, and will try to remember that those times when it is challenging to be a reflective teacher are the times it is most important to be one.
Thanks Erika!
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