Never Work Harder Chapter 3

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Luff on October 25, 2009 at 11:07am

I agree that reflection is KEY! I don't think that we can reflect about single thing we do in a day but choosing a few important pieces of your day to think about is doable. Reflection doesn't have to be in the form of a journal entry. It can be as simple as replaying a lesson in your mind while driving or showering.

Peter Senge (1990) says this about reflection:
"Mental models start with turning the mirror inward. It also includes that ability to carry on learningful conversations that balance inquiry and advocacy, where people expose their own thinking effectively and make their own thinking open to the influence of others (p. 8)"

For me reflection is essential. I constantly think about my practices and interactions and consider what I can do better next time. Like Senge says, I find that having conversations with others about my reflections allows me to find greater clarity. Whether it is in a forum like this, casual conversations, input during committee meetings, class discussions at Rowan, ect. I share my thoughts, gain the perspective of others, and then reform my thinking. Even when I don't agree with a colleague their ideas help me form a more complete perspective.

Reflection, collaboration, and learning help make my job more than a place to earn a paycheck. Instead it is a life-long pursuit for growth and improvement because I can always do better– how great is that!

Permalink Reply by Joan Timmons on October 25, 2009 at 7:26pm

I agree with your thoughts on reflection. It does not always have to be formal. Everytime we "pick a colleagues brain" about something or ask "how do you approach that lesson?", we are reflecting. I also would like the opportunity to observe my colleagues to broaden my perspective and see different approaches as part of the reflection. I think through reflection and continually learning, being open to new ways and ideas and collaboration, we can practice our craft in a meaningful and authentic manner.

Permalink Reply by Susan Dugan on October 25, 2009 at 8:09pm

Like Jen and Joan, I feel reflection is essential to both my personal and professional growth. I love Senge ' s message of turning the mirror inward. The great thing about our book clubs, and our own professional studies is that we are thinking and talking about instruction. Too often, myself included, teacher's talk about the student or parental behavior, that we are either amazed or flabbergasted by. But through our readings, we are thinking and talking about instruction. Some of the theories are overwhelming, some of them we know but still can 't seem to put into practice, and some of them are so simple in thier clarity that we say "viola" I get it. Teaching is not a solitary practice. We learn from each other

Permalink Reply by Nicole Medvedik on November 1, 2009 at 9:05pm

I agree with Joan on that reflection doesn't always have to be formal but it definitely is key. I always find myself thinking of ways to make my lessons more meaningful for my students instead of just taking the ideas straight from the text. For me, it is very helpful to collaborate with other teachers and get their thoughts, and co-teaching this year has really given more ideas on how I can adjust things in my classroom to fit the needs of my students.