Using Reflective Models in Teaching: A Simple Guide

Bringing reflective models into teaching can really help teachers grow in their careers. These models, like Gibbs' Reflective Cycle and Schön's Reflection-in-Action, give teachers a clear way to think about and improve their teaching.

Gibbs' Reflective Cycle has six steps:

1. Description
2. Feelings
3. Evaluation
4. Analysis
5. Conclusion
6. Action Plan

This cycle helps teachers think carefully about their experiences, especially when things don’t go as planned in the classroom.

For example, if a lesson doesn’t work out, a teacher can use Gibbs' model to:

• Describe what happened
• Think about how they felt during the lesson
• Judge how well their teaching strategies worked
• Create a plan to do better next time

This kind of reflection helps teachers learn more deeply and encourages them to keep improving.

Schön's Reflection-in-Action takes it a step further. This model focuses on thinking about what’s happening while teaching. Teachers can make quick changes based on what they see going on in the classroom.

For instance, if a teaching method isn’t connecting with students, a teacher can quickly switch gears and try something else. After the lesson, they can reflect on whether that change worked. This skill is important for helping teachers grow and be flexible in their teaching.

Using these models in teaching can lead to several positive results:

• Better Self-Awareness: Teachers learn to notice their strengths and weaknesses, helping them improve.
• Improved Student Outcomes: When teachers reflect on their methods, students often become more engaged and do better.
• A Lifelong Learning Culture: Regular reflection helps teachers see their journey as a chance to keep learning, encouraging them to find more chances to grow.

In summary, reflective practice models are important tools for teachers. By using these processes, teachers can not only grow in their careers but also create better learning experiences for their students.