Artifact # 10
Reflections Journal were used to contribute to my development and progression as a teacher.
Context
My reflections of my internship are kept in my lab book as a record
of my field experience. The reflections are analyses about observations
and things I learn during my pre-service experience at Beech Mountain Elementary
School. I may reflect on my observations of certain teaching methods.
Or, I may choose to reflect on varioius discipline strategies that I observed,
and then devise ways to implement those strategies into my classroom.
Reflections can be made on a wide range of topics, so long as they are
relevant in my development as a teacher.
Impact
In doing our reflections, we have learned the Reflection Cycle, which
is the correct process to follow to create a really valuable reflection.
The Reflection Cycle has five steps: 1) Select 2) Describe 3) Analyze
4) Appraise 5) Transform. These steps are a continuous cycle as you
reflect upon an experience, modify and improve it, and then teach it again.
The purpose of reflections is to learn from experiences and find ways to
improve as a teacher.
Alignment
The Reflections journal demonstrates how reflections are made and continuously
evaluated and modified through the Reflection Cycle. These reflections
help teachers recognize how they are affecting their students, parents,
and colleagues. From these reflections, teachers can evaluate their
effectiveness and look for opportunities to improve and grow professionally
(INTASC 9).