Reflective Teaching for New & Returning Teachers

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Welcome educators! I hope you are having a great school year. 

We will start off with some reflections on the week. After hearing the question, take a moment to think and jot down your answer. I would still like you to take five minutes and reflect. This can have a huge impact on your teaching.

Here is our weekly reflection question: How are you currently reflecting in your classroom practices. 

As educators we want to grow, but are often stuck on how to make that happen. Asking fellow teachers or your students for feedback can be a daunting task. It also requires us to be uncomfortable. Reflective teaching is simply taking a deep look at what you are doing in your classroom, thinking about why you are doing, and asking yourself honest questions about your teaching practices. 

Today’s blog was inspired by a recent experience I had with a student survey. Twice a year in my school district we have a student perception survey. Usually ESL teachers are exempt from this survey, but for some random and eye-opening reason I got results this year. At first, I was tempted to dismiss them since I was exempt. Then, I decided to take my own advice and see how I can grow from the results using reflective practices. 

Seeing how the students perceived me left me taken back in some areas. Especially when it came to classroom engagement and classroom learning strategies. In this new virtual learning environment, I knew reflection was critical for me to grow as an educator. During this process, I was really in my feelings because I was doing EVERYTHING I thought I could to engage the students. I was frustrated and a little angry because I was doing everything in my power to make the classroom engaging. I knew that I needed to take a moment to clearly think and get out of the defensive mode that I currently was in. 

I took out a sticky note and just jotted down some thoughts. I first wrote down what they love and that is play games. I do have strong feelings about them playing Kahoot & Quizzizz in class the whole class period, so I knew in reflecting I had to find a balance. 

After reflecting, I made some adjustments in my classroom engagement practices that included a balance. This happened after asking myself some honest questions about how I am currently teaching in the classroom. 

Reflective teaching can be done whether you are a brand new teacher or a returning teacher. If you are a new teacher, think back on your time student teaching or observing other teachers. 

I would suggest finding a quiet place to think without many distractions. Then ask yourself how did your lesson go today? Before writing anything down, take about 1-2 minutes to think. Then, write down your thoughts about your lessons, your week, or even the school year. 

Afterwards, ask yourself if I need to make any adjustments or changes. This can be difficult sometimes because we are honestly doing everything we can to make it work in our classrooms. If you are stuck, be vulnerable and ask for some feedback. This can come in the form of your students or other teachers. 

Here are your next steps:

• Create a reflection journal for your classroom.
• Set aside time each day or each week to reflect on your current teaching practices. 
• Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide! This guide will get you prepared and ready to go for the upcoming school year. PLUS there are some reflective questions included. 

I would love to know how you plan on reflecting during the upcoming weeks. Share a reflection question that you plan on asking yourself.