What is a key element of reflective practice?

A key element of reflective practice is self-evaluation and self-observation. This process involves critically analyzing one's own teaching methods, decisions, and interactions with students to gain insights into what works and what might need improvement. Self-evaluation allows educators to assess their effectiveness, identify strengths and weaknesses, and make informed changes to enhance their teaching strategies. Self-observation provides opportunities to gather evidence of practice, such as through journaling or recording lessons, which facilitates ongoing personal and professional growth.

The focus on self-evaluation and self-observation distinguishes reflective practice from approaches that rely primarily on external metrics or assessments, such as standardized testing or score normalization, which do not inherently promote deep personal insight or self-awareness. Collaborative goal-setting, while beneficial in a team context, does not encapsulate the individual introspective nature that is central to reflective practice. It's about the individual educator's journey toward continuous improvement through thoughtful consideration of their experiences.