Reflections on reflection – or the barber shop effect

“Simply being encouraged to reflect is likely to be as meaningful as a lecture on cooperative

group work.” - J. John Loughran

         All joking aside, everyone knows the value of reflection. When you look at anyone who is at the top of their field, you see someone who has learned the value of reflecting on their decisions. This is a personal and varied process, which will depend on what it is you are reflecting on.

         In our program we are encouraged to be reflective, through these blog posts, the e-portfolios, and through various assignments with a variety of word counts. In theory – great! We will be able to examine our practice and become better practitioners. But wait. We aren’t practicing yet. Once we get into classrooms, the ability to be reflective practitioners will be an important part of our professional development, but right now it is feels like a hoop we have to jump through.    

         I am not saying that reflection is useless, but it is a shame that we don’t have more classroom experiences to reflect upon. We can reflect vicariously about classes we have observed, but we are reflecting on other peoples practice, not our own. We need an opportunity to get our hands dirty – to make mistakes. This is where learning happens and where reflection would be at its most useful.

        For example, at the University of Scarborough’s teacher education program, in addition to the 5 week and 8 week practicum, pre service teachers will have 45 or so extra days “to observe school communities and gradually become involved in tutoring, student-teaching, and research-based inquiry experiences.”

           Also, there used to be an internship based teacher education program at Uvic – school work was done during the summer, and they would spend the full school year in the classroom – but this is obviously no longer offered.

           What do you guys think? Would you be encouraged to reflect by having more practical experience?