Reflective Teaching: Self-directed Professional Development

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There is an over simplified generalisation often bandied about in Westernised countries that belittles the job of teachers. The phrase goes along the lines of “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.” While the argument against this statement could fill pages the reality is that teaching is by far one of the most demanding but fulfilling jobs in the world. Teaching may be a job that requires a university degree and some on the job training; however effective teaching is a continual process of reflections, questions and decisions. This essay will examine in depth the cyclic process of effective teachers’ reflections, questions and decisions. Effective teachers will reflect on both their own knowledge and critically evaluate their work; they question both themselves and their students in a way that digs beneath the surface and effective teachers make decisions big and small throughout their day and within their planning. An effective teacher is a professional who incorporates reflections, questions and decisions, knowing that these tie together and are part of the very essence of being a teacher (Eggen & Kauchak, 2010). Reflections A teacher’s ability to reflect on and assess their own classroom performance is part of being a professional and effective teacher. Professional teachers accept a commitment to lifelong learning and view teaching as calling rather than a job (Kramer as cited by Eggen & Kauchak, 2010; Whitton, Barker, Nosworthy, Sinclair & Nanlohy, 2010). Ongoing study, reading and research help teachers to stay up-to-date and informed of current developments in the fields of teaching and learning (Whitton, et al., 2010). The habit of making regular reflections will help teachers to determine when further professio... ... middle of paper ... ...sroom management: a thinking and caring approach. Toronto, Ont: Bookation; Edmonton, AB; Perceptions Eggen, P. & D. Kauchak (2010). Educational psychology: Windows on classrooms. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Pearson Education Inc. Fetherston, T. (2007). Becoming an effective teacher. South Melbourne: Cengage Learning. Marsh, C. J. (2010). Becoming a Teacher: Knowledge, Skills and Issues Available from http://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781442537385 Minott, Mark A.(2010) 'Reflective teaching as self-directed professional development: building practical or work-related knowledge', Professional Development in Education, 36: 1, 325 — 338 Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19415250903457547 Whitton, D., Barker, K., Nosworthy, Sinclair, C., Nanlohy, P. (2010). Learning for teaching: Teaching for learning. South Melbourne: Cengage Learning.

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