The Teacher Writer’s Life: Reflective Journals as Teacher’s Tools
December 16, 2009 by admin
Filed under Teaching and Learning Styles
Typically, a reflective journal is a tool used to develop critical thinking as a way to pinpoint areas of success in their day-to-day teaching. Literally, a reflective journal is any notebook where teachers describe their progress or problems with current classroom issues and lesson activities. A reflective journal can be used to clarify certain areas such as lesson planning and development or areas in their own lives. But a reflective journal can also be used a little bit differently as a teacher’s tool.
Since I can’t write about everything that happens in class, I use subject topics to guide my writing about my students, instruction and other areas I wish to think about. I’m a very reflective person, and getting my thoughts on paper seeing my words helps me learn what worked and what didn’t. Here are a few categories I use to help me get started:
1.React to class demonstrations, observations, teaching/tutoring experiences
2.Argue for or against a technique or procedure
3.Describe some new knowledge you have obtained
I get down to writing right away – usually when I arrive home and I’ve had a bite to eat. That way the lesson is still fresh in my mind. The time I write is usually enough to write out my experiences without pressure. When I record your entries, I don’t worry about style, grammar and organization. The idea is to get complete and accurate data at a time when the information is still fresh. Sometimes the original entries read like stream of consciousness.
Each time I write something I ask myself: What did I learn from the experience and how did it influence my teaching in general? And what is it about that specific activity/technique that makes it good for my classes? I try to support my insights with examples from my lessons.
At the end of each entry, I jot down ideas or questions. This is one way to narrow your focus somewhat during the journal writing process. It’s also a great source of new teaching ideas!
Try it!
For more tips on how to improve your instruction, get my ebook, “Tips and Tricks for Surviving and Thriving in the Classroom: Practical Classroom Tested Tips Made Easy” available at http://www.MakeYourTeachingSparkle.com
