Entrance Slip #1 - Sept 15 (On Becoming a Reflective Teacher)

 

Much of what the article discusses is applicable to the current teaching program. The theories and ideologies apply to all teacher candidates and future educators. What is the best approach to teaching students within a classroom setting? Everyone is constantly asking ourselves the same question daily. It is a frequent dilemma that plagues all educators; both past, present, and future. This is the reason teacher candidates undergo such an intensive, rigorous course in order to become a teacher. Moreover, the content of the article is relevant to modern education as well. Teachers are incredibly influential on every student’s lives. The theme of the impact that teachers have on their students resonated with me. As a swim instructor, I love teaching teenagers and children. I can see the impact that my lessons have on them, which is extremely rewarding and fulfilling. I hope that I can bring the same to my classroom in the future. However, one of the key elements that I thought was missing are the Indigenous and multicultural issues, which are critical to the BC curriculum nowadays. Additionally, sexual orientation and gender identity is also a massive topic in educational institutions.

 

“Reflective action” was the term in the article that stood out to me the most. I do not believe that there is one approach that solves teaching and learning. There does not exist a singular approach that is the best in regards to teaching in the classroom. Education is ever-changing and dynamic. Society and its people are constantly changing. Thus, the curriculum and the way that teachers teach should evolve as well. However, one crucial component to reflective action that Dewey fails to consider is communication and discussion. This involves reflecting with others. Possessing the willingness to discuss certain areas of strengths and weaknesses with fellow peers and teachers is crucial to one’s development. With the implementations that Dewey discusses, along with my own components of teaching inquiry, I have the tools to become an adequate educator in the future.