Becoming a Reflective Teacher

In this article the importance of reflective action when teaching is explored and illustrated. Although it was written over twenty years ago I think the three components of becoming a reflective teachers as stated, open-mindedness,  responsibility, and wholeheartedness, are all extremely relevant in all contexts of teaching and will continue to be even as time goes on and society changes. From the arguments presented it seems as though these three qualities would ultimately guide instructors to create more positive and dynamic classroom setting for students. If someone consciously makes the effort to be a reflective teacher a lot of the harms that can be done to students unintentionally are avoided or made less severe. The article talks about how if a teacher acts in a way that is most convenient or natural to them, referred to as non-reflective teaching, then the pre-conditioned actions that promote inequalities through historical and cultural contexts are perpetually taught in schools. As a public servant whose job is to educate all members of the state who are in classrooms by law, acting against bias and challenging ideas that cause harm is extremely important in order to create a setting where all students can succeed. Every person acts in ways that are conditioned by their upbringing and other characteristics that are inherent to everyone and no-one has much control over, but as an educator providing this essential service we must make our work experience one that conditions us to change as a means to further our objectives in education.


I agree with most of the points raised in the article. One point raised that I hadn't really considered before is the idea of strategically choosing a work setting where you can properly capitalize on your teaching philosophies. I foresee that in my teaching career I might face difficult setting which may make it harder to be a reflective teacher, but I am excited for the huge amount of parameters that will allow for change and progression. The excitement of life.




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