The Importance of Reflection

As educators, it is important to reflect on our teaching practices and also model this for our students. Engaging students in reflecting on their learning will help them to become more self-aware, to set new goals, to make adjustments, and to prepare them for the future.

I am a huge fan of quotes, so much so that my first book, “In Other Words, Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” came to be after reading the notes I had taken from reading other books. Much of what I had written was quotes from the author or quotes from others that were included in their books. One of my favorites is from John Dewey. Dewey stated, “We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.” I think about this quote often and it reminds me of how important reflection is for our professional and personal growth.

When should we reflect and how often? With many daily demands in our work, setting aside a specific time can be a challenge. My recommendation is to find a point in your teaching day to take even 5 minutes to think about the lessons you’ve taught, the methods used, the students’ engagement in the lesson, and take some quick notes to refer back to later. Even in small periods of time on a daily basis, these reflections will help us to focus on how to continue to improve our skills. Reflection also helps with our well-being and gives us a moment to pause and recognize the value of our work while also taking time to breathe.

A Few Ideas

I have a lot of notes written from my reflections. I make a list of ideas, things to consider, and tools to explore, and keep it nearby so I can refer to it often and continue to think through everything. I’ve noticed that it has helped me to be more consistent when reflecting on my teaching practice.

1. Set a time for reflection: Consistency is essential. Choose a specific time each day, or a few times during the week or weekend, to reflect. Driving into school, I think about my goals for the day, and driving home, I think about how the day went. Find a time that works best for you and hold it as a non-negotiable for your day.

2. Journaling or Blogging: I’ve had students write in journals over the years after I’ve provided a prompt for the day. Reading their responses also helps me to reflect on my practice at times, depending on the prompts that I have provided. Blogging started for me as a way to not only share ideas, but also to reflect on the methods and tools that I was using. It can be done on paper, in a journal, or using Google Docs or a blogging site.

3. Podcasts: I started podcasting in my classroom on a Monday during my lunch. I decided to talk about what I had done in class, different digital tools, new methods, or whatever random idea that I had on my mind. Every Monday, for two years, I sat down during my lunch break and recorded an episode for my ThriveinEDU podcast. I had a consistent habit and then shifted to recording whenever I had something on my mind, which could have been while at home or while taking a walk. Most episodes over the five seasons have been of me having a conversation with myself. But, there are a lot now where I have guests from all roles in education and also guests from some different companies or areas of work. It has been a great experience and I enjoy learning from everyone and also having new ideas to consider. And even if you don’t actually publish the podcast or your recording, it is a great way to reflect by listening to your thoughts

4. Learning communities: Being part of a learning community whether an organization like ISTE+ASCD, a state organization, Microsoft or Google communities, or ambassador programs, are great ways to learn and lead to reflection. Connecting in these spaces or through social media networks, especially more frequently used now is Slack, make it easier to connect with educators from around the world.

These are just a few ways to build reflection into your practice and also ways to connect and impact other educators too. Reflection is powerful for improvement and staying engaged in our work. Keep making a difference.

About Rachelle

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher at Riverview High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle is also an attorney with a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Rachelle received her Doctorate in Instructional Technology, and her research focus was on AI and Professional Development. In addition to teaching, she is a full-time consultant and works with companies and organizations to provide PD, speaking, and consulting services. Contact Rachelle for your event!

Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader who served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. By EdTech Digest, she was named the EdTech Trendsetter of 2024, one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021, and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of ten books, including ‘What The Tech? An Educator’s Guide to AI, AR/VR, the Metaverse and More” and ‘How To Teach AI’. In addition, other books include, “In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU,” “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World, “True Story: Lessons That One Kid Taught Us,” “Things I Wish […] Knew” and her newest “How To Teach AI” is available from ISTE or on Amazon.

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, Coding, AR/VR, and more for your school or event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Bluesky, Instagram, and X at @Rdene915