Homework #1 Should it be done?
Homework #1 Should it be done?
My project has the working title of "Reflectively Reenergize Your Teaching"
•Who would read/use my material?
Teachers who want to develop skills in reflective practice and self care. They might be in a bit of a rut in their teaching practice and recognize that the answer isn’t to find a new activity or game to use in class. They might also be frustrated because the term “reflective practice” is thrown out as something that’s universally understood to be important and necessary, but nobody really describes what it involves.
•Why? What would they gain from it?
They would gain ways to develop the reflective attitudes that can strengthen their teaching practice.
•What are they currently using or reading instead?
There are some books on reflective practice or professional development in the language teaching field. (The Developing Teacher, by Duncan Foord; Pursuing Professional Development by Bailey, Curtis & Nunan; Thomas Farrell has several books) Probably the resources that are the closest philosophically are John Fanselow’s books.
•Why do I think my material (or idea) is good?
It’s unique. It examines the reflective mindset through six different attitudes identified by John Dewey. If a teacher is in a rut or needs to reenergize their teaching, there are practical ways to do that.
My project has the working title of "Reflectively Reenergize Your Teaching"
•Who would read/use my material?
Teachers who want to develop skills in reflective practice and self care. They might be in a bit of a rut in their teaching practice and recognize that the answer isn’t to find a new activity or game to use in class. They might also be frustrated because the term “reflective practice” is thrown out as something that’s universally understood to be important and necessary, but nobody really describes what it involves.
•Why? What would they gain from it?
They would gain ways to develop the reflective attitudes that can strengthen their teaching practice.
•What are they currently using or reading instead?
There are some books on reflective practice or professional development in the language teaching field. (The Developing Teacher, by Duncan Foord; Pursuing Professional Development by Bailey, Curtis & Nunan; Thomas Farrell has several books) Probably the resources that are the closest philosophically are John Fanselow’s books.
•Why do I think my material (or idea) is good?
It’s unique. It examines the reflective mindset through six different attitudes identified by John Dewey. If a teacher is in a rut or needs to reenergize their teaching, there are practical ways to do that.
Sounds useful, and like a good niche.
ReplyDeleteI think there's definitely a need for a book that's more accessible. I usually recommend Reflective Teaching in Second Language Classrooms by Richards and Lockhart but I think many teachers find that book challenging to follow - a lot of the techniques it recommends require a lot of prep. The Developing Teacher is brilliant but come to think of it, for my own reflection, I've only ever used one activity from it (the one based on Csikszentmihalyi's flow). I can't quite put my finger on it but I think in terms of reflection to use Schon's language, I'm at a point where I look for something that helps me reflect 'in' practice rather than 'on' practice.
ReplyDeleteI like reflective practices and self-care. I realized 2 years ago that my energy and attitudes towards teaching aren't limitless.
ReplyDeleteAdi Rajan Just looked at the Csikszentmihalyi's flow activity from the Developing Teacher. I really like that concept of flow. I've done a similar activity from The Decision Book. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me of that distinction - reflection 'in' or 'on' practice. My book has ideas for both types of reflection. :-)
Rhett Burton It may take a few years, but I think that most teachers get to that point. Very often for reasons out of their control. From your projects, I can see that you're a creative, caring, hardworking teacher. What happened 2 years ago? (If you care to share.)
ReplyDeleteWilma Luth I call it my dark year. I had never felt more helpless, alone, AND depressed in my entire career. It wasn't so much about the teaching as everything else that was happening in life. Sleeping with my newborn son deprived me of the sleep I needed. Bankrupting my family's business to collect images for making lesson I couldn't (didn't want to) sell, yet. Having to find the time and resources to commit to learning new skills without expectation of a return and were'n't need in my teaching role in my wife's eyes. And letting go of an ego that didn't want to go quietly into the night.
ReplyDeleteIt has been an interesting journey. I have gone places that I know I don't want to return to but I know I could if i don't practice more self-care in my negotiations of life, work and dreams.
Rhett Burton Sounds like self care is something that you've learned the value of over the years. It's not always easy to find that balance.
ReplyDeleteWilma Luth Find and keep is a daily challenge.
ReplyDeleteRhett Burton It sure is.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great topic, certainly in PG education reflection is the big buzzword right now and it's becoming a huge part of teacher training.
ReplyDelete