Entrance slip #2 (Sep 16)----- On Becoming a Reflective Teacher

This is an article written in 1984. I suddenly found that the answers to my questions were given by Grant and Zeichner 36 years ago. Although this article was aimed at teacher candidates, I think the concepts and ideas within are still valid today and could inspire many people even who are working in other areas. 

 When I read "Is It Possible To Take The Time To Reflect?" I know I will find the answer to my question. Nowadays, we are all working and living in an increasingly fast-paced world. "Too busy" and "don't have time" are my excuses to delay my reflection or even neglect it. I have been always looking for the answer to solve this problem. Now I know, reflection could actually improve efficiency, not just took your time. It is very important to take time for reflection. As Grant & Zeichner states, "reflection necessarily paralyzes one from action is to distort the true meaning of reflective teaching"(p.109). I think no matter how busy we are, reflection is the action that should not be replaced. 

 

In the article, Grant and Zeichner teaches us how to begin reflection step by step. In the second step, "It is important for you to seek actively to understand the beliefs of others (peers, instructors, friends)within your formal courses and, more generally, by reading, observing, and talking to others in both professional and nonprofessional settings"(p.111) reminds me of Frank McCourt, since McCourt also suggests teachers to have the sense of critical inquiry, and be open-minded. I agree that taking an inquiry stance could ensure the improvement of our teaching practices. They also mentioned reading, and I totally agree that reading could help us to expand our intellectual horizons, thus we could think from different angles. Ultimately we will develop our critical thinking skills.

Reference:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B00n89L6TX5gSHJCZXUwR0Zocm8/edit?resourcekey=0-O7BUyqEwys2LJl2b-56NwA