Becoming a reflective practitioner

Abstract

In recent years, one of the most influential ideas in education has been the idea of reflection and the reflective practitioner. Research has shown (Barnes, 1991; Schön, 1983, 1987) that a reflective teacher is more likely to be an effective teacher. Student teachers and practicing teachers are therefore encouraged to reflect upon their teaching and upon other aspects of teaching and learning. The questions you may be asking however are: What is reflection? Why is reflection important? How can I become a reflective practitioner? and How can reflection help my professional development as a teacher? This chapter will try and answer these questions by providing some background information on reflection and some ideas about the tools which can be used for reflection. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce you to reflection and to start you on the path of reflective practice which will help you to grow and develop as a professional teacher.