Reflective Journal

The reflective process is to help make better sense of the information at hand and to guide and direct learning in an appropriate way. The reflective journal is to encourage one to view teaching and learning problems from different perspectives. The purpose of the journal is to analyze situations and events happening within the classroom that you either observe or in which you are participant. This is an opportunity to select and analyze a specific event. First, provide a Description that contains who, what, where, when and/or how – all required. Second, the Analysis is a breakdown of your situation into parts that describe the strengths and weaknesses. Third, Planning, how does this influence you as a teacher candidate; that is, what strategy(ies) for change would you plan for and implement.

Due date: Check with the university supervisor for specific number of entries and dates.

What is Reflection?

Reflection is the process of assessing information or events, and thinking about and analyzing them and then using the results to change or enhance future events (Bullock & Hawk, 2001).

Why is Reflection Important to Teachers?WHY IS REFLECTION IMPORTANT TO TEACHERS?

• To learn to think systematically about their practice and to learn from the experience of reflecting.
• Pre-service teachers can refine their teaching skills through reflection.
• As teachers engage in reflective practice, they become more thoughtful about their practice and as a result become more effective teachers.

Teaching Reflection - Three Vital Compenents

• Description
• Describe who what where when and how of the event you plan to analyze
• Analysis
• Break down the whole into pieces —describe the strengths and weakness
• Planning
• Write how the analysis has influenced you and develop

As you write each reflection consider the following elements:

• Your audience. Who will be reading your journal? Be careful to protect identities.
• Your writing style. Be clear about what you want to say and don't ramble.
• Your voice. This is your personal reflection so your views and opinions should come through loud and clear.
• Bias. Try to filter out issues that would slant the truth.

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