"On becoming a reflective teacher"

After reading “On becoming a reflective Teacher,” one of the main points that stuck out to me was was the openmindedness trait. Grant and Zeichner say that “you not only ask why things are the way the are, but also how then can be made better,” and this really caught my attention. Upon entering the education program I was expecting to learn effective strategies, styles, and methods of teaching. Of course I still expect this, but now I hope to consciously challenge some of those and see if I can insert my own flair and offer improvements. The story about Mary Smith was also quite intriguing to me. I have gone through similar experiences in coaching when you have certain athletes that don't want to be there, or they simply don't see the value in certain concepts you are trying to teach them. There have been times when I have given up on these athletes. There have also been times when I have been more persistent and optimistic with these specific athletes, eventually bonding with them and gaining their respect. This is way more rewarding then just giving up. I can see how this will relate in a classroom setting and I am sure it will happen more frequently because most athletes are motivated, where as a lot of students aren't. I look forward to opportunities like that.

Even though this paper may be outdated, for the most part the concepts are relevant.

I think being a reflective teacher is still, and always will be what we should strive for. Students in 1980 were unique and different much like the students in 2012 are unique and different. Being a reflective teacher takes into account each unique individual and is able to adapt accordingly. We have to be willing to challenge what we already know, we have to be open to new ideas and concepts, and we have to be able to evolve. Being a teacher entails being a student as well.

Going into our practicums it seems as if Grant and Zeichner agree that we should be asking our teacher sponsors questions as to why they do the things they do. Will certain teachers get agitated if we keep peppering them with questions?? Should we just cooperate and go with the flow while asking these questions to ourselves?? Or is it important for us to learn what kind of teacher we have and then cater to them?? For me personally, I think it will be important to interject our own style while taking in and soaking up what they have to offer.