adept at teaching. Discuss with relevant examples how self reflection helps in this process. Wilson Mok Liew Miaw Yieng
Helps teachers to evaluate their
teaching approaches Teachers evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching approaches. Different situations call for different approaches. E.g.: A teacher finds out that his/her class is a weak class. Teacher changes the way of teaching. This can help teachers identify the suitable approaches to suit different circumstances.
Helps to identify weaknesses in
lesson plans As teachers reflect on the teaching process, they can identify the flaws in lesson plans. Self-reflection helps to improve teachers ability in planning lessons. Eg: Activities in the lesson might not be coherently linked. Teachers who evaluate their lesson plan would be able to rectify it prior to planning the next lesson.
Keeping track of teachers
progression in teaching. Teachers will be able to monitor their teaching development from time to time. Eg: By keeping a Professional Development Journal (PDJ), teachers will have written records on their lesson. It helps teachers to identify development points for action planning. Teachers may review their journal regularly to see how far they have improved and changed.
Helps teacher to evaluate the
effectiveness of teaching aids Teachers must know how to manipulate teaching aids in order to create a productive learning environment. Through self-reflection, it helps teachers to identify the effectiveness of their teaching aids. Teachers may identify the strengths and weaknesses of their teaching aids.
Eg: A teacher uses a map as
teaching aids. He or she may access the effectiveness of the map by observing the responses from the students. If students do not show any understanding, he or she may need to change or improvise the teaching aids.