Developing and Using Reflective Practice

Introspection involves examining one’s own thoughts, feelings and sensations in order to gain insight. Being introspective is often a rare quality in young adults, and with good reason: Slowing down and taking a breather from our crazy lives isn’t always the easiest thing to do.

If you have found yourself making these same excuses, you can become more reflective by practicing a few simple steps.

1. Identify some important questions. But don’t answer them yet.
2. Select a reflection process that matches your preferences.
3. Schedule time.
4. Start small.
5. Do it.
6. Ask for help.

1. Read – around the topics you are learning about or want to learn about and develop.
2. Ask – others about the way they do things and why.
3. Watch – what is going on around you.
4. Feel – pay attention to your emotions, what prompts them, and how you deal with negative ones.

Reflective practice can help any individual to develop personally, and is useful for professions other than those discussed above. It allows professionals to continually update their skills and knowledge and consider new ways to interact with their colleagues.

Reflective practice supports ongoing professional learning and development by building on educators’ strengths and skills, and providing deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in their roles and responsibilities.

In such situations seeking the assistance of a professional specialist might prove to be useful. The purpose of such a help is to alleviate the momentary stress, to clarify the complex situation and to find new ways and possible actions towards constructive solutions.

After reading this article and with my own beliefs, yes I do need to become a reflective practitioner as it’s a way of keeping myself informed and up to date with my teaching skills, resources and most importantly my students learning. All of which insures that I am teaching at a high standard.

Reflective practice allows early childhood professionals to develop a critical understanding of their own practice, and continually improve the necessary skills, knowledge and approaches to achieve the best outcomes for children.