What is "reflective practice" for educators?

Reflective practice involves critically examining one’s teaching methods and experiences. This process allows educators to analyze what works well in the classroom, what does not, and how their practices affect student learning. Through reflection, teachers can identify areas for improvement, adjust their strategies, and enhance their effectiveness in facilitating learning. Engaging in reflective practice encourages ongoing professional growth as educators consider their beliefs, biases, and the impact of their instructional choices on their students.

Reflective practice is not about developing standard curriculum guidelines, which focus on the content to be taught rather than the process of teaching itself. Collaborating with other educators to create lesson plans is a collaborative effort that may involve reflection, but it does not directly encapsulate the essence of reflective practice. Participating in peer evaluations provides feedback on teaching practices but does not inherently involve the self-examination and critical thinking that characterize reflective practice.