EDSS 531: The Reflective Practitioner

This semester’s course work has gone way too quickly. Although at a glimpse I may feel I have learned very little from what we have accomplished this semester in coursework alone, I am glad I have this opportunity to thoroughly reflect on what has come of this semester. This semester was very different than last semester. Last semester there was a very steep learning curve in figuring out the basics and what teaching was all about. This semester seemed to have a greater emphasis on technology. Specifically through EDSS 531, the most important take away I feel I have learned is about being reflective.

Through the activities, readings, and discussions in this semester, no matter the topic, there was always a portion that asked us to reflect. The assignments were to reflect on our biases, upon an aspect of our educational philosophy, or on which teaching model we would align with our philosophy. I feel I have learned more about how and why it is important to reflect rather than the specific information I have reflected upon. Learning how to reflect has been a struggle for me. The process has taken great amounts of time to just begin to be a good reflective practitioner.

In relation to specific assignments, the beginning of this course asked us to reflect upon ourselves and other such things like our biases or how we meet student’s needs. This gave me a chance to learn about the importance of knowing who I am and how it affects me as an educator. Then we were able to write about our educational philosophy. The assignment gave me the opportunity to think about my beliefs as an educator. From there, I was able to compare and think about my beliefs about who I am now, my philosophy about teaching, and how I can work to become into the practitioner that fosters that philosophy throughout my teaching. Lastly, we then experienced different teaching models in class. I then reflected on how what I have recently learned, teaching models, can be applied and used within my philosophy.

In conclusion, I do feel I have learned about what to reflect on and how to reflect in different situations concerning different topics. I have learned that reflection is one of the most important aspects of teaching. Before this semester, I was only thinking about how to teach and what others expected of me to be able to do in the classroom. I was looking at others opinions and philosophies rather than my own. Therefore, instead of comparing with other professionals or teachers, I have learned to reflect upon myself. I am trying to make myself better in every aspect in order to meet my goals. I am truly hoping to continue this reflective aspect into my teaching as a permanent tool to continually help me become the best teacher I can be.